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Arugula Almond Salad

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Posts, Recipes, Salads

 

Salads are meant to be simple. That’s my philosophy, at least. So why complicate a salad with way too many ingredients and fat-laden salad dressing? I can’t tell you how many times I’ve been told, or have read, that just because you’ve ordered a salad at a restaurant, doesn’t necessarily mean you’re being healthy and cutting calories. That’s because they’ve added fried ingredients and added a dressing that has 500 calories (that’s dressing without the actual salad). You’d be better off ordering yourself a burger and fries. At least that way you can justify the 500 calories without trying—unsuccessfully—to convince yourself what you’re eating is actually good for you. (more…)

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Orange Cream Cakes

categories: Desserts, Posts, Recipes

 

I’ve been so out of the cooking loop that last weekend I went on a baking spree. Yes, Baking spree. I spent my Sunday making goodies. Honestly, I’m not even sure who’d eat them since I’m doing my best to avoid sweets. A friend of mine gave me a basic cake recipe and I decided to do a little experimenting by adding in a different flavor. Let’s just say, they were requested as an after dinner dessert. Win. (more…)

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Lazy Pumpkin Brownies

categories: Desserts, Posts, Recipes

 

To be a cook, is not about making everything from scratch, it’s about being smart with your ingredients. Some may call it cheating, faking, you name it. But really, isn’t it about mixing together the right ingredients to create a masterpiece? Plus, if we weren’t meant to use pre-packaged food, why would they sell them in the grocery stores and make them so easily accessible and cheap? Why would I spend more time making something that could essentially take me ¼ of the time if I used pre-packaged kits. Well, if you’re the decision maker in your kitchen it’s your prerogative. But don’t knock it until you’ve tried it. I bring you Lazy Pumpkin Brownies. (more…)

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Nacho Corn Soup

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Posts, Recipes, Soups

 

I don’t really cook with corn, unless in corn on the cob. So lately, I’ve been trying to find recipes with corn as an ingredient. I just so happened to come across this recipe from Slodka Babka and thought it’d be a nice addition to Taco Night. The Nacho Doritos really amp up the flavor give it that nacho-ey feel. I received compliments from everyone (mom and dad included). (more…)

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Caramel Apples

categories: Desserts, Posts, Recipes

 

The best part about living in the DC area is that we get to experience all four seasons. Arguments can be made that not all four seasons are enjoyable. But we get all four nonetheless. Every season, as you know has its food staples, as I like to call them. In the fall it’s everything pumpkin and apple. The summer, I become obsessed with watermelons, ice cream and red white and blue. Springtime is about pastels, brunch, cookies and cakes. Winter is all about stews, soups, candy canes and hot chocolate. Additions can be made to said seasonal staples. It’s all about apples and pumpkins now and one of my number one cravings during closer to Halloween is Caramel Apples. (more…)

Clam and Parsley Linguine

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Pasta, Posts, Recipes, Seafood

Clam-and-Parsley-Linguine

Since I got back from Sydney, Australia, I have been on this crazy seafood kick. I loved seafood before – I’m talking crab legs, oysters, lobster, salmon, snapper, shrimp, you name it I’ll eat it. But after the trip, I have been craving it almost daily. While in Sydney, I had the pleasure of trying Australian Barramundi, native to Northern Australia. I’ve found that in general, people in the U.S. like to have their fish filleted before they eat it. I, on the other hand, find it more appetizing to order grilled fish and have the whole fish handed to me on a platter. Some may say, “ew, how can you eat it when it’s looking at you?” Well, I don’t really think too much into that. The eyes don’t really catch my attention as much as the rest of the fish. I’d say, if you haven’t tried it that way, give it a try. You may surprise yourself and actually like it. (more…)

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