Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

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...]

Caribbean Shrimp Pineapple Kabobs

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Hey, friends, it’s officially the beginning of grilling season here in Iowa. Well, it is when we have a nice, sunny, 70 degree day. We are still having quite a few rainy, chilly days. Luckily I happened to plan this Caribbean shrimp pineapple kabobs recipe for a gorgeous, sunny day (actually it rained later in the day, but I found my rain-free window). Really, I can’t complain one bit about our rain; we are lucky enough to be enjoying really green leafy trees, flowers, and bright green grass. … [Read more...]