JOY BAUER'S TURKEY MEATLOAF FOR DIABETICS

As anyone who reads my blogs regularly knows, I simply do not allow poultry into my mouth.  I know, it is a quirk I have no intention of trying to overcome!  However, I do realize that many of you live for chicken and turkey so I am posting this recipe from Joy Bauer for you.  But please remember to read the label on your ground turkey.  If the product contains skin it is not in your health's interest to purchase it.

oil spray

1 pounds turkey, ground, lean (at least 90% lean)

1 small zucchini, summer, grated

1 cup(s) oatmeal, instant

1/2 cup(s) mushrooms, shiitake, chopped

1/4 cup(s) milk, fat-free

1/4 cup(s) basil, fresh, thinly sliced

2 tablespoon soy sauce, less sodium

2 egg white(s)

4 clove(s) garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon thyme, dried

1/2 teaspoon oregano, dried

salt substitute

pepper, black ground

Preheat the oven to 350°F. Coat a 1-quart loaf pan with oil spray or line with aluminum foil.

In a large bowl, mix the turkey, zucchini, oatmeal, mushrooms, milk, basil, soy sauce, egg whites, garlic, thyme, and oregano and season with salt substitute and pepper.

Press the turkey mixture into the loaf pan and cover with aluminum foil. Bake 40 minutes. Remove foil and bake 5 to 10 minutes longer, until the top begins to brown and the center is no longer pink. Serve immediately.

Amount per Serving:Calories: 239

Total Fat: 3 g

Saturated Fat: 0 g

Cholesterol: 45 mg

Sodium: 380 mg

Total Carbohydrate: 20 g

Dietary Fiber: 3 g

Protein: 33 g

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TURKEY BURGERS WITH MARJORAM

1/4 cup grated low-fat cheddar cheese

1/2 cup chopped green onions

1/2 cup diced green bell pepper

2 tbsp minced garlic

1 large egg

1 tbsp olive or canola oil

1 tsp dried marjoram

1/2 tsp salt

1/4 to 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper (amount according to taste)

1 lb ground lean turkey

4 whole-grain sandwich thins OR your favorite low/no carb buns

In a small mixing bowl, combine the cheese, green onions, bell pepper, and garlic.

In a large mixing bowl, lightly whisk together the egg, oil, marjoram, salt, and pepper.  Stir the cheese/veggie mixture into the egg mixture; add the ground turkey.  Mix together well using hands and form into 4 thick patties.  Handle carefully, they will bind once they start cooking.

Heat a large cast iron skillet or heavy nonstick skillet; add the oil and turn skillet to coat the bottom well.  Place the turkey patties into the skillet; do not cover.

Cook patties over medium-high heat to start then reduce the heat to medium low.  Cook about 12 - 15 minutes on the first side then turn and cook the second side another 12 - 15 minutes.

To check for doneness, cut into center of a burger.  Color should be white without any pink.

To serve, place on the bottom of a whole-grain sandwich thin.  Add lettuce, tomato, pickle, etc to suit your taste.  If you avoid breads altogether, eat on a lettuce leave or cut in half and serve wrapped in lettuce.

Yield: 4 servings

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SWEET-AND-SOUR CHICKEN

3/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth

3 tbsp red wine vinegar

2 tbsp reduced-sodium soy sauce

4 tsp sugar (or equivalent of your favorite sweetener) nutritional info below is with sugar

1 tbsp cornstarch

1 garlic clove, minced

4 tsp vegetable oil (I suggest olive oil)

1 cup thinly sliced carrots

1 large (1 cup) red sweet pepper, seeded and cut into bite-size strips

1 cup fresh pea pods, tips and strings removed if desired

12-oz skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 can (8-oz) pineapple chunks in their own juice, drained

2 cups hot cooked brown rice (or cauliflower rice)

Snipped fresh cilantro or thinly sliced green onions, optional

To make sauce, in a small bowl stir together broth, vinegar, soy sauce, sugar, cornstarch, and garlic; set aside.

Pour 1 tablespoonful of the oil into a 10-inch nonstick skillet; heat skillet over medium-high heat. Add carrots and sweet pepper; cook, stirring, 3 minutes. Add pea pods and cook, stirring, 1 minute more or until veggies are tender. Remove from skillet.

Pour remaining oil into the skillet. Add chicken. Cook, stirring, for 3 to 4 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink. Push chicken from the center of the skillet. Stir sauce then add to center of skillet. Cook, stirring until thickened and bubbly. Return vegetables to the skillet. Add the pineapple, stir all ingredients together to coat with sauce. Cook, stirring, until heated through. Serve with hot cooked brown rice. Sprinkle with the cilantro or green onions, if desired.

