Most of the time when I think of a perfect cookie, it is soft in the middle and slightly crispy on the outside. Then there are times when I enjoy a thinner, very crispy cookie. What I dig about thin and crispy cookies is that because they are thin they are not as filling. So, you can stuff a few more thin cookies without feeling the guilt and the full belly that you would feel with regular cookies. You pick up what I’m putting down here? Raise your hand if you agree that … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker pulled Chicken
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)
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...]
Spicy Refrigerator Pickles
Hey, everyone. Happy Monday, happy July! Um, how did we get to the second week of July already? Time flies when you’re busy and having fun! I love July for several reasons: It’s really, really summer! The days are long, there are books to be read, there are pools to swim in, and there are parties to go to. Best time of the year! My week-long family vacation occurs every July. Lazy beach time here I come! My birthday is at the end of the month! The 29th, just in case you … [Read more...]
Easy Ribs with Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce
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...]
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...]