Breakfast

Pumpkin Bread with Maple Chai Glaze

It’s a good time of year to stock up on canned pumpkin because it’s most likely going to be on sale. It adds wonderful flavor to this quick bread but I also love using it in pancakes, cookies and even chili. Serve this bread at your upcoming holiday brunch and prepare to wow your guests! Pumpkin Bread with Maple Chai Glaze

Apple Cake

Fresh, locally grown apples are hard to beat this time of year. The farmers markets are loaded with a variety of them – each one unique in taste, texture and color. Typically for baking you want to go with a more tart apple like Ida Red or Granny Smith, but any variety will work here. Apple Cake

Raspberry Pistachio Baked Oats

I have the best Mom who loves to garden. She’s is always up for a “U-Pick” situation and I’m happy to enjoy the reward! Earlier this week she brought me a quart of fresh picked raspberries and they are soooo good. Reminds me of childhood when I would go out to my Grandpa’s garden and Raspberry Pistachio Baked Oats

Blueberry Peach Sheet Pan Pancake

The farmer’s market here in Michigan is full of delicious produce this time of year. This Saturday I picked up some perfectly ripe peaches and blueberries and wanted a way to enjoy them all week long. This sheet pan pancake method is so easy and works beautifully! You can either serve these pancakes right away Blueberry Peach Sheet Pan Pancake

Fresh Mango Kefir Smoothie

Kefir is a fermented milk that is similar to a drinkable yogurt – full of probiotics that are good for gut health. On it’s own, kefir can be very sour, so I added fresh mango and honey to this smoothie to provide the perfect balance of sweetness. I also added fresh ginger, cinnamon and cayenne Fresh Mango Kefir Smoothie

No-Bake Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

I love having a variety of healthy snacks on-hand whenever I need a pick-me-up – typically mid-morning or mid-afternoon. These bars are a great balance of carbs, protein and fat and are naturally sweetened. I used almonds and dried cranberries for my add-ins, but feel free to use whatever dried fruit and nuts you have No-Bake Chocolate Almond Oat Bars

Bacon, Havarti and Arugula Quiche

With Easter right around the corner, I’ve been starting to think of some tasty brunch items to include on my menu. This quiche is somewhat unique because it uses phyllo dough for the crust instead of pastry dough, providing a wonderful flaky texture. The creamy and slightly sweet Havarti cheese pairs beautifully with the salty Bacon, Havarti and Arugula Quiche

Cardamom Orange Rice Pudding

Rice pudding was one of my Grandma’s favorite desserts, so I always love making it. It’s creamy and comforting and super simple to make. The cardamom adds a wonderful depth of flavor and the orange zest adds brightness. I used golden raisins, pistachios and shredded coconut as my add-ins, but any dried fruit or nuts Cardamom Orange Rice Pudding