These Amazing BBQ chicken wings are slow-grilled and slathered in a classic Buffalo wing sauce. Make plenty because everyone will want seconds! Continue reading “BBQ Grilled Chicken Wings” »
These Amazing BBQ chicken wings are slow-grilled and slathered in a classic Buffalo wing sauce. Make plenty because everyone will want seconds!
[Artwork by Danielle Coke] This week has been absolutely heartbreaking, to say the least. It’s hard to believe that so many (including me) thought that “2020 would be such a great year!” and it seems like every day, we are hearing something more terrible than the day before. I am sick and heartbroken and outraged […]
This week has been absolutely heartbreaking, to say the least. It’s hard to believe that so many (including me) thought that “2020 would be such a great year!” and it seems like every day, we are hearing something more terrible than the day before.
I am sick and heartbroken and outraged at the death of George Floyd and the many racial injustices that have gone on, frankly, the entire time I’ve been on this earth.
My instagram has become a rather robotic space of food and recipes and it’s been years since I’ve shared much of anything nonfood related there. If you’ve read my blog for all the years I’ve been writing, I hope you know my heart.I haven’t been staying silent on social media out of complicity, but rather because I didn’t want to come off as performative or seem as if I was virtue signaling, simply reposting something about these issues now when I haven’t publicly done so in the past. I don’t feel that only posting or reposting something on social media is doing enough, and I want to be sure that I’m taking action in my personal life.
Out of everything shared this week I have found this anti-racism resource list to be the most comprehensive. If you have kids, I encourage you to follow theconsciouskid instagram for tons of resources that have been extremely helpful to me right now – seriously, each post is more informative than the last. If you are a lover of fiction like I am, here is a great list of anti-racist fiction to start with. I’ve read a few of those but added most to my list now and am going to actively search out more going forward.
I want you to know that I teach (and will continue to teach!) our children about the injustice in our world – and I speak openly about these issues in our home, where I know my influence is the most important.
I’m glad I have started these weekly posts this year, as they feel like my most authentic space. I write this here as my blog is my largest platform, and I have a space to write something personal, where it won’t get lost in a recipe.
Lacy brought my these peonies this week. She is back to work with me after our stay at home orders were loosened.
Max’s chalk art. I LOVE IT. This boy loves color like I do.
Emilia and her bubbly volcano.
My mom’s window box is one of my favorite things she plants.
This week we went to a local farm to see a few animals. The kids loved it, but it started to pour while we were there.
I this it was misting and drizzling here. Ha. We got soaked which the kids thought was hilarious.
We had some killer sunsets this week, before and after storms.
Every time Max sees a sunset, he screams WE HAVE TO GO TAKE A PICTURE MAMA!! I love how the puddles are pink from the sky here.
Another reason I wasn’t on social much this week – working on my first round of book copy edits that a due tomorrow! 300+ pages to go through, OMG.
Switched it up from my house salad to the TJ’s mediterranean salad kit.
Mango Breakfast Chia Pudding is a great way to start the day. This chia pudding is super nutritious. It is vegan, dairy-free, gluten free, and naturally sweetened.
I’ve been feeling like my breakfasts needed a jolt of inspiration, and this mango breakfast chia pudding is a step in the right direction. It’s creamy from nut milk, naturally sweetened with pure mango puree, and you can top it with as many nuts, seeds, and powders as you like.
I asked a bunch of you about your breakfast routines (here on Instagram), and was floored by the nearly 600 responses! If chia pudding isn’t your jam, definitely check out the breakfast comments attached to that photo – SO many great alternate ideas.
Chia Pudding for Breakfast! Start the Day Strong.
Today’s recipe, it’s super simple. First of all, I love chia for breakfast. Chia seeds are protein and fiber-rich, and are the richest plant-based source of omega-3 fatty acids. You can read more about why chia is often thought of as a superfood here. In practice, they keep me full, are a great vehicle for flavors I love, and are wonderfully versatile.
Make it Your Way
This chia pudding is super nutritious. It is vegan, dairy-free, gluten free, and naturally sweetened. As I mention above, you can boost it with as few, or as many toppings as you like. If you have a look at the photo below, you’ll see toasted almonds, shichimi togarashi spice (or use a pinch of cayenne), bee pollen, frozen mango pureed with a hand blender, banana chips, quinoa crispies or crisped brown rice.
Also, chia seeds are just cool in general. It’s because of the way chia seeds expand and gel up that the whole concept of chia pudding works. In addition, you can sprout chia seeds, use them to thicken dressings, or as a base for chia puddings like this one. They’re great!
Add some crunch!
Lastly, the crunch factor, let’s talk about it! It’s important. I like crunchy toppings on chia puddings, and the more the better. It contrasts with the the way chia gels. Banana chips are great, quinoa crispies are another favorite, and you can’t go wrong with toasted nuts and seeds. Enjoy!
