Crockpot Teriyaki Chicken

Happy Crockpot Monday! I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and got to enjoy some down time. I loved being home and spending time with my family; I can't wait until finals are over and I get to move back home for Christmas Break. Before I get to move home I have to survive finals week, at least I can look forward too seeing my puppy!

This week I threw together a quick crockpot meal from ingredients I already had on hand. I'm trying to use up all my spare ingredients before I leave next week for a month for Christmas break. I made a very simple skinny crockpot teriyaki chicken from ingredients you have readily available in your kitchen. 

You will need:

• 3 chicken breasts
• 1 sweet onion, diced
• 3 bell peppers, diced
• 1 broccoli floret 
• 1/4 cup brown sugar, you can omit this the chicken just won't be as sweet
• 1/2 cup low sodium teriyaki sauce
• 1 cup organic low sodium chicken broth
• OPTIONAL: Serve over rice or spaghetti squash

First, put the chicken breasts in the crockpot. Then add in the vegetables on top of the chicken.

In a separate bowl combine chicken broth brown sugar, and teriyaki sauce. After mixing together pour the sauce over the chicken and vegetables in the crockpot.

Finally, cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Serve over white or brown rice. For a gluten free alternative serve over cooked spaghetti squash. Click here to learn how to bake spaghetti squash. 

Nutrition per serving (serves 4):

Calories: 268, 220 without brown sugar

Carbs: 38

Fat: 2 grams

Protein: 23 grams

Sodium: 693 mg

Sugar: 30 grams

Thanksgiving Leftovers and Back to College

Happy December! I wanted to do a quick update before the week begins and things get crazy. This is the last week of regular classes before final exams so this week is going to consist of a LOT of studying.

This morning I drove back to school, I miss my puppy already! Luckily, I only have to survive for a week and a half without my pup then my finals will be over and I can go home for break. I can't wait! I also can't wait to go home and pick out a Christmas tree and decorate it. Decorating the tree with the family while listening to Christmas music are two of my favorite parts about the holidays, and of course all the baking! Be sure to check out my Christmas Puppy Chow recipe, it makes a great gift!

My mom gave me some turkey leftovers from Thanksgiving and I had that for dinner tonight. I poured organic low sodium chicken broth over the turkey, to keep it moist, covered it with tinfoil which prevents the turkey from drying out also, and put it in the oven at 400 degrees for 17 minutes. With my turkey I steamed a cup and a half of broccoli. I also had five ounces of pomegranate seeds and a cup of milk.

That is all for me tonight, but be sure to check back tomorrow night for this weeks crockpot recipe, it's a good one! Have a good night and a great start to your week!

Mom's Famous Homemade Cranberry Sauce- Only 3 Ingredients!

My mom makes the best homemade cranberry sauce ever. If you want cranberry sauce in our house you better take firsts and seconds or you won't get any. Once you've had her cranberry sauce you will never want the fake stuff out of the can ever again! Her recipe is easy to make, only three ingredients!, and takes less than 20 minutes to make. 

My mom even allowed me to share her recipe with all of you, you will want to save this recipe for sure. It is a holiday must!

You will need:

• 24 ounces of fresh cranberries, frozen unsweetened work also
• 1/2 cup maple syrup NOT pancake syrup
• 1/2 cup organic orange juice
• OPTIONAL: 1 Tablespoon zest of orange

In a saucepan over medium to high heat add all ingredients. 

Bring to a low boil and allow it to simmer for 10 to 15 minutes until it begins to thicken. 

Take off heat, allow to cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container for three hours, or until chilled.