Moroccan Chicken Gyros

This Spicy Moroccan twist on the classic gyro will ignite your taste buds and make the summer taste that much better!

I am constantly inspired by the amount of creativity and talent of my food blogging peers out there. One of my faves has to be Half Baked Harvest. Besides her ridiculously amazing photos, there is this off the wall creativity in her flavor combos as well as amazing execution and knowledge of so many different techniques! She also happens to be like REALLY young, like 20! What?! I know sooo crazy!

Well when I saw this recipe for Spring Veggie + Lemon Moroccan Chicken Skewers with Minted Goat Cheese Yogurt I swooned!! I mean imagine all those Moroccan spices cooled down with a minted goat cheese yogurt. It was as amazing as I imagined, like soooo soooo freaking good I needed to share it with all of you!! The marinade for this makes chicken MAGIC!

Chicken Beeriyaki with Asian Slaw #beermonth

I participated in an Influencer Activation on behalf of Millennial Central for Kirin. I received product samples to facilitate my review as well as a promotional item to thank me for my participation. All ideas presented are my own.

Here is the first group celebration of #beermonth my friends! My blogger pals have all joined together to bring you their take on beer recipes. I am super excited to introduce you all to Lauren of Hall Nesting, Heather from girlichef and Jessica from Jessiker Bakes! I love all these ladies and I want you to show them love to by checking out there blogs (I love them all and read them all every week!) and by checking out their recipes at the bottom of this post!  

This is my very first sponsored post, I often shy away from these things unless I genuinely think you guys wanna read about it. With this one, I knew I should be involved with this one. It is #beermonth after all! So when the opportunity arose for me to sample and cook with Kiran Ichiban, I was totally on board.

If you haven't heard of Kiran Ichiban it is THE Sushi Restaurant go to beer to represent Japan. To learn more about the beer, visit their website! I hadn't tried it before, so my expectations were low. But it was pretty decent, crisp and clean. Absolutely perfect to accompany any Asian dish. I think it represents Japanese cuisine pretty well; it is a simple yet elegant beer and very balanced. Not overly malty or hoppy you can pair this with most anything. But you know I don't just pair beer with food, I make food with beer!

Asian beer, Asian inspired dish! All you foodies- don't hate on me, I have a confession. I don't like sushi- nope- I tried it all and it ain't my thing. So that was out and I was glad, it's a whole lotta work. So I made something completely different with my beer. Chicken Beeriaki, it's like chicken teriaki, but like WAY better.

Everything is better with beer, but I also made this super easy too! All you have to do is brown some chicken and prepare the sauce in the food processor, then added the fresh Asian veggies. No cooking of veggies required, so it kinda makes an Asian slaw. I paired it with some sushi rice for that authentic feel. So I got what I like about sushi- protein, the sauce and that awesome sticky rice without the seaweed taste. I made a roll out of the ingredients, but I tasted it and I don't care for the seaweed AT ALL! If you do like sushi and seaweed wrappers this can easily be made into a roll. You can see I included a piece of the roll on the pictures so you could see it.

 Why is this a Foodgasm?

Chicken teriyaki is a staple- but kicked up with beer?! Even better. I find the beer flavor intensified and enhanced this and accompanied it even more than I imagined! This sauce is one of my new favorite things and I think it will be yours too! Even for the skeptical- try it! It will surprise you! Plus it is easy to make and low in fat and calories!

What you need

2 chicken breasts, cut into strips
1/3 cup flour
salt and pepper to taste
Olive Oil as needed for browning

1 tablespoon sesame oil
1 tablespoon pickled ginger
1/2 tablespoon honey
1 teaspoon minced garlic
1/2 cup Kiran Ichiban beer

2 cups chopped Asian salad (the kind you buy in a bag)

 

How to make it

1- Dredge chicken in mixture of flour, salt and pepper.
2- Brown chicken on both sides in a skillet on medium heat.
3- In a food processor, combine: 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 tablespoon pickled ginger, 1/2 tablespoon honey, 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 1/2 cup Kiran Ichiban beer.
4- Mix together the Asian chopped salad with some of the sauce.
5- Serve atop Sushi rice.

Nutritional Information

Each serving includes chicken sauce and vegetables. Additional calories for white rice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

#Beermonth recipes

 

Pina Colada Pound Cake

Why is this a Foodgasm? 

Piña Colada is the stuff summer is made of and I don't know about you, but I could use a slice of summer. If you're in the part of this country where you experience the bitter cold...I know you are sooooo done with all of this. I have the answer here! A lowfat easy and delish  piña colada poundcake. 

