I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!  This year, we had a quiet Christmas at home.  It was just my husband, daughter and I, but we couldn't have asked for a better day.  Watching Sienna open all of her gifts was so much fun.  And when she was done playing with her toys and jumping around in the wrapping paper, she took a much needed nap.  She passed out surrounded with her new toys while still in her Christmas jammies and Cinderella dress- it was the cutest thing!

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My healthy makeover of a classic stick-to-your-ribs comfort food is the perfect dish for the holidays.  

Back by popular demand, this month’s Recipe Redux theme is Grab a Book & Cook.  Since the Recipe Redux has been around for 54 months, we were challenged to grab a cookbook and make a healthy version of the recipe on page 54 or 154.  What a fun concept!  I have a ton of cookbooks so I started going through them and soon found the perfect recipe to Redux- Chicken and Dumpling Soup from Michael Symon’s Live to Cook: Recipes and Techniques to Rock Your Kitchen.      

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #muBARista #CollectiveBias The following content is intended for readers who are 21 or older.

There’s something so comforting about curling up on a cold day with a warm drink.  That’s something I miss about living in New York City.  Not that I don’t appreciate the beautiful hot weather we have in South Florida.  I definitely don’t miss trudging around the snow-laden streets of Manhattan in my winter boots.  But I do miss the feeling of coming home, taking off said winter boots, and enjoying a comforting drink that warms you up from the inside out.  Especially during holiday season when the Christmas tree lights are up and the radio stations are all playing holiday music (yes, I’m a sucker for holiday music). 

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Kids and adults alike will love this delicious and satisfying vegetarian dish.

This time of year I tend to gravitate towards cooking lighter dishes, often vegetarian, to take a little break from all of the holiday eating.  My Sweet Potato and Kale Quesadillasare light yet satisfying and they’re positively packed with important nutrients.  Plus, it’s also an economical dish as sweet potatoes are usually on sale at the market this time of year (and canned beans are always inexpensive).  In fact, this dish is a great way to use up any leftover sweet potatoes you may have from the holidays.

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Packed with fresh ingredients, my Sunshine State Cioppino is the perfect light post-holiday meal.

This post was sponsored by Natalie's Orchid Island Juice Company.  As always all opinions expressed are my own.


I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving!  But now that the holiday is over, you may be looking for some lighter dishes.  My Sunshine State Cioppino definitely fits the bill.  Packed with flavor and fresh, nutritious ingredients, it’s the perfect post-holiday clean eating dish.

This dish is a twist on cioppino, a classic seafood stew that originated in San Francisco.  Cioppino was originally developed by Italian fisherman who used whatever fresh seafood they had caught that day including crab, fish, shrimp, clams, mussels, and squid.  It’s typically made with a tomato-based broth that’s infused with wine and served with plenty of crusty bread for dipping.  I decided to make a version of cioppino using fresh Florida seafood.  After all, I’m a Floridian now so why not take advantage of the bounty of fresh, local seafood? 

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A healthier version of creamed spinach, this Creamy Spinach Gratin is the perfect holiday side dish.

Disclosure: As a Stonyfield Blogger, I received samples of Stonyfield products for use in this post.  As always, all opinions expressed are my own.


Are you still looking for last-minute side dish ideas for Thanksgiving?  My Creamy Spinach Gratin is nutritious, easy to make and packed with flavor.  It’s sure to be hit with your guests!

This dish is a healthy makeover of one of my favorite Thanksgiving sides- creamed spinach.  Instead of heavy cream, my version uses Stonyfield nonfat Greek yogurt to thicken the sauce and make it nice and creamy.  Greek yogurt also adds a boost of protein.  Instead of adding a lot of shredded cheese, I stir in just the right amount of Parmesan cheese to give the spinach plenty of flavor.  I like to top the dish off with a breadcrumb mixture and finish it off in the oven to get it crispy and golden brown. 

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With the holidays right around the corner, here are two festive rice dishes that would be the perfect addition to your family table.  Both dishes celebrate fall flavors and ingredients.  My Stuffed Acorn Squash pairs Tasty Bite brown rice with aromatic vegetables, crunchy pecans, sweet dried cranberries and salty Parmesan cheese.  The earthy flavor and chewy texture of brown rice works well in this hearty baked dish that would make a lovely side dish for the holidays.  My Pumpkin Spice Rice Pudding uses fragrant Tasty Bite jasmine rice, and is the perfect holiday dessert.  Flavored with delicate pumpkin and warm fall spices, it has a rich, creamy consistency that your guests will love. 

