Homemade Taco Bell Seasoning

Nothing can or ever will come between my crispy taco bell tacos & I.. like EVER! I'm talking fast food (Taco Bell) tacos. I'm obsessed, always have been. I can't help it. These obsessions have driven me to find a homemade Taco Bell seasoning mix, yes your welcomed.. in advance!

 Stop buying store packets with all those unnecessary ingredients! 

After much Internet research I found this simple recipe from browneyedbaker.com! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

4 Tb Chili powder

3 Tb Paprika

3 Tb Cumin

1 Onion Powder

1 tsp Garlic Powder

1/4 tsp Cayenne pepper

Combine ingredients in a small bowl. Store this seasoning mix in an airtight container at room temperature.

** Use about 2 tablespoons per pound of meat & 3/4 cup of water.

Cucumber / Tuna bites

RECIPE:

1 can fresh water (low sodium) tuna

1 scallion (green onion) chopped

1 tsp light mayo

1 tsp mustard

2 sliced (seedless) cucumbers

1 tomato (sliced & quartered)

Drain tuna & break up the chunks. Add the mayo, mustard & scallions... stir to combine & set aside.

Slice cucumber...

Arrange in a platter..

add desired amount of tuna mixture..

& finally top with tomato! Perfect snack or anytime meal. Your kids will love!

 

ENJOY!!

My favorite Green Smoothie

Early last year I began adding a green smoothie to my daily diet in addition to working out. I was hoping to drop a few stubborn pounds before my wedding. I dropped a total of 15lbs with the help of insanity! 

Yay me! Although unfortunately I gained it all back post wedding, so I'm back at it again. 

 I used to make this entirely green, but then boredom struck. Therefore, I decided to slightly change (more like sweeten) this smoothie by incorporating green apple, thanks to a cousin of mine

& now in addition to an apple I add half a banana as well. 

If you're afraid of the green veggie flavor, fear no more... the fruit takes care of that. I encourage you all to try this, its very GOOD & well it's benefits don't hurt either. My girls love it!! I usually make a big batch & store my daughters in the fridge for an after school boost.

Below is the recipe to the green blend I began with if anyone is interested.

{Pre-Wedding Green Blend}

1 leaf of Kale, handful of Parsley, 1celery rib, 1 cucumber, 10 almonds, half lemon juice, 1 tsp olive oil & water. Blend!

Current Recipe:

Half a Banana

Half a Green apple

1 leaf of Kale

 handful of Parsley

 1celery rib

 1 cucumber

10 almonds

ice!!!!!!

I add the banana straight to the blend

Wash veggies & blend until smooth!!! ENJOY!!

Fresh Strawberry Lemonade Popsicles

With summer just around the corner, 
these homemade popsicles are a must!!

Wash & slice or chop fresh strawberries, set aside.

Make strawberry lemonade in a glass, add desired amount of powder.

Place fresh strawberries inside Popsicle containers & pour lemonade mix.

Cover & freeze.

There are endless combinations.. Can't wait to experiment with different flavors.

 

ENJOY!!

Thyme & Lime Salmon

3-4 Salmon steaks (1 per person)

Couple stems of Thyme (remove stems)

1 lime

1 garlic clove (minced)

Salt & pepper

Pinch of paprika for color

Pat dry salmon steaks & season with salt & pepper. 

Add minced garlic, Thyme & paprika. Pat flavors into the salmon.

Preheat skillet to a medium high, add olive oil & place salmon herb side down.

Sear for about 5-6 mins (covered) & gentle flip. Cook another 2 mins (uncover).

 Turn heat off & squeeze half a lime & serve.

ENJOY!!