Meatloaf Stuffed Bell Peppers

Hey Loves!

One of the meals I used to hate as a kid was meatloaf, but as I have grown older I have learned to love it! I am always trying to come up with new ways to re-create it and make it better! I also like to, when I can, make things into "mini" forms haha! These mini individual meatloaf's are TO DIE FOR! 

Serves 6 - 230 Calories & 6 WW PointsPlus


Ingredients:

• 6 Medium bell peppers
• 1.5 Pounds lean ground turkey
• 3 Tbsp flat leaf parsley chopped
• 1 Medium white onion diced
• 3 Cloves garlic diced
• 1 Tsp salt
• 1 Tsp pepper 
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 2 oz Tomato paste
• 1 Egg
• 1 tsp Paprika

 Steps:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F
2. Mix all ingredients together except bell peppers
3. Remove tops and core bell peppers
4. Stuff with meatloaf mixture with at least 1/2 inch of room at the top left.
5. Cook at 400°F for 20 minutes then turn down to 375°F 20-30 more minutes
6. Remove from oven and let sit for 3 minutes and then enjoy!

Hope you think these are as yummy as I do! If you remake any of my recipes please tag them with #foodcourtt and make sure to follow me on instagram @foodcourtt!

Happy Creating!

XO, Courtney
 

Josephine's - Family Recipe !

Hey All!

So today I am sharing this recipe that is near and dear to my heart! It might not be very complex, but it def packs the flavor and is the PERFECT party pleaser! This recipe has been in my family for years and every time I have it, it brings me back to so many family memories! I have been really homesick here in San Diego lately so it was nice to make this at our party last weekend and bring me a little closer to home! This is a great make ahead appetizer to save time and be able to entertain and enjoy the party at the same time and did I mention it's GREAT for football parties?! GO NINERS!

Makes 15-20 pieces depending on your bread length (1 Slice) - 85 Calories & 2 WW PointsPlus
Ingredients:

• 3/4 Cup pepper jack cheese
• 1/2 Cup mayonnaise
• 4 Ounce can of green chillies
• 2 Baguettes (sliced)

Steps:

1. Pre-heat oven and turn on broil
2. Mix all of of the ingredients together in a bowl, besides the bread.
3. Scope 1/2-1 Tbsp of mixture onto each piece of bread and place on cookie sheet. (If you put too much on it will all just melt off)
4. Place in broiler (keep an eye on them because they can burn FAST) shouldn't take more than 3-5 minutes until lightly browned.
5. Remove from heat and serve immediately.

I hope you all can indulge and enjoy on this AMAZING appetizer while spending time with the ones you love! Be sure to follow me on Instagram @FoodCourtt and Twitter @FoodCourtt27

Tag me in your re-makes of my recipes! #FoodCourtt

Happy Creating!

xo, Courtney

Coconut Lime Chicken Skewers

Hey Guys!

So the first week I cooked for my clients I made them this dish, and unfortunately I never even tried it! AHHH bad chef, I know! But they kept on telling me how amazing it was so I decided to try to make it again and this time for Joe and I! If I do say so myself this was scrumdidlyumptous! Haha this dish will NOT disappoint! It is kind of high in WW Points but I believe its totally worth it!!

Serves 2 - 417 Calories & 11 WW PointsPlus

Ingredients:

• Zest of 1.5 limes
• 1 Tsp paprika
• 1 Tsp chili powder
• 1 Tsp kosher salt
• 2 Limes juiced
• 1/2 Tsp black pepper
• 5 oz Coconut milk
• 1 Tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 2 Tsp red pepper flakes
• 2 Cloves of crushed garlic
• 2 Boneless skinless chicken breasts

Steps:

1. Mixing all of of the ingredients together in a bowl, besides the chicken, whisk together thoroughly.
2. Cut chicken into strips to be able to skewer later (I got 3 strips per breast).
3. Submerge the chicken strips into the marinade and place into fridge for 30 minutes to no more than 3 hours.
4. After your desired marinate time take the chicken out and put onto skewers and pre-heat the grill.
5. SAVE THE MARINADE - it becomes the most delicious sauce!
6. Grill the chicken on the skewers for 6-7 minutes per side. Should be no more than 15 minute total cook time.
7. While your chicken is grilling and almost done, pour the marinade into a pot and bring to a boil on the stove while CONTINUOUSLY stirring it (it will burn, trust me).
8. Let the sauce boil for a solid 3 minutes while stirring it.
9. Then using a mesh strainer, pour the sauce into a bowl and create a silky smooth sauce!
10. Take chicken off of the grill and let sit for 3-5 minutes then serve with sauce and lime slices!

