I love chocolate. What kind of person would I be if I didn’t, right? Sugar, especially refined sugar, does not agree well with my body. So, any time I can make something to satisfy my chocolate tooth without using refined sugar, I will. Raw Energy Balls or Bars are an example, they are sweetened with dates and dried cherries. Plus they are healthy, high in Omega 3s, protein, fiber, good fats and antioxidants. In June I made some pretty tasty Almond Joy Raw Energy Balls for our move-in-day to … [Read more...]
Grilled Sweet Corn with Curried Butter Compote
It is the middle of August and that means one thing in Iowa: bucket loads of sweet corn! Iowa may not have the freshest sea food or the greenest avocados but we do have amazing sweet corn. That has to be worth something, right? My August is not complete without gnawing on an ear of the most delicious sweet corn. Seriously, sweet corn is so tasty with some melted butter and a kiss of salt and pepper-- it doesn’t get any better than that. Wrong! Sweet corn just got better. Enter Curried … [Read more...]
Zucchini Pasta with Grape Tomato Sauce
Have you ever tried zucchini noodles? They are kind of a big deal right now with zucchini in season. And, let me tell you, they are surprisingly delicious. In case you are wondering, they are not a noodle with zucchini as one of the ingredients. They are simply raw zucchini that has been cut into thin strips to resemble spaghetti-shaped pasta. How do you cut the zucchini into spaghetti shaped pasta, you may ask? You have two options. A fancy-smancy, but really cool spiralizer Ajulienne … [Read more...]
Savory Yogurt Parfait with Cherry Tomatoes and Basil Pesto
Before you think I am insane because of the title of this post, hear me out. I know, yogurt parfaits are normally layers of tangy yogurt that is sweetened with honey or maple syrup followed by some juicy sweet fruit and crunchy granola, so I must be strange for making a savory parfait, right? Maybe a little, but sometimes my craziness helps me to discover amazing new recipes. Trust me, Paul thought that I was going off my rocker when I was talking about making a savory parfait. But, he is … [Read more...]
Greek Watermelon Salad
When I think of summertime, I think of eating big bright juicy slices of red watermelon outside. The juice from the watermelon usually runs down my chin and makes its way to my arm at some point. All while trying to fish for the black seeds in my mouth so that I can spit them out. Watermelon is the ultimate refreshing fruit to enjoy during the summer. It is delicious and fun to eat a slice all by itself. But sometimes it’s fun to play around with fruit. Let’s take watermelon to a new and … [Read more...]
Roasted Red Pepper White Bean Hummus
I am in love with hummus. Hummus is a staple in our household. I make some kind of hummus at least once a week, maybe twice, or three times. What is not to love? It is smooth, creamy, and robust. You can eat it with a variety of veggies, pita chips, pita bread, tortilla chips, crackers, or smear it onto a sandwich. Did I mention that hummus is good for you? It contains fiber and protein from the beans. The olive oil and tahini paste add healthy fats. Plus the garlic; did you know that … [Read more...]
Salsa Verde
Recently Paul and I found a delicious Mexican restaurant. After just one meal there it will be our go-to Mexican restaurant. I ordered a pork quesadilla that had a tomatillo salsa generously served on top. The salsa was incredibly good. So, I set out to make my own version at home. This salsa verde is reminiscent of tangy green apples with a juicy spice and hint of cilantro. Most of the time jarred salsa verde is cooked. If I had to guess the salsa verde at the Mexican restaurant was raw … [Read more...]
Creamy Carrot Dip
If you love to eat something creamy, something that you can dip a crunchy cracker, chip, or veggie into repeatedly, raise your hand! If you didn’t raise your hand, are you even human? I love, love dips. There is something comforting about the smooth creamy texture of a dip being transported into your mouth by a crunchy, edible spoon. This is probably the reason that I enjoy eating both guacamole and hummus so much. This creamy carrot dip is incredibly addicting. It is smooth and creamy, … [Read more...]
Pesto and Mozzarella-Stuffed Potato Skins
After making my Taco-stuffed potato skins, I realized that potato skins are a blank canvas for any combination of flavors. I needed more of these crunchy little dudes in my life. This time, we are keeping it light. Homemade pesto, homemade roasted red pepper, and fresh mozzarella slices that are melted to perfection. That’s it. Simple, yet bursting with flavor and a hint of sophistication. The pesto is nutty, salty, and herby. The roasted red pepper adds a roasted sweetness, and the … [Read more...]
Mixed Nuts with Thyme and Rosemary
This July I am going on two separate week-long trips that are back-to-back. I am super excited! First is a trip to Canada with Paul’s family and the second trip is my annual family vacation in South Carolina. Two very different trips with a tight schedule. I am only back in the Midwest for one day and I am not even coming home to Iowa. I am transferring cars at a rendezvous point in Illinois and going to my parent’s house in Wisconsin to fly out with them for our family vacation. I will need to … [Read more...]
