Guest Blog: Slow Cooker Cuban-Style Beef Stew By Shelby Kinnaird

 

Cuban-Style Beef Stew called Carne con Papas Served Up on Livliga!

Fall has arrived and you know what that means: it’s slow cooker season! Dust off your pot and let’s make a Cuban-Style Beef Stew called Carne con Papas.

When I told my friend Anna Norton, CEO of DiabetesSisters, that I was writing a healthy slow cooker cookbook, she told me about a traditional Cuban recipe from her mother, Caridad Tang. Anna had taken her mother’s recipe and adapted it for both the slow cooker and to make it more diabetes-friendly. She wanted to make sure she exposed her son to the foods of her childhood.

Let me tell you, after this dish had been cooking for a few hours, I couldn’t help but be reminded of the beef stew my mom and grandma used to make. The aroma was intoxicating and very familiar even though I don’t have a drop of Cuban blood in me.

Cuban-Style Beef Stew ready for Slow Cooking!

This stew may just bring back some childhood memories for you too, no matter where you’re from.

Note: This recipe appears in Diabetes Slow Cooker Cookbook. Diabetes not required to enjoy the book!



Guest Blogger Bio

Shelby Kinnaird, Founder of Put on Your Apron, hosts fun, healthy cooking experiences online and in-person. She has written three books, Diabetes Slow Cooker Cookbook, The Diabetes Cookbook for Electric Pressure Cookers and The Pocket Carbohydrate Counter for Diabetes. A passionate diabetes advocate, Shelby leads two DiabetesSisters support groups in Richmond, Virginia. She has lived with Type 2 diabetes since 1999.

 

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Monday Motivational Meal - Slow Cooker Stuffed Peppers

 

Stuffed peppers are so satisfying and versatile. They are an easy go-to in the fall when we want a heartier meal that is colorful like the leaves we see turning multi-colored in our front yard. Can't beat serving up these beauties on Vivente for a healthy autumnal meal!

Get the recipe here.

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Monday Motivational Meal - Apple Cider Doughnut Cake

 

Apples and Autumn go together! There is nothing better than this packed-full of healthy ingredients Apple Cider Doughnut Cake from @MarthaStewart . And we think it looks particularly scrumptious served up on our Aveq side plate! Oooh...yum!

Get the recipe here.

 

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Delicious Healthy Baking Recipes

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Monday Motivational Meal - Sloppy Joe

 

There is nothing better than a Sloppy Joe when you are ready for a simple meal that can accommodate a few or many. This recipe is one that is also mindful of your pocketbook. It has the classic flavor of a Sloppy Joe yet has been updated to be more health-balanced. Try it out and make sure to serve it up on Livliga's mindful eating dinnerware!

Get the recipe here.

 

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Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie

 

Smoothies are a mainstay for our family. During the summer months our breakfast is a fruit smoothie. We may make fewer smoothies during the colder months but it is still fun to explore a variety of options and ingredients for smoothies. Pumpkin makes us think of the fall, pumpkin patches, the turning of the leaves and the festivities to come.

Pumpkin is also a great healthy resource to include in the recipes we make including pancakes, muffins, chilis or smoothies. Rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, pumpkin is incredibly healthy. What’s more, its low calorie content makes it a weight-loss-friendly food. Its nutrients and antioxidants can boost your immune system, protect your eyesight, lower your risk of certain cancers and promote heart and skin health. Pumpkin is very versatile and easy to add to your diet in both sweet and savory dishes. Incorporating pumpkin into your diet is a wonderful way to reap health benefits. Below is an easy recipe for a pumpkin spice protein smoothie.

Pumpkin Spice Protein Smoothie

Ingredients

• 5 1/3 ounces nonfat plain Greek yogurt 
• 1/2 cup canned pumpkin
• 1/2 large frozen banana
• 1 teaspoon pumpkin spice 
  
• 1 tablespoon maple syrup
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder
• 1/2 cup ice cubes
  

Directions

1. Place all the ingredients in the blender. 
2. Blend until smooth.

Serve immediately. 

 

Nutritional Information 

Serves: 1. Serving size: 1 glass. Calories: 331; Fat: 2g; Sodium: 99g; Carbohydrate: 47g; Dietary Fiber: 7g; Protein: 33g.

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Monday Motivational Meal - Watermelon Gazpacho

 Looking for a quick and simple no cook meal? Try this fresh and satisfying twist on a summer favorite from @MyPlate...watermelon gazpacho...and to make it the perfect meal...make sure to serve it up in a beautiful Livliga Healthy Lifestyle soup bowl!

Get the recipe here.

