Creamy Garlic Broccoli Rice

“Finish your broccoli!” "Eat your broccoli or you can't have dessert!" "If you feed your broccoli to the dog one more time, you're grounded!"
I'm sure we've all been threatened in a similar way with broccoli by our moms.
They wanted us to grow up healthy, so they made us consume spoonfuls of the cruciferous vegetable despite our disapproval.
Chances are that, growing up, we didn’t like it that much, even if it was referred to as “tiny trees” or other cutesy names. Maybe that happened because it was mostly served kind of mushy or slathered in cheese. Maybe it was just one of those vegetables that you had to eat — like some sort of punishment.

Easy Creamy Apple Chicken Curry

Today I have a great recipe to share with you. A mild and (super) creamy chicken curry that comes together in 30 minutes with ingredients you’ll likely have already in the pantry.
I mean: Chicken, onion, apple, oil, yogurt, milk (or cream), and curry powder. That’s about it.
A simple recipe, very easy to make and that’s perfect for kids and those who don’t like their curries too hot.

Holiday Marble Bundt Cake

Happy New Year y’all!
What a rough year 2020 has been, I’m pretty sure we all agree that it’s the kind of year that belongs in the rearview mirror and we’re all glad to put it behind us.
But before we dive into the new year plans, goals, and resolutions I think it's important to look back and to highlight to yourself the good things that have also happened throughout the year.
I for one originally set my reading challenge to 30 books but with the lockdowns I’ve been reading far more than anticipated and I ended up finishing 54 books (with a good mix of fiction and non-fiction books.) It's a small feat that probably means nothing to anybody, but I am very happy with it.
I took up rope jumping as an alternative to running outdoors and I soon learned it’s a great cardio workout, and I was able to nail the double under after a little over a month of practice.
I've also cleared out my closet and house of a ton of stuff that was crowding out my life, which was good.
Last, but not certainly least, I’ve cooked/baked a ton of good stuff.

Mushroom Ragout

Staying home for the holidays amid pandemic restrictions made me realize that for the first time in years (read this as ever) I will be home to water a fresh-cut tree and not let it die.
Since almost all the holiday festivities have been canceled (or restricted) having the smell of a real tree in the house might be a way to keep some of the holiday spirit going and help me get through with what I’ve heard has been called the “Covid blues.”
After all the holidays haven’t been cancelled this year, we have to celebrate in a meaningful, albeit different, way.

(Vegan) Pumpkin Chickpea Curry

Here’s a great little recipe in case you have some (or a lot) leftover pumpkin puree from your Thanksgiving baking — a nice way to use it up before it’s forgotten in the back of your fridge.
And if you don’t have leftovers, don’t worry, you can always open up a can of pumpkin puree like I did.

Lemon Spice Pound Cake

With the cold closing in and the holidays just around the corner, I feel it’s about time to fire up the oven and bake like there’s no tomorrow. Am I right?
Today I’m sharing with you guys one of my favorite recipes for pound cake: Lemon Spice Pound Cake.

Eggplant Bacon (aka Smoked Eggplant Slices)

Eggplant lovers rejoice and say hello to your new best friend: eggplant bacon.
Slices of our favorite purple-skinned vegetable are seasoned to smoky perfection with liquid smoke, paprika, soy sauce, maple syrup, and a few other ingredients to make the ideal companion to any sandwich, burger, wrap, tartine, crostini, flatbread, bruschetta, et cetera et cetera et cetera...

Best-Ever Barley Salad

There’s a certain kind of dish that lets you down not because it’s bad, but because it could have been great. One of those dishes, for me, is barley salad.
Over the last 10 years I’ve probably tasted close to 50 different barley salads; at potlucks, “bring-a-dish” picnics, barbecues, salad bars, and even at one very fancy restaurant (which I’m not gonna name.) I can’t name one that was memorable let alone exceptional.
I sadly almost came to the conclusion that barley salad could never reach the heights of a farro salad or of a rice salad. Good yes, great never.

No-Cook Tomato CousCous Salad

I can say without a hint of doubt that this is going to be THE recipe for what will probably be remembered as one of the most awkward summers of our life (sigh!)
I used the adjective “awkward” instead of more bitter ones just because — being ever the optimist — I know (more like I hope) that sooner or later we’ll find a way out of this ditch.
Anyways, I found this recipe while perusing a French cooking website. I was skeptical at first but intrigued nonetheless. The non-cooking part was what sold me on it. With the heat and humidity rising the very last thing I feel like doing is turning on the stove.

