"Meatless Monday" Recipe of the Week - Vegetarian Tostadas

This week's "Meatless Monday" Recipe of the Week is a Vegetarian Tostadas. It's from one of my favorite recipe sites, CooksRecipes (http://www.cooksrecipes.com/index.html) You can make these Tostadas with many different toppings. Again you can find this recipe and all the other delicious recipes on the CooksRecipes website!

Vegetarian Tostadas

The ingredients in tostadas are highly adaptable and their composition is limited only by the cook's imagination. Think of these tostadas as a main dish layered with beans, lettuce, cheese, olives, avocado and taco sauce.

Recipe Ingredients:

1 (16-ounce) can ORTEGA Refried Beans
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
1 (1.25-ounce) ORTEGA Taco Seasoning Mix
1 (10-count) package ORTEGA Tostada Shells
Suggested Toppings: Shredded lettuce, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced ripe olives, 2 avocados (sliced), Ortega Thick & Smooth Taco Sauce

Cooking Directions:

1 - Cook beans, onion and seasoning mix in a medium saucepan, stirring frequently, until heated through.
2 - Spread bean mixture evenly over tostada shells. Top with desired toppings.
Makes 5 (2 tostada) servings.

http://www.cooksrecipes.com/mless/vegetarian_tostadas_recipe.html

Black Bean and Turkey Tacos with Fiesta Flats Tacos

Dinner Tonight: Black Bean and Turkey Tacos with Fiesta Flats Tacos

We missed the damaging part of the storm that moved through the region. Got a lot of heavy rain with some strong winds from time to time. The rain did get rid of most of our snow that was left though. I actually think it's more windy today than overnight. Went to Kroger to pick up a few items and was heading home on I-75 and it was struggle for everyone driving as the winds were very high. For dinner tonight, one of my favorites, Taco Night! Black Bean and Jennie - O Turkey Tacos with the new Ortega Fiesta Flats.

As usual when it's Turkey Tacos it's Jennie -O Ground Turkey! Love the Jennie -O Turkey Products, always fresh and low calorie and low carb. I started by frying the Ground Turkey in Canola Oil and seasoned it with Sea Salt, Ground Roasted Cumin, Cilantro Flakes, and 1 package of Old El Paso Low Sodium Taco Seasoning. As I added the Taco Seasoning Mix I also added 1 can of Bush’s Low Sodium Black Beans, I had drained and rinsed them before I added them. Black Beans with Ground Turkey is a perfect pairing for Tacos, added flavor and protein. Mixed well until everything was coated and then simmered another 5 minutes until heated through. The Black Bean and Ground Turkey mix is a perfect one for Tacos, they complement each other very well.







For my other toppings I used 1 small can of Mario Sliced Black Olives, Sargento 4 Cheese Mexican Shredded Reduced Fat Cheese, Dole Shredded Lettuce, Dean's Guacamole, Old El Paso Taco Sauce, and all in a Ortega Fiesta Flats. I love Taco Nights! You can have so many different types of Tacos with so many different toppings, just endless options for dinner. First time we tried the New Ortega Fiesta Flats. They make a nice option to the regular Taco Shell. Their 150 calories and 17 net carbs per serving, 2 Shells make a serving. They're nice size, so you can load them up with healthy toppings. Another plus is they seem to hold their shapes, even after a couple of bites. I'll keep box of these in the pantry. For dessert later a Weight Watchers  Mini Ice Cream Cone.








Jennie – O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast

Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
Our leanest ground turkey, all natural, 99 percent fat-free with no gluten.
Product Features:
99% fat-free
Gluten Free
All Natural
The Biggest Loser® Product
20-oz (1.25 lbs) or 40-oz package (2.5 lbs)

Cooking Instructions:
STOVE TOP METHOD:
* Spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
* Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add ground turkey to hot skillet.
* Stir to crumble, approximately 14 to 16 minutes.
* Always cook to well-done, 165°F. as measured by a meat thermometer.



