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No-Cook Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

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If you’re both a food blogger and a new mom, you can empathize with me when I say that the amount of time it takes to prepare a dish, photograph said dish, edit the photos, and then compose a blog post is about tripled when you have a little one attached to you when compared to the time it took prior to having your mini-me.

Hence the decline in my frequency of posts as of late.

No-Cook Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

Lil’ Belle (one of my many nicknames for our sweet baby girl) has really taken to being “worn” by me for pretty much the entire day, every day. Although I love cuddling her close, baby-wearing has its drawbacks: a) the inevitable backache by the end of the day, which I can also partially blame on my complete lack of abdominal muscles (thanks, pregnancy) and b) it makes everyday activities and chores just a little bit more difficult.

Example 1: Emptying the dishwasher requires mad quad strength, as I have to squat rather than bend over. What I’ve lost in ab muscle, I’ve gained in leg muscle!

Example 2: When stirring something on the stovetop or putting something in the oven, I have to shield Lily with one arm, angling my body so I’m holding her away from potential splatters and burns.

Example 3: Setting up a photo shoot and actually photographing food for the blog takes some finesse as I work around the warm, cooing bundle strapped to my torso.

No-Cook Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

But you know what?

It’s all worth it.

I wouldn’t trade anything for our little baby girl because she is my world. Lily is the perfect result of two pretty awesome people (If I do say so myself) joined in love.

No-Cook Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

Speaking of two awesome entities joined to create something perfect, let’s talk about this chocolate peanut butter pudding (how do you like that segue?!).

When it comes to food pairings, nothing can top chocolate & peanut butter.

That’s why I’m urging you to make this luscious (and no-cook! and vegan! and easy! and healthy!) pudding for your valentine on Thursday, whether that person is your significant other, child, parent, best friend… or yourself, because let’s face it, you deserve something special and delicious.

This avocado-based pudding is dominated by chocolate, but the peanut butter flavor comes through as well, and the texture is perfectly smooth, creamy, and lush. There’s no denying that it’s high in calories and fat, but there’s no refined sugar and the fat is the healthy kind. Just keep the portions in check, and this pudding is a delicious way to healthfully say “I love you” this Valentine’s Day!

No-Cook Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding

by Lauren Zembron

NameNo-Cook Chocolate Peanut Butter Pudding
CuisineDessert
Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Time0 minutes (No cooking required)
Total Time40 minutes (includes chilling time)
Servings2 servings
YieldApproximately 1.5 cups of pudding

Keywords: dessert vegan avocado chocolate peanut butter pudding

Ingredients (4 servings)

  • 2 medium-sized ripe Hass avocados, (they should have black skin & yield slightly when gently squeezed), peeled & pitted
  • 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup + 1 Tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 tsp instant espresso powder
  • tiny pinch salt

Instructions

Place avocados, maple syrup, peanut butter, and vanilla extract into the bowl of a food processor and process until well-blended, scraping down the sides of the bowl as needed.

Add in the cocoa powder, espresso powder, and salt, and process until well-combined.

Divide pudding evenly among 4 dishes.

Serve cold or at room temperature.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • The nutrition information may vary based on the specific ingredients and quantities used, but here’s an approximate estimation per serving (assuming 2 servings):

Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving):

  • Calories: 370 kcal
  • Total Fat: 29g
    • Saturated Fat: 6g
    • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 200mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 23g
    • Dietary Fiber: 9g
    • Sugars: 8g
  • Protein: 12g

Please note that these nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on the specific brands of ingredients used and any modifications made to the recipe. It’s always a good idea to calculate nutrition based on the actual ingredients and quantities you use.

Dark Chocolate Swirl Coconut Almond Butter (aka Almond Joy Butter)

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I’m finally back with a recipe!

Dark Chocolate Swirl Coconut Almond Butter (aka Almond Joy Butter)

Inspiration for this delectable almond butter came from a cup of Chobani’s Almond Coco Loco flip yogurt. As I savored devoured each bite of the creamy coconut yogurt studded with crunchy almond slices and sweet dark chocolate, it occurred to me that the almond joy flavors would be awesome in a nut butter.

Dark Chocolate Swirl Coconut Almond Butter (aka Almond Joy Butter)

All you need to do is process together some unsweetened coconut flakes and roasted almonds, then toss in some chopped dark chocolate.

