Instant Pot Refried Beans

I am really not sure anyone can make Refried Beans look great in a picture but I will tell you that this recipe is absolutely amazing and easy to make! 

I promise to get a picture of the beans before the family devour them. (It's true, it is a thing)

Using the Instant Pot is the only way that I will make these because they are so fast and delicious. No need to sit and watch your food cooking. It is just doing the work for you so you can do other things. I love that kind of cooking. 

Ingredients:

• 4 cups dried Pinto Beans
• 9 cups water
• 1 yellow onion (quartered)
• 2+ TBS minced garlic (your preference)
• 1/2 - 1 Jalapeno (I use canned)
• 6tsp Salt
• 2tsp pepper
• 1/8tsp cumin

Directions:

I rinse off my pinto beans in a strainer. 

The rest of this recipe is just dump it in the Instant Pot. 

Add all ingredients and stir

Turn the IP on manual for 45 minutes. 

Make sure the seal is closed

When it is done and beeps, let the IP natural release for about 10 minutes. 

Then you want to release the pressure, and open up the IP away from you. It will be super hot. 

I take a large glass and start taking some of the water (only) out of the pot. You will need some of the water for reserves.

When you think you have enough water out of the pot, grab that Immersion Hand Mixer and start blending the beans right in the IP. 

If you feel that you don't have enough water, add some in. 

If you feel that you have too much water, take some out. 

From this point on this is your preference. 

You will want to blend these until you get the consistency that you like. 

You can't mess this up

I usually keep some of the reserved water for the leftovers. That way when we eat them the next day they are not dry. 

Enjoy! 

If you have leftovers you can freeze them. I like to put them in Food Saver bags and pull them out weeks later when we need them. 

Breakfast Burritos only 3 Weight Watchers Points

I have been really trying to not only eat better but to stay within budget! These last 6 months have been really hard emotionally on so many people. I know we haven't been eating the best and we have depending on way too many "comfort foods". I am not sure why no matter how great my eating habits are when my emotions take over, they take over not only my health but my choice of foods. 

I know that the grocery store prices have been rising in the last few months. Maybe it is because of the shipments, demand or new mandate limits for employees to be 6 feet away from everyone. Whatever the reasons, you have probably noticed the increase of your grocery bill as well. 

Here is a little something I have been making that doesn't take up too much time, it's only $0.80 ea and doesn't take up too much space in the freezer. The best part is it is only 3 Blue Smart Points. 

Looking to join Weight Watchers be sure to use this link to score a month for free! Talk about a win/win. 

You could totally add any veggies that you want and really make these to your liking. This is "that" kind of recipe. Add what you want and what your family will eat. 

I can make about 10 burritos in about 30 minutes. That is to cook, assemble and package. 

Ingredients I used and the prices broken down. I do most of my shopping at Samsclub.

 

16oz Sliced Mushrooms          $2.88                                   

10 Eggs                                $1.10                              

10 Ole Tortillas                      $2.49                            

10 TBS Shredded cheese       $0.37                             

10 pieces of Turkey Bacon       $1.13                            

Grand total                          $7.97
This made 10 burritos at $0.80 each!

 

• Take the mushrooms and cook them down in a pan sprayed with Pam. About 5 min
• Cook the Turkey Bacon to your liking
• Then whisk together 10 eggs 
• When the mushrooms are done, remove them from the pan and apply more Pam in the pan.
• Start cooking the eggs and add the mushrooms back in. Cook until eggs are done. 
• In a griddle, cook the tortillas. (I have made some without doing this step and the tortilla falls apart)
• Put tortilla on the griddle until it starts forming bubbles, then flip. You are just "toasting" the tortilla.
• Take the tortilla with a couple of spoonfuls of egg mixture
• Add a TBS of shredded cheese
• Add 1 Turkey Bacon slice, crumbled
• Roll the tortilla like a burrito (or a Subway employee)
• Wrap with aluminum foil and then place them in a freezer storage bag. 

 

Be sure to check out my free guide 5 Intentional ways to lose weight on how I was able to lose 40lbs. 

Lime Shrimp Tacos only 3 WW Smart Points

Today is not only Cinco de Mayo but it is also Taco Tuesday!  So that means it's time for TACOS!!!

I am so in love with Lime Shrimp Tacos, it would be a crime not to share. 😃

If you are following the Weight Watchers Freestyle Points system, these bad boys are only 3-4sp each depending on which plan you are on. That's amazing for this power packed delicious meal. 

Lime Shrimp Tacos Makes 6 (3 sp Blue & Purple, 4sp Green each)

1 pound Shrimp Raw 

1 Cilantro bunch chopped 

2 Tbs Mayo 

5 TBS Greek Yogurt 

14oz bag of Shredded cabbage 

3 Tbs Garlic minced  

5-20 drops Young Living Lime Vitality or 1 Lime

1 Tbs Butter   

6 Ole Xtreme Wellness Low carb Tortilla 

Sauce

Mix the Sour Cream, Mayo, 1T Garlic and 1/4 of the bunch of Cilantro together.

