healthy – T.W.O.

Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

Published on October 14, 2014October 13, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

Seared Ahi Tuna Steaks

Ingredients:
– 2 Ahi Tuna Steaks
– 1 large lemon
– 1 Tablespoon cayenne pepper
– ¼ cup soy sauce
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– Pepper
– Krazy Salt

Directions:
1. Put the ahi steaks on a plate. Marinate with lemon, cayenne pepper, soy sauce, garlic powder, pepper and salt. Set aside and let sit for 15 minutes.
2. While the steaks are marinating, pre-heat barbeque.
3. Place the steaks on the barbeque over medium heat and cook for 4 minutes on each side.
4. Remove steaks for heat. Slice and plate with your favorite side dish.

Chickpea Salad

Published on September 4, 2014September 3, 2014 by T.W.O.3 Comments

Summer is coming to an end, but that doesn’t mean you have to start eating Fall food. T.W.O. loves making this Chickpea Salad for a side-dish, an entrée, a topping to a salad or even an appetizer. (Great idea for a modified version of a bruschetta.) How ever you want to serve it – this recipe will sure be a hit!

Chickpea Salad

Ingredients:

– 2 cans Garbanzo beans, rinsed & drained
– 1 ½ cups red tomatoes, chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 yellow bell pepper, chopped
– 4 green onions, chopped
– 1 garlic clove, diced
– 2 Tablespoon olive oil
– ¾ cup balsamic vinegar
– 1/3 cup lemon juice
– Garlic Powder
– Salt & Pepper

Directions:
1. Place the beans and vegetables into a large bowl and toss.
2. Mix in the olive oil, balsamic, lemon juice.
3. Season with garlic powder, salt and pepper.

Bon Appetit!!

Detox Tri-tip Salad

Published on August 27, 2014August 25, 2014 by T.W.O.2 Comments

Fruit in salads not only add flavor, it also helps cleanse your system. Blueberries are rich in antioxidants so there is no reason not to add this to your greens. (Antioxidants are essential to optimizing health by helping combat the free radicals that can damage cellular structures as well as DNA.) Blueberries also help improve memory! Hope you enjoy this salad as much as T.W.O. did!

Detox Tri-tip Salad

Ingredients:
-2 cups butter lettuce, chopped
– 2 cups baby romaine, chopped
-1 cup hearts of palm
-2 cups blueberries
– 3/4 cups dried cranberries
– 2 cups Persian cucumbers, diced
– 1/2 cup goat cheese
– Tri-tip season with Montreal Steak Seasoning
– Trader Joes Cilantro lime dressing

Directions:
1. Place the tri-tip on a heated barbeque. Cook for 30 minutes or until done.
2. While the tri tip is cooking, chop all the vegetables. Leave blueberries and cranberries whole.
3. Plate veggies, top with fruit and goat cheese.
4. Once the meat is done, let it sit for 5 minutes before cutting. Slice thinly and add to the top of the salad. Pour dressing as needed.

Enjoy!

Roasted Corn Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Published on August 13, 2014August 13, 2014 by T.W.O.1 Comment

In need of a healthy, fresh and scrumptious dinner? Sick of your salads? Well T.W.O. has a receipt for you. It is a corn salad that bursts of flavor – lemon, cilantro, avocado and peaches. The baja fresh of California!?! We guarantee that if you like shrimp, you will definitely like this recipe!

