lisher'sNOTE
Make 2023 Your Healt hiest Year Yet !
It is always a great time to create new goals and think about how we can be the healthiest, best version of ourselves: personally, physically, relationally, spiritually, in business and every aspect of our lives I hope you will enjoy reading our titness issue while finding some great tips on how to be your best From walking your stress off, grabbing a group a friends and plan a day to go hiking, the most important thing is to get your body moving and enjoy the sun
We have amazing local businesses featured throughout our current issue We hope you will stop in and say hi to these businesses and other businesses throughout Missouri Let them know you heard about them at Missouri Magazine. We love celebrating Missouri and local businesses.
Please feel free to email me with your thoughts and ideas. I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you, at the Lake of the Ozarks or around Missouri
Cherish Life,
Missouri Magazineis published bi-monthly by CDM Media Group Theopinions expressed by contributing writers arenot necessarily thoseof thepublisher or of Missouri Magazine. No part of this magazinemay bereproduced without prior consent of thepublisher. Every effort has been madeto ensuretheaccuracy of this publication However, thepublisher cannot assumeresponsibility for errors or omissions ©2021 CDM Media Group Missouri Magazinewelcomeunsolicited manuscripts and photographs. Please email submissions to Cheri Cranford at hello@missourimagazines com
M ake Fitness part of your Lifestyle
Photo: Gracie HuntMost people have the best intentions when they create new fitness goals at the beginning of each year According to a CNN article, a full one-quarter of people who make resolutions on January 1 intend to improve their overall health by losing weight and toning their muscles Unfortunately, those who break their resolutions far outnumber those who keep them This probably sounds discouraging, but it doesn't have to be the case with you. By following these tips and sticking with a firm resolve to improve your health, you could be in a much better position at this time next year
Use a Fit ness Tracker for Mot ivat ion and Account abilit y
Competitiveness is part of the human condition, even when the competition is only with ourselves Wearing a fitness tracker makes it easy to challenge yourself You ran four miles yesterday?Try for five today. What is even better about these devices is that manufacturers constantly add new features. You can learn interesting things about your own habits when you commit to wearing a fitness tracker every day Some of these include:
-Heart rate at rest and during activity
-How many hours you sleep each night and how restless you are during sleep
-Number of steps walked, miles walked, or stairs climbed in a day
-Calories burned during exercise
-How much of the day you spent in active motion
"Maythis be the year that you stick to your fitness resolutions not only for the year, but for a lifetime."
People often assume they're more active than they really are. Wearing a fitness tracker can be enlightening because it provides visual proof of how active or inactive you are throughout the course of each day. Once you meet a goal, such as walking 10,000 steps each day consistently, set the bar a little higher so you can challenge yourself continually. The more you invest in a fitness tracker, the greater feedback it offers you. Most sync with an online program as well as allow you to print your workout statistics
Im prove Your Healt h w it h Help from Your Friends
If you asked around in your circle of friends, you would likely find at least one who is trying to lose weight, tone up, or just improve his or her well-being. Assuming this person is willing, ask him or her to serve as your accountability partner. You would be surprised at how much more motivated you feel to stick with your new fitness routine when you know that you must tell someone that you skipped exercising or ate at McDonald's three days in a row Group fitness activities, such as joining a walking group or a weight loss content, can be effective accountability strategies as well.
Give Yourself a Non-Food Rew ard
When you stop to think about it, the only reason most people go to work is for the reward of receiving a paycheck It's important to reward yourself for your fitness efforts also. This is especially true if you have a lot of weight to lose and might not see the results of your efforts for months. You can reward yourself in small and large ways for meeting goals. For example, buy yourself a shirt one size smaller when you have lost 10 pounds and book a vacation once you have achieved a 50-pound weight loss
True Beauty Starts From Within
Challenge Negat ive Thought s
Creating and sticking to a new workout routine often comes down to a battle between the mind and the body Realistically, you know that you must exercise and eat right to enjoy optimal health. You're also human and will come up with excuses for
why you don't want to put in the effort
Decide from the start that you will challenge every excuse and do what you set out to do anyway When you give in one time, it's that much easier to skip your fitness routine the next time. Fortunately, the opposite is also true. Every time you exercise, it can make you want to do it more May this be the year that you stick to your fitness resolutions not only for the year, but for a lifetime.
