Author Archives: Sharde

Slow Cooker Chicken and White Bean Chili

Posted in Main Dishes by

I was in Mammoth Lakes, California, with a group of friends for New Years Eve.  We had a great time skiing, snowshoeing, and snowboarding on the short trip.  I did not grow up around mountains (we traveled from frigid Minnesota to tropical climates), but I always love going to and seeing the mountains covered with snow.  The air is fresh and it leaves me feeling refreshed.  This is what I was working with:

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One night we made this chicken and white bean chili after a long day on the slopes.  This recipe made enough to feed six hungry adults, with some for leftovers.  It is healthy and uses my favorite kitchen tool – the slow cooker.  We served this chicken chili with the blue cornbread muffins.

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Blueberry Protein Pancakes

Posted in Breakfast by

I didn’t know “protein pancakes” existed until last year.  If you haven’t tried them, you’re missing out. Protein pancakes are an easy and healthy way to get additional protein and recover after a hard workout.  The best part about these? Since they’re healthy, I don’t feel bad eating one of these for dinner one night after a good workout.  An excuse to have pancakes for dinner? I’m in.  You can easily make whatever variation you want.  You can substitute raspberries or other fruit for the blueberries, add dark chocolate chips with the fruit or even just use dark chocolate chips depending on how you feel.

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Cranberry Pomegranate Cocktail

Posted in Cocktails & Drinks by

Hello again! December has been a whirlwind month and it is already almost time to ring in 2015. Our last post of 2014 is a winter-inspired celebratory cocktail perfect to bring in the New Year. Whether this year was full of exciting moments or challenges for you, I hope 2015 brings you happiness and good health. Thanks for continuing on this blogging adventure with us.

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Gingerbread Cupcakes with Lemon Cream Cheese Frosting

Posted in Dessert by

Gingerbread is a holiday staple around my house.  Aside from gingerbread cookies, my sister and I always make these gingerbread cupcakes with lemon cream cheese frosting.  The tartness of the lemon mixes perfectly with the sweetness of the cream cheese frosting and adds a little excitement to these gingerbread cupcakes.

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Quinoa Breakfast Bowls

Posted in Breakfast, Main Dishes by

Quinoa is healthy and versatile, but I do not eat is as much for breakfast.  Around the holidays, there’s so much baking and dessert-eating that I try to balance it out…a little bit.  So, I made this quinoa breakfast bowl.  This quinoa breakfast bowl is not only filling, but flavorful as well.  And it has bacon. BACON.  You can’t go wrong with bacon.  Toss in whatever veggies you want as well. So easy, so good.

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Candy Cane Chocolate Fudge

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When thinking up holiday gifts, everyone likes food.  This candy cane chocolate fudge is festive, smooth, and just the right amount of sweet. This is an easier fudge recipe than some you’ll find, but it takes a little bit of effort. Your loved ones are worth it though, aren’t they?  Wrap up this fudge with a colorful ribbon and you have an easy gift.  Or, bring this to a holiday party and make lots of friends.  You can’t go wrong.

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Lightened Up Turkey Pot Pie

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If your Thanksgiving was anything like mine, you had lots of leftover turkey.  I also had leftover russet potatoes from the mashed potatoes (you know I’m all about the sweet potatoes), so I made a game time decision and baked up this leftover turkey pot pie!  Something about pot pies remind me of childhood and this one was no different.  Except that my body doesn’t need all of those extra calories that are normally in pot pies.  I decided to lighten up this pot pie with only one pie crust and chicken broth. Repurposing leftovers is one of my favorite things to do.  This recipe would also work well with leftover chicken or one of those rotisserie chickens you can find already cooked at the grocery store.  I like to give you options.  No excuses.

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