Yield: 6 servings Per serving of 1/4 cup chicken mixture, 1/3 cup rice: 234 calories, 5g (1g sat) fat, 16g protein, 20 g carbs, 3g fiber, 297g sodium

file photo this recipe

CHICKEN VEGGIE STIR-FRY

3 skinless, boneless chicken breasts

1 tbsp olive oil
2 green onions, sliced
1 tbsp minced garlic
3/4 tsp salt
1 tsp ground ginger
1 pkg (16-oz) frozen Oriental mixed vegetables
1 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp water

Slice the chicken breasts into 1-inch strips. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium heat until a drop of water sizzles when dropped onto pan. Add the oil. Place chicken in skillet and stir-fry about 5 minutes. Add the green onions and garlic; cook while stirring for 2 minutes. Stir in the salt and ginger. Add the mixed veggies and the chicken broth. Bring to a boil and cook until vegetables are heated through. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes.

Blend the cornstarch and water together until smooth. Add to the skillet and bring to a boil. Boil until the sauce is thickened. Remove from the heat and serve while hot. Serve over brown or cauliflower rice. 

file photo for reference

BEEF AND TURKEY MEATLOAF

3/4 cup no-salt-added tomato sauce, divided

4 tbsp reduced-sodium chunky salsa, divided

1/2 tsp black pepper

2 egg whites

1 garlic clove, finely minced

1/2 cup finely chopped onions

1/3 cup no-salt-added mushrooms, stems and pieces, drained and chopped

1/2 cup old fashion 100% whole-grain oats

8-oz lean ground beef

8-oz lean ground turkey

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Spray a piece of aluminum foil with nonstick cooking spray. Place foil on broiler pan; set aside.

Mix 1/2 cup tomato sauce, 3 tablespoons salsa, pepper, and egg whites in a medium bowl. Stir in the garlic, onions, mushrooms, and oats.

In a large bowl, combine the ground beef and ground turkey; Stir in the liquid ingredients and mix together well. Shape into a 4 X 8-inch loaf and place on the prepared broiler pan.

Mix the remaining tomato sauce and salsa; drizzle over top of meatloaf.

Bake 55 minutes or until the juices run clear. Remove from oven and let stand 5 minutes before cutting to serve.

Yield: 4 servings

Per serving: 220 calories, 7g total fat (2g saturated), 26g protein, 13g carbs, 60mg cholesterol, 3g dietary fiber, 300mg sodium

Dietary Exchanges: 1/2 starch, 1 vegetable, 3 meat

This is a diabetic cooking recipe.

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CHICKEN SAUSAGE AND PEPPERS

Nonstick olive oil cooking spray

4 medium-sized red, yellow, orange and/or green bell peppers, cored and cut into 1-inch pieces

1 large, sweet onion, cut into thin wedges

2 cups grape tomatoes 

1 tbsp olive oil

1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

1 pkg (12-oz) Italian-flavor cooked chicken sausage, bias-sliced into thirds

1 tbsp snipped fresh oregano

Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Coat a 15x10-inch baking pan with the nonstick cooking spray.

In the prepared pan combine peppers, onion, and tomatoes. Drizzle with the olive oil and balsamic vinegar and toss gently to coat. Roast in oven 30 minutes.

Push veggies to one side, exposing approximately 1/4 of the pan. Place sausage in the pan and roast another 10-15 minutes or until veggies are tender and sausage is heated through. Sprinkle with the oregano.

Yield: 4 servings Per serving of 1 1/3 cups: 249 calories, 11g fat (3 sat), 18g protein, 20g carbs, sodium 494g

recipe idea and photo Fresh Food Fast Vol 2

 

HEALTHY OVEN-FRIED CHICKEN

8 chicken legs and/or thighs - bone-in, skins removed

1 1/2 tbsp Dijon mustard

2 cups fresh crumbled whole-grain breadcrumbs

1 tsp smoked paprika*

1/4 tsp cayenne pepper

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper 

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.

Line a baking pan with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil or canola oil nonstick cooking spray; set aside.

Pat the chicken dry with paper towels and rub completely with the Dijon mustard.

In a shallow bowl or a pie plate, combine the breadcrumbs, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper; dredge the chicken in the mixture to coat overall; pat to hold crumbs in place.  Arrange the chicken in the prepared baking sheet; spray with the nonstick spray.

