So, I'm back from Texas!! Geez, I sure do love those people!! More on that later.

Ok, so when was the last time you had those recommended 5 veggies a day (or is it 7)?? Um yeah, that's what I thought! Me too.

Got a guy or kid that won't eat veggies?? Here's a recipe that will hide them SO well he'll be going back for more....
Secret Tacos
olive oil
zucchini
green bell pepper
tomatoes
corn
spinach
onion
canned black beans (drained)
1 can of cooked chicken breasts
taco seasoning
water
whole wheat tortillas

The deal here is that you decide what goes in these babies. But dice those veggies (fresh or frozen) up nice and small OR just toss them in the food processor. In a pot or large skillet with a tad of olive oil, get those babies cooking. Add some water with the taco seasoning and let it simmer for 20 minutes. As you stir, make sure you break up the chicken breast chunks, that way the flavor spreads out well.

Serve on whole wheat tortillas with toppings like shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream, lettuce, or whatever else you usually put on tacos.

Enjoy!

Ok. In my opinion there's no real challenge to cooking if you have no parameters on healthiness. Seriously, if you add the right amount of butter, ANYTHING can taste good! (see recipe below for proof)

So, I'm ALWAYS on the look out for a HEALTHY recipe that still tastes great...which is actually more challenging than you'd think.

But, this time around I was feeling skinny and didn't spare ANY calories creating this recipe. So, eat smart in your portion size...

Here's a recipe I concocted the other night for some guests. I'm sure there's a recipe just like it out there, so I'm not claiming rights or anything. Just thought of it on the spot, and THANKFULLY it turned out to be delicious!!

I didn't actually measure any of these ingredients, so you too can feel free to adjust them.

Inviting Italian Pasta
5 tbsp. olive oil
3 tbsp. butter
1 med. onion, chopped
8 cloves of garlic (or more to taste)
1 tsp. prepared Italian seasoning (basil, thyme, oregano, rosemary, garlic)
3 oz. cream cheese (red. fat is a GREAT option)
1/2 c. heavy whipping cream (I know, this is terrible! you could try milk instead but it may not be as rich)
1/2 c. diced fresh tomatoes
3/4 c. frozen spinach
salt & pepper to taste
pasta (linguine or bowtie will make it look more elegant)

Melt the butter with the olive oil in a LARGE pot/ skillet. Add onion, garlic, & Italian seasoning until soft & fragrant. Stirring often. Add cream cheese & cream, stirring frequently until melted. Add tomatoes, spinach, salt & pepper. Bring to a boil then reduce to LOW simmer for 30 min, stirring every so often. Boil water for pasta & prepare as directed. Add cooked pasta to prepared sauce and mix thoroughly. Serve Hot.

Notes:
Feeds 6 adults.
Taste testing is always a must. Try it as you go and make sure you're on the right track.
Artichoke would be STUNNING with this recipe. Try it!
As a side, we had steamed asparagus with cayenne pepper.

Hope you love it! We sure did! EVERYONE went back for 2nds and 3rds!

***If you've already made this, I'm so sorry! But I have a change to make. It was haunting me in bed last night. (Yes, I'm crazy.) I think if you opt to use the canned cream of onion soup, it'll turn out too dry with not enough sauce. SO...I made a change below.

Here's an easy breezy recipe named for it's similar flavor to Chicken Enchiladas, but instead of tortillas it's served with whole wheat pasta! Jude (age 2) ate this up and even asked for more!

Chicken Pastaladas

• 4 chicken breasts (cut into 2 in strips, use scissors- it's easier!)
• chopped onion & bell pepper to taste
• 1 can cream of onion soup w/ 1 cup milk (OR 1 packet onion soup prepared w/ 2 cups of milk, instead of water)
• 1 packet taco seasoning
• shredded cheese (optional)
• whole wheat pasta spirals

Preheat oven to 400F. Place chicken strips in pan, sprinkle with onion & bell pepper. Mix Onion Soup with taco seasoning and pour over chicken. Bake at 400F for 30min. In last 5 min, top with cheese. Serve with whole wheat pasta spirals.

(For those who are wondering, I brought taco seasoning with me from the States!)