Roasted Corn Salad with Grilled Shrimp

Ingredients:
– Shrimp
– 2 cups Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki Marinade
– 3 ears of corn
– 1 avocado
– 2 cups heirloom cherry tomatoes, halved
– 4 Persian cucumbers
– 2 yellow peaches
– 1 1/2 cups hearts of palm, sliced
– 2 Tablespoons olive oil
– ¼ cup lemon juice
– 5 Tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
– Salt
– Pepper

Directions:
1. Marinate the shrimp in the Trader Joe’s Island Soyaki Marinade for at least two hours in the refrigerator.
2. About 20 minutes prior to cooking, remove the shrimp from the refrigerator to bring to room temp. Place shrimp on kebab sticks.
3. Preheat the bbq or cast iron skillet*
4. While the oven or bbq is getting hot, prep the corn. Rub 1 Tablespoon of olive oil on the corn. Season with salt and pepper and wrap with foil.
4. Chop the avocado, peaches, tomatoes, cucumbers, hearts of palm and cilantro.
5. Once the grill is ready, add the corn. Cook for about 20 minutes and then add your shrimp kebabs. The shrimp should only take about 6-8 minutes depending on your heat.
6. While the shrimp and corn are cooking, drizzle the lemon juice and remaining olive oil over the vegetables.
7. Remove the corn from the grill and let cool for 5 minutes. Slice the kernels off the core. Add to the vegetables and mix.
8. Plate the corn salad and top with the grilled shrimp.

*T.W.O. ran out of propaine while they were cooking this meal so we went to Plan B….cast iron skillet. Same great taste as the bbq!

Enjoy!

Chicken Fajitas with Tex-Mex Sauce + Enchilada Rice

Published on August 5, 2014August 4, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

Love fajitas!? Love enchiladas? We do too! So we decided to combine them into one recipe! This dish is perfect for a summer time meal and won’t let you feeling guilty! The preparation is simple, quick and mouth-watering! Steak or fish could also be used as the protein. You won’t be disappointed!

Chicken Fajitas with Tex-Mex Sauce + Enchilada Rice

Ingredients:
For the Enchilada Rice
-3 cups white rice, cooked
-1 cup enchilada sauce
-1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
-1 cup sharp cheddar cheese
– I can black beans, drained
-2 green onions, chopped
-1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped

For the Fajitas
-4 boneless skinless chicken breast
– 2-3 tablespoons taco seasoning
-1 tablespoon of olive oil
-1 red + orange bell pepper, sliced
-2 ears corn, husk removed
-1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
-1 lime, juiced
-Corn or flour tortillas
-1 avocado, diced

For the Tex-Mex Sauce
-1/2 cup ketchup
-1 teaspoon brown sugar
-2 ounces melted light cream cheese
– 2 tablespoons hot sauce
-3 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
-1/2 lime, juiced

Directions:
1. To make the Tex-Mex sauce, add the ketchup and cream cheese to a bowl. Whisk until smooth and then add the brown sugar, chipotle peppers, cilantro and lime juice. Season with a pinch of salt. Cover and keep in the fridge until ready to use.

2. Heat up the BBQ. Add the chicken to a bowl and toss with the taco seasoning. Place the peppers and corn on a plate and rub with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Place on to foil for the grill.

3. Add the chicken and veggies to the hot grill and cook until done. Make sure to check the veggies and flip a few extra times to ensure even cooking. Remove everything from the grill and allow the veggies and chicken to cool five minutes

4. Meanwhile start making the rice. Add the cooked rice to a large skillet with 1 tablespoon olive oil. Toast the rice for 5 minutes, stirring often to ensure even browning. Add the enchilada sauce, Greek yogurt and cheddar cheese. Bring the mixture to a low boil and cook, stirring until the cheese is melted and the rice is creamy, about 5 minutes. Add more cheese if you desire. Stir in the black beans, cilantro and green onions. Keep warm until ready to serve.

5. Slice the peppers and use a sharp knife to remove the corn kernels from the cob. Add the veggies to a bowl and toss with the cilantro and lime juice. Slice the chicken into strips.

6. To assemble add the cheesy rice to the center of a warm tortilla. Add the chicken and peppers. Garnish with fresh cilantro and diced avocado. Drizzle with the Tex-Mex Special Sauce.

