Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Basic Whole Roasted Chicken

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Basic whole roasted chicken has become a staple in our little household. The smell of a whole chicken cooking in the oven is divine. It creates this nice homey feel that wraps me in a warm blanket. The crispy skin covering juicy chicken meat is simple, yet nothing short of delicious. If you are intimidated by the thought of cooking a whole chicken, don’t be. It just takes a little knowledge and practice to get it right. The salt and pepper really add so much flavor to the meat and help to lock … [Read more...]

Coconut Chicken Curry with Zucchini and Quinoa

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There is nothing better than a heartwarming curry dish. The robust, earthy curry spices melded with rich coconut milk and stir-fried veggies makes me swoon. I jump at the opportunity to eat at a good Thai restaurant! I could literally eat at a Thai restaurant every day and my belly would be perfectly satisfied, but it would empty my wallet. It became obvious that I must cook these mouth-watering Thai dishes at home to help keep my sanity in check and to keep my wallet happy. When I began … [Read more...]

Gluten-Free Stuffed Mushroom Caps with Fennel and Sage

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Stuffed mushroom caps are the perfect appetizer. They are cute, bite-sized and versatile.  You can stuff them with crab, breadcrumbs, cheese; there are so many combinations. Generally when I have eaten stuffed mushrooms it has been a scrumptious breadcrumb mixture. Although the breadcrumb mixture is a classic option, why not make stuffed mushroom caps a little healthier? Why not make them gluten-free? The solution: save the stems of the mushrooms and throw them all in a food processor to chop … [Read more...]

Roasted Purple Potatoes with Tarragon

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Have you ever tried purple potatoes? If you haven’t you need to. They are a beautiful deep purple color with a buttery, rich flavor. Once I cut into the first raw purple potato and saw how gorgeous it was with its amethyst color and the little white veins creating an interesting pattern, I knew the potatoes would be perfect as an Easter side dish. I mean how much fun is it to have purple potatoes for Easter? I bet the kids will go nuts! I happened to pick up baby purple potatoes, but if you … [Read more...]

Steak & Spinach Salad with Goat Cheese and Caramelized Onions

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Steak & spinach salad with goat cheese and caramelized onions is a healthy meal that is bursting with flavor! The spicy spinach is topped with perfectly juicy steak and the rich, sweet caramelized onions are to die for. When you add crunchy cashews, sweet and earthy shredded beet, and tangy goat cheese your taste buds will be in heaven! Oh, I almost forgot, the whole thing is drizzled with a homemade honey mustard dressing that couldn't be easier to make. The caramelized onions do take … [Read more...]

Spinach Salad with Chicken & Gorgonzola Cheese

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Spinach salad with chicken, Gorgonzola, and cinnamon candied nuts is a light, flavorful, healthy meal. If you are sick of eating just plain old, ho-hum salad, look no further! This salad is packed with veggies and with a bold flavor from the Gorgonzola cheese, crunchy sweet cinnamon candied nuts, and fresh, flavorful salad dressing with dried herbs! The succulent chicken is the perfect way to guarantee some protein. Give this salad a try and I promise your taste buds will never be bored and … [Read more...]

Quinoa & Black Bean Stuffed Poblano Peppers-Vegetarian and Gluten Free

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Poblano peppers stuffed with quinoa and black beans are so simple to make and hunger-satisfying they will knock your socks off! Don’t worry; a poblano pepper is fairly mild in spice so it won’t actually knock your socks off. I removed the seeds and ribs, where the heat lives, but added the spice back in with red pepper flakes; I like it spicy! That way you can taste-test the filling and adjust the heat to your liking. These quinoa and black-bean-stuffed poblano peppers can be whipped up in no … [Read more...]