Nutritional Information
Serving Size 112 g Total Carbohydrates 0 g
Calories 120 Dietary Fiber 0 g
Calories From Fat 15 Sugars 0 g
Total Fat 1.5 g Protein 26 g
Saturated Fat .5 g Vitamin A 0%
Trans Fat .0 g Vitamin C 0%
Cholesterol 55 mg Iron 4%
Sodium 70 mg Calcium 0%



- See more at: http://www.jennieo.com/products/3-Extra-Lean-Ground-Turkey-Breast#sthash.JhJa9l2O.dpuf







Ortega Fiesta Flats

ORTEGA® Fiesta Flats™ was recently selected by Better Homes and Gardens magazine as the winner of the 2014 Best New Product Award in the Mexican Foods Category.

New, Ortega® Fiesta Flats™ Taco Shells deliver flavor and fun in every crunchy bite! These uniquely shaped, flat bottom, crispy taco shells have raised edges, perfect for piling on loads of toppings! Whether it's a meal, appetizer or a quick and easy snack, Ortega® Fiesta Flats™ Taco Shells turn any occasion into a fiesta!

Ingredients
Whole Grain Yellow Corn Flour, Palm Oil, Salt.


Fiesta Flats Taco Shells
Flat Bottom, Yellow Corn

150
Calories
Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 3 fiesta flats (30 g)
Per Serving % Daily Value*
Calories 150
Calories from Fat 63
Total Fat 7.0g 11%
Saturated Fat 3.0g 15%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 120mg 5%
Carbohydrates 19.0g 6%
Dietary Fiber 2.0g 8%
Sugars 0.0g
Protein 2.0g
Vitamin A 0% · Vitamin C 0%
Calcium 2% · Iron 2%


http://www.ortega.com/products/ortega-fiesta-flats_90194

Turkey and Black Bean Pita Bread Tacos!

Dinner Tonight: Turkey and Black Bean Pita Bread Tacos

Went out about 7 am this morning to get the morning paper and it was C-O-L-D, how COLD minus 6 degrees. Thankfully there was no wind blowing so there wasn't a wind chill factor for a change. I had already had my breakfast, work out, and shower by the time my parents were up and having their breakfast. So while they were eating I thought I would go ahead and clean the pots and pans Mom had used to make their breakfast. When I cook I try to eat healthy by using the right oils, food, and watching the serving portion sizes. But as I started to clean up for Mom it was amazing how much cooking oil she uses. I poured out enough cooking oil to fix my meals for a week, she uses Vegetable Oil where I use Canola Oil and Extra Virgin Olive Oil. But she cooks as she was taught by her Mom, my Grandmother. I've been cooking and eating healthier ever since 2001, when I lost my leg to cancer. Just different styles of cooking, I don't think I could ever go back to not eating healthy. For dinner tonight It's Taco Night! I prepared Turkey and Black Bean Pita Bread Tacos.








I used my usual and favorite Ground Turkey, Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast. The Jennie-O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast is 120 calories, 1.5g of Fat, and 0 carbs and comes out perfect every time! To prepare the Turkey I fried it in a medium size skillet in Canola Oil and seasoned it with Sea Salt, Ground Roasted Cumin, Cilantro Flakes, and 1 package of Old El Paso Low Sodium Taco Seasoning. As I added the Taco Seasoning Mix I also added 1 can of Bush’s Low Sodium Black Beans, I drained and rinsed them before I added them. Black Beans with Ground Turkey is a perfect pairing for Tacos. Mixed well until everything was coated and then simmered another 5 minutes until heated through.








For my other Taco toppings I used 1 small can of Mario Sliced Black Olives, 1 small diced Tomato, Sargento 4 Cheese Mexican Shredded Reduced Fat Cheese, Dole Shredded Lettuce, Old El Paso Taco Sauce, and all in a Joseph Flax, Oat Bran and Whole Wheat Pita Bread. I love these Pita Breads! 50 Calories, 1g Fat and only 4 Net Carbs! I use them instead of Bread when I can. For dessert later a Healthy Choice Chocolate Swirl Frozen Yogurt.