 

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Apple Peel Pancakes

 

As the seasons change it is fun to try new recipes and get re-inspired with healthy fresh ingredients. This time of year we can start looking forward to going to the pumpkin patch or apple orchard to pick our own for an adventure or go to the grocery store to fill our carts with locally grown late summer/early fall produce.

Something my family loves is slow cooker apple butter from the fresh harvest of apples I bring home. Last year when making the apple butter I had a lot of apple peels and got inspired to make use of them. In doing some research on spiralized recipes I realized I could come up with my own “Apple Peel Pancakes!”

Apple Peel Pancakes are a great way to make use of leftover peels. They are whimsical to look at, easy to make, and tasty to eat.   And, because of the peel used, they are packed full of fiber, vitamins and minerals. Here is the recipe I came up with riffing off of a recipe from Spiralize this! cookbook by Martha Rose Shulman:

Apple Peel Pancakes

• 2 cups apple peel, cut into 4 inch strips with scissors
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 2 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1 cup white whole wheat flour
• ½ cup unbleached all-purpose flour
• 2 teaspoons baking powder
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 2 large eggs
• 1 ½ cups buttermilk
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 tablespoons canola oil
• Cooking Spray

Directions

1. Preheat griddle to medium high heat.
2. Heat butter in a cast iron skillet. When melted add the peels and brown sugar to the butter. Sauté for 3 minutes, just until they begin to color. Remove from heat.
3. Sift together the flours, baking powder, baking soda, sugar and salt.
4. In another bowl whisk together the eggs, then add the buttermilk, whisk together, then add the oil and vanilla, whisk together again.
5. Add the dry ingredients to wet ingredients, whisking together. Do not over mix. A few lumps are fine.
6. Spray griddle with cooking spray. Drop batter in ¼ cup LivSpoon amounts onto the griddle. Distribute a 12th of the apple peel across the top of each pancake.
7. Cook until bubbles begin to break through, 2 to 3 minutes. Turn and cook about 1 minute on the other side, or until nicely browned. Remove and place on a platter in a warm oven while the next batch of pancakes is cooked. Continue until all the batter is used.

Serve while hot. Makes 12 4-inch pancakes.

Nutritional Information

Serves 4. Serving size: 3 pancakes. Calories: 370; Fat: 17.3g; Carbohydrates: 43.3g; Dietary Fiber: 3.5g; Protein: 11.8g.

Tips

Use slow cooker apple butter as an alternative to maple syrup.
Freeze leftovers to enjoy these pancakes on another occasion for a quick fix breakfast.

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Monday Motivational Meal - Shrimp Cauliflower Fried Rice

 

This is a flavorful paleo bowl I found on Cooking Light that is an easy and healthy way to liven up your next dinner. Topped with hearty shrimp and loaded with aromatic fresh ginger, this is a meal that the entire family will enjoy. No need for takeout because this quick skillet dinner is super easy and can be put together in minutes. Don’t forget to serve it up on your favorite Livliga pattern…we served ours up on Halsa!

Get the recipe here.

 

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Monday Motivational Meal—Moroccan Spiced Carrots with Olives and Mint

 

The Mediterranean Diet encompasses so many countries and cultures that exploring this diet is a true adventure in tastes and cooking! Tasty side dishes can make a dull meal shine again. Try this mouthwatering Moroccan braised carrot recipe from @CookingLight and make sure to serve it up right-sized on Livliga's Healthy Lifestyle Dinnerware for your complete enjoyment!

Get the recipe here.

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Cauliflower Hummus — Perfect Summertime Snack and Appetizer

 Cauliflower is Great for Almost Anything 

Including Hummus

Cauliflower seems to be part of every recipe these days! It is indeed a versatile vegetable that is great for making mashed potatoes, pizza crust, and, yes, even hummus! This recipe came originally from EatingWell and is easy to make. Roast the cauliflower ahead of time and make the hummus when you are ready. You can't beat this low carb tasty treat.

Ingredients

• 6 cups cauliflower florets (about 1 pound)
• 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for garnish
• 1 large garlic clove, roughly chopped
• ¼ cup tahini
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 2 tablespoons water
• Chopped red bell pepper or parsley for garnish

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Toss cauliflower with oil in a large bowl. Spread in a single layer on the prepared baking sheet. Roast until tender and just starting to brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Let cool to room temperature.

2. Add the cauliflower, garlic, tahini, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, cumin, crushed red pepper and water to a food processor. Process until combined, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed. Add more water, if desired, to make a looser dip.