Bake at 450 degrees for 20 minutes.  Reduce the heat to 425 degrees and bake until golden brown and juices run clear when pierced with fork, about 10 to 15 minutes.

*Regular paprika may be used

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ALFREDO-SAUCED CHICKEN WITH FETTUCCINE

6-oz dried whole-grain or low carb fettuccine

Nonstick cooking spray

3 tsp butter

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken beat halves, cut into bite-size pieces

1 cup sliced fresh mushrooms

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1 garlic clove, minced

1/2 cup reduced sodium chicken broth (may use white wine)

1 1/2 cups half-and-half

3 tbsp white whole wheat flour (or you favorite whole-grain flour)

1/2 cup sour cream

1/2 tsp salt

1/8 tsp black pepper

1 cup halved cherry tomatoes

1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese

2 tbsp thinly sliced green onion

2 tbsp finely shredded Parmesan cheese

In a Dutch oven cook fettuccine according to package directions, except omit the salt. Drain well. Return to hot Dutch oven and cover to keep warm.

Meanwhile, coat a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray. Heat over medium heat. Add 2 teaspoon of the butter. Add chicken and cook about 8 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through, stirring occasionally. Remove chicken, cover and keep warm.

Add remaining butter to the hot skillet. Add mushrooms, onion and garlic; cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Stir in the chicken broth (or wine) and the cooked chicken.

Meanwhile, in a medium bowl whisk together half-and-half and flour until smooth. Whisk in sour cream, salt and pepper. Stir sour cream mixture into chicken mixture in skillet. Cook and stir over medium heat just until bubbly; cook, stirring, 2 more minutes. Add tomatoes and the 1/2 cup of Parmesan cheese, stirring until cheese is melted.

Transfer fettuccine to a serving platter. Spoon chicken-Parmesan mixture over the fettuccine mixture. Sprinkle with the green onion and the 2 tablespoons of Parmesan cheese.

Yield: 6 servings of 3/4 cup chicken mixture and 1/3 cup pasta mixture.

Per serving: 340 calories, 26g protein,34g carbs, 516mg sodium

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TURKEY TOSTADAS

8 tostadas, low carb recommended

1 tsp chili-lime seasoning (or 1/2 tsp chili powder + pinch of salt)

2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

1 carrot, grated

2 cloves garlic, finely chopped

Salt and pepper

1 lb ground turkey (beef may be substituted)

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp chili powder

1 tsp ground cumin

1/4 cup water

2/3 cup sour cream

Shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, for topping.

Preheat oven to 350-degrees. Lay tostada on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until toasted, about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with the chili-lime seasoning while warm; set aside.

Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the carrot, garlic and a pinch of both salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the carrot is lightly browned, about 3 minutes. Add the turkey and cook, breaking up with a wooden spoon, until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Clear a space in the middle of the skillet and add the tomato paste, chili powder, and cumin. Cook the tomato paste mixture, stirring until a shade darker, about 30 seconds, the stir the mixture into the turkey. Cook until well coated, about a minute then add the water. Cook until saucy, about 1 more minute. Remove from the heat and add salt and pepper, if needed. (I suggest omitting the salt here).

To serve, spread the sour cream on the tostadas, top with the turkey mixture. Served topping with the toppings.

Yield: 4 servings of 2 tostadas

recipe idea and photo TOH 2025

WHOLE ROASTED TRUFFLE CHICKEN

The foundation for this recipe is from Chef Charlie Palmer, a James Beard awarding winning chef who owns 18 restaurants and uses a French technique for this chicken. It is supposedly very popular at his home with his wife and four grown sons. Truffle oil can be expensive, so this is a chicken recipe to impress those you love. 

4-qz butter, softened

1/2-oz truffle oil

Salt and pepper

1 whole 3 - 3 1/2 lb chicken

1/2 lemon

4 thyme sprigs

1 garlic clove

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

Combine the butter and truffle oil. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Pipe butter mixture under the skin of the chicken breasts and legs. Place fingers under the skin and rub mixture around the entire chicken.

Tie the legs together with kitchen twine at the knuckle joint. Place chicken in the refrigerator, allowing to air-dry for 24 hours.

Remove the chicken from the 'fridge and insert lemon, thyme sprigs and garlic clove into cavity. Allow chicken to sit at room temperature 1 hour.

Meanwhile, heat oven to 400 degrees. Bake chicken 45 minutes or until juices run clear.