Dark Chocolate Swirl Coconut Almond Butter (aka Almond Joy Butter)

So where does the swirl come in? As the food processor works to butterize the almonds and coconut, the steel blade heats up; when you add in the chopped chocolate, it melts and swirls into the coconut almond butter.

Dark Chocolate Swirl Coconut Almond Butter (aka Almond Joy Butter)

Clearly you should make a batch of this dessert-worthy almond butter this weekend!

Dark Chocolate Swirl Coconut Almond Butter (aka Almond Joy Butter)
Dark Chocolate Swirl Coconut Almond Butter (aka Almond Joy Butter)

Dark Chocolate Swirl Coconut Almond Butter

by Lauren Zembron

Name:Dark Chocolate Swirl Coconut Almond Butter (aka Almond Joy Butter)
CuisineFusion
Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Time12 minutes (roasting almonds)
Total TimeApproximately 30 minutes
ServingsAbout 16 servings (2 tablespoons per serving)
YieldApproximately 2 cups of almond butter with chocolate swirl

Ingredients

Instructions

Place coconut flakes into the bowl of a food processor fitted with the steel blade, and process until a paste forms.

Add in the almonds and process until a smooth, drippy butter forms, scraping down the sides as needed. This may take 5+ minutes… be patient! Let sit for a few minutes to partially cool.

Add in the chopped chocolate and pulse a few times. The heat from blade will partially melt the chocolate.

Store at room temperature.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: Approximately 120 calories
  • Total Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 0mg
  • Sodium: 37mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 5g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 3g

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

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Yes, I know I posted a pizza recipe just last week… and yes, I know I have about a dozen pizzas on my recipes page.

Name:Individual Breakfast Pizzas
Cuisine:American
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cooking Time:15 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Servings:4
Yield:4 individual pizzas
Individual Breakfast Pizzas

Here’s the deal. I enjoy making pizza. John and I love eating pizza. In fact, we eat homemade pizza about once a week. So. Here’s another pizza recipe!

John provided the inspiration for this one; he requested a breakfast pizza and I was happy to oblige. I envisioned a pie topped with breakfast staples, namely crumbled sausage and eggs. I made a game-time decision to make individual pizzas, so I divided the dough into 4 equal portions. I haven’t had a personal pizza in years.

It was a good call.

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

Here’s something you won’t read on many other cooking blogs: you don’t need to make your own dough to make a great pizza! I use Whole Foods organic wheat pizza dough, which is available in the freezer section of most locations. It’s inexpensive, made with whole wheat flour, thaws beautifully, is easy to roll out and form, crisps up perfectly on the outside while remaining chewy on the inside, and tastes fantastic.

Don’t have a Whole Foods around you? Trader Joe’s carries a variety of decent refrigerated pizza doughs, and you could also check out your local pizza joint.

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

As for what I topped the dough with, it was clearly all about breakfast foods.

A bit of crisp crumbled breakfast sausage,

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

a combination of sharp cheddar and part-skim mozzarella cheeses,

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

fresh organic eggs,

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

and bright green onions.

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

Baked to perfection… no pizza stone necessary!

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

I swear by my method of baking the pizza on a baking sheet for most of the cooking time, and then finishing it off right on the oven rack for optimal crust crisping. If you have a pizza stone… go for it. Just know that it’s not absolutely required in order to achieve a gorgeously golden brown crust.

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

John and I enjoyed these pizzas for dinner, but they would be such a fun and unexpected addition to a weekend breakfast or brunch.

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

I haven’t always felt this way, but nothing beats a runny yolk… am I right? For a while I preferred my fried eggs over-easy. These days? It’s all about the sunny side up :).

