Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Shredded Chicken Nachos with Corn Pico De Gallo

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Nachos can often be my “I don’t have any food left in the fridge” meal. It’s too easy. I simply throw some corn tortillas onto a baking sheet, top with loads of shredded cheese, maybe some leftover chicken or ground beef. Then a handful of leftover veggies and a boat load of salsa, and dinner is served. Remember that Slow Cooker Pulled Chicken I made a few posts ago?  Yup, we’re making use of that juicy chicken on these nachos. What could be easier? Half of the work is already done for … [Read more...]

Slow Cooker pulled Chicken

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  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...]

Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette (V + GF)

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Friends, I am pleased to introduce to you: Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette! As I may have mentioned a few times before, Paul and I own a small, charming house that was built in 1910! We fell in love with its beautiful original oak woodwork that adorns the archways, base boards, and crown molding. What does our oak woodwork have to do with Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette? I’m getting there. As our house is 105 years old, it is not … [Read more...]

Baked Coconut Shrimp with Two Dipping Sauces (GF)

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This past week I was on my family vacation, in South Carolina. Actually, as you are reading this, I am on my way home right now. By now I have officially enjoyed the lifestyle of a beach bum for a week. I will be rested up, hopefully I will have a nice tan (and not be burnt), and I will have had plenty of time to catch up on my summer reading list. Oh, and yes, of course I will have enjoyed visiting with my family. Especially the ones that I only see once or twice a year. Isn’t it a wonderful … [Read more...]

Spinach Berry Salad with Honey Mustard Vinaigrette

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There are times when a girl needs a huge honkin' salad for dinner. Tons of leafy greens, some crunchy nuts, and a good homemade dressing can make the perfect side salad in a pinch. There are also times when a girl needs more; she needs a salad that is going to make her feel amazing for eating so many leafy-good-for-you greens and one that has all sorts of textures and flavors that will keep her satisfied for hours. When I am creating an entree salad I usually opt for kale or spinach because … [Read more...]

Easy Ribs with Cherry Bourbon BBQ Sauce

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Hey friends, Father’s Day is coming up next week. When I think of what I would get my dad for Father’s day if he didn’t live 3 hours away, I wouldn’t buy him a tie (he doesn’t even wear ties unless he absolutely has to), I would of course cook him a meal that I know he would love. Growing up, my mom did most of the cooking. She always made sure we had our servings of veggies and fruit. She would make the salads and the lasagnas and the cookies.   My dad, however was the griller. He … [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...]

Warm Lentil and Sweet Potato Kale Salad (V +GF)

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You guys, I have a new obsession: Lentils! Aside from having lentils in a stew or soup I haven’t experienced them very much until I recently began playing around with them.  Let me tell you, there is so much more to lentils than just soup.   One of the reasons I am really enjoying lentils is because they are the perfect way to incorporate a vegetarian or a vegan meal into your diet. Just 1 cup of cooked lentils contains 18 grams of protein, 16 grams of dietary fiber, along … [Read more...]

Zucchini and Portobello Steak Fajitas

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Hey friends, are you ready for Cinco de Mayo in a few days? I am! I am! With my margarita in hand I will be enjoying a big helping of these incredibly delicious Zucchini and Portobello Steak Fajitas! Yum! Confession time: I have never been a big fan of fajitas. I couldn’t put my finger on why I never wanted to order them at Mexican restaurants. I always chose tacos or enchiladas, or my favorite, quesadillas, over fajitas. The reason that I am so tripped up on why I am not a … [Read more...]

Italian Turkey Meatloaf Muffins (GF)

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  Meatloaf; you either love it or you hate it. Am I right? I have never been particularly fond of it. The recipes I always have tried seemed to turn out either too dry or bland. To be honest meatloaf makes me think of a hamburger gone wrong. I recently changed my tune about meatloaf when I watched a video that Dani Spies at Clean and Delicious made—btw I love her site, you must check it out. The video was about turkey meatloaf muffins. Don’t give me that disgusted, confused … [Read more...]