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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.
Dieter Angela’s Ground Turkey “Meatzza” Crust
Z3-Pork,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z3-Poultry,ZSpecialties
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."
Outlaw Chili Verde
Z2-Soup,ZSpecialties,Z2-Pork,ZS-Holiday
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).
Turkey Fricassee
Z3-Entrees,Z3-Poultry,ZSpecialties,ZS-Holiday
I love to take the leftover turkey and transform it into something different. French comfort food. BIG YUM.
Zola Lasagna
What makes this Zola lasagna is a reasonable amount of pasta. Most lasagna recipes run at least 3 or 4 layers of noodles. This one has 2. And I promise, you won’t miss the other two layers.
Beef & Vegetable Stew
This stew will contain your meat and vegetable portion, serve with salad greens for a complete meal.
Mexican Avocado Soup with Chicken or Turkey
Z3-Entrees,Z3-Poultry,ZS-Holiday,Z3-Soups & Stews,ZSpecialties
I love this soup. You can make this with leftover turkey and have a colorful way to use your extras.
Italian Pepper Steak in a Crock Pot
This is a great crock pot recipe. Super simple but really tasty.
Braised Red Cabbage
For all you cabbage lovers out there, this recipe is a ZReduction take on a German classic. While you can whip this dish up in about 30 minutes, red cabbage tastes sweeter the longer you cook it -- so if you are on ZReduction and like your cabbage a little sweeter, cook it low and slow until the flavors mellow and meld to your liking.
Tomato Steak Stew
Made this tonight and was very happy with it – it would count as your vegetable and your meat although you could definitely add a green salad. I found it to be very filling.
Mexican Chicken Stew
Z2-Entrees,ZS-Zola to Go,Z2-Soup,ZSpecialties,Z2-Poultry,ZS-Dieter Favorites
This is a great Zola to Go! dish, perfect for those cold days for lunch.
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.
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.
Butternut Squash Puree by Chef Josh
ZS-Holiday,Z3.5-Vegetarian,ZSpecialties,ZS-5 Ingredients or Less,Z3.5-Sides
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.
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.
Cheesy Turkey Noodle Casserole
This dish can be made with chicken or is a perfect way to use up leftover turkey from the holidays.
Breaking Thanksgiving Tradition
ZS-Holiday,Featured Posts,ZSpecialties
Everyone has their Thanksgiving traditions; especially when it comes to food. Do you ever think about breaking tradition and making something different?
Green Bean Casserole
ZSpecialties,Z3-Sides,ZS-Zola to Go,ZS-Holiday,Z3-Vegetarian
Just like the one your mom made, only healthier. Everyone loves the green bean casserole. Here I'll show you one one that doesn't take much longer to make and it’s real food, not processed!
Roasted Lemon Chicken
ZS-Holiday,ZS-Dieter Favorites,ZSpecialties,Z2-Poultry,ZS-5 Ingredients or Less
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.
Sunday Chicken
Pierre Franey was a cooking hero of mine. He was the original “60 Minute Gourmet.” I adapted this recipe from one of his and turned it into a wonderful diet meal.
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.
Caramelized Pears (ZReboot Version)
ZSpecialties,Z3-Desserts,ZS-5 Ingredients or Less
A no sugar variation of my caramelized pears recipe. Still very yummy!
French Chicken with Lemon-Tarragon Cream Sauce
ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Poultry,ZSpecialties,Z2-Entrees
A delightful chicken dish that tastes very French. This is super easy to make and dieters are enjoying it all over the country.
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.
Chicken Chili Enchilada Casserole
This casserole tastes just like a zippy chicken enchilada without the major carbohydrate intake.
Beef Bourguignon
Z3-Beef,Z3-Entrees,Z3-Soups & Stews
This is a remake of Beef Bourguignon. Who can resist this traditional French dish? So lush-tasting. It just about melts in your mouth.
Italian Sausage Zucchini Casserole (with Pasta)
Z3.5-Pork,ZS-Zola to Go,Z3.5-Entrees,ZSpecialties
This dish is Italian comfort food. I curl up on sofa with a bowl of this and watch a movie. You can go totally low-carb with this one and make it without the pasta. Tastes just as good. This also makes a great casserole addition to a pot luck party.
Lockdown Chili (Z3.5 Version)
I thought – what better time to have a spicy chili than when I am in lockdown, practicing social distancing.
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.
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.
Caramelized Pears (ZReboot 3.5 Version)
ZSpecialties,Z3.5-Desserts,ZS-5 Ingredients or Less
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!
Roasted Tomato Sauce
Z2-Vegetarian,Z2-Sauces & Dressings
You’ll think you’re eating at an Italian Grandma’s house when you taste this.
Mushroom-Bacon Soup
I had a hankering for bacon. My husband wanted mushroom soup. And this recipe was born.
Frito Meatloaf
ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Beef,ZSpecialties,Z2-Entrees
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.
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.
Basil Cream Chicken
I adapted this dish from one I saw in a recipe site. I had to change it quite a bit to “Zola-fy” it but it was just so decadent and creamy I had to share.
Warm Apple Dessert (Compote)
This tastes amazingly like gooey apple pie! This is delightful. Just like Grandma used to make.
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.
Spinach Stuffed Roasted Chicken
Z2-Entrees,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z2-Poultry,ZSpecialties
A unique way to stuff a chicken! From our dieting friend from Canada…Loretta.
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.
Hot Wing Dip
ZSpecialties,ZS-Dieter Favorites,Z3-Poultry,ZS-Holiday,Z3-Appetizers & Snacks
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.
Hot Brown Open-faced Sandwich
This is fast to make and is a wonderful comfort food addition to your recipes.
White Bean Stew
This tastes a lot like my mom’s bean soup with the addition of tomato and zucchini.
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.
Baked Chicken with Shiitake Mushroom Sauce
If we had a gourmet comfort food category this recipe would be the first one. Its easy to make, very satisfying, and tastes delicious. A great meal for a rainy day.
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!

















