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

Individual Breakfast Pizzas

Printer-Friendly Recipe

Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ball pizza dough, homemade or store-bought, preferably whole wheat (I used a defrosted ball of frozen Whole Foods organic wheat pizza dough)
  • flour, for rolling out dough
  • 1 Tbsp olive oil, divided
  • 1/2 lb uncooked breakfast sausage (I used pork, but chicken or turkey sausage would be fine alternatives – just make sure you seek out uncooked sausage.)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated sharp cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated part-skim low moisture mozzarella cheese
  • 4 large eggs, preferably organic
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions, green and white parts
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  1. Bring dough to room temperature. Divide into 4 equal portions (about 4 oz each). Preheat oven to 450°F.
  2. Lightly flour a clean, flat work surface. Roll each ball of dough out to about 1/4-inch thickness. Transfer to a rimless baking sheet. Brush olive oil evenly over rolled out dough rounds.
  3. Heat a medium nonstick skillet oven medium-high heat. Remove casings from sausage, and place sausage into the hot skillet. Cook, breaking up sausage with the back of a wooden spoon, until crumbled and browned, about 5 minutes. Drain on a paper towel-lined plate.
  4. Sprinkle cheeses evenly over each pizza dough round. Top with crumbled sausage. Crack one egg on top of the sausage in the center of each pizza. Top with sliced green onions.
  5. Bake pizzas at 450°F for 8 minutes. Carefully remove the baking sheet from underneath the pizzas, and continue to cook – directly on the oven rack – until the crusts are golden brown, the cheese is melted, and the eggs are set, about 2 additional minutes. Carefully remove pizza from oven with a pizza peel and let cool 2 minutes before serving.
  6. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 320 calories
  • Protein: 20 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 30 grams
  • Dietary Fiber: 3 grams
  • Sugars: 3 grams
  • Fat: 15 grams
  • Saturated Fat: 7 grams
  • Cholesterol: 220 mg
  • Sodium: 550 mg

Breakfast Tacos

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As was the case with my Individual Breakfast Pizzas, we actually enjoyed these tacos for dinner… but apparently I like entitling any recipe featuring eggs as “breakfast” despite the fact that I rarely eat eggs in the morning.

For these tacos, tortillas – or flatbreads, as I used – are crisped up in a skillet before eggs are broken over and cooked directly on them. As far as toppings go, use your favorite accoutrements; I piled on creamy avocado slices, monterey jack cheese, and fresh salsa.

Breakfast Tacos

I actually made these breakfast tacos a few months ago, and was putting off posting the recipe until I updated the photos, (as these are less-than-stellar); but given how preoccupied I’ve been lately with our little bundle of joy, I decided to go ahead and share the post as is with you.

The tacos come together quickly enough for breakfast, but are filling enough for dinner. For a more complete meal, you could serve the tacos with black beans scented with freshly squeezed lime juice and chopped cilantro or home fries seasoned with cumin, chili powder, and cayenne.

Breakfast Tacos

Breakfast Tacos

by Lauren Zembron

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Keywords: fry breakfast entree main vegetarian eggs

Place the tortillas/flatbreads onto the hot griddle/skillet and let cook until golden and slightly crisp, about 2-3 minutes. Flip the tortillas/flatbreads over, and break one egg over each. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover egg-topped tortillas with a lid (or two if using a griddle) and let cook for 2 minutes, or until the eggs start to set. Carefully flip each egg-topped tortilla/flatbread over once again and let cook, uncovered, just until the eggs are fully cooked, about 20-30 seconds

NameBreakfast Tacos
CuisineMexican
Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings4 servings
Yield4 tacos

Ingredients

  • 2 tsp butter
  • 4 thick flour tortillas or round flatbreads, preferably whole wheat (I used Middle Eastern Flatbreads from Trader Joe’s)
  • 4 large eggs, preferably organic
  • sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup shredded monterey jack (or pepper jack) cheese
  • 8 slices avocado (from about 1/2 large avocado)
  • 1/4 cup fresh salsa (pico de gallo)

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Fillings: Cook your choice of fillings. For example, if you’re using bacon, cook it until crispy, then crumble it. Sauté your vegetables until they’re tender and slightly caramelized.
  2. Scramble the Eggs: In a separate bowl, whisk your eggs and season with salt and pepper. Heat a non-stick skillet over medium heat and add a small amount of butter or oil. Pour in the eggs and cook, stirring gently, until they’re just set.
  3. Warm the Tortillas: To make your tortillas pliable, warm them in the oven or on a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side.
  4. Assemble Your Tacos: Lay out your warm tortillas and start assembling your breakfast tacos. Begin with a scoop of scrambled eggs, then add your fillings of choice. Top with cheese, avocados, and a drizzle of salsa.
  5. Serve and Enjoy: Fold your tortillas over the fillings and serve your breakfast tacos immediately. Don’t forget to add optional toppings like sour cream, hot sauce, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for an extra burst of flavor.

