Grilled Garlic and Rosemary Sirloin Steak {recipe} #FoodieFriday

As much as I miss sharing local Tampa eats on Foodie Friday, I am loving all the new clean recipes I am making in our kitchen.

When I started the Whole 30, January 6th, I feared I would be bored and no one would want to read our journey, but there are just so many resources out there!  I may have felt restricted at first, but as we near the end, I am finding more and more meals I want to make, and in turn share.

For food inspiration, I of course use Pinterest, Google, and also Emeals. The recipe I am sharing today is courtesy of the Emeals Paleo Plan. While we're on the Whole 30, there are certain paleo items we cannot consume, and when that happens, I will either omit an ingredient or find the right substitution.

Fortunately for today's recipe, all ingredients are Whole 30 compliant! This steak is so flavorful if marinated long enough, that even if you don't make the accompanying "rice", any preferred side will most definitely do.

Grilled Garlic and Rosemary Sirloin Steak with Greek Cauli-Rice

Ingredients:

For the steak:
1 lb top sirloin steak
¼ cup coconut aminos {or soy sauce if you are eating gluten}
¼ cup coconut oil, melted
2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons lemon pepper

For Greek Cauli-Rice:
12 oz package fresh cauliflower florets
1 tablespoon coconut oil
½ large onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
2 teaspoons tomato paste
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon pepper
2 tablespoons organic chicken broth
1 cup chopped fresh spinach
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill

To make:

Steak:
Place steak in a large zip-top plastic freezer bag.
Combine coconut aminos, oil, vinegar,
garlic and rosemary; pour over steaks. Seal and
turn to coat; refrigerate 2 to 4 hours.
Preheat grill, or grill pan to medium-high heat.
Remove steak from bag; discard marinade.
Sprinkle steak with lemon pepper.
Grill 8 minutes on each side or to desired doneness.
Let rest 10 minutes; cut into thin slices against the grain.

Cauli-Rice:
Pulse florets in a food processor until rice-like
consistency (if no processor, a cheese grater
works just as well!) Melt oil in a large skillet
over medium-high heat; add onion, and cook 5
minutes or until tender. Add garlic, tomato
paste, salt and pepper; cook 2 minutes.
Stir in cauliflower and chicken broth;
cover and cook 12 minutes.
Add spinach and cook 3 minutes or
until cauliflower is tender.
Remove from heat; stir in dill.

While I do receive a free emeals subscription for my review of their service, all opinions are my own. And obviously I recommend them, or I wouldn't share a recipe. Try em' out, I bet you'll agree.

Cheers!
Nichole

Whole 30 - Halfway There! {wiaw #7} #Whole30BlogChallenge

In all of the "diets" I have done, this is the first challenge that I haven't gone off plan, and cheated. Not once. This is huge for me, ya'll.

In one of the first few pages of It Starts With Food, the authors, Dallas & Melissa Hartwig, point out how the Whole 30 Challenge is only thirty days. And they are right -- it is ONLY a month. I don't know why this clicked for me so strongly, but it did. Whatever works, right?

I may have thought I was a pro meal planner before, but after starting this challenge, I clearly was not. A weekly meal prep takes approximately 4 hours. Almost every.single.thing. I prepare is homemade, and extremely "clean", and sadly a load of dishes. So usually, I prep my first few meals, wash dishes, rinse, and repeat. In some ways, it feels like a royal pain in the ass, but at the same time, when then I am done for the rest of the week! And bonus: I know exactly what I am putting into my body.

Best Recipes...

This year, I shared more recipes than I ever had, before. I have so much more to share next year, recipe wise {and hopefully photo wise, since husband bought me such a nice, new camera}, but thought since we're ending 2013, why not re-post a few of the top recipes pinned and/or viewed at Casa de Crews? Thanks for always being supportive, friends.


5. Greek Frittata

4. Chili

Meal Planning in 2014

Last year was the first real year I started to meal plan. Some weeks I am great at it, and other weeks, not so much. But throughout this year my goal, was to strive for progress, not perfection. I still have a lonnnng way to go with my weight loss, and finding what is right for me.

