Italian Chicken

While this is the same chicken as in my Italian Chicken Pasta, my mother in-law loves to have this just as chicken served with a delicious side. It is wonderful served as a warm or cold sandwich, or hot with a side of rice, baked potato, salad or in a salad. This chicken is can be used in many ways and we just love having it made with chicken tenders! This chicken is tender, juicy and deliciously flavored for just about any dish. And the best part about this dish is that it is HEALTHY!

1 pkd. dry Italian dressing mix
enough chicken to fill the bottom of your crock-pot (about 4 breasts or 7 tenders)
just enough water to cover the bottom of your crock-pot

I throw my chicken in frozen though my pot states not to.

Cook on low 6-8 hrs or high 4-6.

Fiesta Quesadillas

This is a nice Quesadilla that is healthy and full of flavor! You can even wrap them in foil until ready to eat. This makes a great picnic lunch.

1 can diced tomatoes with green chilies drained
1 can corn drained (or frozen corn thawed)
cilantro chopped
16 tortillas (6 inches)
1 C. FF Refried beans (I used black beans that I had left over)
2 C. reduced fat cheese

In a medium bowl combine tomatoes, corn and cilantro. Mix well. Spread 8 tortillas with beans. The other 8 tortillas top with cheese and the tomato mixture (if using black beans just mix it in with the other mixture.). Cover with the bean tortilla. In a large skillet heat quesadillas for 1-2 minutes on each side. Cut into 4 pieces.
Serve with sour cream if desired.

Makes 8 servings.

Mexican Black Bean Soup

This soup is delicious and full of fiber! You won't be sorry you tried this!

1 Tbs olive oil
1 onion chopped
1 carrot chopped
4 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp cumin
2 tsp jalapeno with seeds (I used a whole jalapeno)
2 Cans black beans un-drained
1 can petite diced tomatoes in juice
1 1/2 C. chicken broth
Cilantro, green onion, sour cream, and lime juice

Sautee onion, garlic, and carrot about 6 minutes. Add cumin, jalapeno, beans, tomatoes and broth. Bring to a boil and simmer covered 15 minutes. Blend 3 Cups (or all of the soup if you wish) in a blender. Add back to the pot and simmer uncovered 15 additional minutes or till thickened. Season with salt and pepper. You may add more cumin or chili powder if desired. Top with sour cream, cilantro and lime. You may add fresh green onion if desired.

Black Bean Taco Pizza

Photo Courtesy from
Taste of Home

This pizza is SO GOOD! It is such a nice change from your regular pizza too! One pizza makes 6 servings and is great with a side salad.

1 Tbs cornmeal
1 pkg. pizza crust mix (or your own recipe)
1 botle taco sauce (I use taco bell mild sauce)
2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
3/4 cup canned black beans
1/2 cup frozen corn
1 can chopped green chilies
2 green onions, chopped
1 1/2 cups shredded reduced fat Colby Monterey Jack cheese.
Reduced fat sour cream, Cilantro and Lime

Coat a 12 inch pizza pan with cooking spray; sprinkle with cornmeal. Prepare pizza dough according to package or your recipe and press onto pan. Bake at 450 for 7 min. or until lightly browned.
Spread with taco sauce. Top with tomatoes, beans, corn, chilies, onions and cheese. Bake for 10 min. or until cheese is melted and crust is golden. Serve with sour cream, cilantro and lime. I really enjoy rubbing the lime along the crust and sprinkling with salt. Yum
Adjust ingredients to your liking.