30 Healthy Recipes {That Nourish & Satisfy}

This just in: Greens are the new Christmas cookie.

Um, ok, that's not entirely true. There's nothing like a homemade Christmas cookie, and you know it. But that doesn't mean that healthier options can't be delicious in their own right. 

I've never been one for "resolutions" {I tend to set smaller goals year-round} but I can see how the start of a new year is a good starting point for establishing new routines. It's a fresh start, a clean slate; 365 untarnished days of hope and new resolve. 

For many people, this is the time to attempt new food-related goals including weight loss, trying their hand at cooking {or cooking more often} and maybe even allowing their palates to become more adventurous.

I went through my own set of adventures with nutrition last year and I can tell you that it turned out to be a great experience. As it turned out, limiting myself from eating certain foods resulted in having to get creative and try new things that I may have never thought to try before! Win!

So, if you're one of the thousands out there who are looking to improve your diet without sacrificing the enjoyment of eating flavorful, yummy food, I've got you covered. That's right. It's not all cupcakes and cream puffs around here. 

I'm sharing a one-stop shop for some of the best healthy recipes I've posted to date. Just one bite is all it takes to prove that nutritious can be delicious!

Looking for more wholesome options? Follow my "Delish Nutrish" Pinterest board for lots of ideas from my favorite bloggers!

{Scroll below for links to recipes. Not all are pictured here.}

Beverages
Blueberry-Ginger Cobbler Smoothie

Haute Hydration -- Flavor Combos to Spice Up Your Water!

Veggies & More

Raw Baby Dragon Bowl with Five Spice Dressing

Orange Glazed Cauliflower

Curried Brown Rice with Zucchini

Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash
Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
Quinoa, Beet & Bean Burgers

Gluten-Free Linguine with Avocado & Arugula Pesto
Sweet Potato, Coconut & Chipotle Soup

Quinoa Dishes
Quinoa "Burrito Bowl"

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
Quinoa Stuffed Zucchini Boats
Pineapple-Cilantro Quinoa

Acorn Squash Stuffed with Spiced Quinoa

Lean & Meaty

Teriyaki Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Asian Chicken Salad with Ginger-Sesame Dressing

North African Turkey Meatballs with Brown Date Rice
Hearty Turkey Chili
Chicken with Tomatillo & Cilantro Sauce
Red Curry Spaghetti Squash with Chicken

Fish Dishes
Tandoori Marinated Tilapia with Mango Salsa

Fish en Papillote on a Bed of Vegetables
Soy-Glazed Cod
Sear-Roasted Haddock with Blood Orange Salsa

Desserts and Treats

Individual Strawberry Crisps

Chocolate-Hazelnut Risotto
Gluten Free Oatmeal & Flax Cranberry Cookies

German Chocolate Granola

Here's to a delectable New Year! 

A Toast to 2014 | Tuxedo Cocktails

I pretty much hit the "pause" button on blogging for over a week {with the exception of yesterday's teaser for my grand debut on the Lilly Pulitzer blog}. As weird as the mini-break felt, it was much needed! Taking a little breather allowed me to spend time with my family and friends, work on pending projects and, of course, cook {and eat!} lots of good stuff. ;)

{P.S. Are we friends on Instagram? Because I feel like we should be. Let's stop this coy exchange and make it official already. Go here & click "Follow" if you're up for seeing my daily adventures.}

Now that I'm rested up and rebooted, I can't wait to get back to cooking... especially since Santa left me a few new cookbooks/cooking-related books for renewed inspiration. 

Plus, I have so much stuff to tell you guys about! My amazing experiences at the Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival; my foray into the world of fashion with my gal pals at Rapunzel's Closet and the talented mavens at Rae|Francis and Allegra Fanjul Designs; my attempts at Paleo baking. {what!?!?}

Obviously, we have a whole lot of catching up to do. 

