Greek Pita "Pizza"

A super easy and healthier way to satisfy your greek craving.

1. preheat oven to 400 F.

2. get a pita or naan bread, or just a pizza bread, and drizzle with olive oil, garlic, and oregano.

3. top with spinach, tomato, red onion, olives, and lots of feta cheese. finish off with ground pepper, a bit of rosemary is nice too.

NOTE: you can always add chicken, or even gyro or souvlaki meat!

4. bake for 20-30 mins until crisp. 

Sweet Beet & Chevre Salad with Raspberry Vinaigrette

SALAD:

Arugula, beets, red onions, goat cheese. OPTIONAL: walnuts or pine nuts or almonds, capers, croutons or crostini.

VINAIGRETTE:

2 tablespoons crushed raspberries [use a colander to get rid of seeds, leaving mostly juice]

2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar

1/4 cup olive oil

salt and pepper

a bit of fresh basil

Spicy Salsa & Shrimp Spaghetti

A strange but delicious mix of mexican and italian flavours.

1. fry shrimp until pink, with a bit of oil and lemon,  set aside.

2. boil pasta, drain, meanwhile...

3. heat pan with 2 tablespoons olive oil. add in a bit of garlic, herbs and vegetables of your choice [zucchini, olives, mushrooms, fresh basil, or even cilantro] then add in 1 tablespoon tomato paste and 1/4 cup spicy salsa.

4. simmer, then add in shrimp. season with salt and pepper. 

5. top with red pepper flakes, parmesan or feta cheese. 

Pasta with Spinach Red Pepper Cream Sauce

1. boil pasta until al dente, drain.

2. in a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons butter. add in spinach, a bit of garlic, and red peppers. you can also add some shallots or onions, and some chicken, if you want. season with salt and pepper.

3. once softened and cooked, 10 minutes, add in 1/2 milk thickened with corn starch or flour. You can also use low fat sour cream, or heavy cream for those who aren't calorie-wise. 

4. mix in a squeeze of lemon, and 1/4 cup parmesan or pecorino, asiago, or any hard cheese, grated. 

4. stir in pasta and serve!

Beet & Brie Salad with Sweet Red Wine Vinaigrette

Bursting with flavour and texture, all around.

FOR SALAD: 

~ roasted beets, quartered 

~ 1 small thinly sliced red onion

~ handful of walnuts

~ about a cup of fresh arugula

~ pieces of brie cheese, torn or slices

Vinaigrette: 

~ 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar [substitute for balsamic vinegar if you don't have]

~ 1 tablespoon honey

~ 2 or 3 tablespoons of olive oil

~ squeeze of a lemon

Toss together, top with freshly ground black pepper. 

Tomato, Feta, & Caper Salad with Olives

Mmm, tomato salads are amazing. 

1. slice tomatoes, lay on a plate.

2. blend together 2 tablespoons capers with half a red onion, salt, pepper, balsamic vinegar, and a bit of olive oil, with a clove or two or garlic in a food processor. optionally add some lemon juice.

3. top with chopped olives, feta cheese, and drizzle on caper-vinaigrette. 

Creamy Dijon & Tarragon Chicken

A delicious way to prepare lean and low fat chicken!

1. mix together 2 tablespoons dijon mustard with 1/4 cup low fat sour cream, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 or 2 teaspoons tarragon, a pinch of salt and pepper, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice.

2. coat chicken, let marinate for an hour or more.

3. drizzle with balsamic vinegar right before cooking for crispy caramelized-ness.

4. bake, fry, or grill.

Vegetarian Tacos with Black Beans & Feta

No need for meat in these!

1. Heat a pan with a bit of olive oil. toss in onions, red and green bell peppers, and 1 clove minced garlic. Cook until translucent.

2. add in black beans, a bit of fresh cilantro, and taco or fajita seasoning. cook until done, about 10 mins.

3. warm up tortillas. slice avocado, tomato, feta cheese, and whatever other condiment or topping you want.

4. serve hot!

Balsamic & Basil Roasted Tomatoes

A delicious side to any meal.

1. Preheat oven to 400 F.

2. Slice tomatoes, drizzle with a bit of olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

3. season with garlic, salt, pepper, and fresh basil.

4. broil for 10 mins until roasted.

My Signature Feta Yogurt "Tzatziki" Dip

Like tzatziki, only better.

1. Mix together 1 cup greek yogurt with 2 or 3 tablespoons lemon juice.

2. add in 3 cloves garlic, or to taste, minced.

3. chop half a cucumber into the sauce. 

