Golden Goodness

Sausage & Polenta

Polenta, an Italian creamy golden goodness made of cornmeal.  You can make polenta from scratch or buy it in a log at the store (I like the logs).  This is a great summer dish for fresh squash and peppers! For a spicier kick, use hot turkey sausage instead if mild (gianelli is of course the best in town).  If you want to fill up for less calories, add more veggies to the dish.

Polenta Recipe

Berry Good

Lemon Cheesecake Yogurt Cups

I can't live without dessert even if I'm trying to cut back a little; it'll make me go sugar-starved crazy! This dessert comes in the form of a cute little cupcake without all the added calories.  As good as it may be a piece of cheesecake at The Cheesecake Factory can cost you all your calories for the day; insane right?  These little cheesecake cups are only about 100 calories each, which in my mind means why not have two.  The lemon zest really brightens them up, I bet you could even use lime or orange zest/juice for a whole new experience.  I topped them with blueberries instead of blackberries due to a recommendation from my hubs.  Don't skimp out on the fruit because it can add that little bit more to fill you up, if you're not me.

Cheesecake Cups Recipe

Bananas!

Peanut Butter Banana Muffins

What to do with bananas that are on their way out? I was looking for something that seemed a little bit healthier and different from the usual banana bread.  Also, my husband's work has a biscuit day every week and this week the muffin man never came; I decided to fill in.  I love eating peanut butter straight on my bananas so what could go wrong with these muffins.  The only thing I was disappointed in is that they came out a little bit boring and not as moist as I'd like. To jazz them up a bit, I added an oatmeal crumble made of melted butter, brown sugar, flour, and oats.

Banana Muffin Recipe

Give me a head....of cabbage

Stuffed Cabbage Casserole

It's a notsagna; lasagna without the noodles and minus a few carbs (as much as I miss them, this one is still very good).  Even if you don't like cabbage, don't write this one off!  My dad has always hated it but absolutely loved this casserole.  When you're cooking the cabbage, and there's so much it's flying everywhere, it's okay because it cooks down a ton.  Also after baking I found that a little extra marinara was nice, but I'm a little saucy.

Cabbage Casserole Recipe

Red, White, and Blueberry

Fruit & Cake Skewers

A quick and fun summer dessert.  I made these for the forth of July on accident and then realized they were the perfect color.  I also had tons of strawberries to use up.  I must admit, for once, I cheated and bought an angel food cake at Wegmans (so much easier).  The nice thing is that you could really substitute any kind of fruit or remove the cake all together and have fruit kabobs.  The dipping sauce is great on any fruit just be sure that the cream cheese is softened before you mix or you'll end up with what looks like cottage cheese.

Fruit Skewer Recipe

5 Star Mac & Cheese

Truffle Mac & Cheese

Anything is better with truffle oil, if you've never had it you're really missing out.  This mac and cheese is so flavorful with garlic and the different cheeses.  I hated mac and cheese as a kid, as I've gotten older I realized that I just didn't like the cheeses being used.  A blend of different cheeses are always better than just one; just like 2 helpings are better than 1.  Also some sort of topping is a must: bread crumbs, croutons, crushed cornflakes, etc.  Serve on a weeknight or as a special side dish for guests.

Mac & Cheese Recipe

Summer Veggie Sauté

Zucchini Sauté

Do you have a garden with an abundance of fresh veggies? Or a local farmers market?  This is a healthy quick and tasty way to eat your veggies.  I used to just boil zucchini for a lack of knowing better things to do with it but there are actually many uses.  Since there's only 2 of us eating we had some left over veggies, I put them on a grilled flatbread with a little shredded cheese; another surprising creation.  There are always ways to repurpose leftovers because who wants to eat the same thing over and over again (not me!).

Veggie Sauté Recipe

Another Chicken & Waffles

Grilled Chicken & Waffles with Homemade Honey Mustard

I don't know why they're so good or why all the flavors work together but they just do!  Normally chicken and waffles have fried chicken but to make these a little better for you, I grilled a few pieces of chicken seasoned with a little salt and cayenne pepper.  Theses are a great carb load for a big race! They're sweet, salty, savory, and herbaceous all at once.  The honey mustard makes a lot of extra so use it on sandwiches, veggies, or even more waffles.  And yes, I'm a little bit crazy, but they still need a drizzle of real New York maple syrup (contrary to what my husband says, New York syrup is totally better than Vermont).

