Banana Chocolate Chip Chia Seed Breakfast Muffins

Posted in Breakfast by

I’m a big believer in breakfast.  As in, I rarely skip breakfast.  Even if I’m running late, I’ll grab something as I’m heading out the door.  What better way to start of your morning than to avoid being hangry? Tone It Up posted this banana chia seed recipe just as I was looking for a new make-ahead breakfast.  I modify mine a bit from their recipe, but I cannot tell you how amazing these are (also, have you tried TIU’s workouts?!).  They’re healthy and make a great light breakfast or mid-morning snack.  I love how you can mix up the add-ins just like you would with banana bread.  You can top them with sliced bananas, add chopped walnuts or eat them without any add ins.  Meet your new favorite breakfast.

DSC01999

Continue reading →

Roasted Garlic, Spinach and Cheddar Tart

Posted in Main Dishes, Vegetarian by

photo 4

This is another gem from the “Pie for Dinner” issue of Bon Appetit. and it does not disappoint! It is a bit of a time commitment, however, but worth every minute. Whether  the you’re in the mood for a cheesy custardy dinner or the perfect centerpiece for brunch, then this is for you. It’s also ridiculously satisfying to eat a pie made of things your boyfriend can’t stand (or is that just me?).

Continue reading →

Chicken & Leek Pie

Posted in Main Dishes by

new pics feb 15 126

Pie for dinner? Sounds like a plan to me! Once the February, 2015 Bon Appetit came to my door, I’ve been obsessed with all of their pie recipes. During a visit home my mother and I decided to try our hand at the Cock-a-Leeky Pie. It tasted like the most delicious GIANT chicken pot pie. This is now my go-to recipe to warm up my belly on those “frigid” California nights 🙂

Continue reading →

Joy the Baker’s Honey Oatmeal Bread

Posted in Appetizers/Snacks by

Homemade bread is one of those things that take a bit of work, but is so worth it.  I made this honey oatmeal bread as part of Joy the Baker’s “baking bootcamp.”  I’ve made honey oatmeal bread before, it’s one of my favorites, but decided to take part in this fun challenge and put a healthier spin on it with one of my favorite secret ingredients: coconut oil.

20150222-DSC01993

Continue reading →

Bailey’s Irish Cream Chocolate Chip Cookies

Posted in Dessert by

Since it’s March and all, what do you say we prep for St. Patrick’s Day a little early? I’m a big fan of Bailey’s Irish Cream and I’m not letting the fact that I don’t have a drop of Irish blood stop me from finding new excuses to enjoy it.  My boyfriend is Irish, so I guess there’s that? The alcohol actually burns off, so you’re left with the delicious flavor and you can leave these in your office kitchen without getting in trouble.

20150301-DSC02022

Continue reading →

Almond Flour Brownie Bites

Posted in Dessert by

Nothing says, “I love you so much I don’t even mind if you gain a couple of pounds” like a batch of brownies.  Fresh baked brownies are the perfect way to show someone you really care.  It takes a lot of restraint not to polish these off.  I made my boyfriend some of these brownie bites without telling him they had a little secret…almond flour! The best substitutions are those for which you can’t even tell there is a substitution and these brownie bites fit the bill.  Why not make them a teensy bit healthier? I’m not ashamed to admit there are some really good boxed brownie mixes.  These are fudgy (that’s a word…) like the good boxed mixes, but you know every single thing going into them. I don’t ruin my brownies but adding icing or powdered sugar. These don’t need them. Pure chocolate goodness. DSC01938

Continue reading →