It is incredibly hard for me to wrap my brain around the fact that a new year is starting in just a few hours. Where 2013 went I'll never know. It's true that the older I get, the faster the years fly by... but this year felt particularly swift -- a likely result of having every month be jam-packed with things to look forward to.

Among my foodie highlights of 2013 were:

- Getting to check out local spots and talk about them here. Echo, Field of Greens, Tin Fish Clematis... delicious food and great people. It just doesn't get any better. I would love to continue this in 2014!

- The ridiculously fun Blue Bell Ice Cream/The Ancient Olive event with ice cream, olive oil and vinegar pairings. I know. It sounds weird. But trust me, it was pure genius! 

- Touring Taru Gardens with Chef Lindsay Autry & Pastry Chef Sara Sipe. Such talented & passionate women, and the grounds of the Sundy House... oh, those grounds! Paradise.

- Being on the judging panel for FLAVOR Palm Beach. Because being served an endless array of sumptuous bites from amazing chefs {in an Aston Martin showroom} is never a bad thing.

- My stay at the PGA National Resort & Spa for their Ice Cream Festival Weekend. Sheer decadence.

- Food Blog Forum Orlando {Yes, each one of those words is a link to a separate recap post}-- The food. The friendships. The fairy tale that is Walt Disney World. Enough said.

- The Palm Beach Food & Wine Festival. Everything about it. I know I haven't even written about it yet, but it is worthy of much fanfare. 

- My partnerships and collaborations with some incredible bloggers including: La Petite Fashionista, the ladies of Brunch Week, Palm Beach Lately, The Average Girl's Guide, NoshOn It, What Micky Eats, A Southern Fairytale; fabulous brands & companies like Sugarfina, Hellmann's, The Container Store, Tastefully Simple, Electrolux, BigKitchen, Rosner's Appliances, Prosciutto di Parma, Swanson, Miami Culinary Tours, Whole Foods Market Palm Beach Gardens and Lilly Pulitzer; and wonderful event/marketing professionals like It! Events + Media, Seligman Brand Strategies, Bottom Line Black Marketing, The Baddish Group, not to mention my friends at Clever Girls Collective, Honest Cooking Magazine and Kitchen Daily. 

{That's probably not everyone, but I'm feeling like the music is going to start and someone's going to tell me to get off the stage...}

I'm so glad I just took a second to write these things down, because in the blur that was 2013, I didn't even realize how many unbelievable things I've gotten to be a part of thanks to the blog and, most importantly, thanks to you.

All this wonderfulness calls for a fancy celebration. The kind with crystal stemware, silver trays and tuxedos...

I didn't say WE had to wear the tuxes!

Isn't this a fun idea? The most appropriate touch for a New Year's Eve party, if you ask me. The process is simple {albeit a bit time consuming} and, depending on the contents of the glass, it's a little detail that can be enjoyed by all ages!

Fill your dashing drinks with milk {or almond milk as pictured here} for the kids... or maybe something a little stronger for the grown ups. Here are a few recipes that yield a white cocktail:

The Winter Wonderland Martini from Single Minded Women
The Snow White Cocktail from Bryton Taylor
The UV White Christmas Cocktail from SheKnows
Tommy Bahama's Coconut Cloud Martini from Blisstree

So, let's raise a dolled-up drink to 2014! Happy New Year, friends!

"Tuxedo" Cocktails

Dark chocolate or chocolate chips
Coconut oil or oil of choice
A small bowl
Champagne glasses or any glass

This is more of a process than a recipe, so I don't have any "real" measurements. Simply melt a few tablespoons of dark chocolate in the microwave or over a double boiler until it reaches a consistency that can be drizzled.

If your chocolate is too thick, add a few drops of oil at a time {I used coconut oil} to thin it out. Trust me, thinner chocolate will make the process easier!

