Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Maple Pecan Pie Bars (Without Corn Syrup)

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Wow. wow. WOW!!!! Gooey, crunchy, super delicious maple pecan pie bars are in the HOUSE!!!! Well, okay, they're really just here on the blog. But, they can be in your house, if you want them to be. All you have to do is make them!!! Seriously though, how can you not want to sink your teeth into one of those gooey pecan pie bars? Thanksgiving month is upon us.  Ever since I made those pecan pie cookies last year - using a maple syrup filling, rather then the traditional corn … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Cake with Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting

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Pumpkin cake, AKA pumpkin bars, are often shared at fall-time gatherings. I am always excited to see pumpkin cake topped with white cream cheese frosting and a little pumpkin candy at football parties, Halloween Parties, or other fall gatherings. I love anything pumpkin spiced. I would happily take a slice of cake and dig in. It was always good. Had that tender cake, laced with pumpkin and warming spices - topped with that rich cream cheese frosting, a real treat. However, I have always … [Read more...]

Yogurt Cream Cheese Frosting

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Hi friends. It's officially, officially baking season. For some people, baking season starts on September 1st. For me, it starts once it's cold enough out to wear cozy sweaters.  Having the beautiful smell of something baking away in my kitchen makes everything even better. And what is some baking without having a good, reliable frosting recipe for you to spread onto a variety of baked goods? This yogurt cream cheese frosting is my new favorite recipe for a slightly lighter take … [Read more...]

Healthier Zucchini Bread (Whole Wheat)

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Is there a better way to celebrate the transition of summer to fall then baking zucchini bread? Well okay, maybe baking some healthy pumpkin muffins would also be great way to get us into the spirit of fall. But, today, let's make some zucchini bread!!! Zucchini bread that's' tender, and moist, perfectly spiced,  and studded with just the right amount of chocolate chips. And most importantly, packed with shredded zucchini. Do you taste the zucchini? No! That's the best … [Read more...]

Homemade Corn Chowder (Uses Fresh Corn)

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Welcome to Fall!  The mornings and evenings are growing cooler, which only means one thing. Soup, with dinner. Here in Iowa, we have exceptionally good sweet corn. Corn is what our state is known for. Well, also pork. We start seeing farm stands for sweet corn starting in August. It is the most delicious treat to buy ears of corn right outside your grocery store, or from the farmers market, to take it home and chow down on the most delicious, sweet, crunchy corn.  We love … [Read more...]

Apple Overnight Oats (Hot or Cold)

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It's mid September. In the Midwest that means cooler mornings and cooler evenings. We're over here hanging onto every last bit of those end-of-summer warm days. We are making the most of our beautiful garden basil by making lots of caprese pasta salad, or other caprese inspired recipes. It's a wonderful time. Yet, as a food blogger I need to start testing all the fall themed recipes in order to get the pumpkin spiced desserts, and the cozy soups out to you guys in time for when the … [Read more...]

Fresh Grape Tomato Salsa (AKA Pico de Gallo)

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This post was previously published on Robust Recipes in 2016. The recipe and photos have been updated for a better reader experience. Enjoy.  Hi Friends! Welcome to the last summer recipe of 2020. This is always a bittersweet transition for me to make.  Summer is my favorite food season. Yet, there are so many cozy, comforting recipes to be made in the fall and winter. Let's get to it, shall we? As stated above I originally made this recipe in 2016. It has brought in a … [Read more...]

Easy Caprese Pasta Salad (30 Minutes)

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I know that it's September 2nd, so that means you are probably expecting some kind of  pumpkin or apple recipe to kick fall off, right?!  Honestly, while everyone else is already embracing fall foods I can't help but hold on to the last of that delicious summer food. You know me, I like Fall, but I LOVE spring and summer! Don't worry, there will be plenty of time for all those yummy warming fall recipes soon enough.  Today, let's just take one more second to embrace the … [Read more...]

The Best Whipped Coffee (AKA Dalgona Coffee)

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Hi, Okay, here I am, working on getting back to my new normal after the Derecho land hurricane hit us on August 10th, 2020. It left our house without power for 10 days. Some people are still without power as I write this, although, day-by-day the numbers of people without power are getting smaller. So, we moved back into our house as soon as our friend texted us that she drove by and saw lights on. It still feels like there is so much work to be done, but we will get there. A fresh new week, … [Read more...]

Lemon Cheesecake Cookie Cups with Berries

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Today is my birthday!!!! 🎉 I am 34 today. And feeling FABULOUS!!! Gah,  I LOVE my birthday. Always have. The cool thing about my birthday is that I share it with several special people. My good friend, who I grew up with, shares my birthday. Except, she is one year older then me. Our parents are close friends, as well; and we are both only children. We shared some special moments celebrating our birthday together when we were kids. I also share my birthday with my Aunt. We have … [Read more...]