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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 

Avocado Mochi Blondies 

Avocado Mochi Blondies 

So I bought a few too many avocados and was looking for recipes to help use them up.  I added flavor to these simple blondies by adding butterscotch, vanilla, and peanut butter chips to the top; however, they have a light simple flavor without the 

Zucchini Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

Zucchini Salad with Lemon-Herb Vinaigrette

If you are looking for a light salad to pair with a main dish this is a lovely and simple dish. If you have leftover vinaigrette it tastes amazing on salads.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

1-2 zucchini cut into ribbons or thin strips (I used a veggie spiralizer)

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

¼ cup freshly squeezed lemon juice

1 tablespoon honey

1 tablespoon fresh basil chopped

¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil

Shaved pecorino Romano cheese

2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts

Fresh mint leaves

Directions:

  1. Whisk the mustard, lemon juice, and honey.  Add the olive oil once smooth and continue to whisk.  Add the fresh basil and mix it in.
  2. Pour the marinade over the zucchini strips and allow to marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  3. To toast pine nuts add pine nuts to a dry skillet.  Cook on high heat for 1-2 minutes stirring often.
  4. Sprinkle shaved cheese over salad.  Garnish with fresh mint leaves.
Grilled Honey Curry Chicken

Grilled Honey Curry Chicken

Honey and curry pair together to make the perfect marinade for this grilled chicken.  I paired this with curry spiced sweet potato and carrot fries and a lemon zucchini ribbon salad. Recipe adapted from 2BMindset Ingredients: 4-6 boneless skinless chicken tenders (or 1-2 large chicken 

Blueberry Clafoutis (Custard Pie)

Blueberry Clafoutis (Custard Pie)

If you are looking for a light and healthy dessert this combines fresh fruit, eggs, and a few other ingredients to make a tasty dish filled with antioxidants and protein.  You can use blueberries, raspberries, peaches, etc… Recipe adapted from 2BMindset Ingredients: 10 ounces fresh 

Caribbean Banana Chicken Curry with Roasted Curry Cauliflower Rice

Caribbean Banana Chicken Curry with Roasted Curry Cauliflower Rice

This is without a doubt one of my favorite recipes from Fixate.  I love the combination of sweet and spicy in this dish.  I usually use frozen cauliflower, but this time I used cauliflower rice made from fresh cauliflower I pulsed in my food processor and roasted. 

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

1 skinless boneless chicken breast cut into cubes

3-4 bananas

½ sweet onion diced

4 garlic cloves

3 teaspoons yellow curry paste

½ teaspoon curry powder

1 teaspoon ground ginger

2 teaspoons coconut sugar

4 teaspoons lime juice

Zest from 2 limes

2 cups low sodium chicken broth

2 cups cauliflower rice

Olive oil spray

Optional: Top with unsweetened coconut, peanuts, dried cranberries, etc…

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Line a small baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with olive oil spray. 
  2. Spread the cauliflower rice in an even layer on the baking sheet.  Spray with olive oil spray and sprinkle with curry powder.  Roast 20-25 minutes.
  3. Spray a nonstick skillet with olive oil spray.  Cook the chicken over medium heat.  I sprinkled some lime zest and curry powder on the chicken while it cooked.  Cook for about 5 minutes stirring often.
  4. Spray a large nonstick skillet with olive oil spray.  Add garlic, bananas, and onions.  Cook on medium heat for 5 minutes. 
  5. Add curry paste, ginger, coconut sugar, and broth.  Cook stirring for 1 minute.
  6. Add the chicken, lime juice, and lime zest.  Cook stirring frequently for 5 more minutes to allow sauce to thicken.
  7. Divide cauliflower rice among bowls.  Top with the chicken curry. 
  8. Optional: Top with unsweetened coconut, peanuts, dried cranberries, etc…
Roasted Curry Cauliflower Rice
Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto and Zoodles

Grilled Chicken with Creamy Pesto and Zoodles

I used homemade pesto, but you can use any store-bought pesto you like to make this dish. This is a light and healthy dinner that can be adapted to suit your cravings.  I used air fried zoodles, but you can use a traditional pasta too.