Yesterday was B-E-UTIFUL!! I can’t even get over how gorgeous it was! We spent the entire day outside with our little man! We parked downtown, pulled out the stroller and started walking! It was gorgeous! I was to hot in capris and a light shirt! 80 degrees in March, in Maine! Un-stinkin-heard-of!! I am not complaining at all! It was so enjoyable!( If you don’t follow me on Instagram, you should! Heres a little recap!)

Lets no talk about how as the week goes on it gets colder  

 

First we stopped for lunch at one of my favorite places to get a bug juicy Guinness BBQ Burger! And there is nothing better than a gorgeous day, a burger, and beer..they belong together like Peanut Butter & Jelly, Februaries and skellies, After-parties and tellies….Mariah Carey anyone?! hah It was DELICIOUS!

Then we took Aiden out for his first Gelato experience..needless to say, he is definitely my child! He loved it almost as much as I did! We taste tested every single flavor before settling on something I can’t pronounce or spell..lets just say it was the greatest thing ever!

 

After much walking around and eating, we had a sleepy boy on our hands and decided to just relax in the backyard, while he naps, with…dun dun dun MARGARITAS! My favorite drink everrr! It was gorgeous and so perfect!

 

Remember yesterday I was talking all about my Trader Joes trip and the beautiful flowers I always pick up…well here was this weeks beautiful bouquet! Aren’t they GORG?!  

Okay Okay, so I should tell you about what you’re really here for…the A++, yummiest burger we’ve ever had, most amazing Thai Chicken Burger! Holy explosion of flavors in your mouth! I don’t even know how to explain this baby! All I can tell you is MAKE IT!! I was so unsure going into it..but wowsers! We were both utterly surprised and impressed with the flavors this has!!

The first bite I took made taste buds I didnt even know I had start blowing up like fireworks! (I’m not exaggerating!) This Thai Chicken Burger was freaking AH-MAZING! The combination of the peanut sauce, which I was so skeptical of, but I swear it tied it all together, and the tangy mango salsa..holy hell this sucker was succulent! There are not enough words to describe it..so just make it! All of it..don’t neglect the peanut sauce or the mango salsa..I’m telling you, the combination is im.press.ive!

Without making this post any longer, I give you the recipe for this heavenly dish! Make it, ASAP! You’ll feel the explosion at first bite!;)

 

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Thai Chicken Burgers with Mango Salsa

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 2-8 ounce burgers or 4-4 ounce burgers

Ingredients

For the Burgers
• 1 lb ground chicken
• 2 Tablespoons chopped green onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1/2 cup panko
• 1/2 of the peanut sauce (below)
• Romaine Lettuce (optional)
• Ciabtta Rolls or rolls of your choice
For the Peanut Sauce
• 3 Tablespoons smooth peanut butter
• 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 teaspoon minced garlic
• 1 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 teaspoon sriracha
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar (you can use honey too)
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
For the Mango Salsa
• 1 mango, cubed
• 1/2 jalapeno, seeds removed and minced
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• Juice of 1/2 a lime
• 1/4 teaspoon sriracha
• salt & pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan on medium high heat, spray with cooking spray.
2. For the peanut sauce, combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together.
3. For the burgers, In a medium sized bowl combine the ground chicken, green onion, cilantro, panko, and peanut sauce. Mix well then form patties. (We did two- 8 ounce-rs, but you can easily get 3-4 smaller patties out of this)
4. Get the burgers grilling, about 4-5 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
5. Meanwhile in a small bowl combine the mango, jalapeno, garlic, cilantro, lime juice and sriracha. Toss well to combine, set aside.
6. Once the burgers are done, top a roll with them, spread on a dollop of peanut sauce, top with mango salsa, and add on some lettuce if you desire.
7. Serve and Devour!

Notes

Adapted from: Iowa Girl Eats

I’ve recently taken the initiative to actually go pretty full force in attempting to lose weight and get back to my pre-baby bod..I have started the Couch to 5K..and let me just say..I knew I was out of shape, but woah. I had no idea it was that bad haha This running thing is kicking.my.ass. I have never really ever been a big runner, so this is all new to me…(so is giving up sweets!)