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These bite-sized meatballs are packed with the flavors of fall and are the perfect addition to your holiday table. 

By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by siggi’s yogurt and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest.  I received coupons for free samples of siggi's yogurt.

When I think about holiday recipes, pumpkin immediately comes to mind.  Pumpkin pie, pumpkin bread, pumpkin spice lattes, you name it- I’m a fan of them all.  If you read my last post, then you know that I’m especially excited about Thanksgiving this year because my family is coming to Florida and I’m doing the cooking.  Because the main course is going to be a big meal, I plan to make just a couple of small but delicious appetizers to whet everyone’s appetites.  My Pumpkin Spice Meatballs with Orange & Ginger Cranberry Sauce are the perfect holiday appetizer.  They’re light, nutritious, and packed with the flavors of fall.  Plus, these adorable morsels are bite-sized, so they won’t fill your guests up too much before the main course. 

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Cookies that are healthy?  Yes, it’s possible.  These delightful morsels are packed with nutritious ingredients and are perfect for the holidays. 

By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by siggi’s yogurt and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest.  I received coupons for free samples of siggi's yogurt.


I get nostalgic around the holidays, especially since I moved to Fort Lauderdale, leaving most of my family in the Northeast.  The holidays are a time to gather with loved ones, spend quality time together and enjoy good food.  Although we won’t be going up north for Christmas this year, I’m excited that my family will be coming to Florida for Thanksgiving and I’m cooking dinner!  I’ve already started bookmarking dozens of recipes for my holiday menu.  I'm trying to narrow it down, but I’m sure I’ll end up cooking way too much.  The focus of our holiday meal is usually on the appetizers and main course and by the time dessert comes around, everyone is too full to have much more than a thin slice of pie.  Specifically, apple pie was always a staple at the holidays when I was growing up.  Although my mom is a great cook, she's not a baker so it was usually store-bought.  When I heard about a recipe contest sponsored by siggi’s yogurt through the Recipe Redux, I immediately knew what kind of dish I wanted to make.  I decided to create a lighter dessert recipe that has all of the warm flavors and spices of the holiday season but won't leave you feeling over stuffed.  My Spiced Apple Skyr Quinoa Cookies with Vanilla Maple Drizzle are small and light and bake up soft and fluffy.  These delightful morsels are perfect for a little nibble after a heavy meal and they pack all of the flavors of yummy apple pie into one nutritious cookie.

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Enjoy the delicious flavors of fall with this hearty and nutritious breakfast parfait. 

Disclosure: As a Stonyfield Blogger, I received samples of Nature's Path and Stonyfield products for use in this post. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Are you a fan of the pumpkin spice craze that occurs this time of year?  Once fall comes around, the stores start lining their shelves with pumpkin spice products and the internet abounds with pumpkin recipes.  Personally, I’m still a fan of pumpkin spice because I love this time of year.  Since I moved to South Florida, I definitely miss the change of seasons (but not the brutal winters!).  It’s just not the same drinking a pumpkin spice latte in 80 degree weather.  But even if I can’t have the fall weather, I can still enjoy the wonderful autumn flavors.

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These nutty, no-bake granola bars are packed with nutrition and flavor!

Happy Nut Day!  No, I’m not nuts- today is actually National Nut Day!  And it just happens to coincide with this month’s Recipe Redux post day so we were all challenged to share a healthy nut-filled recipe. 

   

I love using nuts in all forms in my recipes- whole, sliced, chopped, nut butter, you name it!  They are actually one of the most nutritious snacks you can eat and are packed with many beneficial nutrients including heart-healthy unsaturated fats, protein, fiber, vitamins and minerals.

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Turn up the flavor at your next tailgating party with this Mediterranean-inspired pizza dish made with hummus and a simple chickpea crust.

By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by Sabra Dipping Co. LLC, and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.