Loaded with not only fresh pineapple and coconut milk- it also has coconut oil and is covered in toasted coconut. This dense and delish cake is a treat you don't have to feel any guilt for at all! 

What you need

1 cup sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil, warmed up in microwave to become a liquid.
3/4 cup crushed pineapple
1 egg + 1 egg white
1 cup coconut milk
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
zest of 1 lemon
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 cups white whole wheat flour
 1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt

How to make it

Preheat oven to 350º
1- In a mixer with paddle attachment, cream together sugar and coconut oil.
2- Add in the egg and egg white with the Greek yogurt, coconut milk and vanilla extract, be sure to scrape sides if you see the sugar and coconut oil sticking to the sides.
3- With the mixer on low, slowly add in your dry ingredients and mix until well combined.

4- Bake for 45 minutes to 1 hour. Will be very moist!

Spinach and Feta Strata

I cannot get enough of the spinach and feta combo. I made Spinach and Feta Orzo, I made a Spinach and Feta Salad and now I got for you a Spinach and feta Strata. It is part quiche, part potato and part fritata. In fact, I had a really had time naming this, LOL. But a food bloggers friend of mine came up with something sorta like this and called it a strata, so thanks Joanne from Joanne Eats Well with Others. You saved me on this one!

Why is this a Foodgasm?

Spinach and Feta, it is magical and delicious and totally Greek. I like to give a nod to my hetitage when I can and they knew what they were doing with this flavor combo. Salty, creamy and you got a little bitter from the spinach, it just works. Then of course I add in some caramelized onions, garlic and you got yourself a full blown Greek-gasm. I love that this has a layer of potatoes too. It's a great filling meal, especially nice with a side salad for breakfast, brunch, lunch or even dinner.

Eggplant Parmesan "Meat"balls

So my gratuitous v-day post was last week, but I made this recipe around the same time and all I could say is "Damn these are good" every single time I ate one. I never posted my recipe for veggie infused meatballs, but this is a staple to me. The perfect transformation of a food I love so very much to something soooo much healthier. The secret is that I add lots of hidden veggies to my meatballs. Seriously, no one will know since they a chopped up in the food processor. So I though why the hell not add the meat at all.... and use eggplant!! Since you are going to cover it in marinara anyways later on, why not add a little fresh mozzarella cheese over top. So this magical concoction was born!

Why is this a Foodgasm?

This has EVERYTHING you love about Eggplant Parmesan, even the breading, in a crispy little ball dripping in marinara and melted mozzarella cheese. They are NOT fried, they're baked! So you are losing LOTS of calories and fat and keeping ALL the flavor. These are sooooo good, I am making them twice and I almost NEVER make the same thing twice! Even better: they are not nearly as time consuming as Eggplant Parmesan.

So I don't have kids yet. But you know, I think that kids would eat these guys up! If you have vegetarian friends coming over- you can make this and both eat meatless, healthier and be completely satisfied. Actually this is one dish that makes me think, maybe I can be vegetarian someday. It is that good. Another great thing is you can make this as an appetizer or serve these over pasta as an entree.

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Torte and a Giveaway

This is my gratuitous Valentine's Day post. For so many years I loathed this holiday. It is the single gal's day to remember she is single. I remember in college all my friend and I didn't have a boyfriend, so we all banned together and had our own little party (under the bandstand of the college). That was one of my favorite Valentine's Days yet! So all you single ladies don't feel bad, feel empowered because V-Day is just silly even when you have a man or woman.

But still I felt compelled to make a cutesy little cake with strawberry hearts baked into it. I guess I have those two sides: the Martha Stewart and the chick that drinks craft beer and swears. Or as my husband said best: "You are like Martha Stewart, but you say fuck a lot." Yeah that sums me up. That is also why I need to start making videos for you guys! It would be loads of fun for you to meet me, like really get to know me.

But if you love or loathe this holiday- here is an incentive to at least like it. I made you a crazy delish chocolate covered strawberry torte literally with strawberry and chocolate in it and on it. But I have another surprise for you a GIVEAWAY! A really gorgeous handcrafted apron from Guate Love It.

Spiked Foodgasm: Pumpkin Spice Ale Muffins with a Spiced Glaze

Why is this a Foodgasm? 

