A Lifestyle Blog

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon and Balsamic

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We eat a ton of discount vegetables in our home thanks to the deep discounts in our local grocer’s produce section each week. My eyes are light lasers zeroing in on the bright orange stickers. $1.99 for a bag of Brussels sprouts? Into the cart! You should see my level of stalking excitement when I witness the produce manager stamping sale stickers on packages portobellos or fresh herbs.

Because I often buy so many veggies, I try to cook them up different ways: grilled, roasted, sautéed, and raw. Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon and Balsamic are like little savory cabbages caramelized in savory, tangy flavor. Grab a baking sheet and get to roastin’!

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Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Turkey Bacon and Balsamic
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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lbs. Brussels sprouts (trim off the bottom stems)
  • 4-5 diced turkey bacon strips
  • 1/2 diced (medium-large chunks) sweet yellow onion (optional)
  • 2-3 T. olive oil
  • 1/3 c. balsamic vinegar
  • heavy pinch salt
  • heavy pinch pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Rinse the Brussels sprouts and trim off their stem ends. Discard any brown leaves.
  3. Dice the turkey strips.
  4. Dice the onion into medium to large chunks. (optional)
  5. Toss all veggies in a large bowl with olive oil and salt and pepper.
  6. Pour veggies on to a large ungreased cookie sheet or baking pan.
  7. Top with chopped turkey bacon.
  8. Roast Brussels sprouts for 8 minutes. Open oven, remove pan and rotate Brussel sprouts using a spatula. Add the balsamic vinegar. Return to the oven and finish roasting for 8 additional minutes.
  9. Serve hot.
7.8.1.2
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https://onedelightfullife.com/roasted-brussels-sprouts-with-turkey-bacon-and-balsamic/

Nutrition

Calories

715 cal

Fat

51 g

Carbs

19 g

Protein

46 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

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Creamy Dill Chicken Salad Sandwich

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Nothing, I mean nothing is a delicious as my mom’s homemade chicken salad. Over the years, I created my own take on her recipe but with a few changes. I love fresh dill and mayo as a spreadable combination on any sandwich and this Creamy Dill Chicken Salad Sandwich bumps it up a notch and incorporates cranberries (optional). I think mom would be proud.

It’s so good, I might just eat two sandwiches in one sitting. Want to avoid carbs? Add this creamy salad on top of mixed greens instead.

This creamy, cool chicken salad is addictive. You'll want to sandwich it between bread, pita bread, or just top it on top of a bed of mixed greens. Addictive. You've been warned.
This creamy, cool chicken salad is addictive. You’ll want to sandwich it between bread, pita bread, or just top it on top of a bed of mixed greens. Addictive. You’ve been warned.

Serves 3 large sandwiches

Creamy Dill Chicken Salad Sandwiches

10 minPrep Time

18 minCook Time

28 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 diced, poached skinless & boneless chicken breasts (You could cut prep time by using a store bought rotisserie chicken.)
  • Creamy Dill Chicken Salad Base:
  • 1/2 cup mayo
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 2 T. dill pickle juice
  • 2 T. roughly chopped fresh dill
  • 1 T. lemon juice
  • 1 tsp. stone ground mustard
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 c. diced celery
  • Optional-cranberries, chopped walnuts for crunch

Instructions

  1. Poach Chicken Breasts:
  2. Trim any fat from 2 large skineless, boneless chicken breasts
  3. Add to large pot
  4. Cover with chicken broth (or water) by at least an inch
  5. Add 3 springs of thyme, 2 bay leaves, 3 springs of parsley, 3 large pieces celery, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp cracked pepper
  6. Bring to a boil.
  7. Reduce to a simmer and let cook for 18 minutes.
  8. Remove chicken and allow it to cool prior to dicing it.
  9. (Strain and freeze the remaining chicken broth liquid for another use.)
  10. Dice chicken and reserve.
  11. In a large mixing bowl, combine all base liquid ingredients. Add in chopped dill, celery, salt, pepper, and stir. Add in optional dried cranberries and chopped walnuts to taste.
  12. Allow to chill in the refrigerator at least 30 minutes.

