Sometimes as a foodie blogger, or as a person in general trying to teach herself to cook, there are epic fails in the kitchen. Just ask Dave. Actually, don’t ask him because he is way to0 nice when it comes to my cooking fails.
But then there are those moments when you make something new and you take the first bite and you just know you rocked the recipe. I personally get giddy and clap like a 5 year old at Christmas, asking Dave over and over again, “Oh-my-gosh-isn’t-this-so-good!???” I mean my specialty is definitely baking, so when I nail a dinner, I am just over the moon!
Turkey Enchiladas with Fire Roasted Tomatoes
Side thought: I did bake these enchiladas….maybe I’m onto something here…
That’s what happened with these Turkey Enchiladas with Fire Roasted Tomatoes. I mean the flavor was rich with the tomatoes and a little spicy with the enchilada sauce, but not so spicy that you feel like a fire-breathing dragon. The texture was exactly as I imagine the perfect enchilada—soft enough to cut with a fork, but not soggy. This is the perfect simple, hot and tasty meal for these on coming chilly fall days. Plus if it’s just two of you, you might be able to extend this into another couple of meals. Might being the key word. They are pretty fantastic.
Can you believe I didn’t used to like tomatoes? I used to be a “hold the tomatoes” gal before I started trying them again in my adult life. Now I can literally eat them in the summer sliced with a sprinkle of salt. My mouth is watering just thinking about biting into one of those juicy red fruits. Or veggie depending on your school of thought on the matter.
I even ate my first bowl of tomato soup ever recently on a trip to Chicago. Ever. I think I may have tried tomato soup as a kid, but was since repulsed by the mere thought. With my newfound love of the food I decided to give it a try! Can you imagine my surprise when I found myself “mmm”-ing the entire time I ate it? Seriously. Drool.
Since I am now apparently in love with tomato, I decided I may as well try to cook with it.
Thus Turkey Enchiladas with Fire Roasted Tomatoes were born. I used ground turkey that I seasoned with a little chipotle seasoning as I cooked it. Throw in the enchilada sauce, roasted diced tomatoes, a little S + P and my secret ingredient: cottage cheese.
Don’t tell Dave. He hates the stuff. But he mowed down those enchiladas fast, so I’m pretty sure it was disguised well enough. Probably because the cottage cheese just melts right into the sauce and makes it dreamy, creamy and wonderful.
Why cottage cheese? Because for some reason I can tolerate certain types of cottage cheese better than cream..especially sour cream. That one hurts the belly. I may have made the error of indulging in a few spoonfuls of Emily’s baked potato at the last Twin’s game I attended. No bueno.
Although we did have a lot of fun that night! 😉
I’ve always adored cottage cheese though…the texture and flavor and cold reminds me of a salty, less sweet ice cream. Plus it’s high in protein and lower in calories compared to some other dairy products. Win-win!
After you finish the creamy dreamy enchilada mixture, all you have to do is portion some out into each tortilla, roll it up and put the rest of the sauce on top. Sprinkle with cheese, cover with some foil and throw it in the oven. Boom.
This is one of those dishes that’s simple, but packs a punch with flavor and will likely impress whomever you are cooking for. Even if the person you’re cooking for is..you.
[Tweet “Mouthwatering Turkey Enchiladas with Fire Roasted Tomatoes #recipe #semihealthy”]
In Other Life News…
1. I signed up for a 10 mile race!! The Monster Dash 10-miler October 25th! I hope to share more about my training (I did a whole 3 miles on Saturday..woot!) and I’m excited to be on my way to achieving my active goals. I will definitely plan on sharing my training plan with my e-mail subscribers..so make sure you sign up! I love designing plans that are practical, efficient AND achievable. I am actually a huge nerd and half of the fun of training is designing the perfect plan.
- And speaking of the e-mail subscribers, I edited options in MailChimp so you can now receive posts daily, weekly or just get the new monthly newsletter. Yay! So many options, you may as well sign up!
3. I get to hang out with some Midwestern blogger this weekend! Since HLS was cancelled, we were all super bummed we weren’t going to see each other like we planned. Mollie, Katie, Alex and I weren’t having that and decided we must get together in good ol’ Iowa! I’m so glad Mollie volunteered to host! Watch for the hashtag #blendDSMtakeover for our shenanigans.