"It's im portant to reward yourself for your fitness efforts also"
Love Letter s
Love Letters designs and sells t-shirts for the city and sport you Love! We love how their line makes you feel beautiful and confident even in a t-shirt. When we came across Love Letters we knew we had to share ?Love Letters?t-shirts with our readers There are so many t-shirts to choose from. You will fall in love with this line
Love Letters started in 2013 with two friends LeAnn and Amy. They both had a mutual passion and a whole lotta coffee and haven? t looked back since Their major love for their city and the people who live there. They wanted to share that love and feeling with women everywhere.
Love Letters pride their selves with special designs and an amazing fit all while striving to have a little something for everyone at a really sharp price! Dress them up?Dress them down?Doesn? t matter, you?re going to look amazing either way! Love Letters is a labor of love and they?re loving every minute of it! Shoploveletters.com
This Year 's Best Workout Outfits
Nothing motivates women to work out more than a stylish and comfortable workout outfit Whether you?re into cardio, doing yoga, or training at the gym, the biggest necessity in conquering your workout is looking good and feeling confident. Any workout will be less intimidating when comfortably, cute sneakers are involved! Now that the new year has started, keep up with your new year?s resolutions and hit the gym with these stylish workout ideas
Open Back Workout
Shirt s:
Gear up for your workouts in shirts that fit your personality and style Grab an open back tank in any style and rock your workout in flexibility and comfort. These types of shirts come in cross-back, t-back, braided-back, draped-back, or just a completely opened back. No matter what style you choose to wear, make sure to pair it with a super cute and supportive sports bra in order to complete the outfit
Mesh Act ivew ear
Leggings:
Get the look you want with the support you need while wearing mesh leggings this year These leggings add a new and improved style to any workout outfit while the mesh on the sides of the leggings is thick enough to where it won? t tear while being worn during a
workout Whether you?re working out, running errands, or just lounging around the house, these leggings are perfect for any activity and are incredibly stylish and supportive For a bonus, try to find a pair with the waistband pocket attached! That allows an extra pocket to keep an iPod in, your keys, or a little extra cash just incase you may need them while at the gym
St ylish Sport s Bras:
Sports bras are an essential item needed to work out, so why not find a cute one. Stand out in the gym or while running and
give others a reason to admire your backside Try a cutout, mesh racerback bra with a strappy overlay: these bras offer ventilation and a stylish look in a sweat-wicking sports bra designed to keep you supportive and dry during an impactful workout No matter what support level, brand, color, or style the bra is, choose which one best fits your style and needs and strut your confidence throughout your session
Training/ Workout Shoes:
When it comes to training shoes, you need a pair of sneakers that can do double duty
Gym ready sneakers should be able to handle any lifting, circuit, or workout routine possible, but they should also look good and feel good in the process When purchasing your new workout shoes, make sure to get yourself a pair of style-friendly, cross-training shoes for the season. Nike, Adidas, and New Balance are all incredible companies that provide the perfect workout shoes for any style or activity planned!
Act ivit y Tracker: Activity trackers are the perfect accessory to any workout outfit this new year Activity trackers, like the famously known Fitbit, are wireless-enabled wearable technology devices that measure data such as the number of steps walked, heart rate,
quality of sleep, steps climbed, and other personal metrics involved in fitness
Whether you are wearing the activity tracker to get fit, get healthy, or just loose a little weight, these fitness bracelets are the perfect assistant to becoming a healthier you Check out
these local athletic apparel companies located in the heart of Missouri; Top Notch Athletics www tnclothing com and East and West Co
www.eastandwestco.com
Set Smart Fitness Goals
Setting smart goals can also help you achieve bigger goals you may want to set for yourself over time. Use these 10 smart fitness goals to get your inspired.
1. Walk briskly for 30 minutes every day this week.
2. Go for a walk with a friend for 15 minutes 2 times this week.
3. Do 15 minutes of activity 2 times this week that strengthen my muscles and bones (weights, Pilates, yoga)
4. Go to a local gym and do an activity (aerobics, Zumba, swimming) with a friend 1
time this week.
5. Do an outdoor family activity with the kids this weekend (go for a hike, play at the park, play tag in the backyard)
6 Replace 30 minutes of screen time (TV, social networking, gaming, watching videos) with 30 minutes of physical activity 2 times this week.