Notes

Substitute basil for dill or grapes for cranberries. Almonds also make a great swap ingredient instead of walnuts.

7.8.1.2
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https://onedelightfullife.com/creamy-dill-chicken-salad-sandwich/

Nutrition

Calories

101 cal

Fat

2 g

Carbs

1 g

Protein

18 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

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Shrimp Creole

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I miss New Orleans. The people are some of the warmest, friendliest people I’ve ever met when in a big city. They don’t scowl at you or judge you for asking them questions as a tourist. Actually, they love tourists. They respect them because so much of the city relies upon tourism dollars. So, they put out the whitest of tablecloths, the freshest catch of the day, and the largest cocktail in the ultimate show of hospitality for their city’s guests. 

I still daydream of New Orleans food since our trip. My palette longs for flavorful po’ boys, blackened shrimp served bubbling hot with crusty bread, and savory etouffee. I knew I would miss the intense seasoning of the city’s dishes, so I bought River Road’s Blackened Shrimp Seasoning and grabbed this recipe from “Louisiana Cookin’: Authentic Cajun & Creole Cuisine” magazine and got busy in the kitchen. This tomato based rice dish is more like a thick stew and can be served with any shellfish. I regret not adding diced sausage to the pot while it simmered, but there’s always next time! Shimp Creole was a hit at dinner time in our house and it’s so easy to prep and prepare.

While this recipe isn't mine, it is delicious and reminds me of New Orleans. Recipe by Louisiana Cookin' magazine.

While this recipe isn’t mine, it is delicious and reminds me of New Orleans because of its intense Creole flavors. Recipe by Louisiana Cookin’ magazine.

Serves 4 servings

Creole Shrimp

The perfect high flavor entree for a lazy Sunday dinner when you have an hour to prepare dinner for the family.

10 minPrep Time

50 minCook Time

1 hrTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 2 T. olive oil
  • 1 c. diced yellow onion
  • 3/4 c. diced green bell pepper
  • 3/4. c. diced celery
  • 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 3 T. tomato puree
  • 1 1/2 T minced garlic
  • 3/4 c. dry white white
  • 1 28oz can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 T. Worcestershire
  • 1 1/2 tsp Creole seasoning (River Road Blackened Shrimp Seasoning)
  • 1 lb. large fresh shrimp, peeled, deveined
  • 2 c. cooked white rice
  • Garnish: sliced green onions, fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and celery. Season with 1 tsp. salt, and cook until vegetables are slightly tender, 5 to 7 minutes. Add tomato paste and garlic, and cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine, and deglaze pan by using a wooden spoon to scrape browned bits from bottom of pan. Add tomatoes, Worcestershire, and Creole seasoning, stirring to combine. Bring to a boil, and reduce heat. Simmer until thickened, about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  2. Spread shrimp out on a paper towel lined platter. Season with remaining 1/2 tsp. salt. Add shrimp to pot and simmer 10-15 minutes.
  3. Remove from heat, and ladle into bowls. Serve topped with a scoop of hot cooked rice. Garnish with green onion and parsley, if desired.

Notes

If you want a thicker stew, add more shrimp and/or a spicy sausage. Serve with crusty bread.

7.8.1.2
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https://onedelightfullife.com/shrimp-creole/

Nutrition

Calories

264 cal

Fat

8 g

Carbs

45 g

Protein

6 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

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Strawberry Lemon Cream Cheese Turnovers

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I have a major sweet tooth, which doesn’t work out too well when I live with someone who doesn’t eat desserts. Ah, the humanity! Like, who doesn’t eat desserts?

