Food Review: Greek Yogurt

GO GREEK... yogurt that is.  I love yogurt, about a year ago I got on the Greek yogurt bandwagon and never looked back.  I used to love yogurt, but hated that the good tasting yogurts could be 180 calories for a small (4 oz) container.  Greek yogurt is healthier (fat free and less calories), flavorful and most brands are organic!  I've even used it to make healthier meals, such as my Skinny Creamed Spinach!


I eat greek yogurt several times a week for breakfast or snack, and if I'm being healthy I'll have it for dessert to satisfy my sweet tooth.  Greek Yogurt is really delicious, and I'm a huge fan.  I prefer the ones that have fruit on the bottom, but the vanilla flavor is delicious too. 


My favorite brands are:


Dannon - Oikos which is amazing and so tasty!  Only 120 calories, and it is generally a great price (a four pack at my grocery store is just under $4).  I love this stuff, and the strawberry is my favorite!

The other brand I love is Chobani.  These containers are little bit bigger, but it is a bit more pricey.  It clocks in at around 140 calories. It's a little less sweet than Oikos but it is every bit as delicious!  The vanilla is seriously good!

Do you use greek yogurt in your cooking?  What's your favorite brand?


-DD

Baked Chicken Parmesan

This Italian classic is very easy, and a bit healthier than the traditional fried counterpart!

You'll need:

Olive Oil
Italian seasoning
1-2 cloves of garlic, crushed
1 1/4 pound of boneless skinless chicken breast
1 1/2 cups of marinara sauce
1 cup of mozzarella cheese
1/4 cup of parmesan cheese
4 oz of garlic croutons

Step-by-step:
1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Cover the bottom of your casserole dish with olive oil, crushed garlic and italian seasoning
3. Layer the chicken breasts over the bottom of the olive oil mixture

4. Spread the marinara sauce over the chicken

5. Sprinkle half of the mozzarella cheese and half the parmesan cheese over the marinara sauce

6. Pour garlic croutons over the cheese
7. Add the mozzarella cheese and parmesan cheese over the croutons

8. Bake for about 45 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken breasts (ensure breasts are fully cooked before serving (meat thermometer should be at 155 degrees)

-Domesticated Duchess

Gold Rush Bars

This delicious treat is one I randomly concocted in college.  The grocery store  had a bag of butterscotch chips for $1 (super clearance) I bought two bags without hesitating.

The first bag, I used to make an amazing trailmix recipe.  But the second bag, I thought for hours of what to make. And then it came to me!  I even came up with a clever little name for the bars based on their unique gold color, and we all know the best things come in gold (i.e. my handsome golden retriever Ben).


You'll need:

1 cup of butterscotch chips (I threw in a bit extra)
1/3 cup of peanut butter
1/2 teaspoon vanilla
2 cups of rice krispy cereal


Step by step:
1. Heat butterscotch chips, peanut butter, and vanilla on medium to low heat until smooth

2. Quickly add rice krispy cereal (1/2 cup at a time) until completely mix

3. Spread onto a pan (I use a small casserole pan)

4. Let cool and enjoy!


Tip: Make a double batch.. Trust me!



-Domesticated Duchess

Cinnamon Rolls Poppers

In I was really young, each time I walked by the Cinnabon in the mall I would beg my mom to let my brothers and I share one.  Every once in a while she would give in.  My love for cinnamon rolls have never gone away :)

This is one of the easiest cinnamon roll recipes ever, and it is really good... especially since it has way calories and takes less time than a regular cinnamon roll! 


Ingredients:

1 can of crescent rolls
2 tablespoons butter (melted)
cinnamon
brown sugar
white sugar


Step-by-step:
1. Preheat oven according to the directions on the crescent roll dough 
2. Lay the dough on a clean counter and pinch all the seams together 

3. Using a brush, spread melted butter over the dough

4. Sprinkle the cinnamon on the dough, use the brush to make even.

5. Then sprinkle brown and white sugar over the cinnamon.

6. Roll the dough into a log, and then cut it into 8 pieces. 

7. Place mini cinnamon rolls into a sprayed mini muffin tin.

8. Heat for about 9 minutes and while still warm, spread cream cheese icing over the mini buns.
9. Enjoy!

Looking for another great breakfast recipe?  Try my cinnamon biscuits!



-Domesticated Duchess

Coldstone Cake Batter Ice-Cream

Cake batter is my FAVORITE, but when it's in ice-cream form.. ohmigosh. Let's just say I think cake batter ice-cream should be it's only isle.

cake batter ice-cream!

Cold Stone and Marble Slab both have amazing cake batter ice-cream.  This recipe is just as delicious, less expensive and is hands down the easiest ice-cream recipe I've ever made.  I've made it with cake and brownie mix and it is delicious!! All flavors work!  It tastes even better with this hot fudge topping that you can make in your microwave!


