Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

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...]

Grilled Corn and Black Bean Guacamole

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I have a confession to make: I didn’t make my first batch of summertime guacamole until 2 weeks ago! What’s wrong with me? How did I allow so much of the warm weather to pass by without making guacamole? It’s blasphemy! Don’t worry, I have since been making up for it by whipping up at least one or two batches of guacamole per week. I think it’s impossible for me to ever get sick of eating guacamole. Usually I make my basic guacamole recipe. It is the simplest to make, with the most basic … [Read more...]

Classic Potato Salad

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Potato salad is one of my ultimate summertime comfort foods. My grandma would make this potato salad all of the time. The sauce was a thick, creamy, stick-to-the-potatoes-and-your-spoon kind of dressing with a kiss of salt and pepper and a hint of yellow mustard. Just as potato salad should be. She would bring this potato salad to almost every family gathering, especially during the summer.  It was rare that she would take any leftovers home. It was just that good. Like most of … [Read more...]

Spicy Refrigerator Pickles

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  Hey, everyone. Happy Monday, happy July! Um, how did we get to the second week of July already? Time flies when you’re busy and having fun! I love July for several reasons: It’s really, really summer! The days are long, there are books to be read, there are pools to swim in, and there are parties to go to. Best time of the year! My week-long family vacation occurs every July. Lazy beach time here I come! My birthday is at the end of the month! The 29th, just in case you … [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...]

Pineapple Salsa

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Whoohoo it’s summertime! There are two things I love most about summertime food: 1) Grilling food and eating outside 2) all the fresh fruit in the world. I could probably go on and on for a year about how much I love the abundance of summertime fruit. It’s really difficult for me to pick a favorite fruit. I am pretty sure it changes every time I go to the grocery store during the summer depending on what catches my eye. I suppose you could say this week it is pineapple. Funny story: last … [Read more...]

Cherry Limeade

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Welcome to July! How did we get here and what happened to June? Summer is hands down my favorite time of year. I love spending time outside, even on hot days. You know those really scalding hot days where all you want to do is sit in front of a fan and not move? I experience those types of days often throughout the summer, especially because we don’t have central air in our charming, 105-year-old house. Don’t worry, we have 2 window air conditioners, but there are still parts of our house that … [Read more...]

Vegan Tarragon Merlot Truffles

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  By now it is no secret that I am a chocoholic. Don’t believe me? Just look at all these chocolate recipes. As you probably know by now, if I can find a way to make chocolate desserts healthier and still taste delicious, I am all over it. A chocolate truffle that melts in your mouth is one of the most coveted desserts. They are so rich and decadent, who can resist them? As mouthwatering as truffles are, heavy cream and refined sugar aren’t exactly healthy. These vegan tarragon and … [Read more...]

Coconut Mojito Fruit Dip (V + GF)

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My friends, ever since I discovered the goodness of coconut whipped cream, I have not been able to stop making it! My mind keeps coming up with ways to make use of it. First I used it as a topping to my Chocolate Coffee Avocado Pudding, second it was the filling to my Chocolate Coconut Cream Cups, now it’s this beautiful Coconut Mojito Fruit Dip. Can’t stop! Won’t Stop! What’s great about making coconut whipped cream is that it so easy, so simple, and yields a creamy, rich texture with a … [Read more...]

Vegan Coconut Crunch Ice Cream

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It’s no secret that ice cream is the ultimate dessert to enjoy on a hot summer day. When I was a kid, and through high school, my parents and I would travel to Sanibel Island, Florida every spring break to meet up with my dad’s family. It was a vacation that I looked forward to every year. I enjoyed the long, hot days of swimming in the pool and lounging on the beach while temperatures in Wisconsin were fluctuating between winter and early spring. One of my favorite things to do while I … [Read more...]