When it comes to "dieting", I have done a lot; low-carb, low calorie, medifast shakes, weight watchers, clean eating. For me, I have learned if I can mentally just stick with IT, clean eating and lower carb is what works for me. That doesn't mean I can't have carbs, but my body doesn't seem to need as many as are recommended to me, and the carbs I do consume have to be good carbs.

This past year, I discovered emeals. I know I have shared my enthusiam for emeals before, and I highly recommend them for your meal planning needs. You don't have to be attempting to lose weight. They offer thirteen types of meal plans! And I love that not only do I get a weekly plan emailed to me, but I can change my type of plan when I choose. For example, if one week I want a clean eating meal, and then the next I want a few low-carb ideas, I can switch it up! I also love their slow cooker menu, as well.

My Thanksgiving Menu

How is Thanksgiving only one week away?! Jason and I are going to host our 2nd Thanksgiving for his family, this Sunday, and that means I needed to have my menu ready...last week. Guess when I finished it? Tuesday night. Clearly, I like a challenge.

I am wanting to prepare a few cleaner recipes since I am trying my hardest to lose weight, but since my in-laws aren't looking for something other than a traditional Thanksgiving menu, we're just going to omit that small detail. I don't think they'll know the difference, though. Plus, come actual Thanksgiving day, we'll  be at my mom and dad's and able to enjoy all mom's cooking and indulgence then! I don't need to do that twice in one week.

I'm still new to some of this clean eating meal prep, and since this is only the 2nd time I'll be preparing Thanksgiving myself, I am sort of cheating by using several of emeals recipes from their holiday menu. They offer several menus, and I am taking advantage of their Clean Eating Holiday Menu, but totally making a Pumpkin Layered Cheesecake {I need some vices, people}, from the Classic Holiday Menu.

Sunday Meal Planning with Emeals

It's Sunday and that means I normally run to one-two grocery stores and cook for the week. Today, however I am Legoland bound with the in-laws for my niece, and nephew's birthday and don't have the time I need to plan like usual.

Enter: emeals. I like to use them occasionally because I don't have to plan so much, as just GO to the store. And they even have a shopping list for you. I love that I don't have to really think ahead with emeals.

It's such a time saver, and for the price I think it's worth it.

Right now, you can snag an emeals subscription for 30% off using code: CYBER

Have you used a meal planning service before?

{Want to be a part of Emeals Blogger Network? Visit their Blogger Signup and enter my website in the referral part!}

What I Ate Wednesday #3

Sometimes, being an adult is annoying. I am so tired of being responsible, working, attempting to eat well, and work out, and all that jazz. But alas, as my mother likes to {occasionally} remind me, I'm not getting any younger. And so, as much as I don't want to be a grown up, here I am prepping my eats for the week. At least when it's done, I get to focus on other things, and you know relax. :)

Breakfast:

Broccoli and Cheese Egg "Muffins", from SkinnyTaste. I added ground turkey to mine, however.

Ground Chicken Burrito Bowl for #SundaySupper

When I saw that today's Sunday Super theme was all about sharing recipes great for packing lunches and meals on the go, I knew j.u.s.t. the dish I would share with you all!

You see, even though I have gotten more into habit of meal planning this year,  I still have to make  myself do the work. If not, I'll eat out every single day for lunch; I'm not even kidding. I mean who wants to cook and clean every day, after work. I just want to eat and enjoy, and then be on my way. Thankyouverymuch.

But since I am the personal "chef" at Casa de Crews {and coincidentally the maid, but I digress}, no one is cooking for us, except yours truly, and with Jason in school, I have to get creative in advance since we're both always on the run.

Usually, in our weekly rotation, I make a bulk amount of prepped salad, brown rice, or pasta, and chicken breasts. I'll usually add one or two other big staples and these generally serve as lunch and dinner, so we can just grab and go.