ENJOY! It is seriously finger licking good!

Happy Creating

Please tag my recipes you re-create with the hash tag #FoodCourtt and make sure to follow me on Instagram @FoodCourtt

xxx Court

Turkey Apple Bacon Burgers!

Hey Guys!

Sorry it has been so long since I have posted. A lot has happened to me in the last couple of months! I had a new job then it got to be really overwhelming because I had THREE. I moved to a new apartment. And now I am just anticipating a response from my last interview at a property management company! I currently am a new personal chef! I have 4 clients. It truly is amazing to do what you LOVE for work! Anyways, the people I cook for are Paleo Peeps so I will be posting lots of the recipes I have been cooking up for them. Also I will be starting a YouTube Channel with cooking videos in the future! I am going to commit to putting as much focus onto this blog as I can because it truly is something that makes me happy! Be sure to follow me on Instagram @FoodCourtt for the latest news and recipes. I have some giveaways that will be coming up as well!

So here is my BOMB recipe! BTW, Joe said it was "bomb" and that's rare so I am completely soaking every ounce of that up!!

8 Burgers - 217 Calories & 5 WW PointsPlus (Add points and calories for the bun and condiments)

Ingredients:

• 2 Apples (red or yellow preferably)
• 1 Package (12 oz) of turkey bacon
• 1-1.5 lbs of ground turkey
• 2 Cloves of garllic
• 1 Tsp pepper
• 1/2 Tsp salt
• 2 Tsp paprika
• 2 Tsp chili powder

Steps:

1. Pre-Heat Oven to 400°F
2. Place all of the turkey bacon on a sheet tray and cook in oven for 10-20 minutes until desired crispiness is achieved.
3. While bacon is cooking grate 2 apples into a bowl big enough to fit all ingredients. 
4. Add all of the ingredients, including cooked bacon and mix together making sure NOT to over mix.
5. Form 8 patties and place in fridge for 5-10 minutes to help them hold their shape.
6. Grill 6-7 minutes per side & ENJOY!

These Burgers were SOOOO good! They would be good plain or with a lettuce "bun" to be more figure friendly! They also are a great make ahead meal to freeze for the hectic weekdays and pop in an oven at 350°F for 15 minutes or so! Make sure to tag all of my recipes you re-create with #FoodCourtt!

Thank You!

Happy Creating!

Healthy Sweet Potato & Asparagus Hash

Hey Everyone! 

TO DIE FOR!

I hope you all had an awesome weekend and aren't completely dreading that tomorrow is Monday! I am excited because tomorrow starts our first week of my Healthy Changes Challenge! (Click the link for more info) I have been trying to experiment with foods that I love that are bad for you and re-create them in healthier versions! One of my favorite meals for any meal of the day is some good ole hash! It is yummy but really not that good for you! So I have swapped out regular potatoes for sweet potatoes and the bacon for chicken and I hope you guys enjoy this as much as I did!! You can totally use this recipe for meatless Monday by taking out the chicken and swapping chicken stock for veggie stock. It will still be as delicious and also fit in with our new 4 week plan!! I hope you are ready for the challenge, get ready for some great changes in your health and the way you feel. xxxCourt

Serves 4 (1 cup per person) - 196 Calories & 5 WW PointsPlus per serving

Ingredients: 

