Some books are begging to be judged by their covers, cliché or no. Seriously with a title like How to Make Love and Dinner at the Same Time how can you open the glossy little textual vixen without preconceived notions?

The fella and I found this little treat on our last cookbook hunting mission at the library. We just go to the closest library on that particular day were running errands, swoop in and grab an arm load of cookbooks each, then go home and play the lets make a menu for the week game. I grab a pile of French cookbooks and the fella finds a couple on Asian cuisine and whatever else is tickling his Scorpio-ian fancy right about then. This time that happened to be cookpot books.

Surprisingly the recipes in the book are pretty decent and hit upon all the major cuisines without bastardizing them too badly. Rebecca Field Jager should probably stick to the recipes however. On every page there is also a little Sex in the City-esque tip about sex and being a sassy hot lady. It isnt cute and it distracts from the actual point of the book. Crockpotting to have more time to get your grove on is a nice idea, Ill take advice on the former but I can handle the latter thank you very much. And should I ever need any pointers I cant imagine trusting advice about sex found in the cooking section.

Criticism aside her ratatouille was really good. After chopping up the veggies you have nothing else to do. Turn on the crockpot, go to work, come home, eat dinner. A traditional French meal that cooked while I wasnt in the kitchen, it was a nice change of pace. This went perfectly with the Broccoli and Red Pepper Penne though it was missing a little complexity of flavor. I couldnt quite tell what it was missing but after looking at some other ratatouille recipes it could be thyme and rosemary, Ill have to make it again to tweak it but that would be my guess for now.



The Vinedos de la Posada Malbec I opened with the meal rounded out an already amazing experience. Im on a real Malbec kick as of late. This one especially wins points for being organic, fair trade and made with no added sulfites. It has the South American spicy bite and big dark fruit of a New World Malbec but has the light drinkability of Malbecs from Cahors without being boring and flabby. Its the Malbec I go for when I want to treat myself a little, though I dont have to considering how many out of this world Argentinian Malbecs there are for under $10.

The Conquista Malbec is about $7, drinks like a $30 or more bottle, and sells out every time the day we get a couple cases in the wine store. Ive been carrying on a sordid love affair with it for years. And with a new book full of crockpot recipes I have even more time to spend looking longingly into its plum colored depths.

Crockpot Ratatouille

1 eggplant, sliced
2 zucchini, sliced
1 red pepper, chopped
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
1/2 teaspoon dried basil
1/4 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon dried parsley
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon dried rosemary
(the original recipe is missing these last two spices which are in traditional ratatouille and would add to the flavor profile greatly)

To remove bitter juices, sprinkle eggplant with salt and let sit in colander to drain for about 20 minutes. Rinse then pat dry.

Cut up all the vegetables and add them with the spices to the crock pot. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.

Original recipe from How to Make Dinner and Love at the Same Time.

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Ingredients

• 1 ripe Hass avocado, de-cored, peeled and chopped up
• 2 table spoons of nonfat feta cheese crumbs
• 1 ripe tomato, diced up
• 1 dash of ground black pepper
• 1 pinch of sea salt
• 1 tea spoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice (usually 1 lemon wedge)
• 1/4 cup of white or red onion, diced

Instructions

1. In medium mixing bowl, add avocado and mash with spoon.
2. Add all other ingredients, and mix well.
3. Serve with a side of organic blue corn tortilla chips.

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Yum

Theres a misconception about the clean eating diet, as theres a misconception about cheese.

Most people understand the clean eating diet as a weight loss diet--and theyre partially correct, because clean eating can aid in weight loss. However, the true benefit of a clean eating diet lies in its promotion of consuming all-natural foods with little or no processed ingredients--foods like organic fruits, veggies, curds and nuts that people ate before chemical were utilized for agriculture.

Without harmful chemicals, its no wonder clean eating help with weight loss.

When you stop consuming ingredients such as hydrogenated oil and sodium that induce weight gain and bloating, you lose weight.

The clean eating diet is NOT a weight loss diet; its a lifestyle change.

Cheese is not fat; cheese has fat.

Just like how youre not fat but have fat. Fat doesnt define you, and it certainly doesnt define cheese.

Cheese has fat--natural saturated fat that decrease cholesterol and increase cardiovascular health. Consumed in moderation, all-natural, hand-crafted cheeses are one of the most delicious ways to obtain saturated fat, minerals, vitamins and calcium. It makes up a huge part of the clean eating diet, enabling easy healthy cheesy recipes, and is certainly NOT what makes you fat!

I hope weve cleared any misunderstanding about the clean eating diet and cheese today. 

Not that you didnt already know the information, but just in case...