Honey Mustard Recipe

Waffle Recipe

Sunny-side Up

Eggs with Chickpeas, Spinach, and Tomato

Seems like nothing special but it's super delicious and packed with a protein punch.  You'd usually think eggs for breakfast but this is an easy healthy binner.  I'll be the first one to admit that I still haven't mastered breakfast foods.  My husband is the breakfast master and can flip an egg or crepe like no ones business.  I, on the other hand, always seem to end up with hard or scrambled eggs no matter what I'm trying to do.  Don't be scared of these eggs, they actually cook themselves.  This is a minimal muss and fuss meal which only takes one pan to prepare.

Eggs Recipe

BLT Gourmet

Open-Faced Pimiento Cheese BLT

The best BLT, never use plain mayonnaise again.  Choose a great country-style bread and your favorite bacon (I used turkey bacon to cut calories).  The spread is so amazing, I would use it on just about anything: omelets, turkey paninis, or whatever you fancy.  Pimientos aren't always the easiest to find but they come in a tiny little jar usually right next to the canned veggies (they're red).  I think I could eat this sandwich for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even my occasional 4th meal.

BLT Recipe

Spaghetti & Meatball Make-Over

Meatball & Spaghetti Soup

A great Italian comfort food turned into a light soup.  This soup is nice and light even on a hot summer day; I made it on a 95 degree day and my husband thought I was crazy until he tried it!  The meatballs are made of turkey and are extremely moist and there's less carbs from the pasta since the broth fills in.  Be sure to chop your fresh basil up fine or you'll be smiling with green teeth.

Spaghetti Soup

Just like the food truck at the fair...

Chicken Souvlaki Pitas 

These are just like the wraps from the Greek stand at the fair but even better.  The tahini sauce has so much more flavor theirs and a lot more substance (it's cool as a cucumber).  When I went looking for tahini paste, I had no idea what it was.  It can be found in the Asian isle and is made from sesame seeds.  The only bottle I could find was really large and expensive so I used a natural creamy peanut butter instead.  Make sure you choose a fresh moist pita to make this sandwich.

Pita Recipe

Pizza Pizza

Haloumi, Spinach, and Tomato Pizza

If you're wondering what haloumi is, like I was, it's just a cheese.  This pizza has a Greek feel so I substituted in goat cheese and it was absolutely delist! I love pizza and this might be my new favorite.    Making your own thin crust for this one is an absolute must.  I used to buy my crust dough at Wegmans but it's just to big and doughy.  The only complaint I have for this pizza is when we finished one it left me wanting more!

Not the Usual Picnic Salad

 Vegetable Pasta Salad with Goat Cheese

I wasn't sure about this one because of the blanched asparagus but its so good!  I've brought it to several summer gatherings now and it seems to be a great hit.  The creamy goat cheese and toasted walnuts add such great texture and flavor.  To toast walnuts simply bake on a parchment lined cookie sheet at 375 for 8-10 minutes.  I use campanelle pasta because its fun looking and holds in the dressing well (but you can use any kind).  Try it with or without olives depending on your taste (I used sliced black olives since I didn't have kalamata).

Pasta Salad Recipe

Po' Boys

Shrimp Po' Boys

I always wondered why they call these sandwiches po' boys, it doesn't sound that enticing when you think about it (makes me think of a bologna sandwich or something).  When I looked it up it actually comes from a much longer French word for a tip you give a waiter; so I still don't completely understand it.  The sandwiches usually have a nice crispy bread with some sort of fried or batter shrimp or meat and they come from Louisiana.  This po' boy is delicious with the shrimp giving it a lighter feel and the tangy slaw topping.  By hollowing out most if the bread you cut back in the carbs too.  My only suggestion is that a nice aoli sauce or maybe Chipolte mayo might add some more depth to the flavors.

Po Boy Recipe

Chocolate Crepes

 Chocolate Strawberry Crepes

My husband used to call them crappy crepes because I messed them up good the first time I ever tried to make one.  These chocolate ones really aren't that hard just know that you may have to throw out the first one but the rest will be good.  Also, be sure to swirl the batter in the pan until its spread thin. You could take the chocolate batter recipe and fill it with anything you like.

Chocolate Crepe Recipe

Get Loaded

Loaded Baked Sweet Potato

I love a good loaded baked potato but all the usual components (bacon, sour cream, cheese) are not exactly health food.  This is a great alternative with salsa, black beans, seasoned sour cream and a few more ingredients.  Easy enough that you can microwave the potato and filling enough to serve as the main dish.  If you end up with extra topping it's great on nachos.

Loaded Potato Recipe

A Bonefish Favorite

Healthier Bang Bang Shrimp

One of my all-time favorite things to eat when I go out is bang bang shrimp at Bonefish Grill; it's amazing! The bad part is that it's fried and the sauce is loaded with fat.  This lightened up version is a good alternative, but being honest, it's not as good as the original. I would definitely add a little extra red pepper flake or siracha for spice.  Also, make sure the shrimp are dry before cooking them so that there's no excess liquid.

