When I Say Apple, Y'all Say Cheddar!

Alright, so this post is going to be short and sweet.  Why, you ask?  Well, I'm just flat out exhausted!  A long, testing-filled day at school, combined with a tiring (in a good way) aerobics video makes for one wiped-out teacher. I know that I've posted a turkey burger recipe before, but if you're like me, and you like to keep things healthy, then you can never have too much of a good thing.  I enjoy recipes where you have one protein to buy but countless ways to prepare it.  The apples keep the turkey moist, and the low-fat cheese oozes just enough to create the perfect crust on the outside of the patty.  Y-U-M.  YUM.


APPLE CHEDDAR TURKEY BURGERS

Ingredients (4 servings):

-1 lb. extra lean ground turkey
-1 gala apple (finely diced)
-1/2 c. 2% shredded sharp cheddar cheese
-salt and pepper to taste
-1/2 t. garlic powder
-1/2 t. ground sage
-1/4 t. crushed red pepper
-1/2 t. lemon pepper
-1 egg white

Combine all ingredients together in a large mixing bowl.  Separate the meat into four equal portions.  press into patties about a half an inch thick.  Over medium high heat, cook the burgers for 5-7 minutes per side.  The turkey should be completely white on the inside.  Pink is NOT okay! Enjoy :)

You Can Never Have Enough Salmon!

So, my school started its own version of The Biggest Loser last week, and I decided to enter it with my team lead as my partner.  I have since been like a crazy scientist in the kitchen, trying to find new ways to prepare protein and veggies.  I've completely given up carbs, whole grain and all for the time being.  As you can imagine, food starts to get a little boring when the protein options are limited to boneless/ skinless chicken breasts, extra lean turkey, salmon, any white fish, and tofu.  I love all of the above minus the tofu, but it can get a little boring eating the same thing all the time. Yesterday, right before I threw in an aerobics dvd, I threw a filet of salmon, fresh green beans, and baby carrots on a baking sheet.  I waved my magic wand of spices and ended up with a delicious, healthy dinner.


HERB-COATED SALMON WITH ROASTED VEGGIES

Ingredients (serves 2):

10-12 oz. salmon fillet, skin removed
1 lime
1 T. herbs de provence
2 t. olive oil
1 t. garlic powder
salt and pepper to taste
1 1/2 c. baby carrots
1 1/2 c. green beans

Combine spices with olive oil and smooth "paste" over the top of the salmon fillet.  Squeeze the juice of a lime over the top of the coated salmon.  Sprinkle on some salt and pepper.  Place the salmon fillet in the center of a baking sheet.  Surround the salmon with the carrots and green beans.  Lightly drizzle some olive oil over the veggies, and season them with salt and pepper as well. Bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees.  Enjoy!