Charlotte Hixon’s blog

What do you do when you find yourself with nothing to do?
Submitted by Cassie.

My baby is four months old so this rarely happens!  Sleep, read, run, have a drink and talk politics; usually all at once!

• 

  Popeye-yam-spin
  This smoothie is great!  Especially for kids who aren't keen on greens!  Just watch as they disappear.
• pineapple juice
• bananna
• fresh spinach
• frozen berries (I buy an assortment of raspberries, blueberries, and blackberries, but use your faves.  The deep reddish purple color and sweet tart taste completely camouflage the spinach!) 
• vanilla protein powder (optional - I don't add this when I make it for the kid's but it's great for a postworkout treat!) 

Combine the bananna, berries, a couple handfuls of spinach and cover with juice.  Blitz until smooth and serve immediately.  If using protein powder (I like whey protein) add it in with the fruit. 

Enjoy!

OK, surely I'm not the only woman who wants to eat healthy, cook fast and stay on budget.  I am also notorious for not following recipes.  That said, when I make something that turns out really great I try to remember what I did.  Funny thing is, unless I write it down I won't remember. Next time I may even get a picture!

So here goes...

• frozen edamame - microwave for 3 min. and sprinkle with sea salt

(to eat while you cook, you know you're starving so have a snack)

• large glass of wine - red or white, whichever you prefer

(It's a superfood now right?)

• 2 chicken breast - I use frozen and defrost as needed in the microwave
• 2 cloves of garlic - grated
• fresh ginger - about 1 inch grated
• 1 tsp chile flakes
• 1 tsp fish sauce
• 1 Tbsp soy sauce
• 2 or 3 Tbsp of olive oil
• whole wheat linguine (or any kind of noodles you prefer)
• small onion
• 3 cloves of garlic
• 1/2 a red pepper
• 1/2 a bag of fresh spinach
• 1 carrot sliced diagonally
• 1 stalk of broccoli
• almonds sliced and toasted
• soy sauce to taste

Combine garlic, ginger, chile, fish sauce, soy sauce and oil and rub down the chicken.  It is great to marinade but isn't necessary.  Who has the time? Bake on 425 F for about 20 min.  Check the thickest part of the chicken to make sure it is cooked but not dry. Take a drink. 

While the chicken cooks boil a couple of quarts of water and add oil.  Separate broccoli florets and drop into the boiling water to blanch.  Pull out with tongs and drop in ice water.  When cool transfer to a plate onto a paper towel.  Add noodles to the water. Don't forget your edamame!

Heat oil in a large pan or wok and add onions to brown.  Lower to medium heat and add garlic; cook for a minute then add red pepper and carrot.  Toss and cook a couple minutes until tender yet crisp.  Turn heat to low and add spinach.  Fold in until wilted and then add broccoli.  Take a drink and taste for flavor. Add drained and cooked noodles and toss with a little soy sauce.  Serve in bowls and top with sliced chicken and almonds.

Just remember that substitutions make the meal your own.  Use whatever is in the fridge or freezer and let me know what works! 

Enjoy!