So, every now and again I actually try my hand at “baking.” I don’t consider myself a baker because sometimes things just don’t turn out right and sometimes my recipes are semi-homemade. But at least I try, right? You’re going to want to try this easy recipe for flaky, scrumptious Strawberry Lemon Cream Cheese Turnovers. They can be eaten for breakfast, as a dessert or, when like me, you’ve given in to a craving in the middle of the afternoon.

strawberry-lemon-cream-cheese-turnovers

6 servings

Strawberry Lemon Cream Cheese Turnovers

You can substitute any berry in place of strawberries.

15 minPrep Time

13 minCook Time

28 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • Strawberry Filling:
  • One quart sliced strawberries (mix with 2 tsp sugar and refrigerate for at least an hour)
  • 4 oz softened cream cheese
  • 1/3 cup powder sugar
  • 1 T vanilla
  • 2 tsp strawberry juice
  • Pastry:
  • 8 oz can Pillsbury Crescent Dough Sheet Original
  • Frosting:
  • 1/4 cup powder sugar
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • (add low-fat milk to thin the frosting a bit, if you prefer it thinner)

Instructions

  1. Wash, de-stem, and slice the strawberries. Mix the strawberries in a medium bowl with the sugar.
  2. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour.
  3. Heat the oven to 375 degrees.
  4. When the strawberries are ready, drain the berries from their juice. Reserve the juice in a separate container. Combine all filling ingredients and add 2 tsp strawberry juice to it. Mix well.
  5. Lay out crescent dough on an ungreased cookie sheet. Slice the dough sheet into six large squares. Stuff each square with a large mound of strawberry filling. Fold the dough square into a triangle shape around the stuffing. Use your fingers to pinch around two edges of the triangle. Dust with cinnamon (optional) and bake for 10-13 minutes or until golden brown.
  6. Serve warm with drizzled frosting. Garnish with lemon zest and sliced strawberries.
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https://onedelightfullife.com/strawberry-lemon-cream-cheese-turnovers/

Nutrition

Calories

124 cal

Carbs

26 g

Protein

2 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

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Movie Night Popcorn Seasonings

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Fire up Netflix and turn down the lights….it’s Movie Night. But wait! Where’s the popcorn? Everyone knows those store bought popcorn seasonings contain all kinds of unpronounceable ingredients. Take ten minutes, before pushing play on your chosen flick, and make one of these high flavor Movie Night Popcorn Seasonings to add to a bag of unsalted microwave popcorn. Scroll down for a listing of fun, flavor combinations and try the featured recipe card for Pizza Popcorn Seasoning. And…ACTION!

Pizza + Popcorn = An Empty Popcorn Box
Homemade Seasonings + Popcorn = An Empty Popcorn Box

Fiesta Mexicana

  • 1/4 c. melted unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp cayenne
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1 tsp dry cilantro

Zesty Italian

  • 1/4 c. melted unsalted butter
  • 1 tsp oregano leaves
  • 1/2 tsp onion power
  • 1 tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp sage
  • 1 tsp rosemary
  • 1 tsp basil

Dill Pickle

  • 1/4 c. melted unsalted butter
  • 1 T. dill
  • 1 tsp onion power
  • 1 tsp kosher salt

Garlic Parmesan

  • 1/4 c. melted unsalted butter
  • 1 T grated parmesan
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp parsley

3/4 cup

Serves Seasoning for 1 bag of popcorn

Pizza Popcorn Seasoning

5 minPrep Time

5 minCook Time

10 minTotal Time

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Ingredients

  • 1 bag plain microwave popcorn (no butter)
  • 1/4 cup melted unsalted butter
  • 4 T oregano
  • 2 T dry basil
  • 1 T garlic powder
  • 1 T thyme
  • 1 T grated Parmasen cheese
  • Pinch of black pepper

Instructions

  1. Melt unsalted butter in a small saucepan.
  2. While it's melting, mix together all dry ingredients.
  3. Add dry seasoning mix to melted butter. Remove from heat.
  4. Follow microwave instructions for unflavored popcorn.
  5. Drizzle melted butter mixture on top of popcorn.

