• Food

    Healthier No-Bake Cookies

    A few months ago, I went to my monthly book club get together and a friend had brought some no-bake cookies. As a general rule, I am not a huge fan of no-bake cookies. If I am going to consume a cookie with chocolate and oatmeal, I want a traditional oatmeal cookie with chocolate chips. BUT…these cookies my friend made changed my mind. Then when she informed me that they were a healthier version I was blown away. Of course, I asked for the recipe…and then I promptly changed it. This recipe is not only healthier, but it is high in protein and good fats. It is keto friendly, heart…

  • Food

    Instapot French Dip Sandwiches

    When two individuals decide to make a life together, they pick and chose what to bring to the relationship. Sometimes it’s who’s knife set is better and who’s needs to be donated. Other times it’s which traditions are maintained. In the case of my marriage, French dip sandwiches are one such tradition. Growing up Matthew’s family would always have French dip sandwiches on Christmas Eve. When we had our first Christmas together with his family, I was introduced to this tradition. I am a little ashamed to say, that I had never experienced this wonderful, tasty food before. Since that first Christmas Eve, French dip has been on regular rotation…

  • Food

    Creamy Chicken Mexican Chili

    The weather has finally dropped below 90°F here in Las Vegas. The stores are full of Halloween costumes and decorations. Every coffee shop is offering all things pumpkin spice. All I can think about is soups and chilis. I LOVE soup! I LOVE chili…but I cannot bring myself to consume either when the weather is hot. SO…now that the temperature is ‘cool’ by Vegas standards, I am more than ready for soups and chilis. All summer, I thought about this particular recipe. Just like with my cinnamon roll recipe, I love finding variations to chili recipes. There are seemingly endless possibilities. BUT…while I am unlucky and have zero Hispanic genetic…

  • Food

    Potluck: Chicken and Dumpling Casserole

    I LOVE soup…but…BUT, I cannot consume soup or anything resembling soups when the weather outside is above 75°F. There is just something wrong with my body being hot on the outside and then eating something that causes me to feel hot on the inside. Eating soup is like eating a warm, cozy hug. AND…because I currently reside in Las Vegas, I’ve had to get a little creative in my soup consumption. Thus, the casserole carousel rotation began. Chicken noodle casserole, loaded baked potato casserole, clam chowder casserole…the list is almost endless. Recently though, I was desperately craving chicken and dumplings. I knew I had to figure out how to recreate…

  • Food

    Paleo Apple Cinnamon Pork Chops

    Growing up, pork chops and applesauce was a staple meal in my house.  It brings back a lot of memories, but it is also a very simple flavored meal.  When I saw some amazing cuts of pork chops at my local butcher I knew exactly what I wanted to do with them.  This recipe is a zhuzhed up version of my childhood applesauce and pork chops.  Not only are the ingredients in season, which makes me super happy, but this recipe is Whole 30, Paleo, and Keto all rolled into one.  It may look complicated, but it is ALMOST as easy as grilling pork chops and pouring applesauce on top.  Keep…

  • Food

    Chorizo 3 Bean Chili

    The weather has turned cooler here in Las Vegas, which means I can now comfortably consume chili and soup.  I absolutely love chili and soup, but I just can’t bring myself to eat either when the temperature is high.  This time of year just makes me want to hibernate (which is why I’ve been so lazy and neglectful on social media) and consume all sorts of comfort foods.  I have several chili recipes that are family favorites, but this one is definitely towards the top of the list.  Each part of the country has their own way to correctly make chili, Texans think it’s an abomination to put beans in…

  • Food

    Quick Dinners & Pantry Staples

    Now that school is in full swing, extracurriculars are consuming our lives, and germs are being passed around…quick dinners have become the norm around here.  I definitely love pouring my heart into preparing meals for friends and family, but most often I just don’t have the time or energy during the week to be very elaborate.  Healthy, yummy meals are still my top priority…but there are plenty of meals that can be prepared quickly and are still healthy. Quinoa, Jasmine rice, and various types of pasta are always in my pantry.  Quinoa bowls are a weekly occurrence in my house.  It is easy to cook and easy to flavor.  Some of my…

  • Food

    Cream Cheese Chicken Salad Wraps

    Another chicken salad recipe for the books.  This recipe is actually been a regular in this house for a few years.  I just LOVE chicken salad…it’s quick, easy, and yummy.  Although, this chicken salad isn’t as healthy as the quinoa & arugula chicken salad posted last week.  It is equally yummy though.  And…if you omit the dried cranberries, it would be keto friendly as well.  This recipe makes a lot, and it great for meal prep.  My favorite way to eat is on a fluffy, butter croissant, but that would cause it to be super unhealthy…so in an effort for moderation, lettuce wrapping the chicken salad is a great substitute. …

  • Food

    Quinoa & Arugula Chicken Salad

    This week has been the week of chicken salads.  It is easy to create and easy to make a lot of for food prep.  I really wanted to figure out a way to incorporate arugula into a recipe, especially a recipe the amigos would hopefully eat.  Arugula is super yummy, it is a leaf that has a peppery taste.  It is also packed with nitrate which has been proven to help lower blood pressure.  It is the same nitrate family as broccoli, brussels sprouts, and kale…and I don’t know about you, but I would MUCH rather consume broccoli and arugula than kale or brussels sprouts. Other fun facts about arugula……

  • Food

    Beef Street Tacos

    First recipe of my meal planning series with shredded beef brisket cooked in the instapot.  These street tacos are addicting!  I had a hard time stopping myself at just 2 tacos…and I’m already looking forward to eating more tomorrow.  This recipe is super easy and quick after you’ve already roasted the beef brisket in the instapot.  Takes 30 minutes or less.  The original instapot beef brisket recipe is linked below. Beef Street Tacos ingredients: Shredded beef brisket, at least 2 cups (click for link to brisket recipe) 2-4oz diced green chilies 1 cup low sodium beef stock Street taco shells Mexican blend cheese Mango Pineapple Salsa Fresco directions: Place the…