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Lockdown Chili (Z2 Version)
ZS-Zola to Go,Z2-Beef,ZSpecialties,ZS-Dieter Favorites
What better time to have a spicy chili than when I am in lockdown, practicing social distancing.
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.
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.
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.
Chicken Chili Enchilada Casserole
This casserole tastes just like a zippy chicken enchilada without the major carbohydrate intake.
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.
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.
Curried Asparagus Soup
Serve in soup bowls with a protein of choice. In Z2 this is your veggie portion. You can have plain salad greens on the side if you need more. It’s very filling though.
Shrimp Cocktail Chowder
Talk about easy to make. This soup is done in a flash. If you’re like me you’ll make a triple batch. You can freeze the portions and just add shrimp bits when you go to serve it.
Spinach Stuffed Roasted Chicken
Z2-Poultry,ZSpecialties,Z2-Entrees,ZS-Dieter Favorites
A unique way to stuff a chicken! From our dieting friend from Canada…Loretta.
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."
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.
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.
Southern Tomato Pie
Z3.5-Sides,ZSpecialties,Z3.5-Appetizers,Z3.5-Vegetarian,ZS-Holiday
Two things I love about living mid-South: fried green tomatoes, and tomato pie.
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.
French Chicken with Lemon-Tarragon Cream Sauce
Z2-Entrees,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Poultry,ZSpecialties
A delightful chicken dish that tastes very French. This is super easy to make and dieters are enjoying it all over the country.
Warm Apple Dessert (Compote)
This tastes amazingly like gooey apple pie! This is delightful. Just like Grandma used to make.
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.
Healthy Orange Creamsicle
ZS-Dieter Favorites,ZSpecialties,Z2-Desserts,Z2-Vegetarian
We have to thank Dieter Claire for inventing this recipe. She modified the fruit parfait recipe and developed a strawberry "ice cream" recipe and this recipe with frozen mandarin oranges. She says, “it’s like an orange creamsicle.” YUM!
Seafood Chowder
This is not the usual, thick, gloppy chowder since you are on ZReduction, but it will pass as a fancy, flavorful meal.
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.
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!
Pumpkin or Sweet Potato Bread
Everyone loves pumpkin, right? Well, how about a tea bread that’s made with pumpkin? Sort of like banana bread. Or even make it with sweet potato puree.
Mushroom-Bacon Soup
I had a hankering for bacon. My husband wanted mushroom soup. And this recipe was born.
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?
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.
Beef Over Noodles
Our Plan Z “cafeteria” smelled just like Grandma’s house today. This beef over noodles recipe is a hit. Serve this when you have family around at holidays or other times when there’s a crowd.
Potatoes Brabant (Zola Style)
I don’t eat potatoes very often but these are worth the splurge a few times a year. The yellow potatoes they are made from in my recipe are lower in carbohydrates than a Russet potato, so that’s a bonus, too.
Cheeseburger Casserole
I found this recipe online. I didn’t have to do much to make it Zola. It tastes very much like a cheeseburger. The way to make it exciting though is to make sure you pile on the toppings that you like on your burger. You can feed the whole family with this and no one will miss the bun.
Salmon Casserole
With this recipe, I’ve included about 25% of the pasta that would be in most similar recipes. That’s a big secret. Just cut it back. You won’t miss it. This casserole focuses on the veggies, the protein and the sauce.
Mexican Avocado Soup with Chicken or Turkey
Z3-Soups & Stews,ZSpecialties,Z3-Entrees,Z3-Poultry,ZS-Holiday
I love this soup. You can make this with leftover turkey and have a colorful way to use your extras.
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.
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.
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.
Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Casserole
When you get into the second portion of ZReboot you can start to experiment with a little more carbohydrates. Try this at week 4 – 6 of ZReboot and see how you do.
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.
Authentic Italian Meatballs
ZSpecialties,Z3-Entrees,Z3-Beef,ZS-Zola to Go
These meatballs are my take on an authentic meatball recipe from New York city. These actually have a cheesy element to them that make them super yummy. BIG YUM!
Chili
Z2-Beef,ZSpecialties,Z2-Entrees,ZS-Zola to Go
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.
Beef Bourguignon
Z3-Entrees,Z3-Soups & Stews,Z3-Beef
This is a remake of Beef Bourguignon. Who can resist this traditional French dish? So lush-tasting. It just about melts in your mouth.
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.
Butternut Squash Puree by Chef Josh
Z3.5-Sides,ZS-Holiday,Z3.5-Vegetarian,ZSpecialties,ZS-5 Ingredients or Less
Cooking does not have to be complicated. In this recipe Chef Josh shows us how to make a simple and delicious puree using butternut squash. Easy. Decadent. Delicious.
Beefy Pasta Casserole
Z3.5-Entrees,ZSpecialties,Z3.5-Beef,ZS-Zola to Go
Pasta doesn’t have to be banned from ZLife. You just need to limit it and monitor how you use it. If you keep in mind that a FULL portion is a half cup cooked you’re on the right track. And just eat it on a special occasion.
Chili with Beans
This is a simple chili. It’s a takeoff from an old Betty Crocker recipe. Can’t get much simpler than that!
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.
Chunky Chicken Chili
Z2-Poultry,ZSpecialties,Z2-Entrees,Z2-Soup,ZS-Zola to Go
We made this during a snow storm, the taste took off the chill of the day.


















































