Pork Chops with Cauliflower Mash

I almost didn’t post this meal.  It’s not a “real” recipe and it’s almost too easy.  But then I remembered how much I enjoyed eating it and figured, hey, my loyal, deserving, super dee duper readers may not have discovered this preparation yet and probably want as many easy recipes as they can get. For…

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Inspiration Station: The Fault in our Stars

This month’s “Inspiration Station” is built around “The Fault in Our Stars.”  I tried to wait for the movie mania to die down a bit and now feel like this is an appropriate time to revive one of the summer’s biggest hits. The Dish: Augustus tells Hazel that he’s using his wish on a trip…

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Tuna Artichoke Melts

I had such success with my Grown Up Tuna Melt that I decided to try a new variation.  This one is a bit less quirky, but the artichokes give it a Mediterranean taste that sets it apart from other tuna salads.  I diverged from the recipe a bit by using lemon zest with pepper (vs. lemon…

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Quinoa with Nectarine and Basil

I had not had a single nectarine all summer and they were calling my name in the grocery store, looking all big, juicy, and summery.  But for some reason I knew that even if purchased with the best of intentions I would never end up sitting on my couch, eating the nectarine all on its…

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Tomato Toast with Garlic Basil Cream Cheese

In the summertime I find myself dreaming about caprese salad literally every week.  I can’t get enough.  Summer is when tomatoes are at their best and the simple salad is a perfect way to show off how delicious they can be.  Because I can’t eat a caprese every week (I mean I could…I shouldn’t) I…

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Pesto and Sausage Bake

When you think of baked ziti, it’s always marinara and mozz.  You’d be amazed at what a difference switching to pesto can make.  It’s still the same process of opening up a jar of store-bought sauce…the only difference is the sauce being green instead of red. Cook up 1/2 a box of ziti (this recipe…

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Snickity Snack: Avocado White Bean Dip

This might be the healthiest snack you can make and still be satisfied.  It tastes so good but it’s one of those things where you’re practically burning more calories by chewing than you’re ingesting. Just combine avocado and drained white beans in a food processor with olive oil, salt, and red pepper flakes to taste.…

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BBQ + Mac & Cheese

After a busy weekend running around at all the wedding festivities, I really just wanted to spend Sunday evening at home.  I could cook a real meal, watch True Blood, and go to sleep early.  Since Albert agreed to my request to stay in, I decided to make him something I knew he would enjoy…

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Italian Turkey Burgers

I had some leftover pesto in the fridge and only about two days before it went bad.  It had to get used up but with an entire 9×13 casserole of mac and cheese in the fridge, I had no need for anything pasta based.  I also had some hamburger buns so an Italian themed burger…

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Zoodles with Pesto and Meatballs

Have you heard about zoodles?  They’re alllll the rage on Pinterest; right up there with paleo this and DIY that.  Zoodles = zucchini noodles.  There is no actual noodles in zoodles, making this innately carb-free and healthy.  They are super easy to make: just use the julienne setting on your mandolin.  If you haven’t bought…

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