7. Be physically active for 20 minutes 2 times this week (brisk walking, jogging, bike riding, dancing, swimming).
8. Go for a bike ride for 20 minutes 1 time this week.
9. Try a new physical activity this week.
10. Are you already very active?Be physically active for 60 minutes 4 times this week (brisk walking, jogging, bike riding, dancing, swimming).
Note: If you have a medical condition, speak to your health professional before starting a physical activity routine
W alk i n g Aw ay Str ess
The benefits of walking regularly go far beyond improved physical health Although walking can help you lose weight and get in a healthier shape, it has additional emotional benefits you may not realize One of the biggest benefits of walking on your emotional health is how it can reduce stress.
Nat ural m ood boost er
Any type of aerobic exercise has the potential to improve your mood and calm your nerves.Walking every day can help you battle depression and increase your self-esteem Walking is a healthy, safer alternative to taking sedatives as studies indicate that you can receive calming effects similar to mild tranquilizers from just a 20-minute walk.
Endorphin releaser
Walking and other physical activities are great at lowering stress levels. This is due to the release of endorphins during exercise Endorphins are chemicals in your brain that stimulate relaxation centers and reduce pain. The more endorphins your brain produces, the calmer and happier you can feel
St roll pow er
You don't need to power walk, jog or push yourself very hard to enjoy the stress relieving benefits of walking A casual stroll outside in the fresh air can have the same positive effect on your mood as a faster walk or run. A slower pace is also easier on your body. However, if your goal is to lose weight and stay healthier, you may want to walk a bit faster or try taking on some hills.
Mindful w alking
To increase the stress-reducing benefits of walking, it's important to use your mind as well as your body when you walk. When you practice mindful mental exercise such as counting your steps and visualizing those numbers in your mind, you can keep your mind off other factors that stress you out. Directing your thoughts to positive things while you walk and breathing in the air not only lowers stress, but it may also give you the clarity you need to solve whatever problems have been bothering you
Prom ot e posit ive self-im age
Walking can certainly help improve your physical health when you do it regularly, but it also improves your mental health. As you're able to reduce your stress and re-familiarize yourself with your own body and everything it's capable of, you can experience a more positive self-image When you're out walking on your own or with your dog, you can step away from the daily stressors that wear you down and make you doubt yourself.
Im
m ediat e Result s
One of the best benefits of walking is that you can experience its stress-relieving effects on your very first walk No matter what pace you choose, just getting up and walking can relieve stress and bring you the relaxation you need
Becoming more aware of your own mind and body and the world around you as you walk can be the perfect way to unwind and find inner peace.
Bridal Cave
ByMitch Shields PhotosCourtesyof Bridal CaveOpen year-round with guided, hour longtours362 daysof theyear
Spring is once again just around the corner Warmer thoughts of boating and water recreation and relaxation will become the focus of our thoughts For many of us that will mean our attention will turn toward the waters of the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. But did you know just beyond water and the 1500 miles of winding shoreline of the Lake of the Ozarks, scattered in the rolling Ozark hills there are hidden gems just below the surface I am referring to the nearly 300 wild caves that are scattered in the three counties of Camden, Miller and Morgan.
One of the most impressive is Bridal Cave. Long before vacationers would flock to this area? in fact as far back as 8,000 B.C. Native Americans were visiting the hills overlooking the Niangua Valley and enjoying the shelter and beauty of what would be called Bridal Cave
Fast forward to present days, Bridal Cave is open year-round with guided, hour long tours 362 days of the year, (weather permitting) The cave is truly a speleological wonder, with room after room of incredible mineral deposits. There are fragile soda straw formation as well as enormous draperies and towering columns. In fact Bridal Cave boasts more onyx formations than other known cave or cavern
On your hour long tour you will explore a lake inside the cavern know as ?Mystery Lake?, a name given to it by the spelunkers that discovered it in 1981 With only one known entrance into the cave, divers were baffled to explain how wooden debris from what appears to be a raft or a possible scaffold made its way to the bottom of the lake.
Breathtaking natural features obviously abound within Bridal Cave but another amazing feature about the cave is the fact that in 2014 Glamour Magazine named Bridal Cave one of the ?Top 10 Most Unique Wedding Venues in America?
