Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Homemade Almond Milk

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You probably know by now that I grew up in Wisconsin. I was raised on all things dairy. I love cheese, ice cream, fresh whipped cream, and yogurt. I love all dairy products except for one.  Milk. You heard me. I hate milk. It is pure evil. I can’t even smell it without gagging. The only way I can enjoy milk is if it is heavily seasoned as the base of a soup or in hot chocolate. A couple years ago I discovered store-bought almond milk. It still wasn’t my favorite drink, but it was tolerable. I … [Read more...]

Pork Chops with Apples and Gouda

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Fall is officially upon us this week. As much as I admit that I begin to get a little sad to say goodbye to long, hot summer days, I do enjoy all that fall has to offer. I like the cool crisp air, wearing hoodies, vibrant tree colors, cuddling up on the couch with a blanket, book, and hot cup of tea. And of course, I especially love the food that fall brings. What’s not to love about fall-time food? You’ve got pumpkin-spiced desserts, winter squash, heart-warming soups, and of course crisp, … [Read more...]

3-Seed Gluten Free Crackers

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Don’t we all enjoy a crispy, salty, buttery cracker with a piece of cheese or a dip? Usually those crackers aren’t very nutritious or filling, leaving you unsatisfied. Plus most of them are laced with a ton of salt, preservatives, unnecessary fats, and contain a ton of other crazy ingredients you can’t pronounce. Seriously, read the label; do you know what half of that stuff is? And they are heavy on the gluten and carbs. Moral of the story: store-bought crackers really are not a healthy … [Read more...]

Fresh Tomato Sauce

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  As summer is coming to a close and fall is creeping up on us, we are starting to say goodbye to a lot of fresh, beautiful produce such as tomatoes. Big, beautiful, juicy, red tomatoes are either growing in your garden like crazy or are on sale at the grocery store. Grab them while they are still available, grab them while you can and make this amazing Fresh Tomato Sauce. Make tons and tons of it! It is so simple to make. And it is a great way to use up any tomatoes that have … [Read more...]

Vanilla Frozen Yogurt with Chocolate Swirl

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  On Friday I made Gluten-free Cherry Crisps for Two. I knew I would want to enjoy ice cream with my warm, bubbly cherry crisp. I got an ice cream maker for my Birthday and have been itching to try it out. I knew I wanted to make a vanilla-based ice cream plus chocolate to complement the cherry crisp because cherry and chocolate were made for each other. But I didn’t want the chocolate to be overpowering, so I settled on a chocolate ganache that is swirled into the vanilla. Yogurt … [Read more...]

Gluten Free Cherry Crisp for Two

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  Sometimes you want to make dessert but you don’t want to make a dessert with twelve servings when there are only two of you. You have leftovers for days staring at you every time you walk into the kitchen, tempting you. All you wanted was dessert for one evening and instead you end up having dessert with every meal for a week. Am I right? Enter Gluten Free Cherry Crisp for Two. It is so simple to make and satisfies your dessert cravings without leftovers. It couldn’t get much better … [Read more...]

DIY Mint Extract

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I am in love with all things minty. I love mint gum, breath mints, mint tea, and hello! Of course, the mint and chocolate combo! Due to my mint obsession I planted two different kinds of mint this spring. Despite all my efforts to regularly make a fresh cup of mint tea and use mint in recipes whenever possible, my mint is growing like crazy. Then, I thought of a brilliant way to use up my mint. DIY Mint Extract. It couldn’t be any easier. Just two ingredients, 5 minutes of prep time, and … [Read more...]

Dark Chocolate Cherry Raw Energy Bars

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I love chocolate. What kind of person would I be if I didn’t, right? Sugar, especially refined sugar, does not agree well with my body. So, any time I can make something to satisfy my chocolate tooth without using refined sugar, I will. Raw Energy Balls or Bars are an example, they are sweetened with dates and dried cherries. Plus they are healthy, high in Omega 3s, protein, fiber, good fats and antioxidants. In June I made some pretty tasty Almond Joy Raw Energy Balls for our move-in-day to … [Read more...]

Peach and Sweet Corn Soup

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Soup is by far one of my favorite ways to enjoy food. There are so many different flavors and textures you can make. Smooth and creamy, or chunky and hearty. Brothy and light or stewy and filling. Soup is comforting and healing. It can be relaxing or energizing. When soup is made with love and care, in my opinion, it is one of the best meals you can have. If I could I would eat homemade soup every day all day. However, there is one time of year that soup is not usually desired. The summer … [Read more...]

Grilled Sweet Corn with Curried Butter Compote

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It is the middle of August and that means one thing in Iowa: bucket loads of sweet corn! Iowa may not have the freshest sea food or the greenest avocados but we do have amazing sweet corn. That has to be worth something, right? My August is not complete without gnawing on an ear of the most delicious sweet corn. Seriously, sweet corn is so tasty with some melted butter and a kiss of salt and pepper-- it doesn’t get any better than that. Wrong! Sweet corn just got better. Enter Curried … [Read more...]