Hula Hut Style Mango Quesadillas

 

 

Hula Hut is a local restaurant where I live. The food is a mix between Mexican and Polynesian. I typically get the Mango-Poblano Chile Quesadillas, which is fresh mangos, poblano chiles and cream cheese. It is the perfect blend on sweet and spicy. I decided to make something similar at home, and this is what I came up with. This recipe is extremely easy, and perfect for a quick lunch.

 

 

Sorry the picture isn't very good, like I said, it was a quick lunch! If I had more time I probably would have drizzled Roasted Red Bell Pepper Sauce or Cilantro Dressing on it.

 

 

You Will Need:

Tortillas (I use Guerrilla)
Mango Salsa (Recipe Below)
Cream Cheese (I prefer the whipped cream cheese, but regular will work)
Poblano Chile- Cut into thin strips
Salt and Pepper
Chili Powder


Recipe For Mango Salsa:

1 Fresh Mango, diced
1 Red Bell Pepper, diced
1/2 A Purple Onion, chopped
1 8oz. Can Pineapple Tidbits
Chopped Fresh Cilantro

Combine all ingredients and mix well.

Note: If you only have few minutes to prepare lunch, this can be made the night before and stored in the refrigerator.



Directions:

1. Prepare the Mango Salsa.
2. Heat the tortillas in a pan (2 per quesadilla).
3. Spread the cream cheese onto the tortillas, add the poblano chiles, spices (to taste), and mango salsa.
4. Add another tortilla on top to make the quesadilla.
5. Heat the quesadillas until crispy.
6. Cut into triangles and serve immediately.

All Natural Allergy Relief

I have been suffering from Springtime allergies lately, ugh....its can be miserable this time of year.

One thing that I have been doing that works really well in battling the allergy symptoms is combining:

1 Tbsp. LOCAL Honey

1 Tbsp. Apple Cider Vinegar

Glass of Warm Water

 When you drink this twice a day it helps with relieving the allergy related symptoms.

For instant relief try drinking a cup of peppermint tea with some local honey in it. I was skeptical about this at first, but I tried it and by the second sip I felt better. My sinuses were cleared, it was amazing! This is now a "go to drink" during allergy season.

 

Chia Pudding with Blueberries

 

 

I love this for breakfast. I usually have it 4 times a week. It's delicious and healthy. You can change it up by adding different fruit, nuts, granola, or whatever you like.

 

 

 

 

To make the pudding:

1 Cup Almond Milk (Vanilla Flavored or Regular)
1 Cup Greek Yogurt, plain
2 Tbsp. Maple Syrup, plus 4 tsp. for serving (or sub with Agave Nectar)
1 tsp. Vanilla Extract
Kosher Salt
1/4 Cup Chia Seeds


Top with:
Fresh Blueberries
Cracklin Oat Bran Cereal
Maple Syrup






1. Whisk the almond milk, yogurt, the 2 Tbsp. maple syrup, salt, and vanilla and blend together. 
2. Add in the chia seeds.
3. Let stand for 30 minutes.
4. Stir again, then cover and refrigerate overnight. I keep mine in a large mason jar.
5. The next morning scoop some pudding into a cup or bowl, top with the blueberries, cereal, and maple syrup.

Makes 4 Servings.

Twice Baked Sweet Potato

 

I hadn't had a baked potato for years (at least 5 years, probably more). I recently got a craving for one, so this is what I made. It is definitely better than your average baked potato! The recipe I give is for 2 sweet potatoes. You can adjust the recipe depending how many servings you want, or use different ingredients.

 

 

You will need:

2 Sweet Potatoes (cleaned)
 1 Clove Garlic, minced
1/2 tsp. Cumin
1/2 tsp. Chili Powder (chipotle or regular, whichever you prefer)
 1 Cup Spinach, chopped

For the topping:
1/4 Cup Cilantro, chopped
 1 Cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese


1. Place potatoes on a baking sheet and bake in the oven at 400°F for 45-55 minutes. Poke with a fork to make sure they are soft in the middle before removing. If not, put back in and cook until they are.
2. Take potatoes out and let them cool for a few minutes, but leave the oven on.
3. Combine the garlic, cumin, chili powder, and spinach.
4. Scoop out the middle of the potatoes and combine with the mixed ingredients. Mix well.
5. Refill the potatoes with the filling then top with the cheese and cilantro.
6. Place back in the over for another 5-10 minutes.

Amazing Jelly Filled Cookies

 

These cookies are so great in the morning with some coffee or later in the day with a cup of tea. They have just the right amount of sweetness. Plus they are really easy to make!

For the Cookies:
1 1/2 C. Vegetable Shortening
1 1/2 C. Sugar
2 Eggs
2 tsp. Vanilla
1 tsp. Almond Extract
4 C. Flour
1 Tbsp. Baking Powder
1/2 tsp. Salt
3 Tbsp. Milk


For the Filling:
Strawberry jam (I use Knotts Berry Farm)
Powdered Sugar


1. Beat shortening until fluffy.
2. Gradually add the sugar and eggs one at a time.
3. Stir in the vanilla and the rest of the ingredients alternating with milk.
4. Roll into small cookies and press your thumb into the middle (will fill with the jelly).
5. Mix some strawberry jam with a little powdered sugar and fill in the middle of the cookies.
6. Bake at 350°F for 8 minutes.
7. Sprinkle powdered sugar on top of the cookies.