Healthy White Bean Spread with Tuna

White Bean Spread With Tuna

Since we are experiencing triple digit weather this weekend, the last thing I wanted to do was spend hours in the kitchen, so I decided to make this healthy and easy tuna recipe.  I found this while browsing my beloved The Eat-Clean Diet Cookbook by Tosca Reno sometime last year.  This recipe is so simple, as you will see from the list of ingredients, but somehow it just works.   My husband is a huge fan of this dish and has asked for it many times since I first made it.  
 
 Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 cup chopped onion
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 can white beans of your choice (I used white kidney beans)
• 2 tbsp lemon or lime juice
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, trimmed
• 1 tsp fresh dill, chopped
• 8 oz albacore tuna, water packed
• Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper to taste

Instructions:
1.  Heat oil in small frying pan and saute onions until just translucent.  Do not over-brown.  Transfer pan contents to food processor.  Add remaining ingredients.  Pulse until just blended for a chunky version or longer for a smooth version.

2. Serve on flat bread, in pita bread or wraps, rice cakes (as shown), or with chips.

I like to pile mine on rice cakes while my husband prefers to eat his with chips.  Both ways work just as well.  Just another reason why this recipe is great because you can serve it many different ways.

Okay, I'm off to make some nice cold tea and chill for the rest of the day before the start of another crazy busy week.  I hope everyone has a fantastic week and 4th of July holiday!

Until next time,
Karina

Sale Away - A Clothing Haul

This past weekend I came across some pretty awesome sales that were just too good not to share.  I was in the market for some summer pieces for our upcoming vacation (eek, it is officially less than two months away!) so, I hit a few of my favorite stores and this is what I came home with. 

Taylor Loft $18.99

This first piece is from Taylor Loft - originally priced at $98.00 and I bought it for $18.99.  Now that is some serious savings!  The fabric is very good quality and it feels amazing on, perfect for work.

American Eagle $12.99

Taylor Loft $12.99

 These two skirts were both $12.99 - major savings!  

What I like about the gray (high-low) skirt is that it is also appropriate for work paired with the right top and accessories.  

Nordstrom Rack $12.99

I had been on the market for a denim jacket for a while, but would always talk myself out of buying one because of the price tag ($50-$70).  I found this piece at Nordstrom's Rack for only $12.99!  At that price it would have been silly to leave it behind!  Plus, it fits just right. 

My sweet mother-in-law took my sister-in-law and me shopping this past Wednesday.  How amazing is that?  She rocks!  We went to Macy's after work and then out to dinner to celebrate a successful shopping trip. :) With our vacation coming up, my focus was on pieces I could wear while on vacation.  Did I mention we are going to Hawaii in less than two months?  I can't hardly wait!

Okay, back to the tops I found.  I love them all but the pink one is definitely my absolute favorite.  I've worn it twice and I've only had it for less than a week.  All three tops are made by Guess.  The fabric is so incredibly soft that it makes me want to sleep in them (yes, they are that soft!).  I don't recall what the final prices were as my mother-in-law kept the receipt, but I know she saved on all except the white one which was $35.

Tangerine Crush (left) and Orange You Jealous (right)

Last but certainly not least, a weekend would not be complete without the mandatory trip to Target.  Aside from the essentials, I bought a new tanning lotion and two L'Oreal nail polishes.  I had been wanting to try the Jergens Natural Glow tanning lotion for a couple of months now due to some pretty awesome reviews on Youtube.  Have any of you tried it?  If you have, do you like it?  I am looking for a tanning lotion that is easy to apply yet leaves a streak-free subtle tan.  I have the Saint Tropez tanning lotion and I love it, but I can't use it on a daily basis and it is a lot more expensive.

If you have any tips on self tanners, please leave them in the comment section below.  I'm hoping to get some color on me before we leave for Hawaii. :)

I hope you have a fantastic week!

Until next time,
Karina

Almond Crusted Chicken Strips a la Pinterest

Almond Crusted Chicken Strips

 

 

If you enjoy eating chicken strips but could do without the extra calories that come with fried foods (hello swinsuit season!), then you are going to love this dish.  Wait...did my intro remind you of a As Seen on TV commerical or what? Cause it did to me, haha. 

I came across this recipe on Pinterest while looking for easy and healthy chicken recipes.  I quickly found this recipe; however, I managed to get lost in the world of Pinterest yet again (decor and food boards suck me in every single time).  Two hours or so later, I found myself going through my pantry and fridge to see if I had all the ingredients.  To my surprise, I had all the ingredients and made it the very next day.  My husband loved it!  He gave it rave reviews, so I figured it was my duty to share this amazing dish with you.

 

The recipe came from Trish at Mom on Time Out (recipe here) - who by the way has a pretty impressive recipe index.  Her pictures are drool worthy.  I highly encourage you to check out her blog  (here) for some food inspiration.   I can't wait to make her Mediterranean Chicken Quinoa Salad next.

Ingredients

• Canola oil cooking spray
• 1/2 cup sliced almonds
• 1/4 cup whole-wheat flour
• 1 1/2 teaspoons paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon dry mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1 1/2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 4 large egg whites
• 1 pound chicken tenders ( I used chicken breasts cut into strips)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 475°F.
2. Line a baking sheet with foil. Set a wire rack on the baking sheet and coat it with cooking spray.
3. Place almonds, flour, paprika, garlic powder, dry mustard, salt and pepper in a food processor and process until the almonds are finely chopped and the paprika is mixed throughout.
4. With the motor running, slowly drizzle in olive oil; process until combined.
5. Transfer the mixture to a shallow dish.
6. Whisk egg whites in a second shallow dish.
7. Coat chicken tenders and transfer each tender to the almond mixture; turn to coat evenly.
8. Place the tenders on the prepared rack and coat with cooking spray; turn and spray the other side.
9. Bake the chicken fingers until golden brown, crispy and no longer pink in the center, 20 to 25 minutes.

As always, I hope you had a marvelous weekend and are enjoying this beautiful Monday afternoon.

 

Until next time,

Karina