Fajita chicken pasta has tender pasta, strips of chicken, charred onions and peppers, and plenty of fajita seasoning and cheese to bring it all together. This delicious family dinner is ready in just 25 minutes!

PREP TIME: 10 minutes

COOK TIME: 15 minutes

TOTAL TIME: 25 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

8 oz. penne pasta

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil, divided

1 medium onion, sliced

2 bell peppers (mixed colors), sliced

4 tablespoons fajita seasoning, divided

1 1/2 lbs. chicken breasts

2 cups shredded Mexican blend cheese (or cheddar)

Optional toppings:

Diced avocado or guac, extra shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, pickled jalapeños, fresh chopped cilantro, lime wedges, hot sauce, etc.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve at least 1/2 cup of the cooking liquid when draining the pasta.

Meanwhile, heat 1 1/2 teaspoons of the olive oil in a large, deep skillet over medium high heat. Add the onion and peppers and season with 1 tablespoon of the fajita seasoning. Cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly charred and tender, about 5-6 minutes. Remove the onion and peppers to a bowl.

Add the remaining 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil to the same skillet. Season the chicken with 2 tablespoons of the fajita seasoning and add to the pan. Cook, stirring occasionally, until cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.

Return the onion and peppers to the pan. Add the cooked pasta, 1 1/2 cups of shredded cheese and the remaining tablespoon of fajita seasoning to the pan. Add 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking liquid and stir well to combine everything and melt the cheese. Add extra pasta cooking liquid if needed to get everything to come together.

Serve the fajita chicken pasta with the remaining cheese sprinkled on top, and any other desired toppings. Enjoy!

NOTES:

Chicken: Be sure to slice your chicken thin enough. You’ll want them to be small and easy to bite into so you can get some along with the pasta and veggies.

Onions and peppers: Similarly, make sure your onions and peppers are about the same size so they cook evenly. I cut long strips in half so they aren’t so huge to get a fork around.

Pepper colors: Using a variety of different colored bell peppers adds some great flavor and color interest. When possible, it’s nice to have some green, yellow, red and orange in there, but you only need two bell peppers worth for the recipe. So it’s definitely OK to buy one red and one yellow, for instance, and stop there. (Or get a bag of the mini sweet peppers and use some of those.)

Pasta: I love using whole wheat penne for some whole grain goodness, but regular penne is fine. You could also substitute a different pasta shape, like medium shells, if you prefer. Be sure to reserve some of the pasta cooking liquid though when you go to drain the pasta cause we’re using it to tie everything together.

Fajita seasoning: We love homemade fajita seasoning, which is so very easy to mix up yourself, but you can certainly use a store-bought mix. You do need a lot though – 4 tablespoons. I’ve tried it with less and it just didn’t have enough fajita flavor.

Cheese: The bagged shredded Mexican blend cheese is great here for some extra flavor and oomph. However, you could use cheddar cheese or Monterey Jack cheese if you’d like.

Leftovers: The leftover fajita chicken pasta can be stored, once cooled, in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet to warm it back up. Or freeze the leftovers, once cooled, in a freezer-safe ziptop bag or container for up to 6 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

YIELD: 6 SERVING SIZE: 1

Amount Per Serving: CALORIES: 436TOTAL FAT: 17gSATURATED FAT: 8gTRANS FAT: 0gUNSATURATED FAT: 8gCHOLESTEROL: 132mgSODIUM: 622mgCARBOHYDRATES: 20gFIBER: 2gSUGAR: 3gPROTEIN: 47g

These ULTRA-easy, melt-in-your-mouth peanut butter cookies with just the right balance of salty and sweet are a sure to please treat.

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Prep Time: 1minute

Cook Time: 10minutes

Total Time: 15minutes

Servings: 18 cookies

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/2 cup all-purpose flour 180g

1/2 cup butter unsalted, room temp 113g

1 cup peanut butter 250g

1/2 cup brown sugar 100g, lightly packed

1/2 cup sugar 100g

1 tsp vanilla extract 5mL

1 egg large, room temp

3/4 tsp baking powder 3g

INSTRUCTIONS:

Preheat over to 350F

Sift flour and baking powder together then whisk to combine.

Cream butter and sugars in a stand mixer fitted with a paddle attachment. You can add an optional 1/4-1/2 tsp sea salt.

Add peanut butter and mix until incorporated.

Mix in egg and vanilla extract then add flour mixture and beat until incorporated.

Roll dough into one inch balls and place on baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

Flatten cookies with a fork in a criss-cross pattern.

Bake cookies for about 10 minutes.

