Mexican Style Salad Naan Pizza

Often times I try and make dinners that can please the whole family, and everyone will enjoy. That's in a perfect world though...In reality, my husband wants Del Taco, one daughter is screaming for a popsicle, and the other is eating crumbs off the kitchen floor...And I just want to make peanut butter and honey sandwiches for everyone and tell them to suck it up. (And then I'll go out and have myself a nice dinner.)

IMG_8234
IMG_8234

Nothing's worse than making this huge dinner to have one person try it, and the rest of the family dabble at it. So glad I spent 45 minutes making dinner for everyone to not eat it.

AM I RIGHT MOMS?!?!

IMG_8212
IMG_8212

I've learned that effort is good when making dinner, but going all out crazy just isn't worth it. No matter how many sauces, dips, spreads, spices, and methods I used making that dinner, there is a chance that 50% will eat only a few bites. And then I feel bummed because all the work I put into dinner, so I finish off everyones plate to make up for it.

It's not pretty.

IMG_8202
IMG_8202

So when it comes to dinner, I try and think simple. I remember that I have two kids under 3, and a husband that has the flavor palate of a 15 year old. I also usually try to stick with dishes that can easily be adapted for my kiddos. That means that I can take different parts of that dish and serve them separately to my one year old. For example, this pizza.

I made it so I can serve her the chicken separately, along with the corn, and I can make a quesadilla out of the rest of the ingredients.

IMG_8214
IMG_8214

The sauce is so easy that it took 2 minutes to make, just the way I like it! It's vibrant and green due to the cilantro and avocado, which goes perfectly for a mexican style pizza! I also added this in my girls quesadillas!

IMG_8218
IMG_8218

Let's not forget about the "crust" in this pizza. It's garlic naan bread, which just took a few hours off my dinner prep. On days where I don't have the will or time to make homemade dough, naan bread is the perfect sub. It's fluffy and flavorful, and when you broil it in the oven it has a nice little crunch just like pizza dough would!

IMG_8220
IMG_8220
IMG_8221
IMG_8221

Then there is my husband and I who have completely two different food preferences. So for my pizza, I opted for no cheese to keep it a little lighter.

But for my husbands pizza, I added a little bit more chicken, lots or cheese, and a few dashes of hot sauce!

After the pizzas are baked, I drizzled cold plain greek yogurt on top, which brings it all together!

IMG_8225
IMG_8225
IMG_8227
IMG_8227
IMG_8230
IMG_8230

Mexican Salad Naan Pizza

Ingredients

  • For the Pizza
  • Garlic Naan Bread
  • Avocado Cilantro Sauce(Recipe to follow)
  • romain lettuce
  • Cooked chicken
  • corn
  • tomatoes
  • peppers
  • cheese
  • plain greek yogurt
  • hot sauce
  • (For the Avocado Cilantro Sauce)
  • 2 small avocados
  • 2 small limes (juice)
  • 1 small bunch cilantro
  • 1/4 c. chopped white onion
  • 1-2 gloves garlic chopped
  • 1/2 tsp. cumin
  • salt/pepper

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing by combining all of the ingredients into a blender, and blending until creamy. Adjust salt/pepper to preferred taste.
  2. To make the pizza, get the naan bread. Spread the sauce on top of the bread.
  3. Then top with chopped romain, corn, diced tomatoes, diced peppers, cooked chicken, and if desired, cheese.
  4. Turn the oven on HI broil, and cook pizza for about 5 or so minutes, until the naan bread is a little crisp and the cheese is melted.
  5. Drizzle with greek yogurt.
  6. Enjoy!

3.2.1310

IMG_8231
IMG_8231
IMG_8232
IMG_8232

My husband said this was his favorite dish from me. But he totally says that all the time because I'm such an amazing cook so...

IMG_8237
IMG_8237

This is what the girls dinner looked like. It wasn't as colorful, but they enjoyed it! Their quesadillas had cheese and the avocado sauce.

IMG_8238
IMG_8238

Don't worry, tomorrow night I WILL serve peanut butter and honey sandwiches.

Diva Adventures: Frijoles Grilled Tacos, Las Vegas

It's been a while since I've shared a visit to a restaurant here on the blog! What's even more sad is that I live in Las Vegas where tons of people visit often, and there are amazing restaurants galore! But...I have two little kids and no babysitter... And if we aren't out of a restaurant within 20 minutes, well...It gets dangerous.