It's fall and you all know how I am super stoked about pumpkin.... well now you can take that up 10 notches because I found a way to combine my love of pumpkin ale with my pumpkin baking!! I knew I had to create a recipe for pumpkin muffins, but then I remembered my Bluepoint Blueberry Muffins and I knew this needed some local craft pumpkin spice ale. But this time I added a little fat just to make them softer. I really like how the flavors are balanced well- I even used some lemon zest to brighten up the flavors so the spice didn't get lost, thanks to a tip from my friend Jenni at Pastry Chef Online. As if the muffins were not amazing enough already, I knew I wanted to just add another touch, so I created a simple glaze to drizzle over the top! Don't you just wanna lick your screen right now?

Here is how I lightened this- I used only an eighth cup of canola oil, nonfat Greek yogurt and pumpkin purée in place if some of the missing fat. The Greek yogurt and pumpkin keep these muffins nice and moist! With all the flavor and the texture you will NEVER know this was low fat!

For this recipe I used Southampton Pumpkin Ale.This craft beer, local to long island, has a nice balance of pumpkin and spice flavor while still retaining a nice hoppi-ness!

 

Autumn Shepherds Pie

Why is this a Foodgasm?

One of the greatest parts of Autumn is all the awesomely comforting food. Shepherd's Pie is a comfort classic of meat and potatoes that just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy. However, the calories and fat packs on the sweater-weather pounds. Yeah, I don't like that part either, but that is why I am here to not only take this up a few notches with flavor, but also greatly reducing the fat! Is it magic? No it's a foodgasm!

So what did I do to achieve this? Let's take it layer by layer...
The meat layer- I took my trick from my magic portobello beef tacos and added lots of finely chopped mushrooms to the mix as well as some garlic, onion and bell pepper. To add bulk to our meat layer, lots of veggies for vitamins and fiber and for FLAVOR! I also used 93% lean ground beef, which can be rather dry, but with all the veggies it makes it much better!!
The potato layer- I used sweet potatoes since they have more nutritional value with lots of vitamins, **but this is the genius** I used some pumpkin puree mixed into it. Not only adding fiber and bulk but also giving it - FLAVOR. I also used light butter and reduced fat milk. You will not miss any of that fat, I assure you!
The cheesey crust- Reduced fat cheese is the answer, fat free is a no-go, not melty enough and lacks flavor!
 

Taco Tuesday- Magic Portobello and Beef Taco Supreme

 Why is this a Foodgasm?

I am celebrating Taco Tuesday with my friend Lauren of Hall Nesting this week! So I joined her and Christine of Cooking with Cakes to bring you some awesome taco recipes! See below for the pictures and links to their recipes.

 You like tacos? You like beef tacos? Do you like all the fat and calories? No, I didn't think so.

I like tacos, it started in college with Taco Bell. My college served Taco Bell in the cafeteria, one swipe of my student ID gave me access to unlimited Taco Bell. (So healthy!) I liked them so much and I was a poor college student, so I used to smuggle out some crunchy beef taco supremes out of the cafeteria and safe them in my mini fridge for later.
How can I turn tacos into a NY Foodgasm? How do I make tacos that are missing some of the fat and not sacrificing any flavor? It started with the realization that mushrooms are pretty meaty. So I took some 80/20 ground beef that was on sale and I ground up some portobello mushroom caps in my food processor- not only are we filling some of the space with a veggie, I am also adding flavor with the mushrooms. Someone you know not like mushrooms? I don't think they will even notice there are mushrooms, you can taste them a bit, but they are ground so fine they blend in seamlessly with the meat, even the texture is spot on!

That is the magic my friends, lots of amazing flavor, with a veggie bonus and a buzz of flavor! You are not missing out on any of the comfort food aspect at all! I also used multigrain taco shells and low fat shredded Mexican cheese. Then the swap I use ALL the time, non fat Greek yogurt in place of sour cream!

Foodie Adventures: My First Ice Cream Recipe

Why is this a Foodgasm?

Plain ole vanilla ice cream, one of life's simple pleasures. Simple, yet sooo delicious, especially since I cut some of the fat and it's homemade and freshly churned. Sometimes even I keep it simple- I didn't even add bourbon (well it was bourbon vanilla extract)!

When I was a baby my mom insisted I not be corrupted by sugar, but my grandmother wanted to spoil me and the first sugary delight to ever touch my lips was vanilla soft serve ice cream with rainbow sprinkles. Oh wow, it was love at first lick! My face was at first confused and them this giant smiled pasted itself on my face in a sort of baby perma-grin.

This is a super simple recipe- I basically took the simple vanilla ice cream recipe that came with my booklet and took away some of the fat while still maintaining the creamy texture we all know and love. 4 ingredients and 25 minutes to some amazing ice cream.