Add 8 Drops of Lime Vitality or the juice of 1/2 Lime

Mix and put in a glass container and set aside.

Shrimp

In a large pan, melt remaining butter and saute garlic together

Add the shrimp

As the shrimp turns pink, flip them over.

Add the juice of half of a lime or 10-12 drops of Young Living Lime Vitality (to taste, we like it with lots of lime).

Add cilantro to taste and then place in a glass or stainless steel container to serve. (Don't forget that when you are working with citrus oils, you need to have them in glass or stainless steel container)

Assembling: 

Warm up tortilla

Add cabbage

Add Shrimp mixture

Add 1 Tbs of sauce on top.

Sprinkle with remaining cilantro
and enjoy

Remember, it's important to know that not all essential oils are created equal. You can't just go out to a retailer & trust that you're getting the good stuff. Lucky for you, I've got a source I trust.

Air Fried Montreal Chicken Strips 0SP

I can't even tell you how much I am loving this air fryer! Why didn't I listen when I saw everyone one else getting one. I should have caved in on that peer pressure! So I have been really having some issues with meal planning and this week needs to start off right. We have tons of events and sports stuff to attend and time is limited. 

Today I went to Samsclub where I picked up some boneless skinless chicken breasts and decided I was going to be making a weeks worth of chicken and have it ready to go. 

This is one easy recipe that is no big deal but so worth it when you are running from event to event and you have no time for dinner!


Air Fried Montreal Chicken Strips 0SP 

Cleaned the boneless skinless chicken breast

Cut up the chicken into strips

Poured a little bit or as much as you want of McCormicks Grill Mates Montreal Chicken Seasoning. Nothing fancy. 

Sprayed the air fryer tray with Pam

Place on the tray in a single layer. 

Cook at 375 degrees for 6 minutes turn and cook an additional 5 minutes.  

These chicken tenders are so juicy and delicious. You can eat them just like they are, add them to a salad, make a wrap. The possibility are endless and they are no WW Smart points which makes it even better.

Einkorn Wheat Pancakes

I have been making Wheat Pancakes for quite a few years now and my kids love it! I found a recipe from EverydayFoodStorage. It's really simple and if you have a blender you can do this too!

We just started using Einkorn Berries instead of traditional wheat berries this last year. They are high in vitamins and nutrients, but what I thought was interesting is that they contain different type of gluten that make it easier for many people that are gluten sensitivities to digest. 

The Einkorn Berries are free from artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. and with lower gluten levels than modern, hybridized wheat, Einkorn berries are great for the whole family!

What you going to need: 

1 Cup of Milk
1 Cup of Einkorn Wheat Berries
2 Eggs
1 tsp Baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 drop of Cinnamon Bark Vitality oil
2 Tbs oil
2 Tbs Sugar 

Add the Einkorn Wheat Berries and milk to the blender and blend for 4-5 min on high. Don't skimp on the time for this step or it will not be blended correctly. Ask me how I know.
Then add the eggs, oil and baking powder, salt, Cinnamon Essential Oil and sugar in the blender and blend on low.
Pour the batter into pancakes from the blender on a hot greased griddle. Flip pancake when the popped bubbles begin to form.
Bam you have yourself some delicious wheat pancakes. 

Are you going to give these a try? I want to hear what you think, be sure to leave a comment and tell us. 

Caramel Apple Salad 2SP for 1 Cup

Want something sweet and tasty but without the guilt! This recipe has you covered! I found this recipe at my WW workshop years ago and have loved it ever since. 

I have changed this up a little to make it perfect for my family. It's refreshing for the summer and light throughout the year.

I like that this recipe is super easy and large enough to make for potlucks. 

My kids like that it taste like caramel apples, ha! Hope you enjoy it as much as we do! 

Caramel Apple Salad 2SP

6 Granny Smith Apples Cored, and cut into bit size pieces

              (I use this Chopper and to cut them in seconds)

1 package of Fat Free/Sugar Free Butterscotch Pudding mix

1 can of crushed pineapples, undrained 

               (The picture shows pineapple chunks, I just blended them up making them crushed)

1 tub Cool Whip Fat Free/Sugar Free

Add all ingredients together in that order, mix well and chill for an hour.

Enjoy 1 cup is 2 SP

"Air" Fried Catfish and Zucchini Chips (9sp)

I feel like I finally joined the cool club! That's right, I finally got an, Air Fryer. This is a big deal! I have been wanting one for a real long time but I didn't know where to put it. I still don't but we will make due! 

Anyway I was able to open this bad boy up and play around a little. I am by no means a chef, cook or clearly a photographer but I have been asked how I made it so here it is. If this is helpful then I am happy to help you out. 

I really wish I would have purchased an air fryer earlier. This might be my new favorite appliance. (Don't tell my Instant Pot)  

It was crazy. I don't know how these machine works but the Catfish came out juicy and crispy at the same time. I don't think I will EVER cook this another way. This is definitely making it to my meal planning rotation.