Jennie – O Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast



Extra Lean Ground Turkey Breast
Our leanest ground turkey, all natural, 99 percent fat free with no gluten.
Product Features:
99% fat free
Gluten Free
All Natural
The Biggest Loser® Product
20-oz (1.25 lbs) or 40-oz package (2.5 lbs)

Cooking Instructions:
STOVETOP METHOD:
* Spray skillet with nonstick cooking spray.
* Preheat skillet over medium-high heat.
* Add ground turkey to hot skillet.
* Stir to crumble, approximately 14 to 16 minutes.
* Always cook to well-done, 165°F. as measured by a meat thermometer.



Nutritional Information
Serving Size 112 g Total Carbohydrates 0 g
Calories 120 Dietary Fiber 0 g
Calories From Fat 15 Sugars 0 g
Total Fat 1.5 g Protein 26 g
Saturated Fat .5 g Vitamin A 0%
Trans Fat .0 g Vitamin C 0%
Cholesterol 55 mg Iron 4%
Sodium 70 mg Calcium 0%



- See more at: http://www.jennieo.com/products/3-Extra-Lean-Ground-Turkey-Breast#sthash.JhJa9l2O.dpuf

Joseph’s Flax, Oat Bran, and Whole Wheat Pita BreadJoseph’s Flax, Oat Bran, and Whole Wheat Pita Bread

Flax Variety Pack Now enjoy some of Joseph’s most popular products together in one package! The Flax Variety Pack allows you to enjoy three packages of our Flax Pita Bread, Mini Flax Pita Bread, and Flax Lavash.



Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 1 pita (28.3g)

Amount Per Serving
Calories from Fat 10 Calories 50

% Daily Values*
Total Fat 1g 2%
Saturated Fat 0g 0%
Trans Fat 0g
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 25mg 1%
Total Carbohydrate 7g 2%
Dietary Fiber 3g 12%
Sugars 0g
Protein 5g


http://www.josephsbakery.com/p-10289-Flax-Variety-Pack-Flax-Pita-Bread-Mini-Flax-Pita- 

Turkey Tacos w/ Refried Beans

Today's Menu: Turkey Tacos w/ Refried Beans

Simple, easy, and delicious! It was Turkey tacos w/ Refried Beans for dinner tonight. It had been a while since I had Tacos. I used Honeysuckle White Extra Lean Ground Turkey, 99/1 and 140 calories and 0 carbs. I wanted to use Jennie - O Extra Lean which is 20 less calories but they were out of stock on it. I browned the Turkey until it was no longer pink, I fried it in Canola oil. As it it finished browning I added a packet of Old El Paso Original Taco Seasoning.

I prepared several items for the filling to give everyone a variety. I prepared a can of Bush's Reduced Sodium Black Beans, a small can of Del Monte Whole Kernel Corn, sliced Black Olives, a jar of Dunbar's Sweet Roasted Peppers, shredded Lettuce, Kraft Mexican Taco Cheese, and two types of Taco Sauce; Ortega Mild Taco Sauce and Taco Bell Bold and Creamy Chipotle Sauce. So as you can see everyone had plenty of choices for their Taco fillings. I loaded mine with a bit of everything! I used the Ortega Mild Taco sauce. I also warmed up a can of Old El Paso Reduced Sodium Refried Beans. Just a note about the Dunbar's Sweet Roasted Peppers, this was the first time I tried them. These were fantastic! Great flavor and went great with everything. For dessert/snack later tonight a 100 Calorie Mini Bag of Jolly Time Pop Corn.

Honeysuckle White 99% Fat Free Ground Breast of Turkey

For anyone wanting the leanest high-quality meat for their meals, this is it. Substitute into any ground beef recipe, for a delicious, healthy meal. It contains only 1 gram of fat per serving.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 4 oz (112.0 g)
Amount Per Serving
Calories 120Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1.0g2%
Cholesterol 70mg23%
Sodium 55mg2%
Protein 28.0g

http://www.honeysucklewhite.com/ProductDetail.aspx?product_category_id=5&product_id=13

Dunbars: Sweet Roasted Peppers

Moody Dunbar, Inc. is the nation’s largest processor of bell peppers, roasted peppers and pimientos. We are also a major canner of high quality sweet potatoes. The Company has been owned and operated by the Dunbar family since 1933.