However, the history of weddings at Bridal Cave goes back much farther than that Folklore tells of an Osage Native American legend of Conwee, the son of an Osage Indian chief. Conwee fell in love with Wasena the daughter of the chief from a nearby rival tribe. Legend says that Conwee kidnapped Wasena to take her as his bride Shortly after capturing Wasena, Conwee fled with his reluctant bride and they stopped briefly to seek shelter in Bridal Cave.
While at the cave, Wasena was able to escape and flee. Conwee, was said to have chased after and nearly recaptured her The chase would stop at a nearby bluff where Wasena would throw herself to her death over the nearly 200 foot bluff overlooking the Niangua Valley That place is known today as Lovers Leap
While Conwee and Wasena?s story ended tragically, there is another chapter to the story It ends where Bridal Cave gets its?name. Wasena had a companion Irona who would later marry Conwee?s brother Prince Buffalo in the Bridal Chapel a beautiful stalactite filled room near the entrance of Bridal Cave
The first actual recorded wedding
?Top 10 Most Unique Wedding Venues in America?
took place at the cave in 1949. Since then Bridal Cave has performed more than 3,500 weddings and vow renewals inside the cave Today weddings are performed year-round inside Bridal Cave?s stunning stalactite adorned Bridal Chapel located in the Pavilion which overlooks the Lake of the Ozarks.
Couples wishing to schedule a regular wedding service can do so year-round. There are a number of reasonably priced packages available For more information on wedding ceremonies at the cave, please contact the Wedding Reservations Department at weddings@bridalcave.com or call 573-346-2676 or at the caves website Bridalcave.com
Cau li f low er Bak ed Z i ti
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp. olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- pinch red pepper flakes
- 1 lb ground beef
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 (28-oz ) can crushed tomatoes
- 2 tbsp. thinly sliced basil, plus more for garnish
- 1 large head of cauliflower, (about 3 cups) cut into florets, blanched, and drained well
- 1 1/2 c fresh ricotta
- 2 c. shredded mozzarella
- 1/2 c freshly grated Parmesan
DIRECTIONS
1 Preheat oven to 375° Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat Add onion and sauté, stirring often, until onion is soft, about 5 minutes. Stir in garlic and red pepper flakes and cook for one minute. Add meat and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until browned. Drain fat.
2. Add tomato paste and oregano and cook over medium heat for 2 minutes more, until slightly darkened Add crushed tomatoes and bring sauce to a simmer, reduce heat and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly reduced and flavors have melded, 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in basil.
3 In a large bowl, pour sauce over cauliflower and stir to combine In a large baking dish, place half the cauliflower in an even layer. Dollop all over with half the ricotta, and sprinkle with half the mozzarella and parmesan Add the rest of the cauliflower in an even layer on top, and top with remaining cheeses.
4. Bake until cheese is melty and golden, 25 minutes. Garnish with basil and serve
Greek Stuffed Chicken
INGREDIENTS
- 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- 1 tbsp. chopped dill, plus more for garnish
- 1 tbsp. chopped parsley, plus more for garnish
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 skinless boneless chicken breasts
- 1 zucchini, halved and thinly sliced
- 2 medium tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, sliced into half moons
- 2 lemons, thinly sliced
- 1 c. crumbled feta
- 1 c. shredded mozzarella
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400º. Place chicken on a cutting board and make 5 slits in each breast, being careful not to cut through completely Transfer to a small baking sheet.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dill, parsley and garlic. Drizzle over chicken breasts, making sure olive oil mixture gets in the slits Season with salt and pepper.