Summer Chopped Salad with Carne Asada

Published on July 21, 2014July 8, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

In need of a meal for a warm Sunday night? Well, T.W.O. has a great recipe for you. It is a refreshing, light yet hearty salad that will win any crowd over. Learn how to make this chopped salad topped with grilled carne asada and homemade salad dressing. It’s easy and acts as a great Monday lunch option. (That’s if you have leftovers!)

Summer Chopped Salad with Carne Asada

Ingredients:

For the Salad:
– 3 cups butter lettuce
– 2 cups baby romaine
– 2 cans garbanzo beans
– 2 cups fresh strawberries
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes
– 2 cups Persian cucumbers
– 2 cups hearts of palm
– 2 ears corn
– ¼ cup cilantro
– ¼ cup parsley
– ½ cup Mediterranean feta, crumbled

For the meat:
– 1 ½ – 2 lbs lean carne asada
– 2 Tablespoons cayenne pepper
– 2 Tablespoons garlic powder
– Salt
– Pepper

For the Dressing:
– 2 lemons
– ¼ cup white balsamic
– ¼ cup balsamic
– 3 Tablespoon basil infused olive oil
– 2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt
– Pepper

Directions:
1. Place the meat in a Pyrex. Season the meat with the cayenne pepper, salt, garlic powder and pepper on both sides. Set aside and let marinate for about 20-30 minutes.
2. Shuck the corn and place on a microwave safe plate. Cook in microwave for about 2 minutes on each side. Remove and place on heated barbeque. Cook on low heat for about 10 minutes. Make sure to rotate the corn so all the sides cook.
3. Wash and chop all vegetables and fruit. Place in a large bowl.
4. Add the meat to the pre-heated barbeque. Cook for about 15 minutes or until done.
5. While cooking the meat, make the dressing. Add all ingredients to a bowl or salad dressing shaker. Set aside.
6. Plate the salad and top with sliced meat and dressing.
7. Time to eat!

Happy grilling!

Peach Burrata Caprese Salad

Published on July 2, 2014July 1, 2014 by T.W.O.5 Comments

With the 4th of July approaching us, T.W.O. decided to create a spin on the Italian dish and make it more of an All-American salad. Adding peach to the traditional dish compliments the flavors of the basil, heirloom tomatoes and burrata. Happy 4th of July!

Peach Burrata Caprese Salad

Ingredients:
– 1 large heirloom tomato
– 1 large yellow peach
– 1 package of Belgioioso burrata
– 10 – 12 basil leaves
– 3 Tablespoons Balsamic
– 2 Tablespoons basil infused olive oil
– Salt
– Pepper

Directions:
1. Slice the heirloom tomato lengthwise to make rounds
2. Slice the peach.
3. Wash and dry the basil leaves.
4. To assemble: place the heirloom tomato on a plate, followed by peach, basil and burrata.
5. Drizzle olive oil and balsamic over the salad.
6. Top with salt and pepper.

Enjoy and cheers to a fun filled 4th of July! Happy Birthday America!

Homemade Tortilla Chips

Published on June 23, 2014June 22, 2014 by twinswithoriginality1 Comment

Chips can make or break a meal. We all know everyone fills up on chips before they even get to the main entree. So why waste the calories on fattening, unsatisfying chips? T.W.O. Has the perfect recipe for you to “wow” you guests on the next taco night! Grab you salsa and guacamole because these homemade chips are sure to be a crowd pleaser!!

Ingredients:

-1 package corn tortilla chips
– 2 tablespoon olive oil
– 2 tablespoon cayenne pepper
-salt

Directions:
1. Preheat oven to 400
2. Cut tortillas into triangles. Place on a foil lined baking sheet.
3. Brush with olive oil and season with cayenne pepper and salt.
4. Place in the oven for about 15-20 minutes. The “chips” will become brown, but don’t over cook.
5. Remove from oven and let cool for 10 minutes. They will harden as they cool, but serve warm for bet results.

Happy cooking!

