FOOD!!!

I know that I took a huge break from blogging.....but, once again, I am going to TRY to be better about it! I have a slight new mission that may help me keep up! Casey and I have been eating really healthy lately....what does that mean to you? Well...it means that I am trying new recipes all the time and I get to share them with you!!! Don't worry....I will only be sharing the delish ones! :) I loooooooooove cooking...so get excited about these new yummy recipes!! Make them and let me know what you thought!

ALMOST FAST FOOD BURGER

Ingredients:

• 1/4 pound 96% lean ground beef (i bought natural lean ground beef and it ended up having less calories!)
• 1 slice fat free american cheese
• 1 whole grain or whole wheat bun (look in the bakery section of your grocery store...those will be better than the bread aisle ones!)
• 1/4 chopped romaine lettuce leaves
• 1 thin slice red onion
• 3 dill pickle rounds
• Ketchup, Mayo, or Mustard....but just dont use TOO much!
  

Preparation:

Shape the beef into a patty that is about 1/2 inch wider that the bun.

Preheat a medium nonstick skillet or grill rack on high heat. Place the patty on the pan or grill. Cook for 1-2 minutes on each side or until desired doneness. Try to cut the burger open a little and make sure the inside has cooked thoroughly. About 30 seconds before the burger is cooked, top it with the cheese. Place the bun halves, cut side down, on the pan or grill. Cook for about 45 seconds, or until toasted.

Place the bun bottom on a serving plate. Top with the patty, lettuce, onion, and pickles. Put the top on the burger and ENJOY!

These were so easy...and literally, close to one of the best burgers that I have had! I think the sweetness of the wheat bun really made it good!

Want to hear the best part about it? This burger is only 281 calories and 9 grams of fat!! I looked up the nutritional information for Whataburger...a normal burger there has 620 calories and 30 grams of fat!!!! If this doesn't put it into more perspective, I don't know what will!

Now...when you eat a burger...don't you feel that you HAVE to have some fries!? I do! Here is a super healthy alternative!

PARMESAN - PEPPER SWEET POTATO FRIES

Ingredients:

• 1/2 pound of sweet potatos, cut into 1/4 inch sticks (i used two large ones)
• 1 tablespoon grates reduced-fat parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• Pinch of cayenne
• Salt, to taste
• Pinch of ground black pepper
• Ketchup (optional)

Preparation:

Preheat the oven to 450 degrees.

In a medium bowl, toss the potatoes, cheese, olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.

Place the potatoes in a sisngle layer on a non-stick baking sheet. Bake for 8 minutes. Flip the potatoes over and bake for 10 - 12 minutes, or until the potatoes are tender and browned in spots. Serve immediately, with ketchup, if desired! I says that this makes ONE serving...but, thi
s was plenty for Casey and I!

These ended up being REALLY good! They kind of caught me off-guard because they aren't crunchy like normal fries are....but they were sweet and delish! I thought they were even good dipped in ketchup! Guess what? This one serving is only 249 calories and 4 grams of fat! WOO HOO!!!

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE make this meal and let me know what you think about it!!!! :)

Also...have you seen the new show on Lifetime called Cook Yourself Thin????? TIVO it! It is such a great show with good recipes!

Have a perfeday day and look forward to more great recipes!!

XOXO,

Hils