Yield: 4 servings

Per serving: 597 calories, 45 g protein, 2 g carbs, (1 g fiber)

 Photo courtesy AARP

QUICK AND EASY CHICKEN FAJITAS WITH CREAM CHEESE

1 1/4 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips

3 tbsp olive oil
1 green bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1 red bell pepper, seeded and cut into strips
1 small onion, sliced into rings
2 garlic cloves, minced
8-oz container soft cream cheese with herb and garlic
16 (6-in size) your favorite low-carb tortillas, warmed
Your favorite salsa, optional but check sugar content if using

Sauté half of the chicken strips in 1 tablespoon of the canola oil until cooked through and tender; remove from the skillet. Repeat with another tablespoon of the oil and the other half of the chicken.

Sauté the bell peppers, onion, and garlic in the last tablespoon of the oil until crisp tender. Add the chicken back to the skillet and mix well.

Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of the cream cheese over each warmed tortilla. Place about 1/2 cup of the chicken/vegetable mixture in the center of each tortilla. Roll up the tortilla and place on serving plates. Serve with the salsa, if desired.

Yield: 8 servings of two fajitas each.

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ALMOND CHICKEN SALAD

4 cups cubed cooked chicken

1 cup chopped celery
1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
1/2 cup fat-free mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain non-fat yogurt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup chopped toasted almonds

In a large bowl, combine all ingredients except almonds and mix together well. Cover salad and refrigerate for several hours.

Just before serving, stir in the almonds.

Yield: 8 (3/4 cup) servings
Per serving: 126 calories, 8 g carbs, 13 g protein
Diabetic exchanges: 2 lean meat, 1/2 fruit

File Photo for reference

BLUE RIBBON CHICKEN ROLL-UPS

6 ( 1 1/2 lbs) boneless skinless chicken breast halves

6 slices Swiss cheese
3 tbsp white whole-wheat flour
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
2 tbsp butter
3/4 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp dried oregano

Flatten chicken to 1/4-inch thickness. Place a cheese slice on each chicken piece and roll up jellyroll style.

In a shallow bowl or pie plate, combine the flour and pepper; roll chicken pieces in mixture to coat.

Heat the butter in a skillet over medium heat, add chicken and cook until browned, about 10 minutes, turning to brown all sides.

Add the broth and oregano to the chicken in the skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer 12-14 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

Yield: 6 servings
Per serving: 4 g carbs to 36 g protein
Diabetic exchanges: 4 lean meat, 1/2 starch, 1/2 fat

TOH photo

This recipe is from a 2001 Country Cooking Cookbook

MANGO CHICKEN SALAD

 3/4 cup low-fat Greek yogurt

2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

1 tbsp Dijon mustard

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp pepper

2 stalks celery, finely chopped

2 scallions, finely chopped

1/2 cup dill fronds, roughly chopped

4 cups cooked shredded chicken breasts 

1 small avocado, diced

1 mango, diced

In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt and pepper. Fold in the celery, scallions, and dill fronds. Add the chicken, avocado and mango, gently toss to coat.

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PARMESAN CRUSTED CHICKEN BREASTS

1/3 cup low-fat mayonnaise

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 chicken breast halves
4 tsp Italian seasoned breadcrumbs

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

Combine mayo and Parmesan.

Arrange chicken on a baking sheet that's been lightly sprayed with nonstick cooking spray; top with mayo mixture. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.

Bake at 425 degrees for 20 minutes.

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CHICKEN BREASTS WITH MUSHROOM CREAM SAUCE

2 5-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breasts, trimmed and tenders removed (see Tip)

• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 tablespoon canola oil
• 1 medium shallot, minced
• 1 cup thinly sliced shiitake mushroom caps
• 2 tablespoons dry vermouth, or dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh chives, or scallion greens

1. Season chicken with pepper and salt on both sides.
2. Heat oil in a medium skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook, turning once or twice and adjusting the heat to prevent burning, until brown and an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F, 12 to 16 minutes. Transfer to a plate and tent with foil to keep warm.
3. Add shallot to the pan and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 2 minutes. Pour in vermouth (or wine); simmer until almost evaporated, scraping up any browned bits, about 1 minute. Pour in broth and cook until reduced by half, 1 to 2 minutes. Stir in cream and chives (or scallions); return to a simmer. Return the chicken to the pan, turn to coat with sauce and cook until heated through, about 1 minute.