4. add in 2 large spoonfuls of crumbled feta.

5. season with a pinch of thyme, rosemary, and oregano.

6. serve, drizzled with oil and topped with olives and whatnot. 

Marinade for Lamb Chops

A succulent marinade for lamb chops.

1. mix together 1 cup greek yogurt, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 large cloves minced garlic, some salt, pepper, oregano, thyme, rosemary, and 2 tablespoons olive oil. 

2. if you have it, add saffron or sumac for a middle-eastern twist. 

3. pour oven lamb, marinate in fridge for 3 hours or more. 

4. grill or fry lamb. 

Super Healthy Taco Salad

Super low fat! omit nachos or tortillas, or just add a little.

1. fry lean ground turkey, chicken or beef with onions, peppers, and taco seasoning.

2. drain excess oil.

3. toss chopped romaine lettuce with tomatoes, onions, and sour cream with a hint of chipotle seasoning and lemon juice, and garlic.

4. top with meat, and a bit of cheese, and avocado. 

SALSA? yum. 

Shrimp & Iceberg Meditteranean Cabbage Salad

a delicious take on coleslaw, almost a salad.

1. fry shrimp, with lemon juice, garlic, oil, salt, pepper.

2. toss cabbage mix with cucumber, red peppers, onions

3. toss with lemon juice, olive oil. salt, pepper, garlic, and oregano. 

done

Pita Pizzas

YOU NEED:

pita breads

an oven

tomato sauce

toppings

including cheese.

1. preheat oven to 400 F.

2. cover pita in tomato sauce and toppings, and cheese and herbs, lastly.

3. bake for 20-30 mins until browned.

ABOVE: 

SPICY SALAMI BBQ CHICKEN PIZZA:

a step up from boring meat-lovers.

Mix tomato sauce with a bit of spicy BBQ sauce. Top with BBQ or Buffalo chicken, Spicy Salami, Spicy Olives, Chili Oil, and Blue or Mozzarella or Sharp Cheddar cheese. 

BRUSCHETTA PIZZA:

Bruschetta mix and feta, or parmesan [your choice]

GRILLED VEGETABLE & GOAT CHEESE PIZZA:

Fry or grill vegetables with balsamic vinegar and garlic.

top pita with pesto or sun-dried tomato pesto, vegetables, and goat cheese before baking.

MIDDLE EASTERN PIZZA:

Season ground lamb with cumin, minced garlic, lemon juice, paprika, and sumac. 

Fry, drain fat, add minced onion and fresh parsley.

Top pitas with yogurt sauce or tomato sauce, then meat, tzatziki, feta or goat cheese, basil, tomato.

CLASSIC CAPRESE:

Herbed tomato sauce, cherry tomatoes, buffalo or bocancini mozzarella, fresh basil.

PESTO, CHICKEN, & FUNGHI:

Basil pesto as a base, Balsamic chicken and mushrooms sauteed, any other vegetables, and a bit of mozzarella or cheddar.

ROSEMARY CAPRESE:

no basil, just tomato, balsamic vinegar, mozzarella, and fresh rosemary. 

MORE?

Olive Pesto & Feta

Salami, Mushroom, Green Pepper, Mozzarella [Classic]

Bacon, Feta, & Cream Base

Prosciutto & Sun Dried Tomato base with Provolone

Swiss, Ham. & Cream Sauce

MORE. you choose. 

Cauliflower Crust Pizza

Pizza is so good, but sooo fattening. But if you take out the bread... it's healthy food!!! CAULIFLOWER CRUST!

YOU NEED:

1 cup grated cauliflower. 

1/4 cup yogurt

1/4 cup cheese [i mixed parnesan and mozzarella]

1 egg

1 pinch each of thyme, oregano, parsley, and basil [dry]

2 cloves minced garlic

a pinch of salt.

1. squeeze out moisture from cauliflower with a paper towel, if necessary.

2. mix with seasonings, cheese, and egg.

3. preheat oven to 400 F. 

4. bake on parchment paper for 20-30 mins until top is browned.

5. top with pizza toppings, cheese, whatever, and bake for another 5 mins until done!

yum. healthy. 

SLT Sandwich

Mmm, substite bacon for SHRIMP!

1. Get breaded shrimp, or bread it yourself, and cook.

2. get a nice baguette.

3. get toppings: tomato, lettuce. optional: lettuce and cucumber

4. condiments for bread... well, mayo is classic, but dress it up with garlic, cajun spice, chipotle spice, taco seasoning, lemon juice, avocado, whatever. boring, otherwise. 

