Monday, March 21, 2011

Cheesy Veggie Enchiladas


Over the years I've been subjected to the ever changing food pyramid guidelines.  If you happen to google "food pyramid", you'll see hundreds of examples on how we should eat!  I even found a real food, rabbit food, vegan and zombie food pyramid.  Most say we  should eat this but not that or maybe some of that in moderation is okay!  Milk is good for you but watch out for the hormones and antibiotics in it!  Don't eat eggs in years past, but now you can because they are good for you!  Confusing?  You should eat more meat for protein.  (You won't hear that argument from me.)  Dark chocolate is beneficial, as is red wine. (I can religiously follow that guideline.) Too much information, if you ask me. 

I like food...everything about it.  The taste, the smell, the appearance, the way it feels in my mouth and the way it makes me feel, most of the time.  I do have my own "rules" or guidelines when it comes to healthy eating.   I may not be "Miss Fitness",  but I'm always moving in the right direction with many setbacks.  Two steps forward, and one step back...   Here's what I've discovered about food: 

1.  Eat more meatless meals.  I always feel better after a meal.

2.  Drink more red wine.  (I actually feel better after this, too!!)

3.  Indulge in more dark chocolate.  (This is a no brain-er for me.)

4.  Have more fish.

5.  Mangia!  Eat pasta when you can.  No Alfredo sauce,  ever.  We call that "heart attack on a plate".

6.  Eat more fiber.  Does chocolate qualify as fiber if it has nuts?  I think so!

7.  Eat at home more often.  What a concept!  I like to go out to dinner once in a while, maybe once a week or every other week.  But I like to cook, so it's easy for me.

8.  Fast food only once a month, if at all.  I know that's strict, but you don't know what goes into your food.  You can save more money, also.

9.  Cut out all added salt.  You don't need it.  Most food is salty enough!  If you are a deer that craves a salt lick, go ahead...

10. Drink plenty of liquids, especially water, not store bought juice or sodas.  This is where I really fall short.  I should drink alot more water than I do, but I very rarely touch sodas or packaged juices.  I have started drinking more green tea, though.

11. Try your hand at cooking meals from scratch.  It's fun and healthier.  You'll know what you put into your food!

How was that for a Monday morning wakeup call?  I guess that could be a lead in for this veggie enchilada I came up with while trying to fulfill my quota for meatless dinners.

Cheesy Veggie Enchiladas

For the filling

6 oz bag of spinach, wilted in a pan with boiling water, drained and cut up

1 T cilantro, chopped

1/2 c chopped green onions, save a tablespoon for garnish

1 cup chopped potatoes, parboiled, peeled and sauteed in a pan beforehand

6 T green chili enchilada sauce

Mix the above ingredients and heat through, then set aside.

For the preparation

1 c shredded jack cheese, preferably.  Save 1/4 c for garnish

1 c cottage cheese

6 6 inch size multi grain tortillas

3/4 c green chili sauce
Filling the enchilada

Before baking
In a pan (11 x 7) either spray with nonstick spray or use a small amount of green sauce on the bottom.  To make enchiladas, place a small amount of filling in the center of tortilla.  Follow with a tablespoon of jack and a tablespoon of cottage cheese.  Fold both ends over and place seam side down in the pan.    Do the same with five more tortillas.  Six should fit nicely in the pan.  Pour the 3/4 c sauce over the top, add the 1/4 cup cheese and the remaining green onions.  Cover with foil and bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes.  Uncover and continue to bake for 10 more minutes until done.

1 comment:

  1. This looks so good Wendy! I love Mexican so this is going to my list!

    ReplyDelete