Also, I hope you enjoy todays easy healthy cheesy ideas for clean eating. And please add your own ideas in the comment section below.

1) Avocado, Egg and Blue Cheese Bake

Halve the avocado and take out the pit. Then crack an egg in each avocado half, and mix in blue cheese crumbs. Bake in oven at 350 F for 10 - 12 minutes.

Enjoy! 

2) Cherry-Topped Goat Cheese Melt (Recipe Here)

Make this sandwich as you will regular grilled cheese, except with goat cheese. Then top with home-made cherry sauce. For full recipe, visit clean eating recipe - cherry goat cheese melt.

3) Swiss Chicken Melt with Avocado

This was an easy and healthy way to enjoy chicken, cheese and avocado. If you like the combo, youll like the recipe, which you can find here.

4) Prosciutto-Wrapped Mozzarella

What an easy and tasty idea! Just wrap mozzarella cheese with prosciutto and splash a pinch of dry herbs. Then, enjoy. 

5) Mini Babybel Snacks

Mild, creamy and delicious, Babybels the best! Kids love them--and so do adults.

6) Baked Apple with Dates, Blue Cheese and Pistachios

Some people dislike blue cheeses sharp flavor. I, however, love it. I also love combining it with different flavors such as sweet apple slices and smoky pistachios. This easy healthy and cheesy snack was an explosion of flavors in my mouth. I hope you like it too. 

Find recipe at Clean Eating Snack.

7) Whole Wheat Toast with Organic Cream Cheese and All Natural Fruit Preserves

If youre looking for a healthier cream cheese, then choose organic. Its just as creamy and tasty, and is much healthier for you. 

Todays breakfast was simple: just a whole wheat toast with organic cream cheese spread, with hard boiled eggs and grapes on the side. It was also delicious and wholesome, and a great breakfast idea for clean eating diet.

8) Medjool Dates with Soft Goat Cheese 

Another healthy idea with goat cheese, and it just as delicious. The combination of sweet medjool and creamy goat cheese blended well together. Plus, it was easy to do. You should certainly try it.

Thanks again for visiting Clean Eating Weight Loss Meal Plan!

Hope you enjoyed todays easy healthy and cheesy ideas.

See you next time.

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Need weight loss help but running out of healthy eating ideas?

Healthy breakfast recipes are the hardest to come by. Although breakfast is (still) the most important meal of the day, its also one you have the least time to prepare. 

No worries. Look below for healthy breakfast ideas--just on mornings that you need to rush out the door. 

1. Egg White French Toast with Banana, Real Maple Syrup and Cinnamon

2. Nonfat Greek Yogurt with Fresh Berries and Honey

3. Steel-Cut Oatmeal with Homemade Raspberry Sauce

4. Baked Avocado Boat with Eggs and All-Natural Blue Cheese

5. Whole Wheat Bread Topped with Organic Cream Cheese and Fresh Fruits

Easy, yummy and nutritious--just how healthy breakfast recipes should be.

Thanks again for stopping by Clean Eating Weight Loss Meal Plan!

Regular meal plans should return in no time, so see you soon.

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Breakfast

Evolution Fresh Blueberry and Honey Yogurt Parfait

A creamy yogurt parfait, it tastes better with granola and blueberries. Give it a try, if you havent yet.

Mid Morning Snack

Homemade Snack Bar with Date, Nut and Chocolate

Like LaraBars? Youll love this homemade version.

Lunch

Pepper Jack Chicken Sandwich

A scrumptious--and easy-to-make--sandwich with just a bit pepper jack kick. 

Find recipe at clean eating sandwich.

Afternoon Snack

Pear Slices with All Natural Goat Cheese Crumbs

Dinner

Quinoa and Ground Turkey Fried Rice

Gluten-free quinoa meets lean ground turkey in this excellent stir fry dish.

Thanks for visiting todays Clean Eating Meal Plan!

For more daily meal plans, please subscribe via email.

See you next time.

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Right about now youre probably thinking to yourself, “Wait I thought this was a blog about some crazy French diet and French cooking. What happened to the complicated French recipes, lady?” To which I would tell you a woman has needs. In this case the need for spices, specifically the need to sniffle in joyful pain over a bowl of stew perfectly seasoned with curry and cayenne. Therefore Ive taken a break from insane French recipes that have me online translating ingredients like courgettes, aubergines and fresh coriander into plain English in order to cook. (Zucchini, eggplant and cilantro, in case you were wondering.) I just cant take it right now. Sorry, Boulud its not you, its me.

