I am the first to admit that I have consumed my fair share of margaritas made from a bottled mix. During college my roommates and I really enjoyed margaritas. We would buy the pre-made mixes at the store and whiz them up in a blender. We also enjoyed a pitcher of margaritas at our favorite Mexican restaurant, and we would definitely take advantage of the 99 cent margarita nights on Fridays at a local restaurant. I mean, come on, 99 cents for a margarita! That place was buzzing with broke … [Read more...]
Caribbean Shrimp Pineapple Kabobs
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...]
Warm Lentil and Sweet Potato Kale Salad (V +GF)
You guys, I have a new obsession: Lentils! Aside from having lentils in a stew or soup I haven’t experienced them very much until I recently began playing around with them. Let me tell you, there is so much more to lentils than just soup. One of the reasons I am really enjoying lentils is because they are the perfect way to incorporate a vegetarian or a vegan meal into your diet. Just 1 cup of cooked lentils contains 18 grams of protein, 16 grams of dietary fiber, along … [Read more...]
Chocolate Coffee Avocado Pudding (V + GF)
There are no words to describe how wonderful this dessert is. Seriously, for once I am speechless. I mean, this is food we’re talking about; I always have something to say about food. But not this time. I ask you, what do I say about a dessert that is made from something savory, such as avocados, and is turned into something indulgent, dreamy, and that looks or tastes nothing like its original form? You have to, HAVE TO promise me that you will try this dessert! That is truly the … [Read more...]
Easy Crystallized Ginger
Recently, I have been obsessed with ginger. I have been drinking ginger tea, adding ginger to my smoothies, and eating crystallized/candied ginger. Ginger possesses some wonderful health benefits. Not only is it high in antioxidants, it is also an anti-inflammatory, and helps to stimulate the metabolism and digestion. Plus, it can help fight off the common cold and sooth an upset stomach. (source) I have found that eating crystallized ginger or drinking a cup of ginger tea … [Read more...]
Coconut Bellini
Happy Monday, Friends! This particular Monday Robust Recipes has reached a milestone. A reason to celebrate. Today, Robust Recipes officially has 100 recipes!!! Can you believe it? I sure can’t! All of that time spent cooking, sometimes re-cooking recipes, photographing, writing, and editing pictures has somehow turned into 100 recipes. Okay, I have a confession to make. This recipe is actually my 99th recipe. Apparently I can’t count. Math was … [Read more...]
Ginger Hot Toddy
If you are in need of a warming, relaxing, cozy drink to heat you up in the winter, as I am, and if you are obsessed with anything ginger, as I am, then this drink is for you. In the beginning of January Paul and I took a road trip to central Wisconsin to visit his brother. Of course we picked one of the coldest weekends to travel further north than we already live. The wind chills were negative 13 in Iowa! It was even worse up in Wisconsin, or at least it seemed that way to … [Read more...]
Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Pomegranate
Back in the day Brussels sprouts were loathed by all. I myself thought they were absolutely grotesque and refused to touch them with a ten foot pole. Whenever I had them in the past they were bitter and mushy. No thank you! Within the past few years Brussels sprouts have become all the rage. The secret to making Brussels sprouts actually taste good: Roasting! That’s right, roasting Brussels sprouts helps to bring out their natural sugars and allow their outer leaves to crisp up and turn … [Read more...]
Mixed Berry Curd
One of my favorite holidays is coming up next week. The 4th of July! I am so excited. I love watching fireworks and enjoying food and laughs with family and friends. There is no way I was going to let 4th of July slip by without a recipe to help put us in the spirit for celebrating the good old US of A. I had a bunch of egg yolks hanging out in my refrigerator because I’ve been making tons of broccoli and cheddar-bacon-quinoa bites lately. Every time I would poke my head into the … [Read more...]
Pickled Peppers
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. Remember this tongue twister? I never could make it all the way through without stumbling over my words. But, I can make a delicious jar of pickled peppers. I’m not talking about canning here; I don’t want to mess with boiling a jar and working in a super sterile environment; too much hassle for me. I am talking about using fresh assorted peppers that are pickled overnight and you can enjoy them within 24 hours. I have never pickled … [Read more...]
