Tag Archives: Quick and Easy

Whole Wheat Chocolate Zucchini Muffins

I wasn’t kidding the other day when I said I was trying to get my fill of zucchini before the season is over.  I’m even putting it in my desserts!  Ha!  If you have never tried zucchini in a baked good, like zucchini bread, or these chocolate muffins, you’re missing out.   The zucchini keeps these muffins moist, which is important to consider when baking with whole wheat flour.

Whole wheat zucchini muffins

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Squash Ribbons with Cheese Ravioli

I am trying to savor all the zucchini and summer squash I can right now because I know the season will be behind us soon.  These quick growing squash varieties are my favorite kinds of squash.  I love the fresh mild flavor and their versatility; you can put them in with almost anything!

Ravioli with squash ribbons

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Baked Tortilla Chips

Every time I buy a large package of corn tortillas we never seem to get them used up before they start to go stale.  Food waste is unacceptable in my house, so I have been searching for a way to use up leftover tortillas after we are out of taco fixings. These chips are the perfect answer.

Serve with salsa

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Farmers Market Quesadilla

I needed a quick, single serving, lunch today and this quesadilla hit the mark!  I went to the farmers market this morning knowing that I had one tortilla left over in the fridge.  I circled like a vulture checking out all the fresh produce trying to decide what I should fill the tortilla with.

Farmers Market Quesadilla

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Homemade Steak Fries

Everyone has a different opinion on fries.  Some like them crinkle cut, waffle cut, or even curly fries.  Shapes are nice.  Some like their french fries thin, like shoe string style.  Me, I like my french fries thick, like these steak fries.  The outsides are golden brown and crispy, the insides are moist and soft.

Golden Brown Steak Fries

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Pecan Cardamom Cookies

I do not usually eat a lot of desserts; I’m just not into sweets that much.  Maybe its because sugar makes me bounce off the walls.  Or maybe it’s because desserts tend to be calorie bombs that don’t lend themselves to wholesome ingredients.  These cookies satisfied all my needs for a healthy dessert, and they even passed the approval test of my fiance’s co-workers!

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Seitan Skewers with Blueberry Balsamic Relish

So, what is seitan you ask?  Great question!   Pronounced satan, it is a vegetarian meat substitute made from wheat gluten, commonly known as the wheat meat.  It can easily be found at health food stores, or you can make it at home.  There are numerous seitan recipes out there with various results.  It all depends on the cooking method and the desired texture.  Someday I will make a post all about cooking seitan, but today we are looking at these skewers with blueberry balsamic relish!

Serve with CornBlueberry Balsamic Salsa Continue reading

Peach Pizza with Blue Cheese and Balsamic Drizzle

Peach pizza with blue cheese and balsamic drizzle

This recipe is a very different twist on pizza.  Fresh peaches make it a summertime classic.  Blue cheese and a balsamic reduction drizzle take this peach pizza over the top!  I remember the first time I saw the idea for this recipe and I couldn’t wait to try!  Find yourself some peaches while they are still in season, you’ll thank me. Continue reading

Simple Bean Enchiladas

Enchiladas are one of my favorite week night dinners.  All you have to do is stuff a tortilla, smother in sauce and cheese, and bake.  Easy.  You can stuff an enchilada with almost anything it seems.  However, the more ingredients you use, the more prep work you have.  And you need a filling that will hold together instead of tumbling out of the enchilada with every chance.

Simple Bean enchilads

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Potato Pancakes with Dilled Sour Cream and Smoked Trout

My family loves smoked trout.  We always make big batches when the family gathers and I love to bring home leftovers to play with in the kitchen.  This recipe using smoked trout is very simple, yet very elegant.

A_Merge trout and potato

First is the potato pancakes.  These hash brown-like patties serve as the base for this dish and use grated russet potatoes, olive oil, salt and pepper.  Making the pancake crispy requires removing liquid from the potatoes.  I simply took handfuls of grated potato and squeezed out excess moisture over the sink.  If you have kids, this could be a fun way for them to contribute in the kitchen!

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