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

How to Make Canned Soup More Nutritious – Easy Health Boosts!

This post in sponsored by Now Foods. However, all content, opinions and enthusiasm remain my own. This post also contains affiliate links. Thank you for supporting amazing companies that stand behind The Fit Fork.

December is always a hectic time of year for me. This year it’s been compounded by extra worries and stress, and likely for you too! I am constantly reminding myself that eating well by focusing on nourishing food (and not just holiday junk) is so important for my sports performance and overall well-being.Easy Upgrades to Make Canned Soup More Nutritiious

 

It may sound almost contradictory, but I like to stock my pantry with canned soups ensure that I have a healthy, quick meal just minutes away, no matter what. No shame in the canned soup game, read on to find out some easy nutrition boosts for canned soup – and any other type of shelf-stable convenience soup from carton, jar, or pouch.

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Mashed Rosemary Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onions

If you’re like me, you are probably not a fan of the super sugary-tasting sweet potato casseroles that appear everywhere during the Thanksgiving and the winter holidays. Rosemary Mashed Sweet Potatoes

To me, these orange root vegetables are already SWEET, no need for added sugar, marshmallows or other nonsense. Read on to get the recipe for Mashed Rosemary Sweet Potatoes with Caramelized Onions – it’ savory (offset by natural light sweetness) and simply delicious.  Continue reading