I love avocados and because they’re so nutritionally dense, it’s good to use them in lots of dishes, not just guacamole. For example, this week I taught a group of cooking class students how to make a sweet and spicy chocolate avocado pudding and even the picky eaters went back for seconds. In this recipe, … Honey-Orange Glazed Salmon with Crunchy Avocado Slaw
Weeknight meals are meant to be quick and simple, but that doesn’t mean they should lack nutritional value or flavor. Stuffed shells are a family favorite, but they normally are stuffed with cheese only. I decided to add turkey sausage for a protein punch, giardiniera for a slightly spicy kick and arugula for a peppery … Italian Turkey Sausage and Arugula Stuffed Shells
You don’t have to have all day to prepare (what your friends and family will think) is a gourmet meal. The sweet cherries and nutty Gorgonzola are in irresistible combo in this creamy filling. This is the perfect date night meal or meal for entertaining friends. I paired mine with couscous, but this would also … Gorgonzola and Cherry Stuffed Chicken with Lemon-Parsley Sauce
Butternut squash is one of my absolute favorite fall vegetables. It’s sweet flavor pairs perfectly in this dish with the spicy green chiles. And while these enchiladas are vegetarian, I don’t think for one second you’ll be missing the meat. If you have any leftovers, these are wonderful reheated the next day as well. 1. … Green Chile Butternut Squash Enchiladas
If you grew up in Michigan, you know this cold, rainy weather was bound to get here at some point (boo). But warm soups and stews really help to brighten the day – and who doesn’t love an excuse to eat comfort food? In this case, this comforting meal is actually good for you, too! … Red Wine Braised Lentils with Creamy Yukon Gold Puree
If you’re looking for a quick dinner that’s packed with protein and veggies, look no further. Portobello mushrooms are the perfect vessel for the delicious sausage and veggie filling. And the basil cream sauce (which is much lower calorie than your average cream sauce) brings all the flavors together. After we finished our dinner, Josh … Sausage Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms with Basil Cream Sauce
As turkey day approaches (my favorite holiday), I can’t help but start to crave those yummy flavors. I mean, who doesn’t love turkey and cranberry sauce? These burgers are sure to be a family favorite and they are a dish you can feel good about eating since they’re full of lean protein! 1. Combine aioli … Turkey Meatloaf Burgers with Cranberry Aioli
This is the type of dish you would find on a fancy dinner menu, but it’s so simple and definitely something you can easily make at home. The bacon and cranberries in the succotash give you that satisfying sweet and salty bite, while the salmon and beans provide a hearty amount of quality protein. 1. … Pan-Seared Salmon with Bacon, Cranberry and Northern Bean Succotash
This weekend, my husband and I traveled to the upper peninsula of Michigan where whitefish seems to always be on the menu. This fish’s flaky texture and buttery flavor make it one of my favorites. The salty olives and capers, sweet golden raisins and toasty walnuts make a perfect topping with the crispy fish. And … Pan-Fried Whitefish with Warm Olive and Walnut Topping
If you plan on having a dinner party soon, this is a great side dish option. It’s not only beautiful, but the flavors are unique and simply satisfying. The sweet squash and grapes are irresistible when roasted and they pair wonderfully with the sage, Gorgonzola and toasty pinenuts. If you can’t find orecchiette pasta, substitute … Roasted Butternut Squash and Grape Orecchiette Pasta with Gorgonzola and Pinenuts
