food Archives - fiftytwothursdays

Thanksgiving: Trimming The Fat But Not The Fun

Michelle Martin — Tue, 25 Nov 2014 13:30:46 +0000

Thanksgiving is a special day of the year when we gather together with family and close friends to celebrate each other and all that we are thankful for. It’s our family traditions that make this time of year so nostalgic and memorable. Grandma making her entrance with pecan pie in hand, Mom in the kitchen putting together her infamous creamy and buttery mashed potatoes, the nephews and nieces gathered around the table decorating Aunt Peggy’s sugar cookies. These are just a few of the family traditions that I look forward to each year that bring joy to my heart. The unfortunate part is that most of these also make my belly too full to enjoy the rest of the evening. I feel like a stuffed turkey myself! So for this Thanksgiving, we were looking to trim the fat but not the fun. Hoping to skip the unpleasant evening of indigestion, we thought we would try adding a healthy twist to our favorite recipes. Our goal was to look for dishes that opt for healthier ingredients and go lighter on the bad stuff, BUT most importantly, will still please a crowd and keep alive the traditions that make this day one we look forward to each year. For an appetizer we thought […]

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What’s for Lunch- Mason Jar Salads

Michelle Martin — Tue, 28 Oct 2014 12:00:55 +0000

Every day we find ourselves asking the same question…what to pack for lunch?? Whether you plan it the night before or make it in the morning, there just never seems to be enough time. To add to the stress of it all, we have to pack for our husbands and one day kids too?! Ahhh! Most of the time we find ourselves giving up the battle and just grabbing something close to work, not knowing the real nutritional value and content, and of course spending a fortune. As people say, “the struggle is real.” To help with that struggle we teamed up with nutrition expert and a personal friend of ours to help us find a healthy and pocket friendly routine for our busy lives. And the answer to what’s for lunch? Mason Jar Salads!! Meet Elise of Kale and Chocolate! A doggy loving and attorney turned certified eating psychology coach who has created an inspirational and encouraging web site that we can’t get enough of. She shares ridiculously delicious and healthy recipes along with motivating her readers to live a healthier and better lifestyle. Elise knows a thing or two about juggling life with work, family, personal life and so much more- all while […]

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Cajun Shrimp and Sausage Skewers

Michelle Martin — Tue, 08 Jul 2014 11:30:26 +0000

Easy Southern cooking at its best! My husband received a new grill for his birthday and every night since we have been grilling out for every meal possible. I can’t complain because every dish has been amazing and flavorful, while learning new favorites to save to the recipe binder for years to come. These cajun shrimp and sausage skewers are definitely a keeper. It’s so easy to make and even easier to clean up. The perfect attraction to any BBQ or party this Summer. What you will need 6-12 wooden or metal skewers 2 ears of corn 6 small potatoes, halved 24 large shrimp in the shell (about 1 lb) 1 lb sausage 2 tablespoons of Cajun Seasoning To make your own Cajun Seasoning … 3 tablespoons granulated garlic 3 tablespoons granulated onion 3 tablespoons of sweet paprika 1 tablespoon of smoked paprika 4 teaspoons of dried thyme 4 teaspoons of dried oregano Kosher salt and ground black pepper Start by boiling waiter in a large sauce pan and cook corn and potatoes for 5 min. Drain and immerse in cold water to halt the cooking. Next snip open the shell along each shrimp with kitchen scissors. Cut a shallow groove along the length of the […]

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Homemade Spaghetti Sauce

Michelle Martin — Fri, 16 May 2014 11:27:49 +0000

For lent I gave up pasta and anything Italian related as this is my kryptonite if you know me at all. So of course the first meal we made after Easter was spaghetti. We had to do it big this time since this was probably the longest I had ever gone with out devouring in my favorite dish (well….lasagna is, but close enough). Tonight, we decided to make our own sauce to make this meal extra special and it was absolutely delicious! Maybe next post we will make our own pasta and truly do it the real Italian way with homemade wine?! Who knows…stay tuned. What you will need.. Noodles: Delverge Bucantini 2lbs Ground Turkey 4 Large Tomatoes 1 Onion 1 Zucchini 1/2 Red Pepper 3 Carrots 1/4 TSP Salt & Peper 1/4 TSP Garlic Powder 1/4 TSP Red Pepper 1/4 TSP Cumin 1/4 TSP Cinnamon 1/4 Cup Greek Yogurt 2oz Sun-dried Tomatoes Basil leaves Most of the items you can find right in your cabinet and mix and subtract to your desire and liking. Begin by liquifying the tomatoes, red pepper, sun-dried tomatoes and zucchini in food processor. Move the sauce to a large pot, heat on med/high, add all spices (note: […]

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