Seared Ahi Tuna

Yes, you heard that right, Ahi Tuna

Ahi tuna can be very expensive.  But, for a special meal, it can be done reasonably.  Aldi's sells excellent frozen ahi tuna steaks at an affordable price.  Thaw in warm water, marinate, sear and enjoy!

Seared Ahi Tuna

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Ingredients:

1 or 2 ahi tuna steaks 

2 T sesame oil

2 T soy sauce

1 T grated fresh ginger

1 T grated fresh lemongrass

1 T minced garlic (1 clove)

1 teaspoon lime juice

1 green onion thinly sliced

1 t toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

Mix the oil, soy, ginger, lemongrass, garlic and lime juice together and put in a ziplock bag with the tuna steaks and refrigerate for at least an hour.

Heat a non-stick skillet over high heat. When the pan is hot, sear the tuna steaks for 1 minute to a minute and a half on each side ( slightly longer if you want the tuna less rare.)  

Slice the tuna into 1/4-inch thick slices. Sprinkle with green onion slices and sesame seeds. Serve with rice and steamed vegetables.

Stretch this meal by serving it with egg rolls, pot stickers, or Zac's favorite "soupy buns" (a//k/a xiaolongbao).

Smoothie Tips

Keep peeled frozen bananas on hand for a quick smoothie anytime.

Freeze leftover fruit in zip lock bags (squeeze as much air out of the bag as possible) for a great addition to any smoothie.

Carnation Instant Breakfast adds as much nutritional value as many commercial nutritional supplements - and it tastes much better.  Add one serving to boost the nutritional content of your smoothie.

Don't be afraid of whole milk.  Whole milk is creamer and better tasting then skim and adds just 40 calories per 8oz serving (over low fat milk).  Additionally, whole milk is lower in carbohydrates and will keep you feeling fuller longer.


Use fresh or frozen juice or milk to increase the nutritional content and boost the taste.

Increase the protein level with protein powder.

Fresh or frozen vegetables such as spinach, kale, sweet peppers, pumpkin, carrots, or sweet potato add color, flavor, and nutrition to your smoothie.

Having trouble eating (for any reason) add baby food to your smoothie.

Peanut butter powder tastes great and boosts the nutritional content.

Nutella Cookies

Amazingly Good 4 Ingredient Cookies!

Ingredients:

1 Cup Nutella
1/2 Cup sugar
1 Cup flour
1 whole egg

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F.

Blend all ingedients together well.  Mixture will be somewhat crumbly.  Form into 1″ balls.  Place on a cookie sheet sprayed with cooking spray or lined with parchment paper.  Press down firmly with the bottom of a glass.  Bake 7-8 minutes or until set.  Cool.  Enjoy!

*To make cookies stand up higher, refrigerate cookie balls for 1 hour before flattening and baking.  This will make your baked cookies deliciously chewie and thick.  

Quick and Easy Ham and Bean Soup

Easy and Delicious!

Ingredients:

2 medium carrots, sliced
2 celery ribs, sliced
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 to 3 Tablespoons butter
4 (15 1/2 oz) cans of white beans, - great northern, cannellini, or navy
4 cups chick or vegetable broth
2 cups cubed fully cooked ham
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon minced garlic
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon Sazon seasoning blend (Hispanic foods section of grocery store)
Ham bone - if available

Directions:

If a ham bone is available, place broth in a stock pot and gently simmer bone for 20 minutes, replacing evaporated liquid before proceeding.  This will intensify the ham flavor but if a bone is not available, don't worry about it.  The soup turns out great without this step.

In a large pan, Sauté the vegetables in butter until tender.  Stir together with the remaining ingredients in a small stock pot.  Bring to a boil.  Reduce heat and simmer for 1 hour.

Servings: 8

Brocoli Slaw

A vegetable meat eaters like!

Ingredients:

• 1 package shredded broccoli slaw
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh parsley (or 1 teaspoon dried)
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onion
• 3 tablespoons cider vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (may use lime juice or water)
• 1-1/2 teaspoons sugar or 1 teaspoon honey
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
• 1/4 teaspoon coarsely ground pepper
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Directions:

In a small bowl, combine the broccoli , red pepper, parsley and green onion. In another bowl, combine the remaining ingredients; pour over slaw mixture and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate until chilled. Toss before serving. Serve with a slotted spoon. 

Serves 6