HOLY GUACAMOLE!

One summer in college I had the extreme pleasure of waitressing at a Mexican restaurant in NYC called Caliente Cab Co. I left work every night reeking of Mexican food, my wallet was stolen the week before my birthday, AND I once had to call the police on a woman who ate her entire meal, refused to pay, and then made a scene during the lunch rush...

However, I learned a very valuable skill at Caliente, a skill that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. No, I'm not talking about making a mean margarita jell-o shot with tequila (I'll save that recipe for another time!). 

I am talking about making table side guacamole!

Ordering fresh guacamole at a restaurant can cost as much as $15 and it is served with fried tortilla chips! Making your own chips and guacamole is a great way to save money and calories.  My recipe will cost around $5 and since the chips are baked you can eat twice as many without feeling guilty! (I am all about volume when it comes to food)

GUACAMOLE

Ingredients

2 avocados

2 limes

1/2 large tomato- diced

1/2 large red onion- diced

1 jalapeno- finely chopped (modify amount based on your personal heat preference)

salt and pepper to taste

cilantro (I personally hate cilantro and think it tastes like soap, but for those who love it feel free to throw a little in there)

1. Cut avocados in half, remove the seed, and scoop avocado out of peel and into a bowl.

2. Mash avocados with a fork until you've reached your desired smoothness.

3. Add juice from both limes (if your limes are a bit hard you can put them in the microwave for a few seconds to help them release their juice)

4. Mix in red onion, tomato, jalapeno, salt, and pepper.

5. Add cilantro (if you like it)

6. ENJOY!

GUILT-FREE BAKED TORTILLA CHIPS

Ingredients

3 large whole wheat tortillas (note: you can use low-carb tortillas but they come out less crunchy)

olive oil spray

garlic powder

salt and pepper

1. Preheat oven to 325 degrees

2. Cut tortillas into triangles and spread onto cookie sheet in a single layer. (for easy cleanup line cookie sheet with tin foil first)

3. Spray tortillas with olive oil spray and sprinkle with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.

4. Bake until golden brown, approximately 8 minutes.

Serve guacamole and chips with any cut veggies of your choice. 

Salted Caramel Pinkberry

As we have previously discussed I am an ice cream fanatic.  Today I tried the new Salted Caramel Pinkberry flavor and it is SO DELICIOUS! 

www.pinkberry.com

Sweet caramel frozen yogurt topped with sea salt...mmmm...salty/sweet goodness.

Go try it right now! 

The only thing that could make it better would be another salty/sweet favorite as a topping...

Pretzel M&Ms!!!

Food Trucks on The Green

I am a Florida girl, born and raised, so as soon as NYC waves goodbye to winter I am ready to throw on my flip-flops and head to Central Park!

If you are anything like me then you are probably in Central Park every weekend over the summer throwing a football with friends and soaking up the sun.  One of the greatest changes to Central Park this summer is the conversion of Tavern on the Green into a visitor center and food truck stop.

Who doesn't love food trucks?!  The Tavern on the Green garden has been transformed into a clean and comfortable picnic area filled with tables, umbrellas, chairs...and clean restrooms (and we all know how important that is)!!! On any given day there are 3-4 food trucks parked around the picnic area and whether you want a sweet treat, healthy meal, or adult beverage there is a food truck for you!

To cool off on a hot summer day be sure to check out Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. Every day they serve up a selection of artisan ice creams, homemade pastries, and coffees, but, make sure to get there early because their most popular ice cream flavors will sell out!

If you are looking for farm fresh salads, soups, and sandwiches with a wide selection of vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free options then Ladle of Love is the place to go. When I stopped in I was having a splurge day and the Chicken BLT on Ciabatta was like a celebration of flavor in my mouth!  The ciabatta was soft and chewy and was the perfect balance with the tender chicken and salty bacon. A creamy spicy paprika aioli tied the sandwich together.  PLUS, it was only $6.50!!! HOLY BARGAIN!

  

The bar is open... at Pera Turkish Tacos that is! For the first time in NYC a food truck has been given permission to sell beer, wine and cocktails and you can find that truck in Central Park. This food truck version of the well-known midtown restaurant Pera offers a menu of tacos, sides, and desserts with a Mediterranean twist.  

These foods trucks may be the perfect place for we humans to find lunch in the park but don't fret about your pooch's happiness because Bocce's Bakery Biscuit Bike has got your favorite pup covered. Their daily selection of all-natural and organic dog biscuits are designed with your furry friends in mind.  

Bocce's Bakery Biscuit Bike is always on the move so be sure to follow them on facebook or twitter to see where they are parked today!

Blockhead's Will Brighten Your Day

Having a rough day at work?  If you are leaving the office in need of a drink and dinner but don't have a lot of money to spend then head on over to your local Blockhead's for a cold drink and some waist/wallet friendly Mexican fare.

During Happy Hour you can take the edge off with a 12oz glass of refreshing red or white sangria for only $5.50.  If you're willing to splurge on calories Blockhead's also offers $4 frozen margaritas all-day, every-day!

For that extra kick to really brighten your day try the Pink Bulldog.  It is a frozen vodka pink lemonade with a corona mixed in and it's a steal at only $7.50.

Don't worry if you've spent a chunk of your daily calories on a frozen beverage because Blockhead's also offers a wide selection of low-fat, low-carb, and vegetarian options so no matter what your dietary preferences are they've got a meal for you.  

My personal favorite is the Mexican Chicken Wrap.

