Chai Pear Quinoa-Oat Breakfast Bake with Vanilla Ricotta Cream

This post is sponsored by Whole Foods Market 365, however all opinions, ideas, recipes and enthusiasm remain my own!

September is Better Breakfast Month, and I’m all about “making my day” with a healthy, balanced breakfast brimming with good things like whole grains, fruits, and protein.  My Chai Pear Quinoa-Oat Breakfast Bake with Vanilla Ricotta Cream offers all this wholesome goodness and more (did I mention caffeine?), plus the big casserole is perfect for portioning into single serves for freezer meal prep. Chai Pear Quinoa Oat Breakfast Bake with Vanilla Ricotta Cream

Another thing that “makes my day” is shopping at Whole Foods Market 365 (Cedar Park). It’s where I picked up all the fresh, organic ingredients for this make-ahead breakfast recipe. And, it’s also my go-to store to grab ingredients and prepped foods to fuel my active lifestyle filled with running, obstacle course racing, weight lifting, yoga, paddle boarding, being a mom to three boys and more. Continue reading

9 Ways to Stretch Summer into Any Season

i This post is sponsored by prAna and I was provided product and/or compensation for my time. However, all opinions, editorial and enthusiasm remain entirely my own.

Summer is a state of mind, not only a season. I remind myself this time and time again when I start seeing shorter days and dropping temperatures. Thankfully, where I live, we take our heat straight into fall, but in a few short months I will be morning the hibernation of flip flops, tank tops and lazy, late nights on the porch.  

9 Ways to Stretch Summer into Any Season

So, this summer-loving girl has found easy ways to make the feel-good vibes of summer last as long as possible.  By the way, you’ll notice I have lots of fun, functional clothing to set me free to do the things I love in any season – it’s all from prAna.com (and you can save 15% with my discount code ESJFF15) Continue reading

Baked Butternut Squash Dip

Holiday get-togethers are starting to gear up, from Halloween potlucks in the cul-de-sac to Thanksgiving gatherings, soon enough! When I need an autumn recipe that’s easy (but looks like I took some time with it) and healthy (but seems rich and indulgent), my blender recipe for Baked Butternut Ricotta Dip is a favorite to share.

Ranch Butternut Ricotta Dip bread in pan

Read on to get all the recipe details and find out my secret ingredient in this comforting, ooey-gooey appetizer. Continue reading

Lightened Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake (gluten free option)

Autumn means ALL the pumpkin-spiced things! It’s a seasonal craze I can support  — and, by support, I mean “hold up to my mouth and shove in!”Lightened Pumpkin Crumb Cake - gluten-free

So, with the hubby’s birthday right in the smack of pumpkin month, I don’t even ask him what flavor cake he wants. He’d normally say “chocolate,” but in September, October and November, the only option is pumpkin spice. Check out my Lightened Pumpkin Spice Crumb Cake (gluten-free), get the recipe and find out what yumminess I served it with. Continue reading

Chipotle Butternut Squash Enchiladas – Vegetarian & Gluten-Free

Enchiladas are an easy, make-ahead family meal that gets my Tex-Mex loving family congregating in the kitchen early to count-down the oven timer. When the teenage boys found out I was serving vegetarian Chipotle Butternut Squash Enchiladas they seemed a little bummed about missing the meat. One said, “Well, at least there’s lots of butter and nuts”!  Chipotle Butternut Squash Enchiladas

After I educated him on this sizable squash (which is technically a fruit) packed with fiber, potassium, magnesium and vitamins like C, A & E, he took his plate with an eye roll. But, soon his plate was licked clean and he was coming back for more – read on to find out why and get the recipe! Continue reading