Author: Ashley

Maple Glazed Chicken and Apples

Maple Glazed Chicken and Apples

Even I was a little unsure of how this was taste; however, thankfully this was a simple and tasty meal. My kids raved over how well the apples paired with the chicken. I served this with baked potatoes topped with shredded cheese, plain nonfat Greek 

Ravioli and Zoodle Bake

Ravioli and Zoodle Bake

I am always looking for ways to sneak veggies into dinners. This simple pasta bake consists of two layers of ravioli with zoodles (zucchini noodles) in the middle. My kids devoured this dish and didn’t even notice the zucchini noodles mixed in with the tasty 

Grilled Pork Chops with Black Bean and Corn Salad

Grilled Pork Chops with Black Bean and Corn Salad

This dinner made me feel like summer since I make corn salads often in the summer months. The rub on the pork chops added flavor and it paired well with the corn salad.

Ingredients:

Pork Chops-

6 boneless pork chops

1 tablespoon olive oil (I used a habanero infused oil)

2 teaspoons paprika

1 teaspoon salt

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

toppings: salsa, avocado, plain Greek yogurt, lime

Black Bean and Corn Salad

1 can black beans rinsed and drained

1 can southwest corn drained

1 bell pepper diced

1 cup cherry tomatoes

1 lime zested and juiced

1 tablespoon chili lime seasoning

Directions:

Black Bean and Corn Salad

  1. Add black beans, corn, peppers, and tomatoes to a medium bowl and mix together.
  2. Sprinkle lime zest and drizzle lime juice over the mixture. Stir to combine.
  3. Sprinkle chili lime seasoning and mix together.
  4. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Pork Chops-

  1. Mix paprika, salt, pepper, and brown sugar in a small bowl.
  2. Use a brush to coat the pork chops with olive oil on both sides.
  3. Sprinkle the rub on both sides of the pork chops and allow it to soak in before grilling.
  4. Grill pork chops for 5-6 minutes on both sides.
  5. Allow pork chops to rest before serving.
  6. To serve place over black bean salad and add desired toppings.

Crock Pot Taco Stuffed Peppers

Crock Pot Taco Stuffed Peppers

I normally bake stuffed peppers, but when I saw this recipe I decided to try it since you do not have to pre-cook the meat. I had intended to use ground beef; however, since I accidentally bought chicken breast instead I chopped up chicken breasts 

No Bake Éclair Cake

No Bake Éclair Cake

Boston Cream donuts and chocolate eclair’s are a treat I often cannot resist. This is a lightened up version that is just as delicious. The best part is you can whip this up in minutes, let it set in the fridge, and serve when you 

Thai Chicken Noodle Soup

Thai Chicken Noodle Soup

I know chicken noodle soup is a common favorite; however, I find it too boring to enjoy. This chicken soup has a little spice (you can adjust this) and puts a new twist on a common favorite that can warm you up on a cool day.

Ingredients:

2 skinless boneless chicken breasts diced

2 bell peppers diced

1/2 onion diced

1 can coconut milk

1 tablespoon fish sauce

2 tablespoons Thai seasoning stir in paste

1 package Thai stir fry rice noodles

5 cups reduced sodium chicken broth

juice and zest from 2 limes

Optional: roasted peanuts and scallions for topping

Directions:

  1. Add chicken, peppers, onion, coconut milk, fish sauce, Thai paste, chicken broth, and lime juice/zest to a crock pot.
  2. Stir to mix together.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
  4. 15 minutes prior to serving add Thai noodles.
  5. Stir and serve in large bowls.
  6. Top with roasted peanuts and diced scallions.
  7. Enjoy!
Western Omelet Stuffed Peppers

Western Omelet Stuffed Peppers

Stuffed peppers are a favorite meal of mine. These peppers are filling enough to make an entire meal and easy to customize depending on how much spice you prefer as well as how you like your eggs cooked. Half of my family enjoyed their pepper 

Tex-Mex Shrimp and Grits

Tex-Mex Shrimp and Grits

Before moving to North Carolina I had never tasted grits. I have to admit I am hooked. Why did I go 40 years of my life without discovering how tasty these can be. This dish is the perfect mix of spice and creaminess! Yum! We 

Chickpea Blondies

Chickpea Blondies

If you know me, then you know I am obsessed with dessert. However; I do try to make “healthy” desserts sometimes so I can satisfy cravings without blowing all the time I spend exercising. These “blondies” are peanut buttery and sweet. I used a mixture of mini Reese’s and Reese’s pieces. You can use milk chocolate chips or a mixture of chocolate chips and peanut butter chips depending on what you are craving.

Ingredients:

1 15.5 ounce can of chickpeas drained, rinsed, and dried

1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

1/2 cup pure maple syrup

2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 cup almond flour

1/2 cup chocolate chips*

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
  2. Add chickpeas, peanut butter, maple syrup, vanilla extract, baking soda, salt, baking powder, and almond flour to a food processor.
  3. Pulse to mix scraping down the sides as needed.
  4. Transfer to a nonstick 9×9 square dish and spread to cover the dish.
  5. Sprinkle/arrange chocolate chips on top.
  6. Bake 25-30 minutes.
  7. Allow to cool completely on a wire rack before removing from the pan.
  8. Enjoy!
Tortilla Smash Burgers

Tortilla Smash Burgers

We saw this idea on Facebook and just had to try it. These are the quickest and easiest burgers to make. You can use any seasoning or topping you want to adjust the flavor and enjoy these over and over without ever getting bored. Ingredients: