These buckwheat double dark chocolate brownie cookies are rich, decadent, and sure to satiate even the most severe chocolate craving! So often when you hear the phrase “healthy dessert” you run for the hills conjuring up visions of dry, bland baked goods made with too little butter or not enough
A hearty and comforting dinner recipe, braised chicken thighs are browned then slowly cooked until tender with tomatoes, olives, garlic, and red wine. I love relaxing with a glass of wine at the end of a busy day, especially a red that is full of antioxidants so I can feel
This Italian Sausage and Butternut Squash Farro Bake is hearty and comforting, made with nutty farro, spicy sausage, creamy butternut squash, and two types of mozzarella cheese. Winter is right around the corner, but if I’m being honest, it has felt like winter for several weeks here in Michigan. Am
This protein-packed turkey black bean chili recipe is filled with sweet, smoky flavors and is sure to impress. This crowd-pleaser is ideal for your next game day party or meal prep! A high-quality protein diet is important, whether you’re looking to curb hunger, repair muscle tissue, or prevent muscle loss
Protein packed and just 320 calories each, these satisfying breakfast sandwiches are ideal for making-ahead, freezing, and popping in the microwave whenever the mood strikes. Today I’m excited to share one of my meal prepping favorites, that only uses four ingredients! These Egg, Ham, and Cheese Breakfast Sandwiches are perfect for making
Butternut squash and sausage pasta is cooked with garlic and olive oil, while being tossed with wilted kale and nutty parmesan cheese. Pasta night is always a hit at our house, especially with my Italian husband who is all about that delicious carb life. So, whenever I want to make
This New Mexican style green chile stew is made with roasted green chiles, tender pork, and creamy Yukon potatoes. Living in Michigan, we can get some pretty cold days. But even in sunny SoCal it can get chilly, and nothing soothes the soul better on a cold day than a
These Italian stuffed artichokes are made with simple pantry ingredients and result in the most comforting, crowd-pleasing side dish recipe. You know those recipes you make that immediately transport you to another time, perhaps another kitchen or another place? These Italian stuffed artichokes do just that for me: they take
This easy, delicious side dish of carrots and green beans roasted in olive oil and za’atar is perfect for holiday entertaining or a simple weeknight dinner. It’s that time of year again, with the holidays just around the corner! Za’atar Roasted Carrots and Green Beans is one of my favorite
Discover the ultimate hermit cookie bars! With a delightful resemblance to gingerbread cookies, these delectable treats boast a soft and chewy texture, crafted with a harmonious blend of ginger, molasses, and raisins. For those that know me, know that I’m a bigger fan of savory than sweet. So baked goods
Ready in just 5 minutes, these lemon garlic Brussels sprouts are steamed until tender then tossed in a vinaigrette creating the ultimate healthy and delicious side dish recipe. Brussels sprouts are one of my favorite vegetables to serve at dinner, or even steam really quick for an afternoon snack! And
An indulgent, flavorful cocktail, this Espresso Rum Martini is made with fresh brewed espresso and decadent, 12 year rum. I recently returned from another wonderful Fresh Air Retreat in Austin, Texas. My glass is full from the fantastic interactions with fellow food bloggers during a week of eating delicious food,
This crisp and refreshing apple gin fizz cocktail recipe is made with apple cider, gin, fresh lemon juice, and sparkling water to top. I recently returned from another successful gathering of the Fresh Air Retreat, the biannual retreat I co-host with Lauren of The Curious Plate. Having the opportunity to
These bison and mushroom stuffed peppers contain lean ground bison, meaty mushrooms, and chewy rice to create a hearty, satisfying twist on a comfort food classic. We didn’t grow up eating stuffed peppers, but my Middle Eastern relatives have been stuffing vegetables for years. My all time favorite is Lebanese
The BEST challah bread recipe you’ll find, I’ll show you step-by-step how to make my Grandmother’s famous six-strand challah bread, perfect for the Jewish Sabbath or weekend French toast. This challah bread recipe hails from my Ema Ljuba, my Bubbe on my dad’s side, who is the matriarch of the
A traditional Lebanese lentil soup, lentils and vegetables are cooked with healthy greens in a lemony broth scented with warm cinnamon and cumin. While every season is soup season in our house, it definitely hits the spot when the temperature turns colder. A recipe from my childhood, my mom made