Granted last time I tried to make ice-cream it... well, it ended in the trash.


You'll Need:

1 cup of milk (any kind you have on hand is fine, whole will make it more thick but I just use 1%)
3/4 cup of white sugar
2 cups of heavy cream
1/2 tablespoon of vanilla 
3/4 cup of cake mix (any kind... you can even use brownie mix.. or cookie in the bag mix!)


Step-by-step:
1. Make sure your ice-cream maker bowl is in the freezer for 24 hours

2. Whisk milk and white sugar until mix is bubbly and the sugar has slight dissolved 
3. Stir in heavy cream and vanilla until smooth
4. Mix in the cake mix, make sure to mix it until it is very smooth and there are no lumps of cake mix! This can take some time

5. Pour mixture until ice-cream maker for about 25 minutes
6. Put ice-cream into another bowl in freezer for another 25+ minutes to harden
7. Use your favorite toppings and serve!!


Enjoy!!


-DD

Cheesy Chicken Rice Bake

A quick nutritious well balanced meal!  

A quick meal for the family!!

You'll need:

8 oz of cooked grilled chicken breast
4 oz of cream cheese (I love chive & onion cream cheese)
1 egg
1 1/2 cups of cooked white rice
2 cups of corn
1 1/4 cup of mexican cheese (divided) 


Step-by-step:
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees

2. Cook rice according to package
3. Prepare grilled chicken breast according to your preference 

4. Mix cream cheese and egg in large bowl until well blended.  Then stir in rice, corn, 3/4 cup of the cheese

5. Pour into a greased casserole and sprinkle with remaining cheese (sprinkle coarse pepper on top if you would like)
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes until the cheese is melted
7. Enjoy!! 

-Domesticated Duchess

Super Simple Shortbread

Happy belated Valentine's day!! I had a great day with my husband, and he definitely made me feel like the most special wife in the world!  I hope you all had a great V-Day and got to spend it with people you care about most!


I recently made some Lemon Bars, and the crust is basically a shortbread cookie.  Ever since I ate the lemon bars I've been craving shortbread cookies.

This is a family recipe and it's very easy, but also very yummy!  You can use this for a number of ways, but one of my favorites is to add some whipped topping and fruit!  They are perfectly yummy with coffee and tea, or with a big glass of milk!


You'll need:

1 sticks of butter (softened, NOT melted)
3/4 cup of superfine sugar + a pinch of sugar
1 teaspoon of vanilla
2 cups of flour




Step-by-step:
1. Mix ingredients in stand mixer.
2. Roll out dough using pin to about 1/8 inch thickness. 
3. Use cookie cutters or cut however you'd like.

4. Sprinkle a bit of sugar on all the cookies
5. Bake for 10 minutes at 400 degrees on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper, or a slipmat.  Keep an eye on the time because depending on the thickness and your oven it may need more or less time.
6. Cool on wire racks.  I am pretty bad about doing this step, but if you don't transfer them they burn!

 -Domesticated Duchess

Seasoned Pretzels

I love pretzels.  Soft pretzels, chocolate covered pretzels, and just regular pretzels from the grocery store.


This recipe is really easy but gives your pretzels an extra bit of flavor, and it's very addicting!

You'll need:

1 bag of pretzels
1 cup of extra virgin olive oil
1 ranch packet mix
1 1/2 teaspoons of chili powder


Step-by-step:
1. Preheat oven to 225 degrees 
2. Prep a large pan (11x17) that has edges, and line completely with tinfoil
3. Place pretzels onto pan evenly
4. Mix oil, ranch mix, and chili powder in small bowl until mixed well

5. Pour evenly over pretzels
6. Bake for 60 minutes
7. Eat when cooled!


Yummy for a football watching party, like the Superbowl! 


-DD

Sopapilla Cheesecake!

Cheesecake is a dessert you can find at almost any type of restaurant you go to. 


This is the easiest cheesecake recipe I've seen, and it's delicious!  If you don't know what a sopapilla is, it is a classic Mexican dessert.  Basically a fried dough baked in with cinnamon and sugar. 

This recipe comes from my mother-in-law.  She made this for a family reunion about a year and a half ago, and I'm finally getting around to making it again (with plenty of encouragement from the hubs)!


You'll need:

2 cans of crescent rolls (I used pillsbury)2 - 8 ounce containers of cream cheese
1 teaspoon of vanilla
1 1/2 cup + 1/2 cup of white sugar (divided)
1 stick of butter
1 teaspoon of cinnamon





Step-by-step:
1. Preheat oven to 350*
2. Beat cream cheese with sugar and vanilla until smooth.