Lately, my fave protein is ground chicken. It is a buck cheaper than ground turkey at my grocery store, and 30 calories less per serving. I like a good deal, and so I began to experiment. I had all the ingredients for a burrito or taco, sans a tortilla, and not quite enough veggies for a decent salad. I did however, have a batch of brown rice, a can of black beans in the pantry, an avocado that had to be used, and so a star was born. And then promptly inhaled. This tasty lunch almost makes up for the fact that I only get thirty minutes for my lunch, Monday-Friday. I said, almost.

Ground Chicken Burrito Bowl

{serves 4}

Ingredients:

chicken mixture:

16 oz package ground chicken

1/4 cup salsa

1/2 tablespoon cumin

1/2 tablespoon coriander

1 teaspoon garlic salt, or 1 garlic clove, fresh

non-stick cooking spray

bowl:

2 cups brown rice

1 15 oz can of black beans, drained and heated

1 cup shredded cheese

3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped

optional garnish:

guacamole

sour cream

salsa, or pico

lime

To make:

Season chicken with cumin, coriander, and garlic salt. Heat a non-stick skillet and spray. Add chicken to hot skillet and brown. Once brown, add salsa and mix with chicken.

Assemble bowl with brown rice, black beans, and cilantro. Mix well. Add ground chicken mixture and top with cheese and any additional garnish, desired.

Sandwiches, Wraps and Entrees:

• Baked Ham and Cheese Rolls from Big Bear's Wife
• Balsamic Butter Beans with Smoked Sausage and Spinach from Eat, Move, Shine
• British Bento Lunch Box from Ninja Baking
• Carrot Cake and Zucchini Bread "Sushi" from Cupcakes & Kale Chips
• Greek-style Spinach Hand Pies from Kimchi MOM
• Homemade Uncrustables from Treats & Trinkets
• Indian Spiced Chicken Meatball Wraps from Soni's Food
• Madam Wong's Pizza Rolls from Food Lust People Love
• Malibu Chicken Tortilla Pinwheels from Home Cooking Memories
• Peanut Butter & Jelly Rolls from Killer Bunnies, Inc
• Pizzadillas from La Cocina de Leslie
• Popcorn Chicken Bento from The Urban Mrs
• Potato Mushroom and Cheese Focaccia from Family Foodie
• Sausage Roll Ups from The Food Army Wife
• Scotch Eggs from My Cute Bride
• Stawberry and Chicken Pasta Salad with Strawberry Vinaigrette from Table for Seven
• Turkey, Pesto and Sun-Dried Tomato Wraps from La Bella Vita Cucina

Munchies, Salads and Sides:

• Almond Citrus Salad from No One Likes Crumbley Cookies
• Banana Bread Muffins from Curious Cuisiniere
• Best Basic Hummus from Supper for a Steal
• Blueberries & Cream Granola from The Messy Baker
• Blueberry Egg Bagels from What Smells So Good?
• Cheese Cracker Recipe from Growing Up Gabel
• Creamy Orzo & Peas {Dairyfree} from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen
• Mini Griddle Cakes from Noshing with the Nolands
• Quinoa and Green Bean Salad with Tibetan Dressing from Healthy. Delicious.

Sweet Treats:

• Biscoff White Chocolate Blondies from Cookin' Mimi
• Caramel and Rolo Rice Krispie Treats from That Skinny Chick Can Bake
• Cinnamon Zucchini Brownies from Cindy's Recipes and Writings
• Cocoa Crispy Sunbutter Bars from Alida's Kitchen
• Cookie Butter Granola Bites from Hezzi-D's Books and Cooks
• "Free" Brownies from Jane's Adventure in Dinner
• Honey Oat Bars from Magnolia Days
• No Bake Peanut Butter Rice Krispies Cookies from Pies and Plots
• Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Granola Cookies from Peanut Butter and Peppers

And remember that there is a #SundaySupper chat at 7 PM each on Sunday evening. We tweet throughout the day using the hashtag #SundaySupper, then we all gather to share ideas, recipes and answer questions from 7-8 PM ET. Check out our #SundaySupper Pinterest Board for more fabulous recipes and food photos. Would you like to join the Sunday Supper Movement? You can sign up here: Sunday Supper Movement

What I Ate Wednesday #2

Guess what's back, back again. What I Ate Wednesday, tell a friend. Or don't. Whatever.