Made with whole wheat linguine, plump shrimp, and fresh lemon juice, this lemon shrimp pasta recipe is bursting with brightness and flavor. This fast and easy Lemon Shrimp Pasta has everything going for it. Not only does the entire meal take less than 15 minutes to cook, it is made of mostly
This quick and easy ground beef and cabbage stir-fry recipe is made with ground sirloin and Napa cabbage sautéed with ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce. It’s delicious served over rice or wrapped in lettuce cups. It should come as no surprise to those who have followed me a
This smoky Turkish eggplant salsa made with tomatoes and red peppers can be served hot, cold, or room temperature. My husband and I love eating out at a local Turkish restaurant here in Grand Rapids. In typical Liz fashion, I am always more interested in the appetizers than the entire rest
Loaded with fresh veggies and plenty of lean protein, this is the perfect meal-in-a-bowl chicken soup that will warm the belly and soul. Have you ever tasted a dish that feels like a hug? My easy chicken soup with greens is literally a warm bowl of comfort. Whether you’re coming
The ultimate 20-minute weeknight dinner, this hearty sausage and kale pasta with white beans is made with whole grain pasta, sweet Italian sausage, kale, and creamy white beans. Kids can be picky eaters – one day they love a food, the next day they hate it. But can you guess
These hearty whole wheat healthy pumpkin waffles are protein-packed and full of warm spices including cinnamon, nutmeg, and ground cloves. Fall is officially in the air and I couldn’t be more excited! Pumpkins are starting to pop up at the farmers market, leaves are starting to change colors, and we
This thinly shaved Brussels sprout salad with lemon parmesan vinaigrette is fresh, bright, and great for prepping ahead! We love Brussels in our house and eat them sauteed with bacon at least once or twice a month. While most people know to roast, bake, fry, or steam Brussels sprouts, I
This nourishing bowl of chicken tortilla soup with hominy is brimming with Mexican flavors and packed with vitamins and minerals. It’s always soup season in my house, but I will admit I get especially excited about soup when the temps start to dip here in Michigan. As the weather has
A simple yet delicious side dish, this Quinoa Pilaf with Mirepoix is vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free! I like to keep things interesting at our dinner table by not always serving the same old sides of rice or salad. If a side is simple enough that I can focus most of
These pumpkin bars are made with pumpkin puree and fall spices, then topped with cream cheese frosting. Easy to make and the perfect dessert for fall! Today’s dessert is perfect for fall and a great use of extra pumpkin you might have sitting around: Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting.
Perfect for feeding a crowd in a hurry, this no-mess Sheet Pan Oven Baked Grilled Cheese recipe is perfect for a weeknight lunch, after school snack, or quick dinner in between sports and other activities. Pairs perfectly with a warm bowl of soup! That fall chill is finally arriving in
This delicious and healthy white bean and roasted eggplant dip is a flavorful snack or app thanks to roasted eggplant, creamy white beans, garlic, tahini and lemon. My White Bean and Roasted Eggplant Dip is a delicious cross between hummus and baba ghanoush. We buy eggplant almost weekly because it
Made with no added sugar, this easy slow cooker apple butter recipe can be prepped in as little as 10 minutes and is scented with cinnamon and other warm fall spices. Apple butter is one of those secret weapons in the kitchen of a health-conscious home cook. Naturally sweet yet
These mouth-watering Thai beef satay skewers with peanut dipping sauce are tangy, tender, and perfectly balanced with a cool and creamy dipping sauce. We are big meat eaters here in our house so you will always see various cuts of Certified Angus Beef in our refrigerator including ribeye, porterhouse, sirloin
These make-ahead smoothie freezer bags are the perfect solution for a healthy breakfast you can sip and enjoy on-the-go. Simply add water or milk before blending! As a busy working mom with a demanding schedule, I am always looking for ways to be more efficient. Whether that’s meal planning, scheduling
These light and fluffy baked apple cider donuts are full of apple spice flavor without any of the heavy grease you find in a traditional fried donut with a brown sugar topping. Confession? I’ve never been a huge fan of fried donuts. I didn’t grow up eating fried foods, and
