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Cowboy Beef and Black Bean Chili

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This recipe is an excellent source of fiber, protein, niacin, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, iron, selenium and zinc.

Total preparation and cooking time: 2 hours Makes 8 servings.

Ingredients

  • 2 lb. ground beef (95% lean)
  • 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
  • 1 1/2 cups chopped onions
  • 2 Tbsp. minced garlic
  • 2 medium yellow bell peppers, chopped
  • 1 large jalapeño pepper, seeded, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
  • 1 tsp. dried oregano leaves, crushed
  • 1 tsp. dried thyme leaves, crushed
  • 1/8 tsp. ground red pepper
  • 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) chili seasoned or zesty style diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (14 to 14 1/2 oz.) ready-to-serve beef broth
  • 12 oz. dark beer
  • 1/3 cup tomato paste
  • 2 cans (15 oz. each) black beans, rinsed, drained
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (optional)

Directions

  1. Brown ground beef in stockpot over medium heat 8 to 10 minutes or until beef is no longer pink, breaking up into crumbles. Remove from stockpot with slotted spoon. Set aside. Pour off drippings.
  2. Heat oil in same stockpot over medium heat until hot. Add onions and garlic; cook and stir 3 to 5 minutes or until onions are tender. Add bell peppers and jalapeño; cook and stir 4 to 5 minutes or until peppers are tender.
  3. Return beef crumbles to stockpot. Add chili powder, cumin, oregano, thyme and red pepper; cook and stir for 2 to 3 minutes. Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, broth, beer, and tomato paste; bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer 45 minutes. Uncover stockpot; continue simmering 30 minutes or until thickened to desired consistency, stirring occasionally. Stir in beans; cook 5 to 10 minutes or until beans are heated through. Season with salt and black pepper, as desired. Garnish with cilantro, if desired.

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Cowboy Beef and Black Bean Chili

Grilled chicken salad with olives and oranges

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This garlic-rubbed grilled chicken is a perfect complement to the tangy salad dressing. Grill the chicken in advance, cut into strips and refrigerate up to several days.

Makes 4 servings.

Ingredients

For the dressing
  • 1/2 cup red wine vinegar
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 Tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion
  • 1 Tbsp. finely chopped celery
  • cracked black pepper, to taste

For the salad
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, each 4 ounces
  • 2 garlic cloves
  • 8 cups leaf lettuce, washed and dried
  • 16 large ripe (black) olives
  • 2 navel oranges, peeled and sliced

Directions

  1. To make the dressing, in a small bowl combine the vinegar, garlic, olive oil, onion, celery and pepper. Stir to mix evenly. Cover and refrigerate until needed.
  2. Prepare a hot fire in a charcoal grill or heat a gas grill or broiler. Away from the heat source, lightly coat the grill rack or broiler pan with cooking spray. Position the cooking rack 4 to 6 inches from the heat source.
  3. Rub the chicken breasts with garlic, then discard the cloves. Grill or broil the chicken until browned and just cooked through, about 5 minutes each side. Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let rest 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
  4. Arrange 2 cups lettuce, 4 olives and 1/4 of the sliced oranges onto 4 plates. Top with 1/4 of the chicken strips and drizzle with dressing. Serve immediately.

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Grilled chicken salad with olives and oranges

Pico de Gallo Recipe From my Favorite “Good Fat” Food – Avocados

Amanda O'Brien

Amanda O'Brien

Guiding Stars Contributor

Amanda is originally from Peaks Island, Maine and currently works at Hall Web Services managing their inbound marketing team. She is a self proclaimed workaholic who tries to maintain a busy lifestyle. She is an amateur yogi and runner. Amanda contributes regularly to the Guiding Stars Blog.

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I was a late bloomer on liking avocados. It really only happened in the last few years. They are so delicious, you can do so much with them, they are available all year and they are good for you!

Avocados are nutrient dense fruits (yes, Avocados are a fruit). They are a rich source of vitamin E and loaded with nearly 20 vitamins, minerals and phytonutrients. Avocados are also attributed to helping maintain a healthy cholesterol level, help in good eye health, may lower the risk of breast cancer and more. I am not a doctor, but Avocados are frequently featured in blogs and magazines for their disease repelling super powers. Avocados also have “good fat” which helps your body process protein and helps your body stay healthy.

A one-ounce serving of fresh avocados has 0mg of cholesterol and 0mg of sodium and is only 50 calories. A serving of avocado has the same calories as a serving of other fruits like cantaloupe and pineapple.

Besides all the health benefits, avocados added to meals creates a delicious complexity. The creamy taste of avocado makes it a great substitute for cheese on a sandwich!

Below is one of my favorite recipes to make and have around the house, an avocado Pico de Gallo. This Pico is great to have over a steak, in a wrap with some diced chicken, with some low-fat cheese for a quesadilla and so much more. I use all fresh ingredients and store in an air-tight container and it lasts for 4-5 days. I hope you like it as much as we do at my house... Read more »

Pico de Gallo Recipe From my Favorite “Good Fat” Food – Avocados

Roasted Vegetable Spread

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1 star is good, 2 stars is better, 3 stars is best

Delicious recipes with a healthy touch. Look for new star-worthy recipes each week.

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Roasting the vegetables brings out the natural flavors in this delicious 3 star spread, especially in the eggplant and peppers. Number of Servings: 6 Serving Size: 1/4 cup

Ingredients

1 ea medium eggplant cut in half 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 ea large green pepper, cored, seeded, and cut in half 1 ea red pepper, cored, seeded, and cut in half 2 Tbsp lemon juice 1 Tbsp olive oil 1 Tbsp tomato paste 1 Tbsp Parmesan cheese

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 500 degrees F. Place the eggplant cut side down, on a baking sheet and roast in the oven for 15-20 minutes. Brush with half the olive oil. Add the peppers to the pan and continue to roast for an additional 25 minutes, brushing with the rest of the oil. 2. Cool the vegetables and peel the eggplant. Drain the vegetables by placing them on a paper towel. Dry well. Place the vegetables in a food processor and blend. Then add the remaining ingredients and blend will. Refrigerate before serving... Read more »

Roasted Vegetable Spread

Homemade Turkey Soup

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Overwhelmed with leftovers? Turn them into this 1 star soup.

Serves: 16 servings Serving size: 1 cup... Read more »

Homemade Turkey Soup