Amazing Low Carb Ideas

I found a bunch of great low carb ideas that are pretty easy and delicious. Especially lately I feel like I have been on a sugar craze! I just cant stop eating sugar. So here are just a few of the healthy yet delicious ideas from Top10Kitchen.com.

 Bacon Wrapped Dates. 'Nough said. :)

 Genius! Bake string cheese inside of a sliced pepper of your choice, 

this would be a great side dish for dinner or a mid meal snack. 

My personal favorite! Zucchini Parmesan. My family actually fry's zucchini or eggplant with just eggs and olive oil and it always turns out amazing, next time we are so going to try it with Parmesan. I'll let you know how it goes! 

For more visit http://www.top10kitchen.com/top-10-low-carb-snacks/

10 Healthy Alternatives by Picklee.com

I just had to share this great alternatives chart I found on www.Picklee.com. 
http://www.picklee.com/2012/09/05/10-healthy-choices-make-healthy-living/
These are really easy things to add to your meals that are just as delicious (if not more so!). Thanks for reading guys!

Cookbook Hoarder

Hello, my name is Rebecca, and I am a cookbook hoarder. I am going to sidetrack from our normal Kitchen Corner segments and bring to you a message about cookbooks!

Cookbooks are a few of my favorite things. Now that I have the Sound of Music stuck in your head, let me explain why. I know a few people who seem to be very gifted in the culinary arts, and sadly, I am not one of them. I really need a step-by-step guide to show me my end result when it comes to cooking. I prefer ones with pictures too (that way I can compare and know if I screwed it up too much). Having all these meals in one place is also so helpful. 

That is why I want to share with you one of my favorite cookbooks! Our Best Bites by Kate Jones and Sara Wells.

I am not a mother yet, and I know the catchline is "Mormon moms in the Kitchen," but I adore this cookbook. This was one of my favorite wedding gifts. There are so many wonderful recipes, and I have yet to try them all. One of the best things about it is the fact that these meals are so easy! (I love the fix-it and forget-it type of things and anything that is easy to cook and doesn't take to long to prepare.) Novice cookers will be considered head chefs after using this book!

Like most cookbooks, this one is organized into sides, main dishes, salads, soups, drinks, etc. They actually have another book that is a seasonal one where the dishes are organized into spring, summer, fall, and winter. You can purchase it at Deseret Book. 

I highly suggest this cookbook for anyone! Even kids can help cook the meals in this book. If you have this cookbook or end up getting it, let me know what your favorite meal is, and I might have to try it (or try it again!).

Easy Eggplant Parmesan

1 Egg plant cut into slices
3 c. mozzarella
2 c. Red Pasta Sauce 
2 c. White all purpose flour
1/4 c. garlic butter seasoning (I buy from costco)
3 eggs, scrambled
1/2 c. olive oil

First heat the olive oil in a pan on a low setting. White its heating cut half egg plant in slices, I cut half the egg plant in smaller bit sized pieces to snack on the fried eggplant while the rest is baking :D. In two separate bowls, mix the flour and garlic seasoning.  Roll the egg plant in the flour till it is covered, next dip it in the egg, then into the hot oil. 
 

Once the eggplant is fried, set it aside on a paper towel. Once they are done lay the egg plant in your choice of glass pan, I use a 9x13. Cover in your pasta sauce and cheese. Fresh basil is also a good addition. 

Bake for 15 minutes at 360. Viola!

Parmesan Alfredo Pasta

Any one who knows me knows that I don't cook. It is time consuming and I would rather use that time doing something fun! That is why sometimes I am grateful for THRIVE foods from Thrive Life. This recipe can be found on the side of the THRIVE Farfalle Pasta as well! I made a few adjustments to what I had in our kitchen or didn't have. 

From start to having food dished on the table was only 20 minutes!

Ingredients:

2 c. THRIVE Rainbow Farfalle Pasta
1 tbsp. garlic
2 tbsp. butter
1 c. water
1/2 c. THRIVE Broccoli (can substitute for THRIVE Asparagus)
3/4 c. THRIVE Mushroom Pieces (optional)
2 tbsp. THRIVE Chopped Onions
1/2 c. THRIVE Bechamel Sauce
1 tsp. THRIVE Chef's Choice Seasoning Blend
1/2 tsp. THRIVE Italian Seasoning Blend
1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/2 c. cream or milk
1/2 c. parmesan cheese
3/4 c. THRIVE Tomato Dices (reconstituted)

Directions:

Cook pasta until al dente: set aside. Saute garlic in butter until lightly caramelized. Deglaze with water, then add sauce, seasoning blends, and all veggies except tomatoes. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes. Finish with lemon juice, cream or milk, and parmesan cheese and simmer lightly for 1 minute. Fold in tomatoes (do not drain after reconstituting) and pasta, and cook another minute.

Makes 4 servings.