RECIPES

I'm nuts about nutrition!

There is no need to sacrifice taste in the pursuit of health. If you are used to high sugar/salty/fried foods, over time your taste buds will shift to tasting the subtleties of what is actually in your food. Many companies use chemicals and high fat/salt/sugar to distract you into the addiction of empty food. What does that mean? It means your purchase of their product holds more value to them than the harm their product is creating in your body. When you eat whole foods that grow from trees and roots in the ground, your body will thrive. We are meant to eat foods that eventually decompose. The perimeter of the grocery store is where you will find most of what nourishes you. These recipes are some of my favorite ways to feed myself and my family with little effort. I'm all for the occasional long list of ingredients, especially when it comes from my favorite chef Yotam Ottolenghi, but the weekly responsibilities of life with young kids in tow keeps me on the hunt for quick, yummy, rotational meals.

Latest & Greatest

Asparagus With Miso Butter
by Sarah Copeland

 Super easy and super tasty, just how I like it. I'm the only one in my family of four who loves asparagus. This means when I make it, I eat the entire bunch for dinner, and I am not mad about it!

Basil Salad
Welcome to your new favorite salad.

What do you know about basil salad? If you have never had one, welcome to your new favorite side dish. Serve it along side pasta, quesadillas, fish/chicken if you eat them. SO easy, kids eat it, and tastes special!

Pizza Beans
All of the vanilla creamy tang without the dairy.

What does that even MEAN? It's basically a sneaky way to get more veggies into Littles (or grown ups who rely on cheese to make veggies palatable). What I love about this recipe, is how versatile it is. It's an easy throw together whatever veggies you have left in the fridge kind of meal. Make it your own, go off book, experiment with fresh herbs which are incredibly beneficial for digestion and health.

Vegan Tahini Cookies
Sweet Protein.

I've always had a sweet-tooth. My mom did an experiment once on Halloween night, and let me eat what I wanted. I-ate-every-single-piece. As a grown up, one of my favorite ways to satisfy my sweet craving is to couple it with protein. Why? The protein helps the absorption rate of the sugar source to slow down, so there isn't a rollercoaster high and then a crash. Plus, with protein included, your body sends the message of satiation so you don't go overboard like I did on Halloween.

Peanut Butter Paleo (Green) Muffins
It's like a muffin for Popeye.

 “I'm strong to the finish 'cause I eats me spinach.” My kids called these the Green Muffins. Don't be fooled by their Leprechaun hue. They taste like banana bread, can be frozen and thawed for a perfectly balanced breakfast, or an afternoon brain pick me up. It always makes my heart happy and my face giggle when my Littles like healthy things. "GUH-gu-gu-gu-gu-gu"

Mama’s Granola
Start your day Mama's way.

I draw the line at most packaged granolas as they are unnecessarily loaded with sugar. I started making my own when my daughter was old enough to chew and it became coined "mama's granola" ever since. Full of the warm flavors of cinnamon, ginger, clove & nutmeg. The maple syrup sweetener can be added to your own liking. Completely customize-able with your favorite granola add ins. Quick, nourishing, packed with protein and delish flavor!

Superfood Shamrock Shake
So good. So green.

WHAT?! A nutritious Shamrock Shake you say? Count me in! A creamy, minty, tastes like ice cream shake that boosts your energy and tantalizes your taste buds. Jump on the spirulina train that is loaded with antioxidents and is anti-inflammatory. It can lower bad LDL and has been found to increase muscle strength and endurance as well as aid in blood sugar control.

Gluten Free Bomb-A$$
Chocolate Chip Cookies (Adapted from The Baker Chick)

My most asked for recipe. I'm a soft chocolate chip cookie kinda girl. The secret to bomb-A$$ situation is melted butter. I learned that from The Baker Chick, from whom this is adapted. Want to make it extra special? Use chocolate salt! What?! I know, it actually IS a thing. buy it here: SALT

Kale Pesto
A twist on a classic.

You know me: any chance to bump up the nutritional content of recipes without sacrificing taste. Pesto can be modified in so many ways. Vegan? Nut allergies? More greens in your diet? I got you.

Ever-changing Veggie Nachos
Yes, please!

Who said nachos are junk food? There are so many options for chips these days. Bean chips for more protein, cassava chips for corn free, Forager chips for greens and amaranth! Then load those bad boys up with beans or lentils, veggies, cheese or no cheese, but DEFINITELY guacamole! This is how my family likes to nacho.

Orange Pan-glazed Tempeh
(From Heidi Swanson 101 cookbooks )

Heidi Swanson's foodie site 101 Cookbooks is one of my favorite places to find beautiful nutrient rich food that is FULL of flavor. For those tempeh or tofu skeptics, THIS is the recipe to try.

Paleo Twix
Amazingly gluten, dairy and refined sugar free.

Just make them.

Beet Hummus
A wildly vibrant party favorite.

This is such a beautiful dish to serve at a party. Just make sure it isn't a "white party". The last thing you want is a room full of people with red stains on their clothing. For even my most fervently hated beet people, somehow this sneaks past their barriers and into their mouths. I have one favorite black bowl I always serve this in. Not a requirement, of course, but ohhhhh so pretty.

The Life-Changing Loaf Of Bread
Paleo/Gluten Free Goodness

Huge Thank You to Sarah Britton of My New Roots for sharing this recipe. I developed psoriasis three years ago upon the decision of moving to Portland OR. I lean into healing by way of food first. Alongside the inner work of meditation and journalling, I dove headfirst into finding food triggers for psoriasis, and of course gluten is one of them. THIS bread became my morning staple. Besides the fact that it's delicious, it is high in protein and fiber to sustain your energy and support your colon. If you are looking for an actually great tasting gluten free bread, this is the one!

Cashew Yogurt
All of the vanilla creamy tang without the dairy.

I love to experiment with making the best tasting dairy/gluten/sugar alternatives. I have tried every dairy free yogurt on the market, and 98% of them are BLECH. So I decided to play around with making my own at home. I have two favorites, this one and a coconut version which I'll share soon-ish. Super easy to make, easier on your tummy if you are lactose intolerant, and extra yummy if you use a real vanilla bean!

Paleo Peppermint Patties
Paleo/Gluten Free Goodness

It took me years to find the winning combo for one of my favorite after dinner treats. You're welcome! 😉

Cleansing Carrot Salad

Badabing badaboom. Sweet, spicy, shredded carrot goodness.

Basil Quinoa Cakes
Paleo/Gluten Free Goodness

It's a terrible picture. Since I'm honest, you can trust me when I say these quinoa cakes fly off the platter at every gathering. Protein packed and worthy of making. Never mind that my picture taking was interrupted by screaming children and I forgot to go back and retake it. .

Grape Salsa
A little spicy, a little sweet, a lot surprisingly scrumptious.

I love to feed my friends which is why I share a lot of recipes for a dinner party. This one has only a few ingredients (although a lot of grape chopping). It's gluten free, dairy free, sugar free on its own and you choose the cracker!

Gluten Free Sesame Noodles
Adapted from Deborah Madison

 This is for the quick dinner, the pot luck, the throw what's left of the veggies, kinda meal. Of course, they do not have to be gluten free. Sub out your favorite noodle if you like.