Print out these recipes here 

Cornmeal Air Fryer Catfish (2sp)  

Ingredients: 4 Catfish fillets  (0 sp)
1/2 cup cornmeal  (7 sp)
Tony Chachere Cajun seasoning to taste 

Directions: 

Rinse off the catfish and then paper towel dry them
Spray cooking spray on your air fryer trays put aside
Dip the catfish in cornmeal and Tony Chachere Seasoning mixture
Place on Air Fryer Trays
Spray catfish with a little cooking spray
Turn the air fryer on 400 for 10 minutes, flip the catfish over and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes or until crispy

Zucchini Chips (7sp) 2 servings

Ingredients: 3 Zucchinis
1/4 cup milk
1/2 cup Almond Flour
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese
Black pepper
Tonys Chachers Cajun Seasoning
Garlic powder
Salt
to taste. (I just put some in the bowl they are all delish, it will be great) 

Breading mixture  1/2 cup of Almond Flour
1/4 cup of Parmesan Cheese
Pepper, Tony Chachere Cajun seasoning, garlic powder, salt to taste
mix together

Directions

Cut up 2 zucchini to desired size, about 1/4 inch, put aside.
Spray cooking spray on your air fryer trays put aside
Dip the zucchini chips into milk and then the breading mix
Place on the air fryer try in a single layer
Spray zucchini with a little cooking spray
Put in air fryer on 400 degrees for 10 minutes, flip the zucchini over and then put back in the fryer for an additional 2 minutes.
If you feel that your zucchini is thinner than maybe you could lower the temp or time so they don't burn.

Print out these recipes here 

Trim Healthy Mama Orange Creamsicle Shake (E)

I remember begging my parents for orange creamsicles as a kid and I guess I really miss it. I have been working on eating healthier and let's face it, eating healthier doesn't include incredible, delicious treats like Orange Creamsicles.  That is until now, I was looking in the Trim Healthy Mama Cookbook and I found this recipe for the Orange Creamsicle Shake. Nothing sounds wrong with this picture so I made it today.

It does include cottage cheese which might sound a little weird but believe me, you will never know it's in there. The second you blend the orange, milk and cottage cheese you can't tell what's in there but the protein and goodness are there. :)

I am shocked at the flavor! It taste just like the Orange Creamsicles I remember as a kid. I did add more Orange Vitality Essential oils to give it a more orange flavor.  I used my ghetto 2 quart mason jar because when you use citrus essential oils they need to be in glass or stainless steel containers. 

The normal recipe from the Trim Healthy MamaCookbook would make a little less, I did add an extra cup of ice so that I would have more without added calories. 

Check out this pin for the full recipe. It's awesome and you are going to love it.  

What's your favorite THM or Healthy recipe?

FREE Brownie eCookbook

 

You can download a FREE Brownie Recipe ebook too.  Even if you don't need it now you can always just save it for when you want brownies.

If you missed my previous posts for FREE recipe books here they are:

FREE Slow Cooker Recipe ebook 

FREE Cupcake Recipe ebook.

Souper Rice

Tracie's Souper Rice


The simplest and cheapest recipe of all time...


SOUPER RICE
1 can condensed cream of whatever soup
2 cups of rice
chopped up leftover meat (optional)

Make the soup on the stove as directed. When it starts to boil, add the rice, turn off the heat, and cover for 5 minutes. Add meat and stir.

There you go.
Dinner in 5 minutes!!
We especially like it with smoked sausage.

SLAMMING GRAHAM CRACKER PB&J NACHOS

SLAMMING GRAHAM CRACKER PB&J NACHOS
Ingredients
8 graham cracker squares
1/4 cup Skippy® Natural Creamy or Super Chunk Peanut Butter Spread, melted
1/4 cup warm Welch's® Reduced Sugar Concord Grape Jelly or Strawberry Spread
1/2 cup chopped apples, bananas, raisins and/or nuts

Directions
1. Arrange graham crackers on serving plate. Drizzle with melted Skippy® Natural Creamy Peanut Butter Spread and warm Welch's® Reduced Sugar Concord Grape Jelly, then top with apples.
Cost per recipe*: $1.37.Cost per serving*: $0.69.*Based on average retail prices at national supermarkets.

Taco Soup Recipe 0WWsp

1 lb of Ground beef or Chicken Breast
1 onion chopped.
Brown beef and onion, drain

Put into a pot with the following
DO NOT DRAIN THE CANS JUST POUR THEM IN
1 15oz can corn
1 15oz can diced tomatoes
1 15oz can tomato sauce
1 15oz can refried beans
1 15oz can chili beans
1 15oz can kidney beans
1 4 oz diced chilies
1 pk taco seasoning
1 pk Hidden Valley Ranch mix (NOT BUTTER MILK)

bring to a boil and simmer for 15 minutes

Most of these cans have been part of the case lot sale at Smiths in the fall and spring. Start saving so that you can stock up if you like the soup. Very filling, inexpensive, and feeds many.
Enjoy.

Made with Chicken 0 WWsp or with Ground beef 2 WWsp