Summer Snack Competition - Round 1

Summer is here and so is our Summer Snack Competition featuring healthy snacks prepared by our wonderful Piedmont Athens Neurosurgery staff.

Round 1 winner is Nina, our front office assistant, for her fresh, homemade guacamole.
Here’s her recipe:

• 5 Avacados

• 1 Roma Tomato

• 1/2 Cup Red Onion

• 1/2 Cup Cilantro

• 1/2 tbsp McCormick’s Total Seasoning

• 3 Limes, Squeezed

• Salt to Taste

• Serve with Corn Chips or Veggie Straws

Judges notes: “Nina’s Guacamole was so fresh and flavorful. It has a smooth texture yet kept a few chunks of avocado for a nice, creamy taste. And…the McCormick’s was a nice touch. Added a little kick to the dish. I’d honestly eat it without chips. Just pass the spoon.”

Tasty Pita Pizza

Who says pizza has to be unhealthy? Check out this recipe for a delicious and healthy pita pizza.

Individual pizzas are perfect for a party or group. Each person gets to custom make their pizza with toppings of their choice. And, pita rounds are the perfect size for individual pizzas. Simple to make, toss them on the grill or pop them in the oven until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Pita pizzas are the perfect quick-and-easy dinner for busy weeknights. Add your own veggies, try different cheeses, or make up a new sauce!

Ingredients: (serves 1, 405 calories)

• 1 pizza round

• 1 tsp olive oil

• 1/8 tsp garlic salt

• 3 tbsp pizza sauce

• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella

• 1/4 cup sliced mushrooms

Directions:

• Heat grill to medium heat.

• Spread oil and pizza sauce onto one side of pita round.

• Top with cheese and mushrooms (or other vegetables).

• Season with garlic salt.

• Add to grill and cover. Cook until cheese is melted (about 5 minutes).

Quick Peachy Oatmeal

Need an easy recipe for those rushed mornings? Indulge in this tasty and nutritious peachy oatmeal.

This peachy oatmeal will remind you of a peach crisp. Quick and easy to make in the morning for breakfast. Substitute honey or stevia for sugar to reduce calories. Also, coconut or almond milk can replace regular milk for those with intolerances and/or water to give it more flavor.

Ingredients: (serves 1, 411 calories)

• 1/2 (15 oz) can peaches, drained

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1/2 cup quick-cooking oats

• 2 tablespoons packed brown sugar

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, or more to taste

• pinch of salt, optional

Directions:

• Cut peaches into chunks.

• Stir peaches, water, milk, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt together into a microwave-safe bowl.

• Cook in microwave on High, stirring every 60 seconds, until the oats are softened, about 3 minutes.

• Stir one final time before serving.

Rich Filet Mignon

A classic and a healthy option for two. Whip up this delicious, low sodium steak with a side salad.

This is an elegant and romantic dinner for two. Served with steamed asparagus and a crisp side salad for a healthy dinner for two.

Ingredients: (serves 2, 367 calories)

• 2 (4 ounce) filet mignon steaks

• 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

• 1/4 cup dry red wine

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• salt to taste

Directions:

• Sprinkle freshly ground pepper over both sides of each steak, and sprinkle with salt to taste.

• Heat a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.

• Place steaks in hot pan, and cook for 1 minute on each side, or until browned.

• Reduce heat to medium-low, and add balsamic vinegar and red wine.

• Cover and cook for 4 minutes on each side, basting with sauce when you turn the meat over.

• Remove steaks to two warmed plates, spoon one tablespoon of glaze over each, and serve immediately.

Crunchy Chicken Fingers

Chicken fingers – a true crowd favorite. And they're gluten free! This quick recipe is sure to please.

Chicken fingers with a crunchy chip coating. Very easy to make. And by using corn chips, they are naturally gluten free!

Ingredients: (serves 6, 474 calories)

• 2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast - cut into strips

• 2 eggs, beaten

• 1/2 cup milk

• 1 (12 ounce) package tortilla chips, crushed

Directions:

• Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C).

• Mix egg beat and milk in a shallow dish or bowl.

• Place crushed chips in a separate shallow dish or bowl.

• Dip chicken first in egg mixture, then in crushed chips to coat. Place coated chicken on an ungreased cookie sheet.

• Bake in preheated oven for 10 minutes; turn chicken over and bake for another 10 minutes.