Say goodbye to boring breakfasts and say hello to the delicious world of breakfast tacos. These versatile and easy-to-make delights are perfect for anyone looking to kickstart their day with a satisfying and flavorful meal. Customize your breakfast tacos to your liking, and you’ll soon find yourself eagerly anticipating breakfast every morning. So, why wait? Start your day with a breakfast fiesta today!

Estimated Nutrition

Calories300
Protein12g
Carbohydrates20g
Dietary Fiber3g
Sugars3g
Fat15-20g
Saturated Fat6g
Servings24
Cholesterol250mg
Sodium500mg

Monday Musings

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1. Despite the expected challenges, I LOVE being a mom and I find myself becoming more and more enamored with Lily every day. So much of being first-time parents is figuring things out for ourselves along the way, and – for the most part – it has been a joy thus far. I actually don’t much mind the multiple-times-a-night feedings because snuggling up with our little tater tot has become one of my favorite activities :).

Something I am still getting accustomed to is how to now feed myself and John. It’s no longer possible to plan on meals being served at a given time, as Lily tends to wake up either as I’m cooking or right as we’re about to sit down to eat. John has brought me meals on the couch while I breastfed many times over these past two weeks! I’m glad I had to foresight to make a bunch of freezer meals before Lily was born, and we’ve managed to maintain our healthy diet… such as this dinner of roast chicken, sauteed green beans, and roasted potatoes we enjoyed (on the couch, while breastfeeding) on Saturday night:

PropertyValue
NameMonday Musings
CuisineMediterranean
Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings4 servings
YieldApproximately 4 cups of salad

Ingredients

  • 1 cup quinoa
  • 2 cups water
  • 1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Quinoa
    • Rinse the quinoa under cold water.
    • In a saucepan, combine quinoa and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15-20 minutes or until the quinoa is cooked and water is absorbed. Fluff the quinoa with a fork and let it cool.
  2. Make the Citrus Vinaigrette
    • In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lime juice, lemon zest, lime zest, olive oil, honey, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
  3. Assemble the Salad
    • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red bell pepper, red onion, and fresh parsley.
  4. Add the Citrus Vinaigrette
    • Pour the citrus vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to combine, ensuring all the ingredients are well coated.
  5. Season and Garnish
    • Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Top with crumbled feta cheese for a burst of flavor and a hint of creaminess.
  6. Serve
    • Transfer the salad to a serving platter or individual bowls. Serve immediately and enjoy this nutritious, refreshing quinoa salad!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving (approximate values)

  • Calories: 330 kcal
  • Protein: 12g
  • Carbohydrates: 54g
  • Total Fat: 7g
  • Saturated Fat: 1.5g
  • Fiber: 9g
  • Sugar: 6g
  • Sodium: 420mg

Please note that the nutritional values are approximate and can vary based on specific ingredients used and portion sizes. Always refer to specific product labels or consult a nutritionist for precise nutritional information.

2. Sunday night TV is worth watching for the first time since the season finales of Dexter and Homeland!

Shameless, House of Lies, and Girls are all shows I’ve come to follow and enjoy… though I typically watch them via On Demand in the days following their original air date.

While on the topic of Girls, if you’re a fan – heck, even if you’re not – you’ll get a kick out of this.

3. John’s big Christmas present for me was a gorgeous set of David Yurman bracelets featuring Lily’s birthstone, (yep, he’s a keeper!), but he also gifted me with some potted herb seeds:

Monday Musings

So far the cilantro is taking the lead, though it doesn’t look like the cilantro I’m familiar with quite yet. It’s going to be so nice to have freshly picked herbs in the dead of a New England winter!4. I very rarely buy novels, much preferring to take them out of the library for free. I was on the wait list for this book for months but the wait was SO worth it! I’m halfway through, and completely hooked. Best book I’ve read in a while! No spoilers, please ;).

Pumpkin Chocolate Pudding

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I love every recipe I post on HFFL, (they’re my little food babies), but every once in a while I come up with something that is really special; something that I know I will make over and over again.

One such recipe was my Chocolate Ganache Pudding that I posted back in July. Rich & chocolatey, lusciously smooth & thick, fudgey pudding.

SO. Good.

