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
Arabic Lentil Soup is made with hearty vegetables and brown lentils simmered with warm spices like cinnamon and cumin then blended until smooth. My Lebanese family has made many variations of this Arabic Lentil Soup over the years. It’s one of my favorite comfort foods because it’s warm, nutrient-dense, and
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
A healthy and easy side dish recipe, your whole family will love this cinnamon-spiced roasted acorn squash with tahini sauce and lemon. The holidays are right around the corner – are you ready? Don’t worry, I’m not either. To help you round out your holiday menu, I wanted to share
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 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
Light, fluffy, and packed with warm spices – these gluten free pumpkin pancakes with yogurt topping are delicious and 100% gluten free. Pancakes are one of my favorite go-to breakfasts. Not only are they easy to alter and customize, but they are quick and delicious! In fact, now that I
These pumpkin applesauce muffins with real chunks of apples and walnuts are so light and fluffy, your family will have no idea they’re actually good for you! Apples are a big deal here in Michigan. In fact, my house is within just a few miles of countless apple farms. Sweet,
This chilled Lebanese eggplant salad is made with tender, smoky baked eggplant, green onions, garlic, and lemon juice. It’s delicious on its own or served with warm pita bread. I bet you never thought there were so many ways to enjoy eggplant, did you? It’s one of my favorite foods
A traditional Jewish apple cake, my Ema Ljuba would frequently make this dessert on Friday for Shabbat, and it would stay moist all week long. A parev (kosher) dessert, this cake can be eaten with either meat or dairy. A huge family favorite among all of Ljuba’s seven children and
This Italian pasta salad is the perfect portable meal for after school sports, lunchboxes, picnics or potlucks. It also makes an easy weeknight side dish recipe! Made with cubes of salami, mozzarella, artichoke hearts and veggies, the whole salad is tossed in a bright and flavorful red wine vinaigrette. With
Cuban Black Beans and Rice is a simple, satisfying side dish packed with protein and bursting with Latin flavors like garlic, oregano, and cumin. One of the many reasons I love to travel is because it exposes me to cuisines from around the world. After recent visits to Miami and
A modern twist on the classic margarita, fresh cilantro adds a fun twist and a bit of freshness to this light and refreshing Cilantro Margarita cocktail recipe. When it comes to cocktails, I always love a good margarita for its light and refreshing nature. However, it should come as no
This bright and flavorful Asian Cabbage Slaw with Ginger Vinaigrette is the perfect side dish for stir-fries or Summer grilling. Inspired by classic Asian flavors, it’s healthy, delicious and filling. When mixing up my weekly salad routine, I like to pull inspiration from all over the world. Since my pantry
This high protein powerhouse blueberry kale smoothie is full of antioxidants and plenty of protein to keep you full and satisfied until your next meal. I’m preparing for busy mornings with my boys as school gets back in session, and keeping us all well-fueled and full through the morning is
This cherry vanilla smoothie blends together the sweet flavors of summer cherries and vanilla with the benefits of flaxseed meal and Greek yogurt. Summer in Michigan means cherries. Lots and lots of cherries. Did you know Michigan is the largest producer of tart cherries in the US? I have many
Greek Spinach Rice is a 15-minute side dish recipe made with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have on hand. Perfect for serving with roast chicken, grilled lamb, or broiled fish. In need of a new, quick side dish? My Greek Spinach Rice recipe is a great way
This hearty Moroccan-inspired tagine is filled with hearty veggies and chickpeas simmered in a warm and flavorful cinnamon-scented tomato sauce. Delicious served over couscous, this vegetarian main dish is freezer-friendly and great to prepping ahead. For those who have followed me for a while, you’ll know that I love to
This smooth and creamy blueberry vanilla protein smoothie is ideal for using up any fresh or frozen berries you have on hand! The ultimate breakfast or healthy snack recipe for sipping on-the-go. With school starting back up here soon, I’m preparing for more busy mornings of getting my boys and
Sweet and tangy frozen mango margaritas are served with a chili-lime salt-rimmed glass for a spicy kick. Every sip is sweet, sour, spicy and salty! There is nothing quite like sipping on a fresh fruit margarita on a hot summer day. Of course, I’d always prefer that margarita experience to
