Month: August 2021

Shrimp with Vegetable Noodle Salad

Shrimp with Vegetable Noodle Salad

The sweet and salty dressing in this veggie loaded salad is sure to make you smile.  Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients: 2 pounds shrimp peeled and devined Marinade/Dresssing- 3 tablespoons fish sauce ¼ cup lime juice and zest from 2 limes ¼ cup extra 

Strawberry Avocado Muffins with All Bran Streusel

Strawberry Avocado Muffins with All Bran Streusel

These muffins are light, moist, and topped with a healthy sweet and crunchy streusel.  You can substitute the strawberries for blueberries or any other fruit you desire.  Ingredients: Muffins- 1 cup almond flour 1 cup whole wheat flour 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 2 teaspoons 

Banana Coconut Energy Balls

Banana Coconut Energy Balls

These are the perfect treat after a hard workout or whenever you need a quick protein boost.  The sweetness from the banana chips and coconut pair wonderfully in these simple energy balls.

Ingredients:

½ cup unsweetened shredded coconut

½ cup old fashioned oats

½ cup roasted almonds

½ cup banana chips

2 tablespoons water

1 scoop vanilla protein powder

4 tablespoons agave nectar (or honey)

1 tablespoon flax seeds

4 large Medjool dates

Directions:

  1. Add oats, coconut, almonds, banana chips, flax seeds, and protein powder to a food processor.  Pulse quickly to mix.
  2. Add dates, agave nectar, and water.  Drizzle the nectar and water around the food processor to help mix it in.  Pulse to mix.
  3. Use a cookie scooper or spoon to form balls. 
  4. Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. 
  5. Enjoy!
Zucchini Pizza with Basil Pesto, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Vegetables

Zucchini Pizza with Basil Pesto, Goat Cheese, and Roasted Vegetables

This pizza is packed with flavor and loaded with vegetables and nutrients!  The goat cheese adds creaminess on top of the basil pesto.  I used pesto I made using basil from the garden, but you can use any pesto you enjoy. Ingredients: Zucchini Pizza Crust- 

Black Bean Hummus

Black Bean Hummus

This may not be the most attractive hummus I have ever made, but it tastes great if you are in the mood for a southwestern hummus. Ingredients: 1 can reduced sodium black beans 1 garlic clove 2 tablespoons lemon juice and zest from ½ lemon 

Buffalo Hummus

Buffalo Hummus

Hummus is my favorite vegetable dip and lately I have been having a blast experimenting with different recipes.  You can make this as spicy as you want and it tastes amazing with fresh vegetables.

Ingredients:

1 can reduced sodium chickpeas rinsed and drained

¼ cup Buffalo sauce

¼ cup tahini

Juice and zest of 1 lemon

Directions:

  1. Add all ingredients to a food processor.  Pulse to mix scraping down the sides as needed.  Add more Buffalo sauce if desired.
  2. Transfer to a serving dish and enjoy.  Store in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. 
  3. I eat this with fresh veggies.  If you like blue cheese you can top it with crumbles of blue cheese too.
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Pomegranate

Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Butternut Squash and Pomegranate

Believe it or not Brussels sprouts are one of my children’s favorite vegetables.  I roast them all the time and we devour them.  This dish was delicious, colorful, and packed with nutrients.  Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients- 2 pounds Brussels sprouts stems removed and 

Pavlova

Pavlova

Growing up my absolute favorite dessert was pavlova.  Every year for my birthday I always wanted a pavlova.  I’ve lightened up my grandmother’s famous recipe a tad, but this continues to be a family favorite dessert and one I look forward to making every year 

Chocolate Butterscotch Caramel Bars

Chocolate Butterscotch Caramel Bars

Are you looking for a sweet and gooey bar dessert?  These are the perfect answer.  I saved this recipe and thought about making it for months.  When I finally made these they disappeared in the blink of an eye.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

 1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup quick oats

¾  cup packed brown sugar

1 teaspoon baking powder

¼ teaspoon salt

4 tablespoons extra virgin coconut oil melted

1 13.5 ounce can dulce de leche

1 cup peanuts (I skipped the peanuts so my son with a nut allergy could enjoy these)

1 cup butterscotch chips

1 cup mini chocolate chips

Note: You can use different types of chips to match your craving: chocolate, peanut butter, white chocolate, dark chocolate, etc…

Directions:

  1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a 9×13 pan with aluminum foil and spray with baking spray.
  2. Mix together the flour, oats, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt in a food processor.  Pour the melted extra virgin coconut oil around the processor.  Pulse to combine until mixture comes together. 
  3. Sprinkle the mixture into the two pans and press down slightly.
  4. Bake until light golden brown on top for 30 minutes.  Cool for 5 minutes on a wire rack.
  5. Spoon the dulce de leche into a microwave safe bowl.  Microwave for 45 seconds to soften. 
  6. Gently pour and spread over the oatmeal base using an offset spatula. 
  7. Sprinkle a layer of peanuts (if using nuts) and press gently into the caramel.
  8. Sprinkle on the butterscotch chips and mini chocolate chips.
  9. The warmth from the caramel should soften the chocolate chips.  If needed pop the pan into the oven for 30 seconds.
  10. Chill the bars for 2-3 hours to make them easy to slice.  Remove them from the pan and place on a cutting board.  Use a long-serrated knife to cut into small squares.  (These are rich!)
  11. Serve cold or at room temperature.
  12. Enjoy!
Stuffed Shells with Meatballs and Basil Spinach Ricotta

Stuffed Shells with Meatballs and Basil Spinach Ricotta

For my birthday every year I always had stuffed shells growing up.  It was my favorite dish my mom made.  Now I have adapted the recipe a little, but I continue to make this every year for my birthday.  I used eggplant meatballs in this