Now that football season is underway, Sabra hummus is the perfect ingredient to use in your tailgating recipes.  It’s delicious, versatile and can be used to make your game day grubs more nutritious.  When I heard about the Sabra #TwoSpoons Tailgating Recipe Challenge through The Recipe Redux, I knew I had to enter.  After all, I’ve never been one to turn down a recipe challenge.  Plus, we eat Sabra hummus all the time in my house.  It comes in so many different flavors and pairs well with so many ingredients.  Hummus is made with chickpeas, tahini (sesame paste), oil, garlic and spices.  It’s commonly used as a dip but I also use it in sandwiches, wraps, salads, dressings, chili, you name it!  It’s also really good for you!  It’s filled with protein, fiber, healthy fats, and plenty of important vitamins and minerals like folate and iron.  Just two tablespoons of hummus will fulfill your bean recommendation for the week!

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I'm so excited to announce the release of my latest cookbook, the Natural Pregnancy Cookbook: Over 125 Nutritious Recipes for Healthy Pregnancy.  Published by Hatherleigh Press and distributed through Penguin Random House, this book is available wherever books are sold. 

Pregnancy is truly a life-changing experience. During pregnancy, your body goes through profound changes, and you need the proper nutrients to fuel those changes.  The Natural Pregnancy Cookbook helps to make certain that your body has everything it needs during the many changes that accompany pregnancy.  The book also includes a wealth of information on eating while pregnant—from managing morning sickness and mid-day cravings, to knowing how much food is enough for you and your baby.    

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These protein-packed, vegetarian burritos are delicious, satisfying and freezer-friendly! 

Every now and then, I get a craving for a good burrito.  Although I’ve been known to make late-night runs to the local burrito chain (you know which one I’m talking about), it’s actually quite easy to make your own burritos at home.  And when you make your own burritos, you can stuff them with whatever ingredients you like- chicken, steak, tofu, beans, you name it!  It’s a good idea to make a large batch of burritos so that dinner (and even lunch) is set for a few days.  And the best part is that they freeze well, making them very convenient for those busy days when you need a quick and healthy meal.

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My Banana Flax Bread is packed with nutritious whole grains, flaxseed and Greek yogurt.  When it’s baking in the oven, it will make your whole house smell absolutely delicious! 

Banana bread is the ultimate fall comfort food.  When the weather starts to get cooler, I often crave warm, comforting foods, and banana bread definitely fits the bill.  

We buy a lot of bananas in my house.  When they get a little past their prime and start to turn brown, I either freeze them for smoothies or make banana bread. And when it comes to making banana bread, the browner the better.  Brown bananas will be softer and sweeter- perfect for a delicious and moist final product.  

When I heard that this month’s Recipe Redux theme was Fantastic Freezer Meals, I knew I had to make my Banana Flax Bread.  Quick breads like banana bread are perfect for freezing.  When I get in a baking mood, I often bake large batches of cakes, cookies, muffins, etc. and then freeze them.  This way you always have a convenient, heat-and-eat breakfast or snack when you want one.

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Packed with nutritious ingredients to get your day going, this creamy vegan smoothie bowl is a tropical delight!

On most weekdays, I grab a quick breakfast on my way out the door.  I usually don’t have a lot of time in the morning yet I know how important it is to eat a good breakfast.  But on days when I have the luxury of a little more time, I like to give myself a little extra treat.

Smoothie bowls are all the rage right now.  A little more substantial than a smoothie, smoothie bowls are thicker and as the name suggests, you eat them in a bowl with a spoon instead of drinking them with a straw.  While smoothies are usually something you take on the go, smoothie bowls are a little more special because you can sit down and enjoy them as a meal.  Plus, you can also top them with a bunch of yummy and nutritious toppings.  Diced fruit, berries, granola, nuts, seeds, edible flowers or pretty much anything else you can think of.  The sky’s the limit! 

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Get your kids in the kitchen and make a batch of these yummy and nutritious fries together.

Recently, I was asked to participate in the new Be More Here campaign by Dixie^®.  This campaign is all about the importance of spending time with family and friends and being present in the moment.  It’s definitely a topic that I can relate to.  When it comes to spending time with loved ones, it’s all about quality, not quantity.  As a working mom, I often feel stretched for time.  So I really value the time I have with my daughter Sienna, especially when I see how quickly she is growing every day. 

