Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Pineapple Salsa

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Whoohoo it’s summertime! There are two things I love most about summertime food: 1) Grilling food and eating outside 2) all the fresh fruit in the world. I could probably go on and on for a year about how much I love the abundance of summertime fruit. It’s really difficult for me to pick a favorite fruit. I am pretty sure it changes every time I go to the grocery store during the summer depending on what catches my eye. I suppose you could say this week it is pineapple. Funny story: last … [Read more...]

Cherry Limeade

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Welcome to July! How did we get here and what happened to June? Summer is hands down my favorite time of year. I love spending time outside, even on hot days. You know those really scalding hot days where all you want to do is sit in front of a fan and not move? I experience those types of days often throughout the summer, especially because we don’t have central air in our charming, 105-year-old house. Don’t worry, we have 2 window air conditioners, but there are still parts of our house that … [Read more...]

Vegan Tarragon Merlot Truffles

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  By now it is no secret that I am a chocoholic. Don’t believe me? Just look at all these chocolate recipes. As you probably know by now, if I can find a way to make chocolate desserts healthier and still taste delicious, I am all over it. A chocolate truffle that melts in your mouth is one of the most coveted desserts. They are so rich and decadent, who can resist them? As mouthwatering as truffles are, heavy cream and refined sugar aren’t exactly healthy. These vegan tarragon and … [Read more...]

Coconut Mojito Fruit Dip (V + GF)

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My friends, ever since I discovered the goodness of coconut whipped cream, I have not been able to stop making it! My mind keeps coming up with ways to make use of it. First I used it as a topping to my Chocolate Coffee Avocado Pudding, second it was the filling to my Chocolate Coconut Cream Cups, now it’s this beautiful Coconut Mojito Fruit Dip. Can’t stop! Won’t Stop! What’s great about making coconut whipped cream is that it so easy, so simple, and yields a creamy, rich texture with a … [Read more...]

Vegan Coconut Crunch Ice Cream

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It’s no secret that ice cream is the ultimate dessert to enjoy on a hot summer day. When I was a kid, and through high school, my parents and I would travel to Sanibel Island, Florida every spring break to meet up with my dad’s family. It was a vacation that I looked forward to every year. I enjoyed the long, hot days of swimming in the pool and lounging on the beach while temperatures in Wisconsin were fluctuating between winter and early spring. One of my favorite things to do while I … [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...]

Rhubarb Peach Crisp (GF +V)

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Hey friends, welcome back! A few weeks ago I posted a recipe for rhubarb drinks. They were easy to make, sweet and slightly tart, and really refreshing. Since then my little veggie/fruit/herb garden has continued to grow. The herbs, green onions, and rhubarb are almost out of control. I’m wondering how I am going to use everything fast enough.  My dehydrator and freezer might come in handy. For the rhubarb, there was only one thing to be done. Bake. If I had more time and skill, my first … [Read more...]

Chocolate Coconut Cream Cups (V + GF)

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The idea for this recipe was first born around Easter time. I was at Walgreens, which is only 2-blocks away from our house. Convenience at its finest. I was perusing the candy isle when I noticed a bag of chocolate Easter eggs filled with coconut cream. They sounded scrumptious. I was about to purchase a bag until I looked at the ingredient list. The only ingredient with the word coconut in it was coconut flavoring. Umm, no thank you! I refuse to buy chocolates that claim they are filled with … [Read more...]

Fresh Raspberry Margarita

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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...]

Cashew Ranch Dip (V + GF)

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  Who doesn’t love dipping a sweet orange carrot into some creamy, garlic-y, herby ranch dressing?  Ranch is the ultimate way to enjoy your fresh cut veggies. Ranch and raw veggies go together like peanut butter and jelly, like strawberries and chocolate. As a kid I wouldn’t touch raw veggies without dipping them into some ranch dressing. I used to drown my salads in the stuff. My poor mom, she wasn’t a fan of the stuff. She knew ranch was packed full of preservatives, a ton of sodium, … [Read more...]