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7/29/2016 0 Comments

The 5 Minute Blueberry "Cup" Cake

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This is a wonderful quick dessert if you are really craving something sweet and filling! It's also a much healthier option instead of buying dessert out, or reaching for that ice cream carton.  And did I mention that it only takes 5 minutes to make!

The juicy blueberries and coconut sugar give this dessert a perfectly sweet caramel flavor. Also, using coconut oil is what helps make this cake super moist and fluffy. 

You have probably already figured out why this dessert is called a Blueberry "Cup" Cake. It's because it literally cooks in a cup! Pretty awesome right?  After only a couple of minutes in the microwave, this clean and simple dessert transforms into a warm berry-bursting moist cake ready for spoon- diving, yum! 
THE 5 MINUTE BLUEBERRY "CUP" CAKE

Ingredients:
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour (I used whole wheat flour) 
  • 2 tablespoons coconut sugar
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 cup milk  (I used almond milk) 
  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 cup fresh blueberries

  1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, cinnamon and baking powder until thoroughly combined.  ​
  2. Add in milk, melted coconut oil, and vanilla until batter is smooth.
  3. Gently stir in blueberries and pour batter into a 14 ounce or larger, microwave-safe mug with straight sides. Sprinkle more coconut sugar on top if desired.
  4. Microwave on high for 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, or until cake is done to your liking. Allow your cake to cool for a couple of minutes before spoon-diving.  Enjoy! 


               Always craving good food,
                                 Jillian
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7/29/2016 0 Comments

Creamy Cheesy Spread PIzza

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I tried a new chicken sausage on my pizza, Boar's Head Blazing Buffalo Chicken Sausage, need I say more?  

The combination of this deliciously spicy sausage, the creamy cheesy spread, and crunchy vegetables was just dynamite!


I used a whole wheat tortilla for this particular pizza, but sometimes I enjoy using whole wheat naan or Brookyln's Bred whole grain pizza crust. They are both so dang delicious!

After you grab your crust, quickly prepare the creamy cheesy spread (recipe below) and get your favorite pizza toppings ready for action!  

​The great thing about this cheesy spread is that there are small pieces of chopped kale hidden in the creaminess of it all.  

​You are getting a serving of vegetables in your cheesy spread, and you can't even taste it!  

creamy cheesy spread pizza
makes enough for 4 personal pizzas or 1 large pizza

INGREDIENTS: 
  • 1 c. ricotta cheese, whole milk 
  • 1 c. chopped kale
  • 2 tbsp pesto
  • 1/4 c. feta cheese
  • 1-2 tbsp of any milk (I used unsweetened almond milk)
  • salt & pepper, to taste 

PIZZA TOPPINGS:
  • 1 lb. Boar's Head Blazing Buffalo Chicken Sausage, sliced (or use spicy chicken sausage) 
  • 1/2 Orange pepper, chopped
  • 1/4 Red Onion, sliced thin
  • Avocado, sliced thin
  • Fresh basil leaves, for serving
  • Sriracha drizzle, optional

1.  In a medium size bowl mix all Cheesy Spread ingredients together with a large spoon.  Add more milk to make the spread a thinner consistency if so desired.  

2.  Spread this flavorful creamy cheesiness on your crust of choice, and then add your pizza toppings! Bake pizza at 400 degrees for 10-12 minutes. 

3.  Serve your pizza with fresh basil and a sriracha drizzle for added heat. 


              Always craving good food,
                                Jillian 
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7/24/2016 0 Comments

Whole Wheat Maple Waffles

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we have to remember what's important in life: friends, waffles and work. Or waffles, friends, work.  But work has to come third. 
​
            -leslie knope (Parks and Recreation) 

This simple waffle recipe makes delicious and very filling waffles in less than 10 minutes!  Only 7 ingredients are needed to whip up a quick batch of these tasty waffles that everyone will enjoy.  

P.S. If you haven't watched Parks and Recreation yet, you're missing out my friend :) 

Whole Wheat Maple Waffles 
makes 4 very filling waffles

INGREDIENTS:
  • 2 cups of whole wheat flour or gluten-free flour
  • 1  1/2 cup of milk (I used Unsweetened Almond Milk)
  • 1 tsp. vanilla extract
  • 3 tbsp. of extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp. of pure maple syrup
  • 2 eggs
  • 1 tsp. cinnamon 


1.  Mix dry ingredients together in a large bowl.  Mix wet ingredients together in a separate small bowl.  

2.  Add the wet mixture to the dry ingredients. With a large spoon, mix everything together until it forms a smooth batter.  

