Month: July 2021

Spicy Pasta Salad

Spicy Pasta Salad

In the past I only made pasta salad using Italian dressing; however, recently I have begun experimenting with different sauces and vinaigrettes.  This pasta salad is loaded with veggies as usual but also has a little kick of spice. Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients: 

Double Cheddar Burgers

Double Cheddar Burgers

My family always wonders why I prefer my homemade patties to store bought ones, but after tasting these I think they have changed their minds.  These burgers are mixed with sauteed vegetables, steak seasoning, and both filled and topped with 2 different types of cheddar 

Roasted Carrot Hummus

Roasted Carrot Hummus

I make carrot hummus all the time using boiled carrots.  I decided to alter my recipe and try using roasted carrots to add a sense of caramelization to the final taste.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

1 pound carrots peeled and cut into 1 inch slices

2 garlic cloves minced

1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon cumin

3 tablespoons lemon juice

3 tablespoons tahini

3-5 tablespoons water

1 tablespoon fresh diced cilantro

Salt and pepper

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.
  2. Add carrots to a medium bowl.  Drizzle with olive oil and toss.
  3. Add minced garlic and toss to combine.
  4. Spread carrot slices in a single layer on the baking sheet.
  5. Roast for 20 minutes.
  6. Meanwhile zest lemon and add 3 tablespoons lemon juice to food processor.
  7. Add tahini, cilantro, cumin, and 3 tablespoons water to food processor.
  8. Transfer carrots from baking sheet to food processor and pulse to mix.
  9. Add more water if needed.
  10. Transfer to a serving dish. 
  11. Serve with vegetables, crackers, etc…
  12. Cover and refrigerate to keep fresh.
Banana Papaya Peanut Butter Muffins

Banana Papaya Peanut Butter Muffins

Bananas and papayas mashed add natural sweetness to these muffins.  Then I topped them with a few slices of fresh banana for an added yum to every bite. Ingredients: 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 cup almond flour 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 3 tablespoons 

Chocolate Cherry Energy Balls

Chocolate Cherry Energy Balls

If you like chocolate covered cherries then you will adore these energy balls that have the same flavor with added protein, crunch, and only natural sugars. Ingredients: 1 cup old fashioned oats 1 scoop chocolate protein powder ½ cup cocoa almonds 1 tablespoon flax seeds 

Cauliflower Tacos with Lime Coleslaw and Avocado Crema

Cauliflower Tacos with Lime Coleslaw and Avocado Crema

Air-fried or roasted cauliflower tastes fantastic with a little olive oil and seasoning.  These light tacos are filled with veggies and loaded with flavors.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

Cauliflower-

½ head cauliflower cut into large chunks

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon lime juice

Avocado Crema-

1 avocado

2 chipotle peppers with adobo sauce

2 tablespoons lime juice

1 tablespoon honey

¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon fresh diced cilantro

Lime Coleslaw-

1 bag coleslaw mix

2-3 radishes cut into matchsticks

½ cup matchstick carrots

2 tablespoons lime juice, zest from 1 lime

1 tablespoon honey

¼ cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt

1 tablespoon key lime balsamic vinegar (or white balsamic vinegar)

1 tablespoon fresh diced cilantro

Serve over whole wheat tortillas, sundried tomato tortillas, or spinach tortillas

Directions:

Cauliflower-

  1. Add cauliflower to a medium bowl. 
  2. Toss with garlic powder, paprika, and chipotle pepper.  Drizzle olive oil and toss.  Drizzle lime juice and toss.
  3. Air fry for 20 minutes at 370 or roast on a lined baking sheet at 400 degrees for 20 minutes.
  4. After cooking cut the florets into bite size pieces.

Lime Coleslaw-

  1. Add cabbage mixture, radishes, cilantro, and carrots to a large bowl.  Mix to combine.
  2. Whisk honey, lime juice, yogurt, and vinegar in a small bowl. 
  3. Pour dressing over coleslaw.  Mix to combine.
  4. This tastes best when the dressing has some time to soak in.
  5. Toss before serving.

Avocado Crema-

  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor.  Pulse until smooth.
  2. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.

Cauliflower Tacos-

  1. Spread avocado crema on the tortilla.
  2. Top with lime coleslaw and cauliflower.
  3. Enjoy
Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Roll

Philly Cheesesteak Pizza Roll

My kids devour Philly Cheesesteaks so when I saw this recipe I thought it was the perfect dinner with a few adaptations.  My kids do not like mushrooms, but you can add sauteed mushrooms if you prefer. Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients: 1 store