Robust Recipes

Healthy, Flavorful Food

Blueberry Almond Energy Balls

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Happy Friday, friends! I don't know about you, but I am ready for spring. Our weather in Iowa has been teasing us a little. We've had several gorgeous 60 degree days with bright sunshine. On those days Paul and I have busted out the grill! Not only do I love grilling and the smell of food cooking outside, but it also gives me an excuse to relax. Paul doesn't do much cooking, but he does enjoy grilling! This makes me very happy! This week, we are supposed to have a lot of rain and possibly a … [Read more...]

Garlicky Mashed Root Veggies

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I'm sure you guys are aware of the mashed cauliflower trend to replace mashed potatoes for a low carb option. BTW they are delicious; you should make some, but IMHO mashed cauliflower doesn't replace mashed potatoes. I'm sorry, it never will; mashed potatoes are fluffy clouds of bliss that can only truly be made by using the one and only starchy potato. Most people feel that the same applies to mashed root veggies. Let's get one thing straight here: I did not make these Garlicky Mashed Root … [Read more...]

Mini Greek Frittatas

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Happy Monday, friends! What better way to kick off our week than with some Mini Greek Frittatas? One of my favorite breakfasts to make on the weekends, when I have more time in the morning, is a frittata. If you're about to search for a frittata recipe on the blog you won't find one. Hey! Recipe idea! If you've never had a frittata before, it's basically the easy version of an omelet. There is no flipping involved! Hooray for no flipping, because I'm scared! Paul is actually the omelet maker … [Read more...]

Cherry Almond Smoothie

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Really, the title of this post should be "Cherry Almond Pie in a Glass" because it's that yummy! This smoothie was created because I had an abundance of frozen cherries in my way-too-small-freezer. My first idea was to throw some almond butter into the mix because cherries and almonds are meant to be. Then I thought, "why not bump up the almond flavor by throwing  in a tiny bit of almond extract?" Almond extract; talk about a ton of flavor! The result was -"why do I have to share this with my … [Read more...]

Winter Kale Salad

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Hi everyone, welcome to 2016! I can hardly believe we're here already! It takes me about 2 months to get used to speaking/writing a different year. Please tell me I'm not alone on this! Of course, leave it to me to share a healthy salad on the first day of 2016. So cliche and typical. Listen, I am simply trying to help you stay healthy and on track for 2016! You're welcome. If you're anything like me, you will not want to touch desserts for about a million years after overindulging on … [Read more...]

Apple Spiced Granola

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Hi, friends. You know those mornings when your alarm rudely chirps at you and all you want to do is roll over and hit the snooze button a few times? By "a few times" I mean 10! As the chill settles into Iowa I find it's harder to leave my warm bed each morning. Most mornings I wake up right as my alarm goes off, and sometimes 20 to 30 minutes before. I know, I'm kinda crazy, and to be honest with you, I never thought I would be a morning person, not in a million years! I really, truly love what … [Read more...]

Pear Coconut Green Smoothie

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  Hey, Friends, how was your Thanksgiving? Did you eat a lot of turkey and pumpkin pie and spend time with your family? Did you spend the long weekend relaxing by reading a book or watching a movie? Ahh, I love long weekends; they are refreshing and very necessary every once in a while, don’t you agree? After all of that cooking and eating wonderful, comforting, rich holiday foods I think it’s time that we take a little break from cooking for a day. Heck, why should we even take the … [Read more...]

Slow Cooker Sweet and Spicy Cranberry Sauce

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Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! Can you believe that Thanksgiving is only a few short days away? Are you excited? I am looking forward to cooking without taking pictures, spending time with family and friends in Wisconsin, and of course eating a lot of food. Paul and I are being a little crazy this year; we are getting up early on Thanksgiving morning to run a 5k at 7 am. Yes, I do agree, we’re crazy. Especially for wanting to run outside in the cold Wisconsin November weather. Guess what, … [Read more...]

Healthier Stuffing

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I don’t know what it is about stuffing at Thanksgiving time that is so appealing. Don’t get me wrong, I love the stuff too, especially when it’s drenched in my mom’s homemade turkey gravy aside some freshly cooked turkey meat. But let’s just think about what stuffing is for a moment. It’s some dried or toasted bread that has been soaked in chicken broth and baked in the oven with some spices and a few veggies. Somehow it is magically enticing and one my favorite Thanksgiving side … [Read more...]

Pumpkin Scalloped Potatoes

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The Halloween decorations are coming down, all of the Halloween candy has been devoured, and with that the Holiday season has officially begun. Ready or not, here it comes! Is it too early to start planning Thanksgiving recipes, you ask? The answer is a big fat NO! Thanksgiving is only 3 short weeks away. Although I have yet to host a Thanksgiving feast of my own, being a food blogger, I know that recipe planning is a must for any stress-free cooking week. The same goes for Thanksgiving; I mean … [Read more...]