Seafood Paella

Published on June 13, 2014June 13, 2014 by T.W.O.Leave a comment

T.W.O. spent last summer traveling around Spain and had some amazing paella. Each city was different – from Madrid to San Sebastian to Barcelona and Sevilla – there was a spin on each dish. Today we are featuring some of our favorite ingredients in a seafood paella. It’s an great dish full of flavor, protein and culture – – when in España!

Seafood Paella

Ingredients:
– 1 tomato, diced
– ½ cup white wine
– ½ red onion, chopped
– 1 sweet onion, chopped
– 1 pound fresh rock fish
– 2 lbs fresh seafood miz (mussels, calamari, shrimp)
– ¼ cup olive oil
– 2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– 2 cup Arborio rice or bomba paella rice
– 2 teaspoon Spanish saffron threads
– 4 cups low sodium chicken stock
– 1 cup frozen peas
– 1 can artichoke hearts
– ½ cup lemon juice
– 2 cloves garlic
– 1 teaspoon sea salt
– ½ teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
– 1 teaspoon Spanish pimento smoked paprika

Directions:
1. Heat the wine and ½ red onion and ½ sweet onion in a saucepan over high heat until it begins to bubble. Add the mussels and cover and cook for five minutes.
2 Remove from the heat; throw away any unopened mussels, and drain, reserving the liquid to use later in the recipe.
3. Heat the oil in a large, heavy bottomed pan (great if you have a paella pan.) Add the extra onion and garlic. Cook for five minutes, or until onions have softened.
4. Add the chopped tomatoes, artichokes, smoky paprika & cayenne pepper. Season with sea salt and pepper. Mix well.
5. Stir in the reserved liquid from the mussels, then add the rice and stir again. In a separate bowl, blend the saffron with the stock and stir into the rice mixture. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for 15 minutes without stirring.
6. Put the peas, seafood mixture and rock fish on top of the rice. Push them into the rice, cover and cook over low heat for 10 minutes, turning over halfway through, until the rice is cooked. Add the mussels & lemon juice for the last 5 minutes to heat through. If the rice is not cooked, add extra stock and cook for a few more minutes.
7. Allow to rest for 5 minutes prior to serving.

¡Buen provecho!

Grilled Fish Tacos with a Sriracha Yogurt Sauce

Published on June 9, 2014June 8, 2014 by T.W.O.4 Comments

Fish Tacos are a great, healthy, easy meal for weeknights – – – especially for Meatless Mondays! T.W.O. spiced up our fish tacos with a homemade Sriracha Yogurt Sauce. It’s a great addition to the tacos and doesn’t mask the taste of the grilled fish. T.W.O. mixed their fish for this meal – they used rock fish and Mahi-mahi. Depending on your taste buds, both fish are a great option. take the taste test and let us know how which one you liked best!

Grilled Fish Tacos with a Sriracha Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients:
– 1 pound fresh, wild rock fish
– 1.5 pound fresh, whild Mahi-mahi
– 2 lemons
– 1 cup cabbage, chopped
– 1/2 avocado
– 1 mango, diced
– 1/4 cup greek yogurt
– 2 Tablespoons Sriracha
– yellow corn tortillas
– Krazy Salt
– Pepper

Directions:
1. Preheat the barbecue to medium heat.
2. While the grill is heating, prep the fish. Wash and clean and place on foil. Season with juice from 1 lemon, salt and pepper. Slice the other lemon and place on top of the fish.
3. Place the foil “tray” on the grill and cook the fish for 5-8 minutes depending on your barbecue.
4. While the fish is cooking, prep your sriracha yogurt sauce. Mix together the greek yogurt and sriracha in a bowl. Set aside.
5. Chop the cabbage, avocados and mango. Set Aside.
6. Remove the fish from the grill and heat the tortillas for 1-2 minutes.
7. To assemble the tacos, place the sriracha yogurt sauce on the tortilla, top with grilled fish and garnish with avocado, mango and cabbage.
8. Ready to chow down!