IMG_7746
IMG_7746

That being said, our little family LOVES eating out. Ironic? No..More like, I just cleaned the kitchen and it would be really nice for it to stay clean for at least an hour...

Get in the car kids! We're gettin' tacos!

IMG_7721
IMG_7721

Majority of the time when we eat out, we chose Mexican. No, every time we eat out we chose Mexican. I go through salsa like I drink water, and my husband could eat burritos every day for lunch.

Correction. I think he does.

So when our good friends opened a Mexican Grilled Tacos Restaurant called Frijoles, there was no doubt in our minds that we had to check it out.

IMG_7719
IMG_7719

After eating there more than I'd like to admit, I knew I had to share this amazing find with all of you! Being a healthy lifestyle blog, I totally consider this something that is right up my alley. All the food and drinks are fresh, made right in front of you! There are meat and vegetarian options and...FOR CRYING OUT LOUD THEY HAVE THE MOST DELICIOUS SPINACH DRINK.

Was that clear?

IMG_7723
IMG_7723

If I'm correct, this drink was made with lime, spinach, and oranges. Dang It!...Now I'm craving it. I've also had their CHIA SEED lemonade, which was the perfect balance of sweetness and tangy-ness! But don't worry, if those drinks don't float your boat, there are a ton of fresh drinks right up front for you to sample and chose from!

IMG_7729
IMG_7729

We usually get my girls rice and quesadillas and then cause a huge rice bomb all over the floor. (But that's ok, we know the owners so they totally are ok with that :)! )

Rice is probably one of my favorite carbs besides sour dough bread, and this one fits the bill perfectly!

IMG_7724
IMG_7724

The salsa is fresh and somewhat chunky, just the way I prefer my salsa! And my husband...(Only he's not chunky, so that jokes not even funny.)

IMG_7728
IMG_7728

Now here is where things are going to get intense...

This corn. I swear I make "MMMmmmm" noises every time I take a bite. I've had my share of grilled corn, but this one is just different! I swear they sprinkle magic (yes that's right) on them or something, because this corn is incredibly addicting! It has the perfect char from the grill, the right amount of sweetness from the corn, a little spice, and the cojita cheese brings it all together!

IMG_7737
IMG_7737

Ahhh...The grilled tacos. I've never strayed, and i've always gotten the grilled chicken tacos and never once been disappointed. It's made with corn tortillas, seasoned and grilled chicken, amazing FRIJOLES (beans), salsa, guacamole, cheese, and sour cream. I usually skip the cheese and just get a little sour cream since I usually ate my weight in salsa, corn, and spinach juice. Just trying to balance things out...

IMG_7738
IMG_7738

My husband get's something different every time, and this last time he got a grilled shrimp burrito. I know this picture is horrible, but it was either this picture or one of him shoving the burrito in his mouth. I'm assuming he was very pleased :)!

IMG_7743
IMG_7743
IMG_7745
IMG_7745

So if you are ever visiting Las Vegas, or live locally, come try Frijoles!

IMG_7747
IMG_7747

I'm hoping to share more of my favorite 'healthy' restaurant Las Vegas finds in the near future since I get asked a lot the best places to eat! I might also throw in the best place to find chocolate cake...

I'm sure you won't mind though right?

Strawberry Mint Iced Green Tea

The very first time I tasted an iced tea was a few months ago. True story. I always thought it was weird when people ordered iced tea, because like...It's cold tea. Tea is gross. It taste like watered down leaves. No matter how much honey you add to that tea, it doesn't make it sweeter.However, the only thing that will make it sweet is straight up 6 Tablespoons of sugar...

Or so I thought.

IMG_7628
IMG_7628

If your new to this blog, then I must come out and warn you that I suffer from chronic sugar cravings. Not sure if this is a real disorder, but I think about eating chocolate cake after every meal. With that being said, I try and drink my weight in water to control those cravings. Does it work?

Sometimes.

But an ice cold glass of water would really help that piece of chocolate cake go down a little easier.

So you see, I've been a huge supporter of drinking water. In the past few months though, I've become bored with it. I honestly blame our ice machine, because it has this disability where it can't make crushed ice. The machine says it's on crushed ice mode, but clearly it's confused. It's really put a damper on my water drinking habits.

IMG_7591
IMG_7591
IMG_7590
IMG_7590

And now that summer has finally approached Las Vegas, I can see myself getting pretty thirsty every 5 minutes.

(I promise this story is going somewhere.)