3. Transfer to a bowl. Drizzle with additional olive oil and sprinkle with chopped pepper or parsley, if desired.




Extra Tips

• Equipment Needed: Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• To make ahead: Roast cauliflower and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: about 1/2 cup. Servings: 4. Calories Per Serving:152 calories; fat 12g; sodium 280mg; carbohydrates 10g; dietary fiber 3g; protein 5g; sugars 3g.

 

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Monday Motivational Meal—Tunafish Salad with Wasabi Mayo

 

There are so many ways to fix a healthy tunafish salad. It is great during the summertime because you can make it ahead and have it ready when it is time to serve up. Try my tunafish salad with wasabi mayo for a new slant on an old favorite. We thought it looked delish served up on our Halsa Healthy Lifestyle dinner plate!

Get the recipe here.

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Monday Motivational Meal - Lemon Chicken with Tuscan Tomato Bean Salad

 

Here is another summery meal to share that is easy, tasty and makes an attractive dinner for the whole family. We served ours up on Vivente which is a special pattern reminiscent of grape tendrils growing on the Tuscan hillsides! Ahhh...summer...

Get this summery recipe here.

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Quick Pickling – Kohlrabi and Apple

 

Last summer, thanks to joining a Farm Cooperative, I discovered quick pickling. I was presented a kohlrabi and wondered what I should do with. My go to for such conundrums is to check out Cooking Light. Low and behold I found a great Quick Pickling recipe that included kohlrabi! There is nothing more delectable than freshly made quick pickled fresh fruits and vegetables, especially during the warmer months. They go with absolutely every meal and can add something special to make each meal interesting, including backyard barbecues and picnics. Pickling is also great for the gut. Although quick pickling is stored for convenience and not for the long term, it still keeps easily in your refrigerator for a couple of weeks.  And keep in mind, the sugar you use is not all absorbed so the carbs per serving are only 5g and counts as a low carb food.

Kohlrabi and Apple Quick Pickles

Ingredients

• 2 cups rice vinegar
• 2 cups water
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon kosher salt
• 3 medium kohlrabi bulbs, peeled and thinly sliced (15 oz.)
• 1 small Honeycrisp apple, cored and thinly sliced (7 oz.)
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced (6 oz.)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 4 dill sprigs
• 2 tablespoons pickling spice
• 1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Directions

1. Combine vinegar, water, sugar, and salt in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium high heat, stirring occasionally, until dissolved.
2. Place kohlrabi, apple, cucumber, garlic, dill springs, pickling spice, black pepper, and crushed red pepper in a large bowl or 8 cup measuring cup. Pour hot vinegar mixture over kohlrabi mixture. Let stand and cool to room temperature, about 1 hour.
3. Transfer mixture evenly into 2 (1 quart) glass jars, covering kohlrabi mixture with vinegar mixture. Seal each jar with lid, and completely cool in refrigerator, about 4 hours. Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks.

Nutritional Information

Servings: 2 quarts. Serving size: ⅔ cup. Calories per serving: 20; Fat 0g; Protein 1g; Carbohydrate 5g; Fiber 1g; Sugars 3g; Added sugars 1g; Sodium 64mg.

 

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Top 6 Favorite Bariatric Recipes

 

Four of our Favorites: Shakshuka, Strawberry Banana Ice Cream, Sunrise Egg Salad & A Spring Meal...All Served Up on the Just Right Set Bariatric dinner plate

We have collected a lot of great recipes over the years from a number of talented cooks, in additon to the bariatric-friendly recipes we have also developed at Livliga. More and more great resources have been made available to support those living a bariatric lifestyle. Focusing on the foods that are healthy for us to eat and in the right amounts helps keep us on track. The biggest challenge seems to be keeping the ideas fresh and keeping inspired. Below are some great recipes to inspire you!

 

DeeDee's Homemade Cauliflower Crust Pizza Served Up on A Favorite Celebrate Plate!

1. DeeDee's Cauliflower Crust Pizza

2. Denise Roden's Faux Potato Salad

3. Nik's Shashuka Breakfast Dish

4. Rose Archer's Spring Meal 

5. Hilary and Emily's Sunrise Egg Salad 

6. Sheila's Fresh Strawberry and Banana Ice Cream

 

Denise Roden's Faux Potato Salad Served Up in a Halsa Bowl

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Monday Motivational Meal - Greek Style Scampi

 

 

 

 

This Mediterranean Diet Greek Style Scampi is delish and visually so appealing you'll want to eat it all summer long...especially when you serve it up right-sized on our Mediterranean-styled Vivente Healthy Lifestyle dinnerware! 

Get the recipe here.