Pumpkin Chocolate Pudding

I’ve made that pudding several times over the past three months, but decided to put an autumnal spin on the base recipe in celebration of my favorite seasonal ingredient: yep, pumpkin.

Pumpkin Chocolate Pudding

Half of the avocado called for in the original recipe is swapped out for pumpkin puree, a generous amount of pumpkin pie spice takes the place of the espresso powder & some of the cocoa powder, and maple extract joins the vanilla extract for an extra boost of flavor.

Pumpkin Chocolate Pudding

The resulting pudding is just as silky (though a bit lighter) as its predecessor, but with the added flavor kick of warm pumpkin pie spices.

If you’ve never experienced the revelatory taste sensation of chocolate paired with pumpkin, then perhaps this pudding will tempt you to give it a whirl.

Pumpkin Chocolate Pudding

You can thank me later.

Pumpkin Chocolate Pudding

But I might be face planted in a bowl of this decadent vegan pudding, rendering a reply unlikely ;).

Pumpkin Chocolate Pudding
AttributeValue
NamePumpkin Chocolate Pudding
CuisineMixed
Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Time15 minutes
Total Time30 minutes
Servings4 servings
YieldApproximately 2 cups of pudding

Ingredients

  • 1 medium-sized ripe Hass avocado, (it should have dark green/black skin & yield slightly when gently squeezed), peeled & pitted
  • 3/4 cup pure pumpkin puree
  • 1/4 cup + 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup
  • 2 Tbsp chocolate coconut butter, such as Artisana Cacao Bliss
  • 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
  • 1/4 tsp pure maple extract
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2 1/2 tsp pumpkin pie spice
  • tiny pinch salt

Directions

In the bowl of a food processor, place the avocado, pumpkin puree, maple syrup, coconut butter, vanilla extract, and maple extract. Process until no lumps remain, scraping down the sides of the food processor bowl as necessary.

Add in the cocoa powder, pumpkin pie spice, & salt; process until smooth. Evenly divide pudding amongst 4 individual cups.

Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator.

Nutritional Information per serving

  • Calories: 210
  • Total Fat: 4g
  • Saturated Fat: 2.5g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 40g
  • Dietary Fiber: 3g
  • Sugars: 30g
  • Protein: 5g
Pumpkin Chocolate Pudding

Please adjust the nutrition values based on the specific ingredients and brands you use. Let me know if there’s anything else you’d like to add or modify!

Monday Musings + Mardis Gras Mac & Cheese

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1. I ate this for breakfast last Thursday morning, and though it was as delicious as the first couple of times I made it, I had to wrap myself in a blanket before I got halfway through the cold & creamy parfait.

2. Lindsay from Chobani saw my desperate plea on Twitter for the new yogurt flavors to grace Boston area supermarket shelves, and thoughtfully offered to send me a variety pack + 2 large containers of my beloved plain yogurt.

Thank you, Lindsay & Chobani!!!

3. Speaking of thoughtful gifts, the hubs surprised me with this beautiful necklace on Valentine’s Day.

Monday Musings + Mardis Gras Mac & Cheese

From the David Yurman watch he bought me for my birthday 5 years ago… to the Da Beers solitaire engagement ring he proposed to me with 4 years ago… to this Links of London necklace (and everything in between), I must say the man has great taste in jewelry ;).

4. We’re celebrating Fat Tuesday a day early with this Stovetop Mardis Gras Mac & Cheese. Check it out on The Back Burner!

Monday Musings + Mardis Gras Mac & Cheese

Monday Musings + Mahi Mahi Tacos (revisited)

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1. Ok, Earth Balance… this is pretty tasty:

But you’re not the first one to combine coconut and peanut butter:

Monday Musings + Mahi Mahi Tacos (revisited)

(I’m probably not either).

I really have to make that Vanilla Bean Coconut Peanut Butter again!

2. Yes, I’m reading this book.

Monday Musings + Mahi Mahi Tacos (revisited)

Chances are you have read it, are currently reading it, or have heard about it.

After being put at spot 368 on the wait-list at the library, I went ahead and purchased the trilogy – the first book of which I’m about half way through.

Now, let’s just lay it all out on the table, shall we? The writing is amateurish, the character development is practically nonexistent, and the plot is almost laughably unrealistic. However. Just like the Twilight series, this trilogy will pull you in and you’ll have no choice but to read all three books back-to-back. And I hear there is a movie deal in the works. I’m still trying to settle on the perfect actor to play Christian Grey…

3. I’m really glad I read George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series because I’d be totally lost in the HBO adaptation (Game of Thrones) without having read the books.

