Sunday, December 29, 2013

Homemade Healthy Taco Seasoning, Soy Sauce Alternative, & Pumpkin Protein Shake

I have worried for a while about the ingredients in pre-packaged taco seasoning. If you read the ingredient label, the first thing listed (which is also the highest concentration in that item) is Maltodextrin. What the heck IS that?

I don’t know, but I knew there had to be a way to make some that is homemade so it’s better for you & cheaper. We eat burritos/soft tacos fairly regularly (we use Ezekial wraps, organic ground turkey, spinach, black beans, & plan Greek yogurt as sour cream), so I was pumped when my friend Heather posted a recipe. I finally got around to making it tonight, & next time I will double the recipe. I mixed all of the following ingredients together, stored it in a mason jar, and sprinkled some in to our ground turkey (to taste- sorry, I don’t really measure stuff). Husband approved! Try it- you probably have all of these ingredients on hand too.

Homemade Taco Seasoning: (makes 1 cup)

  • 1/3 c chili powder
  • 3 TBS onion powder
  • 1 1/2 TBS cumin
  • 1 TBS garlic powder
  • 1 TBS paprika
  • 1 TBS salt

photo 1

For the pumpkin protein shake, this seriously couldn’t be ANY easier, & it’s PACKED with nutrition! It’s the perfect meal with 24 g of protein and 24 g of carbs. I know people like to mix it up, and by adding in this one simple ingredient, it doesn’t change that perfect protein to carb ratio. Super YUMMY!!

Pumpkin Protein Shake:

  • 1 packet vanilla meal replacement shake w/ water & ice
  • Sprinkle in Pumpkin Pie Spice to desired taste

photo 2

And finally, I am ALL about some Bragg’s! We use the Apple Cider Vinegar (drink 2 TBSP diluted with water) & the Nutritional Yeast Seasoning (sprinkled on veggies- especially yummy on kale chips) every day. My friend Melissa shared a new recipe with us & told me she used Bragg’s Liquid Aminos instead of soy sauce. Brilliant!! This will be perfect in our stir fry and the yummy Quinoa ‘Fried Rice’ recipe she shared! Yum!!

photo 3

Enjoy!!

4 comments:

christa said...

I started making my own taco seasoning when I went to make tacos and realized that I didn't have any seasoning packets. It's so easy! I just googled taco seasoning recipe and haven't bought it since.

CydneyB said...

I love making my own taco seasoning-- I'll never go back to the store bought stuff again. Your recipe sounds yummy! I add a bit of cornstarch to mine to give the meat a "saucier" texture...more restaurant-style.

Unknown said...

You said you drink the apple cider vinegar? How much water do you use? I've heard it has great benefits!

#mommylife said...

i just made my own taco seasoning too! And yes! why are you drinking apple cider vinegar?! I haven't heard about that one! Oh and p.s.s. So trying the pumpkin shakes tomorrow!..I'm on day 4 :)