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I'm all about summer salads that take advantage of fresh, seasonal ingredients. I love going to the farmers markets in the summertime when they’re brimming with beautiful produce and then coming home and figuring out how to use them in new and delicious dishes.  To me, variety is key when it comes to salads.  The ideal salad has to have lots of different ingredients, flavors and textures to keep it interesting.  My latest favorite summer salad is my Summer Spinach Salad with Grilled Chicken and Creamy Berry Balsamic Dressing. 

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A delightful combination of toasted bread and fresh tomatoes, this easy recipe is one of the most widely eaten dishes in Spain.

Sometimes the simplest dishes are the best.   Originating in Catalonia, this tomato bread is one of the most common and well-loved dishes in Spain.

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Simple and delicious, this classic Spanish dish is perfect for casual summer entertaining.

This dish is near and dear to my heart.  It brings back memories of the incredible trip my husband Pete and I took to Spain in 2010 for our five-year anniversary.  It was quite an adventure filled with plenty of amazing sites, culture and of course, food.  Our trip included some time in San Sebastian, a picturesque seaside town and Spain’s culinary capital.  With 15 Michelin stars, San Sebastian is one of the top foodie destinations in the world.  

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These aren’t your usual kebabs!  My Beef Kofta Kebabs with Tzatziki Sauce are bursting with flavor and protein.   

By posting this recipe I am entering a recipe contest sponsored by The Beef Checkoff and am eligible to win prizes associated with the contest. I was not compensated for my time.


This is a dish that the whole family will love!  Kofta kebabs are common in many parts of the Mediterranean, Middle East and Persia. They’re made with ground meat instead of cubed meat and are packed with flavor.  Think ground beef mixed with fresh parsley, garlic and warm spices like coriander and cumin.  Yum!  Serve them with my creamy tzatziki sauce and some flat bread and you’ve got a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for casual summer dining.

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Featuring healthy Mediterranean ingredients, this colorful, no-fuss dish is perfect for summer. 

When people ask me what the key is to easy, nutritious, stress-free cooking, one of the tips I always give is to stock your kitchen well. Having a well-stocked kitchen means that you can make delicious and healthy meals in a pinch without having to make last-minute runs to the grocery store.

Some of the items I always have on hand are dried pasta, whole grains like quinoa, oats and barley, lentils, canned beans, tomatoes and tomato sauce, nuts, capers and olives.  I also keep my freezer stocked with plenty of staples like frozen vegetables, fruit (especially berries), sprouted grain bread, pizza dough, seafood and chicken breast.

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Cool down this summer with my Key Lime Pie Frozen Yogurt.  Making frozen yogurt has never been so fun!

Disclosure: As a Stonyfield Blogger, I received the YayLabs Ice Cream ball and a sample of Stonyfield Organic Yogurt free to develop this post.  All opinions expressed are my own.

As the mother of a very active toddler, I’m always looking for new and fun activities to do with her.  So when Stonyfield teamed up with YayLabs!, I jumped at the chance to try out their SoftShell Ice Cream Ball.  A fun summer activity to share with my daughter and at the end of it all, we would have a delicious frozen yogurt treat- how can you beat that?

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An incredibly refreshing dessert, my Cherry Lime Granita just sings summer!

This month, the Recipe Redux challenged us to share how we showcase lovely July fruits and veggies, whether it comes from the farmers’ market, a CSA share or a plot of dirt in our backyard.  Unfortunately, I don’t have my own garden but this time of year, the local farmers’ markets are just brimming with beautiful, vibrant produce. 

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My Mojo Pork Tenderloin is packed with bright Cuban flavors.  Cook it in the oven or on the grill for the perfect summer meal.

If you’re looking for a nutritious summer recipe that the whole family will love, then this dish is for you!  My Mojo Pork Tenderloin is packed with classic Cuban ingredients. Fresh citrus juice is combined with garlic and spices to infuse the pork with bright flavor as well as a hefty dose of Vitamin C.   

Pork tenderloin is a lean cut of pork that’s a healthier alternative to higher fat cuts like bacon, sausage, pork belly or spareribs. It’s low in fat and rich in protein, B vitamins, and minerals like zinc and selenium.  Nutritionally, it’s similar in profile to chicken breast with even fewer calories per ounce.   

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