Monday Musings + Mahi Mahi Tacos (revisited)

In any given episode, you’re following at least 4 different plot lines each featuring about 5-10 characters. If I had it my way, I’d spend an hour every Sunday night watching Jon Snow take on the evils beyond the wall, but alas there’s a whole lot more going on in Westeros.

4. Cinco de Mayo is this coming weekend, and to celebrate I’m sharing my recipe for Mahi Mahi Tacos over at The Back Burner.

Monday Musings + Mahi Mahi Tacos (revisited)

If you missed them the first time around, check ‘em out!

Welcome back to another edition of Monday Musings! This week, we’re revisiting a classic favorite with a twist – Mahi Mahi Tacos. These delicious tacos are not only easy to prepare but also a great way to kick off your week with a burst of flavor. So, let’s dive into this delectable recipe and get those taste buds dancing.

Ingredients

  • 4 Mahi Mahi fillets (about 6 ounces each)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • 1 ripe mango, diced
  • 1/2 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, minced (remove seeds for less heat)
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of 1 lime
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Prepare the Mahi Mahi:
  • In a small bowl, mix together the minced garlic, ground cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, pepper, and lime juice to create a marinade.
  • Place the Mahi Mahi fillets in a shallow dish and coat them with the marinade. Make sure both sides are well covered.
  • Let the fish marinate for about 15-20 minutes while you prepare the salsa and other toppings.
2. Make the Mango Salsa:
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the diced mango, red onion, red bell pepper, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt, and pepper.
  • Gently toss everything together until well mixed.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more lime juice, salt, or pepper if needed.
  • Refrigerate the salsa until it’s time to assemble the tacos.
3. Cook the Mahi Mahi:
  • Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.
  • Once the oil is hot, carefully place the marinated Mahi Mahi fillets in the pan.
  • Cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until the fish is opaque and easily flakes with a fork.
  • Remove the fish from the heat and set it aside.
4. Assemble the Tacos:
  • Warm the tortillas in a dry skillet or microwave for about 20 seconds to make them pliable.
  • Place a scoop of shredded cabbage or lettuce on each tortilla.
  • Add a slice or two of avocado.
  • Top with a Mahi Mahi fillet.
  • Spoon the mango salsa generously over the fish.
  • If desired, drizzle with sour cream or Greek yogurt.
  • Garnish with lime wedges for an extra burst of citrusy flavor.
5. Serve and Enjoy:
  • Serve your Mahi Mahi Tacos immediately while they are still warm.
  • Don’t forget to squeeze some fresh lime juice over the top for that final touch of zing!

Monday Musings

As you savor these Mahi Mahi Tacos, take a moment to embrace the beginning of a new week. Reflect on your goals, set your intentions, and make the most of the days ahead. Sometimes, all it takes is a delicious meal to brighten up your Monday.

NameMonday Musings + Mahi Mahi Tacos (revisited)
CuisineMexican
Prep Time30 minutes
Cooking Time10 minutes
Total Time40 minutes
Servings4
Yield8 tacos

Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories35 calories
Protein30g
Carbohydrates30g
Dietary Fiber4g
Sugars8g
Total Fat12g
Saturated Fat2g
Cholesterol100mg
Sodium400mg

Monday Musings + Pepperoni Stromboli

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another edition of Monday Musings, where we combine the joy of culinary exploration with a touch of food for thought. Today, we’re diving into the delightful world of Pepperoni Stromboli. This Italian-inspired dish is the perfect way to kickstart your week with a burst of flavor. So, roll up your sleeves, put on your chef’s hat, and let’s get cooking!

NameMonday Musings + Pepperoni Stromboli
CuisineItalian-Inspired
Prep Time25 minutes
Cooking Time30 minutes
Total Time1 hour and 55 minutes (including dough rising time)
Servings6 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups warm water (110°F)
  • 2 ¼ teaspoons active dry yeast
  • 1 teaspoon sugar
  • 3 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 ½ cups shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1 cup sliced pepperoni
  • Olive oil for brushing
  • Marinara sauce for dipping

Instructions

1. Prepare the Dough:

  • In a small bowl, combine warm water, sugar, and active dry yeast. Let it sit for about 5 minutes until it becomes frothy.
  • In a large mixing bowl, combine flour and salt. Make a well in the center and pour in the yeast mixture and olive oil.
  • Mix until the dough comes together. Knead the dough on a floured surface for about 5 minutes until it’s smooth and elastic.
  • Place the dough in a greased bowl, cover it with a clean kitchen towel, and let it rise for about 1 hour, or until it has doubled in size.