Carefully spoon about a tablespoon of melted chocolate into a champagne glass. Holding the glass over a bowl to catch any drips, tip the glass so that the chocolate pours down one side, then rotate the glass to make the "back" of the tux. Repeat with the other side. {The goal is to leave an open space for the buttons & bow tie.} *You may need to add more chocolate in order to coat the entire glass.

Place glass in the freezer for about 5 minutes or until the chocolate is set.

Using a toothpick dipped in melted chocolate, carefully create "buttons" and a "bow tie", painting the shapes on the inside of the glass. Freeze once again and allow the chocolate to set.

Repeat with as many glasses as desired. Better yet, recruit some friends to help you!

Pour milk or white cocktail into glasses and serve to delighted guests!

Party Prep with LILLY PULITZER!

Have I ever mentioned that I am a terrible secret-keeper when it comes to my own secrets?

Ask me to keep a secret and I will lock it up and throw away the key; your secret is safe with me. But the moment I have my own news? Forget it. It's done.

Well, for the better part of a month now I've been biting my tongue about a collaboration that is extremely exciting for me. We're talking dream come true status, guys.

It all started with an email... the same way it all "started with a juice stand." Sound familiar???

Today I'm guest posting over on THE LILLY PULITZER BLOG, The Juice Stand!{Insert 5,000 more exclamation points here. I'm trying to restrain myself.}

Boy, does it feel good to let the cat out of the bag!

I could hardly believe it when they asked me if I'd be interested in sharing some fun cocktail party recipes over on their blog because, you know, I've only been a huge Lilly fan for years. And, no big deal, but I have admired Lilly and her brand for ages {so much so that I felt moved to write a little tribute at the news of her passing}. And finally, not that it matters, but the very name of my blog/header design/personal agenda/wardrobe is a reflection of how deeply inspired I have been by Lilly Pulitzer.

But, like I said... no biggie. ;)

I'm totally kidding, of course. It's a biggie of the biggest kind. A treat. An honor.

Ok, I'm done. {But not really.}

The point is: I love Lilly. And you should, too. But at the very least, hop over to The Juice Stand for some inspiration that will add the perfect touch {and a few requisite bubbles} to your New Years Eve celebrations.

A huge thank you to my friends at Lilly Pulitzer {holy shift, I have friends at Lilly Pulitzer!} for letting me be your guest! xx

A Gift Guide for Holiday Cheer{s}

On Monday, I posted about how to create the perfect cheese board to suit your holiday party needs. I mean, a gorgeous spread that doesn't require an ounce of cooking? How can you not be sold?? Naturally, thinking of nibbling on cheese gave way to thoughts of sipping on wine... or beer... or whiskey. {Oh, c'mon, I've already admitted my fondness for the stuff a while back.}

Cocktail parties are a fun tradition at this time of year, spending time with friends while sipping on festive libations. How about reciprocating the hospitality by bringing your host or hostess a little gift?

My friends at RedEnvelope asked if I would share some of my favorite bar, wine & beer finds from their products... and I almost ended up with a shopping cart full of things for myself!

RedEnvelope carries all kinds of goodies for every person on your list with LOTS of personalized options. I've gotta admit, I am a sucker for a monogram or an engraved gift, so I'd be happy to receive just about anything in one of their signature red gift boxes! But, for purposes of today's post, I'm going to dive right in to gifts for cocktail enthusiasts and wine connoisseurs alike, so grab a seat at the bar and check out some of my top picks!

For the Home Brewer

Home brewing has become all the rage in the past few years; its a hobby that has piqued the interest of beer drinkers, calling them to create their very own custom brews at home. Know someone who has "hopped" onto the brewing bandwagon? {Seriously, I can't even stop myself.} How about gifting them with some barware to show off their concoctions?

I loved this personalized pitcher {$29.95}, ideal for showing off their latest lager...

Or how about a customized bar sign {starting at $79.95} or craft beer barrel sign {starting at $99} to give visitors a clue that good beer happens here? {These gifts totally reminded me of my blogger friend Sloane & her hops-lovin' hubby over at Life Food & Beer!}

 

For Those Who Like to Craft a Cocktail...

