Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Slow Cooker Smoky Pork Chili

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If there is only one recipe that you will make from Robust Recipes during the month of October it should be this Slow Cooker Smoky Pork Chili! Well okay, you should also make Coconut Pumpkin Spice Latte because pumpkin spice + coconut! Enough said. Here’s the thing: I am not a very skilled slow cooker user. Growing up my mom never used one, so I never really learned the art of cooking with a slow cooker. The ironic thing is slow cookers are supposed to be one of the easiest ways to cook, … [Read more...]

Beet and Green Apple Spinach Salad with Curry Dressing

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You know those days when all you need is a nice, big, healthy salad?  Your body is craving a ton of veggies and good-for-you super foods because you ate out one too many times in the past week indulging in that cheesy, greasy slice of pizza. When I say, “you,” I really mean myself. Although let’s be honest, if you’re anything like me then you most likely have done the same thing at least at one point in your life, right? Please say yes. Beet and Green Apple Spinach Salad with Curry Dressing is … [Read more...]

Coconut Pumpkin Spice Latte

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  Hi friends!!! There is so much excitement going on right now! As I am writing this post I am sipping on a homemade pumpkin spice latte! Or maybe that’s just a major caffeine high that I am feeling. If you don’t know by now, I am a tea drinker through and through. There are only a few occasions when I enjoy coffee; it needs to be loaded with sugars and flavorings, and the milk needs to be steamed so I don’t taste it’s evil nastiness (I hate the taste of cow’s milk!), and all that other … [Read more...]

Roasted Sweet Potato Fig Soup with Crunchy Chickpeas

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As a food blogger I get inspiration and ideas for recipes from all sorts of places, but eating out at restaurants is a huge one. If I order something I really enjoy I immediately begin to think of how I can re-create it at home. It’s a blessing and a curse, because I have to resist the work-mode-trance when it’s a Saturday and we’re supposed to be relaxing. This is when my trusty phone comes in handy. I make a note of my ideas and then it’s out of my head, but the recipe idea is there on my … [Read more...]

Crispy Tilapia with Mushy Peas (GF)

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Hey friends, I know what you’re thinking: “Mushy peas? That sounds like baby food!” It may sound like baby food, but just trust me. It does not taste like it! This recipe is pretty special to Paul and me. Back when we were first dating I found out that Paul didn’t like fish. When someone tells me that they don’t like some kind of food I make it my personal mission to convince them otherwise. So, when I made Paul Crispy Tilapia with Mushy Peas, with some leftover pizza standing by just in … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (GF)

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  Hello October! Right on cue the temperatures have dropped from perfect 70 to 80 degree days to low to mid 60s. These cooler temperatures mean that it’s officially baking season! Plus soup and warm beverage season! AANNDD all of the pumpkins, and squash, and apples- oh my! If you can’t tell, I am a little excited about all of the yummy, comforting foods that fall brings. As a kid I used to dread fall. It meant that school was starting, days got shorter, and that I had to wear pants … [Read more...]

Sweet Potato Hash with Mushrooms

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  As I’m sure you are aware by now, I am a huge fan of a hearty breakfast. Most week days I eat prepared hard boiled eggs, or quickly scramble up some eggs. Weekends are a different story. On weekends I like to slow down and take my time to make breakfast a little extra special. This Sweet Potato Hash with Mushrooms is the perfect way to enjoy something a little more exciting than just plain ol’ eggs. Sweet Potato Hash with Mushrooms is really simple to make. It only requires … [Read more...]

Homemade Applesauce

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We are fortunate enough to have this little apple orchard not too far from us. Every fall since we have moved to the area I have enjoyed going to the apple orchard to stock up on apples for a few weeks. I seem to have a problem of buying way too many apples when I go to the orchard. All of the apples look so beautiful, fresh, and juicy that I get really excited. I find it hard to stop loading up my bag. I keep wanting more apples. Before I know it, I have purchased 6 pounds of apples when I … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Pie Ice Cream (V)

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The leaves are starting to turn pretty colors, days are shorter, and the air is crisp. This can only mean one thing. It’s officially pumpkin season! Okay, maybe it means that fall weather is on its way, but mostly it means pumpkin goodness! With cooler weather approaching, the idea of ice cream seems almost silly (ah, who am I kidding, ice cream is good even in 30 below freezing temperatures!), but a good pumpkin pie ice cream is perfect for Indian summer weather. Let’s embrace fall with a … [Read more...]

Roasted Ratatouille with Polenta

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  Hey friends, now is the time to enjoy some heartwarming ratatouille! I am not talking about the movie. However, I do love that movie and all of its heartwarming vibes. Seriously though, I don’t think I knew what ratatouille was until I saw that movie. It wasn’t until just 2 months ago that I tried my first bite of ratatouille at a cute little diner, called Bluebird Diner in Iowa City. I didn’t know much about ratatouille, except that there are a lot of veggies and eggplant and tomatoes … [Read more...]