Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

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...]

Chai Spiced Raw Energy Balls

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Since the start of spring I have been consistently running 2 to 3 times a week in the mornings. Being this consistent with running is a very big deal to me. Up until this summer I have absolutely despised running! I mean, I really, really HATED running! The only reason I ever ran was because someone else told me I had to, such as my gym teacher in school, or my swim coach in high school. Then it was the workout I would do when I didn’t have access to a pool. Running always felt so … [Read more...]

Bacon and Egg Breakfast Muffins (GF)

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Bacon and eggs in a muffin?!? Whhhhaaaattt???! You crazy?!?! Maybe. Okay yes, I’m a little crazy. Here’s the thing. I am not a big sweet breakfast person. Muffins, pancakes and cereal make me want to take a nap right after I eat them and then I tend to be cranky for the remainder of the day. That’s not exactly the way I want to start my day. This is the reason you don’t see many pancake or waffle recipes on this site. To start my day off on the right foot I usually eat 2 eggs and some sort … [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...]

Peach Mango Sangria

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Guess what, Guess What! My birthday is coming up in 2 short days! It’s not just any birthday, it’s my golden birthday. I know that most everyone thinks that golden birthdays are lame. My motto is to celebrate any opportunity! Life is more fun that way. So, let’s paaarrrtttaaay! Who’s with me? Well, hello, Peach Mango Sangria! Help myself to a few chilled, refreshing glasses? Don’t mind if I do!   But wait, there’s something wrong with this picture. Where’s the birthday cake? Or at … [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...]

Grilled Corn and Black Bean Guacamole

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I have a confession to make: I didn’t make my first batch of summertime guacamole until 2 weeks ago! What’s wrong with me? How did I allow so much of the warm weather to pass by without making guacamole? It’s blasphemy! Don’t worry, I have since been making up for it by whipping up at least one or two batches of guacamole per week. I think it’s impossible for me to ever get sick of eating guacamole. Usually I make my basic guacamole recipe. It is the simplest to make, with the most basic … [Read more...]

Classic Potato Salad

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Potato salad is one of my ultimate summertime comfort foods. My grandma would make this potato salad all of the time. The sauce was a thick, creamy, stick-to-the-potatoes-and-your-spoon kind of dressing with a kiss of salt and pepper and a hint of yellow mustard. Just as potato salad should be. She would bring this potato salad to almost every family gathering, especially during the summer.  It was rare that she would take any leftovers home. It was just that good. Like most of … [Read more...]

Spicy Refrigerator Pickles

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  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...]

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...]