Our products are found on the shelves of leading grocers in all fifty states and are packaged under a wide variety of labels. We also supply hundreds of other food companies who use our products as ingredients in a wide array of foods. Additionally, we supply most of America’s largest foodservice distributors who serve dining establishments nationwide ranging from your local deli to the nation’s finest restaurants.

We welcome this opportunity to tell you more about our fine products.

Nutrition Facts
Serving Size 30 G
Servings Per Container 12
Amount Per Serving
Calories 10Calories from Fat 5
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 0.5 G 1
Saturated Fat 0 G
0
Trans Fat 0 G
Cholesterol 0 Mg 0
Sodium 75 Mg 3
Total Carbohydrate 1 G 0
Dietary Fiber 0 G
Sugars 1 G
Protein 0 G

http://www.moodydunbar.com/

Chicken Soft Tacos

Today's Menu: Chicken Soft Tacos



I had no clue on what to have for dinner tonight so I went shopping at the local Walmart to see what looked good. After hitting a few aisles I came across dinner! I picked up some Old El Paso Soft Tacos, a few cans of Ortega Premium Chunk Chicken Breast with rib meat in Santa Fe style sauce with black beans & corn, Thin Cut Chicken Breasts, and Lettuce. I had Shredded Cheese Sliced Black Olives, Green Chilies, and Taco Sauce already at the house so I was set to have Chicken Tacos for dinner tonight!

I used Harvestland Thin Cut Chicken Breasts. I seasoned them with Morton's Salt Substitute and Ground Black Pepper. I've been trying out The Morton's Salt Substitute here lately. My blood pressure been running a tad high so I've been trying to cut Salt where I can. Anyway back to the Chicken after seasoning it I fried them in Extra Virgin Olive Oil about 4 minutes per side. Removed them from the heat and sliced them into strips. I then microwaved 1 can of Ortega Premium Chunk Chicken Breast with rib meat in Santa Fe style sauce with black beans & corn and mixed it with the sliced Chicken. A can of this contains enough Chicken by itself but I wanted to add more meat to it.

 With the Chicken ready I heated 2 Old El Paso Soft Tacos, 40 seconds in the microwave and assembled my Tacos. Layered Lettuce, Chicken mixture, Kraft Mexican Cheese, and Topped with Ortega Mild Green Taco Sauce. I don't use this sauce often enough! Just a hint of heat to it and very flavorful. It's made with Green Tomatoes and Tomatillos. Good alternative to normal Taco Sauce. Fantastic Tacos! For me the Mild Green Taco Sauce and the  Ortega Santa Fe style brings everything together and makes some delicious Tacos! I left the info on the Ortega Premium Chunk Chicken Breast with rib meat in Santa Fe style sauce with black beans & corn at the end of the post. For dessert later a slice of Pillsbury Nut Quick Bread.



Ortega Premium Chunk Chicken Breast with rib meat in Santa Fe style sauce with black beans & corn

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size 1/4 Cup

Servings Per Container 3.5
Amount Per Serving
Calories 40     Calories from Fat 10
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 1 g     2%
Saturated Fat 0 g     0%
Trans Fat 0 g
Cholesterol 15 mg     5%
Sodium 240 mg     10%
Potassium —     —
Total Carbohydrate 3 g     1%
Dietary Fiber 1 g     4%
Sugars 1 g
Protein 5 g

Fish Tacos

Dinner Tonight: Fish Tacos

Quick, easy, and healthy! ...and delicious! Fish Tacos. I used Gorton's Tenders in Original Batter for the Fish and Ortega Whole Grain Corn Taco Shells. As toppings I had Lettuce, Sliced Black Olives, Diced Green Chilies, Kraft 2% Shredded Sharp Cheddar, and a Taco/Sour Cream Sauce. The recipe for the Mix is:

* 1 Package of Taco Seasoning Mix
* 1/2 Cup Reduced Sour Cream
* 1/2 Cup Lite Mayonnaise
* 1/4 Cup fresh Cilantro, Chopped

* Combine all the ingredients in a small bowl and mix well
You'll love this sauce, great flavor!