by Sharm | May 6, 2018 | Food & Drink, Products & Reviews, Recipes
Celebrity Chef Devin Alexander is no stranger to the struggle of being overweight. As a teenager Devin tipped the scales at 200 pounds and was headed down the path to become the culprit of many diseases.
Learning to cook from her grandmother, Devin started cooking up a storm putting a healthy twist on the foods she loved which helped her shed 70 pounds. Now the author of nine cookbooks, Devin shares the knowledge and recipes to help you shed the extra pounds as well without sacrificing the flavors you love.
Devin Alexander You Can Have It
Her newest cookbook, You Can Have It!, features diabetic friendly recipes that the whole family will love.
I have both a father-in-law and a niece who suffer from diabetes so when I got the opportunity to check out this book, I could not say no. I love to be able to make things they can eat when they visit.
Although this cookbook is labeled diabetic friendly, you would never know as the book features recipes that include pizza, burgers, tacos, sandwiches, cocktails and even dessert.
Curry Chicken Salad Cups Recipe Devin Alexander
I recently made her recipes for Gingerbread Overnight Oats and Curry Chicken Salad Cups. Both of which were quite tasty!
Gingerbread Overnight Oats by Chef Devin Alexander
I am looking forward to trying many more recipes out of the book including the pulled chicken tacos, rosemary beef stew, spinach salad with warm bacon dressing, perfect pumpkin pie-lets, and champagne blackberry chillers plus a few more.
One of the most things I really liked about this cookbook is that includes the everyday recipes that are easy to make without a long list of unheard of crazy ingredients.
Devin has quite the resume from restaurateur to hosting her own cooking show with numerous television and radio appearances in between. You can read more about Devin and her accolades along with information on all her cookbooks at the Devin Alexander website.
©2018 by the American Diabetes Association. You Can Have It! is available at ShopDiabetes.org, in bookstores nationwide, or by calling 1-800-232-6733. Food Photographer: Mittera Creative Services; Lifestyle Photographer: Michelle Pederson
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by Sharm | May 1, 2018 | Food & Drink, Recipes, Uncategorized
This recipe comes from Chef Devin Alexander’s new cookbook, “You Can Have It”.
When I got an email to review this book, I was most interested as it is labeled to be a diabetic friendly cookbook. With both a father-in-law and a niece who suffer from diabetes, I am always on the lookout for recipes I can make for them when they visit. So when I got the opportunity to take a look at this book, I couldn’t resist.
You Can Have It Cookbook
Although, this cookbook is labeled diabetic friendly, everyone will enjoy the recipes. I have had a great time thumbing through the pages. It seems most of the recipes are really easy to follow and use everyday ingredients so you won’t spend all day in the kitchen or find yourself going to multiple grocery stores to find crazy unheard of ingredients.
I love the warm spices of ginger, cinnamon and cloves so when I came across this recipe for the Gingerbread Overnight Oats, I was intrigued. Not only did I already have all of the ingredients on hand, it look super easy. Like everyone else, my mornings are a busy and to have something pre-made that I can grab and go saves time, which makes getting out the door a little easier.
This recipe could not be any easier and is super quick as all the ingredients are tossed together in one bowl. I like to double or triple the recipe so I can have extra on hand for the week and then store it in one bigger bowl in the fridge. That way I can just scoop the amount I want in a serving dish or to-go container.
I have also made the Curry Chicken Salad from the cookbook, which came out quite tasty.
Curry Chicken Salad
Other recipes in the book which are on my list to try include; Caramelized Sweet Onion Balsamic Burger, Apple Fries with Creamy Peanut Butter Dip, Lemon Blueberry Ricotta Tarts, Sweet and Spicy Pomegranate Pork Tenderloin along with quite a few others.
What I love about this cookbook is the simplistic approach Devin creates with these recipes. They are easy and flavorful without using a long list of ingredients.
Her cookbook can be found on Amazon or the Devin Alexander website.