I have so much incentive to get back into shape and I must say I feel so much better. I have more energy, more motivation, I’m happier..the only thing I’m bummed about is that I didn’t do this sooner. But better now than never! I want to be able to keep up with my son and never feel ‘slothy’ again…Im to young, and it has just been to long since Ive worked out. This is a good thing

With all that being said, do.not.worry. This blog, my food, it won’t change very much at all…there might be a few less sweets, and the dishes I do make may have a little healthier twist on them, but it will definitely not be all about diet food! I still love to eat just as much as always…and I don’t really believe in diets, just healthier eating!  

So let me tell you about these FABTASTIC Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps and the amazing Pineapple Jicama Slaw that goes with them..because they truly are one of the yummiest (and messiest ) things I have eaten! Between the sweet and salty peanut sauce, the tangy slaw, all atop marinated chicken strips and a lettuce wrap..holy.cow! We will be eating these over and over and over again..and so should YOU!

 

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Thai Chicken Lettuce Wraps with Pineapple Jicama Slaw

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Yield: 4-5 lettuce wraps

1 wrap

140 Calories/Wrap

Ingredients

For the Slaw
• 1 cup chopped pineapple
• 1 cup chopped jicama
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 Tablespoon freshly chopped cilantro
• 1-2 grinds of salt and pepper
For the Chicken Marinade
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar
• 2 tablespoon soy sauce
• 2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1 lime, zested and juiced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper
• 1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic
• 2 large chicken breasts, rinsed and cut into strips
For the Peanut Sauce
• 3 Tablespoons Peanut Butter
• 1 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
• 1 Tablespoon rice vinegar
• 2 Tablespoons chili sauce
• 1 teaspoon agave nectar
• 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 Tablespoons water (for thinning)
• 5 leaves Boston lettuce

Instructions

1. Mix all the ingredients of the slaw in a bowl and set in the fridge.
2. For the chicken marinade, whisk all ingredients except the chicken together.
3. Pour into a large Ziploc bag, add the chicken strips. Shake well so all the chicken is coated, then lay it horizontally in the fridge to marinade for at least 30 minutes.
4. To make the peanut sauce, whisk all ingredients together, and set aside.
5. Heat your grill pan to medium high heat, spray cooking spray.
6. Add the chicken with the sauce and cook until the chicken is cooked through, about 7-8 minutes.
7. To assemble the wraps: spread as much of the peanut sauce as you desire on a lettuce leaf, top with some chicken followed by the jicama slaw, Devour!

Notes

Adapted From: Cara's Cravings

 

I know its late in the day, but I just HAD to share this delicious, healthy, green, spinach and fruit smoothie! It’s so darn good! These things are all the rage right now…if you’re on Pinterest, you know!! I kept reading that you don’t taste the Spinach in them, (I didn’t believe it!), but finally decided to give it a go after a beautiful walk, (in 60 degree weather, in March, In Maine!!!!), with my little man!

WELL, this was SO GOOD! Even My little guy couldn’t get enough…he started yelling at me when I wasn’t shoveling it in his mouth fast enough! hah (I’m not joking!) Its light, healthy, refreshing…such a perfect snack for this warm weather!! Let’s just hope it keeps up!! The weather is actually inspiring me to put my running shoes on and get out there…I hate winter..I hibernate..its an awful habit  

We’re SO happy to see the sun around these parts..I hope you’re all getting pieces of it! Make this smoothie, its delish! You really don’t taste the spinach..I wouldn’t lie to you..promise!! (Plus its the perfect color in honor of St. Patrick’s day coming up this week! ) Hope you’re all having a fabulous Monday!

 

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Green Smoothie

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 5 minutes

4 cups

Ingredients

• 1 banana
• 1/2 mango
• 1/2 orange (I used cara cara navels..they're so sweet!)
• 1/4 cup blackberries
• 3-4 Tablespoons shredded coconut
• 1 cup spinach, loosely packed
• 1/4 cup non-fat plain greek yogurt
• 1/2 teaspoon honey
• 3/4 cup skim milk
• 8-9 large ice cubes

Instructions

1. Toss all ingredients in the blender and blend until smooth!! Enjoy!!

Notes

Adapted from: Skinnytaste

I’m a little late posting today…my little man has been sick all weekend and it hasn’t been very fun. The poor thing is teething pretty badly too..its been looong. But he’s down for a nap now, thankfully, he needs it, and I have a few minutes to blog!

This weather has been freakin awesome! I know everyone, everywhere, is saying this. But I just cant get over it..to be able to wear shorts, in Maine, in March. WOW. Unheard of…(and its supposed to hit 80 this week!) Eeeee!! (Insert loud squawk of excitement!!) I just hope it stays this nice!! (I may actually get outside finally…I’m totally a bear in the winter..I hibernate bad.)