Mini Pancake Cereal is the latest Tiktok trend, so versatile you can serve them with anything you want! I made them healthier with my banana pancake recipe and topped them with tons of fresh fruit. Pancake Cereal Pancake cereal is the latest food trend on TikTok and Instagram. For anyone who hasn’t seen it, pancake […]
Mini Pancake Cereal is the latest Tiktok trend, so versatile you can serve them with anything you want! I made them healthier with my banana pancake recipe and topped them with tons of fresh fruit.
Pancake Cereal
Pancake cereal is the latest food trend on TikTok and Instagram. For anyone who hasn’t seen it, pancake cereal is tiny pancakes eaten like cereal in a bowl with a spoon. You can use any pancake batter you like, try them with my Whole Wheat Pancake Recipe or make them full size like these Heart-Shaped Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes.
Overnight oats are a quick and easy way to eat a healthy breakfast. They take minutes to assemble the night before you need to eat them. Enjoy these fresh Strawberry Buttermilk Overnight Oats straight from the fridge. Continue reading “Str…
Overnight oats are a quick and easy way to eat a healthy breakfast. They take minutes to assemble the night before you need to eat them. Enjoy these fresh Strawberry Buttermilk Overnight Oats straight from the fridge.
Have you ever tried za’atar? The word actually refers to two things: an herb related to thyme and oregano and a Middle Eastern spice blend. Here, we’ll be focusing on the spice. It’s herby, nutty, tangy, and salty, and it’s a se…
Have you ever tried za’atar? The word actually refers to two things: an herb related to thyme and oregano and a Middle Eastern spice blend. Here, we’ll be focusing on the spice. It’s herby, nutty, tangy, and salty, and it’s a seasoning that you absolutely want to be cooking with. Though you can find za’atar seasoning at Middle Eastern grocery stores and spice shops, it’s still not widely available in the US. If you can get your hands on a good store bought blend, I encourage you to try it, but you should also make your own. That way, you’ll […]
Who else is feeling like it’s full blown summer now?! Lots of delicious options below for the week ahead… This week, let’s kick things off with the best ever tomato soup and a grilled cheese! It’s one of the only soups I eat regardless of the season. It’s incredible. Fish tacos with mango margarita salsa […]
Who else is feeling like it’s full blown summer now?!
Lots of delicious options below for the week ahead…
This week, let’s kick things off with the best ever tomato soup and a grilled cheese! It’s one of the only soups I eat regardless of the season. It’s incredible.
Every now and then I like to share things with you that aren’t exactly “recipes” but are just the random bowl meals that I make out of things found in my fridge. I’ve discovered so many great flavor combinations by experimenting with these bowl meals and I hope they inspire you as well. This Cottage […]
Every now and then I like to share things with you that aren’t exactly “recipes” but are just the random bowl meals that I make out of things found in my fridge. I’ve discovered so many great flavor combinations by experimenting with these bowl meals and I hope they inspire you as well. This Cottage Cheese Crab Bowl is my most recent favorite. It’s light and fresh for this early summer heat, but still filling enough to serve as a whole meal (for me, at least).
What’s In This Bowl
This cottage cheese crab bowl was inspired by the classic sushi roll, the California roll, which contains crab (or often times imitation crab), cucumber, and avocado. I had been seeing imitation crab every time I stopped and Aldi and I eventually started craving it, so I bought a pack, I grabbed a cucumber, and threw them on top of the cottage cheese I had in my fridge. I also went a step further and sprinkled on a little bit of Everything Bagel Seasoning, and a light drizzle of sriracha for fun. It’s not fancy, but it’s soooo good!
P.S. If you have avocado on hand, it would go marvelously with these flavors, just like it does in the California roll.
What is Everything Bagel Seasoning?
Everything bagel seasoning has been taking the food market by storm lately. It’s basically the mix of ingredients that you’d find on top of an “everything” bagel, or sesame seeds, poppy seeds, flakey salt, dehydrated garlic, and dehydrated onion. I’m not sure who marketed this seasoning blend first, but the first time I saw it was at Trader Joes. It’s gotten so popular lately that several other grocery stores are now making their own version, including Kroger and Aldi.
What is Imitation Crab?
Imitation crab might throw some people off, and I totally get it. Imitation crab is basically fish that has been processed to taste and look more like crab. It’s probably not the most wholesome choice of proteins, but it’s so much less expensive than real crab and since I only eat it maybe once a year, I’m not going to sweat it. I’m all about everything in moderation, and I encourage everyone to make the food choices that they are comfortable with. Here is a great article from Healthline breaking down exactly what imitation crab is and how it compares to real crab, so you can decide for yourself: What is Imitation Crab and Should I Eat It?
Can I Substitute…
The whole idea of a “bowl meal” is that you allow yourself to be a little experimental, throw in whatever you have, and just go with it. So, can you substitute the imitation crab? Sure, go with what you have. Maybe a soft boiled egg, some canned tuna, real crab, cooked salmon, or smoked salmon. Can you substitute the Everything Bagel Seasoning? Sure, maybe try some plain sesame seeds, or just some freshly cracked pepper and flakey sea salt. Can you substitute the cottage cheese? Sure, try a bed of rice, or maybe some fresh greens. I can’t guarantee you’ll like any of these substitutes, but the point is that you try it and see for yourself. :)
Cottage Cheese Crab Bowl
This Cottage Cheese Crab Bowl is the perfect light, fresh, and filling lunch for summer. It also meal preps well, so pack a few to take to work for lunch!
