Easy, Tasty & Healthy: Vegetarian Quinoa Chili

There is something about freshly grated cheddar cheese and a hot bowl of chili that sets the tone for contentment. This meal is naturally accompanied by a warm piece of Cornbread, at least in my mind.

My dear friend Amy introduced me to cooking in many ways and also this recipe.

She found it on the amazing Pinterest, made it, brought leftovers to work one day and let me have a taste. It was probably some of the best Chili I had ever tasted. Bursting with flavor, veggies and such a warm, comforting delight. Thanks Amy! 

Of course I pinned the recipe, and finally, over a year later made it for my family.

It was just as good as I remember. Amazing! 

I served mine with Honey Cornbread Muffins on the side, and topped the Chili with cheddar cheese, avocado and a spot of plain greek yogurt. 

This is a healthy meal as well, packed with protein and will leave your family with a full warm belly! 

Below is a link to the recipe! 

Enjoy!

http://damndelicious.net/2013/10/16/quinoa-chili/?crlt.pid=camp.wmtaXVPb2wva

Lifestyle Photography Session: The Whizzes

 The Whisennant Family: Lifestyle Session

This was such a fun, relaxed, intimate session in which the clients brought me into their home while they were enjoying their Saturday morning routine of cooking breakfast and enjoying good ole family fun!

I am thrilled with the results of this concept! The images reflect "the little things in life" and profound love between siblings and family.  Blakely sure did not want to go unnoticed and stole the show! I really enjoyed spending this time with this beautiful family! 

Being a fan of cooking and food, I believe its an important part of life and is the perfect set for family interaction. 

Please book your session with me today and lets get beautiful images of your family in your natural surroundings, making them more personal and dear to your heart! 803-622.2987

TODDLER APPROVED: Baked Salmon, Herb and Butter Rice and Avocado, Corn Salad

Yum Yum!

My son loves rice. I use Rice-A-Roni, Herb & Butter Blend because the boys love it and who can argue with that!

Follow the box directions (approx 30 mins)

Bi-Lo actually has decent cuts of Salmon for not too expensive... Publix does as well. 

All you need is a lemon, tin foil, some herbs, garlic (minced) and butter!

Preheat oven to 365 degrees.

In a sauce pan, melt butter and mix minced garlic (use just a pinch) and herbs of your choosing. ( I used thyme, basil, salt & pepper)

In the meantime ready a foil packet for salmon. (coat with non-stick spray, lay salmon fillets on top... top salmon with lemon slices)

Pour melted butter mixture over salmon and close foil packet.

Place in oven for 15-20 mins. 

Make a salad...

I chose to use avocado, corn, grape tomatoes and fresh greens! 

I am a mixer, I like to mix everything on my plate into one bite every time. This was perfect for that. The salad tasted good with the rice, the rice tasted good with the salmon, everything tasted great together and I loved it. 

P.S. If you get a late night craving... eating the leftover salad with avocado is just as filling as a grilled cheese but way better for your body. Just saying! 

TODDLER APPROVED: Zesty & Light Shrimp Scampi

Oh man, Ashton couldn't get this one in his mouth fast enough! You know its a good meal when you have to grab the camera for photographs of your child digging in!

This is an easy, 30 minute, light & delicious yummy yummy in my tummy!

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp unsalted butter

1 lb of Shrimp, peeled and de-veined

1/4 cup white wine

1/2 tsp Red Pepper Flakes

3 cloves Minced Garlic

Salt & Pepper to taste

Fresh Lemon juice

1 Tsp Lemon zest

8 oz Linguine (I used whole wheat, whatever linguine you choose will be great)

1 Tsp Fresh chopped Parsley

1/2 cup parmesan cheese

Directions:

Prepare Linguine according to package

Set aside

Over medium high heat, melt butter

Add shrimp, red pepper flakes and minced garlic

Let cook for 3-5 minutes or until shrimp has turned pink

Add white wine and bring to a simmer (I used Pinot Grigio) for a moment or two

Add lemon juice, zest, the pasta and parmesan cheese

Mix well and serve. Top with fresh parsley

Sooooo delish! Enjoy!

TODDLER APPROVED: Honey Garlic Pork Chop...Sauteed Zucchini & Sweet Potato Frites

Easy, Tasty & Healthy: 

Pork Chops are one of my favorites... so easy to prepare and easy to accompany!

Keep it simple and enjoy!

Ingredients:

Pick up some boneless pork chops (Or bone-in if you wish)

Salt & Pepper to taste

2 Tbsp Honey

1 Clove Minced Garlic

1 or 2 Zucchinis - cut into nice round pieces

1 Sweet Potato

3 Tbsp Olive Oil

1 Tbsp Cinnamon

Herbs of your choosing

Directions:

Pork Chops:

Marinate Pork Chops in Honey, Salt & Pepper, and Minced Garlic. (4 hours if able)

Pan sear at medium high heat with 1 tsp of Olive Oil for approx. 7 mins on each side.

Zucchini: .

Sautee with 1 tsp of Olive Oil, Butter and herbs of your choosing until tender.

Sweet Potato Frites:

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. 

Cut Sweet Potatoes into strips. 

Place in zip lock bag with Olive oil and Cinnamon. Close bag and toss until coated.

Place on baking sheet and bake for 30-45 mins. 

I hope you enjoy this recipe... Its always a winner in my household! 

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Surf & Turf: Succulent Lobster Tails are EASY!

I love Lobster tails although I am new to cooking them. After a little bit of research, who knew how easy they are to prepare? Maybe some people shy away from them because they think they are too expensive. The Lobster tails I purchased were $4.99 each at Publix. This is not too shabby in my opinion. 

Prepare your favorite steak and vegetables the way you like them and follow these easy steps to put the Surf in your Turf!

There are many ways to cook Lobster. Broil in the oven, grill, steam, boil... whatever you fancy but all these ways are quick!

I decided to boil mine. 

I brought a large pot of water to a boil. 

Added 2 Bay Leaves, Himalayan Sea Salt & Old Bay seasoning to the boiling water.

After a moment or two I added the Lobster Tails (still in their shell).

They will turn bright orange almost immediately. 

Let cook for 3-5 minutes depending on the size but when they are to curl up, they are ready. 

Remove them and set aside to cool.

Once they cool to the touch, use meat scissors to cut down the spine of the shell and separate meat from the shell. 

Top with your preference of finishing butter, melted.

Serve on top of your favorite steak and vegetables!

Yummy!