LOW FAT? low fat-sour cream with green onion

CHEESY? low-fat cream cheese is good too. 

5. sandwich shrimp and veggies, in toasted bread. 

Caprese Meatballs

Delicious skewers, or make by themself!

MEATBALLS

500 grams ground chicken or turkey

1 handful finely chopped basil

1 egg 

1/4 cup breadcrumbs

4 tablespoons finely grated mozzarella and a bit of parmesan

2 cloves minced garlic

salt, pepper, dry parsley

a dash of balsamic vinegar

mix mix mix. 

MAKE BALLS. cook [fry or bake, turning] until cooked through and brown. 

SKEWER WITH:

cherry tomatoes

basil

ALSO?

olives

cucumber

peppers

mushrooms. grill it all, if you want. great for BBQ skewers!

Greek Iceberg Lettuce Crunchy Salad

1. toss together 1 head chopped iceberg lettuce, some kalamata olives, red, green or yellow bell peppers, tomato, and cucumber, make sure it's nice and chopped!

2. mix together 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon mayo or yogurt, 1/2 teaspoon each of salt, pepper, oregano, and 4 cloves minced garlic. 

3. toss salad, top with feta cheese. 

Creamy Greek Shrimp Pita

An easy way to satisfy your Greek food craving.

1. Marinate shrimps with lemon juice, a bit of olive oil, oregano, lots of garlic, salt, and pepper.

2. fry or grill or bake, basting with marinade.

3. make or buy tzatziki.

4. toast pita. toppings include lettuce, olives, tomato, feta cheese, and capers. 

Garlic & Parmesan Stuffed Shrimp

1. get jumbo shrimps. "butterfly, or slice down middle, making a pocket.

2. mix together 1 tablespoon sour cream with 2 cloves minced garlic, 1/4 cup grated parmesan, a handful of chopped fresh parsley, salt, pepper, and a bit of olive oil. 

3. stuff shrimp, sprinkle with breadcrumbs or crushed crackers and parsley.

4. squeeze a bit of lemon on.

5. bake for 15-20 mins until crisp. 

Meditteranean Calamari Salad

First, let's take care of the calamari.

1. get squid, season with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and oregano. grill or bake and slice into rings.

2. toss together cucumber, tomato, red onion, and olives with some fresh parsley.

3. make vinaigrette: 1/4 cup lemon juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, salt, pepper, and oregano.

4. toss with vinaigrette and squid and serve!

Fish Tacos with Mango Salsa & Chipotle Coleslaw

The best fish tacos! 

Let's start with the fish.

FRIED CAYENNE FISH

1. get filets of tilapia, haddock, cod, or catfish [i used catfish]

2. mix a bowl of flour with salt, pepper, and a bit of cayenne powder.

3. dip in whipped egg.

4. dip in panko breakdcrumbs.

5. fry until golden in olive or canola oil on both sides.

MANGO SALSA:

1. chop up mango, tomato, a small red onion, red bell pepper, 1 jalapeno, a handful fresh cilantro. optionally add avocado, cucumber.

2. add in 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 tablespoon lime juice, salt, pepper. 

CREAMY CHIPOTLE SLAW:

1. Get coleslaw mix, add in carrots and onions.

2. mix with 1 tablespoon white vinegar, 1 teaspoon dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon chipotle powder or seasoning, 2 tablespoons low-fat sour cream, 1 tablespoon white sugar, salt and pepper. 

ASSEMBLE!

Dee-Lish. 

Rottiserie Chicken Spice Rub

If you don't own a rotisserie [who does???] here is a good rottiserie chicken spice recipe.

1 tablespoon salt (kosher or sea salt]

1/4 cup paprika or smoked paprika

1/ teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon dry parsley

1/4 cup brown sugar

1 tablespoons dried thyme

1 tablespoons dry mustard or wet mustard

1/2 tablespoons cayenne pepper

a pinch tablespoons black pepper

coat chicken and grill or fry. 

Thai Shrimp & Soba Pasta Salad

Such a good salad. People will be asking for your recipe!

1. boil soba or rice noodles, drain and cool.

2. chop red peppers, fresh cilantro, peanuts, and green onion. OPTIONAL: mango, bok choy, lettuce. broccoli.

3. toss noodles and vegetables.

4. boil or grill shrimp, if using. top salad. 

5. make vinaigrette: 1 tablespoon unsweetened and chunky peanut butter, a bit of unsalted peanuts, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 1 tablespoon chili sauce for spice, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon soy sauce,, 2 cloves minced garlic. 