4. I am strongly thinking about doing an ebook! (eek!) I had some great feedback on my most recent brainstorming post and I think an ebook would be a great way to focus my knowledge on one specific topic (as opposed to the zillion things I seem to write about on the blog) into one easy-to-find location where I could make a little money. I’d love your opinion on a topic you’d like to hear about from me! Here are some of my ideas:
- Semi-Healthy Cookies or Healthified Cookies (cookies are my favorite and I’m definitely a better baker than cook)
- Desserts in a mug
- Book of self-love
- How to live a semi-healthy life (tips, tricks and daily living with gentle nutrition)
- Smoothie recipes (I am a professional smoothie-maker, after all)
5. I really have been wanting a pet lately. Dave and I have even looked for cats at the humane society and a local pet shop. The thing is…I’m totally allergic to all things cute and furry. Do I bite the bullet for total cuteness and fun?
Tell me….
What’s your favorite comfort meal in the colder months? They are fast approaching!
Do you have any pets? Do you have pets even though you are allergic?
PS I’m all about Pinterest this year, so I would LOVE IT if you could pin one (or two!) of these images!
Pin with me!
Follow SemiHealthNut
Stay in the loop with bloglovin’!
Receive new post, tips + tricks, inspiration + exclusive content right to your inbox!
Linking up to:
What’s Cookin’ Wednesday with Buns in My Oven
Thinking Out Loud with Amanda at Running with Spoons
Five Things Friday with Clare at Fitting it all in
Show and Share Wednesday with Kelly at Mostly Homemade Mom
(All of the lovely link-ups I participate in here.)
Tara Newman
Comfort food…hmm, maybe some chili or minestrone. I will have to pin this recipe for later…I like mexican flavors. We have a cat. He has a STRONG personality 🙂
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
Oh yes chili for sure! I need to bust out my crockpot!!
Tina Muir
Oooh what a great idea! Love the idea of using cottage cheese too. I have done that in lasagna, but not in enchiladas. That would definitely be much better nutritionally for me as I prepare for Chicago. Thanks for the recipe. As for pets….no I do not, yet somehow when I moved in there were fleas on my carpet….ewwwwwwwwww!
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
So glad that will work for you! I do it in lasagna too!
Man I need to figure out if I’m going to watch the Chicago Marathon!
And ewww indeed!!!
Elsie @ Sharing Healthiness
Love the Ebook idea! I love your topic ideas for “Dessert in a jar” and “How to live a semi-healthy life (tips, tricks and daily living with gentle nutrition)”.
I have two pets and I am in love with them! If you like cats I know there are some breeds that work well for people with allergic reactions. This page talks about it: http://www.pawnation.com/2013/06/05/10-hypoallergenic-cat-breeds/.
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
Thanks for the feedback on the ebook! I’ve always wanted to write a book…so why not start small, right?
I will definitely look at that link! I know we are looking for rescued cats, but maybe then I will know what breeds are best! 🙂
Kim @ Racing Bananas
These look so tasty! Have a fun weekend – sounds like a blast!
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
Thanks Kim, I’m sure we will! 🙂
Emily @ Sweets and Beets
Those enchiladas look great! I live alone, so those would feed me for a week+! 🙂 Thanks for the recipe!
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
Thanks, Emily! I actually ate 1.5 at a time so it just depends on your hunger level slash level of self-control..these babies are tasty! 🙂
Melissa @ Mango About Town
I’ve never eaten enchiladas before! What’s wrong with me?!
((got up from computer and ran down the street to the Mexican place to try some))
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
hahaha what IS wrong with you?? You must try these and let me know what you think! <3
Taylor @ greens & chocolate
Yummmm! I haven’t made enchiladas in ages and now you’ve hit me craving them 🙂 My favorite colder months comfort food is chili…just whipped up my first batch last weekend. I was hoping to do the Monster Dash too this year but we’re out of town that weekend…boo!!
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
You’re just going to have to make some, huh? For some reason I forgot you lived in Minnesota! Have you done the Monster Dash? I’ve heard it’s a fun one!
Joanna @Makingmine
I’ve never made enchiladas, but you make it look less scary than I was anticipating 🙂
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
They really aren’t that bad! Messy, but simple and freaking delicious!!
bigkool
Breathtaking dish, the kitchen soon enough
Smith
Love the Ebook idea! I love your topic ideas for “Dessert in a jar” and “How to live a semi-healthy life (tips, tricks and daily living with gentle nutrition)”.
Amanda @ Diary of a Semi-Health Nut
Thank you so much!! I think I’m turning the second idea into more of a guided program I’m going to offer! 🙂