I have been trying to cook whenever I am able to do so. It has been difficult, especially with school, work, and everything else that life throws at us. Nevertheless, did Wolfgang Puck give up when creating the California Pizza? Did Jamie Oliver give up on his nutrition program for children? No! In a land of fried food and fries, I was going to try to lead a healthier, better life. As a result, I got cooking and started to make meals in twos. That way, one night I could eat it, and if the next couple days were going to be busy, I could just reheat the leftovers. Voila! Below are some of the recipes that I tried.
Zucchini-Squash Bake
Ingredients:
1 Zucchini
1 Yellow Squash
1 clove of garlic
1 tomato
Mozzarella Cheese (depends on how much you want)
Crushed Red Pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line a baking pan with aluminum foil.
3. Cut the zucchini, squash, and tomato into slices
4. Cut the garlic into small pieces.
5. Place in an oven for 30 minutes.
6. With only 5 minutes to go, place the cheese on top of the vegetables.
7. Take out.
8. Serve and sprinkle the crushed red pepper on top.
Makes 2 servings.
Chicken Bake Sandwich
Ingredients:
2 uncooked chicken breasts OR Pre-cooked chicken
2 Tomatoes
1 pepper
1 Onion
Cheese (Mozzarella, Parmesan, or another Italian Cheese)
Baguette
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2. Line the pan with aluminum foil.
3. Cube the tomato, onion and the garlic.
*You can continue to prepare the dish with either uncooked or cooked chicken, the steps for each are listed below:
If the chicken is uncooked:
4. Cook the chicken in boiling water for 30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked all the way through.
5. Meanwhile, cut however much baguette that you would like.
6. Sprinkle the cheese on the baguette.
7. Pour out any of the water left over in the pan.
8. Add the tomatoes, pepper, and onion to the chicken.
9. Cook for about 10 minutes longer.
10. Add the cheese, and bake for 5 minutes.
11. Take out.
12. Place the chicken and vegetable mixture on the baguette.
13. Serve.
If the chicken is cooked:
4. Place the chicken, tomatoes, pepper, and the onion in the pan and bake for 25 minutes.
5. Meanwhile, cut however much baguette that you would like.
6.Sprinkle the cheese on the baguette.
7. Add the cheese, and bake for 5 minutes.
8. Take out.
9. Place the chicken and vegetable mixture on the baguette.
10. Serve.
Makes 2 servings.
Ants on a Petal
Ingredients:
1 apple
peanut butter
raisins
Instructions:
1. Cut the apple into slices.
2. Spread peanut butter.
3. Place raisins on it.
4. Can place another apple piece on top, or serve open-faced.
Makes 1 serving.
I hope these recipes help you on your quests to fight bad, unhealthy choices or to snack healthier — one meal at a time.
Over and out,
Danica
Photo Sources:
Danica Ramsey-Brimberg
http://herbangardener.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/12/november-2009-087.jpg