• 2 large Sweet Potatoes (washed, dried & cut into 1 inch cubes)
• 1/2 Onion (roughly chopped_
• 6 oz Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast (cut into 1/2 inch cubes)
• 2 cloves garlic (pressed or finely chopped)
• 1/2 bell pepper (cut into 1 inch pieces)
• 10 spears asparagus (washed, dried and cut into 2 inch long pieces)
• 1/2 cup low sodium chicken stock
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp seasoning salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1/4 tsp dried rosemary
• 1/4 tsp dried thyme
• 2 tsp extra virgin olive oil
• OPTIONAL: Fresh parsley to garnish

Steps:

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees.
2. Line a cookie sheet tray (with lips so the juices will stay in the pan) with foil.
3. Cut, dice and prep all of your ingredients. 
4. Place all spices into a small bowl and mix together.
5. Heat 1 tsp of EVOO in a large skillet on med/high heat on the stove top.
6. Place sweet potatoes in hot oil and caramelize for 10 minutes making sure to constantly stir.
7. Once sweet potatoes are done place on foiled sheet tray.
8. Add onions, garlic and bell pepper to hot skillet the sweet potatoes were

   

   Right before I dove in!

   in and caramelize for 4 minutes.
9. Once those are done add to sheet tray with sweet potatoes.
10. Add last tsp of EVOO to hot skillet and brown the cubed chicken breast for 10 minutes.
11. Once chicken breast is done add to the sheet tray while adding the chopped up asparagus as well. 
12. Evenly distribute spice mixture over the entire sheet tray and mix together to evenly coat all the ingredients and add 1/2 cup of stock to the bottom of the tray (add 1/4 more stock to bottom if stock isn't cover they entire bottom of tray).
13. Pop into your preheated oven for 15 minutes and then broil for 2 more after that.
14. Serve over a bed of greens or top it with a poached or fried egg and ENJOY!

Happy Creating (:

Grocery List - Get Organized !

Hey There Everyone!!

So since our 31 Day Challenge starts in THREE days I wanted to give you another tool that I use to get organized and prepared for the week. Here is my grocery shopping outline! 

To save this adorable template, right click the picture and save to computer then open it and click print!

It is easy to just print out and post on your fridge and add to it whenever you run out of something or when you sit down and start to plan you meals for the week! Because I go to several stores for my shopping, I usually fill this out then flip it over and write each of the stores names I am going to and organize where I am going to be getting all of those things from! 

Back of my list!

My top tips for saving money and preparing for a shopping trip:

1. ALWAYS make a list. Commit to buying everything plus an extra five things that aren't on the list but NO MORE than FIVE extra.
2. DO NOT GO HUNGRY! I worked at a grocery store and I know from experience that this is the number one way to over spend. 
3. Check out the sales before you make your list and plan your meals. Sometimes this can be time consuming so you can also go and print out a list from online of fruits and veggies and when they are in season and keep it somewhere handy. When you buy whats in season you SAVE.
4. COUPONS COUPONS COUPONS! Get the Sunday paper, they have the best coupons!
5. Buy LOCAL! Farmers markets or stores like Sprouts (my personal favorite) sell local produce at CHEAP prices and you are supporting your local economy which is great too!
6. Learn how to store and prep your food to make it last as long as you can! Pinterest and many other websites have tips like putting onions in pantyhose to last for months!

31 Day Challenge Meal Planner - WEEK 1

Hey Everyone!

Just as I promised here is a print out for you to plan for Week 1 of the 31 Day Challenge! It starts Monday May 20th so make sure to print it out and use it! I also included a print out of the whole challenge again and what it is about! 

To print right click on image and save. Then open the saved document and print! 

Remember "If you fail to plan, then plan to FAIL" xxxCourt

Veggie-Kale Egg Fluffs!

Hey there everyone!

Did you know there is a nutritional scale for all fruits and vegetables called

Delicious AND Nutritious! 

"ANDI"?  Aggregate Nutrient Density Index is what it stands for and it basically rates foods from 1-1000 (1 being the worst and 1000 being the best) and the goal is to help people like you and me pick the foods that have the most benefits by eating them rather than ones that don't.