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1/2
Cup
Old-Fashioned Oats
-
1/2
Scoop
Stevia- Sweetened Vanilla Protein Powder
-
1/2
Cup
Unsweetened Almond Milk
-
2
Teaspoons
Chia Seeds
-
1
Teaspoon
Molasses
-
1/2
Teaspoon
Vanilia
-
1/8
Teaspoon
Ground Cinnamon
-
1/16
Teaspoon
Ground Ginger
-
1
Pinch
Ground Cloves
-
1
Pinch
Ground Nutmeg
-
1
Tablespoon
Chopped Walnuts
-
In small mixing bowl combine all ingredients except walnuts. Transfer to serving dish and cover with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight. Top with walnuts just before serving.
©2018 by the American Diabetes Association. You Can Have It! is available at ShopDiabetes.org, in bookstores nationwide, or by calling 1-800-232-6733. Food Photographer: Mittera Creative Services; Lifestyle Photographer: Michelle Pederson.
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by Sharm | Apr 11, 2018 | Food & Drink, Mains, Recipes
This margherita pizza uses a pre-made cauliflower crust which you can find in the freezer section at most grocery stores. Not only does using this pre-made crust save time, it also saves on calories and carbs!
Drizzling the balsamic glaze on top just before serving adds another element of flavor to this dish. You can make your own by reducing regular balsamic vinegar in a saucepan over the stove top. It is also available pre made in a squeeze bottle at most grocery stores. Find it in the vinegar and salad dressing isle.
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Italian
Servings: 2
-
1
Pre-Made Frozen
Cauliflower Crust
Find in your grocers freezer section
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1/2
Cup
Pizza Sauce
Whatever kind is your favorite
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1
Clove
Garlic, chopped
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6
Mini
Fresh Mozzarella Balls
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10
Fresh Basil Leaves
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10
Sun Dried Tomatoes
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4
Grape Tomatoes, sliced
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1
Tablspoon
Balsamic Glaze
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Unwrap cauliflower crust from packaging and place on baking sheet
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Spread pizza sauce evenly over crust.
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Top with remaining ingredients.
-
-
Remove from oven. sprinkle additional fresh basil if desired. Cut into 4 slices. Drizzle balsamic glaze over top if desired.
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by Sharm | Mar 18, 2018 | Food & Drink, Mains, Recipes, Salads
This recipe makes a quick weeknight meal and only takes minutes to prepare. I always make it from leftover steak. I am addicted to Costco and buy the 4 pack of beef filet from there and cook them all at the same time to use for meals later in the week, like this salad. You could of course you could use any cut of steak that you like and always sub out the beef for chicken or pork. Make it vegetarian and use tofu.
You could of course also throw in any other veggies you have on had if you like including cucumber, celery or carrots.
With this salad only consisting of protein, veggies and healthy fats, it is clean eating and Whole 30 approved!
Chipotle peppers have become one of my favorite ingredients, but beware that the heat is in the seeds so it is important to scrape the seeds out of the pepper before chopping it. You can always add in a few seeds if you like your dishes spicy.
Course:
Main Course
Cuisine:
Mexican
Servings: 2 people
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2
Heads
Romaine Lettuce
chopped
-
1
Cup
Grape Tomatoes
sliced
-
1
Large
Avocado
sliced
-
1/4
cup
Red Onion
chopped
-
8
Ounces
Beef Filet
-
1
Chipotle Pepper in Adobe
seeded and chopped
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2
Tablespoons
Salsa of choice
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2
Tablespoons
Olive Oil
for cooking/re-heating steak
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Chop lettuce and place in bowl.
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Slice grape tomatoes, red onion and avocado.
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Add tomatoes, onion and avocado to lettuce and toss to together. The avocado should coat the lettuce pieces. Set aside.
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Chop chipotle pepper and set aside.
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Slice steak into bit size pieces and set aside
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Pour olive oil in skillet, and heat for 30 seconds.
