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Sweet Potato Hash

Sweet Potato Hash

The sweetness of sweet potatoes under a warm and gooey sunny side up egg with vegetables and seasoning makes an incredible breakfast or side dish to enhance any breakfast type meal. Recipe adapted from Fixate Ingredients: 1 sweet potato 1 cup spinach ½ cup chopped 

Healthy Chicken Parmesan

Healthy Chicken Parmesan

Chicken coated with marinara sauce and topped with sliced provolone cheese over pasta or veggie noodles is a quick and easy weeknight dinner.  I love this version of chicken parmesan because it provides the burst of flavors I love without the fat and carbs from 

Salted Chocolate Maple Pecan Bars

Salted Chocolate Maple Pecan Bars

OMG! These are without a doubt the most delicious thing I have tasted this year.  Who needs sugary processed candy bars when you can easily make something much more enticing at home. 

Recipe adapted from Beachbody

Ingredients:

Crust-

½ cup almond flour

¼ cup raw pecans

2 Medjool dates pitted

1 tablespoon extra virgin coconut oil

1/8 teaspoon sea salt

Chocolate layer

¼ cup nut butter (peanut, almond, etc..)

¼ cup pure or light maple syrup

2 tablespoons water

1 scoop chocolate protein powder

Topping-

2 tablespoons raw pecans (chopped or whole)

¼ cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

½ teaspoon extra-virgin coconut oil

Directions:

Crust – Add almond flour, pecans, dates, oil, and salt to a food processor.  Pulse until pecans are crushed to a fine crumb. Use a spatula to press the crust into a 8×8 baking dish.

Chocolate layer– Add nut butter, almond syrup, water, and protein powder to a large bowl or food processor to mix.  Spread chocolate layer gently over the crust. Gently press pecans over chocolate layer.

Topping– Microwave chocolate chips and coconut oil on high in 20-30 second intervals.  Once chocolate is melted drizzle the chocolate over the chocolate and pecan layer.  Use a fork to spread melted chocolate. Refrigerate for at least an hour to allow chocolate to harden. Cut into squares and enjoy.  This tastes incredible!!!

Cheesy Roasted Brussels Spouts

Cheesy Roasted Brussels Spouts

I remember thinking Brussels sprouts were evil and disgusting as a child, but if I had eaten them prepared this way I think I would have changed my mind.  Roasted Brussels sprouts are a favorite vegetable for my children.  I have experimented with different seasonings, 

Spicy Cocoa Rubbed Steak

Spicy Cocoa Rubbed Steak

Grilled steak tastes great on its own, but the flavor is enhanced with a good marinade or rub.  This rub is a breeze to prepare and intensifies the flavor of the steak. Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients: 2 New York strip steaks 1 tablespoon 

Jicama and Apple Slaw

Jicama and Apple Slaw

This was my first-time encountering jicama.  Jicama has a light flavor and texture similar to apples.  This salad/slaw is a lightly sweet side dish that tastes great with many main dishes.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

1 large jicama peeled and sliced into matchsticks

1 large carrot peeled and cut into matchsticks

1 honey crisp apple cut into matchsticks

3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons fresh parsley

2 tablespoons honey

1 teaspoon salt

¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper

Optional: ¼ cup toasted sesame seeds

Directions:

  1. Whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, parsley, honey, salt, and crushed red pepper. 
  2. Add the jicama, apples, and carrots to a large bowl.
  3. Add the dressing and mix to combine.  Let the dressing soak at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Nutty Banana Coconut Energy Balls

Nutty Banana Coconut Energy Balls

Energy balls are a quick boost to help me recover after a grueling Beachbody workout or before a nice long run on the elliptical. These energy balls combine banana chips, coconut, and peanut butter for a sweet and crunchy bite. Ingredients: ½ cup banana chips 

Oreo Stuffed Brownie Deep Dish Brownies

Oreo Stuffed Brownie Deep Dish Brownies

These deep-dish brownies are heaven sent in their original form, but with a mega stuffed Oreo hidden in the middle they taste even better.  Believe it or not these brownies aren’t as indulgent as you would expect.  Lots of tiny modifications work together to create 

Italian Sausage Burgers

Italian Sausage Burgers

If you go crazy over sausage and peppers you will die of delight when you taste these burgers.  These Italian sausage burgers are a breeze to prepare and are sure to make you smile.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

1 onion thinly sliced

1 red bell pepper sliced

12-16 ounces spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)

12-16 ounces sweet Italian sausage (casings removed)

4-6 slices provolone

Jar/container of your favorite pesto

Serve over spinach or on a toasted bun

Directions:

  1. Spray a nonstick pan with olive oil spray.  Saute the pepper and onion over medium low heat for 10 minutes to soften.
  2. Combine both types of sausges in a bowl.  Form into 4-6 patties.
  3. Grill on an outdoor grill at medium high heat or on a ninja grill over high heat for 4-5 minutes per side.
  4. Add 1 slice of provolone cheese to each burger the last minute of cooking.
  5. Spread your favorite pesto on each burger.
  6. Top with peppers and onions.
  7. Serve over a bed of spinach or on your favorite bun lightly toasted.
  8. I served this with my veggie noodle pasta salad and cheesy roasted Brussels Sprouts (see recipe in sides/salads)
Lemon Pepper Fries

Lemon Pepper Fries

Homemade French fries/wedges are simply the best in my opinion.  If you are in the mood for a lemony twist the seasoning on these fries is easy to prepare and tastes magnificent. I use my air fryer to fry my potatoes, but you can roast