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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.
Seared and Baked Pork Chops
This is an easy preparation with a homey vibe, when you want comfort food this is a sure bet.
Italian Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
This is a great crock pot recipe. Super simple but really tasty.
Creole Meatloaf
Z2-Beef,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Entrees,ZSpecialties
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.
Creamy Cajun Shrimp and Sausage “Stew”
I’ll admit it. I found this inspiration recipe online. I did not have to change it up much to Zola-fy it..it is soooo good!
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.
Baked Pasta with Sausage, Tomatoes and Mushrooms
This dish can be made a day ahead and reheated.
White Bean Stew
This tastes a lot like my mom’s bean soup with the addition of tomato and zucchini.
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.
Shrimp and “Grits”
My husband loves shrimp and grits. His mother was from Arkansas and they ate grits often. Trouble is grits are very high carb. Traditional grits are made from cornmeal. I took an inspiration recipe and came up with my own version of shrimp and grits. There is just enough corn in here to help you get the corn flavor without the cornmeal. And there’s enough cheese in here that even though you’ll be using almond meal (aka almond flour) for your grits base, you won’t taste the almond.
Strawberry “Almost Ice Cream”
Z2-Beverages,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Vegetarian,Z2-Desserts,ZSpecialties
Dieter Claire invented this recipe by modifying the fruit parfait recipe and adding extra frozen strawberries. She says, "it's as close to ice cream as you can get." We agree.
Baked Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Z3-Vegetarian,ZS-Holiday,Z3-Appetizers & Snacks,ZSpecialties
Talk about comfort food. This is the pure definition. Thankfully fat doesn’t make you fat so you can eat this at parties and not feel the guilt.
Tomato Shrimp Chowder
Talk about easy to make. This dish is done in a flash. If you’re like me, you’ll make a triple batch of the tomato base. You can freeze the portions.
Creamy Tomato Shrimp Chowder
Talk about easy to make. This dish is done in a flash. If you’re like me, you’ll make a triple batch of the tomato base. You can freeze the portions.
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.
Caramelized Pears (ZReboot 3.5 Version)
ZS-5 Ingredients or Less,ZSpecialties,Z3.5-Desserts
Chris’s cousins sent us a HUGE box of fruit as his get well wish. There are only two of us, so in order to use the fruit I have had to get creative! Oh, my, these are yummy!
Turkey or Chicken Meatloaf
For a change of pace you can try a unique meatloaf. This one comes with an optional extra sauce in case you want to really ramp up the flavor.
Chimichanga Casserole
When I was young I loved going to Chi Chi’s and ordering the chimichanga. Now that I know all the carbs from the tortilla it was wrapped in are a bad idea, I decided to make a lower carb casserole version.
Frito Meatloaf
Z2-Entrees,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Beef,ZSpecialties
This meatloaf makes six servings. When you serve it, remember that your crunch item is already included, so no breadstick or crackers with this meal.
Apple Crisp
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.
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.
Mexican Chicken Stew
ZSpecialties,Z2-Poultry,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Entrees,ZS-Zola to Go,Z2-Soup
This is a great Zola to Go! dish, perfect for those cold days for lunch.
Sloppy Joes
You could call this the “adult version” of Sloppy Joes. It does have some ZIP to it. Don’t be intimidated by the length of the ingredients list. The recipe is worth it. And you probably have most of these ingredients in your pantry.
Cheesy Turkey Noodle Casserole
This dish can be made with chicken or is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey from the holidays.
My Mother’s Apple Crisp
Z3.5-Desserts,ZS-Zola to Go,ZSpecialties
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.
Chicken Alfredo with “Almost Noodles”
This dish comes together in a flash! You can also make it with steak or even seafood. When I get a hankering for pasta, I crave Chicken Alfredo. This one did it for me!
Beef Stew in a Dutch Oven
Z3.5-Beef,Z3.5-Soups & Stews,Z3.5-Entrees
I’m Irish, so beef stew was a staple in our family. Trouble is there are so many carbs in most beef stew recipes. So with this recipe I have adjusted it to keep the carbs lower and introduce some other veggies that are lower carb to the mix.
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.
Beef Taco Soup (EASY)
What’s the difference between chili and taco soup? Broth, of course. There is more broth in taco soup is more so it’s thinner than chili. The internet tells me that chili is technically considered a stew. Go figure.
Cincinnati Chili (EASY)
Z3-Beef,Z3-Soups & Stews,Z3.5-Beef,Z3.5-Soups & Stews
This is a famous chili that probably should not even be called a chili. It was invented by two brothers who emigrated from Europe in the 1920’s. Of course, they lived in Cincinnati. When finished this will look sort of like chili but it’s served on spaghetti. There are no beans and it’s not spicy. It’s flavorful for sure, but not “hot.” Don’t let the list of ingredients throw you off.
Lobster Thermidor
Lobster thermidor is a classic dish. It’s decadent because of the cost of the lobster but it also has one of the dreamiest sauces you can possibly imagine.
Italian Sausage Tart
This meal is good for breakfast, lunch or dinner. With a side salad it makes a nice brunch offering too!
Famous Burger Meatloaf
ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Entrees,ZSpecialties,Z2-Beef
This is a “Whopper” of a meatloaf, designed to taste like the famous burger. I hope you enjoy.
Outlaw Chili Verde
Z2-Pork,ZS-Holiday,Z2-Soup,ZSpecialties
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).
Zucchini Lasagna
Z3-Entrees,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z3-Beef,ZSpecialties
This lasagna has no noodles. Standing in for the noodle layers are zucchini sliced the long way.
Chili #4
Z2-Soup,ZSpecialties,Z2-Entrees,Z2-Beef,ZS-Zola to Go
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.
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?
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.
Pumpkin Mousse
Z3-Desserts,ZSpecialties,ZS-Holiday
Light and dreamy. If you like pumpkin you’ll love this smooth and easy dessert.
Cabbage Rolls
We were really happy with the way it turned out and I think you could adjust the seasonings to your own taste if you want more garlic or more salt, etc.
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.
Beef and Vegetable Soup
Tastes very much like the traditional version but this one doesn’t include higher carbohydrate vegetables like carrots and potatoes. Still quite delightful, though. Brings back memories of grandma.
Dieter Angela’s Ground Turkey “Meatzza” Crust
Z3-Poultry,ZSpecialties,Z3-Pork,ZS-Dieter Favorites
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."
Beef & Vegetable Stew
This stew will contain your meat and vegetable portion, serve with salad greens for a complete meal.
Creamy, Cheesy, Garlicky Shrimp
This dish tastes very much like Shrimp Scampi that you might order in an Italian restaurant. The addition of cheese takes it over the top in terms of BIG YUM.

















































