Spicy Shrimp Salad

I recently started a 21-Day Fix Challenge Group.  Let me tell you... it has been amazing!!!  I have been working out for 30 minutes a day, doing the DVD workouts that come with the 21-Day Fix Program.  I love them because they are done in 1-minute intervals, there are modifications for all different fitness levels, and EVERYONE who sticks with it WILL see results.  No matter if you have 100+ pounds to lose, or don't want to lose any weight, but just want to tone up your body. 

There is an eating plan with the 21-Day Fix Program, as well.  It comes with these color-coded containers, with each color being associated with a different food group (green = veggies, purple = fruit, etc.).  Depending on your weight, you get a certain number of each container per day.  Follow it, and you'll see results!  I am on Day 18 now, of my 21 days, so I'll post after my first round is over with my results!  

Anyway, so I've been trying new, healthy recipes since being on the 21-Day Fix.  This is one of them.  Spicy shrimp salad.  This was my lunch one day.  It was so delicious!!  I made a big batch of shrimp to use for shrimp tacos the following day, and got another salad out of it, as well.  I didn't measure anything, just did everything to taste when I baked the shrimp.  

Spicy Shrimp Salad

Raw shrimp

Chili powder

Black pepper

Cumin

Cayenne pepper (optional)

Lettuce

Vegetable salad toppings (onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, etc.)

Corn

Salad dressing of choice (vinegar & 1 tsp oil is delicious)

In a bowl, toss the shrimp with as much chili powder, black pepper, cumin and cayenne pepper as you would like.  I probably used about a Tablespoon each of chili powder, black pepper and cumin, and then just a pinch of cayenne.  I also used a full bag of thawed raw shrimp with the tails removed.  Arrange the seasoned shrimp on a baking sheet.  Bake at 350 for 15 minutes, flipping at the 10-minute mark.  

Meanwhile, make your salad.  I was only making one individual salad, so I used 1 cup of lettuce (1 Green container) and 1/2 cup of assorted vegetables (1/2 Green container)... I just used what I had on hand at the time (onions, cucumbers, celery).  I then added 1/2 cup corn (1 Yellow container).  

Once the shrimp was done, I filled a Red container (3/4 cup) with shrimp... it ended up being 6 shrimp for me.  I tossed that on top of the salad.  It is so flavorful, it honestly doesn't even need dressing.  You can use a dressing of choice, or just a teaspoon of olive oil with vinegar to taste.  

Its a super simple, delicious and healthy lunch!  I also had a cup of fruit on the side and a big glass of water with mine.  

Fix:  1 1/2 Green, 1 Red, 1 Yellow, 1 Spoon

If you're interested in hearing more about the 21 Day Fix, leave me a comment below!  

Dairy Free Breakfast Cookies

Today, I finally tried the soaked version of a recipe I've made quite a few times... Just never the soaked version.  Breakfast Cookies!  I found the recipe many years ago on Heavenly Homemakers, and I've adapted the recipe slightly (since I don't bake with dairy to allow my daughter to enjoy everything) based off my sister-in-law's version at Homemade Dutch Apple Pie.  And yes, you read that right... A cookie for breakfast.  Who's kid wouldn't love that?!  :) 

These cookies are cakey and filling.  You can load them up with all sorts of add-ins, dried fruit, nuts, shredded coconut, mini chocolate chips, etc.  We don't eat nuts at our house (my daughter is allergic), so we skip the nuts, but they'd be a delicious and nutritious addition.  

I think we all agreed that we prefer the soaked version, as it lends a softer, moister cookie.  Not to mention, soaking the grains allows your body to digest them much more easily.  

I love that this recipe makes quite a few breakfast cookies, so I can make a batch and freeze lots for future breakfasts.  Considering we've been really slacking on nutritious breakfasts lately, I can't even tell you how excited I am to have a stash of these in the freezer now! 

Dairy Free Giant Breakfast Cookies

1 cup coconut oil, melted
¾ cup honey (can sub some for maple syrup)
2 eggs
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon cinnamon
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
2/3 cup water + 2 Tablespoons lemon juice
2 cups whole wheat flour
2 cups whole rolled oats
1 1/2 cups dried fruit, mini chocolate chips (the Enjoy Life brand is free of allergens), nuts, shredded coconut, etc.

Melt coconut oil on the stovetop. In a glass bowl, stir together flour, oats, coconut oil and water/lemon juice.  Be sure all of the grains are moistened.  If not, add another tablespoon of water at a time until everything is moistened.  Cover and let the grains soak overnight, or at least for 8 hours. 

In the morning, stir in the remaining ingredients.  Scoop heaping tablespoons of dough onto a cookie sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes. Allow cookies to cool 3-4 minutes on cookie sheet before removing cookies to cool on a wire rack.  

Hello out there!!

Wow!  It sure has been a long time since I've blogged anything here.  I'm curious, do any of my old followers still have my blog on their feeds??  Please leave me a comment if you see this post!  

A lot has happened since I last blogged.  My kids are now 7 and almost 3!  I am still working my day job, but have been experiencing some huge successes with my photography business!!  Last year was an amazing year and I'm anxious to see where this year leads with that. I've also really gotten into Young Living essential oils this past year+.  I'll share more on this soon, hopefully!  But in the meantime, I think I may like to get back to blogging occasionally!!  Please leave me a comment if you see this post!  :)