For me, quesadillas are comfort food. Maybe it’s because my roots lie in the south, but whatever it is, they never fail …
I love using chicken sausage in place of pork sausage. It’s lighter in fat and still tastes absolutely delicious! I use Trader …
March 15, 2019
March 15, 2019
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We recently came across a really great Mexican restaurant in Chicago. One where the salsa is actually spicy and the dishes pack …
March 12, 2019
March 12, 2019
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I’ve been wanting to try out a skinny version of lasagna soup for quite sometime now, but summer didn’t really seem like …
March 8, 2019
March 8, 2019
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After traveling to Denver a few weeks ago to visit Rob’s family, I got home and was seriously craving Italian food. It’s …
March 4, 2019
March 4, 2019
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After going home for Thanksgiving I’m on a bit of a vegetarian cook. I guess it makes sense since many of my …
February 28, 2019
February 28, 2019
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For me, quesadillas are comfort food. Maybe it’s because my roots lie in the south, but whatever it is, they never fail to hit the spot. The best ones are crisp on the outside and have just the right amount of cheese. Too much and the whole thing gets greasy and soggy. The cheese to me is really more of a binding agent to hold the whole thing together. Of …
I love using chicken sausage in place of pork sausage. It’s lighter in fat and still tastes absolutely delicious! I use Trader Joe’s (obsessed) brand of chicken sausage in this recipe. It’s pre-cooked so I just brown it a bit in the pan. If your sausage is not cooked, cook it first, then cook garlic afterward to avoid burning the garlic completely. This dish comes together so quickly and super …
We recently came across a really great Mexican restaurant in Chicago. One where the salsa is actually spicy and the dishes pack serious flavor. I was thrilled to have found this hidden gem since Chicago Mexican food has not proved to be all that great. Since eating there, I guess my taste for Mexican flavors has been re-awakened. It’s been breakfast tacos every morning and fajitas for dinner. I’ve also …
I’ve been wanting to try out a skinny version of lasagna soup for quite sometime now, but summer didn’t really seem like the right time to make it. But lucky for me, we’ve had a few days of cooler temperatures here in Chicago. Nothing too wild, but it’ll get into the 60s at night and for me, that’s perfect the soup temperature! Lasagna reminds me of my mom. Anytime we …
After traveling to Denver a few weeks ago to visit Rob’s family, I got home and was seriously craving Italian food. It’s one of my favorite foods, but I couldn’t tell you the last time I’d cooked it or gone out to eat it! Pasta, tortellini actually, was my favorite food as a kid, so I found this strange that I’d gone so long without a noodle fix! I wanted …
After going home for Thanksgiving I’m on a bit of a vegetarian cook. I guess it makes sense since many of my meals at home were made up of mostly veggies thanks to my dad. I’m not complaining. The past few weeks I’d been eating pretty poorly and my body needed a cleanse of sorts. Strange, usually holiday foods are what cause your body to need a cleanse… My sister …
It’s finally fall! As much as I love fall, it seems that living in Texas for the majority of my life (up until last February) has deprived me of a true fall. This year has been different. The trees are already turning golden and orange, the temperature has dropped and I’ve been cooking hearty (& healthy) meals to ring in my favorite season. I don’t know what made me decide …
This lightened up cheesecake is smooth, creamy and absolutely delicious! You won’t even notice that it’s not the real thing! Cheesecake with Raspberries Serves: 16 • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 1 hour Nutrition per Serving Cal: 216 • Fat: 9.4g • Carb: 25.5g • Protein: 7.9g • Fiber: .8g • Sugar: 18.5g Ingredients Crust 9 low fat cinnamon graham crackers 2 Tbsp unsalted butter, melted 2 Tbsp …
Anything pumpkin flavored is on the top of my list in the fall. These waffles make for a perfect weekend brunch. Your kids won’t even know that the waffles are good for them! Pumpkin Spice Waffles Serves: 4 (2 waffles each) • Prep Time: 20 minuntes • Cook Time: 15 minutes Nutrition per Serving: Cal: 215 • Fat: 3.5g • Carb: 41.2g • Protein: 10.6g • Fiber: 6g • Sugar: …