How to Make Cottage Cheese Crab Bowls – Step by Step Photos
Chop about a ½ cup cucumber. Depending on the girth of your cucumber, you may want to either halve or quarter the slices to make them bite-sized.
This is the imitation crab meat that I got at Aldi. You can usually find it in the seafood department in grocery stores, but at Aldi it’s with the seasonal refrigerated items. So I’m not sure if they’ll continue to carry this item forever.
And here is the everything bagel seasoning I used. I’ve used different brands and each seems to have a different salt content, so you may just want to add your seasoning to the bowl according to your tastes. I find that this one from Aldi has a lot more salt than the one from Kroger (I prefer the less salt version).
To make the cottage cheese crab bowl, start with ½ cup cottage cheese, add ½ cup chopped cucumber, about ⅓ cup of the imitation crab, and then sprinkle on some of the everything bagel seasoning (I used ¼ tsp, but would have used more if it had less salt).
Finally, drizzle a little sriracha on top.
Then enjoy! This bowl meal preps really well, so feel free to make a few for easy grab and go lunches later in the week!
How to make Sourdough Buns with leftover over sourdough starter or discard that are light and airy (like a brioche bun) in 2 1/2 hours from start to finish, with only 20 minutes of hands-on time. Grilling season has officially begun and many of you h…
How to make Sourdough Buns with leftover over sourdough starter or discard that are light and airy (like a brioche bun) in 2 1/2 hours from start to finish, with only 20 minutes of hands-on time. Grilling season has officially begun and many of you have been asking for a good Burger Bun recipe. Here...
A free 7-day, flexible weight loss meal plan including breakfast, lunch and dinner and a shopping list. All recipes include calories and updated WW Smart Points. 7-Day Healthy Meal Plan I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy! While we are still practicing social distancing, I know many places are phasing into a “new […]
I hope everyone is doing well and staying healthy! While we are still practicing social distancing, I know many places are phasing into a “new normal”. Hopefully this means that shopping will prove to be a little easier for us all and therefore I am transitioning back to a seven day plan. Remember though, substitutions can still be made when necessary or needed, and the pantry staples are always good to check and review from time to time.
Why Should Everyone Meal Plan?
Meal planning is a great way to organize your meals for the week ahead. You also save time and money in the supermarket! And of course, planning ahead helps you stick to your goals!
About The Meal Plan
If you’re new to my meal plans, I’ve been sharing these free, 7-day flexible healthy meal plans (you can see my previous meal plans here) that are meant as a guide, with plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food, coffee, beverages, fruits, snacks, dessert, wine, etc or swap recipes out for meals you prefer, you can search for recipes by course in the index. You should aim for around 1500 calories* per day.
There’s also a precise, organized grocery list that will make grocery shopping so much easier and much less stressful. Save you money and time. You’ll dine out less often, waste less food and you’ll have everything you need on hand to help keep you on track.
Lastly, if you’re on Facebook join my Skinnytaste Facebook Community where everyone’s sharing photos of recipes they are making, you can join here. I’m loving all the ideas everyone’s sharing! If you wish to get on the email list, you can subscribe here so you never miss a meal plan!
Also, if you don’t have the Skinnytaste Meal Planner, now would be a great time to get one to get organized for 2020! There was a print error last year, but it’s perfect now! You can order it here!
THE DETAILS:
Breakfast and lunch Monday-Friday, are designed to serve 1 while dinners and all meals on Saturday and Sunday are designed to serve a family of 4. Some recipes make enough leftovers for two nights or lunch the next day. While we truly believe there is no one size fits all meal plan, we did our best to come up with something that appeals to a wide range of individuals. Everything is Weight Watchers friendly, I included the updated WW Blue SP for your convenience, feel free to swap out any recipes you wish or just use this for inspiration!
The grocery list is comprehensive and includes everything you need to make all meals on the plan. I’ve even included brand recommendations of products I love and use often. Cross check your cabinets because many condiments you’ll notice I use often, so you may already have a lot of them.
And last, but certainly not least, this meal plan is flexible and realistic. There’s plenty of wiggle room for cocktails, healthy snacks, dessert and dinner out. And if necessary, you can move some things around to make it work with your schedule. Please let me know if you’re using these plans, this will help me decide if I should continue sharing them!
*This is just a guide, women should aim for around 1500 calories per day. Here’s a helpful calculator to estimate your calorie needs. I’ve left plenty of wiggle room for you to add more food such as coffee, beverages, fruits, snacks, dessert, wine, etc.
**Green salad includes 6 cups mixed greens, 2 scallions, ½ cup each: tomatoes, cucumber, and ¼ cup light vinaigrette.
# Use leftover bagels for Sunday breakfast.