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refreshing and healthy smoothie

mysimplegoodlife — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 19:17:40 +0000

refreshing and healthy smoothie

Start your day right with a refreshing, healthy, and delicious smoothie that you can literally make in minutes.

Author: the simple good life

Ingredients

handful of strawberries
handful of kale
handful of blueberries
half of a lemon (squeeze for juice)
couple of pieces of fresh basil
one scoop of whey protein powder
ice
san pellegrino sparkling natural mineral water (pour in last and use the adequate amount to fill the glass)

Instructions

Simply place all ingredients into your blender and blend on high for about 1 minute. I recommend the Magic Bullet for your blender. It’s so convenient! Once you’re done blending, you just swap-out the blade for a top and then you have your smoothie in a to-go glass. Enjoy!

fish tacos

mysimplegoodlife — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 04:46:41 +0000

fish tacos

Enjoy these quick, simple and spicy fish tacos topped with your own fresh salsa. You’ll be so proud you whipped this up!

Author: the simple good life

Ingredients

fresh handmade tortillas (I got mine at Trader Joe’s)
your desired fish (I just used frozen Cod that I got at Trader Joe’s)
favorite rub (I used Ruby’s Rub)
organic spring mix
fresh cilantro and parsley
your own fresh salsa

Instructions

Simply wash/dry the fish and apply your favorite rub (I used Ruby’s Rub that was really quite good. It added a little spice to the meal). Then bake the fish in the oven at 350 degrees for 10-15 minutes for every inch of thickness your fish is. Next, warm the tortillas in the oven for about 5 minutes and simply place the organic spring mix, fish, then salsa into the tortilla, and garnish with the cilantro and parsley. Now you’re ready for your margarita! Salud and Enjoy!

the skinny cilantro lime shrimp

mysimplegoodlife — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 04:34:11 +0000

the skinny cilantro lime shrimp

Cilantro and lime make this simple shrimp dish outstanding! I love cooking with shrimp! It’s packed with protein, low in calories, and cooks in minutes; which is great when you need a quick delicious meal. Bon appetit, enjoy, and cheers!

Author: the simple good life

Ingredients

2 tsp olive oil
2 lb shrimp, shelled and deviened
6 cloves garlic, crushed
⅓ cup chopped fresh cilantro
2 limes
kosher salt and pepper

Instructions

Heat a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Add oil to the pan, and when hot add shrimp. Season with kosher salt and pepper. When the shrimp is cooked on one side (about 2 minutes) then turn over and add garlic. Sauté another minute or two until shrimp is cooked, careful not to overcook. Remove from heat, squeeze lime all over shrimp, and toss with cilantro. Place on your favorite serving platter, and serve hot with a nice warm baguette, or with a salad.

Notes

This would be great with a nice light sauvignon blanc such as Kunde Sauvignon Blanc.

supplies needed:

- favorite serving platter or plate (I prefer the simple white ones. They work with everything and make your food really standout. Here’s an example at Crate&Barrel.

- simple placemat Here’s an example at Crate&Barrel. Mine in the picture actually came from the top of the basket, so work with what you have if necessary.

lemon cucumber with fresh pesto

mysimplegoodlife — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 04:19:50 +0000

lemon cucumber with fresh pesto

A couple of days ago we inherited several fresh lemon cucumbers from my father-in-law so I needed to find some way to enjoy these rather than just adding your usual salt. In my eyes, you can’t go wrong with fresh pesto, and the more you have the better. This was the perfect light dinner on a warm summer night. Enjoy!

Author: the simple good life

Ingredients

about 3-4 medium lemon cucumbers
2 cups fresh Italian basil leaves and stems
½ cup olive oil
1 clove crushed garlic
1 teaspoon sea salt
fresh ground black pepper
3 Tablespoons fresh shaved parmesan cheese

Instructions

Add all ingredients into a food processor and blend until combined (about 30-45 seconds). Chop the cucumbers into wedges or slice vertically. Drizzle the fresh pesto on top, and top with additional fresh basil or cheese if desired. Lastly, garnish with fresh basil, or lavender, and enjoy!

spicy beer almonds

mysimplegoodlife — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 03:52:11 +0000

spicy beer almonds

These spice nuts are so simple and so good. A dish of these makes for a great nibble at happy hour with a glass of wine, cocktail, or beer. Enjoy.

Author: the simple good life

Ingredients

3 cups blanched whole almonds
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons kosher salt
tablespoon rosemary
1 teaspoon smoky Spanish paprika

Instructions

Preheat oven to 375 degrees
Place almonds on a baking sheet or half-sheet pan. Bake until golden brown, crunchy and fragrant, about 7-10 minutes. In a medium bowl, combine the oil and warm nuts; toss well. While tossing, sprinkle in the salt, then the rosemary and finally the paprika. Return the almonds to the baking sheet; allow to cool. Almonds can be stored in an airtight container, for up to 1 week.

baby arugula with tomatoes and goat cheese

mysimplegoodlife — Tue, 10 Dec 2013 03:48:31 +0000

baby arugula with tomatoes and goat cheese

Baby Arugula with Tomatoes and Goat Cheese with a breaded Pumpkin Seed crust - a delicious, unique, rich, and simple meal. Enjoy and cheers!

Author: the simple good life

Ingredients

¼ cup sherry vinegar
¼ cup walnut or olive oil
¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 shallot, minced
3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
1 large egg, lightly beaten
¼ cup spiced pumpkin seeds (got at whole foods) you can also use toasted walnuts, both finely chopped
2 tablespoons fine, dry breadcrumbs
1 (11-ounce) package of goat cheese
2 large heirloom tomatoes, sliced
3 cups baby arugula

Instructions

Combine first four ingredients and 2 tablespoons olive oil; set vinaigrette aside. Combine egg and 1 teaspoon water in a shallow bowl. Combine pumpkin seeds/walnuts and breadcrumbs in a shallow bowl. Cut goat cheese into 12(1/4-inch) rounds. Dip in egg mixture and dredge in walnut mixture. Freeze for 30 minutes. Saute’ goat cheese rounds, in batches, in remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat 1 minute on each side or until golden brown. Arrange tomatoes and goat cheese on top of arugula. Drizzle with vinaigrette or olive oil and top with sea salt/pepper, if desired. There you have your delicious, rich, unique, and for the most part healthy meal.

strawberry lemonade

mysimplegoodlife — Fri, 06 Dec 2013 03:51:59 +0000

Strawberry Lemonade

After making this, I think it may just be an essential in my refrigerator. I used to always walk at lunch with Caleb to the St. Helena Model Bakery to get his bagel and cream cheese and my strawberry lemonade (which I was always so disappointed that they only had it spring/summer) but when they had it, it was absolutely delicious! And now…after making this recipe(Ryan completely laughs at me) but I think MINE is better. Give it a try! If you like tangy yet sweet treats, then this will soon become high on your list. Enjoy!

Author: the simple good life

Ingredients

2 cups water
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon grated lemon peel
1 cup fresh lemon juice
1 pint fresh strawberries, hulled and halved
2 cups cold sparkling water or club soda
Ice
Mint sprigs, garnish
Whole strawberries, garnish

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, bring the water and sugar to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves. Add the lemon peel and lemon juice, stir, and remove from the heat. Let cool completely, then strain into a clean pitcher.
In a blender, puree the pint of strawberries and add to the pitcher with the lemon juice. Stir well to combine and refrigerate until well chilled. Add the sparkling water and stir well. Pour over glasses filled with ice and serve, garnished with mint and strawberries.