It is only fitting that this be my very first ice cream recipe! I hope you enjoy it too!

Drunk Lime in the Coconut Chicken

Why is this a Foodgasm?

You put the lime in the coconut and....EAT it all up! Yes I took these iconic song lyrics and made a foodgasm. These flavors compliment each other really well, sweet and creamy with that sharp and refreshing lime you are just waiting for a foodgasm to happen! But instead of just any coconut flavor I added some Malibu Rum because I can! This is so easy to do too: just let the chicken marinate and grill it up! Then toss some lime zest on top- DONE! I also whipped some Lime Coconut quinoa/brown rice medley because this needed a nice accompaniment. It is summer and how perfect is this for summer? Tres Perfecto. Eat up my friends!

Caramelized Onion and Goat Cheese Quiche with a Sweet Potato Crust

Why is this a Foodgasm?
The sweetness of the caramelized onions and sweet potatoes combined with the creaminess of the goat cheese comes at you like a savory and sweet symphony on your tongue! No joke! This is where it's at. You need this in your mouth!

I came up with the idea since I have been on a goat cheese roll lately and I just knew I had to try this! I made a Pesto Quiche with a potato crust before and I knew I had to try this ideas of caramelized onions and goat cheese but with sweet potatoes. Then I thought since this crust doesn't cover the sides I am gonna try and use a springform pan and hot damn it worked! Like all my foodgasms this is pretty damn easy to make and low in fat! Not to mention this is loaded with vitamins. So not only is this a trip to delicioustown, but a one way ticket to a healthy life! Score!

Coconut Cuties

  

Why is this a Foodgasm?

You take some cannoli type cream mix it with some coconut, then put them in crunchy little Fillo shells, finish off with toasted coconut and you got yourself a one bite Italian foodgasm!

At first I came up with the idea of canolli bites- to put a twist on the classic and lighten it up a bit. But then I became insanely obsessed with coconut. So then I thought why not make the same kind of recipe, but with coconut?! Tah Dah! A foodgasm was born!

A special thanks to Jessica, the name my post winner, for helping me name these! To stay connected to NY Foodgasm see our Facebook Page.

Perfect for your Valentine: Irish Cake Bombs

Why is this a Foodgasm?

What happens when an Irish Car Bomb becomes a cupcake? What's more, it happens to be amazingly decedent and low fat? A new Foodgasm has been born! This is it: sinfully smooth red velvet cake with Guinness undertones topped with Irish Cream frosting. Perfect for any boyfriend, husband or gourmet cupcake lover, this little guy is sure to please! This is quick and easy to make and you can really taste the Guinness and Irish Cream Flavors! Why not combine my love for a good beer with my food!

So as you can tell I have been slightly obsessed with cooking with beer lately, namely Guinness. I made Guinness Beef Stew, then I even made some low fat kielbasa with beer and kraut. I have been experimenting and browsing blogs for some ahhhhmazing beer ideas. Even came across Guinness Brownies on Hall Nesting! The possibilities are endless! Who knows what will come next...any ideas on more food beer combos? What would you like to see from me?

Pesto Quiche

Pesto Quiche Crust-astic option

Why is this a Foodgasm? A little pesto goes a loooong way here! Just imagine a nice quiche that is creamy and soft but add in the punch of pesto and you got some taste bud magic! I LOVE the way this came out, sweet, salty creamy with some garlic flavor, YUM! I made this recipe two ways: inside of a ready made pie crust and a lower carb option by using muffin tins and paper wrappers with a slice of potato on the bottom.

Low Carb Individual Pesto Quiches

Yields 8 servings

Mini Butternut Squash Quiche with Bacon

This is the quiche as one large quiche, sadly I did not get pictures of the mini quiches- which are amazing!

Why is this a Foodgasm? Since we are quickly approaching Autumn what better way tp celebrate with some butternut squash deliciousity?! This brings together the creamy texture of butternut squash with the spices of the season, a dash of both nutmeg and cinnamon along with the candy of meats BACON! Wow wow wow! Bring it on!

This is a 1 point foodgasm (per mini quiche)!

Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting and Cheese Sprinkles

 

Why is this a Foodgasm?  Like you have to ask?  Come on.....flavorful meatloaf in the shape of a cupcake and covered in mashed potato "frosting" and cheese "sprinkles"......oh and did I mention it's good for you too!  Oh yeah, get in my belly!  

This is a 5 point foodgasm...including mashed potato frosting and cheese sprinkles! (Recipe yields 14 servings)