Basically what I am trying to get at is that Kale is 1000! Now if you ever have tried kale its honestly not the most delicious thing in the world. I was talking with my neighbor Andy and I think she said it best "it is an acquired taste". I didn't want the fact that I don't like it to keep me from eating it so I have been on a mission to find ways to consume it without having to actually taste it! Juicing it is a

SO PRETTY, HUH?!

great way to sneak it in but you only get a tiny bit. So I thought I will put it in our smoothies and blend it in, well that didn't work because the kale beat up my magic bullet :( (I am getting a new blender soon though!). So I when I learned you could make eggs in the oven in muffin tins I figured I would try adding kale, and guess what its DELICIOUS!!!! I couldn't believe the taste of these bad boys!! Not to mention its great for a quick breakfast or snack. I hope you guys try to include kale in your weekly diet and let me know if you have found some sneaky ways to make it taste better! xxxCourt

I ate them with 1/4 of an avocado and hot sauce! YUM!

Recipe makes 11-12 total - Serving size 1 Fluff - 70 Calories & 2 WW PointsPlus (if you have a non-stick muffin tin then you can take out the EVOO and it drops to 41 Calories & 1 WW PointsPlus)

Ingredients:

• 10 Cherry tomatoes (cut them into thirds)
• 1/2 Green bell pepper (diced)
• 1/2 Orange bell pepper (diced)
• 1/4 Zucchini (diced)
• 2 tbsp Onion (diced & any color you have is fine)
• 1 Clove Garlic (chopped fine or I use my garlic press)
• 2 Eggs
• 7 Egg Whites 
• 2 tbsp Low Fat Milk (I used 1%)
• 1 oz Mozzarella cheese (I used one string cheese cut up into small pieces)
• 2 cups COOKED Kale (instructions below)
• 1/2 tsp Black Pepper
• 3 tsp EVOO (Extra Virgin Olive Oil)

Steps:

Did you know store bought sprays contain SILICON?! Eww.

1. Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Chop up and prep all your veggies.
3. Clean and chop kale then place in microwavable bowl and cook on high for 2 minutes (it should shrink down to about half its size).
4. In separate bowl crack 2 eggs and 7 egg whites. 
5. Add black pepper, milk, onion and garlic to the eggs and light beat them together.
6. Lightly coat the muffin tins with EVOO to prevent your fluffs from sticking. (I use my Misto Oil Sprayer you can fill it with ANY type of oil you choose and there are no additives unlike like store bought sprays!)
7. Pour about 1/4 cup of the egg mixture into the 11-12 lightly oiled muffin slots.
8. Evenly add the veggies and cheese to each muffin slot with the egg mixture in them.
9. Place the tins filled with the veggies and eggs in the oven for 16 minutes and serve immediately or let completely cool before putting in the fridge. 

   

   Best way to store!

***To store I recommend placing fluffs in layers inside some Tupperware with paper towels in-between each layer because the egg whites can release a lot of water. 

To eat after cooled pop in the microwave for 45 seconds and enjoy!!

Happy Creating!

Auntie Noni's Crockpot Tortilla Soup

Bailey Lynn & Auntie Noni. Man time flies!

Afternoon all! 

So I personally think that the crock pot is the greatest invention known to man! I love cooking and spend hours in my kitchen doing it (I did 7 hours yesterday haha, oops) it can be really therapeutic to listen to music and get to creating, BUT sometimes after a long day at work the LAST thing I want to do is stand on my feet for another hour making dinner! It is also particularly nice because I can just text Joe when I am at work what to throw in there and turn it on and its easy enough for him and way less work for me (; 

Kaiden now & baby Kaiden! Awwww (:

