A healthy affair...

For a little while now a few of the women in our family have been talking about having a once-a-month get together to cook, chat and chow? ha ha A lot of us aren't "cooks" and wanted to learn more! So towards the end of December, I had the bright idea that I'd take the plunge and volunteer to be the first "host" :) 

Before we get on to the food, just thought I'd explain a little more about these meet up's. So basically whoever is hosting picks a theme (mine was "healthy"). That person then will pick a recipe and the IDEA is to cook the host's recipe together. Everyone else that comes is to bring a sample of a fav recipe that goes along with the theme. This way we can sample a few dishes and those we like, we can keep and continue making! Great idea, right? I know....we pretty much breed geniuses in this family.

Alrighty, on to the food!

Asian Peanut Noodles with Chicken - Lightened up

I love this dish! It's kind of a pain to put together but very much worth the effort. I got the recipe from my fav healthy foodie blog Skinny Taste. It's a bit spicy (too spicy for some people *ahem* Rachel), I can't do TOO spicy yet this dish hits it for me! AAAAND my kids love it, and anything they love is a WINNER for me :)

Via

Sani made those beauties above. Skinny Baked Seasoned Fries - yummmm. Ok confession, we totally ate these with fry sauce haha They were so good, so herby and flavorful. 

Alright, this baby pictured above...not even going to lie it is orgasmic. Yup, I said it. We dipped in to this sucker with home made cinnamon and sugar tortilla chips - AHHH AMAZE BALLS! We also luckily had some coconut pudding that Sani brought for us to sample and guys, it is a party in your flippin' mouf - boom! 

I must say, the evening was a success. I was super nervous to be the "host". That's not me. That's my mom and dad and many other relatives but not me. I'm a hermit. I know, strange. haha But I'm glad I did it and glad I had some family there to support me! I'm also glad it's over haha Now I'm passing the torch on to Sani who is hosting next month! Can't wait!

On to the recipes:

Asian Peanut Noodles click HERE 

• I cut the siracha the recipe called for, in half (and it was still too spicy for Rach, so careful with the siracha if your intestines can not handle!)
• I did not use peanuts, no reason why
• I wouldn't use all of the chicken broth at first, I'd pour in a little at a time (our peanut sauce was too runny for me)
• Don't forget the lime!

Skinny Baked Seasoned Fries

(for 2 medium potatoes)

2 t. Olive Oil

1 t. Rosemary

1 t. Thyme

1 t. Marjoram

1/4 t. Oregano

1 t. Paprika

1/4 t. Chili Powder

1/4 t. Onion Powder

1/4 t. Garlic Powder (or Garlic Salt)

1/4 t. Black Pepper

Non stick cooking spray

Lay down foil on a baking sheet (for easy cleanup). Spray with nonstick spray. Cut potatoes into 1/4 inch width fry lengths. Place potatoes in a large bowl. pour in olive oil. Toss to coat. Mix seasons in small bowl then add to potatoes. Toss to coat.

Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Bake for 25 minutes, turning once.

Fruit Salsa

2 apples (Granny smith or another CRISP apple)

2 kiwis

8 oz raspberries or blackberries (we used blackberries and they were bomb and looked very pretty!)

16 oz strawberries

2 T. white sugar

1 T. brown sugar

3 T. strawberry or raspberry preserve

Chop it up, mix it up, call Sani for some coconut pudding and you're good to go! Oh wait, I forgot about the cinnamon/sugar tortilla chips.

Spread a little butter on to a tortilla, sprinkle on a mix of cinnamon and sugar, cut in to strips or triangles - whatever. Throw in to 400 degree oven and bake for about 10-15 minutes! 

♥ ENJOY!