Allow cookies to cool completely on baking sheet, they need to set up before being transferred.

NOTES:

You will bake the cookies until almost done. They will set up and continue baking with the residual internal heat after they’re pulled out of the oven.

They will be VERY soft just out of the oven so let them rest for a while; when cooled they will be firm enough to handle and quite delicious.

If your peanut butter is not on the salty side add 1/4-1/2 tsp salt to the batter.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

Serving: 105g | Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 16g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 23mg | Sodium: 115mg | Potassium: 129mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin A: 170IU | Calcium: 20mg | Iron: 0.8mg

Delicious Beetroot and Lemon Juice Cleans Colon Waste and Loses Weight

In today’s fast-paced world, maintaining a healthy lifestyle is more crucial than ever. Our bodies can accumulate toxins over time, and one effective way to detoxify and support weight loss is through a natural colon cleanse. A beetroot and lemon juice cleanse is a delicious and nutritious option that not only flushes out colon waste but can also aid in shedding those extra pounds.

The Power of Beetroot and Lemon:

Beetroot: Often hailed as a superfood, beetroot is rich in essential nutrients, including fiber, vitamins (like vitamin C and B-complex), minerals, and antioxidants. The fiber content in beetroot supports digestive health and helps in moving waste through the colon efficiently.

Lemon: Lemons are packed with vitamin C, which boosts the immune system and aids digestion. They also have a mild diuretic effect, promoting the removal of toxins from the body. The citric acid in lemons supports the production of digestive enzymes, further enhancing digestion.

Preparing Your Beetroot and Lemon Cleanse:

Ingredients:

• 2 medium-sized beetroots
• 1 lemon
• Water

Method:

1. Wash and Peel the Beetroots: Start by washing and peeling the beetroots to remove any dirt or debris. Cut them into small, manageable pieces.
2. Prepare the Lemon: Roll the lemon on a hard surface, applying slight pressure. This will make it easier to extract the juice. Cut the lemon in half and remove the seeds.
3. Blend It All: Place the beetroot pieces and lemon halves (without seeds) in a blender. Add a cup of water to facilitate blending.
4. Blend Until Smooth: Blend the ingredients until you achieve a smooth, vibrant-colored juice. If the consistency is too thick, you can add more water.
5. Strain (Optional): If you prefer a clearer juice, strain the mixture through a fine sieve or cheesecloth.

How to Incorporate the Cleanse:

• Timing: It’s generally recommended to consume this cleanse in the morning on an empty stomach or at least 30 minutes before a meal.
• Frequency: You can enjoy this cleanse 2-3 times a week or as desired. It’s essential to listen to your body and not overdo it.

Benefits of the Beetroot and Lemon Cleanse:

1. Colon Cleansing: Both beetroot and lemon have natural cleansing properties that help flush toxins and waste from the colon, promoting digestive health.
2. Weight Loss Aid: The fiber in beetroot promotes a feeling of fullness, reducing overall calorie intake. Lemon’s diuretic effect can help shed excess water weight.
3. Nutrient Boost: This cleanse is rich in vitamins and antioxidants, providing essential nutrients for overall health.
4. Improved Digestion: The combination of these ingredients supports better digestion by stimulating the production of digestive enzymes.
5. Enhanced Immunity: The vitamin C content in lemon strengthens the immune system, helping your body fight off illnesses.

Important Considerations:

• Allergies: Be mindful of any allergies you may have to beetroot or lemon.
• Stomach Sensitivity: Some individuals may experience stomach discomfort if they consume beetroot juice on an empty stomach. If this happens, try diluting the juice with more water.
• Hydration: Ensure you stay adequately hydrated throughout the day, as both beetroot and lemon can have mild diuretic effects.

In Conclusion:

The beetroot and lemon juice cleanse is a delightful and refreshing way to support your colon health and aid in weight loss. It’s important to remember that while this cleanse can be a valuable addition to your routine, it should complement a balanced diet and overall healthy lifestyle. As always, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have underlying health conditions or concerns. Enjoy this vibrant juice and embark on your journey towards a healthier you!

This beef liver and onions is packed with nutrients and flavor! The beef is tenderized and cooked to savory perfection. The onions add even more flavor. This quick and easy recipe for how to cook beef liver is super healthy and incredibly delicious!

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS RECIPE

Beef liver and onions is filled with nutrients and protein.

Liver is one of the healthiest foods.

This quick and easy recipe takes 10 minutes after the meat soaks.

Soaking the beef liver takes out the strong flavor.

In addition, this tenderizes the meat.

This recipe is gluten free, nut free, sugar free, high in protein, low in carbs, and high in vitamins.