Whole Wheat Almond Cranberry Biscotti

One of the many drawbacks that came with quarantine was not being able to get my fave biscotti from a bakery across town.
Nothing too upsetting, considering that I could easily make them at home. Which is what I did. I mean, if there’s one thing that’s fairly easy to make at home is biscotti.

Easy Cocoa Meringues

Last week, while in a dessert frenzy, I made David Lebovitz’s award-winning Creme Brulee.
Not the easiest recipe, but if you’re in the mood to make a dessert that is on the fancy side (reminiscent of one you'd find in a Parisian brasserie), you won’t be disappointed.
A rich and creamy vanilla-laced custard covered in a crisp sugar shell. I actually gave myself a pat on the back, because it was spectacular.

Italian Jam Tart (Crostata)

With the majority of us hunkered down at home, I know you’d probably expect me to tell you to do things like social distancing from your fridge, drink green juices, workout in your living room every day, etc.
And you should, keeping yourself healthy and active is very important, especially right now.
However, I also believe that it’s paramount to stay sane, light-hearted, and gruntled.
For me, that means eating something comforting, sweet, and delicious every day; such as a slice of this Italian Jam Tart (aka crostata).

Soft Apple Crinkle Cookies

During this quarantine we seem to be discovering our ovens for the first time. We’re all craving something sweet and soothing, so why not try out that Cinnamon Pecan Banana Bread or those Salted Double Chocolate Brownie Cookies recipes that have been hanging on the fridge for the last thousand years?
I mean, the thirty pounds flour, twenty bags of sugar, and ten boxes of eggs (also known as the Covid-apocalypse hoard) aren’t going to bake themselves. Am I right?

Easy Zucchini Fritters

The word fritter usually conjures up something deep-fried, fat-laden, and overall heavy.
But these Easy Zucchini Fritters are testament that light fritters can be possible.
Grated zucchini joins forces with onion, flour, eggs, and grated Parmesan cheese to make low calorie, delicious little green pancakes that can be a light vegetarian meal or meze or a side dish to any Mediterranean-style chicken, quinoa, or salmon.

Avocado Egg Salad

We are going through difficult times and it might not always be easy to stay positive. Nonetheless we have to try our best.
As we hunker down at home, there’s no time like the present to get busy in the kitchen and try out some new delicious dishes.
I wholeheartedly believe that cooking is therapeutic, for yourself and for those around you.
Serve a delicious meal, everyone is happy. A simple source of comfort and pleasure.
It’s the kind of caring for the well-being of your family that ought to be top-of-the-mind right now.

Mediterranean Potato Salad

I don’t consider myself a mayo-phone (it is eggs and oil after all) but I’ve never been a fan of the standard potato salad drenched in mayonnaise, also known as salads that make you forget you are even eating a potato.
That’s why I love a potato salad recipe that doesn’t call for mayo.

(Simple) Turmeric Yellow Rice

Like most humans, I’m a creature of habit. Admittedly, I’m most comfortable when I have an established routine.
For example, at the gym, 9.5 times out of 10, I pick the same locker. If it is occupied already, it annoys me. Why is that? I don’t know. It just does.
Same thing happens with the treadmill. Yes, my gym has more than one treadmill but I use the same treadmill every time. Not to mention the stationary bike, that particular spot in the stretching area, etc.
In my mind, once I’ve found a good thing or found something that works, there’s no reason to change it. Some people might find it boring, I find it comforting.

(Easy) Herb Roasted Chicken Breast

This is a quick and easy recipe for an incredible flavorful meal. The garlic, the herbs, the olive oil bring a distinctive Mediterranean flair to this simple chicken.
This isn’t only good for dreaming of Mediterranean beaches. With the warm weather approaching, spring picnics, cookouts, and house warming parties will soon dot most of our calendars and this Herb Roasted Chicken will prove to be just perfect.
I mean it’s one of those recipes that keeps on giving.