3. Unroll one crescent roll dough, and put into a greased 9x13 pan
4. Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly

5. Take the second can of crescent rolls and spread over the cream cheese mix
6. Stir remaining sugar and cinnamon together until even 
7. Melt butter and pour evenly all over the top of the cheesecake.  
8. Pour the sugar/cinnamon mix together over butter

9. Bake for 30-35 minutes
10. Cool completely in pan before eating!


Makes about 16 servings.

-Domesticated Duchess

Skinny Smoothie - 118 calories!

I loveeee ice-cream.  So when my friend Lindsay posted a healthy, calcium filled, protein packed healthy shake for less than 125 calories per serving I was sold. She knows a lot about health and fitness, so I knew I was set up for success. Here's the skinny...

Frothy, Healthy and Yummy!

You'll need

2 tablespoons of sugar free/fat free Jell-o pudding of choice (Lindsay recommends Vanilla, Chocolate, Cheesecake)
1/2 cup of Fat Free Cottage Cheese
1 scoop of your favorite protein powder
2 splenda packets (or your sweetener of choice)
2 large cups of ice
1/2 cup of water

Step-by-step:
1. Pour all ingredients in blender

2. BLEND! BLEND! BLEND!
3. Serve with a spoon! Fills about two 20 oz cups and is very filling!
4. Garnish with fruit, if desired

Calorie Breakdown:
Jello - 50 
Fat Free Cottage Cheese - 80 
Protein Powder - 105 
Splenda - 0 
Ice - 0 
TOTAL = 235 calories; 2 servings 118 calories per serving! Well technically it's 117.5, but standard rounding rules apply :) 

If you are looking for something else that is sweet but won't bust the scale try my skinny peanut butter pie or skinny strawberry pie!  I have lots of other skinny && fully loaded recipes.  Check them out here!  You won't be disappointed!! 

Yummy, filling and healthy! Thanks again, Lindsay!
-DD

Liebster Blog Award

I didn't think my little blogging hobby would ever get me an award, but Michelle's at Tasty Creations and Crafty Ideas has honored me with the Liebster Blog Award!  


The Liebster Blog Award:
This award originated from Germany and it means "favorite, beloved, dearest"
The rules are: 
1 - show thanks to a blogger who awarded you by linking back to their blog 
2 - pick 5 blogs with under 200 followers and let them know about your nomination by leaving a comment on their blog 
3 - post the award on your blog!

Picking just FIVE? Ugh that was tough!  Below are five blogs I really enjoy... I think you may enjoy them too!


Miss Delish
City Girl Meets Country Boy
Table for Seven 

Diary of this girl Megan  

Life Love and in Between  

 

Thanks for reading everyone, and again a special thanks to Michelle - I originally found her blog on Tasty Kitchen!

-Domesticated Duchess

One Pot Macaroni with Cheese

Macaroni and cheese is the ultimate classic.  Popular with both children and adults alike, it is one thing that is hard to mess up!  High end restaurants (Flemmings, Jaspers, Brenner's of Houston)  have put their unique twists on this delicious dish, but the principal is the same: macaroni pasta with delicious creamy cheese.

This is a healthier version of mac and cheese.  The mac is not swimming in cheese, rather it has a subtle flavor.  If you want a lot of flavor, without all the calories this is a great option.  But the BEST part about this, is it only takes one pot to make the whole recipe.  No mixing, melting, draining, etc.  Much less messy!

You'll Need:

16 oz (2 cups) of Macaroni, uncooked
2 cups low fat Milk (plus a bit more for cooking)
1 tablespoon butter (optional)
1/2 teaspoon Mustard Powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 dash of nutmeg
1 dash of black coarse pepper
1 dash of cajun seasoning (optional)
1 1/4 cup of grated cheese (I used cheddar)... feel free to mix cheese too!
Optional toppings (for extra flavoring, but not as healthy: bread crumbs, bacon bits, be creative!)

Step-by-step:
1. Place macaroni in large pot and quickly rinse under water, using your hand remove excess water
2. In the pan with the macaroni, add milk, salt, butter, mustard powder, nutmeg and pepper
3. On medium heat, SLOWLY bring milk/macaroni mixture to a simmer, stirring frequently. If you don't stir enough it will turn into a giant glob!

4. Once the mixture begins to simmer (not boil!) turn down the heat to low.  Macaroni will slowly cook in the milk.  Continue to stir often so the macaroni will cook evenly and absorb the milk.

5. Cook for about 15-20 minutes or until milk has been fully absorbed.  If the macaroni is not fully cooked (mine was not), add additional milk in small amounts until the macaroni is fully cooked.  This takes an additional 3-5 minutes.

6. When milk is evaporated, stir in cheese of your choice.  Turn off heat and place lid on pan for 5 minutes.
7. Serve immediately!

NOTE: this makes a lot, so feel free to cut this recipe in half!

For another domesticated remix on Mac N Cheese, click here for MacNCheeseBites!

Source: White on Rice