Chai Tea Spiced Apple Muffins (Vegan)

One of the most requested foods my oldest son asks me to bake when he comes home from college to visit is a big batch of muffins. From pumpkin muffins to blueberry muffins to banana chocolate chip muffins, I’m always happy to oblige my son!  With limited cooking skills, he’s very grateful – at least I think that’s him saying “thank you” with his mouth stuffed full of my newest muffin Vegan Chai Tea Spiced Apple MuffinsVegan Chai Apple Muffins

These are perfect to make ahead for quick breakfasts and snacks, plus they freeze fabulously – so of course extra were made to send back to college. Read on to get the full recipe and the cookbook that inspired these easy vegan muffins.  Continue reading

Light Truffle Mushroom Burger Queso

When it comes to appetizers, are you looking for a starting player for your football parties and other fall-season entertaining? It’s the winning call to move my Light Truffle Mushroom Burger Queso to the top of any line up. This creative hamburger-inspired dip is insanely flavorful, fun to serve, and quite likely to cause a celebration dance in the chip-and-dip zone.  Light Truffle Mushroom Burger Queso

Oh, and did I mention that in the scheme of indulgent, creamy, cheesy dips, this queso is not the diet disaster that you might assume it to be? I’ve lightened it by using lower-fat milk and cheeses along with lean ground beef! Read on to get all the deets and this winning recipe. Continue reading

Peak Week OCR Gym Workout + Spartan Strong Life Time Fitness

This post is sponsored by  Life Time Fitness, however all opinions, workout suggestions, and enthusiasm are strictly my own. 

Spartan Race discount code 2026: UBST26-355637C - Valid on: • Spartan Sprint, Stadion, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids. • Tough Mudder 5k, Tough Mudder 15k, Tough Mudder Infinity. • Endurance events • Trail events. • DEKAFIT events.

In a perfect world, obstacle course racing training would happen in the great outdoors. What could be more magnificent (and challenging) than charging up a mountain, leaping across creeks and hauling around rocks and logs? But, let’s be real, for many of us, it’s hard to get to Mother Nature’s gym on a regular basis. Towel Pull Ups Life Time Fitness

Between work schedules, kid’s activities, inclement weather (cold and hot), and too many accidents running in the dark, I’ve redirected about 75% of my obstacle course training to the gym. I’ve been a member of Life Time Fitness for several months now and have never been at a loss for equipment to get a fierce solo workout accomplished, for a fun and motivating group fitness class to join, or for other amenities to keep me strong, adaptable and resilient for my upcoming Spartan World Championship in Lake Tahoe on Sept 30.  Read on to get my Peak Week Spartan Training Gym Workout and also find out about some ways that Life Time Fitness is helping me reach my athletic goals – and can you too! 

Continue reading

Bacon Asiago Roasted Broccoli

You can’t go wrong with broccoli. It’s green and good for you filled with vitamins, fiber and other important nutrients. Even though it’s only 50 calories per cup, there are nearly 5 grams of protein in there! Bacon Asiago Roasted Broccoli

However, soggy, over-steamed broccoli is not a friend of mine; my kids run away screaming, too. But oven-roasted broccoli is another thing, the family fights over it . . . and my Bacon Asiago Roasted Broccoli takes this goodness to a whole ‘nutha level. Read on and get the recipe. Continue reading

Beef and Blue Cheese Monte Cristo with Cherries

Sunday is National Monte Cristo Day (9/17), proving once again that we Americans love to celebrate all things food. The yummy dish reminds me of a collision between French toast and a lunch box ham sandwich – the traditional version, a favorite during my childhood, is made with ham and cheese book-ended between white bread, dipped in an egg mixture and then pan fried or even deep fried (gasp) with raspberry preserves and powdered sugar to garnish! Crazy yum!

Beef Blue Cheese Cherry Monte Cristo

Of course, I’m anything but traditional so today I’m sharing my even more brazen version of this classic sammie – a Beef Blue Cheese Monte Cristo with Cherries! Read on to get all the juicy details and recipe. Continue reading