Start your morning with this filling veggie-packed omelet or serve it as a light lunch. Herbed Veggie Omelets Serves: 4 • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 30 minutes (less if you have more than one omelet pan) Nutrition per Serving Cal: 168.6 • Fat: 7.6g • Carb: 7.9g • Protein: 18.9g • Fiber: 2.8g • Sugar: 1g Ingredients 4 eggs, plus 8 egg whites (1 whole egg and …
We make this classic Thanksgiving dessert skinnier by using fat free condensed milk and less sugar. The result — a delicious, cool & creamy dessert! Spiced Pumpkin Pie Serves: 10 • Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: 40 minutes Nutrition per Serving Cal: 180.7 • Fat: 5.3g • Carb: 32.2g • Protein: 4.7g • Fiber: 1.8g • Sugar: 25g Ingredients 1 9-inch frozen pie crust, regular or whole wheat 1/2 …
This is my go to breakfast! It’s quick and filling and gets my day started right. Sometimes I don’t have all the ingredients and omit arugula & tomato. If I have avocado on hand, I’ll add a thin slice for a bit of creaminess! Serves: 1 • Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 5 minutes Nutrition per Serving Cal: 278 • Fat: 3.5g • Carb: 28.1g • Protein: 28.6g • …
Our soba noodle salad is made with healthy buckwheat soba noodles and extra veggies for protein & fiber. These unique flavors make this salad incredibly satisfying and a perfect choice on warmer days! It’s served cold and could easily be packed for a healthy lunch at work! Soba Noodle Salad with Seared Tuna Serves: 4 • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes Wine Pairing: a crisp light white wine …
I’m obsessed with these stuffed peppers! It’s a vegetarian’s dream — filled with flavor and high in protein an oh-so-colorful! The peppers are quite light alone and I like to serve with lightly steamed broccoli that’s seasoned with red pepper flakes, lime juice and a little garlic. It adds to the Mexican flavors of the dish! Mexican Quinoa Peppers Serves: 6 • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 50 …
I have a slight obsession with brussel sprouts. I eat them with prosciutto, ginger and soy and now raw. When my friend Rachel was visiting Chicago this summer we went to dinner at Sunda and ate the most fabulous brussel sprout salad that had ever touched my lips. It was also the first time I’d had a b. sprout salad, and let’s just say that it made a good impression. …
Depending on where you live, summer may have already arrived, or maybe it’s not quite there yet. With temperatures in the 90s last weekend in Chicago, I think I can mark the Memorial Day holiday as the official start of summer. I’d also like to say that I hope temperatures drop a little. There’s no AC in our little old apartment. I feel like eating healthy in the summer is …
It’s been one of those weeks where nothing seems to get checked off your list, but at the same time, you feel like you’ve been going 90mph. I think that the mid-week 4th of July celebration was the real culprit. Knowing that I only had to work for two days before getting a mini-weekend was great, but not good for productivity. Last Thursday was so miserably hot, at times I …
This week I’m blogging from a higher altitude and my new happy place! I’m vacationing at my grandparent’s home in Aspen. What a nice break it’s been so far. The past two weekends in Chicago were filled with lots of activities and visitors. Of course it was a blast, but it really took it out of me. We went hiking yesterday and just sat next to the river enjoying the …
Last week I was in the beautiful Colorado Rockies with my family. We spent a lot of time hiking in mountains, visiting the town and just hanging out. You’d think I’d be sleeping great with all this working out, but I had been stressed about being away from work for so long. So after a particularly poor night’s sleep we went for another hike, about 5 miles and by the …
Everyday should start with a good breakfast. This one provides lean protein with the peppery bite of arugula – my favorite green! Open-Faced Breakfast Sandwich Serves: 4 • Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 20 minutes Nutrition per Serving Cal: 204.6 • Fat: 9.3g • Carb: 16.9g • Protein: 12.1g • Fiber: 1.1g • Sugar: .2g Ingredients 4 small slices of sourdough or chewy white bread 4 large eggs …
I was at a loss for what to cook last week when my roommate mentioned her and her bf were cooking turkey burgers. It’s been a while since I’d had a good burger and suddenly it sounded absolutely delicious. The burger idea caused and old idea to bubble back up in my brain — Greek burgers. I’m crazy about Greek food, especially tzatziki and feta cheese. It’s hard to go wrong …
