Nel VanAmen – Page 3 – Stark Personal Trainer Gym in Newport Beach and Irvine, California

red thai curry with chicken, basil, and peppers

Classic Thai Red Curry

November 27, 2018

This is the easiest recipe and so delicious. I think it is better than the yellow curry Thai dish. You can add a little heat by adding a Thai chili or a sliced Serrano chili. If you cannot find kaffir leaf (lime leaf) squeeze some lime juice into the dish. Asian markets generally have but I have run into problems locating it in an Asian market. Also Thai basil is best but you can use regular basil in a pinch if you cannot find it in an Asian market.

a cast iron skillet sits on a kitchen towel, surrounded by gourds and a gravy boat. It is filled with a delicious looking mixture of potatoes, turkey, and more!

Turkey Hash

November 27, 2018

Do you have Turkey leftovers? Use them in this recipe. It won’t disappoint. It is loaded with vegetables and if your carbs are limited omit the potato and if you do not like heat omit the jalapeno. Have it for breakfast with a sunny side up egg. You can serve it to your guests that came in for the holiday. If you do not have any leftovers you can use ground turkey or cooked turkey breast..

two bowls of warm stockpot soup, with kielbasa, carrots, and cabbage

Transylvania Stockpot with Kielbasas

October 26, 2018

This must of been Dracula’s favorite snack food in between victims. After all, it is named after his home town. In fact, he may have used this warm hearty dish to lure in his victims from the blistery cold streets of Transylvania. Even now the aroma may warm the Count by allowing him to reminisce “the good old days” when all it took was a warm soup to get his victims off the streets rather than a pair of Louis Vuitton. This is an easy hearty soup that will warm the coldest of souls and is perfect for the season. Use the Healthy Choice brand to eliminate the added carbs and fat with the sausage or try a smoked chicken or turkey sausage. Enjoy!

a white ramekin sits in the oven, filled with a puffy dough, bits of mushrooms and spinach poking out

Spinach Mushroom Souffle

October 26, 2018

Want something that looks fancy to impress and tastes delish? Try this spinach mushroom souffle. This one has savory spinach and mushroom but you can use what you have on hand. If it deflates after coming out of the oven it will still be delicious. A nice healthy substitute for Yorkshire Pudding. Never fails to impress!

sizzling chicken, peppers, and onions sitting in a fajita pan, looking perfectly seasoned with fresh lime and guacamole on the side

Fabulous Fajitas

October 11, 2018

The marinade is the secret to fabulously tender, juicy meat that can stand on its own. Grilling gives it a smoky flavor but I cook these in a cast iron skillet. It helps caramelize the vegetables and the meat. If you are grilling I would use a basket to put the meat in and then use a skillet to cook the vegetables. You can also use beef, bison or even venison as the protein. When cooking chicken I allow for about 20% shrinkage. Hence, the recipe calls for one and quarter pound to allow for one full pound of cooked protein.

a perfectly cooked filet mignon steak sits under caramelized mushrooms and onions

Filet Mignon Stuffed with Mushrooms and Onions

September 28, 2018

Here is a meal that delivers melt in your mouth, tenderness with a savory twist. There is not a more succulent meal than a tender filet. In addition, if you have a beef with Beef it would also work with elk tenderloin or even venison. This is a recipe that will impress your guest or help you close the deal for your date. You are sure to score high marks in skill. Simple and easy to prepare with tenderness and a flavor that is sure to rock the night.

ostrich entree with a side of sweet potato

Ostrich With Mixed Mushrooms

September 5, 2018

Game on!! I have only cooked this once and I have to say I liked it more than venison but try it for yourself. It is a bit more expensive than beef. It may not be something that you would eat every day, but it is worth trying. Especially if you are sensitive to beef. My client loved it but he has eaten bear and I am his chef. Wild game is part of the Mito food list as well. You can order it from a specialty butcher. They have farms here right here in California!

Fish With Orange, Sesame, and Ginger

September 5, 2018

Cooking fish in parchment paper is foolproof and a healthful way to prepare your fish. You can also use banana leaves if you can find an Asian market. Even the most delicate fish never seems to dry out when using this method to cook. The nutritional content is for halibut but cod would be great and is readily wild.

a bright bowl filled with bell peppers, carrot, and cabbage coleslaw sits atop a vibrant blue towel

Chicken Tex Mex Coleslaw

August 26, 2018

This is a perfect dish for a warm summer night. Crisp, refreshing with a healthy dose of protein and a little crunch. You can serve it at your BBQ or use any left over chicken to make lunches. Add some red pepper flakes if you like things a little spicy.

Protein Powder Cookies