3 Stuff each chicken breast with zucchini, tomatoes, red onion and lemons Sprinkle crumbled feta and mozzarella on top.
4. Bake until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink, about 25 minutes. Garnish with more dill and parsley Serve warm
Ch i ck en T aco Avocad os INGREDIENTS
FORTHEFILLING
- 1 c black beans, cooked
- 1 c. canned corn
- 1 4-oz. can green chiles, divided
- 1 c. shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1 c shredded cheddar, plus more for topping
- 1 package Taco Seasoning
- 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, plus more for topping
- 3 ripe avocados
FORTHEDRESSING
- 1 c ranch dressing
- 1/4 c. lime juice
- 1 tbsp fresh cilantro
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp. fresh ground black pepper
DIRECTIONS
Heat broiler In a large bowl, combine black beans, corn, 1/2 can green chiles, Grilled & Pulled Chicken Breasts, cheddar, taco seasoning, and fresh cilantro. Stir until combined
Halve and separate three avocados, removing pit and hollowing out insides. Mash insides in a small bowl and set aside
Place avocado boats face up and fill each with 1/3 cup of filling Sprinkle with more cheddar and more fresh cilantro, then broil until cheese is melty, about 2 minutes
Make the dressing: In a medium bowl, combine ranch, lime juice, remaining green chilies, cilantro, salt, and pepper and stir to combine. Fold in mashed avocados and mix until smooth.
Remove avocado boats from oven and transfer to serving dish. Drizzle with dressing and garnish with more cilantro, if desired Serve immediately
INGREDIENTS
- 1 large head cauliflower, grated (about 3 cups), squeezed dry of excess liquid
- 2 1/2 c. shredded mozzarella, divided
- 2 large eggs
- 1 c. freshly grated Parmesan, divided
- 1 tsp. garlic powder
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp pizza sauce
- 1/3 c. mini pepperoni
- Torn fresh basil, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 425º and grease a cast-iron skillet with cooking spray. In a large bowl, combine cauliflower, 1 cup mozzarella, eggs, 1/2 cup Parmesan, and garlic powder and season with salt and pepper.
2. Press mixture into skillet, making sure to get up the sides, and bake until deeply golden and dry, 25 minutes
3. Spoon a thin layer of pizza sauce over crust and sprinkle with remaining mozzarella and Parmesan Top with mini pepperoni and bake 5 minutes more.
4. Sprinkle with basil, slice, and serve.
T aylor +Shelby
June 26th, 2021
TIED THEKNOT
Location: Columbia, Missouri
Venue: Missouri United Methodist
Church & The Atrium on 10th
Bridal gown: The Juliette Gown by Enzoani purchased from Bridal Extraordinaire- Kansas City
Bridesmaids?gowns: Bella BridesmaidHayley Paige
Hair styling: Flawless Makeup + Hairstyling
Photography: Christine Bonnivier
Photography
Videographer: Motion & Picture- Michael and Molly Pasternock
Limousine: White Knight Limousine and Coaches
Tuxedos: Men?s Warehouse
Florist: D & L Florist- Shari McCallister
Band: Lost Wax
Cake(s): ComoPastry- Austin Scoles
Rings: LCBetz Jewelers
Registry: William Sonoma and Dillard?s
Wedding coordinator: Gather & Co. -
Christian Neuenswander
Reception Lighting: Blue Diamond Events
Dance Floor Floral Instillation- Tiger Garden
Custom Wedding Crest- Two Lace ShoesKaris Briscoe
Alterations (bridemaids, bride, mother
of the bride, mother of the groom): The French Laundry
Nails: Florida Nails
Bride?s Hair Coloring: The Color Bar- Jenna Wooten
Rentals: Pretty Little Things and A1 Party Rentals
Catering: Bleu Events
Invitations: Shine
Calligraphy: Forget Me Not Paper
INGREDIENTS
- 2 ripe avocados
- 3/4 c heavy cream
- 1/2 c chocolate chips, melted
- 1/4 c honey
- 3 tbsp cocoa powder
- 1 tsp vanilla
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/4 c Chocolate curls, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Combine all ingredients except chocolate curls in food processor and process until smooth. Pour into glasses and refrigerate 30 minutes to an hour. Garnish with chocolate curls and serve.
Sk i n n y Bu r r i to Bow l
INGREDIENTS
- 1 c brown jasmine rice
- 1 lb. ground turkey
- 1 tbsp. Taco Seasoning
- kosher salt
- 1/4 c. plain yogurt
- 2 tsp. Hot sauce
- 2 c. grape tomatoes, halved
- 2 avocados, diced
- 1 15-oz can black beans
DIRECTIONS
1 In a small pot, cook rice according to package directions
2. Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, cook turkey until no longer pink, 6 to 7 minutes. Season with taco seasoning and salt.
3 In a small bowl, mix together yogurt and hot sauce (If you want a nice drizzle, transfer to a plastic Ziploc or piping bag.)
