My plant-based clients LOVE this one. It's taken multiple experiments to get this recipe down, but I finally nailed it. The Black Bean & Lentil Burger is vegan, healthy, tasty and you're not harming the environment (sorry, but we all know the beef industry takes up a ton of land space). Post and tag on … Continue reading Black Bean & Lentil Burgers
Food + Recipes
Friendsgiving Sandwich Sliders
"Friendsgiving," is the equivalent of a Thanksgiving meal but with friends instead of your relatives. Most don't realize it's the perfect opportunity to bring something other than the same ole turkey & stuffing you eat with your fam... hence, the Friendsgiving Sandwich Slider is here! Some Friendsgiving/Thanksgiving dinners consists of smaller group of people and a whole … Continue reading Friendsgiving Sandwich Sliders
Street Taco Casserole
Everyone loves street tacos, and everyone loves casseroles, so why not combine the two into a one pan, family-friendly meal?! Street Taco Casserole it is! Recently I wondered if such a recipe existed, but all I found were "Taco Bell" like taco casseroles... ground beef, cheese, etc. I wanted an authentic taco with cilantro and … Continue reading Street Taco Casserole
Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars
Most people ask me for pumpkin recipes, and while I'm not naturally a baker, I do try to oblige and come up with recipes people actually want.These pumpkin bars are healthy, full of flavor, and since they are made with clean ingredients, won't have you feeling crummy after you eat them.A sugar replacement has been … Continue reading Gluten Free Pumpkin Bars
Savory Pumpkin & Bacon Dip (Dairy-free)
This may not be your usual pumpkin dish, but I assure you it's an interesting, yet delicious one. Many pumpkin dips call for cheese, but I honestly think pumpkin and cheddar sound like an odd combination. Cream cheese and pumpkin however, sounds (and tastes) mighty fine to me. In this recipe, I used dairy-free cream … Continue reading Savory Pumpkin & Bacon Dip (Dairy-free)
Truffle Cacio e Pepe
Anthony Bourdain said Cacio de Pepe was a simpler version of Mac and cheese and a favorite dish of his... he said the simpler, the better in regards to this "cheese and pepper" pasta. I really do miss Mr. Bourdain. With my pasta recipes, I mostly use Banza chickpea noodles due to the fact they … Continue reading Truffle Cacio e Pepe
Golden Beet Walnut Salad
Golden beets are special because they have all the nutrients, vitamins and fiber as a red beet, but don't stain your chopping board or taste earthy. Beets are in season from June to October, and it is the perfect time of year to incorporate them into your meals. If you have never used walnut oil … Continue reading Golden Beet Walnut Salad
Blackened Salmon Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Cream Sauce
Salmon tacos may not be the most obvious choice for a taco filling, but it should be. The combination of salmon, pickled red onions, fresh jalapeños, and avocado cream sauce is sure to make your mouth water, and the best part is, it's SUPER easy! This recipe tastes gourmet but any cook, beginner to advanced … Continue reading Blackened Salmon Tacos with Avocado Cilantro Cream Sauce
Dark Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie with Homemade Pie Crust
There is nothing I love more than a good ole pie, and who doesn't love a chocolate one? I've taken a spin on the classic pecan pie and added the South's finest spirit and the devil's favorite candy... this pie is sure to curb your sweet tooth!Many traditional pie crust recipes call for shortening or … Continue reading Dark Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie with Homemade Pie Crust
Hearty Chicken, Kale, and Potato Soup
When it's cold and gray outside, I want a meal that's comforting, filling, and hearty. Winter is the perfect time of year for chili, stews, and soups - not just because of the freezing temps, but because more people are coming down with colds or the flu too. Whether you're feeling fine, or getting ill, … Continue reading Hearty Chicken, Kale, and Potato Soup
“Everything but the Bagel” Muffins
You probably know what "Everything but the Bagel" seasoning is if: (A) you religiously shop at Trader Joe's; (B) follow tons of wellness/health/food Instagram accounts, or (C) are friends with me. Stemmed from the beloved Everything Bagel, came a seasoning blend of sesame seeds, sea salt flakes, dried minced garlic, dried minced onion, black sesame … Continue reading “Everything but the Bagel” Muffins