I have been killing it in regards to meal planning and eating better. It's time I came clean with you lovelies. And by "clean", I am referring to eating. The last ten days or so, I have mostly eaten 80% of my meals whole, and unprocessed and while I have SO much to learn, I can tell you that I feel less tired, and have more energy {though being less tired obviously means more energy, duh}, and the scale has moved down...4lbs. I'll take it. Please and thank you.

Though I did have a cheat meal with the bestie last Friday before we saw The Way Way Back. And two drinks, Saturday while out for a friend's birthday. Sometimes, you just gotta...

Breakfast:

My go to egg muffins in the morning. This week I used ground turkey sausage, mushrooms, and cheddar cheese. I decided to omit the cottage cheese, and really can't taste a difference.

Lunch:

+

Mostly this ridiculously great wrap stuffed with guacamole, egg salad, and chicken breast! It's bey-ond tasty. Jason loved it, so I call this one a keeper {recipe from Supper for a Steal}...paired with a cup of strawberries.

Dinner:

First up, brinner! My Greek Frittata for Sunday Supper.

Beef and broccoli stir-fry {sans rice for Jason}.

....and one of my favorites, chicken alfredo flatbread. I have made this recipe before, but instead of naan {how I love thee}, I used Flatout Multi-Grain, instead.

Snack:

BOGO at Publix means this gal stocked up.

What are YOU eating?

XOXO,

Nichole

Meal Plan Menu #2

Steph and I are back for our monthly link-up! Okay, so this is only our second link-up. Whatever. Link up with us and share your meal plans, food preps...a recipe. Any and all of the above! We just ask that you grab our button to help spread the meal plan l.o.v.e. Don't forget to share your link, below.
Bon Appetit!

                                                <div align="center"> </p> </p> <p> <p> <a href="http://www.casadecrews.com" title="Casa de Crews"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNS5cVDCzbx-BwAR-g1S9Dw7U8syLc-EaCfS-kQoGos1gayz9jSWIHaOPGiPukiBtRdznK6CooYridFBIQWEQVF8vK9gvBXXSG46veIpNrvafdweyCbL9BPjJloxRUJCH_0w0Y-fDq2pQ/s320/mealplanlink.jpg" alt="Casa de Crews" style="border:none;" /></a></div> </p> </p> <p> </div>

Last week, I asked Jason to go grocery shopping without me because I was coordinating a wedding. While he's an adult and has made his own meals long before he ever met me, and before we ever got married, this was really the first time he's shopped for our weekly eats without me while he's been a student, working full time. Which means....last week, dude made grilled chicken breast for himself all week for dinner. And that was it. He doesn't have much time between work and class, so he grabs something easy. I could not allow my husband to eat just chicken, so I made buffalo chicken wraps this week to make up for his lonely lil' chicken last week. I topped salads with chicken for myself.



I've been loving my spiral veggie slicer, and have made a ton of zucchini "noodles" in lieu of pasta.



For lunches, I blackened chicken and alfredo sauce over said noodles. The sauce was Classico from a jar. I think at some point I'd love to try making my own from scratch.

For the 4th, we'll be at the parentals for a cookout, and a glorious day away from the j.o.b. But if we run out of eats, I did buy chicken thighs for this tasty looking chicken. Coincidentally, because I had all the other Greek inspired ingredients on hand, and the fact that chicken was on sale at the grocery, I *may* have stocked up on chicken for next week.



And of course, my ham "cups"...

What are YOU making, this week?

XOXO,

Nichole

Guess what's back, back again...

Steph and Nichole's link up, tell a friend.

We had a great time last month, linking up with you all. So much so, that we decided to host our meal plan link up...monthly!

Join us the first Tuesday of every month, and share your meal plans, prep work, a recipe...we don't discriminate! We just ask that you grab our button and add to your post, to help us spread the word.