That's when I was introduced to iced tea. I admit that this sounds weird because I'm basically saying, "OMG guys! There's this new drink out! Have you heard of ICED TEA?!" I promise I'll try and keep up more...

IMG_7607
IMG_7607
IMG_7615
IMG_7615

I loved how it was cold, refreshing, and had a hint of flavor and sweetness.  

Now, the best thing about this recipe is that it's pretty versatile. You can try different herbal teas, different fruits, add citrus, ginger, cucumber, etc. You can leave it in the fridge to have on hand, or it works great for holiday BBQ's and having friends over! I usually let the add ins sit in the tea overnight, and the next day I take them out.

IMG_7618
IMG_7618

Dare I say I'm about to start a new trend called "Iced Tea?" Think about it my friends...It could get popular.

IMG_7619
IMG_7619

Strawberry Mint Iced Green Tea

Ingredients

  • 5 Green Tea Bags-Mine had a hint of orange in it
  • water
  • 1/4 c. raw honey- or another preferred sweetener
  • strawberries-handful
  • handful of mint leaves, ripped into medium pieces

Instructions

  1. Fill a small pot with water. Add in the honey. (If using another sweetener like stevia, just add that in at the end.)
  2. Bring the pot to a boil over the stove.
  3. Remove from heat, add the tea bags, and cover. Let the tea sit for at least 15-20 minutes.
  4. Remove the tea bags and add the tea to a pitcher. Add cold water to the pitcher. Fill up 3/4 of the way full.
  5. Add in diced strawberries and ripped mint leaves. Stir until combined. The amount of water, strawberries, and mint will depend on the size of your pitcher.
  6. Put the pitcher in the fridge and let it set for at least an hour so the flavors come together. Serve over a lot of crushed ice. Others can sweeten the tea more if desired.

3.2.1310

IMG_7623
IMG_7623
IMG_7626
IMG_7626
IMG_7631
IMG_7631

You heard it here first folks! Next week I'll be talking all about this new foodie find called...Kale. I swear, it's the next big thing!

Just Desserts Mother's Day Recipes

As promised, I have all the recipes from THIS Mother's Day: All Desserts Menu. I will say that I've gladly been enjoying each and every single dessert on a...daily basis. Especially the Chocolate Truffles! I've had to fight my husband off for those. I hope everyone had an enjoyable Mother's Day! The recipes will be a link that you click on that will take you to a PDF Word Document of the recipe (Since there are 4 recipes on this post.) Once you click on the PDF, you can print them out!

IMG_7392

IMG_7392

IMG_7383

IMG_7383

Chocolate Vegan Cupcakes with Vegan Vanilla Frosting 

I've been wanting to make a vegan frosting FOREVER that didn't use powdered sugar! So grateful I found the perfect recipe to play around with, and actually make a FLUFFY frosting that I could add to a piping bag!

Vegan Chocolate Cupcakes w: Vegan Chocolate Frosting

IMG_7399

IMG_7399

Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com

IMG_7406

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Bars (TO DIE FOR)

I find myself sneaking a bite here and there from the fridge. They remind me of no bake peanut butter cookies, which I remember making and eating all the time as a kid!

Click the link below for the recipe:

Chocolate Peanut Butter Crispy Bars

Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com

IMG_7390

Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com

IMG_7402

Dark Chocolate Ganache Drizzled Strawberries 

The ganache is so simple to cook up and incredible delicious, you will most likely start making it often and putting it on everything. Even pizza...maybe?

Click the link below for the recipe.

Dark Chocolate Ganache Covered Strawberries

Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com

IMG_7396

Mother's Day Menu: Just Desserts via http://thediva-dish.com

IMG_7405

Rich Chocolate Truffles(I WILL MAKE THESE WEEKLY!)

If you have ever had  a truffle from See's candy that just satisfies that chocolate craving like no other...well, life is about to get a whole lot better :). These cure ANY chocolate craving, and they have the added health benefits! Cocoa powder, healthy fats from coconut oil, and naturally sweetened with maple syrup!

Click the link below for the recipe.

Rich Chocolate Truffles

IMG_7397

IMG_7397

(My Favorite) Bean Burgers

  The first time I ever visited my favorite restaurant in San Diego, I wore a bathing suit (no coverup), and I was 6 months pregnant.

IMG_7200
IMG_7200

Everything about this restaurant is fascinating. The tables, curtains, clothes, and chairs are all made by the workers of this restaurant. The food grows in their garden, and I'm almost positive there are addictive ingredients added to each recipe on the menu. Everything is THAT good.