What we've got here is a gigantic wrap made with a 12inch tortilla (I opt for whole wheat), grilled chicken, lettuce, tomato, guacamole, salsa, and cheese.  I usually hold the cheese to save calories but since avocado is a "good" fat (and Blockhead's guacamole is to die for!) I leave it on there. For $9.95 this meal is very budget friendly, especially in NYC, and it's so hearty you can eat half now and save the rest for lunch tomorrow. 

For locations and other healthy suggestions visit Blockhead's website and check out their nutritional highlights found in the menu section. 

Joe is the Only Man I Need

Well...that may not be completely true but when I want to impress that special someone Trader Joe's is my one stop shop for everything I need to cook a delicious (and healthy!) meal on a budget.

(Trader Joe's on 14th St near Union Square)

My favorite date night meal is Chicken Marsala with a side of Asparagus and Roasted Garlic Crostini. 

That may seem like a lot of food but my recipes below make enough for 4 people (or 2 very hungry daters) and they will cost you about $20 total! 

$20! That's such a bargain that you'll have enough money in your pocket to head over to the Trader Joe's Wine Store for a lovely bottle to go with your dinner. They have a great selection of wines under $10 so feel free to stock up.

Now, I know Chicken Marsala sounds a little intimidating but I'll let you in on a little secret, it is a lot easier than you think. The trick is all about the timing.  This entire meal will take about an hour to prepare from start to finish but there is a lot of down time which leaves plenty of room for chatting over a glass of wine.

Start with the...

ROASTED GARLIC CROSTINI

Ingredients

2 heads garlic

1 tsp olive oil

1 multigrain baguette, cut into pieces on the diagonal

olive oil spray 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees

2. Cut the top off of the garlic exposing the inner cloves. Place garlic, cut side up, on a piece of tin foil.

3. Pour olive oil into the heads of garlic, wrap with foil, and put in the oven.

4. Roast for 45 minutes or until garlic has the consistency of softened butter.

5. Arrange baguette pieces on a baking sheet in a single layer, lightly spray then with olive oil spray.

6. Around the 35 minute mark on the garlic, add baking sheet with baguettes into the oven.  Cook for 8-10 minutes until golden and crisp on the outside. If timed correctly the garlic and crostini should finish cooking at the same time.

Around the 35 minute mark you should also begin preparing the Chicken Marsala.  

CHICKEN MARSALA

Ingredients

1 pound chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into four 4oz pieces

1 cup mushrooms, sliced

2 tsp olive oil

1/2 cup Marsala wine

1/3 cup all-purpose flour

1 cup beef broth, low-fat

1/2 Tbsp butter

1 tsp dried thyme

1/2 tsp garlic powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add mushrooms and saute until tender, about 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, combine flour, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a plastic bag. Add chicken and shake until chicken is coated with flour mixture.

3. Create room in the middle of the skillet and add chicken. Saute until chicken is golden, about 3 minutes on each side.

4. Add wine, cook 1-2 minutes.

5. Add broth, cook uncovered until chicken is cooked through and tender. About 8-10 minutes.

6. Reduce heat to low and simmer an additional 5 minutes or until sauce begins to thicken.

7. Stir in butter and serve.

ASPARAGUS

1 bunch asparagus, washed, ends cut off

1/2 tsp salt

1/2 tsp black pepper

1/2 tsp garlic powder

red pepper flakes, as much as you like depending on your spice preference

olive oil spray

1. After taking the garlic and crostini out of the oven, increase temperature to 450 degrees.

2. Spray baking sheet with olive oil spray

3. Arrange asparagus on tray in a single layer. Lightly spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with seasonings.

4. Roast in oven for 10 minutes or until asparagus are bright green and tender but still have some crunch.

This meal is sure to stun even your most devoted fan.  The chicken is tender and rich while the asparagus bring a brightness to the plate.  Don't fret about eating too much garlic on a date either, after being in the oven for 45 minutes the roasted garlic becomes silky smooth and sweet.  Plus, the crostini are perfect for sopping up all of the extra sauce from the chicken.

Happy Dating! 

The Great Yogurt Debate

I always say that one of my three favorite foods is ice cream and that 100% includes frozen yogurt.  There are different fro-yo shops popping up on every corner in NYC and everybody has their favorite.  Pinkberry, Red Mango, Tasti D-Lite, The Lite Choice...the list goes on and on.

My favorite spot incorporates the best aspects of every yogurt store in the city. 

Behold! 

16 HANDLES!!!

16 Handles is "Frozen Yogurt Your Way".  Every day they offer 16 flavors of yogurty deliciousness and over 40 toppings including fresh fruit, cereal, and candy.  Everything is self-serve so depending on how you feel about your waist and wallet it is the perfect place to splurge or save.

I always struggle to decide between sweet or tangy. Today I opted for a healthy cup of fat-free euro tart yogurt with fresh strawberries, blueberries, and coconut.

Tomorrow I may go with low-fat peanut butter yogurt and chocolate sprinkles, it all depends on my mood.

With 3 stores already open in Manhattan, one opening in Brooklyn, and various others in the tri-state area, Maryland, and Florida, you can enjoy 16 Handles no matter where you are!

Fat Kid at Heart

Hi! I'm Jamie and I am a fat kid at heart!

My favorite foods are pizza, french fries, and ice cream with a few chicken fingers thrown in for good measure.  I consider myself a junk food aficionado BUT I am also a Weight Watchers Lifetime Member so my food philosophy is all about enjoying my favorites (in moderation) and finding ways to balance them with healthier options.

I have lived in NYC for 7 years and this city can get pretty expensive! I am always on the hunt for new food finds, restaurants, and fun recipes that will leave more than pennies in my pockets without giving me a dreaded muffin top.

What are your favorites?

XO

Jamie