Apple Walnut Chia-Oat Bake | Gluten Free, Lower Carb, High Fiber

Apple Walnut Chia-Oat Bake is wholesomely delicious, filled with bushels of fall flavor and hearty goodness to keep you energized for every autumn endeavor. Apple Walnut Chia-Oat Bake

Dairy-free, table-sugar free, gluten-free and perfectly sized to feed a big family and also fantastic for meal prepping –  cut into single servings and pop in the freezer until needed. Continue reading

Mediterranean Walnut Picadillo | Plant-based Pantry Recipe

Disclaimer: I received free samples of California Walnuts mentioned in this post. By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by California Walnuts and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

Because grocery shopping is challenging right now, my recipe for Mediterranean Walnut Picadillo makes use of pantry items and basic ingredients commonly stocked in most kitchens. Mediterranean Walnut Picadillo - Plant-based Pantry Recipe

Plus, this easy savory walnut recipe is plant-based and suitable for a variety of diet types including vegan and gluten-free along with Paleo and Whole30 if you drop the rice it’s served on. Read on to learn how to make a walnut meat alternative and create this tasty dish! Continue reading

Blue Cheese Stuffed Strawberries & Fit Foodie 5k

Blue Cheese & Walnut Stuffed Strawberries make a delicious appetizer or sweet-savory dessert!Happy Mother’s Day to all the mamas out there! If you’re looking to surprise your mom with a gourmet treat my Blue Cheese & Walnut Stuffed Strawberries are a bold choice! I always see chocolate-dipped berries at the store, but this sweet-savory fruit option makes the perfect prelude to dinner, especially when paired with a glass of wine or sparkling water.

Blue Cheese & Walnut Stuffed Strawberries make a delicious appetizer or sweet-savory dessert!

This fruit and cheese recipe is also a spectacular appetizer to bring to either a fancy cocktail party or casual backyard get-together. It can just be our little secret that this healthy recipe only takes 15 minutes or less to prepare, and no cooking! And, I’m partial to Artisan Reserve Blue Cheese Crumbles from Litehouse Foods, look for it in the gourmet cheese section of your market.  Recipe at the bottom of the post!

The Fit Foode 5k and Race Weekend in Austin, TXAnd, speaking of healthy, yummy food, I want to announce that the Fit Foodie Race Weekend will be in Austin June 24 – 26, 2016. You DO NOT want to miss the epic event for the health-minded epicurean! I have been an ambassador for the race all three years it’s come to Austin, and it is absolutely my favorite 5k! Hosted by Cooking Light and Health Magazine, this is a food and fitness lover’s weekend dream come true – running, workouts and really good food!  There are pre-race parties and post-race parties and yoga, workouts, cooking demos and an over-the-top expo area – as they say, calories burned, calories earned!  The Fit Foodie Race Weekend really is amazing! Plus, this year, marathon superstars Bill Rodgers and Ryan Hall will be making appearance – I’m bringing my selfie stick! Early registration is only $35 for the 5k and entrance into the John Hancock Vitality Village.  Plus, use my discount code FITFORK for an additional 10% off! Register HERE!

Do you have a favorite fruit appetizer? Have you ever run the Fit Foodie 5k (in addition to Austin, the race is also in San Diego, Fairfax and Tampa)? Or, tell me one of your top fun 5ks! Please share in the comments below – xoxo, Jennifer 

 

 

Blue Cheese & Walnut Stuffed Strawberries
Prep Time
15 mins
Total Time
15 mins
 
Course: Appetizer, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Servings: 24 appetizers
Ingredients
  • 12 large strawberries (approx. ½ lb)
  • 2 ounces whipped cream cheese
  • 1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts
  • 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
  1. Slice strawberries in half lengthwise, leaving some of the green top on each half.
  2. With the back of a spoon, scoop out a very small amount of the inner flesh if the berry doesn’t naturally have a significant hollowed center.
  3. In small bowl, mix together cream cheese, blue cheese and walnuts with a small spatula until well combined.
  4. Place about a 1 teaspoon dollop of cheese mixture in the center of each berry half, slightly pressing down to “set” in place.
  5. Drizzle strawberries with honey and sprinkle on a bit more blue cheese, if desired.