Enchilada Lasagna

Yet another delicious recipe handed down to me from my in-laws. Trust me, you’ll want to make this. Especially if you love Mexican food! It’s also a healthier version as it’s made with lean ground turkey instead of beef. Win, Win!

Ingredients:
1 lb. lean ground turkey
1 large onion, chopped
1 large green pepper, chopped
1 small sweet red pepper, chopped
1 8 oz. package of cream cheese (we used low fat)
1 tsp. chile powder
1 10 oz. can of enchilada sauce
6 whole-wheat flour tortillas (8 inches)
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Mexican cheese blend
Sour cream + Salsa (optional)

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 400F.
2. In a large skillet cook the turkey, onion, and peppers over medium heat until the meat is no longer pink; drain. Stir in cream cheese + chile powder.
3. Pour enchilada sauce in a shallow bowl. Dip the tortillas in sauce to coat. Place 2 tortillas in a 13 × 9 in. baking dish coated with cooking spray. Spread with half of the turkey mixture. Sprinkle with 1/3 cup of the cheese. Repeat layers. Then top with the two remaining tortillas + cheese.
4. Bake uncovered for 20 minutes, let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve with sour cream + salsa. And a margarita if you want to make it a fiesta. ;)

                                         [The husband helping chop the onions. He’s a great sous chef!]

[The dish right before going into the oven. I topped with a little bit of extra cheese!]

4th of July

I hope you all had a great 4th of July yesterday! Ours was pretty laid back this year. We spent the day at home in LA… eating wings, corn on the cob, and watermelon. Then, in the evening, we drove to Porter Ranch, CA where there was a big Independence Day festival. We walked around, ate more food (can’t resist funnel cake!), and ended the night watching the amazing firework show.

[My new favorite way to eat watermelon. Buy a baby watermelon, let chill in refrigerator, then cut in half and eat with a spoon. Perfect treat for two people!]

Temecula Wine Country

Two weeks ago Ryan and I had a little “daycation” as we like to call it. We got massages, went to lunch with friends, and then headed to Temecula, California to visit the wineries there. California is such a beautiful state and is perfect for day trips, because you can drive an hour or two and be somewhere incredibly different & amazing. We had a wonderful time wine tasting and wandering about. I think we’ll definitely be visiting again in the near future. ♥

Homemade Exfoliant & Cellulite Treatment

I recently stumbled upon this homemade exfoliant and cellulite remedy. And since I am, very unfortunately, genetically inclined to get cellulite – I wanted to give it a shot. I’ve only used it once so far, so no feedback yet if it actually reduces the visibility of cellulite. BUT I do know that it’s simple, free, and leaves your skin feeling amazing.

You Will Need:

-A few tablespoons of ground coffee beans (do not use decaf)
-A tablespoon or so of honey
-Two dashes of Olive Oil
-A teaspoon of Cinnamon
-A small dash of Salt

Tip: I used the coffee grounds that I made my morning coffee with…No need to be wasteful!

Directions: Combine ingredients together in bowl, mix well. Use while in shower, massage onto skin focusing on thighs and buttocks. May be used on entire body, but would not recommend using it on your face. Rinse well.

How it works: The caffeine in the coffee is said to tighten the skin, while the grounds promote circulation. The honey disinfects, the oil naturally moisturizes the skin, and the cinnamon draws blood to the surface, which also helps with circulation.

I will use this product 3 times per week for the next two weeks and report back whether it helps reduce the appearance of cellulite. 

Chicken Caesar Salad Wedge

This simple chicken Caesar salad wedge is a delicious crowd pleaser. My father-in-law, Jim, taught it to me and I thought I would pass it along to you. Enjoy!

Ingredients:

-Boneless Chicken Breasts or Tenderloins
-Hearts of Romaine Lettuce
-Croutons
-Caesar Dressing
-Grated Parmesan Cheese
-Italian Seasoning (for chicken)

Directions:  Season the chicken and either grill or pan fry, then cut into strips or chunks. Cut each heart of romaine in half (vertically). Wash and dry the lettuce. Place on plate and drizzle with Caesar dressing. Sprinkle on the grated Parmesan cheese and add croutons. Then just top with the chicken breast! We typically serve with grilled flatbread or pita bread.