Spaghetti Squash Parmesan

This recipe was my first experience cooking spaghetti squash, and it went so well! Spaghetti squash = SO tasty! 


Recipe adapted from here.
Ingredients: 1 spaghetti squash (about 1 1/2 pound) 4 tbsp butter 6 tbsp flour 2 chicken bouillon cubes 1/2 cup hot water 1 1/2 cups milk 1/2 cup plus 2 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp pepper
Directions: 1. Cut the squash in half lengthwise. Scoop out the seeds and place the squash halves inside-down on a baking sheet. Bake at 350 for one hour, or until tender. 2. Separate the squash strands with a fork and place in a bowl. Discard shells. Leave the oven on. 3. In a large saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add flour and stir. Reduce heat to low and cook, stirring continuously, for 5 minutes. 4. Dissolve bouillon cubes in hot water. Stir into flour mixture. Add the milk slowly and whisk to combine. Cook the sauce, stirring continually, until thickened (about 10 minutes). Add in 1/2 cup parmesan, salt and pepper.  5. Add squash to the sauce and mix well. Spoon the mixture into a 3-quart baking dish. Sprinkle the remaining parmesan on top. 6. Bake about 30 minutes at 350, or until bubbly and golden on top.
(cut lengthwise)
(seeds removed)
(ready for the oven)
(all cooked!)
(strands separated)
(butter and flour)
(sauce cooking)
(adding cheese, salt, and pepper)
(adding spaghetti squash)
(parmesan on top and ready for the oven!)
(all done!)
Ta-da!
Enjoy!

Baked Chicken & Spinach Flautas

I try to cook healthy meals. But so often I end up thinking the "healthy" recipes are bland, or boring, or not filling. But this one is actually tasty and healthy! Win win! 
Recipe adapted from here. Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1 pound) 16 oz beer 2 cups water 1 tsp paprika 1/2 tsp salt 1 tsp garlic powder 1 tsp cumin 1 tsp chili powder 1 jalapeno pepper, minced 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped 5 9-inch tortillas (I like to use the green spinach herb ones, but regular flour would work) 6 oz queso fresco or monterrey jack cheese (or any other melty cheese) 1 tsp olive oil salsa for serving Directions: 1. Put the chicken thighs, beer, and water in a deep saute pan. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove chicken from the liquid and shred it with two forks. Pour out all but 1/4 cup of the cooking liquid. 2. Put the shredded chicken in a bowl and mix it with all of the seasonings. 3. Add the jalapeno and spinach to the remaining 1/4 cup cooking liquid. Cook over low heat for 2-3 minutes, or until spinach is wilted. 4. Cut each tortilla in half. To assemble flautas, spoon chicken along the long edge of each tortilla, then top with spinach mixture and cheese. Roll the tortilla up, starting with the long edge. 5. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly spray with cooking spray. Place each flauta seam-side-down on the cooking sheet. 6. Brush the flautas with olive oil. Bake at 450 for 10 minutes. Turn over and bake for another 10 minutes, or until crispy. 7. Serve with salsa!  (cooked chicken) (chopped spinach) (chicken with spices) (spinach and jalapeno cooking) (these are the tortillas I like to use) (tortillas split in half) (ready to roll up) (ready for the oven!) (after flipping) (all done!) Ta-da! Enjoy!

2-Minute Cinnamon Apples

I love cinnamon apples. I get so excited when I find myself at a restaurant where cinnamon apples are one of the side dish options. So when I found a recipe for cinnamon apples that only takes two minutes, I was SO excited. This is the perfect recipe for when you need a sweet little snack, or you could make them to go on top of ice cream, or in oatmeal! As far as desserts go, this is a pretty healthy one, so you don't even have to feel bad about it! :) 

Recipe adapted from here.
Ingredients:  1 small Granny Smith apple 2 tsp Splenda (or a spoonful of sugar) 1/4 tsp cinnamon 1/4 tsp cornstarch 1 tbsp water
Directions: 1. Peel, core, and slice the apple into small slices (or cut it into little cubes). 2. Place the apple pieces and all other ingredients into a microwave-safe small container with a lid. Shake to mix the ingredients. 3. With the lid slightly vented, microwave on high for 2 to 2.5 minutes (depending on the size of the apple).  4. Carefully remove the lid (it'll be hot and steamy) and eat! 

Apples. Peeled, cored, and sliced.

All ingredients in the container...

(after shaking to combine)

Ta-da!

Enjoy!