- Show all
- Featured Posts
- Uncategorized
- Z2-Appetizers & Snacks
- Z2-Beef
- Z2-Beverages
- Z2-Desserts
- Z2-Entrees
- Z2-Pork
- Z2-Poultry
- Z2-Salads
- Z2-Sauces & Dressings
- Z2-Seafood
- Z2-Sides
- Z2-Soup
- Z2-Vegetarian
- Z3-Appetizers & Snacks
- Z3-Beef
- Z3-Desserts
- Z3-Entrees
- Z3-Pork
- Z3-Poultry
- Z3-Sauces & Dressings
- Z3-Seafood
- Z3-Sides
- Z3-Soups & Stews
- Z3-Vegetarian
- Z3.5-Appetizers
- Z3.5-Beef
- Z3.5-Desserts
- Z3.5-Entrees
- Z3.5-Pork
- Z3.5-Poultry
- Z3.5-Seafood
- Z3.5-Sides
- Z3.5-Soups & Stews
- Z3.5-Vegetarian
- ZS-5 Ingredients or Less
- ZS-Dieter Favorites
- ZS-Holiday
- ZS-Zola to Go
- ZSpecialties
Creole Meatloaf
ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Entrees,ZSpecialties,Z2-Beef
This is a wonderfully moist meatloaf. It has a kick from the Cajun spices but not all that much and you can adjust according to taste. This transports well to work.
Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
Dieter Jessica made this meal on one of her first days of ZReduction. It was so delicious she wanted to share it with everyone.
Outlaw Chili Verde
ZS-Holiday,Z2-Soup,ZSpecialties,Z2-Pork
This award-winning chili recipe won best Verde Chili by the International Chili Society in 2018. "Texas Chuck," the creator of this awesome recipe, made this chili using Mild Bills Spices (in case you're trying to get his authentic flavor).
Creamed Orzo with Leeks and Parmesan
Z3.5-Vegetarian,ZS-Holiday,Z3.5-Sides,ZSpecialties,Z3.5-Entrees
Orzo is a wonderful, tiny pasta. This is the most requested side dish recipe I get from dinner guests–but watch your portion size. Enjoy!
Beef Bourguignon
Z3-Soups & Stews,Z3-Beef,Z3-Entrees
This is a remake of Beef Bourguignon. Who can resist this traditional French dish? So lush-tasting. It just about melts in your mouth.
Chicken Scallopini
ZSpecialties,Z3-Poultry,ZS-Dieter Favorites
A traditional Italian meal made the Plan Z way. My husband declared this one of his favorite meals of the year.
Warm Apple Dessert (Compote)
This tastes amazingly like gooey apple pie! This is delightful. Just like Grandma used to make.
Chili Con Carne
ZSpecialties,Z2-Beef,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Soup,ZS-Zola to Go,Z2-Entrees
This is a meaty chili with some veggies tossed in for crunch factor. Makes a satisfying lunch.
Southern Tomato Pie
ZSpecialties,Z3.5-Appetizers,Z3.5-Vegetarian,ZS-Holiday,Z3.5-Sides
Two things I love about living mid-South: fried green tomatoes, and tomato pie.
Hot Wing Dip
ZS-Holiday,Z3-Appetizers & Snacks,ZSpecialties,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z3-Poultry
Most folks think of chicken wings as being a guy thing and even a sport fan thing but anyone can love this dip! I served it as a breakfast buffet item and it was hands down the dish that got the most comments and compliments. I think it was because it was so unexpected. The comments came from men and women alike but I must admit the guys were the ones who went gaga over this.
My Mother’s Apple Crisp
ZS-Zola to Go,ZSpecialties,Z3.5-Desserts
There’s something about the potential of smelling apples baking with cinnamon and nutmeg that conjures up fond memories of my mother in the kitchen. She taught me as a small girl to make apple crisp so I did it often. This also makes a wonderful little breakfast the next day.
Hot Brown Open-faced Sandwich
This is fast to make and is a wonderful comfort food addition to your recipes.
Famous Burger Meatloaf
ZSpecialties,Z2-Beef,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Entrees
This is a “Whopper” of a meatloaf, designed to taste like the famous burger. I hope you enjoy.
Seared and Baked Pork Chops
This is an easy preparation with a homey vibe, when you want comfort food this is a sure bet.
Chili
ZSpecialties,Z2-Entrees,ZS-Zola to Go,Z2-Beef
This is a great comfort food. Make a big pot and pack it up for lunches on future days for a nice hot meal on a cold day.
Taco Casserole
This is a throw it together FAST meal for any weeknight. It is not a spicy dish but you can if you wish, add hot sauce at the table for a little extra zing.
American Amatriciana
Amatriciana is an Italian dish. Simple and traditional. I am calling this American Amatriciana because the Italian version is made with guanciale or pancetta. I make mine with good ole’ American bacon. This is one of my husband’s favorite dishes. I hope you love it too.
Tomato Basil Soup
ZS-Zola to Go,Z2-Soup,ZSpecialties,ZS-Dieter Favorites
Tomato basil soup is very easy to make. It comes together in a flash. The addition of cooked chicken elevates it to a one bowl meal.
Shrimp Scampi (ZReboot 3.5 Version)
This is a classic Italian dish. The one you order at Olive Garden will have WAY more pasta than this dish will have. That’s okay. The shrimp are the real star of this dish. Plus, you’ll be better off without all that starch.
Beef Stroganoff
You can have your stroganoff and eat it too! Most stroganoff recipes are served over rice or a big pile of noodles. You don’t have to do that. You have other choices.
White Bean Stew
This tastes a lot like my mom’s bean soup with the addition of tomato and zucchini.
Italian Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
This is a great crock pot recipe. Super simple but really tasty.
