The September 2018 issue of Bon Appetit Magazine features a chopped salad from San Francisco restaurant, Che Fico. The image alone sold me, but so did the layers of flavors from all the ingredients - honey roasted squash, seared brussels sprouts, bitter radicchio, marinated chickpeas, salty olives, and cheese all tossed with a peppy Italian dressing. The multi-step process to recreate this salad was definitely something I was not sold on. I love the idea of this hearty salad as a main, but don’t love the multiple steps required to make it. I set out to build a better version that did not take two plus hours, still tasted amazing, and shaved some of butter and the cheese from the original recipe.
Read moreApple Cinnamon Yogurt Pancakes
Apple picking season has commenced. If you happen to have some freshly picked apples or snagged some seasonal apples from the farmers market, you may be looking for some ways to utilize your bounty. Enter the apple cinnamon yogurt pancakes - also full of protein and fiber. These pancakes come together easily and are just as tasty when made in advance. Just reheat or eat cold, and you have a quick and delicious back-to-school breakfast that is perfect for those busy frenetic mornings. If you really want to go the extra mile, consider topping the pancakes with an extra dollop of yogurt and some sautéd cinnamon apples. You or your back-to-schooler will be very grateful.
Read morepumpkin and hemp seed granola
Granola is one of those foods that can start out with healthy intensions and then turn into a sugar loaded faux healthy meal or snack. The foundation is typically a wholesome one, but then it becomes adulterated with loads of sugar, oil, possibly some chocolate chips, and sugar coated dried fruit. This recipe for a healthy, "feel good" pumpkin and hemp seed granola, which is loaded with seeds, spices, some maple syrup, and fiber will leave you satisfied and satiated without the post sugar high slump.
Read more10 things to make this labor day weekend
The weekend that marks the last hurrah of summer is unfortunately here. Make the most of the three day weekend with these scrumptious crowd pleasing eats!
Read morecold cucumber and yogurt soup
It’s the peak of August, which means that summer produce is at an all time high - as is the temperature. To optimize outdoor time and minimize oven usage time, I have been leaning heavily on my blender to whip up chilled soups. I am partial to a cold soup that can be easily sipped from a chilled glass, no spoon required. If you are a bowl and spoon type, this works just as well in that format. This soup is the perfect antidote to a hot day when all you need is cold, veggies, and lunch simultaneously.
Read moresummer salad series: peach, corn, and arugula salad with crispy chickpeas
It is hard to believe that it is already August. Once the 4th of July rolls through, summer always seems to jump into hyper speed. Good thing that my favorite season is just at summer's coattails - fall! Before we enter "pumpkin spice land", let's savor all of late summer's bounty. This salad captures just that and features peaches, corn, and sun gold tomatoes tossed together with peppery arugula, crispy crunchy chickpeas, toasted almonds, and creamy tart feta. It's perfect for a hot summer night or a simple poolside lunch.
Read moregrilled peaches with honey cinnamon yogurt and granola
Peaches are a quintessential sign of summer. They are the “eat over the sink” kind of fruit with the sweet juices dribbling down your chin. If you happen to be overloaded with peaches, especially ones that are on the firm side, consider grilling them and making a healthy stone fruit-centered dessert or even breakfast. This is a great option when you already have the hot grill going for dinner. These peaches cook up in 4 minutes a side and are a delicious compliment to a meal. No outdoor grill? No problem. A grill pan works just as well.
Read more10 things to make this 4th of july!
The 4th of July is almost here! If you are grilling up a storm, sipping some spritz's by the pool, or simply sitting back and enjoying the long weekend with good company - here are 10 things to keep you healthily fueled all weekend long.
Read moresummer salad series: wedge salad with yogurt ranch dressing and smoked paprika almonds
Summer salad season has commenced, and warm weather cooking is focused on easy fare with minimal heat and prep. My body always craves crunchy and fresh foods when the temperature rise, and I certainly try and avoid lengthy time in the kitchen. A classic wedge salad typically features iceberg lettuce, blue cheese dressing, and bacon - tasty but not very nutritious. For a more virtuous spin on the classic wedge, consider this salad which features yogurt ranch dressing and crunchy romaine lettuce along with other vegetables -all topped with smokey almonds.
Read moresheet pan chicken and chickpea shawarma
In search of a quick, delicious, and nutritious sheet pan dinner? Consider Andrew’s signature sheet pan chicken shawarma with chickpeas and red onion. This dinner is one of our speedy go-to weeknight mains. We usually have it with a grain such as quinoa, farro, or cous cous with some fresh herbs folded in. A refreshing quick cucumber salad made with sliced cucumbers dressed with apple cider vinegar, white balsamic vinegar, olive oil, and fresh dill add a nice crunch factor and a hearty dollop of plain tangy yogurt make this a complete and tasty weeknight meal.
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