I love this simple salad because it has beautiful holiday colors and so many flavors & textures. The amounts don’t have to be exact in this dish for it to be delicious — super easy! Winter Salad Serves: 8 • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 0 minutes Nutrition per Serving Cal: 65.6 • Fat: 4.2g • Carb: 7.4g • Protein: 1.5g • Fiber: 2.7g • Sugar: 3.4g Ingredients 12 …
Iced sugar cookies are elegant, delicious and perfect for Santa. Make them for a party or host a party where you make them! Iced Sugar Cookies Makes: 40 • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 11 minutes Drink Suggestion: fat free milk Nutrition per Cookie Cal: 104.5 • Fat: 3.7g • Carb: 16.8g • Protein: 1.2g • Fiber: .3g • Sugar: 9.6g Ingredients Cookies 3/4 cup butter, at room …
We have brunch on Christmas morning at my house and last year this was the favorite. If you have trouble getting your family up on Christmas morning, the smell of baking cinnamon is sure to have them jumping out of bed. This also makes for a delicious treat for brunch any time of the year or for dessert! Who can resist cinnamon? Coffee Cake Serves: 12 • Prep Time: 10 minutes …
Brussel sprouts are so good for you and actually very delicious. Don’t let the old school house rumors get to you! The crunchy prosciutto takes this dish to a whole new level with contrasting flavors & textures. It’s the perfect side dish to any meat or with a grilled portabella mushroom. Brussel Sprouts with Prosciutto Serves: 4 • Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes Nutrition per Serving Cal: …
My dad recently started eating vegetarian, and this dish was perfect for his new diet. It’s satisfying and the truffle oil adds a touch of elegance to this hearty dish. It’s on the top of my list for nights when I want to eat vegetarian! You could also serve this as a side with grilled chicken — simply half the recipe for four people. If you don’t have asparagus, try …
Are Brussel sprouts really from Brussels, Belgium? Either way, I’m crazy about Brussel sprouts! The ginger and sriracha in these makes them jump off the plate! Well, not literally, but the flavors sure do. They make a great side dish for any Asian main dish or for a light meal with brown rice. Enjoy! Ginger & Sriracha Sprouts Serves: 4 • Prep Time: 5 minutes • Cook Time: 8 minutes Nutrition …
This dessert is perfect year round and isn’t too bad for breakfast either… Apple Crumble Serves: 4 • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 1 hour Nutrition per Serving Cal: 311.5 • Fat: 8.5g • Carb: 65.7g • Protein: 5.6g • Fiber: 7.3g • Sugar: 35.5g Ingredients Apples 3 Granny Smith apples 1/2 tsp cinnamon 1 Tbsp lemon juice Crumble Topping 3/4 cup rolled oats 1/4 cup brown sugar 1/4 …
This side dish features the best that the season has to offer. They’re hearty and delicious and I love how colorful they are! Roasted Root Vegetables Serves: 8 • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 1 hour Nutrition per Serving Cal: 101.5 • Fat: 1.5g • Carb: 20.4g • Protein: 3.3g • Fiber: 3.6g • Sugar: 3.6g Ingredients 1 lb. mixed baby potatoes, about 4 cups 1 lb. carrots 10 …
I used to think fish tacos would be difficult to make, but they are so simple and so quick. Keep tilapia fillets frozen in the freezer and pull them out for a quick and delicious week night dinner. The blackening seasoning gives them a little kick and a lot of flavor. The purple cabbage gives them a good crunch that you just can’t get with lettuce! And let’s face it, …
This isn’t a meal I cook often, but when I do, you can bet there is a nice bottle of red wine to join it. The ingredients are a little pricier and that’s why I save this for special occasions! I think it’s perfect for date night, and my boyfriend isn’t complaining. It’s super simple, quick to prepare and only requires a few ingredients! Whoever you’re cooking for will surely …
my dad & I at the beach a couple of months after the surgery Today I’m getting a little personal. My dad has prostate cancer, and he probably wouldn’t appreciate me going ahead and posting this online for the whole world to read, but it’s for good reason, I swear! After a prostatectomy last year and 8 weeks of radiation this summer, there were still traces of cancer cells left, …
Ever since eating these at Green Papaya in Dallas, I’ve been totally obsessed. I think I’d be happy ordering these as my dinner, rather than just a starter. Nom nom nom… They take a little bit of time to make, but I promise, it’s totally worth it. And if you get a helper, it goes super fast! They’re perfect as a starter to any Asian dish. And if you’re not …
