Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Pan Seared Cod with Blistered Tomatoes

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Do you remember in March how excited I was about planting our very first garden? With our first full summer living in our very first house with our own fairly large yard we could not wait to plant a little herb/veggie garden. Paul and I had visions of walking out our back door to pick fresh tomatoes and strawberries. Once spring arrived we began observing a spot in the yard where the sun would generously give our little garden plenty of light. We found the perfect spot. It had an area that was … [Read more...]

Greek Quinoa Stuffed Peppers

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  How is it possible we are at the end of August already? I can’t believe that fall is on its way. Summer always goes by way too fast for my liking. Even though I am always sad to watch long summer days gradually get shorter, I welcome the fall weather. I do love the hot summer weather, but there is something so cozy and lovely about the crisp fall air. With the cooler weather, I can finally turn my oven on without sweating! I am looking forward to enjoying some fall baking, loads of … [Read more...]

Strawberry Cucumber Salad with Creamy Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing

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With the approach of fall just around the corner I simply had to sneak in one more summery salad recipe! If baby spinach, strawberries, cucumbers, and Creamy Lemon Poppy Seed Dressing don’t scream summer, then I’ve got it all wrong! During the summer I always have a huge container of organic, pre-trimmed, pre-washed baby spinach leaves in my fridge just waiting for me to make use of it in a salad. Being a huge fan of whisking up my own salad dressing, I have been playing around with creamy … [Read more...]

Shredded Chicken Nachos with Corn Pico De Gallo

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Nachos can often be my “I don’t have any food left in the fridge” meal. It’s too easy. I simply throw some corn tortillas onto a baking sheet, top with loads of shredded cheese, maybe some leftover chicken or ground beef. Then a handful of leftover veggies and a boat load of salsa, and dinner is served. Remember that Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken I made a few posts ago?  Yup, we’re making use of that juicy chicken on these nachos. What could be easier? Half of the work is already done for … [Read more...]

Slow Cooker pulled Chicken

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  Hey, friends, how are you on this fine Monday? You all know how I feel about turning on my oven in the middle of summer. I avoid it as much as possible. No central air + oven = sauna kitchen! No more sauna kitchen rants. Read about my previous one here! Chicken is one of my main go-to proteins that we will have throughout the week. I often like to roast a whole chicken in the oven, cut off the meat and then use it however needed all week long. Juicy chicken with crispy skin: … [Read more...]

Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette (V + GF)

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Friends, I am pleased to introduce to you: Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette! As I may have mentioned a few times before, Paul and I own a small, charming house that was built in 1910! We fell in love with its beautiful original oak woodwork that adorns the archways, base boards, and crown molding. What does our oak woodwork have to do with Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette? I’m getting there. As our house is 105 years old, it is not … [Read more...]

Baked Coconut Shrimp with Two Dipping Sauces (GF)

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This past week I was on my family vacation, in South Carolina. Actually, as you are reading this, I am on my way home right now. By now I have officially enjoyed the lifestyle of a beach bum for a week. I will be rested up, hopefully I will have a nice tan (and not be burnt), and I will have had plenty of time to catch up on my summer reading list. Oh, and yes, of course I will have enjoyed visiting with my family. Especially the ones that I only see once or twice a year. Isn’t it a wonderful … [Read more...]

Spinach Berry Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

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There are times when a girl needs a huge honkin' salad for dinner. Tons of leafy greens, some crunchy nuts, and a good homemade dressing can make the perfect side salad in a pinch. There are also times when a girl needs more; she needs a salad that is going to make her feel amazing for eating so many leafy-good-for-you greens and one that has all sorts of textures and flavors that will keep her satisfied for hours. When I am creating an entree salad I usually opt for kale or spinach because … [Read more...]

Easy Ribs with Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce

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Hey friends, Father’s Day is coming up next week. When I think of what I would get my dad for Father’s day if he didn’t live 3 hours away, I wouldn’t buy him a tie (he doesn’t even wear ties unless he absolutely has to), I would of course cook him a meal that I know he would love. Growing up, my mom did most of the cooking. She always made sure we had our servings of veggies and fruit. She would make the salads and the lasagnas and the cookies.   My dad, however was the griller. He … [Read more...]

Caribbean Shrimp Pineapple Kabobs

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Hey, friends, it’s officially the beginning of grilling season here in Iowa. Well, it is when we have a nice, sunny, 70 degree day. We are still having quite a few rainy, chilly days. Luckily I happened to plan this Caribbean shrimp pineapple kabobs recipe for a gorgeous, sunny day (actually it rained later in the day, but I found my rain-free window). Really, I can’t complain one bit about our rain; we are lucky enough to be enjoying really green leafy trees, flowers, and bright green grass. … [Read more...]