For Paleo and Whole30, use unsweetened dairy free milk.

WHAT IS BEEF LIVER?

Beef liver is an organ meat. It comes from cows.

This cut of meat is considered a nutritional superfood. It is high in protein, high in vitamins, and low in carbs.

This meat is not popular with everyone. It is known to have a strong meat flavor and can be tough.

To combat this, soak the meat in buttermilk or milk. This neutralizes some of the meaty flavor. In addition, soaking the liver makes it more tender.

BEEF LIVER HEALTH BENEFITS

Beef liver is loaded with health benefits! It is very healthy and very high in many nutrients.

Liver is high in Vitamin A, riboflavin, Vitamin B12, and copper.

Additionally, liver is high in protein and low in carbs.

Compared to other superfoods, beef liver contains more nutrients. Even kale, spinach and blueberries pale in comparison to liver.

A serving of 100 grams contains only 4 carbs and more than 20 grams of protein. In addition, it contains over 3 grams of healthy fats.

TASTE & TEXTURE

This beef liver recipe is hearty and savory. The onions add a great flavor.

The longer the meat soaks, the more tender it becomes. Do not over cook liver. Overcooking leads to dry gritty meat.

EXPERT TIPS & TRICKS

Thinly slice liver into strips.

If using frozen, thaw completely beforehand.

Soak meat in buttermilk or milk for at least 1 hour. The longer it soaks, the more neutralized the flavor and tenderized it will become.

This beef liver and onions recipe is quick, easy and incredibly flavorful! The beef liver becomes tender and the onions add so much flavor. This protein packed meal is easy, healthy and delicious!

INGREDIENTS:

▢12 ounces beef liver, sliced

▢1 cup buttermilk

▢1 yellow onion, thinly sliced

▢2 tbsp olive oil, divided

▢½ tsp garlic powder

▢½ tsp black pepper

▢½ tsp sea salt

INSTRUCTIONS:

First, add sliced beef liver to a bowl. Pour buttermilk on top. Soak in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour up to overnight.

Once beef has soaked, remove from buttermilk. Pat dry with paper towels. Season on both sides with garlic powder, pepper and sea salt. Discard buttermilk.

In a large skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium heat. Add in sliced onions.

Cook onions until tender. Stir occasionally to prevent burning. Remove onions from skillet.

Add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to skillet. Add seasoned beef liver to the pan.

Sear on both sides for about 2 to 3 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 160 degrees Fahrenheit. Add onions back to pan for 1 minute to heat up.

Finally, serve beef liver and onions.

NOTES:

Soaking the beef liver in buttermilk helps remove the strong flavor and helps make it more tender. Do not skip this step.

Feel free to soak it in milk or cream if you do not have buttermilk.

Organ meat is considered safe to eat at 160 degrees Fahrenheit.

Use a meat thermometer for accurate results.

Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Meat may become tough when reheated. Slowly reheat in the microwave or in a skillet.

Do not freeze.

Nutritional Info:

calories: 190kcal, carbohydrates: 6g, protein: 18g, fat: 10g, saturated fat: 2g, polyunsaturated fat: 1g, monounsaturated fat: 6g, trans fat: 0.1g, cholesterol: 234mg, sodium: 351mg, potassium: 314mg, fiber: 1g, sugar: 1g, vitamin a: 14373IU, vitamin c: 3mg, calcium: 12mg, iron: 4mg

We go to a special little Mexican and Tex-Mex taco joint that serves sanchiladas and it’s my absolute favorite dish on their menu. It recently dawned on me that I needed to figure out how to make sanchiladas at home…..so I did.

My recipe isn’t exactly how my little taco joint makes their sanchiladas, but it’s close, and my boys are super excited to get to eat this Mexican dish as any meal.

I get excited because it’s basic, cheesy, and fast Mexican food!

SANCHO VS BURRITO VS SANCHILADA

A sancho is a beef burrito with cheese and lettuce smothered in cheese sauce.

A burrito is a popular Mexican dish that typically consists of a tortilla wrapped around various fillings. A beef and cheese version of this is part of a Sancho.

A sanchilada is part beef and cheese burrito with all the extra saucy love of enchiladas, including the enchilada sauce!

WHY THIS RECIPE IS A KEEPER

Sanchiladas are very basic beef and cheese Mexican fare. If you’ve got picky eaters in your family, not to worry! All of my picky eaters devour these sanchiladas.

You can dress up these sanchiladas any way you’d like.

My family prefers just beef, cheese, and the sour cream topping. I love to add cilantro, scallions, tomatoes, and fresh pico de gallo on top.