Also Im a little scared about Sunday. Its Easter and Ive invited my family over for a feast. Ive never had a family holiday dinner at my house before so Im entitled to a tiny dose of freaking out, right? Rather than doing something simple like roasting a chicken I had to go and make things as complex as possible by promising Boeuf En Daube. Five pounds of beef, a bottle of Burgundy, and a pound of shallots cooked for eight hours, this couldnt possibly go wrong. There is nothing to be anxious about at all. Oh no. There is also a complicated torte involved for dessert, I should add. It will be fine, really. Did I mention I have to work on Easter morning? There really need to be more hours in a day and less yuppies needing to by wine and lattes.

Thankfully I thrive in stressful situations, they turn off the part of my brain that over thinks and is busy keeping track of all of the people Im currently holding a grudge against in chronological order. Take that out of the picture and suddenly the genius part of my brain kicks into gear and amazing things happen. However I need to rest that part of my brain until Sunday so until then Im going anti-Emeril and taking things down several notches. Bam.

Dal surprisingly enough is one of the easiest things in the world to cook. I would have never thought it after the many highly flavored satisfying bowls of it Ive cooed over in ethnic restaurants certain that it was too complex for me to ever try my hand at. This is why I need the fella around (okay one of about a million reasons, he is also useful for reaching things on high shelves) he gets in the mood for things and insists we make then regardless of their difficulty. He is either very brave or very silly because weve made some nutty stuff on the spur of the moment to curb a craving. This particular craving worked out very well because I will now being making Dal quite often.

The original recipe calls for split peas and requires an hour of cooking. The heck with that I say. We used lentils. Unfortunately in the excitement of buying $30 worth of organic boeuf we forgot the lentils. The good news is we had red lentils hiding in the back of the cupboard and they were lovely not to mention they cut down the cooking time even more. They are the tenderest lentil so only need about 10 minutes or less to absorb water. So we sat down to Dal while waiting for the vegetable curry to takes its sweet time cooking. During which time the fella asks, “Is this what it means to eat in courses?”

Its a fair question considering we usually sit down and eat our various dishes in one frenzied swoop as Im not very good at planning out cooking times in order to eat any other way. This was a nice change of pace. And we even got to eat while the sun was out.

Dal

8 ounces lentils
2 1/2 cups water (more if you want a thinner soup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon curry powder
1/2 cup canned diced tomatoes, or 2 medium fresh, skinned and diced
1 medium onion, diced

2 tablespoons oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tablespoon mustard seed

cilantro for garnish


Combine lentils, water, salt, curry powder, tomatoes, and onions in a sauce pan over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer to cook covered until lentils are tender, time will depend on variety of lentils being used. Add more water to adjust the consistency of the soup as the lentils absorb the liquid.

Add the oil, garlic, and mustard seed and simmer another 5 to 10 minutes, until garlic is tender.

Add salt and pepper to taste and top with cilantro if you like.

Original recipe from The New York Times Cook Book by Craig Claiborne.

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 Beets are one of those things I never thought Id find myself craving.  Somewhere along the way  loving  raw beets seems to have became a side effect of being on this diet, much like random urges to ribbon vegetables or picking the most complicated recipe in a cookbook to prepare  just to have something really cool to write about.  Living sans most carbs and sugar does funny things to the brain.  Suddenly everything tastes better.  Yes, even beets.

The fella and I are the type of people that always have a bit of left over brown rice around in the fridge for eating with impromptu curries.  I also had a bag of pre-cooked and pre-shelled edamame that I found in the freezer section of an Asian grocery that I had once had big ideas for but then quickly forgot about.  So I thawed that neglected edamame, re-warmed the rice and tossed in a few other things and tada a really simple Asian tinged rice salad using things that were otherwise languishing in the fridge. 

Im always the most surprised at really simple thrown together that are this delicious.  Sometimes while cooking up a storm with really complex recipes I forget that something like raw beets and some rice can be amazing.  This was exactly what I needed to eat tonight and with some good Spanish wine things got even better. 

El Hada is a blend of Verdejo and Viura grapes making a perfect blend of tart and sweet in one delicious wine.  I dont know what it is about Spanish wines that make then so great and easy to drink but this wine has it all.  Tart fruit and a bright velvety sweetness with an intriguing nose of citrus and roses.  And who knew it would go so well with Edamame. 

 

 

 Super Easy Edamame Rice

3 tablespoons sesame seeds

2 cups cooked brown rice
2 small beets, diced
1 cup edamame, cooked and shelled (I used frozen already cooked and shelled edamame)

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon sea salt

In a small pan toast sesame seeds until browned, set aside.