4 Assemble burrito bowl: Divide rice among four bowls and top with ground turkey, tomatoes, avocados, and black beans and drizzle with spicy yogurt. Garnish with cilantro.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 c. ricotta
- 1/2 c. sour cream, plus more for drizzling
- 1 large egg
- 1/3 c salsa
- 3 large zucchini, thinly sliced lengthwise
- 2 c shredded Cheddar
- 2 c. Shredded Monterey
Jack
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1 Preheat oven to 350º In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil Add onion and cook until tender, 5 minutes. Season with cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, 8 minutes more Drain fat
2. In a small bowl, stir together ricotta, sour cream, and egg. Season with salt and pepper
3. In a large baking or casserole dish, spread a thin layer of salsa. Top with a layer of zucchini noodles, sour cream mixture, ground beef, cheddar, and Monterey Jack Repeat until all ingredients are used up, ending with zucchini noodles.
4. Bake until noodles are tender and cheese is bubbly, 25 minutes.
5 Drizzle with sour cream, garnish with cilantro, and serve
INGREDIENTS
- 4 (4-oz.) salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp Grainy mustard
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp finely minced shallots
- 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves, chopped, plus more for garnish
-
2 tsp fresh rosemary, chopped
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- Lemon slices, for serving
DIRECTIONS
1. Heat broiler and line a baking sheet with parchment. In a small bowl, mix together mustard, garlic, shallot, thyme, rosemary, and lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Spread mixture all over salmon fillets and broil, 7 to 8 minutes
2. Garnish with more thyme and lemon slices and serve.
Bu f f alo Ch i ck en Stu f f ed Pep p er s
INGREDIENTS
- 4 bell peppers, seeds and cores removed
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tbsp. butter
- 1/2 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic
- 3 c. shredded rotisserie chicken
- 1/2 c. hot sauce (preferably Frank's Red Hot)
-
2 c. shredded gouda
- Ranch dressing, for drizzling
- 2 tbsp. freshly chopped chives
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 400°. Place bell peppers cut side-up on a large baking sheet and drizzle all over with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.
2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter Add onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and cook until fragrant, 1 minute more.
3. Add shredded chicken and hot sauce and toss until combined Cook until the mixture comes to a simmer, then remove from heat
4. Divide chicken mixture between pepper halves. Top each with gouda and bake until cheese is melted and peppers are crisp-tender, about 20 minutes.
5 Drizzle each stuffed pepper with ranch and sprinkle with chives.
INGREDIENTS
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- kosher salt
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp. ground cumin
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 3 c. Shredded chicken
- 1 1/3 c. red enchilada sauce, divided
- 4 large zucchini, halved lengthwise
- 1 c. Shredded Monterey Jack
- 1 c shredded Cheddar
- Sour cream, for drizzling
- Fresh cilantro, for garnish
DIRECTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 350º. In a large skillet over medium heat, heat oil. Add onion and season with salt
2. Cook until soft, 5 minutes, then add garlic, cumin and chili powder and stir until combined Add shredded chicken and 1 cup enchilada sauce and stir until saucy
3. On a cutting board, use a Y-shaped vegetable peeler to make thin slices of zucchini. Lay out three, slightly overlapping, and place a spoonful of chicken mixture on top Roll up and transfer to a baking dish Repeat with remaining zucchini and chicken mixture.
4 Spoon remaining 1/3 cup enchilada sauce over zucchini enchiladas and sprinkle with both cheeses.
5. Bake until melty, 20 minutes.
6 Garnish with sour cream and cilantro and serve
T aco T om atoes
INGREDIENTS
- 4 tomatoes
- 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 2/3 c. shredded Mexican cheese
- 1/2 c shredded iceberg lettuce
- 1/2 c. sour cream
DIRECTIONS
1 In a medium skillet over medium heat, heat oil Add onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Add ground beef and taco seasoning, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon Season with salt and pepper, and cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 6 minutes. Drain fat and set aside.
2. Flip tomatoes so they are stem-side down. Cut the tomatoes into six wedges, being careful to not cut completely through the tomato Carefully spread open the wedges.
3 Divide taco meat evenly among the tomatoes, then top each with cheese, lettuce, and sour cream. Serve.