Shrimp Recipe

Chicken Wing Flavor Without the Greasy Fat

Buffalo Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Taste like a buffalo chicken wing dip without all the calories.  The chicken is so easy, set it and leave it in the crockpot until it's ready to fork.  Great flavor but you have to like blue cheese.

Buffalo Chicken Wraps

Bread, the reason why I can't give up carbs...

Strawberry Bread

Who doesn't love a nice soft bread? This reminds me of a moist zucchini bread but better.  The batter has strawberries puréed right into it, my only complaint is that there aren't enough (so why not add more).  I don't know why but people rave about this bread, maybe it's just different, kind of like me.  Make mini loaves to share with your friends or wrap them up tightly to freeze for yourself.  My only caution is that if you make larger loafs, you can't stop, and you'll eat the whole thing. Try it with a little homemade jam for added pizazz.

Strawberry Bread Recipe

Summertime Scones

Strawberry Scones

These scones evolved from a need to use up more of my 20 lbs of strawberries.  These are easier than most scones because they're a drop scone rather than a roll out.  They're also supposed to be healthier with the use of wheat flour which adds a great texture.  Lots of scones are too dry but these are anything but with the strawberries adding the needed moisture.  Now if you're looking for that healthy bran taste, these are great.  My husband was looking for something a little sweeter so I decided to dip the top of each scone in melted butter then a cinnamon sugar mix. Yummy!

Strawberry Scone Recipe

Better than Dinosaur

Crockpot Pulled Pork

I know that if you live in Syracuse you've seen the never ending line that's always present at Dinosaur BBQ.  Many may disagree, but it's not worth the wait when you can make it better, faster, cheaper, and healthier in the comfort of your own home.  I love pulled pork, it kind of reminds me of summertime! It took me a while to get to that point since when I was little my dad's friend would tell me it's " rat meat" when I refused to eat it (of course I wouldn't want to eat it then).  In the past, I've always used a bone-in roast that I'd have to cram into the crockpot but the boneless works so much better and is actually super moist and delicious.  One huge tip, as much as you want to, don't open the crockpot lid to check it (it'll let the steam out and take longer to cook).  Even though I won't waste my time at the restaurant I do still use the Dinosaur BBQ sauce, why, because it's the best!  I top mine with a little coleslaw mix for color and crunch.  I also leave out the liquid smoke because it just doesn't  appeal to my tastebuds. Also, a little extra sauciness never hurt.

Pulled Pork Recipe

Fruity Salsa

Strawberry Jalapeño Salsa

This salsa is very different, but you can't really tell that it's full of strawberries.  If you like a little spice I would add more jalapeños to it.  I tried it on chips but I would recommend serving it over grilled chicken or white fish.

Salsa Recipe

Sweet Little Tarts

Strawberry Tartlets

I whipped these up when I ran out of ice cream (probably from the midnight snacking).  They're a sweet treat and a way to use up a few left over wonton wrappers and fresh strawberries (if you couldn't tell by previous posts, a package of wontons goes a long way).  There are so many elements that make up this seemingly simple dessert, the crunch of the shell, the creaminess of the marscapone, the sweetness of the honey, and the tart fresh strawberries.  I can't wait to go blueberry picking and try the same idea with fresh blueberries and maybe a little lemon zest.

Tart Recipe

Soups Up!

Wonton Soup (the healthy version)

We love getting wonton soup at Chinese restaurants so why not make it at home?  It's actually pretty quick, easy, and healthy.  It's also a much more filling soup than the simple brothy one you get with takeout.  There's lots of vegetables to add to the flavor.  The only think to be careful with is to make sure you don't add the wontons too soon or ruin them when stirring the soup.

Wonton Soup Recipe

Berries and Nuts.. A Squirrels Favorite Salad

Strawberry, Walnuts, and Gorgonzola Salad

This is another bi-product if my mass strawberry picking this year.  For a great salad start with a bed of mixed greens or baby spinach.  Top with slice strawberries, Gorgonzola cheese, and toasted walnuts.  To toast the walnuts place in an oven for 8-10 minutes at 350.  Toasting them really brings out the flavor and softens them.  For a simple dressing, drizzle with a little olive oil and balsamic vinegar.

Easy Spuds

Ranch Roasted Potatoes

Only 3 ingredients: red potatoes, ranch dressing packet, and olive oil.  I love carbs, couldn't give them up for anything.  I'm always looking for healthier ways to eat them.  By roasting these taters instead of frying them, you cut so many calories.  They still taste delicious and form crispy edges.  I'm all about one night stands when it comes to my food; I don't usually make many things twice unless I really love them, but I think I could make these as a side once a week.