Thanks to the rebirth of the speakeasy {and hipsters. Let's give them some credit, too.} cocktail culture has come back in full force across America. The old fashioned art of a well-crafted beverage is hotter than ever, but dimly-lit lounges aren't the only ones who can shake and stir their way to crafty goodness...

Craft Cocktails by Brian VanFlandern {$49.95} is the ultimate guide to mixing up cocktails like the pros. Recipes, tips and gorgeous photography make this book a beautiful gift and a gorgeous coffee table book. {I've actually leafed through this book myself. Stunning.}

Put all that studying to practice by stocking the self-made mixologist with all the right gear. I love the look of these classic pieces: Engraved highballs {$57.95} and an elegant stainless steel shaker {$36.95} featuring fun cocktail-related sayings.




... And Those Who Use Cocktails for their Crafts!

If you're anything like me, Pinterest has got you in a crafting uproar saving old bottles, wine corks and other assorted items you never used to give a second thought to tossing. {I recently made my own wine cork wreath. And yes... I totally nailed it.} Well, keep your corks, friends.

How cute is this personalizable wine tray cork kit {$49.95} for displaying the remnants of some of your favorite bottles? This kit is cool because you can use your own corks, or purchase custom corks {$14.95} that are personalized with the recipients name and a special year.

Have a friend that would rather consume the results of their creativity? This Homemade Gin Kit {$49.95} will let your pals see what goes into creating a palatable spirit AND allow them to enjoy the fruits of their labor. {No bathtub required.}

For the Wine & Cheese Lover

So, we've covered the beer drinker, the cocktail crowd... and now we've come to the oenophile. Sure, you could pick up a nice bottle of wine, stick it in one of those tall, obvious gift bags and call it a day. But how about giving the gift of time instead? Ok, maybe it's not exactly that, but every second counts when a wine lover is waiting for their bottle to chill. I know I could get a lot of use out of this instant wine chiller {$49.95} at the end of a long day when I just want a nice crisp glass of white, stat!

Another present that shows you really understand the needs of your wine-loving friends? These handy wine appetizer trays {$39.95}. They let you nibble and sip comfortably without juggling glasses and plates. Because, who among us hasn't experienced that awkward moment when you have to choose between the two?

For the Shot Taker

Um, so, admittedly, I am not the girl you will find tossing back shots. However... if anything were to prompt me to indulge, it would be pretty glassware like these celebration shot glasses, beautifully engraved with the sentiment of "cheers" in different languages.

Better yet, how about shot glasses that actually enhance the flavor of the liquor? This Himalayan salt tequila set combines beauty and functionality... no need to lick and salt the back of your hand. {Not that I've ever done that or anything.}

Clearly, RedEnvelope knows what's up when it comes to gift options. No Christmas ties and fruitcakes here. So, treat your cocktail-loving friends to gifts that are sure to bring good cheer to any party and toss in a bottle of aspirin for good measure. {Kidding, of course. Always drink responsibly!}

And speaking of tequila and good cheer, I've got a special cocoa treat that will instantly warm up your holiday gatherings: {Spiked} Mexican Spice Hot Chocolate.

The hint of warm spices {and tequila, if you wish} will keep you from feeling the chill in the air as you sip this twist on a cool weather favorite. Cinnamon, nutmeg and a pinch of chili powder are just a few of the flavors that will make this an instant favorite.

Give it some grown up flair with a little shot of Patron "XO Cafe" {or their Cafe Dark Cocoa} or even some Kahlua. No matter how you serve it up, it's sure to be a hit.

Disclosure: My friends at RedEnvelope asked if I'd like to be part of their holiday recipe round up. I have not been compensated for this post, and as always, the opinions here are all my own!

