Showing posts with label healthy.. Show all posts
Showing posts with label healthy.. Show all posts

Thursday, February 28, 2013

FOOD: Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Lauren here today, with a crowd-pleasing appetizer for your next get together. Think of this as the healthier sister to the P.F. Chang's version that everyone loves. 

Yes, there are a gazillion copycat recipes of this app floating around, but my take is a little different and still full of plenty of flavor. The best part is how easy it is--the perfect kind of dish to serve up at a party and let your guests help themselves. Keep reading for the recipe!
 
asian chicken lettuce wraps 1asian chicken lettuce wraps 2

Let's start with the ingredients. Most recipes call for ground chicken, which happens to include dark meat. Instead, cook a few chicken breasts to shred so you get the lean, white meat only.

 Shredded carrots and radicchio are an easy way to sneak in some extra nutrients and balance each other out (sweet and bitter). The dressing is where it's all at, though. Dijon mustard and minced ginger pack a lot of flavor, and using light soy sauce cuts out some of the extra salt.

asian chicken lettuce wraps 3asian chicken lettuce wraps 4

To serve, Boston or Bibb lettuce leaves work best as they're naturally curled into the perfect-sized cups. Set out fresh bean sprouts for a low-cal crunchy topping, as well as chopped chives and toasted sesame seeds. 

asian chicken lettuce wraps 5

For the dressing:
1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1 1/2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 tablespoon minced ginger
1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
1 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil

For the filling:
4 cups shredded cooked chicken
2 small radicchio, shredded 
2 carrots, shredded with a box grater

For serving:
Bibb or Boston lettuce leaves
Fresh bean sprouts, toasted sesame seeds, and chopped chives for garnish
Sriracha for added heat

Instructions:
1. In a small bowl, combine first five ingredients. Whisk in the vegetable and sesame oil.
2. In a large bowl, mix shredded chicken, radicchio and carrot. Add the dressing slowly, tossing to combine. You may not need all of it. 
3. To serve, spoon chicken mixture into the lettuce leaves. Top with bean sprouts, chives and toasted sesame seeds. 



-Recipes & images by Lauren Craig



Thursday, September 6, 2012

Food: Chocolate Protein Bliss Balls

Hey MBG readers!  It's Caren from Inspired Coast, bringing you these awesome treats that are fantastic as grab-and-go snacks, or as a healthy dessert option at a party! 
 



I first came across these little coconut balls while at a yoga festival in Joshua Tree, California.  It turned out to be an insufferable weekend of 112 degree temperatures but I didn’t mind, because I had my little bliss balls.  They were being sold by one of the umpteen raw vegan vendors that were working the festival.  I think I devoured their entire inventory.

Back in the city, (after a long and glorious shower) I got right down to business, recreating these little balls of deliciousness. 

I make these little treats all the time, but since I’ve been training for a fitness competition, I’ve started adding protein powder to the recipe and reducing the honey content as I need more protein and less sugar in my diet.  But if you’re not on a crazy eating plan like me, stick with sweet stuff.

It’s crazy delish.
 


 Chocolate Protein Bliss Balls

¼ cup raw cacao
¼ cup shredded coconut
¼ cup raw unsalted almonds
2 tablespoons of coconut oil/meat
3 tablespoons raw honey or agave nectar
2 tablespoons maca powder
3 dates
3 sachets of Stevia
½ teaspoon of vanilla
1 teaspoon cinnamon

  • Add all the ingredients to a food processor and blend until they combine into a sticky ball.
  • Scoop out individual portions and roll into little balls with your hands. 
  • Refrigerate balls for at least 1 hour before serving.

Depending on the size of your portions, the recipe will make 8 to 15 balls



-post & images by caren