Tomatoes, Basil and Shrimp Pasta

I made this dish this past Fall and it was delicious! The 3 ingredients that make the meal special are: local heirloom tomatoes, fresh basil leaves snipped right from the plant and extra sharp cheddar cheese from Canada (it's naturally white).

What you need:

cooked shrimp (I like the Jumbo kind)

olive oil (extra virgin, first cold press)

sliced mushrooms

thinly sliced garlic cloves

blush wine (Biltmore estate wines never disappoint and the rest of the bottle was finished off in the background of the picture :)

tomatoes

sea salt

ground pepper

cooked lemon-pepper pasta

chopped, fresh basil

grated, extra sharp cheddar cheese (just enough to top off each serving...think "decoration")

What to do:

heat oil in skillet over med-high heat

-add mushrooms and garlic

-saute till mushrooms are soft, add shrimp, saute, then add wine, deglaze pan , cook 1 minute

-add tomatoes, salt, pepper, pre-cooked pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes.

Top with Basil and cheese. Enjoy!!

Berry Protein Shake

This is just a simple protein shake for those of you who are hitting the iron hard. It's important to take in protein within 30 minutes after your weight-lifting workout. This shake is full of antioxidants and is low in fat. Take 1 scoop of an all-natural, strawberry, whey protein powder and blend it with frozen raspberries and blueberries and light soy milk. The protein and the fiber from the whole fruit makes this drink quite filling. Enjoy.

Tomacado Breakfast

I love those morning when I have a little time to linger over my soy latte and catch-up on the news in the world. I purchased an espresso machine about 4 months ago and it has been one of the smartest moves I've made. It's amazing how much money you save by making your own favorite coffee drinks. Maybe one day I'll acquire the skill to perform latte art...

Today's breakfast features a Tomacado sandwich. I thought I made this word up until I Googled it. Alas, someone else has already thought of it. The sandwich is very simple. Slice up a small tomato, 1/4 of an avocado and scramble 2 egg whites. Toast an Ezekial sprouted grain english muffin. Add sea salt and fresh ground pepper on top and voila. Easy, healthy, wholesome breakfast.

The sprouted grain products are a complete protein, because they contain lentils mixed with other grains. I prefer tomatoes still on the vine when purchased. They are usually more juicy and fresh tasting. And, if you already have access to fresh produce then go for it! I'm looking forward to the day that I have my own little vegetable garden.

Eating the egg whites only will give you all the protein without the cholesterol. I like to get my fat from plant products, hence the avocado. The pictures are quite blurry due to my camera being fussy this morning (it has horrible mood swings). I plan to post dinner either tonight or tomorrow. Have a beautiful day!

Turkey Ragout

This French inspired meal is very quick and easy to make. Brown turkey cutlets before adding zucchini, tomatoes, mushrooms and garlic. Use fresh herbs: oregano, sage and thyme. Add sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste. Let cook through. You can have this dish from stove to plate in 30 minutes.

The berry chocolate parfait pictured above is full of antioxidant rich blueberries, raspberries and chocolate granola. Mix these ingredients into fat free Greek yogurt for a good source of protein, calcium and probiotics. You won't even miss the ice cream your not eating ;)