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Add steak and chipotle pepper to skillet tossing to coat all of the steak pieces with some of the chipotle pepper. Cook until desired doneness is reached. Or if steak is precooked, just toss with pepper and cook until heated through.
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Divide lettuce mixture into 2 serving bowls and top with desired amount of steak. Serve with your favorite salsa.
by Sharm | Feb 13, 2018 | Recipes, Sweets
Chocolate Fondue
Chocolate fondue is a fabulous party food and with February upon us, it makes a romantic dessert. Here are a few ideas to put together one effortlessly and some of the best dippers that go perfect with it.
Chocolate Fondue
Melting chocolate can be slightly tricky but here are a few tips that make it easy.
Use a double boiler or place a bowl over a pan of simmering water.
When microwaving, stop every 20-30 seconds and give the chocolate a stir.
If using a fondue pot, use the lowest setting.
Adding a tablespoon of butter or coconut oil at the very end will add a beautiful sheen to the chocolate.
Some of the best dippers include:
Strawberries
Apples
Bananas
Shortbread Cookies
Pound Cake
Madeline Cookies
Peanut Butter Balls (Mix together 1 1/2 cups sifted powdered sugar, 1/2 cup peanut butter, 3 tablespoons of softened butter and shape into balls. Chill a few hours before setting out to be dipped)
Marshmallows
Graham Crackers
Chocolate Fondue
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by Sharm | Feb 12, 2018 | Cocktails & Wine, Food & Drink, Recipes, Wineries
Cranberry and Blood Orange Cocktail
This cocktail is perfect for a variety of holidays throughout the year with just a change in the garnish. With February upon us it makes a lovely cocktail for Valentines Day.
We had an early Valentines celebration with some friends and I had the La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila that I got in Mexico while at the El Dorado Royale. I thought with it’s beautiful red color it would make a fun Valentine cocktail. After a little trial and error, I got just the right combo of ingredients for this delicious cocktail.
La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila
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2
oz
La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila
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4
oz
Unsweetened Cranberry Juice*
-
2
tbsp
Blood Orange Syrup
-
2
tbsp
Agave Nectar
-
1/4
cup
Sparkling Orange Water
Optional: Fresh Pomegranate Arils and Blood Orange Slices for Garnish
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Pour pomegranate tequila, cranberry juice, blood orange syrup and agave nectar in to shaker. Shake until blended. Fill serving glass with ice. Pour drink mixture into glass add sparkling water. Garnish with pomegranate arils and blood orange slices if desired.
*If you are using sweetened cranberry juice, omit the agave nectar.
Round Pond Blood Orange Syrup
The blood orange syrup which you can see is gone, came in a set of syrups from the Round Pond Winery in Napa. The blood orange syrup is delicious and I have used it on a cheeseboard to be drizzled over goat cheese and have used it to drizzle over pound cake and ice cream as a dessert topping. The last of it went into this cocktail! I’m looking forward to cracking open the Meyer lemon syrup and see what happens. I already know it is delicious as I sampled it while on a visit there. I think you should be able to order it online at the Round Pond website.
Cranberry Blood Orange Cocktail Ingredients
I need to be clear that I am not getting any kickback on any of these products. It just happened to be the brands I had on hand or like. You can certainly find a variety of brands that make a blood orange syrup, juices and agave, so buy what ever you like! I made a note in the recipe but if you end up getting cranberry juice that is already sweetened, you should omit the agave nectar as it will make the cocktail to sweet.
I’m not sure about other pomegranate tequilas. You can do some sleuthing on your own to find a brand you like or you can find out where to buy the La Pinta in your area on their website. You could certainly use plain tequila as well.
La Pinta Pomegranate Tequila
I think this cocktail would be great for quite a few holidays. Just change up the garnishes a bit. For Christmas add a sprig of mint, basil or rosemary for a pop of green. For the 4th of July omit the blood orange slice and add blueberries.
I would love to hear what some of you favorite cocktails are so feel free to comment below or email me with any questions.
Enjoy!
Sharm
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