Weighing Out

Here I am jamming Chaka Khan's greatest hits and I almost forgot to share my recipe for my "Put It In The Bag Chicken". Now please believe that I am no rapper but I know how to cook some of my favorite dishes and share it all. This particular recipe is super healthy, the clean up is easy and it's not dry or too greasy - It's Just Enough!

I believe this food blog thing is evolving and I am kind of excited about it. Being a guy who is always on the go, I really only have time to get home, prep dinner, blog and do the grown up things that a married man does.

I did however manage to whip up some healthy options such as my extra good HOT BROCOLLI. Being from Louisiana, anything spicy is all my taste buds desire. I will put hot seasonings on almost anything and this broccoli is no different.






It's easy, quick and will impress the family and being that it is good for you - You can not lose. There are 20 different ways to kick this healthy green thing up a notch so have at it.





INGREDIENTS:
1 to 2 Heads of Fresh Broccoli. *Non Frozen*
1 1/2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil
Handful of Cilantro
Fresh Diced Garlic
Half Diced Jalapeño or Poblano Pepper
Half of Lemon
Salt and Pepper
2 1/2 Parmesan Cheese
Red Pepper Flakes *Optional*

ASSEMBLY:
Pre Heat oven to 450
Wash Broccoli thoroughly
Toss Broccoli with olive oil, cilantro, garlic, jalapeño, salt and pepper and spread out on baking dish.
Roast for 15-18 minutes. *It's up to you how long you desire*
Remove from oven and toss with parmesan, lemon juice and/or red pepper flakes.

DONE!

Lately I have been throwing caution to the wind and taking on preparing dishes that I never would have EVER thought of doing. From the ever so simple Turkey Meatloaf, which I must say was INSANELY good, to bigger dishes such as homemade healthy pizzas, my go to item aka Kale and now - The unbelievably goodness called - PHO.

I got my first taste of Pho ages ago and have been hooked ever since. The only downside is that it can be a bit high on the sodium scale.  There are tons of different ways of preparing it and I am gonna give you my version. Now please believe and take note - I am NO Food Network Star but a brother can burn in that kitchen.




I got a taste for it this evening and beckoned for the wife to accompany me to the local spot we frequent - Kroger- and before we both knew it, I was in front of the stove dancing to the smells coming out of my trusted pot.

I put a healthy spin on it cause you I wanna maintain the healthy lifestyle I am accustomed to. I do want to caution you that using whole wheat noodles is gonna be a failure BUT no fear, you can use rice or regular angel hair pasta as well.



Check it out:

ITEMS NEEDED:
2 Equal Sized Chicken Breast *Perfect for Grilling*
32 Oz box of Turkey Stock *You can use whatever you desire - Chicken, Beef*
2 Cups of Water
1/2  Chopped Onion
1/2 Chopped Bell Pepper
1 Chopped Carrot
Hand full of Cumin Seeds *Optional*
1/2 of Chopped Green Onion
1/2 of  Chopped Fresh Cilantro
1/2 Lime
1 Diced Jalapeno Pepper
2 Thumb Sized amounts of fresh ginger
Soy Sauce *Fish Sauce is Optional but salty - Watch Out*


ASSEMBLY:
1. Grill Chicken and set aside but be sure to keep warm.
2. Bring to boil in your trusted pot: Turkey Stock, Onion, Bell pepper, Green Onion, Carrot and light soy sauce.
3. At the same time of boiling your vegetables, prepare your noodles according to your desired time.
4. Chopped/Slice chicken breast and add to pot along with cumin seeds, Ginger, cilantro, lime juice and slices of jalapeno pepper.
5. Bring to a boil.
6. Add noodles and broth to bowl and be in heaven. Also, many people add mint leaves, mushrooms, various vegetables.

*Oh So Good*

It has been a super minute since I have shared my journey to the other side of healthy. It has been super exciting and I must say it has been amazing.