Spiked Mexican Spice Hot Cocoa
Adapted from Imbibe Magazine
Makes about 2 servings

For Spice Mixture:

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon cardamom
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon chili powder
Pinch of nutmeg
Pinch of cloves

Combine all spices in a small bowl or zip-top plastic bag. Mix well. Store in an airtight container.

For Hot Chocolate

2 cups milk of your choice {I used almond milk}
1/2 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
A pinch of salt
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

{optional} 2 ounces of Patron Cafe or your favorite liqueur, marshmallows for topping


1. In a small pot, bring milk up to a simmer over medium heat. When starting to get little bubbles around the edges, whisk in chocolate chips, cocoa powder and salt.

2. Stir until the chips have melted and the ingredients are completely combined. Remove from heat and stir in vanilla extract.

3. Pour into glasses. Add about an ounce of desired liqueur, if desired.

Garnish with marshmallows, whipped cream, or a sprinkle of spice mixture if desired.

Holiday Prep | 5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Cheese Board

Having a food blog, I'm now naturally primed for culinary curiosity, seeking out foodie events near and far. Tastings, demos, festivals... there are all kinds of things going on in and around most cities that draw in hungry event-goers -- and some are even free!

Just last week, my local Whole Foods Market shared an event on their Facebook page that caught my eye {mostly because it had to do with cheese, which is one of my main weaknesses in life}, so I figured I'd find an excuse to attend. I mean, they've got certified cheese professionals, guys. It's a thing. Look it up. Legit.

Anyway, the extraordinary cheese professionals at Whole Foods demonstrated how to put together the perfect cheese board for your holiday celebrations and beyond. It's a life skill you will want to have in your party-hosting tool belt. I promise.

But enough of all the talking, let's get to the cheese! Here are 5 Tips for Creating the Perfect Cheese Board according to Kate & Matt from Whole Foods Palm Beach Gardens:

1. Don't be intimidated by fancy cheese!

I have to admit, I am guilty of this. Approaching a well-stocked specialty cheese counter can be a bit overwhelming, especially if you don't already know what you're looking for or don't have a whole lot of cheese knowledge. But guess what? That's what the pros are there for!

They are usually happy to help you figure out what you want, like or need. They can help make suggestions, point out good pairings or let you sample a piece before you make your purchase. So don't be shy! Ask for their expertise and let them lead the "whey"... haha, I'm sorry, I couldn't help it. ;)

2. Create a cheese theme.

Ok, now you've kicked your fear of approaching the wide world of cheese and it's time to pick your pieces. Not sure where to start? Don't fret. Kate suggests creating a themed plate to guide your selections.

Maybe choose a specific type of cheese, say gouda, and showcase several different ages of that particular variety. It's amazing how different a "young" cheese tastes in comparison with an "aged" cheese of the same kind. You can also create a plate to highlight a particular region or country. Or how about putting together a variety of popular cheeses? The possibilities are endless.

3. Check out the seasonal selection.

In chatting with Matt, a newly accredited Certified Cheese Professional, I discovered that cheese is a living food that changes seasonally. Just as wines vary by vintage, cheeses can also taste different from year to year. That means that there are cheeses that you may only be able to get at certain times of year because that's when they're at their pinnacle of quality and flavor.

It's actually pretty interesting when you get down to the nitty gritty of how this works {Think: breeding/lactation cycles of cows & goats, etc.}, but for the sake of brevity, I'll just say that cheese is affected by nature. {Unless, of course, we're talking about the very processed kind you can get year round.} So, ask about what's "in season" and treat your taste buds to nature's peak products!

4. Serve at room temperature.

Now that you've gone through all the trouble of picking out the perfect cheeses to serve, make sure you're getting the most out of them by serving them properly! Cheese should be served at room temperature because that's when it tastes best.