Autumn Squash & Spinach Salad
HELLO, friends! It's been a hot minute since I've posted a recipe or blog, and I thank you for keeping up with me, via Instagram and Facebook! Summer has ended, and it was a season full of changes (all positive), and travel! The summer began with an unexpected shift in my full-time job, but I … Continue reading Autumn Squash & Spinach Salad
How to Cut a Squash for an Autumn Squash & Spinach Salad
As many of my fellow Southerners know, fall weather in Nashville is pretty unpredictable. One morning you'll be missing the pool due to the heat, and the next day you find yourself dusting off that winter coat. I've been cooking warmer dishes like curry, and chili, but I also like to take advantage of the … Continue reading How to Cut a Squash for an Autumn Squash & Spinach Salad
How To Make Basil Pesto
It was brought to my attention that I did not have a pesto recipe on my blog. In years past, I've been lazy and bought pre-made pesto, but honestly, it's soooo easy to make, and not full of preservatives. Ingredient wise, it's pretty inexpensive (minus the pine nuts)! There's a ton of different recipes out … Continue reading How To Make Basil Pesto
Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowl
While I was in England, Joe took me to this wonderful Korean Bowl restaurant that serves rice bowls with different types of marinated meat, stacked with raw veggies, and different yummy sauces. It was so good, I decided to re-create my own bowl for you guys, and I'm pretty proud of this recipe! If you're … Continue reading Gochujang Chicken Rice Bowl
Sweet Potato Nachos with Instant Pot Carnitas
For Christmas, my mom got me an Instant Pot, and for the past few months, I've been experimenting and learning how to use it (I have yet to try boiling eggs in it, which I really want to try next). What I've liked cooking most in my pot is chicken and meat - it cooks … Continue reading Sweet Potato Nachos with Instant Pot Carnitas
Homemade Pickled Red Onions
Take back Taco Tuesday with a vengeance, with these easy-to-make, delightful pickled red onions. Fresh cilantro, pickled onions, and a lime wedge can really bump your taco game up a notch. I love to top fresh Mexican food or avocado toast with these lil' purple guys. Not only do they had a unique flavor, but they're pretty too (Instagram worthy … Continue reading Homemade Pickled Red Onions
Cauliflower Tabbouleh (Tabouli)
Mediterranean food is one of my favorite cuisines, due to the immense mixture of flavors you can create, plus it tends to be on the healthier side. A Mediterranean diet tends to be rich in olive oil, fruits, vegetables, seafood, low grains, low dairy, and low meat. Great for people who need to eat a … Continue reading Cauliflower Tabbouleh (Tabouli)
Lemon Tahini Fish
When trying to eat low fat, but high protein, I love to incorporate white fish into my diet. Cod is one of my favorites because it's flavorful and inexpensive; I also enjoy making halibut. I've always said Nashville would be the perfect place to live, if we were bordered by an ocean, and had fresh … Continue reading Lemon Tahini Fish
Make Your Own N’awlins Muffuletta
Down in the French Quarter of New Orleans, Louisiana, there's an old Italian grocery store famous for its Original Muffuletta Sandwich created by Sicilian immigrant Salvatore Lupo. Central Grocery was opened in 1906 by Lupo, and the shop still brings in hundreds of locals, tourists, and foodies from around the world every day. The iconic … Continue reading Make Your Own N’awlins Muffuletta
Fried Cauliflower Rice
Believe it or not, it IS possible to re-create fried rice with cauliflower. When I first tell people this, they never believe me - "But... it can't possibly taste the same!" That's where your wrong kiddo, cause it can. I'll admit, the texture is slightly different, but it can really cure that craving for take-out … Continue reading Fried Cauliflower Rice
Sesame Chicken
Typically, Chinese is one of those food groups we all love, but know it's filled with so much MSG, fat, and overall, unhealthy. Luckily, it's not very hard to make your own tasty Asian meals. Today, we're going to go over how to make the following: Sesame Chicken Later this week, look out for this … Continue reading Sesame Chicken
