Clean Tuna-Slaw

It's no secret that I LOVE food, and I mean LOOOOOOVE food! I love trying different parts of the world, I love to experiment when I cook, I love the smells, I love the way it brings people together, I love the way it warms my home. My favorite is down-home, three sticks of butter, warms the soul, lick the plate, comfort food. Its what I do, and I do it well. My husband frequently teases me about being the 20-something version of Paula Deen. But after two babies, those foods aren't exactly loving me back anymore. I was on a mission to eat better without having to sacrifice flavor or eat like a rabbit. This recipe was the result (one of them anyway) of my frustrations. And it's quickly becoming my go-to lunch. I make up a big bowl and eat it throughout the week.

You will need:

- 1 bag of shredded mixed coleslaw veggies
- the juice from half a lemon (Here's a hint - if you microwave your lemon for 20 seconds you'll get 3 times as much juice out of it!)
- 2 (5 oz) cans of tuna or canned salmon
- 1 medium sized tomato
- salt
- fresh ground pepper
- 1/3 cup of minced Walla Walla sweet onion
- 1 small avocado (optional)


Now here's how simple this is. Ready? Mince your onion and dice your tomato and avocado. Mix all ingredients in a large bowl, making sure your lemon juice covers everything. Add salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate for 30 minutes before serving to allow all the flavors to marinate. And enjoy! 100% clean, and 100% healthy!

Taco Soup

Almost every woman I know has her own version of this soup. This is just mine, modified to our liking. Its cheap, quick and super YUMMY!

You will need:

-1 (15 oz) can of non-creamed corn- do not drain
-2 (15 oz) cans of black beans
-1 (15 oz) can chili beans
-1 (14 oz) can beef broth
-1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
-1 lb 80/20 ground beef
-1/2 a medium/large onion
-2 TBS taco seasoning
-2 TBS powdered onion soup mix
-1 tsp chili powder
-1 tsp garlic powder
-1 tsp oregano
-cheese, salsa, sour cream, tortilla chip for serving

In a medium sized stock pot, brown beef with chopped onion, 1 TBS onion soup mix, 1 TBS taco seasoning, and oregano. Once beef is cooked, drain grease off and add the rest of the ingredients. Be sure NOT to drain the corn! Cover and let simmer on low to medium heat for 25 minutes. Serve with grated cheese, tortilla chip, sour cream and salsa (or if you're like my husband and little one- JUST CHEESE!) Enjoy!

Yield: 6-8 people

Easiest Chicken Salad Ever!

Its always good to have one or two easy meals up your sleeve (that don't taste like easy meals) for those days when you have a teething toddler, little to no groceries in the house, and a husband who has shot down every dinner idea you have. Can you guess how our night went last night? Ha! This is one of my FAVORITE quick fixes!

You will need:

-1 (10 oz) can of skinless chicken breast, drained
-1 medium celery stalk, finely chopped
-1/3 medium yellow or white onion, finely chopped
-2 heaping TBS of Miracle Whip
-2 tsp fresh lemon juice
-1 tsp garlic powder
-pinch of black pepper
-pinch of dill weed
-pinch of salt

Drain chicken. Mix all ingredients in a small bowl. Refrigerate for 10-15 minutes and serve. Goes great on crackers, tortillas, bread or even as a lettuce wrap!

Yield: 2-3 sandwiches depending on how full you like 'em

"Better-Than-A-Manwich" Sandwich

My husband LOVES sloppy joes! Unfortunately, I hate canned mix especially when I have to pay $1.00+ per can so I didn't used to make them a whole lot. But after a year or so of fiddling with recipe I think I have done it- the PERFECT sloppy joe! Its sweet and spicy and makes you wanna lick your plate!

You will need:

-1 lb 80/20 ground chuck
-1/3 cup chopped yellow onion (I use Walla Walla sweets. Shout out to the good ol' Columbia Basin.)
-1 roma tomato small chop
-1 tsp garlic powder
-1 tsp taco seasoning
-3 TBS ketchup
-3 TBS your favorite BBQ sauce
-a drizzle of Tapatio hot sauce (Tobasco has a different flavor so I'm not sure how it will work)
-a drizzle of Kikoman teriyaki
-buns or bread for serving

Brown beef with the chopped onions, tomatoes and the drizzle of teriyaki on medium high heat. Drain off grease. Add dry seasonings and stir for about a minute. Add sauces, stir and remove from heat. Wait about 3 or 4 minutes to allow sauce to thicken. Serve on your favorite bun or between two slices of bread. Its quick, cheap and AWESOME!

Yield: 4 sandwiches