Turkey and Avocado Melt

Want fast and easy? And tasty as well? This was something quick that I whipped up for my daughter and myself just the other day. I don't eat much cheese at all...usually avoid it....but you really only need one of these open face sandwiches to fill you up so it is not too bad for a once in a while quick meal.
The bonus is that my daughter loved it!

1 whole wheat English muffin, split and toasted
4 thin slices turkey (about 1 ounce per muffin half if you are using regular turkey...which actually is better!)
4 thin slices avocado
2 slices swiss cheese
2 tsp olive oil mayonnaise (make your own...so much better for you!)

Toast the English muffin. Spread each half with one tsp olive oil mayonnaise. Top with turkey, avocado, and cheese. Heat in the microwave for 20-25 seconds or until cheese is melted. Makes two servings.

Chickpea, Cherry, and Couscous Lettuce Wraps

The family wanted pizza. I was busy trying to juggle multiple tasks to finish off my weekend and I was limited on time. I wanted to stay on track instead of giving in to the pizza so this was my quick and easy solution. It was fast, easy, tasty, and filled me up...and was healthy to boot!

1/2 cup fresh orange juice
1/2 cup water
2/3 cup whole-wheat couscous
1/4 tsp all-natural sea salt
1 15-oz. can  chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 ounces unsalted walnuts, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup packed fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
1/3 cup dried unsweetened cherries, halved
Lettuce leaves (Boston works well. I used Romaine)
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(Optional)
1/2 cup Greek yogurt
2 TBS tahini paste
6 TBS fresh orange juice

In a small saucepan, bring 1/2 cup orange juice and 1/2 cup water to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low. Stir in couscous and salt. Cover and remove from heat. Let stand for 5 minutes.
In a small bowl, stir together yogurt, tahini, and remaining orange juice until combined. (Optional)
In a large bowl, combine chickpeas, walnuts, parsley, and cherries. Fluff couscous with a fork and add to chickpea mixture. Stir gently to combine. Top lettuce leaves with couscous mixture. Serve with tahini sauce on the side. Makes 4 servings.
Enjoy!

Almond Butter Banana Treat

A fellow coach had suggested this and it really hits the spot when you are craving something sweet....and it is so much better for you than other junk that you can put in your body! Bonus...it is quick and easy!

1 slice sprouted bread or whole wheat bread, toasted
1 tsp almond butter
1/2 banana, sliced
honey
cinnamon

Toast the bread and spread the almond butter on it. Layer the banana slices on top. Drizzle honey on top and sprinkle with cinnamon. Enjoy!

*This is also good with natural peanut butter instead of the almond butter and/or sliced strawberries instead of banana slices.

Granola

When your daughter walks up to you and asks, "What are you making? It smells delicious!!! Can I have some?...you know you have a winner of a recipe! That is what happened when I made a big batch of this granola. In fact, my daughters took it to school for lunch! 

LOVE this with some fresh fruit!

10 cups old fashioned oats (I bought the instant by mistake and it was still good. Be sure to get the old fashioned oats!)

3/4 cup sesame seeds

1/2 cup sunflower seeds

2 cups raw sliced almonds

1 cup shredded unsweetened coconut

1/2 tsp kosher salt

1 1/2 TBS ground cinnamon

3/4 cup canola oil

1 cup maple syrup

1 1/2 TBS vanilla extract

1 1/2 tsp almond extract

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Position racks in lower part of the oven. Combine oats, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, sunflower seeds, almonds, coconut, salt, and cinnamon. Mix well until combined. In a separate bowl, whisk together oil, syrup, vanilla extract, and almond extract. Pour over other mixture and stir until coated.

Line 2 jelly-roll pans with parchment paper. Spread the granola in an even layer on each pan. Put them in the oven and set the timer for 30 minutes. Mix the granola and spread evenly again, switching the trays. Set the timer for another 30 minutes and then mix again and rotate racks. Set the timer for a final 30 minutes (90 minutes total). After 90 minutes of baking, turn off the oven, but leave the granola there for up to 6 hours so it can harden and crisp as the oven cools. Enjoy!