Buffalo Cauliflower
Just because I love to eat healthy a lot of the time, doesn't mean I don't miss eating Hooter's Buffalo Wings with some good ole ranch. Trust me, I miss that. I'm not much of a sports fan but, I enjoy going to watch a UFC fight with friends, order hot wings, and go through … Continue reading Buffalo Cauliflower
Not Your Average Deviled Eggs
My family has used the same deviled egg recipe for years. A family friend of ours passed the BEST deviled egg recipe down to us, and I LOVE it. There are so many variations out there (the ones with vinegar should be banned), but the recipe we share is my absolute favorite. It's based with … Continue reading Not Your Average Deviled Eggs
Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
With all the hate being spread in the world right now involving race, religion, and political belief, there is one thing most people tend to agree on - bacon ROCKS. I've even chatted with vegan and vegetarian friends who will admit that although they don't eat it anymore, bacon is delicious and once upon a … Continue reading Bacon Wrapped Green Beans
Lemon Baked Cod with Cavatelli and Tomato Sauce
For Christmas, I was sent a gift basket from an Italian Restaurant in NYC, and still have loads of pasta left. I of course ate the fresh ravioli immediately, but still had some frozen cavatelli left. This simple recipe is delicious and easy. Fix the cod without the pasta, or vice versa if you like! … Continue reading Lemon Baked Cod with Cavatelli and Tomato Sauce
Tequila & Lime Shrimp Nachos
It's true what they say... Red Bull does give you wings. I had one a few hours ago and I'm still flying high at 3 a.m. Every once and awhile I have (a sugar-free) one, and regardless of how terrible they are for you, it does the job. Tomorrow (or I guess, today), is my … Continue reading Tequila & Lime Shrimp Nachos
Whole30 Zuppa Toscano Soup
Been home for two days, and I'm still coming down from my "New Orleans, New Year's" high. New Orleans is one of my favorite cities for so many reasons - a 300 year old city packed with rich history, diverse culture, and delectable food. I had the most wonderful New Year's trip, but I'll save … Continue reading Whole30 Zuppa Toscano Soup
Sweet n Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos with Goat Cheese
This is going to be short and sweet, literally. Christmas is TEN DAYS away y’all. Between work, shopping, and holiday parties - it’s a busy month for us all. Don’t get stressed out with your party food and baking - make it easy on yourself. Granny wants you to bring an appetizer for dinner? No … Continue reading Sweet n Spicy Bacon Wrapped Jalapenos with Goat Cheese
Dairy-Free Baked Mac-N-Cheese
Thanksgiving is just around the corner – time to finalize your recipes, and head to the store. I was hoping to go to the grocery tonight to get ahead of the crowds, but I have a feeling it’s already slammed. Every year, families gather around the dinner table, and most of us eat a compilation … Continue reading Dairy-Free Baked Mac-N-Cheese
“Reese’s” Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
It's the holiday season, and no matter where you look, you're in a society filled with sugar and candy. Why not make your own, and know exactly what ingredients go into what you're eating? I've got the perfect recipe to satisfy your sweet cravings. These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter bars are essentially homemade Reese's. These … Continue reading “Reese’s” Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
No Bake Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
It's the holiday season, and no matter where you look, you're in a society filled with sugar and candy. Why not make your own, and know exactly what ingredients go into what you're eating? I've got the perfect recipe to satisfy your sweet cravings. These Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter bars are essentially homemade Reese's. These … Continue reading No Bake Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars
Paleo Pumpkin Pie Bites
Lately, I have been FEELING the sweet tooth... it's very annoying. I've been seeing a personal trainer since the end of July, and obviously he discourages me from consuming what I like to call "naughty" foods. Added sugar is definitely a naughty, naughty food! Ugh. I really wish I hated chocolate - that is my … Continue reading Paleo Pumpkin Pie Bites