I've talked about The Yellow Deli many times on the blog, and even recreated my favorite Green Drink a while back. At one point my husband told the hostess he loved her over the phone, and well, then she gave us our dinner for free. Probably so he'd stop calling.

IMG_7173
IMG_7173

One of my favorite menu items there is their veggie burger. It's different than any veggie burger I've had, and I truly believe it's the way it's built. The toppings make an incredible difference, and I swear one of those toppings is crack.

Maybe not, but probably.

IMG_7183
IMG_7183
IMG_7186
IMG_7186

It's an onion roll with a garlic spread, warm and perfectly ripe avocado, sprouts, fresh tomatoes, sauteed onions, and crack.

Yup.

I did my best to recreate my favorite veggie burger, and I must say, It made me feel all warm and happy inside. It makes living 314 miles away from there not too bad. (I googled it.) The garlic spread is just a little bit of mayo mixed with some chopped garlic. You can always use veganaise or skip it completely if needed. You could also eat a pretzel and pretend it's chocolate cake...Your choice.

IMG_7190
IMG_7190
IMG_7193
IMG_7193

(My Favorite) Bean Burgers

Everyone loves a good burger! Who says a vegetarian burger can't be delicious! With the right ingredients and toppings, you won't be missing the meat one bit!

Ingredients

  • 2-3 TB. olive/coconut oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 2 TB. chopped garlic
  • 2 pieces of bread-I used honey chia bread
  • 1/2 c. cooked barley (or brown rice)-if using rice, add another 1/4 c.
  • 1 can drained and rinsed red kidney beans
  • 2 TB. ground flax seeds mixed with 4 TB. water-placed in the fridge
  • 1 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. chili powder
  • 1 TB. dried oregano
  • dash of hot sauce
  • sprinkle of salt/pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Add oil to a pan and add garlic and onion. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
  2. In a food processor add bread. Pulse until bread turns into crumbs.
  3. Add the rest of the ingredients into the food processor: onion & garlic mixture, beans, barley, flax seed mixture, and spices.
  4. Pulse in the food processor until it's mashed up and a little chunky.
  5. Form into patties and place on a baking sheet fitted with parchment paper. You should get around 6-8 patties.
  6. Bake in the oven at 350 for 25-30 minutes, flipping the patties half way through.
  7. Let burgers sit on the baking sheet for a few minutes before serving.
  8. Top with desired toppings. (Tomato, avocado, sprouts, pickles, dijon, mayo, etc.

3.2.1255

IMG_7191
IMG_7191
IMG_7199
IMG_7199

If you are wondering if this burger is kid approved, the answer is yes. :) Just have your patties sitting on a baking sheet on the counter to resemble a fresh tray of cookies. After my one year old kept screaming "OOKIE OOKIE OOKIE", I gave in figuring she'd spit it out, but no! She ate the whole thing!

IMG_7207
IMG_7207

Sadly, she didn't mention the difference in the bean burger vs. a real cookie...

Which doesn't say much for my cookie making skills huh?

Favorite Costco Finds

While most 25 year olds spend their money on clothes, makeup, and pedicures I rack up my grocery shopping bill. I have a hard time saying no to food, like all the time. Most likely if a creeper in a broken down van opened his door to me and said he had a bag of chocolate chips...I'd probably get in the van.

(Note: Don't really do that.)

Costco is one of those places that I visit weekly, and a lot of times I am emailed about things to buy to stock a healthy pantry. Now, for those that don't know, Costco sells food and other items in bulk. Like you don't buy 1 bottle of ketchup, you buy 7. But there are things that I get weekly there because we plow through food in our house so often, that I have to go there to save money. (Yes husband, I said 'Save Money').

Here is a list of some of the things I think are worth getting at Costco. Every Costco is different, so you might not find what's on this list at your local store. I'm sure in a few months I'll do a part two because Costco likes to sell my favorite things for a little bit, and then all of the sudden..stop.

IMG_7094
IMG_7094

Produce:

Living in Las Vegas, produce isn't as fresh or as cheap as it was in California. And since we eat a lot of fruits and vegetables, I tend to buy majority of my produce from Costco. It's the most cost effective for our family since my girls can eat a whole container of blueberries in two days! Often you can find Organic produce for not much of a price difference for non organic too!