I must be on a Greek kick this summer, I’ve made multiple dishes with Greek flavors. But I can’t help it. It’s simple, fresh and really really tasty. I actually cooked this dish earlier this summer when I was in Colorado with my family. We made several different batches. One for my mom and I with feta and no olives and the other for my dad and sisters that had …
Besides cooking, collecting bright and fun kitchen gadgets is high on my list of hobbies. Anthropologie has some of the most unique pieces and I admit that I own probably too many. These are my favorite kitchen gadgets that I have in my own house (except for the mini fruit baskets, which I want!) and use on a regular basis. Mini Donut Pan – I just ordered this one …
I got a big shipment of Alaskan fish from Stormont Williams Fish Supply Co. just a few weeks ago and I’ve been testing out new fish recipes since then! I’ll be honest, cooking fish is a bit scary for me. We didn’t grow up eating it and for a long time I never knew what to put on it besides salt and pepper. How boring. And a waste when you …
I’ll be honest, I’m really not much of a dessert person. Not that I don’t like them, I just don’t crave them like some people do.Occasionally I do get a hankering for something sweet and when I do, I crave a dessert with fruit in it. Apples and fall just go together and this rustic apple tart is my idea of a perfect dessert. They’re effortless and really delicious. I …
Lasagna has always been one of my favorites, but I really can’t stand when it’s just covered in cheese. I like to be able to taste each layer. The meat, the noodles, the sauce, and then yes, the cheese. I’d recently seen a few versions of kale lasagna and thought I’d give it a whirl. I wanted mine to have a more meaty flavor and texture, so I decided to …
Ever since having tabbouleh at a Mediterranean restaurant a few years ago, I’m a little obsessed. The one I tried wasn’t the traditional style that’s packed with parsley and that’s okay by me. Nothing against parsley, but I don’t want to eat that much of it. I like adding quinoa to the mix to add protein to the salad and it makes it more filling. Plus, I have a crush …
I’ve been adding Greek yogurt to my regular breakfast each morning and while I like yogurt on it’s own, it’s so much better with some crunchy granola on top! I’d been buying it for years, but could never eat it all before it went stale. After some research I realized how freaking easy it is to make! Like so easy it almost made me feel dumb. But now I know! …
And the holidays are finally here! Like, really here. Have you done your shopping? Decorated the house? I find myself getting so stressed out and tired this time of year. Especially this year. Oliver, my new shiba inu puppy, has been keeping me super super busy. Naturally, he’s sleeping now. I’ve been working on cleaning out my freezer since I’ll be leaving town for 2 weeks for the holidays! First …
I love pecan pie, but can’t stand when it’s super sweet and runny. This pie lets the flavor of the maple and pecans shine through. I had people asking, ‘Is this really ‘skinny’? Yup! Maple Pecan Pie Serves: 10 • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: 45 minutes Nutrition per Serving Cal: 269.8 • Fat: 14.4g • Carb: 35.4g • Protein: 3.2g • Fiber: 1.4g • Sugar: 27.9g Ingredients 1 …
Summer always has me craving a cool and crisp salad! I’ve always loved Greek and Mediterranean flavors. It’s fresh, simple and so delicious. And also reminds me of past vacations to much cooler places than the four walls of my office. Salads with lots of ‘fruit’ (or ingredients), as my dad would say, are my favorite. A plain ole lettuce only salad just isn’t going to cut it on the …
I think I could eat pizza just about every day of my life. Bad? Maybe if I was eating Chicago-style deep dish, but a pizzalad everyday? That wouldn’t be so bad. My favorite thing about this pizza is how thin and crispy the crust is! The three days of proofing allows the dough to relax. Yes, even dough likes to chill out. Then when you roll it, it doesn’t snap …
One downside about living in Chicago is that there is no La Duni. If you’ve been then you know why I miss it so dearly. If not, get your butt down to Dallas and try it as soon as possible. They have the most inventive Latin dishes I’ve ever tasted. If you go for lunch, make sure to try one of their tortas, basically a sandwich, but miles better than …
