Showing posts with label meatloaf. Show all posts
Showing posts with label meatloaf. Show all posts

Saturday, October 18, 2014

Take Your Lunch to Work Day!

One of the hardest parts of maintaining a clean eating lifestyle can be "what to eat when you're not at home."  Even packing a lunch for work can be a challenge.  To make life a little easier, I present Spicy Pumpkin Meatloaf in a Mug.  Pumpkin and beef may not go together in your mind, but I was totally blown away by how good this is.  The pumpkin makes it moist and the spices add so much flavor, you won't even believe it.  And the smell in the break room will have all your co-workers envious!  I know that some people are opposed to microwaving food, so this one isn't for you. But for those who do use the microwave oven, this is a big winner!

I don't know what is the best part... that it's easy to make (so easy) or that it tastes so good (so yummy)!  I even make this when I am at home.  No point waiting until I go into the office!

Spicy Pumpkin Meatloaf in a Mug (no eggs, no dairy)

1/4 pound lean ground beef
1/4 cup pumpkin puree
1 tsp garam masala*
1/2 tsp (or to taste) sea salt

Combine all ingredients in a bowl.  Mix with clean hands until well mixed.  Place the mixture in an 8 oz or large microwave-safe mug.  Microwave at 70% for about 6 minutes.  I check it after about 4 minutes and then every couple minutes until it looks done.  Don't overcook, to prevent drying.

Let cool and enjoy!

So okay, but what the heck is garam masala?  Or at least that's what I thought when I first read this recipe!  For those of you not in the know (like me!), it is a blend of ground spices common in North Indian cuisine.  I suppose you can buy it already mixed at a store that sell Indian food, but I opted to make my own.  It's spices you may already have in your cupboard!

*Garam Masala 

1 T ground cumin
1-1/2 tsp ground coriander
1-1/2 tsp ground cardamom
1-1/2 tsp ground black pepper
1 tsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground cloves
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg

Mix together all ingredients.  Use what you need and store the rest in an airtight container.

Saturday, July 19, 2014

It's What's for Supper!

Have you made Almond Joy Bars yet?  Well, I am here to tell you... you should!  These turn out like cake and are so very very good that I made them twice last week!  The blogs say not to use almond meal, but I did and they still turned out fab-u-lous!  The only reason I didn't make it again is because I ran out of unsweetened coconut!  I will take care of that today when I go to Trader Joe's and Whole Foods.

Almond Joy Bars
I have a busy week ahead so it's very important that I have a plan for meals, especially after working all day.  Some of this will be prepped beforehand.  For example, when I make marinara sauce, it makes a lot so I just freeze the extra.  Lucky for me I had some in the freezer that we can use!  The quinoa salad will be made this weekend so it's all ready to go on Monday.  I love those kind of days!  What are you clean eating this week?

This week's menu includes:
Mediterranean Quinoa Salad - I really love this stuff and it makes a bunch so I have it all week for lunch too!
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken - If it has feta, I am there!!
Sundried Tomato Meatloaf - The sundried tomatoes really make this meatloaf awesome!
Marinara Sauce with whole wheat pasta (or pasta of choice) - Make a bunch and freeze it!
Pizza! - I have made this recipe so many times lately.  Because I make them personal size, I always have some to freeze and take for lunches.
BLTs - MR just loves his BLTs, and since it's tomato season, who am I to say no?!

I think we need a few treats too.... 

Thin-ner Mint Cookies - Taste so much like Girl Scout cookies, you won't believe it!
Apple Pie Balls - A family favorite!
Pecan Pie Balls - Super easy to make!