                                             <div align="center"> <a href="http://www.casadecrews.com" title="Casa de Crews"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNS5cVDCzbx-BwAR-g1S9Dw7U8syLc-EaCfS-kQoGos1gayz9jSWIHaOPGiPukiBtRdznK6CooYridFBIQWEQVF8vK9gvBXXSG46veIpNrvafdweyCbL9BPjJloxRUJCH_0w0Y-fDq2pQ/s320/mealplanlink.jpg" alt="Casa de Crews" style="border:none;" /></a></div>


Until this Tuesday, 7/2, I leave you with a few of the meals I made this week:







Plus salads, and of course, my normal egg "cups".



...and string cheese for snacks.

I didn't meal plan as heavy and regular as I usually do, because I had a lot going on this week, and my normal Sunday prep day was spent working...I'll get back on track, next week.

What have you made this week?

XOXO,
Nichole

Meal Plan Menu #1

It's that time! The first ever link up with Steph and I sharing our weekly food prep and meal plan menus, together. I didn't really start meal planning religiously until the beginning of this year. And if I am being honest, sometimes it annoys me to take a lot of the day {generally on Sundays} prepping my eats for the week. However, it saves SO much time the rest of the work week, and even though it took some adjusting to get into this habit, I have come to love it and enjoy finding new recipes.

And while sharing my menus, I have found a lot of other bloggers out there who also prep for the week...so grab our button, share your link and show us your eats!

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Casa de Crews weekly menu: *most of our dinners are lunch the following day.

Monday: Blackened Dijon Chicken with salad




Tuesday: Meatballs and zuchinni "noodles". I found this Spirelli Spiral Cutter online to make noodle like textures. Sometimes, I am five and need to trick myself to eat veggies. Jason has raved about the noodles, so it is a keeper. If you don't have some fancy schmancy spiral veggie tool; a plain ol' veggie peeler will work {they will just be a bit thicker}.

sauteed in olive oil and chopped fresh garlic {get in mah belly}

Wednesday: I made a huge batch of meatballs; they freeze well but I still had {more than} enough for two lunches and dinner for us. I plan to use them with mashed cauliflower.

Thursday: I was invited to a blogger event at Little Greek in South Tampa. I love Greek food; especially Little Greek! More details this week to follow.

Hey lover...Pork Souvlaki platter. One of my faves at Little Greek!

Friday: Steak, mashed cauli and a caesar side salad.

Usually Friday we go out for happy hour and/or dinner, but Saturday I am meeting with a bride whose wedding I am coordinating at the end of the month, AND we're celebrating a friend's birthday later that day, where I will be eating and drinking, so we're staying in Friday.

...and of course my go to egg muffin "cups" in the morning. Snacks are usually hard boiled eggs or string cheese. Exciting stuff, I know.

Soooo, what are you making this week? Let us know below!

Meal Planning {a link up}

What are you, yes YOU doing Tuesday, June 4th? Nothing, you say? If you are a meal planner and prepper like Steph and I, then you should totally link up with us for Meal Plan Menu day.

Do you know Steph? I love her blog and her menu and food photos. Plus, she likes lists. She truly is a girl after my own heart. I find myself almost always emailing her about her menu and food prep after she shares it each week, and while we both agree sometimes prepping is a pain, it also saves a ton of time, kids.

Join Tuesday and share your eats!

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Meal Plan Monday #1

It's no secret that I love to eat out, but in doing so I spend w.a.y. too much money and a lot of food we buy then, goes to waste. In an effort to make sure I eat in more, I am going to start posting each Monday, my game plan for the week. Feel free to share your weekly menu with me, I am always looking for inspiration and  ideas!

Monday: turkey burgers

Source: Self via Nichole C on Pinterest

Tuesday: blackened dijon chicken

{via}

Wednesday: meatballs over mashed cauliflower

{i breathe i'm hungry}

Thursday: portabella pizzas

Made my yours truly, here

Friday: Cinco de Mayo Eve {eve?}...perhaps a happy hour at home? ;)

Source: Family Fresh Meals via Corey V on Pinterest

What are YOU making this week?