Roasted Potatoes

Juiciest Burger

Mushroom Stuffed Cheeseburgers

Never go out for a burger again when you can make these bad boys at home.  I never understood just grilling up a plain burger and adding lots of different toppings so that there's flavor.  I like mine to be stuffed.  These burgers are so juicy, so flavorful, and so big!  I would definitely grill them outside on the barbecue but if you can't a grilling pan will work.  Don't overcook them, a little pink never hurt anyone.  You can take the idea of stuffing them and add just about anything; blue cheese and hot sauce, sundried tomato purée and Parmesan,  fresh mozzarella tomato and basil, any combination that makes your taste buds dance!

Stuffed Burger Recipe

We Be Jammin'

Strawberry Freezer Jam

If you picked 20 lbs of strawberries, like I did, and can't find enough recipes to use them up fast enough; this is an easy jam with no canning process necessary.  Note: if you don't like jam you can freeze your berrie individual on a cookie sheet after washing and hulling them, this way when you put them into a container they don't form a chunk of strawberry mush (thanks Welderts for the tip).   The only part of this jam that's hard is taking the time to hull, wash, and cut up all of the berries.  You can give these as gifts and dress them up with ribbons or stickers.  Just be sure to freeze them unless you're going to refrigerate and use it within 30 days.

Pears on a Pizza?

Red Wine, Pear, and Gorgonzola Pizza

Odd combination but insanely delicious.  The part that really makes this pizza rock is the red wine reduction.  You can also make a balsamic reduction for other pizzas (when wine or vinegar are reduced they take on a natural sweetness in a syrupy form).  Unfortunately, this is not a pizza you make in a hurry, the pear poaching and reduction sauce take time (especially when you have to make it twice).  When making a reduction sauce be sure to watch it and stir frequent until it reaches a syrup consistency.  If you don't you'll end up with a sticky mess burnt to the bottom of your pan.  This pizza goes best on your favorite flatbread style dough recipe.

Wonton Tacos

Sassy Wonton Tacos

I've had something like these as an appetizer at a restaurant but they were fried and probably pre-made.  Usually when I buy wonton wrappers, I always have them left over, this is a great way to use them.  I love the idea of baking the wontons to turn them into mini taco shells!  These are extremely easy and so delicious.  You can serve them as a wowing appetizer for guests or turn them into a light meal.  I can't wait to use these mini taco shells to create all different kinds of wonton tacos.

Wonton Tacos Recipes

Cupcakes for Dinner

Meatloaf Cupcakes with Mashed Potato Frosting

Everyone knows that I love cupcakes, so when I found this recipe for cupcakes for dinner, I had to try it.  They're not only cute but absolutely delicious.  For anyone who has kids, they'd be so much fun to make together and let them pipe on the frosting.  Normally mashed potatoes and meatloaf are thought of as a heavy meal but this one is lightened up with a few changes including turkey instead of beef.  There's many components to the meatloaf so it juicy and flavorful, not dry.  Cupcakes are truly 'sweet'.

Meatloaf Cupcakes

Panini Perfection

Chicken Panini with Arugula, Provolone, and Chipolte Mayo

So quick and so easy for w weeknight winner dinner! I didn't have chicken cutlets so I grilled up a couple chicken breasts and sliced them.  The arugula adds a great spice but you could always add baby spinach as a substitute.  I just got a new panini press and I can't get enough of it.  Melding the sandwich together just makes it that much better and allows the cheese (even though there's only one slice) to ooze throughout the sandwich.  If you don't have a panini press you can always use my old method and just press the sandwich with a spatula while cooking.  The Chipolte mayo adds the precut finishing touch on this sandwich.  If you don't feel like making the mayo, you can buy it in the grocery store, just may not be quite as healthy.

Panini Recipe

Cookie Bouquet

Sugar Cookie Bouquet

Flowers only die so why not give cookies, at least you can eat them!  When I decided to make a cookie bouquet I thought it would be pretty simple but it did take a little tweaking.  I found that working with a cookie glaze instead of frosting isn't the best idea, unless you're looking for it to look like rain drops falling from your bouquet.  You can use any sugar cookie dough you like but make sure you roll it out extra thick.  When placing the cookies on the cookie sheet you'll bake them with the sticks pressed in and covered with an extra flap of dough.  Decorate however you choose but make sure if you're using buttercream that it's thick enough not to run but thin enough that you don't end up with a sore hand after. So much fun and sure to be the talk of a party!