These Maxican Beef and Cheese Sanchiladas are a tasty Mexican favorite that crosses between a sancho and a beef enchilada.

Prep Time: 20minutes

Cook Time: 10minutes

Total Time: 30minutes

Servings: 4 sanchiladas 

INGREDIENTS:

1 lb. lean ground beef

1/2 tsp. granulated onion

1/2 tsp. granulated garlic

2 – 10 oz. cans mild red enchilada sauce

shredded cheddar cheese

chopped lettuce

1 cup sour cream

4 8-inch flour tortillas, warmed

tortilla chips, for serving alongside the sanchiladas

chopped cilantro and scallions, for garnishing, if desired

INSTRUCTIONS:

In a heavy-bottomed skillet over medium high heat, brown the ground beef with the spices until cooked throughout and no pink remains (160-165 degrees F.); drain any fats that accumulate as the beef cooks.

Stir one can of the enchilada sauce into the ground beef, continuing to cook over medium heat until the sanchilada mixture is hot throughout; remove from the heat.

Place a warm tortilla onto a work surface; place one-fourth of the prepared beef mixture across the center of the tortilla in a 2-inch strip; top with cheese and lettuce, as desired.

In a small bowl, combine the sour cream with 1/4 cup of red enchilada sauce, stirring to combine. Place the prepared sour cream mixture into a sandwich bag, snipping away the corner of the bag.

Press the sour cream mixture through the hole in the corner of the bag, onto the beef mixture over the top of the cheese and the lettuce, making two strips of sour cream the length of the beef mixture, or as desired.

Roll the flour tortilla around the beef filling, placing the sanchilada into a greased elongated and shallow glass baking dish for one, or create all four sanchiladas, placing them side-by-side into a larger baking dish.

Pour enchilada sauce, as desired, over the top of the sanchiladas, then top with more shredded cheese; garnish with scallions or cilantro.

Heat the prepared sanchilada for a few seconds in the microwave until heated throughout; stack tortilla chips alongside the sanchilada and serve at once.

NOTES:

Tips for Making the Best Beef and Cheese Mexican Sanchiladas

Warming the tortillas in the microwave before you roll them around the filling makes them much easier to work with.

We prefer beef for sanchiladas, but you could actually use any ground meat, such as ground turkey, ground pork, or even ground venison.

If you prefer, you can substitute green enchilada sauce for the red enchilada sauce for a new twist on your sanchiladas.

We use mild red enchilada sauce but if you prefer a more spicy sauce and experience, opt for the hot red enchilada sauce, or stir a bit of red pepper flakes into the mild enchilada sauce.

NUTRITIONAL INFO:

Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 30g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Cholesterol: 100mg | Sodium: 476mg | Potassium: 551mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 358IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 128mg | Iron: 4mg

The best homemade lemon meringue pie with homemade lemon curd filling and a mountain of fluffy meringue!

Prep Time: 1hr

COOK Time: 45min

Chilling Time: 6hr

Servings: 10 servings

INGREDIENT’S:

For Pie Crust:

¾ cup unsalted butter, extra cold

1 ¾ cup all-purpose flour

¼ tsp salt

¼ cup cold water

For Lemon Curd:

1 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

4 eggs

8 egg yolks

2 cups white granulated sugar

1 cup unsalted butter

2 tsp vanilla

For Meringue:

6 large egg whites

2 cups white granulated sugar

½ cup water

1 tsp cream of tartar

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp vanilla extract

INSTRUCTIONS:

For the Pie Crust:

Prepare the all-butter pie crust first. Cut the cold butter into small cubes and drop it into a food processor along with the flour and salt. Pulse the butter and flour together for a few minutes, until fine crumbs form. Slowly start adding the water with the food processor running, until a dough ball forms. Remove the dough from the processor and shape it into a disk. Wrap it well with plastic wrap and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour or make it the day before and chill overnight.

Preheat the oven to 425F/218C. Once the dough is chilled, roll it out on a lightly floured work surface until it’s a few inches larger than your pie or tart tin. Gently transfer the dough into the pie tin and press the dough very gently into the bottom and sides, removing the excess dough. Watch my video to see how it’s done. Line the crust with parchment paper, then fill the pie with pie weights or dried beans. Blind bake the crust for about 30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown.