Notes

Try our other popcorn seasonings too!

7.8.1.2
7
https://onedelightfullife.com/movie-night-popcorn-seasonings/

Nutrition

Calories

95 cal

Fat

6 g

Carbs

4 g

Protein

7 g
Click Here For Full Nutrition, Exchanges, and My Plate Info

onedelightfullife.com Increase the flavor of microwave popcorn for movie night at home with these easy seasoning combinations.
onedelightfullife.com Increase the flavor of microwave popcorn for movie night at home with these easy seasoning combinations.

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35 Free Summer Activities for Adults

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If summers “off” as a high school taught me one thing, it was that I was on the always on the hunt for free (or nearly free) summer activities. I certainly couldn’t afford to go out every weekend for wine night or to a summer concert series on my salary alone. So, check out this list of 50 Free Summer Activities that will add variety and fun to your summer.

35-free-summer-activities-for-adults

  1. Visit the local art museum. Most offer a no-cost day on the weekend, but it is common courtesy to donate a dollar or two when you enter.
  2. Ask a friend if you can swim in their neighborhood’s community pool.
  3. Walk the air conditioned mall and head to a department store’s make-up counter to try on a shade of summer lipstick.
  4. Check out the latest magazines or books from the local library. They often have summer reading group discussions planned. Ask for their calendar of events.
  5. Sample tasty local fare at the area’s farmers market. Many farmers offer samples of honey, sausage, and artisan cheeses.
  6. Host a summer themed movie night for friends with fresh popped popcorn. (See our popcorn seasonings recipes). Encourage each attendee to bring their favorite candy to share.
  7. Volunteer to be on the building site crew for Habitat for Humanity.
  8. Tour a flea market, mall or city sponsored event. Enjoy the people watching.
  9. Plan a seriously competitive game night at home. How long has it been since you broke out the ol’ Scrabble board?
  10. Mark down your not-so-new belongings and host a one day garage sale. If it isn’t sold, it goes to the Goodwill.
  11. Stop by an area winery for free samples. Check their calendar for the release of their newest blend.
  12. Go on a model home tour.
  13. Test drive a convertible.
  14. Go fishing at the state park or your neighborhood’s pond.
  15. Invite your musician friends over for a jam session on the deck in front of the chiminea.
  16. Seek out your area’s nature center. Walk hand-in-hand with your honey or take the dog for a brisk walk.
  17. Check your park board’s event calendar. Yoga in the park at sunrise anyone?
  18. Brush up on your Shakespeare while enjoying a dramatic local theater production at the city park.
  19. Put the chairs in the middle of the yard and stargaze with ooey gooey smores.
  20. Go geocaching. Don’t forget to bring your own trinket, pen, and paper to leave in the capsule once you find it.
  21. String up a hammock or lay back in the gravity chair and read a hot romance novel checked out from the library.
  22. Kick off your flip flops and dance with your special someone on the deck by the light of the moon.
  23. Go on a photo shoot outdoors capturing beautiful landscape, nature images.
  24. Take the dog to the area dog park and meet other fur baby parents.
  25. Take up frisbee golf.
  26. Turn on the sprinkler system and have a backyard water party.
  27. Make a competition out of catching fireflies in a jar with a friend.
  28. Host a BYOB party or assign each guest a food item to bring.
  29. Play quarter pool (or going during a open to the public free time) at billiard hall.
  30. Have a watermelon seed spitting contest from the deck.
  31. Lay on a beach blanket at the park and let your thoughts wonder while you declare cloud shapes.
  32. Wash your car in your swimsuit. Take breaks to drink lemonade. Let’s face it. Detailing your car is hard work.
  33. Make alcohol infused fruit popsicles.
  34. Go to a local airport’s air show or tour their aviation museum.
  35. Actually talk to your neighbors when out for a walk. They secretly want to break the ice with you too.