Why? Well, mostly because of the butterfat. Cold butterfat doesn't release its full flavors. So, let it come to room temp so that the flavor is most pronounced. The amount of time it takes varies by the hardness of the cheese {the harder the cheese, the longer it'll take}, but generally 30 minutes to an hour should do. Bonus tip: Loosely cover cut cheeses so that they don't dry out while they're coming to temperature.

5. Provide some fun accompaniments. 

It's time to cut the cheese!! Err... Enjoy the cheese. You know what I mean.

While cheese is certainly tasty on its own {I've been known to polish off copious amounts of brie all by itself}, it's always nice to serve it with things that complement the flavors and textures. You can set out some artisanal crackers {I tend to like the seeded kinds} for a little crunch, some crusty slices of bread or some crisp breadsticks. Make it hearty with charcuterie like salami or prosciutto. Get creative with olives, specialty oils, vinegars and even honey.

Cheese also pairs wonderfully with fruit: Tart apples, sliced figs or dates, grapes, quince paste or maybe even some jam. Or, you could "go nuts"... literally! Set out some Marcona almonds, walnuts or hazelnuts.

....................................................................

While I'm obviously a fan of cooking and baking, I know that not everyone is. I think cheese plates are such a perfect solution to this issue around the holiday season! They make a great item to bring to a party or a fantastic addition to your own gathering. So, get cheesy this year!

A big thank you to my friends at Whole Foods Palm Beach Gardens for sharing their expertise. Locals, be sure to check out their amazing cheese department and keep an eye out for their monthly events!

Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Cauliflower Mash

I've spent the past 2 days working on baking, decorating and packaging 100 cupcakes for an event. Somehow, I keep finding myself in situations that call for inordinate amounts of baked goods to take over my tiny kitchen... and just about every surface of my living space.



When I work with sugary foods for long stretches of time, my body almost always craves nutritious meals to counteract all the sweetness. {Even if I haven't even tried one bite of whatever it is I'm making. Strange but true.}

And decadent treats have definitely been everywhere with Christmas only weeks away: At holiday gatherings, arriving in the mail and, of course, being cranked out of my own kitchen!

Last week I was craving something warm and comforting {even though it's a billion degrees here}, but still wanted to make sure there was some healthy goodness involved.

I had a huge head of cauliflower without any particular purpose just hanging out in the fridge, so I boiled it up, gave it a whir in the blender and tucked into a big bowl of the result. Satisfied, but wanting to experiment with jazzing up the flavor, I bought another head of cauliflower that weekend and tried a new version, blending in some caramelized onions and goat cheese as well.

It was so good!

This would make such a great side dish for a special dinner or a regular weeknight. To be honest, I ate an enormous bowl of this and this alone and was perfectly happy!

It's thicker than soup but a little thinner than mashed potatoes with a bit of tang from the goat cheese and a slight sweetness from the caramelized onions. In fact, if someone didn't know any better they might actually think it is mashed potatoes. Silky smooth, creamy and filling. And it's pretty healthy, too!

When you're sick of staring at cookies and cupcakes and frosting {I know it's hard to believe, but it happens}, switch gears with this super easy dish.

Caramelized Onion & Goat Cheese Mash

1 head cauliflower, florets separated
1 medium onion, sliced
1/4 cup goat cheese*
Olive oil
Salt to taste

1. Bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Drop in cauliflower and boil for about 15 minutes or until very tender.

2. Meanwhile, heat about a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced onion and a sprinkle of salt. Cook until very tender and caramelized, about 20 minutes. {If the pan starts getting dry, use a bit of water or chick broth to deglaze the pan, scraping the brown bits up from the bottom.}

3. When the cauliflower is tender, drain and place in a blender. Add goat cheese, caramelized onions and about 2 teaspoons olive oil and blend until smooth. Season to taste.

4. Transfer to a serving dish. Garnish with extra goat cheese and caramelized onions if desired.

Serve immediately.

* I know not everyone cares for goat cheese... I'm fairly certain this would work just as well with your favorite cheese. :)