Guilty Pleasure

Cafe Rio

Sweet Pork Barbacoa

Cilantro Lime Rice

Pinto Beans

Medium Salsa Verde

Cheese

All wrapped up into a burrito

Topped with Mild Enchilada Sauce & Cheese

Then baked to perfection 

Seriously, this is delicious.  And it makes two generous meals.  I feel bad for eating this unhealthy, though, so I try to eat berries and crudites and clementines for the rest of the day to compensate. 

Beets are hard to beat

On juice days, I prefer to drink a carrot/beet based juice in the morning

& a green juice in the afternoon.  

This is a "variety" thing--I'm trying to mix it up.

I've been really experimenting with beets...they're pretty funky....and this is the best juice I've come up with so far!

1 Grapefruit

1 Gala Apple

1 Beet

5 Carrots

I put this through the juicer (I have an Omega 8004).  Then filter through a sieve twice to remove as much pulp as possible.  Beet pulp is particularly repulsive to me.  

This made two full glasses of juice.  Tastes best really cold--iced cold!

Why have I been experimenting with beets?

Beets are very high in antioxidants & nitrates

Antioxidants fight off free radicals & prevent premature aging =  beautiful skin!

Nitrates are good for optimizing blood flow

Other phytonutrients in beets have anti-imflammatory effects & detoxify the body

Cheese & Fruit

Juice Craze

In an attempt to better my health and clear my complexion, I recently purchased a juicer so I can start "juicing"

Having a juicer is exciting for me!

I waited for that package to come in the mail like it was a PUPPY

Alas, it arrived.

So, now, I have been experimenting like crazy with different juice combos--trying out new produce--

finding out what I like & dislike.

So far, I hate any juice with celery

Let's just say that ALL you'll be able to taste in any juice containing celery is celery!

I'll just stick to eating my crunchy, stringy, watery veggies

Anyway, with that said, I thought I would post my breakfast juice for today...such a pretty color!

I'm still forming an opinion on it.

But, its definitely edible.

I had low expectations for beets bc they have such a lousy reputation!

Gorgeous coloring!

Beet Breakfast

4-6 Carrots

1 medium beet

4-5 beet greens

1 ruby grapefruit, peeled

Put ingredients through juice extractor.  Serve well chilled or over ice.

*slightly dyes tongue, so don't drink this before an important interview/meeting/date!

Chicken Caprese Pasta

With this dish, classic flavors unite to form a delicious and comforting meal.

A favorite to both me & the beloved boyfriend.

Grilled Chicken 

Cherub Tomatoes

Fresh Mozzarella

Basil

Pasta

Creamy Tomato Sauce

What's not to love???

Chicken Caprese Pasta

6-8 Chicken Tenderloins, grilled or sauteed

16 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese

1/2 package Cherub Tomatoes

1/2 C ribboned basil

1 jar pasta sauce, your choice

1-1/2 C half-and-half

1 lb. pasta

Couple handfuls Italian Blend cheeses

• Cube chicken & mozzarella cheese.  Cut cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on size.  Roll several basil leaves together, then slice into ribbons.  
• Heat pasta sauce over low-medium heat.  Add in half-in-half to desired creaminess.  Toss in a handful of Italian cheeses.
• Combine all ingredients in a casserole dish.  Top with grated cheese blend.  
• Cover with foil and bake @ 350 for about 25 minutes.  Remove foil and continue baking for 10-15 minutes until cheese is melted through.  

Enjoy :)

{all of these quantities are estimates--if you prefer more tomatoes and basil, add more!}

For another hearty chicken pasta dish, click HERE!

Creamy Ricotta Pasta with Summer Vegetables