Kaiden with Uncle Joe & Baby Wyatt! Our newest edition, March 2013

For all of you who know me, you know that I am Auntie Noni to my two adorable and wild nephews Kaiden & Wyatt and my sassy and beautiful niece Bailey Lynn! Moving to San Diego was really hard on me because I used to see Bailey everyday. I remember crying just at the sight of her pictures I had hanging EVERYWHERE in the apartment and I would say to Joe I hope she doesn't forget me :( It is truly amazing how much love you can hold in your heart for one (or three) little person(s). She definitely has me in the palm of her hands. The best part about moving here though was being closer to My sister, brother-in-law, Kaiden and Wyatt so I try to focus on the fact that I get to build a relationship with my nephews now like I have with Bailey and I still see her once a week on FaceTime (thank goodness for modern technology!). If I ever opened a restaurant (which is a dream I have along with many, MANY others) I would base my menu on family recipes like my Grandpa's DELICIOUS garlic bread (maybe one day I will post that for all of you!), so that is how this recipe got its name because it is an Auntie Noni Specialty! Hope you enjoy it and if you have any little people in your life, give them an extra "hug squeeze", as Bailey would say, because they grow up way to fast! xxxCourt 

Serves 7-8 (Great for dinner parties!) - Serving size 1 Cup - 268 Calories & 6

His & Hers! Can you guess which one is mine?!

WW PointsPlus

Ingredients:

• 2 (4 oz) Boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 1 1/2 cup Black beans (I soak mine over night but drained and rinsed canned black beans with no added salt is perfectly okay!)
• 3 Coves garlic
• 1/2 Large onion (or two small any color is fine!)
• 1 cup Corn (I use frozen organic its cheap and easy)
• 1 can of Crushed tomatoes (no added salt)
• 1 Lime juiced
• 1 cup Low sodium chicken stock
• 1 1/2 cup Water
• 1 tsp seasoning salt (I use Low-Sodium Morton's)
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1/2 - 1 whole seeded jalapeno (optional, keep seeds in if you like it really spicy!) 

Instructions:

For Crockpot: 

You guessed it! Joe's!

1. Throw everything in EXCEPT the corn and jalapeno give it a stir and turn it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-6 hours. 
2. Add remaining ingredients 30 minutes before serving.
3. Top with 1/4 an avocado and a few corn tortilla chips or even some low-fat cheese and shredded lettuce! The possibilities are endless! I always shake some tapatio on mine to spice it up even more! 
4. Enjoy!

For Stove Top: 

Trying to watch my figure, no cheese or chips! Go me!

1. Bake or grill chicken all the way through (350 degrees for 30 minutes covered or grilling for 30 minutes!) remove from juices and shred.
2. Bring all other ingredients (EXCEPT jalapeno and corn) in a large pot to a boil 
3. Add shredded chicken and then simmer for 1-3 hours partially covered
4. Add jalapeno and corn 30 minutes before serving.
5. If soup gets too reduced (thick) add water to loosen up (only add 1/4 cup at a time to not OVER add).
6. Enjoy!

Happy Cooking!

31 Day Healthy Changes Challenge!

Good evening everyone! 

So I decided that I want to make some changes in the way I eat and with the things I choose fuel my body with. I do good 60% of the time but I really want to push myself towards 80-90%. I have put together this challenge with hopes to inspire others to explore the different types of healthy foods that are out there and to be aware of what you actually put into your body! Summer is practically here and everyone wants to looking FEEL their best so why not kick start it with a challenge?

 All I'm asking is for your commitment for 31 days. That's it! There's no menu (I will be posting my meals for inspiration) this gives you the freedom to pick and choose what YOU like, there are no fees or charges involved BUT there is a requirement to CHALLENGE YOURSELF EACH AND EVERY DAY THROUGHOUT THE 31 DAYS! Each week there is a new challenge to add into your routine and the goal is that as the weeks continue you keep doing what you learned in week 1 in week 2 and in week 3 what you learned in weeks 1 AND 2, ect. 

I am not looking to just lose weight, I'm looking to get HEALTHY and feel great from the inside out. Being healthy is much more than what the scale tells you! It's your energy level, strengthening your immune system, mental health and much much more! Along the way I will be providing plenty of print outs and tips to keep you motivated through the course of the month! So please join me in the foodCOURTT Challenge! I will be starting my challenge this Monday May 20, 2013. Print out the challenge put it in your car, your wallet, on your fridge, on your pillow LOL just put it in the places to remind yourself of what the challenge is! Make sure to use the hashtag #foodCOURTTchallenge throughout you journey and get ready because this Monday it's ON! xxxCourt