Crispy Baked Onion Rings are healthier than they look. Intrigued? Read on! Remember how last week I was craving onion rings? You might have read about it on facebook, and then later on when I mentioned it in my post. Well those who know me will not be surprised to learn that once I get an idea in my head, it doesn't leave very easily. And so onion rings were right on the top of my mind for a couple of days now. And finally I made them. But let me backtrack for a minute. I recently photographed baked onion rings for a photography job I did. (You didn't know that I do freelance photography? Now you do!) And really, that's when the cravings started. Those were baked, but still, not … [Read more...]
Broccoli and Quinoa Salad with Asian Vinaigrette
So I know that we've discussed the crazy sources of my recipes a few times before, but we should probably discuss it again today. The idea for this recipe struck late one night. And by late, I don't mean my usual 1-am-still-baking-cookies late. I mean almost asleep kind of late. And for those of you who know me...that's late! So I opened up one eye, opened up the notes app on my iphone, and typed "quinoa + broccoli salad." And it's been in the back of my brain ever since. At first, I was going to go with a traditional broccoli salad type dressing, but with added quinoa. Then I decided to take the flavors in a different direction. I settled on an asian-inspired dressing, and I am thrilled … [Read more...]
15 Recipes That Helped Me Lose 15 Pounds
***Before we start – have you signed up for my email newsletters? You’ll get new recipes, cooking tips, menu suggestions, kitchen deals – and more! Click here to signup.*** I'm really excited about today's post, but also a little nervous. I love sharing funny little anecdotes with all of you, but I am usually uncomfortable sharing more personal information here. But today I am crossing that barrier to post about something I am very proud of. It started a while ago when I promised myself that I would buy myself the new (and insanely gorgeous) MacBook that I had my eye on for ages when I lost 15 pounds. And since then, I have been dieting hard, more motivated than ever to shed a couple … [Read more...]
Citrus Shallot Salad Dressing
When it comes to eating food repetitively, I think there are two types of people. Those who are totally fine with it, and those who can't face the same food too often. My parents fall into the first category. They both have a habit of finding a food, cuisine, style of cooking, spice, or some other food they enjoy. Then they cook it. And cook it. And cook it again. And so many more times that people like me want to scream at the sight of the repetition. Personally, I need to vary my food. (I can't imagine you're shocked right now.) And while I definitely have old standby foods that I'll fall back on, I'll almost never eat the same food day after day after day. And when I do, you know that … [Read more...]
World’s Best Healthy Oatmeal Protein Cookies
Hey friends. I haven't been posting much lately, but I blame that on a combination of a humongous magazine deadline and serious dieting. I'm finally done with my deadline, so I figured I'd share one of my greatest diet recipe triumphs ever. Ok, so I know that diet and cookies don't seem to belong in the same sentence. And in most cases I'm inclined to agree. But sometimes even a serious dieter needs a treat, and if you're going for a treat, this is a less guilt inducing option than most cookies. There's a secret ingredient in these cookies that gives them a phenomenal texture and an added bit of protein. Don't let it scare you off though, because these cookies taste dee-lish-us. Healthy … [Read more...]
Chicken in Mushroom Sauce
I've been saving this recipe for ages. Why, you ask? Well, I don't really know. It's one of my favorite recipes to make, it's totally versatile, it's a meal in a pot, it's gluten free and healthy...do I need to go on? I was going to post this forever-ago, then I got side tracked with stuff like purim and I kinda forgot about this recipe. Then I cooked it for supper tonight (it's simmering on my stove right now and it smells amazing and I was all oh. I never posted this recipe. And then I realized how passover friendly this recipe is, and I knew it was going to have to get featured. Regarding passover (who gets all stressed out when I start discussing Passover? Just me?), this recipe's … [Read more...]
Healthy Blueberry Muffins
Can we talk about names for a minute? I have a pet peeve. I know, my name is somewhat unusual. Okay, in the Orthodox Jewish world, Miriam is about as common of a name as you get, but in the general world, Miriam isn't very common. It's okay, I run with it. But here's the thing. Nobody can seem to get my name right. People call me at work, and I introduce myself as Miriam. "Did you say Maya?" I used to correct them, but I learned better. Just go with it. "That's right. Mary Anne." "Yes, I did say Maria." I don't bother, people don't get it either way. So the first part of my pet peeve is people who get my name wrong, then proceed to use it way too many times in the course of our … [Read more...]
Healthy Chocolate Cheesecake Pancakes
I love weekends. And I know what you're thinking. "Duh. We all do." But I have an extra love for weekends, and it's called pancakes. I know, I know, I've discussed this before, but I have a feeling most of you weren't around back then, so let me reiterate. Weekday breakfasts in my world consist of an enormous cup of coffee as I start up my computer at work, followed by a bowl of cereal and milk about an hour later. And in case any of you thought that bowl of cereal was a treat of any sort, let me clarify. When I say bowl, I actually mean a cup. As in the awful little Styrofoam cups that my company expects us to drink out of. And I have a theory about my cereal that is proven … [Read more...]
Quinoa and Spinach Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Let's talk about a pet peeve of mine. I probably mentioned this here before, but it's my blog, and I'll kvetch if I want to. Why in the world to people have this idea that healthy food and good food are mutually exclusive? Listen to me folks. Let me say it loud and clear (or type it nice and bold. Work with me here): Good food can and should taste good! I think I have proven this a bunch of times here. Take my Spicy Zucchini Sticks, for example. They are healthy, but they are also boldly flavored, insanely delicious and kinda addictive. Or what about my Healthy Breaded Cauliflower? Ok, so they have some whole wheat bread crumbs, so some of you might not find them healthy enough, but for … [Read more...]
Asian Chicken Salad with Peanut Vinaigrette
So who's planning to start the year with some healthy eating? You too? Well I guess we're all in the same boat here. Good news, I've got the most delicious salad I've ever made to share with you today. Y'know how some people say that diet food doesn't taste good? Well. That isn't true. And I'm going to prove it to you as soon as you taste this salad. Let's first step back so I can tell you what it's like to live in my head. It was about 2 in the morning and I was finally drifting off to sleep. Sadly for me, this is the time of day when I often have my best ideas. (Does this happen to anyone else?!) So there I am in bed, and I have this super cool idea. What would happen, I wonder, if I … [Read more...]