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Category: Gluten-free Options

Lemony Asparagus Risotto

Lemony Asparagus Risotto 1

Spring is here, and springtime means ASPARAGUS! I’ve been enjoying it since it came into season over the last month and was eager to incorporate it into a recipe. A creamy, lemony risotto seemed like the perfect fit. Parmesan cheese and lemon are two of the very best complements to asparagus that I can think of, so it’s a total match-made-in-heaven situation. And also, I pretty much look for every excuse to make risotto that I can think of.

Why do I adore making risotto so much? I love that while it requires vigilance and a little bit of time, I also find it to be a relaxed, easeful, almost ritualistic endeavor. As I stand watch over the risotto, intuiting when it’s time to ladle in more stock, to stir, I’m given an opportunity to slow down and truly be present to a beautiful culinary moment. And it doesn’t hurt that this beautiful culinary moment is slow enough in unfurling that I also have time to savor a glass of wine and catch up on DVR’ed shows – most recently, the latest two episodes of Girls! – while it’s doing it’s thing.

Banana, Wild Blueberry, and Nectarine Smoothie Bowl

Banana, Blueberry, and Nectarine Smoothie Bowl 1

We’ve got another smoothie bowl recipe on the docket today! Say hello to Banana, Wild Blueberry, and Nectarine Smoothie Bowl!

This smoothie bowl is truly a POWER breakfast. And I don’t know about you, but power breakfasts are what I need right now. This spring is proving to be a CRAY-CRAY-busy time for me. I’m a first-time maid of honor for a beloved friend, an experience that has been a fun and special one for me, especially since my pal is the most laid-back, total-antithesis-to-Bridezilla bride ever. But as anyone who has been in a wedding party knows, the wedding stuffs do not happen by themselves. The planning is INTENSE! I am in need of healthy, hearty fuel now more than ever.

That’s why I love this Banana, Wild Blueberry, and Nectarine Smoothie Bowl. It’s totes healthy – I mean, look at all of the goodie ingredients included in it: fruit, fruit, and more fruit, with almonds, honey, almond milk, and ground flaxseeds added for good measure (cuz they’re great for digestion plus loaded with beneficial components such as omega-3 fatty acids and fiber). All those vitamins swirling around in one bowl ~SQUEAL!~ This Banana, Wild Blueberry, and Nectarine Smoothie Bowl is a nutrient-junkie’s dream, especially since it contains the HOLY GRAIL of beneficial foods, the WILD BLUEBERRY.

Apricot-Date Energy Balls

Apricot-Date Energy Balls 1

I’m so excited to unveil today’s recipe for Apricot-Date Energy Balls! They are nutrient-dense, ridiculously delicious, processed-sugar-free and gluten-free little beauties! And they are so, so easy to make – just let that food processor or blender do all of the work!

If my seasonal allergies are any indication, spring is OFFICIALLY here! And with spring comes all of the wonderful, glorious outdoor activities that those of us in cold-weather climes miss out on in the winter, so YAYYYY!!!

Arugula Salad with Raspberries, Figs, and Pistachios

Arugula Salad with Raspberries, Figs, and Pistachios 1

It’s time for another super-scrumptious salad recipe! Say hello to Arugula Salad with Raspberries, Figs, and Pistachios!

This salad was born out of my desire to have an excuse to eat more arugula, because I love its delicate leaves and peppery flavor very, very much and would probably make every other post on this blog an arugula-salad post if not for variety’s sake.

Spicy Chickpea Tacos

 

Spicy Chickpea Tacos 1

TGIF, all! To celebrate the glorious forthcoming weekend, I’ve got this Spicy Chickpea Tacos recipe for ya!!!