Golden Milk

Golden milk (aka turmeric milk) is at the top of the list when it comes to healthy beverages.
A mix of turmeric and dairy-free milk along with cinnamon, maple syrup, and a pinch of black pepper. Naturally sweetened, incredibly healthy, and so very delicious. Ready in just 5 minutes.
In addition to soothing me to sleep, golden milk has also helped me appease my nightly sweet cravings before.
Lately, I’ve been replacing my evening sweet treat (usually a piece of dark chocolate with sea salt) with a steaming cup of Golden Milk and find myself feeling completely satisfied.

Almond Soft Gingersnaps

It’s undeniable that there’s no winter season without gingerbread cookies. Most people use a recipe that’s been in their family for generations, while others prefer to scout the internet to try out a new ones.
If you fall in the latter category, then this recipe might be for you.

Oven Roasted Greek Chicken Thighs

Before I begin, a confession. Although a navigated cook, I suffer the shame of the occasional pre-dinner party debacle.
I, naively, put my complete faith in a recipe I have never made before, praying it will work. I follow the directions to the letter, only to discover ten minutes before the guests are scheduled to arrive that the food is inedible and I have nothing to serve.
Some recipes are posted/printed without ever being tested and the rule of thumb is to
never try a recipe for the first time when preparing food to a dinner party. Subject your friends/family first to work out kinks.

Zucchini Olive Oil Bundt Cake with Orange Glaze

The holiday season is in full swing. Some people love it; some people want to hide under the couch until January 2nd. Whichever group you fall into, we can all agree that this is the best time of the year to fire up the oven and start baking, sharing, and of course, eating.

(Easy) Crock-Pot Marinara Sauce

Let me introduce you to the marinara sauce recipe of my dreams. It’s everything that is good in this world: tomatoes, herbs, and garlic.
The flavors together are like Italy in a jar, the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
It can be a great base sauce for pizza or really anything that goes in the oven such as chicken parm or eggplant parm. But — needless to say it — it’s also great on pasta and you can even make it into a meat sauce with ground beef (not authentic Bolognese sauce but still pretty damn good.) I also use it to make poached eggs with marinara sauce for a simple brunch recipe.
Last but not least, it’s great as a dip for vegetables and mozzarella sticks. Actually mozza sticks with marinara is one of the best things in the whole world.

(Vegan) Easy Crock-Pot Curry Lentils

I honestly believe that the best way to cook lentils is in the slow-cooker.
I’m well aware that the most common method is to cook (or boil) lentils on the stovetop and that the fastest one involves a pressure cooker — but the slow-cooker method delivers the best results not to mention it is also the easiest way to cook ‘em.
Take these Easy Curry Lentils for instance, super easy to make and pack quite the punch in the flavor department. All the ingredients are placed in the Crock-pot for 7 hours and that’s it. You can forget about it.
What you’re left with are healthy and uber delicious lentils that are sure to satisfy even the most- die-hard meat lovers.

Whole Wheat Maple Apple Bundt Cake

I’m not sure if it’s the anticipation of holiday celebration to come, or the nostalgia of helping out in the kitchen when I was a kid, or just the weather changing, but something about autumn makes me want to bake.
This is the time when I want to start filling my kitchen with the smell of pies and warm spices after a hot summer — when turning on the oven was the very last thing I wanted to do.
And when baking is involved around here, apples must also be involved. To me there’s nothing quite like the aroma of apple baking in the oven.
I mean, fall, baking, and apples just go together. That’s a fact and there’s no point in pretending otherwise.

(Vegan) Mushroom and Eggplant Sloppy Joes

Did your mom ever make you sloppy joes growing up?
If so, welcome to the club.
If not, I’m sorry, you poor thing. Sloppy joes are awesome.
When I was in high school I would return home from sports practice starving and I’d eat two open-faced sloppy joes with a side of lettuce. Yum.
My diet has changed since then and nowadays I rarely make sloppy joes — although, wouldn't you know, I have a pretty solid healthier recipe for it.

Cinnamon Pecan Crunch Banana Bread

I don’t know if this happens to you as well, but I have this tendency of buying way more bananas than I ever would be willing to eat.
I believe it’s always great to have a bunch of bananas on the counter for a healthy grab-and-go snack or light breakfast. I often buy them in varying colors of green and yellow to assure I have plenty of time to eat them all. Still, bananas tend to ripen quickly, sometimes a lot faster than I have time to eat them. There’s other stuff to eat, you know how it goes. Life just doesn’t revolve around eating bananas.

