Author: Ashley

Spicy Corn and Veggie Salad

Spicy Corn and Veggie Salad

Corn on the cob is a treat I love in the summer, but since corn isn’t exactly packed with nutrients I try to pair it with other veggies that are.  This light salad is full of flavor and loaded with antioxidant rich veggies. Ingredients: 2 

Poblano Mushroom Tacos with Chipotle Avocado Crema

Poblano Mushroom Tacos with Chipotle Avocado Crema

I love mushrooms and I have been craving spicy foods this week.  These tacos are full of spice and bursting with flavor. Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients: 1 pound mushrooms (I used sliced Portobello) 1 poblano pepper ½ teaspoon ground coriander 2 cloves garlic 

Cocoa Covered Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Cocoa Covered Peanut Butter Energy Balls

Peanut butter and chocolate are a match made in heaven.  These healthy energy balls have peanut butter to help bind them and are coated in cocoa powder.  These are a heavenly treat after a workout or when you need a quick boost.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

2 cups All Bran cereal

1 cup almonds

2/3 cup peanut butter (I used BetterNButter)

4 tablespoons pure maple syrup

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

2 tablespoons powdered peanut butter

2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder

Directions:

  1. Add All Bran cereal, almonds, powdered peanut butter, and protein powder to a food processor.  Pulse to chop and mix.
  2. Add peanut butter in drops around the food processor.  Drizzle 2 tablespoons of maple syrup.  Pulse to mix.
  3. Use a spatula to scrape the sides and bottom.
  4. Add 2 more tablespoons maple syrup if needed to help balls stick together.
  5. Use a small cookie scooper or spoon to form balls.
  6. Add cocoa powder to a small bowl. 
  7. Roll energy balls in cocoa powder.
  8. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator until these delicious balls disappear.
Strawberry Lemonade Cake

Strawberry Lemonade Cake

My brother always orders pink or strawberry lemonade to drink when we go out to eat, so I decided to make a strawberry lemonade cake for his birthday. Ingredients: Cake- 2/3 cup strawberry frozen concentrate thawed ½ lemon juiced and zested 1 stick unsalted butter 

Apple Pie Energy Balls

Apple Pie Energy Balls

As soon as fall weather hits I start craving apple pie.  These apple pie energy balls are the perfect treat when you need a quick pick me up. Ingredients: 1 cup old fashioned oats 1 cup almonds 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 1 tablespoon flax 

Crab Dip Pizza with Broccoli Cauliflower Carrot Crust

Crab Dip Pizza with Broccoli Cauliflower Carrot Crust

I love crab dip and thought crab dip on a pizza seemed like a good idea.  I like packing vegetables into my pizza crust.  I had broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots I needed to use up, so I decided to combine those in my pizza crust.

Ingredients:

Crust-

2 cups broccoli florets

1 cup cauliflower florets

2 large carrots

2 eggs

1 tablespoon Old Bay seasoning

¼ cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese

¼ cup shredded Monterrey jack cheese

Toppings:

baby spinach, diced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes

Crab Dip-

1 pound crab meat

½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

1/2 sweet onion diced

1 tablespoon lemon juice

2 tablespoons Worcestershire

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1-2 teaspoons hot sauce

½ cup reduced fat shredded cheddar cheese

½ cup shredded Monterey jack cheese

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil spray.
  2. Add broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots to a food processor one at a time.  Pulse to chop.  Then use a spatula to transfer to a medium bowl.
  3. Add eggs and Old Bay and mix to combine with the diced vegetables.
  4. Fold in the shredded cheeses.
  5. Spread the mixture out in an even layer on the baking sheet until crust is ¼ inch thick.
  6. Bake 15 minutes.
  7. Mix crab meat, yogurt, onion, lemon juice, Worcestershire, Dijon, and hot sauce in a medium bowl.  Fold in shredded cheeses.
  8. Sprinkle a layer of baby spinach on the crust.
  9. Spread crab dip mixture on the pizza.  I used half on this pizza and on a stuffed crust pizza for my kids.
  10. Add tomatoes and bell pepper.
  11. Sprinkle some more shredded cheese on top if you really like cheese like my family.
  12. Bake 10-15 more minutes.
  13. Enjoy!
Stuffed Crust Crab Dip Pizza

Stuffed Crust Crab Dip Pizza

My children and I love crab dip.  They had been asking for stuffed crust pizza, so I decided to try making it for them. Ingredients: Pizza Crust- 1 package mozzarella string cheeses ripped in half 1 or 2 store bought thin pizza crusts Butter spray 

Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

Lemon Basil Pesto Pasta Salad

I love light veggie loaded pasta salads.  This pasta salad combines basil pesto with pasta, veggies, and lemon juice to make a delicious side dish. Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients- 8 ounces whole grain or protein+ pasta 1 cup basil pesto (I used homemade, 

Mahi with Peach Cucumber Salsa

Mahi with Peach Cucumber Salsa

Mahi is one of my husband’s favorite types of fish.  This pan seared mahi with a simple peach cucumber salsa is made in minutes and packed with flavor. 

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

Mahi-

4-6 mahi filets

2 tablespoons olive oil

Chipotle lime seasoning or salt and pepper

Salsa-

1 peach diced

1 small cucumber sliced and quartered

2 tablespoons diced red onion

1 tablespoon fresh cilantro

1 lime zested and juiced

1 teaspoon diced jalapeno

Directions:

  1. Add the peaches, cucumber, red onion, and jalapeno to a medium bowl.  Mix to combine. 
  2. Add lime zest and juice.  Mix.  Add cilantro and mix in.
  3. Let the salsa sit at room temperature while you cook the fish or store in the refrigerator if preparing in advance.
  4. Season the mahi with a dash of cilantro lime seasoning or salt and pepper.
  5. Heat 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil in a nonstick pan over medium heat.
  6. Cook the fish 3-4 minutes per side until the fish is opaque in the center. 
  7. Top fish with salsa.
  8. Enjoy!
Banana Avocado Muffins with Cocoa Nibs

Banana Avocado Muffins with Cocoa Nibs

I love banana muffins and banana with a hint of chocolate is even better.  These healthy muffins use avocado instead of butter. Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup almond flour 1 scoop vanilla protein powder1 tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 3 ripe bananas mashed 1 ripe avocado mashed ¼