NOT Hot Wings!Lighter Version -'Tip'

Well, it's that time of year where most of us make resolutions and say "we are going to eat lighter and healthier and vow to lose to weight!"

Every little bit helps so I try to find ways to lighten up or cut the calories of foods I love.

I’ve found a way to satisfy my craving for “Hot Wings” in a much healthier way.

I call this NOT wings!  Grilled Chicken Breast with Buffalo Wing Sauce.

I completed my meal with Roasted Broccoli and a simple side Salad with Chunky Blue Cheese-Yogurt Dressing.   All the flavor without all the guilt!

Yummy!  Enjoy!

You're welcome!

Summer Spinach Salad

~ Summer Spinach Salad / with Balsamic Vinaigrette ~

I am a spinach fan and always welcome new ways to enjoy it!  I like using spinach in recipes, and I also enjoy using fresh spinach in salads.  The idea for this salad came about when I had some left over watermelon on hand.  Luckily I had just paid a visit to the local farmer's market, and among other things had purchased fresh spinach and blueberries.  Mmm, my mouth was watering when I thought up this tasty salad.  The sweet watermelon and blueberries were perfect together along with the crunch of sliced almonds, and tangy parmigiano reggiano cheese shavings.  A light drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette completed the blend of flavors.

Salads are such a great combination of foods, and it's good that they can be served as an appetizer, a side dish, or even the main attraction.  With the heat of summer, and when not wanting anything heavy, it's nice to have a salad for lunch, or dinner and it be perfectly satisfying.  This summer spinach salad definitely satisfied me and my taste buds!  I prepared a basic Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette to go with this salad, it added a nice blend of flavors with enough sweetness to compliment the mix of spinach, cheese, almonds and fruits.

Summer Spinach Salad  

Ingredients:
(Amounts to your liking, or)
Serving for 4:

6 oz (approx 6 cups) fresh baby spinach leaves

2 cups fresh watermelon, cubed

1 pint fresh ripe blueberries

1/2 cup Almond slices

1/4 cup Parmigiano Reggiano cheese, shavings or shreds

Directions:

Layer spinach, watermelon, blueberries, almonds and cheese on salad plate or bowl.  Drizzle with  balsamic vinaigrette.  Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Serve  

~ ~ ~

My Basic

Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette 

Ingredients:
1/2 cup Olive oil
1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. Honey



Directions:
Combine the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl using a whisk, or shake together in a container with lid.
-If not using right away, cover and refrigerate, whisk or shake again before using.

Enjoy...

Balsamic Honey Dijon & Herb Vinaigrette

This is one of my favorite homemade salad dressings.  Simple, yet flavorful and delicious!  I use a good balsamic vinegar and I like the use of dried herbs in the preparation. Fresh herbs could be used if preferred and I recommend using half the amounts of the dried variety.  I prefer to make this in smaller amounts so I can make it fresh as needed.  It's always good when you make you own salad dressing since you get to know what is in it!  I especially love this vinaigrette on spinach salads, arugula, or other more flavorful and pungent, greens and lettuces.  Give my Balsamic Honey Dijon & Herb Vinaigrette a try, I hope you will like it as much as I do!

Balsamic Honey Dijon & Herb Vinaigrette 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Olive oil

1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. Honey

1 tsp. Dijon Mustard

1/2 tsp. Garlic powder

1/2 tsp. Onion powder

1/2 tsp. dried basil

1/2 tsp. dried oregano

Directions:

Combine the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl using a whisk, or shake together in a container with lid.

-If not using right away, cover and refrigerate, whisk or shake again before using.

Enjoy!...

Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette

This Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette is my basic go-to salad dressing when I want something just a little sweet and tangy.  It is very basic and only requires three ingredients.  You can prepare this in equal parts oil to vinegar, but I prefer the two-to-one ratio with two parts olive oil, to one part balsamic vinegar.  Some balsamic vinegars already have a sweet taste, but I like to add honey for extra sweetness and flavor.  I enjoy this on salads that contain fruit because it really seems to add to them and bring out all of the flavors.  Measure, mix, and enjoy, it's as easy as that!    

Balsamic Honey Vinaigrette 

Ingredients:

1/2 cup Olive oil

1/4 cup Balsamic vinegar

1 tsp. Honey

Directions:

Combine the ingredients thoroughly in a bowl using a whisk, or shake together in a container with lid.

-If not using right away, cover and refrigerate, whisk or shake again before using.

Enjoy!...