Bacon, Spinach, Avocado and Tomato Sandwich with Goat Cheese

I believe there is something really satisfying about a good sandwich. Any time of year, any time of day or night, there are times when a sandwich is just the thing.
I have heard people say they don’t like sandwiches and I wonder if their school lunches consisted of bad sandwiches: dubious bread with three slices of baloney stacked over questionable mayo.
I tell them that they really need to try a good sandwich — such as a Rueben on whole wheat bread with sauerkraut and melted Swiss cheese or chicken salad with curry, a Sloppy Joe or a French dip sandwich.

Chicken Salad with Almonds Apple and Apricots

I do love me a good chicken salad and I am always working on new and different versions.
Fact is, there are probably as many recipes for chicken salad as there are cooks in the world. It’s one of those great dishes that you can basically whip up from anything. As long as there’s chicken in the equation of course.

Crock-Pot Peach Butter

If you’re anything like me, you’ve been over-ambitious and bought far too many peaches at the farm stand.
I’m not saying there’s something wrong with it, it’s just that — just like myself — you’re probably facing an over-abundance of peaches and need to come up with a way to use ‘em before they go bad.
Crock-Pot Peach Butter to the rescue.
This is hands-off the easiest way to make sure your peach haul is turned into something delicious that will keep through winter (if, of course, properly preserved.)

Turkey and Avocado Sliders

Sliders are an awesome easy food idea for any party, game day, or really any other gathering.
I like to serve sliders at parties because I believe they are a great way to make sure I can give guests a full food experience without filling them with a big burger.
They make killer nibbles to pass around and — last but not least — they’re also great for little hands.

Sweet Potato and Pepper Quesadillas

I can say without a hint of doubt that quesadillas are probably one of my fave top five dinner choices. I love making them at home and trying out all kinds of different combos: vegetarian, spicy, even quesadilla-pizza.
I also find myself ordering them — more often than I’d like to admit — when I’m out to eat.
I’m not really surprised about how much I love them because quesadillas are basically a kicked up grilled cheese on a tortilla instead of bread. And if you didn’t know this about me — or you couldn’t tell from my cauliflower crust grilled cheese enthusiasm — I honestly think that grilled cheese is one of the most perfect foods there is.
Quesadillas have the same golden brown crunchy outside and warm gooey cheese filling. Plus the addition of the salty, savory, and sometimes spicy fillings bring the concept of grilled cheese to a whole new level.

Healthier Eggplant Parmesan

Eggplant Parm can be a delicious dish in its full glory, but it can also be on the heavy side. Breaded and fried eggplant, greasy cheese, oily tomato sauce, in other words a calorie bomb.
However there are other and better ways to approach this Italian classic.

Easy Crispy Chicken

Crispy baked chicken with a juicy meat and a crisp flavorful skin. What’s not to love?
Especially when it’s made in the oven with no breading at all and the only ingredients you need are chicken, spices, and herbs (all pantry staples that you likely already have at home.)
Enters this incredible Easy Crispy Chicken also known as the most amazing oven baked chicken thighs.

Turmeric and Ginger Iced Tea

At this point we all know how good for you turmeric is — if you don’t just Google it, you'll be flooded with tons of information on this super spice.
We have also learned how to include turmeric in our recipes: rice, chicken, mashed sweet potatoes, soups, etc. Not to mention that turmeric latte (aka golden milk) has become one of our favorite drinks.
So it was only a matter of time before we would use turmeric in the quintessential summertime drink: iced tea.
Iced tea is cold, refreshing, and looks so pretty in a tall glass with lots of ice. With turmeric it becomes also super healthy.

(Vegan) Chickpea Shakshuka

Shakshuka is originally a North African dish but over the generations it's become a signature dish across the Middle East as a substantial breakfast or lunch fare.
In the recent years, Shakshuka is taking America and Europe by storm being billed as a healthy dish.
Shakshuka can be seen in so many shapes and forms and today we’re making a vegan version of it, with chickpeas in lieu of eggs.
I’m not sure whether we can still call this dish Shakshuka since there are no eggs, but truth to be told chickpeas work like a charm in this recipe.
I will go as far as saying that you won’t miss the eggs in this vegan version.