Sides | leanKitchen

Apr 3rd 10

Antipasto without the pasta!

Anti-pasta Antipasto

I was asked to bring a pasta salad to an Easter Egg Hunt today. Here’s what I threw together: 1/2 of an 8.5 oz. jar of sun-dried tomatoes (in oil, with the oil dropped into the salad, too) (I sliced the tomatoes in strips), 1 jar of marinated artichoke hearts (mine came with roasted red peppers, as well), a jar of black olives, 1 spaghetti squash (prepared this way, then cooled by cold water...

Mar 19th 10

Awesome, Awesome substitute for chips; salty and crunchy, and absolutely fabulous!

Kale Chips

For the most part, I’m a really great eater; I’ve literally drank maybe 5 sodas in as many years, and that’s because they were mixed with punches, or the only available drink wherever I happened to be. I don’t ever feel like eating chocolate, I’m not into cookies or sweets. It’s easier for me to “give up” the bad stuff, because I never got into it...

Mar 10th 10

Alright guys, I’m on Warp Speed (an 100% compliant meal/training program) again, so I’m doing my best to make stuff for YOU GUYS, my readers, and not be tempted to eat it, but this one is almost too good to not try!
First up, you take 3/4 tsp Cayenne, 6 “shakes” of red pepper flakes, 2 tsp. of big, crunchy [...]

Speedy Spiced Edamame

Alright guys, I’m on Warp Speed (an 100% compliant meal/training program) again, so I’m doing my best to make stuff for YOU GUYS, my readers, and not be tempted to eat it, but this one is almost too good to not try! First up, you take 3/4 tsp Cayenne, 6 “shakes” of red pepper flakes, 2 tsp. of big, crunchy sea-salts, and 1/2 tsp. of Oregano. I put this in a bowl, and...

Mar 9th 10

Quick “roasted” asparagus in the microwave!

Quick "Roasted" Asparagus

My absolute favorite way to eat my veggies is to roast them. Get ‘em in a hot oven, salt and peppered first, and roast till they’re a wonderful texture and consistency. Sometimes, I like the taste of a roasted veggie without wanting to turn on the oven; either cause it’s hot outside, or I simply don’t have the time (roasting takes a bit). So tonight I did a quick roasted...

Mar 7th 10

The cool flavor of cucumber mixes with sharp red onion and tangy fresh pineapple bringing this muted down, but incredibly flavorful version of salsa.

Pineapple Cucumber Salsa

This recipe so simple, but so unbelievable! I just diced 1/2 a burpless cucumber (a good-sized one), 1/4 red onion, diced small, just over 1/2 of a fresh pineapple, diced small, juice from half a lime, some fresh parsley snipped, and fresh ground black pepper and sea salt to taste. Mix together and enjoy! Pineapple Cucumber Salsa This is so incredibly delicious!!! Looks beautiful, doesn’t...

Feb 16th 10

Fresh Cherry Salsa with red onions and red peppers

Crystal's Cherry Salsa

So as I told you earlier, I had a get-together with friends this weekend. Most people brought an appetizer, and I snagged the recipe as soon as I saw the beautiful, deep red colors of this gorgeous salsa. Isn’t it beautiful?!? Cherry Salsa Now let me tell you, growing up, I was NOT a fan of cherries. My best friend and I have deduced that the reason for this is that our medicines were all...

Feb 11th 10

Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash-perfect paired to poultry dishes!

Apple Stuffed Butternut Squash

I had a wonderful garden this summer, and it harvested some fantastic Butternut Squashes that I’m still blessed to have for my winter enjoyment. I like to simply cut mine in half, remove the seeds (Did you know you can also roast these like you do with pumpkin seeds?) rub with olive oil, top with some herbs (this was Mrs. Dash, an all-purpose and salt-free seasoning blend), and bake (cut...

Feb 7th 10

Herbed cheese balls for the Superbowl party

Supportive Superbowl Snacks

According to Gallup and his polls, a majority of us will be watching the big game tomorrow-Superbowl XLIV. And, I’m one of ‘em! The party that I’m going to is the “bring an appetizer to share” type, so here’s what I’m bringing: Herbed Supportive Cheese balls I LOVE cheese balls. My Mom used to always serve Port wine cheese balls in nuts (the store...

Feb 4th 10

Thai Corncakes with Shrimp and Cilantro Mayo

Thai Corn Cakes with Shrimp and Cilantro Mayo

So remember a little over a month ago when I had my holiday Christmas party? We all bring a gift and some food and eat like it’s nobody’s business? Well, my co-worker Wes brought these in for us to enjoy. Lemme tell ya, I tried these UNBELIEVABLE corn cakes, and fell in love. While they’re not the most optimal in supportive nutrition, they do contain protein (eggs, and in...

Feb 3rd 10

A delicious simple butterflied pork chop topped with mango salsa and served with a side of coconut rice

Island Boar

Ok so maybe I’m a little too fanatical, but when my friend and former suitemate in college, Renee (a fellow LOST addict) told me that she was having an Island themed dinner in celebration of the season 6 premiere, she spurred the most fantastic inspiration. Not only was I jealous (of something aside from her stunning beauty!), but I had to do it too! For those of you who don’t know...