Vegetable Soup
As the weather gets colder and the nights get longer this makes a wonderful soup. Or if you get a cold while on Plan Z this might be just the ticket!
Roasted Lemon Chicken
ZS-5 Ingredients or Less,ZS-Holiday,ZS-Dieter Favorites,ZSpecialties,Z2-Poultry
When you are in the ZReduction portion of Plan Z you will not be eating the skin of the chicken or any of the dark meat. Breast meat only.
Instant Pot Corned Beef
When you buy corned beef, there is a little packet of corned beef spices that accompanies the brisket. The secret is to use that and ADD your own corned beef spices to the mix -- after you toast them.
Zucchini Lasagna
ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z3-Beef,ZSpecialties,Z3-Entrees
This lasagna has no noodles. Standing in for the noodle layers are zucchini sliced the long way.
Pumpkin Mousse
Z3-Desserts,ZSpecialties,ZS-Holiday
Light and dreamy. If you like pumpkin you’ll love this smooth and easy dessert.
Shallot Onion Rings
Z2-Vegetarian,Z2-Sides,Z2-Appetizers & Snacks
My husband loves these so much he asks for them probably 4 times a week and has even begun making them himself! They taste every bit as good as regular onion rings without the breading.
Shrimp and Mushroom Casserole
This is elegant comfort food. It’s sort of like the American version of the French dish called Coquille St. Jacque.
Chicken and Green Chiles Casserole
This chicken casserole will remind you of chilies Rellenos. If you like those you’ll be a big fan of this low-carb dish. Simple to put together and toss in the oven. And Voila! Dinner. I serve with slices of avocado on the side dusted with a bit of grated sea salt.
Breaking Thanksgiving Tradition
Featured Posts,ZSpecialties,ZS-Holiday
Everyone has their Thanksgiving traditions; especially when it comes to food. Do you ever think about breaking tradition and making something different?
Butternut Squash Casserole
Z3-Vegetarian,Z3-Entrees,Z3-Sides
Serve this at your next family event instead of potatoes and you’ll save 30% of the carbs.
Can be a vegetarian entrée or a side dish. SUPER Yummy because as the squash bakes it becomes sweet.
French Crock Pot Rib Roast
ZS-5 Ingredients or Less,Z2-Beef,ZSpecialties,Z2-Entrees
Feels just like you are eating in the French countryside.
Dieter Angela’s Ground Turkey “Meatzza” Crust
ZSpecialties,Z3-Pork,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z3-Poultry
Angela says, "I love pizza, so I was looking for alternatives. I was disappointed to find cauliflower crust is not much lower in carbs than a traditional pizza crust. I came across that recipe for a meatzza crust and was pleasantly surprised. It satisfied my pizza craving, and I could have a slice of pizza without needing a fork! For those pizza cravings, here’s a recipe for a meatzza crust."
Cooked Cabbage Salad
Z2-Salads,ZSpecialties,Z2-Entrees,ZS-Zola to Go,Z2-Beef
This recipe is compliments of Dieter Rose. Rose loves cooked cabbage and this does the trick for her. You can take this to work cold and reheat in the microwave too.
Corn Dip
I came up with this recipe at the end of summer. I took what I call an “inspiration” recipe and Zolified it so we can enjoy it. It’s really tasty.
Angela’s Shortcut Ratatouille
Z2-Vegetarian,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Entrees,ZSpecialties
When you need some serious cold weather comfort food, ratatouille hits the spot. This shortcut ratatouille-inspired recipe was submitted by dieter Angela. She Zolafied the original recipe and created a delicious ZReduction veggie sauté that can be made in less than half the time of a traditional ratatouille.
Creole Soup (with or without protein)
This soup is super easy to make. If you are a fan of southern food this will hit the spot.
Chicken Chili Enchilada Casserole
This casserole tastes just like a zippy chicken enchilada without the major carbohydrate intake.
Quick Coquilles St. Jacques (Scallops in a Creamy Mushroom-Parmesan Sauce)
I remember my first introduction to scallops like it was yesterday. As I took my first bite and swooned I knew these were to become a new favorite.
BBQ Bean Hash
Z3.5-Entrees,Z3.5-Sides,Z3.5-Beef
When I was a kid my father traveled a lot. When he was gone, sometimes my mom would let us just fry up some hamburger meat and add a can of Campbell’s baked beans. We called it bean hash. I loved it.
Roasted Cream of Asparagus Soup
It may not feel like it here in Chicago, but spring and asparagus season are just around the corner. Gear up with this flavorful soup.
Chili #4
ZSpecialties,Z2-Entrees,Z2-Beef,ZS-Zola to Go,Z2-Soup
I have designed several chili recipes for Plan Z. This is one of those that is very straightforward and simple. It doesn’t even have a lot of ingredients.
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
Z3-Appetizers & Snacks,ZSpecialties,ZS-5 Ingredients or Less,ZS-Holiday
In addition to being crunchy, satisfying and delicious, pumpkin seeds are a nutritious snack. You can buy shelled pumpkin seeds in the grocery store (also know as pepitas), but when pumpkin season rolls around, you can buy a fresh pumpkin, scrape out the seeds, and toast the whole seeds yourself. YUM!
Chef Jernard’s Holiday Collard Greens
Z3-Sides,Z3-Pork,Z3-Soups & Stews
Celebrity Chef Jernard Wells knows soul food. While a lot of his food is quite decadent, he also loves greens, and shared his wonderful southern greens recipe in a local interview. What's great about it is it can easily be modified to fit ZReboot. His original recipe calls for sugar, but by replacing the sugar with your favorite sugar substitute, you can still enjoy this delicious recipe.


















