6. serve, top with sesame seeds and peanuts. 

Seafood Pasta Salad

SEAFOOD PASTA SALAD VINAIGRETTE:

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1/4 cup low fat mayo

1 clove minced garlic

1 bit of fresh dill weed

salt and ground black pepper, to taste

1 tablespoon honey

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

1 teaspoon mustard

SALAD:

boiled pasta, drained and cooled

cooked shrimp, scallops, crab, clams, calamari. fish or mussels [or a seafood mix]

chopped celery, carrots, cucumber, bell peppers, and onion

toss and serve.

PAIR WITH: a dry white wine, this salad is sweet! 

Scallops Gratin

Ohhh my. scallops, with cheese and herbs? SO good.

1. preheat oven to 375 F.

2. place scallops in a baking dish, greased with butter. 

3. top with a mixture of cheese and cream [low fat sour cream is best] and herbs

SUCH AS:

Feta, Oregano, Sour Cream, Garlic

Goat Cheese, Tomato Paste, Sour Cream, Garlic, Parsley

Basil, Tomato, Sour Cream, Parmesan & Mozzarella, Garlic

Blue Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions, Chives, a bit of BBQ sauce, Garlic

Balsamic Vinegar, Garlic, Rosemary, Thyme, Mozzarella

Cheddar, Bacon Bits, Sour Cream, Green Onion

Dijon Mustard, Sour Cream, Tarragon, Gruyere or Swiss

Ham, Sour Cream, Emmental Cheese, Onions, Chives

Olives, Tomato Sauce, Parmesan, Sour Cream, Garlic, Parsley

Soy sauce, Garlic, Sour Cream, Peanut Butter, Green Onions, Cilantro, Lime Juice

4. optionally coat with fresh herbs and some breadcrumbs for crispiness.

5. bake for 30 mins or so until browned. 

Baked Corn Dogs

The classic junk food, baked, and not fried!

YOU NEED:

Sausage. You can opt for a tofu or veggie hot dog, pork hot dogs, all-beef, or chicken for a healthier option.

BREADING:

1 bowl flour or corn flour and corn starch

1 bowl egg, or milk [almond of soy milk for vegan-friendly]

panko breadcrumbs

wooden sticks. 

an oven.

1. boil hot dogs.

2. coat hot dogs in bowls. 

3. bake for 15 mins on each side at 400 F. 

Chicken Pot Wontons

Strange sounding, yes. but omit the heavy pie dough and just use wonton wrappers instead!

1. chop up carrots, celery, onions, and mushrooms, bell peppers,  and cooked chicken breast. include peas, of course.

2. in a pot, heat 1/4 cup chicken broth. add 1/4 cup cream or sour cream [lower fat] and all the veggies and chicken. optionally add garlic and a bit of cheese. finally add lots of ground black pepper, salt shouldn't be needed, and fresh parsley. 

3. once mixture is nice and thick, turn off heat.

4. get wonton wrappers, fill with a tablespoon of filling, seal with egg whites or milk and a fork.

5. brush top with a bit of oil. bake for 10 minutes on each side, at 350 F.

Spicy Honey Garlic Marinade

A great way to cook chicken, vegetables, seafood, or anything!

1. mix together 1/4 cup honey with 1 tablespoon chili sauce or hot sauce, 1 tablespoon tomato paste, 4 cloves minced garlic, salt, pepper, and a tablespoon of vinegar or lemon juice. optionally add a bit of liquid smoke. 

2. use as you would a BBQ sauce. 

Merguez Meatballs

YOU NEED:

1 pound ground lamb or beef
2 cloves garlic, minced or pressed
2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons ground coriander

1 teaspoon cayenne for spice

red pepper flakes for spice [to taste]

1 1/2 teaspoons salt
Freshly ground pepper

1. mix all ingredients and form into balls.

2. bake or fry, turning once, about 15 mins on each side for baking, and until browned and cooked through for frying.

3. serve with tzatziki or raita, or any middle-eastern yogurt sauce.

Sweet & Sour (and Spicy?) Pineapple Shrimp

Sweet and sour sauce, from scratch! Also goes with chicken.

1. fry shrimp until pink.

2. in a pot, heat 1 tablespoon sesame oil and toss in 2 cloves minced garlic. 

3. add in 1 small can pineapple [drained] or chop up fresh pineapple. Add 1/4 cup white vinegar, and 1/4 cup chicken or vegetable broth. for a bit of spice, add 1 tablespoon chili sauce or sriracha!