For the Lemon Curd:

While the pie crust is baking, prepare the lemon curd filling. This can also be done the day before. Place the eggs, egg yolks and sugar into a large mixing bowl. Whisk vigorously for 4 to 5 minutes, until the mixture is thick, pale and ribbons off the whisk. Pour this egg mixture into a medium-sized, stainless-steel saucepan and add the lemon juice. Cook the lemon curd over medium heat, stirring constantly with a rubber spatula for about 5 minutes, until the lemon curd thickens. Remove it from the heat and add the butter and vanilla, whisking until the butter is completely melted. Allow the lemon curd to cool down for at least 20 minutes before using.

Reduce the oven temperature down to 375F/190C. Pour the prepared lemon curd into the baked pie crust, spreading it evenly to the edges. Bake the pie for another 15 minutes, then remove from the oven and chill it for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator.

For the Meringue:

For the Meringue Topping: place the egg whites into a mixer bowl and whisk on high speed for a few minutes, until soft peaks form. Into a small saucepan, add the sugar and water and attach a candy thermometer to the side. Cook the sugar over medium heat, without stirring, until it reaches 240F/115C. This usually takes about 5 to 6 minutes from the time it starts to boil. Immediately, pour the hot sugar syrup in a slow and steady stream into the egg whites, with the mixer running on medium speed; avoid the whisk attachment! Watch my video recipe to see how it’s done!

Once all the sugar syrup has been added, add the cream of tartar, lemon juice and vanilla. Continue whisking the meringue on high speed for 8 to 10 minutes, until it’s cooled to room temperature and glossy peaks form. Using a spatula, add the meringue in large dollops onto the chilled lemon pie. Use a spoon to shape the meringue into a tall mountain. If desired, use a kitchen torch to caramelize/burn the meringue.

For best results, refrigerate the lemon meringue pie overnight. This will allow the lemon curd and meringue to thicken and it will be easier to serve. Use an extra-long knife for slicing.

Nutritional Info:

Calories: 767kcal | Carbohydrates: 100g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 38g | Saturated Fat: 22g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 11g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 307mg | Sodium: 127mg | Potassium: 190mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 81g | Vitamin A: 1297IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 46mg | Iron: 2mg

Bananas are a popular and healthy fruit, but they can quickly become overripe and develop a rotten, black appearance after just a few days of sitting on the kitchen counter. However, with a simple method, you can extend their shelf life and prevent them from spoiling too quickly. In this article, we will explore a technique that will help you keep your bananas fresh for a longer time.

The Problem with Rotten Bananas

Bananas are climacteric fruits, which means they continue to ripen even after they are harvested. As they ripen, bananas produce ethylene gas, a natural plant hormone that speeds up the ripening process. This is why bananas can go from green to yellow to brown and black in just a few days, especially in warm temperatures.

When bananas become overripe, their texture changes, becoming mushy and soft. The skin may turn brown or black, and the fruit inside may have a fermented smell and taste. This can be unappealing to eat, and many people end up discarding overripe bananas, resulting in food waste.

The Method to Extend Banana Shelf Life

To extend the shelf life of your bananas and prevent them from becoming rotten and black too quickly, you can use a simple method involving plastic wrap. Here’s how you can do it:

Step 1: Separate the Bananas:

If you have a bunch of bananas, gently separate them from each other. This will help to slow down the ripening process as it prevents the bananas from releasing excessive ethylene gas, which can accelerate ripening.

Step 2: Wrap the Stems:

Take a small piece of plastic wrap and tightly cover the stems of each banana. The plastic wrap will help to block the release of ethylene gas from the stems, which will slow down the ripening process.

Step 3: Store at Room Temperature:

Once you have wrapped the stems of all the bananas, place them back on the counter or in a fruit bowl at room temperature. Avoid placing them in the refrigerator, as bananas are sensitive to cold temperatures and can turn brown or black when refrigerated.

Step 4: Check Regularly:

Check the bananas regularly for ripeness. When they have reached the desired ripeness, you can remove the plastic wrap and enjoy them. If you prefer slightly greener bananas, you can leave the plastic wrap on for longer to slow down the ripening process.

Why Does This Method Work?

The plastic wrap method works by reducing the exposure of bananas to ethylene gas, which is produced by the bananas themselves and speeds up the ripening process. By blocking the release of ethylene gas from the stems, the bananas ripen at a slower rate and stay fresher for a longer time.

This method is also effective because it allows you to separate the bananas, preventing them from ripening too quickly in a bunch. When bananas are kept together in a bunch, they release more ethylene gas, which can accelerate the ripening process and result in faster spoilage.

To maximize the freshness and shelf life of bananas, it’s recommended to store them in a cool, dry place and consume them within a reasonable timeframe. If you have bananas that you won’t be able to consume before they start to spoil, consider using them for baking, freezing them for later use in smoothies or recipes, or donating them to reduce food waste.