3.  Pour batter into your waffle maker and wait for the perfect waffle to be created.

4.  Serve waffles with your favorite toppings.  My favorite is maple syrup, fruit, and eggs! 

​Happy breakfasting friend! 

          Always craving good food,
                            Jillian
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7/21/2016 0 Comments

Greek Chicken Hummus Burgers

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Here is a fun math equation that I think you should try at home.  

Ground chicken + Hummus = Flavorful Protein-Packed Burgers 

Don't think these two ingredients add up correctly?  Well, you do the math and let me know if this equation makes sense to you.  

​Happy cooking mathematicians! 
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greek hummus burgers 

Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs ground chicken
  • 1/2 cup hummus (I used Sabra Roasted Pine Nut Hummus) 
  • 1/2 cup crushed pita chips (I used Stacy's Whole Grain Pita Chips)
  • 1 large egg, whisked
  • 1/2 cup fresh basil, chopped
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp ground pepper
  • burger buns
Hummus Sauce:
  • 1/2 cup hummus (Pine Nut Hummus) 
  • 1 lemon, juiced
  • 14 fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh ground pepper
Recommended toppings: 
  • 12 cucumber slices
  • 1 roasted red pepper, sliced (put 1 whole red pepper in a 400 degrees oven for about 20 minutes) 

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  When oven is heated, place your red pepper in the oven on a baking tray to roast.  Then, heat your grill or large pan to prepare for cooking the burgers. 
 
2.  In a large bowl, combine chicken and other ingredients.  The mixture will be wet and gooey!  Form this mixture into either 12 small slider size patties or 8 regular size patties. 

3.  Cover and refrigerate patties for about 30 mins.(If you don't have time for this part, that's okay). 

4.  On a grill or large skillet, cook the patties on medium heat.  About 4-5 mins on each side, or until cooked through.  Toast your burger buns too! 

5.  While burgers are cooking, prepare your hummus sauce by mixing hummus, lemon juice, basil and ground pepper together.

6.  Serve your delicious burgers on a toasted bun, with a large spoonful of hummus sauce. Add your roasted red pepper and cucumber slices for added flavor and crunch.  

I hope you enjoyed doing the math with this recipe.  Enjoy this filling protein-packed burger! 

           Always craving good food,
                          Jillian 

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7/18/2016 0 Comments

Roasted Garlic Potato Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing

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Potato salad has been an "All American" cookout side dish for many years now. Both my grandmother and my mother would make it using either a ton of Mayo or Miracle Whip. Unfortunately, too much of those ingredients do not agree with my body, and are not the healthiest condiments to use when making salads.  

That's when I decided to create a healthier, but still delicious, version of potato salad. The potatoes retain a deliciously deep garlic flavor, by roasting the two ingredients together until slightly crispy and brown.  And, the dressing combination of Dijon and maple syrup make a smooth and sweet dressing you can't get enough of! If you are feeling really adventurous, you could even add bacon crumbles to it as well! 

Here is my clean and simple twist on your traditional potato salad.  Enjoy!
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Roasted Garlic Potato Salad with Maple Dijon Dressing
serves 5-6

Ingredients:
  • 2-3 pounds Yukon gold potatoes or red skin potatoes, unpeeled and cut into wedges (or cubes)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 2 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1/4 onion, chopped
  • 3 stalks celery, chopped
  • 4 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 3 tbsp pure maple syrup 
  • 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar 
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • Cooked bacon, crumbled (optional) 

1.  Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 

2.  Toss the potatoes with the 2 tablespoons olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and black pepper (about 1/4 teaspoon each).

3.  Place the potatoes on the baking sheet (cover pan in aluminum foil for quicker clean up) in a single layer.  Sprinkle potatoes with chopped garlic.

4. Bake for 20 minutes. After 20 mins., then put the oven on broil for 2-3 more minutes or until potatoes are slightly browned (see picture). 

5.  While the potatoes are baking, make the dressing.  Whisk together the Dijon, maple syrup and apple cider vinegar in a small bowl.

6.  When the potatoes are finished baking, let them cool for 5 minutes.  Then scrape them into a large bowl. Drizzle the dressing over the potatoes and add the fresh parsley.  Toss it gently to combine.

7.  Serve this tangy and delicious potato salad warm or at room temperature. You may garnish with bacon crumbles if you so desire! 

               Always craving good food,
                            Jillian 
0 Comments
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    meet jillian!

    After 3 years of simplifying her life she is now living a life completely out of debt, has created simple routines to maintain her health + sanity 😍,  is able to travel more than ever with her family, and most importantly, she now has the time and energy to pursue things that make her happy as hell!  

    Read more of her story here ↣

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