English Muffin Pizza Party

Prep time: 10 mins | Total time: 25 mins | Serves: 8

Who doesn’t like to have a personal pizza party on a random Tuesday! This mini pizza recipe is a no-brainer if you want to create a fun, hands on meal for your family…or just you on a random night. You can create any variety you like (pesto, tomato, or white sauce base) with whatever toppings you’re in the mood for. Dinner in less than 40 minutes - Viola!

WHAT YOU’LL NEED:

• 4 English muffins, cut or split in half = 8 halves

• 1/2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 3/4 cup pizza sauce (you can use tomato, pesto, or alfredo)

• Pinch of salt

• Pinch black pepper

• 1 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (or cheddar cheese, provolone, or any cheese you like)

• 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning

• Toppings of choice: mini pepperonis (or regular pepperonis, quartered), peppers, pineapple, spinach, etc.

• Thinly sliced fresh basil, optional topping

HOW TO MAKE:

• Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

• Pre-cook the English muffins. Arrange the English muffin halves, nooks and crannies side up, onto a baking sheet. Lightly drizzle with olive oil. Place in the oven and toast until barely golden, about 3-4 minutes. Take out of oven.

• Spoon 1 1/2 tbsp pizza sauce over each one, using the back of a spoon to spread it evenly. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Top with cheese, Italian seasoning, and any desired toppings.

• Bake for 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the muffins are browned on the edges. Top with fresh basil.

Dinner Party Ready Pad Thai

If you’re ever in charge of bringing a healthy dish for a large group dinner that will also make you look like a culinary master…this is your dish! I personally make this pad thai as often as I can and anytime I want to feel like a real chef. And the best part is you can whatever protein you’re in the mood for - shrimp, tofu, chicken, steak…this dish tastes amazing with any option.

What You’ll Need For Recipe:

• Protein of choice: 1lb of shrimp (uncooked), 1.5 lbs chicken, 1 lb steak, 1 block extra firm tofu

• 1 shallot, finely diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 3-4 green onions, chopped

• 1/2 cup cilantro, diced

• 1/2 cup cashews or peanuts, chopped

• Choice of noodles (spaghetti works best, about 1 box, or for GF use spiralized sweet potatoes, about 3 large)

• 3 tbsp toasted sesame oil

• 2 eggs

• Salt and pepper

What You’ll Need For The Sauce:

• 1/4 cup cashew butter (peanut or almond butter also works)

• 1/4 cup coconut aminos

• 1 tbsp fish sauce (optional if you have)

• 1 tbsp white vinegar or apple cider vinegar

• 1 juiced lime (use fresh lime for better taste)

How to Make:

1. First, make the sauce by combining all of the sauce ingredients in a jar with a lid that you can shake or a bowl and whisk well. Mix until you get a creamy consistency. Set aside.

2. Chop shallot, garlic, green onions, cilantro and cashews. Set aside.

3. (If using spiralized sweet potato) Spiralize your sweet potatoes. Once finished, heat a large skillet over medium heat and add in 2 tbsp sesame oil. Once hot, add the sweet potato noodles. Toss with oil and season with a big pinch of salt and pepper (about 1/2 tsp each). Cook, stirring occasionally, until the noodles are tender but not too soft, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from pan and place on a plate.

4. (If using regular noodles) bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook spaghetti al dente, strain and set aside in a large bowl.

5. In the same pan over medium heat, add in 1-2 tbsp of sesame oil. Add in shallot and garlic to saute for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.

6. Next, add your protein to the pan and cook fully. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper. Either remove protein when cooked or move to the side of the pan.

7. Crack the eggs into the pan and scramble until the eggs are cooked through.

8. Add back into the pan the protein, if removed, your noodles, and mix in the sauce.

9. Toss to mix and then serve. Top with green onions, cilantro and crushed cashews or peanuts.