4. simmer, add 1 tablespoon water mixed with 1 tablespoon corn starch [dissolved] to thicken. salt and pepper if needed. 

5. add in shrimp. 

6. serve on rice or rice noodles, with chopped green onion.

Steak Sandwich with Herb & Feta Sauce

A lighter alternative to the steak sandwich, but packed with flavour.

YOU NEED:

A nice, lean, thin steak, flanksteak for example

ciabatta or baguette

feta cheese, sour cream, chives, rosemary and dijon for sauce

arugula or greens for topping

sauteed mushrooms and onions, optional. 

1. season flanksteak with salt and pepper, grill till desired done-ness. 

2. mix together 1/4 cup feta cheese with 2 tablespoons low fat sour cream, 1 tablespoon dijon mustard, chopped chives, a bit of fresh rosemary, and garlic is always optional. 

3. if  doing so, don't forgetg to sautee onions and mushrooms. 

4. lightly toast bread.

5. top with feta sauce, steak, and greens and sauteed vegetables.

Thai Grilled Calamari

if you LOVE calamari, as  do I, here is what to do with it.

1. get squid, cut into slices.

2/ mix together 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce, 1/2 tablespoon lime juice, a pinch of chili flakes, salt, pepper, garlic, and fresh chopped cilantro. optional: thai basil, lemongrass, peanut butter.

3. baste squid with marinade, grill or fry.

4. keep basting until done, 10 mins or so.

5. serve with dip, chili, hot-sour sauce, or peanut sauce. 

Garlic & Sesame Vegetables

A delicious way to enjoy asparagus. Or any other vegetable, really. Peppers, Onions, Bok-Choy, Broccoli, etc.

1. preheat oven to 400 F

2. mix together 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 cloves minced garlic, a bit of lime juice, salt, pepper, 2 cloves minced garlic, and some fresh grated ginger.

3. baste vegetables in marinade, grill, brushing with marinade every 10 mins until done, in 30 mins. 

4. sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve!

Creamy Sauteed Shrimp & Vegetable Penne

1. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil. add onions and mushrooms and sautee until soft, with garlic, salt, and pepper. add in shrimp, cook until pink.

2. boil pasta, drain.

3. once shrimp is pink and veggies are cooked, add 1/4 cup chicken broth OR white wine, and 1/4 cup low fat sour cream, or skim milk thickened with a bit of corn starch. 

4. add peas and carrots, if you wish. add pasta shorty thereafter. 

5. simmer together on low heat until blended. 

6. top with parmesan cheese, ground black pepper, fresh parsley. 

Baked Miso & Garlic Fish with Soba Noodle Salad

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1. preheat oven to 400 F.

2. baste Tilapia, Haddock, Snapper, Cod or any white fish filet with a mix of miso paste, lemon juice, garlic, soy sauce, salt, pepper.

3. bake for 30 mins or so. meanwhile, boil Soba noodles.

4. Toss soba noodles with cucumbers, and vinaigrette made with 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, a bit of grated ginger, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, red pepper flakes or wasabi for spice. 

5. serve with fish on top!

Healthier Potato Skins

1. bake potatoes, scoop out filling and do whatever with it.

2. Drizzle potato skins with olive oil, salt, and pepper, bake for 10 mins until crispy.

3. mix together 1/2 cup low fat sour cream, chives, green onion, a bit of mustard. top with shredded cheddar  or parmesan cheese, optionally bacon bits.

4. bake for another 10 mins until cheese has melted. 

Spicy Mexican Shrimp Torta

Tortas are basically hollowed out baguettes. Is it a taco or a baguette? Honestly, I don't care. so yummy.

1. get baguette, hollow it out. 

2. fry peeled shrimp in taco or fajita seasoning. add extra chili peppers, onions, and bell peppers.

3. slice tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and whatever other topping you want for your torta.

4. sandwich shrimp, optional condiments for your torta include sour cream, chipotle sour cream, salsa, guacamole, or black bean spread. 

Spicy Popcorn Shrimp

A slight variation on boring old popcorn shrimp. Baked, not fried, so it's healthier!

1. get shrimp, peel skins.

2. lay put 3 bowls.

one: flour, salt, pepper, and a bit of corn starch

two: 2 whipped eggs, 1 tablespoon more or less hot sauce, or spiocy mustard

three: panko breadcrumbs, a bit of red pepper flakes.

3. preheat oven to 400 F.

4. coat shrimp in each, drizzle with a bit of olive oil, just a tiny bit!

5. bake for 15 mins, flip, bake for another 10 until crispy on both sides.