Personal-sized Charcuterie Boards in Egg Roll Wrapper Boats

This post is sponsored by JSL foods as part of Twin Dragon Blogger Recipe Challenge Contest — however, all opinions, content and enthusiasm remain my own.

As we roll into the season finale of 2020, I’m kicking back to celebrate at home with a Personal-sized Charcuterie Board & Cheese Tray (served in an edible egg roll wrapper boat). Not only is it a great time to enjoy New Year’s Even appetizers, but also to hit rewind in my mind to revisit the top lessons I’ve learned during this challenging year.

Personal Sized Charcuterie with Edible Egg Roll Wrapper Boat

These lessons would include: 1) Enjoy the moment, 2) Keep the party at home, 3) Make creative use of ingredients on hand, 4) Simple indulgences can lift spirits, and 5) Find fellowship . . . but keep your social distance! And, to that last one, I also respectfully say (even to my own kids), keep your grubby fingers out of my snacks, please. Lol, and in response to all these life lessons is the creation of my individually-portioned meat and cheese “trays” made from egg roll wrappers! Continue reading

Maple Banana Mug Muffin – Gluten-free, No Added Sugar

When you wake up more frazzled than fabulous, you can still make yourself an amazing warm breakfast in minutes and redirect the salvaged time toward getting your life in order for the day. Welcome to my recipe for Maple Banana Mug Muffin, a delicious “hug in a mug” that is designed to both fuel you up properly and minimize morning chaos.

This easy mug muffin cooks up in 1 minute and provides a warm, nourishing breakfast on your busiest days! Gluten-free.

So, don’t even thing about grabbing a bar or eating cereal out of the box– this two-minute mug muffin can be prepped and cooked before your coffee finishes brewing.

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Apple-Pecan Quinoa Oat Breakfast Bake – Gluten-free, Dairy-free

Hello, and welcome to possibly to the one millionth flavor combination of my beloved morning meal — Apple-Pecan Quinoa Oat Breakfast Bake. While it’s a traditional flavor pairing with apples, pecans, raisins, cinnamon, and hints of vanilla, the baked oatmeal base is a bit unique as it co-mingles with the ancient “grain,” quinoa.

apple pecan quinoa oat bake tray meal prep

About 10 years ago, when I discovered that steel cut oats and quinoa cook up to the perfect, soft but slightly toothsome texture in the SAME amount of time, I started making these healthy grain breakfast bakes like an starved and obsessed woman. With every batch, a different combination of flavors (like the last was Pumpkin Peanut Butter Quinoa Oat Bake) – always delicious and great to cook ahead to have a balanced breakfast on had for busy mornings. Continue reading

PB & J Greek Yogurt Dip (with Raspberry Chia Quick Jam)

Peanut butter and jelly is a nostalgic childhood flavor combo, am I right?! I’ve transformed the delicious duo into a creamy Greek yogurt dip swirled with a ribbon of homemade “jam” made from frozen raspberries and chia seeds. It’s ideal for dunking in apple slices, jicama sticks, cinnamon pita chips, or however you want to freestyle it! Peanut Butter and Jelly Greek Yogurt Dip

Treat the kids (and yourself) to this smart protein snack with (no added sugar) that can be whipped up in minutes. Get the recipe for PB&J Greek Yogurt Dip today and start dipping, dunking, drizzling . . . or just dive in!

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Beef Mushroom Quinoa Chili

I put a spin on classic Texas beef chili by adding mushrooms and quinoa. Beef Mushroom Quinoa Chili (gasp), what?! Sit down if you need to, let that sink in. It may be a little unconventional but, darn, if it isn’t just as spicy, satisfying and downright delicious as old-school chili. I think if hard-pressed, even strict chili enthusiasts would have to agree.   Beef Mushroom Quinoa Chili

So why did I put mushrooms and quinoa in classic Texas-style beef chili, you ask? I’ll admit, first was out of practical necessity – I *thought* I had a little more ground beef in the freezer than I actually did. I figured adding mushrooms (which everyone knows pair well with beef) and quinoa (which has a similar texture of ground beef) would help me stretch the recipe — which it did indeed! But there are other benefits too! Read on to get the recipe and learn all the benefits of this beef chili with mushrooms and quinoa. Continue reading