If using left over brown rice place in microwave to warm until a bit past room temperature.  If using freshly cooked brown rice place it in a medium bowl along with the beets, edamame and toasted sesame seeds.  Toss well.

In a small bowl make a vinaigrette with the oils, lemon juice and sea salt.  Whisk or shake well to combine.  Pour over the rice mixture and combine well.

Modified from a recipe on Food52 blog.

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If you didnt know... Im a huge salmon lover. When I go to a restuarant and the salmon isnt too pricey I will almost always pick it! I love it so much and its also healthy for you! When I came across this recipe I thought to myself... "it doesnt get easier than that!" And that is how this became my most favorite meal I have tackled so far during my cooking experience.

Easy Baked Salmon (www.sixsistersstuff.com) 

Ingredients

• 1 large salmon filet
• 1 bag of frozen brussel sprouts
• 1 bunch of thin asparagus
• 2 Tablespoons of olive oil
• 2 Tablespoons of butter
• Garlic salt, salt and pepper, fish seasoning

Place the salmon skin side down in the middle of the pan.

The trick for cooking brussel sprouts is to buy them frozen in the ready to steam bag. Cook them as directed on the package. Once they are cooked put them on one side of the salmon. Place the raw asparagus on the other side of the of the salmon.

Drizzle olive oil over both vegetables and sprinkle with garlic salt.

Sprinkle your salmon with salt, pepper, garlic salt, and fish seasoning. 

Cut your butter into small chunks and place it all on top of your salmon.

Bake at 400 degrees for 20 minutes (or until salmon is cooked through - check the thickest spot).

Now you have salmon, and two veggies for dinner! So yummy and good for you!

Dan rated this a 4.5 stars out of 5, but my rating is what matters on this one and I give it a 5!

Try it! I promise you wont regret it!

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Yum

A clean eating lunch shouldnt be complicated.


Few people have time during lunch for extravagant meals and clean eating ideas. If youre constantly on-the-go and are looking for a quick bite, then you might appreciate the easy healthy lunch ideas below. 

I understand that the suggestions arent special--and are certainly something you can easily think of yourself. However, when youre too busy to think healthy, you can certainly draw ideas from todays post. Also, the choices are tasty, and we all like that.

I hope you enjoy todays clean eating lunch ideas, and incorporate them into your daily weight loss meal plan.

1. Grilled Egg and Cheese Sandwich

Using whole wheat bread and all-natural cheddar, cook up a regular grilled cheese sandwich, except add eggs in the middle.

This was scrumptious and protein-rich--and certainly quick and easy.

2. Turkey and Cheese Sandwich with Whole Wheat Bread

Isnt turkey and cheese sandwich an all-time favorite? If you want to, add mayo with safflower oil to make this classic sandwich even cleaner.

3. Spinach Ravioli

Nowadays, veggie pastas sold everywhere. A hearty plate of plump spinach ravioli is always a quick and healthy idea for clean eating.

4. Ground Turkey and Quinoa Stir Fry

Abundant in nutrients such as fiber and vitamins, quinoa has become one of the most popular grains. Because its texture is easily digested, its also an essential grain for a gluten-free diet. 

I like quinoa for its health benefits, but love the way it tastes. Its hearty, wholesome and scrumptious--and can be cooked in so many ways.

Todays ground turkey and quinoa stir fry was an alternative way to make quinoa, but it was delicious. It took little time and tasted awesome. You should absolutely try it!

5. Hard Boiled Eggs with Herbs Over Whole Wheat Toast

If youve little time to prepare a healthy lunch, just top hard boiled egg slices over toasted whole wheat bread. Add flavor with a mixture of dry spices like thyme, pepper and paprika. I promise this was tasty!

Thanks for visiting Clean Eating Weight Loss Meal Plan today!

I hope you found great ideas for easy healthy lunches.

See you next time!

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The fella made this the other day when he took a half day. When I came home the house smelled divine. Of course that tends to happen when heavy cream is involved. It was nice to take a night off from cooking. Not to mention priceless to come into the kitchen to see the fella clawing at his remaining hair looking totally baffled, the kitchen a mess asking me, “Why are these flipping directions so complicated?” If he didnt before, now he knows what Ive been going through. Happily for us both the Boulud cookbook that has been causing us both so much frustration went back to the library this evening. Hes been good to us but its time to move on.

For such a seeming simple recipe this meal really puts you through the paces. It has a fussy sauce. It requires the use of a sieve on said sauce. And it requires keeping the sauce edible while thin cutting slippery pieces of salmon. The fella cheated and used full thickness salmon when I assured him he didnt need to impress me with fish mongering skills at this point in our relationship.