I know Taco Tuesdays are all the rage – and for good reason. Tacos are AWESOME, and Tuesdays deserve to be spiced up. I mean, “Party Animal” wasn’t the moniker that immediately came to mind for me around that day of the week before Taco Tuesday became a thing, but now I’m all like, “Tuesdays, you’re so crazy!” Still, I like the idea of tacos being a Friday food, because in my mind they are a celebratory food, and Friday is a celebratory day for me on account of it means a two-day break from my cube-rat corporate day-job existence (who feels me???). So I hereby denote these Spicy Chickpea Tacos an Honorary Friday Food. [Cue the confetti!!!]

Greek Yogurt Breakfast Parfait with Blackberries, Honey, and Almonds

Greek Yogurt Breakfast Parfait with Blackberries, Honey and Almonds 1

I’m super-psyched about today’s recipe because it contains an ingredient that is a mega luxury in my world. No, not white truffles flown Express from Italy or flecks of pure gold – I’m talking something far more exquisite. I’m talking – Greek yogurt! As you likely gathered from the title, it’s the building block of today’s recipe, Greek Yogurt Breakfast Parfait with Blackberries, Honey, and Almonds.

Turmeric-Kissed Date and Banana Smoothie Bowl with Sliced Avocado

Turmeric-Kissed Date and Banana Smoothie Bowl with Sliced Avocado 1

Happy Saturday, guys! SATURDAYYYYY!

Heralding Saturday as amazing is not a revolutionary declaration, I know. Most of us are pretty damn into today. I’m especially excited because here in the D, we’re supposed to have a temperature high of 60 degrees today – 60! In February! Heck yes I will be spending as much time as possible outside today!

And to top it off, I’m presenting an incredibly healthful + scrumptious breakfast recipe that will get us all revving high and ready to take on this beautiful day. Say hiya to the Turmeric-Kissed Date and Banana Smoothie Bowl with Sliced Avocado!!!

Why is this smoothie bowl so rad?

Fennel, Cranberry, and Mint Kale Salad with Orange Honey Vinaigrette

Fennel, Cranberry, and Mint Kale Salad with Orange Honey Vinaigrette 1I find comfort foods are critical during these chilly, gloomy winter months in boosting my morale – but so are fresh fruits and vegetables. They remind me that sunnier days are coming! That’s why I love this Fennel, Cranberry, and Mint Kale Salad with Orange Honey Vinaigrette recipe!

This dish feels like the quintessential winter salad to me. It contains hearty, seasonal elements: fennel, cranberries, oranges. It’s brightly colored and full of vibrant flavor, helping to ease the winter blahs. And the mint adds a freshness that makes spring feel THAT much closer.

Chocolate Coconut Banana Smoothie Bowl

Chocolate Coconut Banana Smoothie Bowl 1

Today is all about the kind of chocolatey, coconut-y banana-laden goodness that beckons you out of bed in the morning with a smile on your face and joy in your heart. Chocolate Coconut Banana Smoothie Bowl is IN THE HOUSE!!!!

(I never underestimate the power of a delectable breakfast to motivate me to rise. Awaking with the image of fresh-baked muffins in my head made getting up for class sophomore year a delight. Oh, dorm food days, I do miss you sometimes!)

I’m a wee bit enthused about this one. This Chocolate Coconut Banana Smoothie Bowl recipe contains unsweetened raw cacao powder AND cacao nibs (think a more natural version of baking chips). Unsweetened raw cacao is LIIIIIFE, in my book.

Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Pine Nut Risotto with Fresh Sage

Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Pinenut Risotto with Fresh Sage 1 Hello, all! I’m all about promoting healthy eating, but sometimes, we need a treat, right? That’s why I’m sharing this recipe for Chicken, Sweet Potato, and Pine Nut Risotto with Fresh Sage with you today!

Really, this recipe is quite healthful in the scheme of things because it incorporates whole ingredients, instead of baddie processed ones. I am huge on the philosophy of whole-foods-based eating (eating meals that incorporate ingredients with natural sources, rather than processed ingredients). I believe it’s much more important than eating low-calorie. So while this risotto probably isn’t exactly low-calorie, it’s clean. Yeah, clean eats!