Soo Chicken Salad sandwiches..completely a summertime food..in my head. But like I said, Its like summer around here and these mini sandwiches are the perfect snack or have a couple and call it lunch! They’re flavorful, healthy, and so superb! (Tip: Make them even healthier by using the chicken salad on top of a salad instead of on bread!)

I can’t believe bikini season is right around the corner…THAT is a scary thought. Ive been slightly neglectful of my baby weight..did you know that they Spanks makes bathing suits! Can we say Hallelujah!? Its like a little nip n’ tuck without all the nipping! Time to hit the pavement regardless though!

Add this chicken salad to your diet..quick to whip up, store it in the fridge and you’ve got snacks to go! Happy Monday!

 

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Healthy Chicken Salad

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 6 Mini Sandwiches, well packed

1 Sandwich

130 calories/serving

2.9 grams total fat/serving

Ingredients

• 3/4 cup diced green peppers
• 3 cups cooked chicken, cubed (I just bought a rotisserie chicken to keep it quick)
• 5 ounces Plain Non-Fat Greek Yogurt
• 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard
• Juice of 1/2 a lemon
• 1 teaspoon brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne
• salt and pepper to taste
• 1/8 cup quartered red grapes
• Honey Wheat Rolls (optional)
• Pecans (optional)

Instructions

1. In a large bowl add the green peppers and cubed chicken.
2. In a separate small bowl whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon, lemon juice, brown sugar, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
3. Once completely whisked together pour into the chicken and pepper mix. Toss to combine and thoroughly coat.
4. Add the quartered grapes, and toss to mix.
5. Spoon into rolls or on a salad and enjoy!

My fiance was gone all weekend, and my sweet darling boy slept in until 9 o’clock every morning..he must have known! It was a treat, that’s for sure! We had an incredibly lazy Saturday filled with cartoons, cookie making, and napping. Glorious.

We found out this weekend where we’ll be headed first after my fiance commissions in the Spring…Missouri. I have never been there…its where we are spending the first five months of army life. I must say Ive never lived away from the ocean, Ive been spoiled always living a mile from the beach, that’ll be an adjustment!

I’m 32 weeks pregnant..only 8 more to go. oh.em.gee. Where does the time go? I know..so cliche, and I do say that a lot, but I just can’t get over how time just continues to speed up faster and faster every year! I go in for an ultra sound this week..I’m so curious..when I went in at 22 weeks, they told me the baby was right on track to be as big as my first was…He was 10 lbs 6 oz..to say I’m hoping this one will be smaller is an understatement..so I’m curious as to how much he weighs…”They” say, he should be as heavy as a jicama!  

Okay. Food Time. Apple, Bacon, and Brie Panini, plus fontina, plus honey equals one of the best sandwiches I have ever had. I INHALED this baby. It didn’t stand a chance.

The explosion of flavors was un.real. The sweet apple and honey, the crispy, salty bacon, the earthiness of the spring lettuce mix, the creaminess of the melted brie and fontina..oh meh lord, save me now. It was extraordinary..It was perfect. It was like these flavors were meant for each other. I will eat this again and again. And continue to devour it.

SO.SHOULD.YOU! (You’ll be so happy)

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Apple, Bacon, and Brie Panini

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 10 minutes

Yield: 1 delicious Sandwich!

Ingredients

• 3 slices bacon, cooked until crispy
• 1/2 Gala Apple, sliced thin
• 2 slices marble rye (or bread of choice)
• 1 Tablespoon butter
• Creamy brie, enough to spread an even layer on a bread slice
• 2 thin slices fontina cheese
• 1 Tablespoon honey
• salt and pepper
• handful of lettuce, arugula, or your choice of greens
• 
  

Instructions

1. Butter both sides of both pieces of bread and start toasting on a grill pan on medium heat.
2. Once both sides are a nice golden brown, spread with the brie and top with the fontina cheese.
3. Layer a good coat of sliced apples followed by your crispy bacon.
4. Drizzle honey over the bacon
5. Crack some fresh salt and pepper
6. Place on a handful of lettuce or your choice of greens
7. Top with the other slice of toast and push down carefully.
8. Cook until the cheese is nice and melty then serve!
9. Enjoy!