Sieving off the solids in the sauce creates a really creamy but delicate sauce. Somehow it managed to be both delicate and decadent at the same time. The crisp perfect asparagus probably helped even out the naughtiness of the cream. Though I do have to admit at this point in the diet Ive lost my ability to feel guilty about eating a meal with a pint a cream per serving. I figure with all I have to deny myself its the least Montignac can do to allow me some heavy cream.



I also found perhaps the best wine to pair with this dish. The Aveleda Fonte Verde screams spring to me. Its tart and full of green apple flavors not to mention a semi sparkling feel on the tongue. Yet there is the sweetness of tropical fruit in there too. And at about $7 its a wine I can afford to buy every spring to brighten my spirits as the long grey days drag on before summer actually appears. The added bonus was it was just what this sauce needed, the tartness of the wine accented the cream and the sorrel.

Salmon and Sorrel Troisgros

SAUCE:
1 teaspoon butter
2 medium white mushrooms, finely chopped
1 large shallot, finely chopped, rinsed and dried
1 cup dry white wine

1 cup heavy cream
2 ounces sorrel, washed, dried and cut into very thin strands (baby spinach marinated in lemon juice for a couple minutes works as a good substitute)

Melt butter in small saucepan over medium heat, then add mushrooms, shallot and white wine. Season with salt and pepper and bring to a boil while keeping a close eye on the pan. Boil until wine is completely evaporated.

Lower the heat to the lowest possible setting. Pour in the cream and let cook very slowly for about 15 minutes, until the cream is thickened enough to coat the back of a metal spoon. Using a metal sieve or cheese cloth, strain the cream sauce off of the vegetables into a bowl or another saucepan.

Add the sorrel (or spinach) to the cream sauce and put saucepan over medium high heat. Bring cream just to a boil and then remove from heat. Taste and season with salt and pepper if needed.

SALMON:
2 center cut salmon fillets about 1 inch thick and skinned
oil

Using a long thin knife, slice each salmon in half horizontally, creating two wide thin pieces of fish. It should look like the salmon version of scallopini.

Coat the bottom of warm dinner plates with the sorrel sauce and keep warm as fish cooks.

Heat a large skillet over medium high heat with enough oil to keep fish from sticking without frying it. When pan is hot, slip in the fillets. Cook for no more than 2 minutes, then flip the fish to cook the other side for another 10 to 30 seconds until fish is warm yet still pink at center without being raw.

Serve immediately by placing warm fish in the center of the sauce covered plate.

Original recipe from Cafe Boulud Cookbook.

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Happy Monday! Welcome back to Clean Eating Weight Loss Meal Plan!

Todays meal plan starts with a big breakfast, and ends with a hearty dinner. In between, there are crunchy and sweet snacks to enjoy. We like todays meal plan very much, and hope you do too.

Breakfast

Scrambled Cage-Free Eggs, with Banana, Berries and Whole Wheat Toast on the Side

Despite the popularity of intermittent fasting, we still feel that eating breakfast is as important as brushing your teeth in the morning. In fact, we prefer big breakfast with nutritious ingredients like todays protein-licious eggs, hearty grain and antioxidant-rich fruits.

Mid Morning Snack

Kale and Sea Salt Popcorn (by Quinn Popcorn)

Kale popcorn? Youd be surprised at how tasty they are--and with only 39 calories per cup. We are...SO IN LOVE!

Find them at Quinn Kale and Sea Salt Popcorn!

Get them here!

Lunch

All Natural Ground Chicken Pasta Sauce Over Whole Wheat Rotini; Salad on the Side

Substituting all-natural ground chicken for beef cuts calories and fat without sacrificing flavor. We found todays lunch, a simple ground chicken meat sauce over whole wheat rotini, a healthy and delightful choice. To enhance the nutritional value of todays clean eating lunch, we added a side of mixed greens with farmers market cucumber. 

Looks delicious, doesnt it? Hope you try it.

If you cant make your own pasta sauce, there are healthy ready-made choices like the Newmans Own Marinara. We find it delicious and use it all the time.

Find it at Newmans Own Organic Pasta Sauce.

Afternoon Snack

Fresh Blackberries and Raspberries

Dinner

Shrimp Avocado Quinoa Bowl (recipe here)

Combining quinoa, which is incredibly nutritious with abundant minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, and avocado and shrimp is a great way to create a delicious, low calorie dinner. Its also quick and easy, which works well for busy week nights.

If youre a fan of shrimp, avocado or quinoa, youll find this clean eating dinner a pleasant experience.

Thanks for visiting our Clean Eating Weight Loss Meal Plan again!

We appreciate your time.

And hope to see you for the next meal plan!

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