2. Assemble the Stromboli:

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  • Punch down the risen dough and roll it out on a floured surface into a large rectangle.
  • Spread pizza sauce evenly over the dough, leaving a small border around the edges.
  • Sprinkle half of the shredded mozzarella cheese over the sauce.
  • Layer the pepperoni, olives, bell pepper, red onion, and mushrooms on top of the cheese.
  • Sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
  • Top with the remaining mozzarella cheese.

3. Roll and Bake:

  • Carefully roll up the stromboli, starting from one long edge, tucking in the sides as you go.
  • Place the stromboli seam-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
  • Brush the top with olive oil.
  • Bake in the preheated oven for about 25-30 minutes, or until it’s golden brown and the cheese is bubbly and slightly browned.

4. Serve and Enjoy:

  • Let the stromboli cool for a few minutes, then slice it into portions.
  • Serve with marinara sauce for dipping.
  • Enjoy your Monday Musings with a slice of Pepperoni Stromboli!

As you savor each bite of this Pepperoni Stromboli, let’s remember that Mondays are a canvas for new beginnings. Use them as a platform to explore new recipes, gather with loved ones, and infuse positivity into your week. Food, like life, is meant to be enjoyed to the fullest, and this Stromboli is the perfect way to start your week on a delicious note. So, here’s to Mondays and to culinary adventures that make them brighter!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving:

  • Calories: 390 calories
  • Total Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 45mg
  • Sodium: 1000mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Total Carbohydrates: 36g
  • Servings: 2
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 2g
  • Protein: 15g

1. My friend, Cara, has organized a once-weekly month-long event celebrating heart-healthy recipes for the duration of February.

Cara, Nicole, Amy, and I will be posting heart-healthy recipes for breakfast, lunch, snacks, dinner, and dessert on the 1st, 8th, 15th, 22nd, and 29th (respectively) of this month.

For more details on this fantastic event, including link-up instructions and giveaway prizes – check out this page on Cara’s blog!

2. I have been listening to this song on repeat.

And then Ellen featured this band with their rendition of the song, and I honestly can’t decide which version I like better!

3. This week on The Back Burner (which just got a makeover – check out the new site!) is all about football-watching fare.

Monday Musings + Pepperoni Stromboli

Be sure not to miss my recipe for Pepperoni Stromboli!

You certainly don’t need to be watching football to enjoy these chewy, cheesy, and delicious pizza slices… but they would definitely make an excellent addition to your Super Bowl party.

They’re definitely going on our menu for next Sunday.

Monday Musings + Pepperoni Stromboli

4. There are 2 weeks left to vote for my 

 in the Nutty About Yogurt recipe contest! If you haven’t already voted, you may do so by clicking here. I greatly appreciate your support!

Monday Musings + Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (revisited)

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1. I forgot to share this tasty meal with you in last week’s Monday Musings!

We spent Memorial Day weekend in Darmouth, MA for a friend’s wedding. John was a groomsman, so while he was busy getting ready with the groom, my in-laws and I grabbed a quick bite to eat at a waterside restaurant.

My choice was a no-brainer: lobster roll with sweet potato fries.

Summer on a plate!

2. John and I spent this past weekend at our new house (closing was last week) cleaning, organizing, prepping for painting, and unpacking some of the quickly accumulating boxes sitting in our apartment.

Monday Musings + Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (revisited)

Just a head’s up… posts may be a bit sporadic over the next two weeks, until we officially move. We’ll be prepping the new house, and most of the kitchen is already packed up. Here’s a sneak peak at where all of the cooking will be happening in a couple of weeks!!

Monday Musings + Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (revisited)

3. Today’s Back Burner post features a recipe from the archives… one I had actually forgotten about!



Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders… kid- & adult-friendly =).

Monday Musings + Crispy Baked Chicken Tenders (revisited)