 

 

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Easy and Healthy Homemade Tortilla Chips

 

There is nothing easier than making homemade baked tortilla chips. Since they cook up in 10-15 minutes you can make them fresh whenever you need some. And the great thing about making your own is you can control how you make them and what you put on them. This recipe simply uses olive oil cooking spray and sea salt. Pair them with some healthy homemade dips and you are ready for some fun in your own backyard, on a picnic, or to share with friends.

Cook Time: 15 mins

Serving size: 4

 

Ingredients

• 4 Tortillas
• Pam Cooking Spray, Olive oil
• Sea salt 

Directions

1. Spray the tortillas with Pam Olive Oil Cooking Spray on both sides, coating evenly.
2. Cut tortillas into triangles and sprinkle with sea salt.
3. Place triangles on baking sheet in oven set to 350 for 10 minutes.
   
4. Take out of the ovenand enjoy your homemade tortilla chips served up right sized on your favorite Livliga pattern!

 

Tip

Pair with some healthy dips you can find here.

 

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Monday Motivational Meal - Celebratory Watermelon Margarita

 

Getting ready to celebrate Mother's Day? Why not make it extra special with a healthy Watermelon Margarita perfected by @CookingLight ! We think they are mighty delicious served up in our Aveq Beverage glass! To you! Enjoy! 

Get the recipe here.

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Monday Motivational Meal--Chicken Salad with Avocado and Mango

 

Have some leftover chicken and wondering what to do with it? Try this scrumptious Chicken Salad with Avocado and Mango to perk up your meal planning...and make sure to serve it up on Livliga's Celebrate dishware for added inspiration!

Get the recipe here.

 

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Healthy Lifestyle & Weight Loss

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Monday Motivatonal Meal—Banana Macadamia Madeleines

 

Wondering what to do with those over ripe bananas besides put them in a smoothie? Try these @CookingLight madeleines that are oh-so beautiful and delectable...perfect for spring, especially when served up on Livliga's bursting-with-springtime Halsa pattern.

Get the recipe here.

 

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Delicious Healthy Baking Recipes

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Snack Time—9 Rice Cake Combos

 

Snack Time—9 Rice Cake Combos

Rice cakes are my go-to as a base for some fun and varied snack ideas. They provide a crunch and savory foundation for a whole host of ideas to make healthy snacks. It is a great way to create tasty combos, find new favorites…and is a perfect way to use up some leftover food items in a different way.  I also like them because it doesn’t take much time to assemble them, they can be tailored to your mood, and each day you can plan for a different combo or stick to a favorite.

There are a number of choices in rice cakes these days. My favorites are Lundberg and Quaker. The wonderful thing is they are gluten free and low in carbs so they suit many needs and lifestyle choices from being diabetes-friendly, bariatric-friendly, and kid-friendly.

The calories are 28 to 35 per cake, depending on the brand you buy. They are a nice size too so you can concoct one or two snacks and still have the total calorie count around 200 calories.  Below are nine Rice Cake Combos to choose from. Use this as a jumping off point for coming up with your own healthy creations.

1. Almond Butter and Banana Served Up on Halsa
(⅛ cup almond butter topped with ½ sliced banana)

2. Avocado Topped with Salsa Served Up on Celebrate
(¼ sliced and mashed avocado topped with 2 tablespoons of salsa)

3. Cheese Spread with Shredded Carrot Served Up on Halsa
(⅛ cup Alouette spreadable cheese topped with ¼ cup shredded carrot)

4. Cottage Cheese and Sliced Strawberries drizzled with Honey Served Up on Celebrate
(¼ cup lowfat cottage cheese topped with 3 sliced strawberries and drizzled with 1 teaspoon honey)

5. Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon with Red Onion Served Up on Vivente
(⅛ cup whipped plain cream cheese topped with ½ ounce smoked salmon and 1 tablespoon thinly sliced red onion)

6. Egg Salad with Shredded Spinach Served Up on Celebrate
(¼ cup egg salad on a bed of 3 leaves of baby spinach thinly sliced sprinkled with dill)

7. Hummus and Roasted Red Peppers Served Up on Vivente
(⅛ cup hummus topped with ⅛ cup thinly sliced roasted red pepper)

8. White Beans with Coarse Salt and a drizzle of Olive Oil Served Up on Halsa
(¼ cup mashed white kidney beans, cannellini, topped with 3 sliced cherry tomatoes, pinch of sea salt and a drizzle of olive oil)

9. Yogurt, nuts, herbs and Lemon Zest Served Up on Vivente
(⅛ cup plain Greek yogurt topped with sprinkles of chopped roasted almonds, herb de Provence, sea salt and lemon zest)

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