• Tip: It's difficult to find an individual chicken breast small enough for one portion. Removing the thin strip of meat from the underside of a 5-ounce breast—the “tender”—removes about 1 ounce of meat and yields a perfect 4-ounce portion. Wrap and freeze the tenders and when you have gathered enough, use them in a stir-fry or for oven-baked chicken fingers.
• Yield: 2 servings
• Per Serving: 275 calories; 15 g fat (5 g sat, 7 g mono); 84 mg cholesterol; 5 g carbohydrates; 25 g protein; 1 g fiber; 373 mg sodium; 370 mg potassium.

Exchanges: 1 vegetable, 3 lean meat, 2 fat

Source: Eating Well

BAKED GARLIC PARMESAN CHICKEN BREASTS

I have had this recipe a dozen years or so. If you follow my blogs, you know I don't eat chicken. This recipe does get a good review from those who do enjoy poultry.

2 tbsp olive oil
1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup dry whole-grain breadcrumbs
2⁄3 cup parmesan cheese, grated
1 tsp dried basil
1⁄4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, plus more for seasoning the chicken
6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, halves
lightly salt, to taste

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9 x 13 inch baking dish.
In a shallow dish, blend olive oil and garlic. In a separate shallow dish, mix bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, basil, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Season each chicken breast with salt and black pepper, dip it in the oil mixture, and then in the bread crumb mixture. Arrange coated chicken breasts in the prepared baking dish and top with any remaining bread crumb mixture.

Bake for 30 minutes or until chicken is no longer pink and juices run clear.

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OUTBACK STEAKHOUSE ALICE SPRINGS CHICKEN

For those of you who enjoy the Alice Springs Chicken from Outback Steakhouse, here is a recipe from a friend. Since I don't eat chicken, I can't vouch for this, but I hear it is an almost exact replica of Outback's. I have added notes to make this even more diabetic friendly. This is a repeat post from around a dozen years ago.

4 boneless skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/2-inch thickness
Lowry's Seasoning Salt (Diabetics should apply any salt lightly.)
6 bacon slices
1/4 cup regular mustard
1/3 cup honey
2 Tbsp. Mayonnaise
2 teaspoons dried onion flakes
1 cup sliced fresh mushroom
2 cup shredded Colby/Jack cheese (Diabetics should use low-fat cheese)

First, Sprinkle and rub the chicken breasts with seasoning salt. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

While the chicken is in the refrigerator, cook bacon in a large skillet until crisp. Remove bacon and set aside. Do not discard grease.

Sauté chicken in the bacon grease for 3 to 5 minutes per side, or until browned. Place chicken in a 9" × 13" casserole dish or pan.

To make the Honey Mustard: In a small bowl, mix the mustard, honey, mayonnaise and dried onion flakes.
Spread some of the Honey Mustard over each piece of chicken, then layer with mushrooms, crumbled bacon, and shredded cheese.

Bake in a 350° oven for 30 minutes, or until cheese is melted and chicken is done.
Serve with the left-over Honey Mustard Sauce that you made.

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TURKEY SAUSAGE PATTIES

1 lb (90 to 99% lean) ground turkey (may use chicken)

1/2 cup shredded peeled apple

1 tsp salt-free seasoning of your choice (suggestions include taco, Italian, poultry, etc)

3/4 tsp black pepper

1/4 tsp salt

Stir together the turkey, apple, seasoning, pepper and salt in a large bowl until well combined. Shape the mixture 6 equal patties. Coat both sides of the patties with olive oil cooking spray.

Cook in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Working in batches, if necessary, add patties and cook, turning halfway through, about 6 minutes or until browned on both sides and thermometer reads 165 when inserted in the centers. Remove from skillet and keep warm until serving.

Yield: 6 patties Per patty: 117 calories, 6g (1g sat) fat, 15g protein, 2g carbs 140mg sodium

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APPLE CHICKEN MEATBALLS

1 lb ground skinless chicken breast

1 small yellow onion, finely chopped
1 Granny Smith apple, peeled and shredded
1 slice whole-wheat bread, crumbled fine
1/2 cup shredded low-fat cheddar cheese
1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 large egg
3/4 tsp salt
3/4 tsp dried thyme
dash of garlic powder

Combine all ingredients together in a large bowl; mix well. Form the mixture into 36 meatballs.

Place meatballs in a 5 to 6-quart crockpot or slow cooker. Cover and cook 5 hours on high or 8 to 10 hours on low.

Yield: 12 servings of 3 meatballs
Per serving: 82 calories, 2 g (1 sat) fat,250 mg sodium, 4 g carbs, 1 g fiber, 11 g protein

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