IMG_7096
IMG_7096

Frozen Fruit:

We love our smoothies in our house, so frozen fruit is a must! Right now I have a huge bag or Organic dark sweet cherries! I usually buy one bag, and use that up until it's done and then I'll switch to another fruit. Again, this has just been the most cost effective for our family too since we use it so much!

IMG_7098
IMG_7098

Sabra Single Serving Packets

I'm almost positive these aren't going to last at Costco because I love them so much! They used to see a HUGE tub of Sabra hummus for $5, and now it's gone! But it's ok, because now they switched to these single serving packets! It's perfect for out families hummus obsession, because I can take one out and eat it as a snack without eating the whole tub. I also put this in my daughters lunch for school!

IMG_7097
IMG_7097

Mama Chia Packets

These are so amazing! It's basically a sweet chia gel in a packet that you can suck right out when you need a little something. Perfect for me or the girls, we both love them!

IMG_7100
IMG_7100

Chobani

The girls favorite yogurt, especially the strawberry. Usually this is the most cost effective for us since we eat a lot of it!

IMG_7101
IMG_7101

Fruit/Veggie Packets

My one year old is obsessed with the apple sauce packets, so when Costco has them I always buy them because they don't last long! And most often, they are more expensive in other grocery stores!

IMG_7102
IMG_7102

Pure Maple Syrup

This is the syrup I use when cooking, baking, pancake making, etc. It's 100% pure! Maple syrup is SO expensive, but I've noticed I get more for my money at Costco!

IMG_7103
IMG_7103

Almond Butter

Almond butter is delicious, especially when you add a little honey and cinnamon to it. This is a great find at costco, especially since it's all natural with no added sugars! And again, more for your money!

IMG_7104
IMG_7104

Almond Butter Packets

These are perfect for lunches or quick snacks! I'm always looking for things like this to make life easier!

IMG_7105
IMG_7105

Coach's Oats

Great brand of oats, and you get a lot for your money!

IMG_7106
IMG_7106

Quinoa

I just barely finished my bag  of quinoa from costco that I got MONTHS ago! I keep it in the fridge/freezer so it last long!

IMG_7109
IMG_7109

Coconut Oil

$20 for a HUGE thing of coconut oil. If you use it as often as I do, then definitely look into this!

IMG_7110
IMG_7110

Quinoa & Brown Rice:

Microwaveable rice that's perfect and healthy for quick dinners and lunches!

IMG_7111
IMG_7111

Chia Seeds

This is similar with the quinoa in that this last forever and I keep it in the fridge until it's all gone!

IMG_7112
IMG_7112

Hemp Seeds

Along the same lines as the Chia seeds! Last forever and more for the money!

IMG_7113
IMG_7113

Dairy

I usually  buy my non dairy milks at costco, they have coconut, soy, and almond. (I use a lot during the week.) I also buy eggs there because of the great price!

IMG_7118
IMG_7118

Salsa

If costco gets rid of this salsa, I swear I will break up with them! This is the BEST salsa, and it's gone within the week. I put this crap on everything!

IMG_7119
IMG_7119

Fage Greek Yogurt

My favorite favorite yogurt! It's so thick and creamy, it's the perfect sub for sour cream and perfect for baking! You get a HUGE tub for like $5!

IMG_7120
IMG_7120

7 Superfoods Salad

This salad has kale, brussels sprouts, cabbage, pumpkin seeds, etc. I LOVE THIS SALAD! I have this often for lunch with a leftover protein from dinner! It's seriously the best, even my girls love it! (And my husband!)

IMG_7123
IMG_7123

Evolution Apple Juice

Liquid gold my friends. Everybody loves juice, but I'm kind of a snob towards juice that isn't fresh. It taste SO much better, and this is an example! We fight over this juice in our house, that's a fact.

IMG_7124
IMG_7124

Honey Chia Bread

This is a new find for me, but they give a lot of samples of it with warm melted butter. I'm now addicted! It's the perfect toast/breakfast bread with a little almond butter, honey, cinnamon, or coconut oil!

IMG_7126
IMG_7126

See what I mean...

IMG_7128
IMG_7128

Now I will say this...Don't buy all of this at once. Unless you want to spend $600 at Costco.

What are your favorite things to get at Costco? Did I miss any fun finds? Also, my children were cuddling while I shopped and took pictures for this post. My three year old was tickling my one year old and singing to her...

Costco may be what heaven is like...

IMG_7107
IMG_7107