Pardon my last week holiday hiatus! I hope everyone has had a wonderful holiday season. As we prepare for New Year’s Eve tonight, here is my final recipe blog for 2012. First, a personal favorite and, second, a simple soup recipe fit for the new year to share:

Dijon Jambalaya

• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb diced chicken breast
• 1 ½ cups chopped onion
• 1 medium chopped bell pepper
• 1 can no-salt-added diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14.5 oz) chicken or veggie broth
• 1 1/3 cup instant brown rice
• 3 Tbsp Dijon mustard (I’ve also used plain yellow mustard when that’s what I had on hand)
• 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• 1 lb medium shrimp, cleaned
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• (sometimes I like to add some turkey smoked sausage or sub it for some/all the shrimp; keep in mind this is a fattier and more sodium-laden option)

Heat oil in Dutch oven on med-high heat. Brown chicken first; then add onions and peppers. Cook and stir until veggies are crisp-tender. Add smoked sausage (if using), tomatoes with liquid, broth, rice, mustard, Worcestershire sauce, garlic, and thyme. Mix well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to med-low; cover. Simmer 25 min, stirring occasionally. Stir in shrimp, cook 10 min or until shrimp are cooked through. Add black pepper, mix well.  4 protein/carb servings. Can omit rice to avoid carb but may want to omit/decrease broth as well so it isn’t as soupy, unless you like it that way. (Notice in the picture I chose to serve mine with grilled asparagus)

             Dr. Oz’s Belly-Blasting New Year’s Soup

• 1 (14.5-oz) can of fire-roasted tomatoes with medium chilies – watch sodium
• 1 (15-oz) can of chick peas (also known as garbanzo beans)
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 2 cups vegetable or chicken broth 
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1/4 cup lime juice

Puree tomatoes, chick peas and garlic with broth and chili powder in a blender (in batches, if necessary) & transfer to a medium pot, bring to a boil, lower heat and simmer for about 10 min. Before serving, stir in the lime juice. 3 carb servings due to chickpeas.

NYE Drink Tips
Extra bonus I just thought of. Check out these options to minimize or eliminate your holiday alcohol consumption:

* Get the sparkly/bubbly sensation with soda water (not tonic, unless diet) or a flavored sparkling water option like Sparkling Ice or La Croix.

* Instead of a juice or high-cal mixer, use your favorite flavor of Vitamin Water, Propel, or Powerade ("Zero" versions of each of course!)

* This may sound odd but I found a flavor of Kroger sparkling water called Wildberry Lime, I believe, and I just plain think it tastes like a cocktail as is so give that a try!

* Vodka does not have carbs (of course it still has calories and isn't healthy so this is a holiday tip not permission!)

* Serve any of these mock-tail ideas in a martini glass, champagne flute, or other more decorative vessel to increase the illusion :)

Have a happy and safe NYE everyone! On to 2013 and another year of fitness, family and feasting with NGPT! Feast well, feast clean and as always...FEAST ON!!!

~Coach Lauren