Lighten up the grill this summer with low-fat turkey burgers topped with fresh summery ingredients! We love using baby arugula instead of lettuce for a peppery bite. Serve them with baked sweet potato fries and a big wedge of fresh watermelon for the perfect 4th of July treat! Turkey Burgers Serves: 4 • Prep Time: 10 minutes • Cook Time: 10 minutes Nutrition per Serving Cal: 364.3 • Fat: 8.9g …
Perfectly crisp baked sweet potato fries! After many failed attempts, we found a technique that works wonders! Do us both a favor and don’t substitute foil for parchment paper. We made that mistake once already and ended poorly — our fries looked more like mashed sweet potatoes than fries! These are simple to make and so delicious! Try different spice combinations for different flavors, or just salt for something basic! …
Over the past few years, I’ve gotten pretty good at cooking for one. Those meals used to end in mounds of leftovers. A serious case of my eyes were bigger than my stomach. But I’ve gotten better, and this one is perfect for one! Lately I’ve been eating a lot of kale, why? It’s pretty cheap and Trader Joe’s sells it in pre-chopped packages, making it super easy to make …
I’m love crispy chicken, but fried chicken is too high in fat to eat regularly. Our baked version satisfies that crisp crunch you crave while remaining low in fat! The two types of breadcrumbs are a nice little trick too. The bigger Panko crumbs are extra crunchy, and the finer breadcrumbs adhere to the chicken where the Panko doesn’t. What does that mean? Extra crunch and flavor! And who doesn’t …
Being a Texas girl at heart, I love a good taco. They’re one of those foods I don’t think I’ll ever sick of. Especially when there’s a million ways to recreate them! My favorite thing about these tacos is the balance of the spicy pork rub with the sweet pineapple. It’s unique and absolutely delectable! The whole dish also comes together in under 15 minutes. I love using pork tenderloin …
I’m not much of a dessert person, but occasionally I get a craving for a really good cookie. One that’s chewy and chocolatey! The only problem is that every recipe makes about 50 cookies, when I just want one. Most of the extras got eaten by my roommate, my boyfriend and I gave a plate to my neighbor downstairs who had been sick. I have to admit, I did eat …
Quiche is the perfect main dish for brunch and holds well. It also makes for a nice light lunch when paired with a green salad or cup of tomato basil soup. To make the dish vegetarian, substitute the turkey sausage for vegan sausage like Morning Star. Pepper & Sausage Quiche Serves: 6 • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 1 hr Nutrition per Serving (parenthesis: nutrition per serving if …
I’m loving this soup — it’s a great twist from your traditional vegetable soup. The tortellini adds a unique Italian flavor and is the perfect dinner for a cold night! It makes a bunch and leftovers freeze well for any day of the week. The pasta can get squishy if you leave it in the refrigerator for a long time so either eat it or freeze it or add the tortellini …
Greek food is delicious, simple and so fresh. These pitas are great for lunch or dinner. They’d also be great in the summer on the grill! Tzatziki sauce packs a punch and is super super low in fat! One 6oz. container of Greek yogurt is the perfect amount for this dish. Greek Chicken Pitas with Tzatziki Serves: 4 • Prep Time: 25 minutes • Cook Time: 15 minutes Beer Pairing: …
My family loves this soup! I got the idea for this soup from one with similar flavors at a favorite Dallas restaurant. The broth is rich and flavorful, which makes for a delicious base for this soup. Add avocados for a little creaminess too! Occasionally I’ll make a double batch of broth and freeze the broth in individual containers for a quick lunch or dinner — delicious & so easy! Mexico …
A simple Asian marinade brings new life to skirt or flank steak! If you don’t have a grill (like me) simply cook it in the skillet. I love the crisp matchstick vegetables. Not only does it look great and bright, it’s delicious! Serve it with a side of Ginger & Sriracha Sprouts for more veggies! Asian Skirt Steak over Matchstick Veggies Serves: 4 • Prep Time: 15 minutes • Cook Time: …
Throwing a party and need a different appetizer than cheese and crackers? These little pizza bites are perfect. Crunchy and chewy on the outside and hot and gooey in the middle. They’re perfect finger food! They’re also as great alternative to the processed version and you can easily switch up the fillings for different flavors! Pizza Bites Serves: 7 • Prep Time: 20 minutes • Cook Time: 22-24 minutes • FREEZES Well …
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