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Samoa Energy Balls

Samoa Energy Balls

I absolutely adore Samoa Girl Scout cookies! The coconut, almond, and chocolate taste divine.  These taste just like the famous cookies, but instead of being loaded with sugar actually offer some protein and nutrition to help you power through the day. Ingredients ½ cup old 

Blueberry Zucchini Muffins

Blueberry Zucchini Muffins

The natural sweetness from blueberries pairs well with zucchini to make a healthy muffin with no added sugars. These are moist, tender, and delicious. Ingredients: 2 zucchini diced 1 cup blueberries 2 eggs lightly beaten 1 1/2 cup almond flour 1 scoop vanilla protein powder 

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken Noodle Casserole

Chicken noodle soup is so comforting on a cold day.  This casserole takes the flavors of chicken noodle soup and makes a healthy and filling meal that is sure to warm you up and boost your spirits.  This can be prepped in advance and stored in the refrigerator when ready to serve. 

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients-

2 boneless skinless chicken breasts diced

8 ounces protein pasta or egg noodles

4 tablespoons unsalted butter

1-2 cups carrots (diced or baby carrots split in half)

1 celery stalk diced

8 ounces white mushrooms diced

1 cup frozen pearl onions thawed

1/3 cup all purpose flour

1 teaspoon ground thyme

½ cup dry white wine

4 cups chicken broth

1 cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt

2 tablespoons fresh parsley diced

1 cup shredded Gouda (Cheddar, Swiss, etc…)

Salt and pepper for seasoning

Directions-

  1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.  Spray a 9×13 pan with olive oil spray.
  2. Bring a large pot of boiled water to a boil.  Cook noodles according to package directions to al dente.
  3. Spray a nonstick pan with olive oil spray.  Sauté the chicken until it is no longer pink.  Set chicken aside.
  4. Heat a nonstick pan or Dutch oven to medium heat.  Melt 4 tablespoons butter.  Whisk in the flour to form a loose paste.  Stir in the mushrooms, onions, celery, thyme, salt and pepper.  Cook for 5 minutes to soften. 
  5. Add the wine and whisk for 30 seconds.
  6. Add the chicken broth and yogurt. 
  7. Bring the mixture to a boil and reduce heat to simmer for 10 minutes.
  8. Fold in the noodles, chicken, and parsley.
  9. Transfer to 9×13 dish. 
  10. Top with shredded cheese.
  11. Bake until bubbly and brown on top 40-45 minutes.  (If cooking after refrigerating cook for at least an hour.)
Marinated Steak with Garlic Potatoes and Ranch Roasted Vegetables

Marinated Steak with Garlic Potatoes and Ranch Roasted Vegetables

We love steak and I think it always tastes better when it has time to marinate before grilling.  I paired this steak with roasted potatoes and vegetables. If I managed to prepare this meal in the aftermath of my second COVID vaccine while suffering from chills, 

Baked Feta Pasta and/or Carrot and Zucchini Noodles

Baked Feta Pasta and/or Carrot and Zucchini Noodles

Baked Feta cheese mixed with cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, and onions over your favorite type of pasta is sure to make for a homerun dinner.  I prepared this two ways- macaroni noodles for my kids and a mixture of carrot and zucchini noodles for me. 

Arugula Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

Arugula Corn Salad with Cilantro Lime Dressing

I recently fell in love with arugula.  I have always preferred spinach salads, but I have been enjoying the peppery bite of arugula in different salads.  This salad tastes great on its on or with a burger on top. 

Recipe adapted from food Network:

Ingredients:

Arugula Corn Salad-

5 ounces arugula

½ cup matchstick carrots

1 cup corn

½ pint cherry tomatoes halved

1 bell pepper diced

Cilantro Lime Dressing-

Zest of 1 lime, juice from 2 limes

¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro

¼ cup grapeseed oil

2 tablespoons nonfat plain Greek yogurt

Dash of salt and pepper

Directions-

  1. Cilantro Lime Dressing– Add all ingredients to a food processor.  Pulse until mixed.  Set aside until ready to serve the salad.
  2. Arugula-corn salad: Add arugula, cooked corn, peppers, tomatoes, and carrots to a large bowl.  Toss to mix ingredients. 
  3. Add the dressing and mix gently to ensure the dressing is incorporated into the entire salad.
Thai Scallop Salad

Thai Scallop Salad

I love the richness of scallops and Thai flavors.  This is an easy and vegetable filled meal that works perfectly for lunch or dinner.  Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients: 20 sea scallops Juice and zest from 1 ½ limes, reserve ½ for wedges ¼ 

Turkey and Portobello Burgers

Turkey and Portobello Burgers

I love Portobello mushrooms and I love experimenting with different types of burgers.  These combine lean ground turkey, Portobello, red onion, and carrots to make a flavorful patty. Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients: 1 ¼ pounds lean ground turkey (93% lean) 2 Portobello caps 

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

Parmesan Brussels Sprouts

We love Brussels sprouts at our house.  These are a little more indulgent than I usually make, but cheese makes everything better sometimes.

Recipe adapted from Food Network

Ingredients:

12 ounces Brussels sprouts halved or quartered

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon garlic powder

Dash of salt and pepper

½ cup shredded Parmesan

Directions:

  1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and spray a 8×8 or similar size baking dish with olive oil spray.
  2. Toss the Brussels sprouts with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper and garlic powder.  Add the Parmesan cheese and mix.
  3. Pour the Brussels mixture into the pan and bake for 20-25 minutes until Brussels are browned.
Apple Pie with Cheese Cracker Streusel

Apple Pie with Cheese Cracker Streusel

My son had been asking for a dessert with apples and cheese for awhile, so when I found this recipe I knew it would make him happy.  Recipe adapted from Food Network Ingredients: Pie- 1 prepared pie crust 4 Granny Smith apples peeled and diced