I've been dreaming of summer for a while now. Warm sun on my skin, sandals and pretty painted toes, tank tops and sundresses, long walks in the evening as the sun sets, porch swing sittin' with a glass of crisp white wine, and food at its peak, full of freshness.

And I just couldn't bring myself to make another winter meal. I am over it, the coldness in the air and the heaviness of the meals. So as I dreamt of being somewhere tropical, this recipe was born.

It's the same components as a normal tostada, but with a Caribbean twist! It was a breath of fresh air in every way! The colors scream summer and freshness. The pork is tender, sweet, spicy, and juicy, piled on top of fresh lettuce and black beans topped with creamy avocado and fresh pineapple pico to bring it all home...good golly miss Molly it's delicious!

And my mouth is watering again...

You are going to have to make this. It will seriously cure those winter blues you are having! Plus the hard part is done in the crock pot, so it's great for any weeknight! I'm going to stop blabbering about it, because I'm pretty sure you get the point and are ready for the recipe! So here you go!

PostedFebruary 20, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner

TagsJerk, Pulled Pork, Tostadas, Cleaneats, Healthy

CommentPost a comment

You may not know this about me yet, but grilling is my thing. I actually don't let my husband go near the grill. I love it..like really love it. I love the flavor it gives meat and veggies, the sizzle, the smells, and it is a low fat way to cook also!

While living in Texas, I had to go without a grill because we lived in an apartment and sure, I had a grill pan, but it is just not the same! It is a great alternative though as is an iron skillet!

Needless to say, as soon as we moved back to Louisiana one of the first things on the agenda was to go and buy a grill. Next, was to grill something of course. Not just anything, but one of my favorites...pork burgers! I really hold a special place in my heart for burgers in general actually. But where I live there is an amazing farmer's market and there is a farmer who sells the best ground pork, I have missed it so much. Don't worry though you can find ground pork in most grocery stores and meat markets as well!

You have to try these burgers out, they would be great for your Super Bowl party this weekend!

They are juicy and garlicky, and then you top them with the slaw and it's basically like throwing a party for your mouth. Oven fries become the perfect side that keeps this meal on the healthier side while satisfying that good ole burger craving that comes calling on a regular basis (well for me anyway).

You are absolutely going to love these burgers, I have gotten my whole family addicted to pork burgers.

So go out and buy yourself some ground pork and get to grilling!

PostedJanuary 30, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner

Tagsburgers, pork, healthy, gameday

CommentPost a comment

I know that is a doozy of a title, but I had to get it all in there for you.

I have been wanting to braise short ribs for a while now. I honestly had no intention of actually photographing this meal and then blogging it...it was more of a tester meal to see how they turned out for maybe a future post.

Well let me tell you that all changed when the ribs were in the oven and the aromas began to waft throughout the house. It smelled so good, that I decided I might photograph the meal in case I needed to share the recipe with you. I wish there was a way for me to have captured the smell and share it on the blog because it smelled of all things homey and cozy and comforting!

I am guessing that you have figured out that it was pretty dang tasty because here I am sharing the recipe with you!

What I love is that this is one of those stick to your ribs kind of meal perfect for January when your body is craving a good ole hearty meal, but without the guilt and calorie overload. A couple of swaps here and there and you will never miss those mashed potatoes full of butter served on the side.

The meat was tender and full of flavor, the cauliflower was roasted to golden perfection along with some garlic and then smashed all together into some yummy goodness and the spinach provided the perfect green balance to this decadent meal!

It would really be the perfect date night cook at home meal or some other special occasion, although I am probably going to make it even if I plan on eating it in my PJ's alone.

I really dug this meal and I think you will too!

PostedJanuary 20, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner

TagsHomemade, Short Ribs, Braising, Healthy

CommentPost a comment

It's Superbowl season. That means the parties are about to start and your diet is about to run right off the tracks.

But wait...it doesn't have to! I have the perfect thing for you to make for your party this year or to bring wherever you are going! It is low fat, easy, and everyone will think you are a genius!

They are my whole wheat pita calzones. I mean a calzone without having to roll out any dough? Sign me up!

Who doesn't love a calzone honestly? And these are about the easiest thing to make....ever! Perfect for a party because you can make everything ahead of time and let your guests create their own and then pop them into the oven! That way everyone makes what they like! Your meat lovers, your veggie lovers, and your picky eaters will all be happy!

Won't it be nice to not have to think about psyching yourself up for having some will power at one of the parties you will go to? I know for me, I always have to have a pep talk with myself about how to say no to all of the fatty things that I know are going to be taunting me the whole night! This year, I don't have to because I am not going to feel deprived at all and my guests will never miss any of that junk food!

I like to set all of my ingredients up buffet style and that way your guests can make their pita calzones as they get hungry and then just pop them into the oven!

PostedJanuary 17, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner

Tagshealthy, clean eats, calzones

Asian Chicken Lettuce Wraps: My Diary of Us

I love a good weeknight meal that I can whip up fast and feel good about feeding my family! Meals that can be ready in under thirty minutes and that are on the healthier side are always a winner at my house! We happen to love Asian food and crave it on the regular, so I try to make my own versions of all my favorite recipes at home so that I can control the ingredients! My Asian chicken lettuce wraps are one of my favorite go-to dinners that my boys will gobble up in a heartbeat!

PostedJanuary 9, 2014

AuthorLeigh Ann Chatagnier

CategoriesDinner

Tagsasian, lettuce wraps, cleaneats, easy recipes, weeknight dinners, 30 minute meals, chicken

2 CommentsPost a comment