In two short days Paul and I will be celebrating our three year wedding anniversary (in an airport BTW on our way to Colorado for a whitewater rafting trip with family and friends - more on that later)! Seriously, how did we get to three years of marriage already?! With three years of dating (including our engagement), we've now been together for six years. Some people may be reading this and rolling their eyes because a six year relationship is nothing to them. But for me six years is a big … [Read more...]
Coconut Banana Chia Seed Pudding (V + GF)
Happy Friday, friends. It's springtime! Let's celebrate with some refreshing Coconut Banana Chia Seed Pudding, shall we? I have fallen in love with chia seed pudding. It's quick and easy to whip up, it's super healthy for you, and chia seeds are pretty much flavorless so they can take on any flavors you prefer. Those chia seeds are pretty amazing! They are packed with healthy fats and fiber. Allow those tiny guys to sit in a liquid for several hours and the fiber in the chia seeds … [Read more...]
Skinny Ranch Dip
With Memorial Day coming up at the end of the month - you know, that three day weekend when everyone thinks they are going to have a party in their backyard or a picnic, but then it always rains (okay, at least here in the Midwest it does) - I thought it was the perfect time to share my take on Skinny Ranch Dip. Because, let's be honest, is it ever any kind of spring/summer party without a veggie platter served with creamy, dreamy ranch dip? About a year ago I shared my Cashew Ranch Dip which … [Read more...]
Roasted Green Enchilada Sauce
I hope you're not sick of Mexican recipes yet! Wait, who am I kidding? Is it even possible to get sick of Mexican food? Either way, it's Cinco de Mayo (well almost). We must prepare the ultimate Mexican feast/drink fest. It's the American way to celebrate! You guys, this Roasted Green Enchilada Sauce is the sauce of all sauces. I call it Roasted Green Enchilada Sauce because it is meant for some amazing enchiladas, but it is also delicious on eggs, tacos, plain chicken, and basically any … [Read more...]
Skinny Orange Lime Margarita
Are you guys ready for Cinco De Mayo recipe numero dos?! You didn't think I would let Cinco De Mayo pass without a Margarita, did ya? This Skinny Orange Lime Margarita was a happy accident. Recently, I have been craving margaritas. It's probably due to the green grass and the thought of warmer weather-margaritas scream long, warm summer days-(and because of Cinco de Mayo, duh!)! I actually wanted to share a skinny lime margarita recipe with you, but when making a margarita I accidentally … [Read more...]
Pea Soup (V + GF)
Happy spring, friends! I know that I keep mentioning spring, but it truly excites me - like little girl giddy excited. Besides doesn't the post of this title, Pea Soup, just sound like spring? And that gorgeous bright green color! I can barely handle it. As you know, I cannot survive cold weather without some warm soup. Even though it is officially spring and the sun is shining, the grass is green, the birds are chirping, we can still have some chilly days. Seriously, Mother Nature, … [Read more...]
Coconut White Russian
But why would you want coconut in your White Russian? Why, oh WHY would you ever mess with anything as simple and perfect as a White Russian? The answers: 1) Because it's delicious 2) Because that's what I do here. I play with recipes, I add my own twist to a classic recipe, and I create my own recipes. It's fun; you should try it! Really, my true reason for trying out a Coconut White Russian is because I really hate dairy milk. It grosses me out, it always has. Growing up in … [Read more...]
Sriracha Honey Roasted Cashews
Happy Monday, Friends! I have a little something for you to help kick-start your Monday: Sriracha Honey Roasted Cashews. I hope you're as excited as I am! The idea for Sriracha Honey Roasted Cashews came from an advertisement for one of those order-a-box-of-fresh-healthy-food-and-it-comes-straight-to-your-door companies. Their example of a snack item was sriracha roasted cashews. I heard that and just had to find out what that would taste like, because I love sriracha on everything - even in … [Read more...]
Seedy Buckwheat Granola Bars
Granola bars have never excited me too much; most of them seem to have almost the same amount of sugar, carbs, and calories as a candy bar. I would prefer to just eat the candy bar and stop pretending that granola bars are healthy. Does anyone else agree with me on this? I felt this way about granola bars until I learned that I can make my own. Now I can’t seem to get enough of them! What I love about making my own granola bars is that I can control the level of sweetness. Most … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker pulled Chicken
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...]