Each week I enjoy making something special for my family. A sweet bite they can enjoy during the week when things get busy. This is typically some sort of banana bread, energy bite, muffin or any other fun recipe I find on Pinterest. I always keep it simple because I'm NOT a baker. Now you know, any baked good I post will be on the easier side. :)

Lately, I've been adding baked oatmeal into the mix. Baked oatmeal is an easy thing to prep & serve for breakfast throughout the week. I like to bake it the night before & store in the fridge. In the morning, slices can be reheated quickly or taken on-the-go. Toppings like honey, apple butter, nut butter or maple syrup make it extra tasty! The base of the baked oatmeal makes it easy to switch out the flavors based on the ingredients you have on hand. This version adds a few (shelf-stable) apple ingredients that give it a cozy fall vibe.

A few tips for making this recipe:
- Purchase "baked apple chips" that have no sugar added: the dried chips soften in the oven & prevent the oatmeal from becoming soggy.
- Use unsweetened applesauce: the sweetness from the maple syrup & apple chips really do the trick!
- The vanilla protein powder adds a nice subtle flavor (& obviously added protein!). If you prefer to leave out the protein powder add two extra tablespoons of gluten free oats.
- Store in the fridge. Eat within 4-5 days!
- Serve with some nut butter & maple syrup for an extra tasty morning treat!

Your house is going to smell like you baked a lovely apple pie. Yet you only spent 15 minutes mixing up this yummy baked oatmeal. I'd call that a win!

Click the link below to download the recipe!

Instagram Reel showing this recipe: Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal
​Enjoy :)

I wanted to create something that everyone in the family could enjoy. Any guesses as to who was the last one at the table eating seconds??? MOM & DAD!  :)

I have made these chicken tenders for a few years now. They are a favorite in our house. I never wrote down the recipe though. Funny how that works! This time I made a gluten free version that turned out equally well. They can be made with or without gluten based on your family's diet.

Since Chick-fil-A is closed on Sunday you will need a fill-in. ​Am I right?
This recipe is a perfect weekend treat for your whole family. I only say weekend because it requires a little prep & this mama doesn't have time for that during the week! BUT if you planned ahead a little, I know you could make it work for any weeknight as well! Don't let me forget the cranberry saaaaaaaauce. YUM! Which is seriously the best part of the whole thing. Go ahead & double this recipe because you're going to need it.

I have to make these weekly. They are that good!
​A super easy & quick side dish.

I desperately miss {actually} going to local restaurants, trying out new menu items, & delighting over beautiful plating & rich flavor. We still do our share of supporting local businesses through carry-out. BUT a nice meal doesn't taste the same in a plastic container, nor does it hold the same appeal. Once you have exhausted your options for meal delivery & run through your go-to recipes at home there isn't much left! I had to make something beyond my comfort zone. . . because I am bored. Call it an ode to a former life of frequent dining out.

Sometimes new recipes simply pop into my head at odd times. I will have a specific ingredient & {while driving home} I suddenly know how to use it. I can't explain it! Any who. . . . that is how this Creamy Mediterranean Shrimp recipe came about. It all started with a can of coconut milk. Which turned into the most DELIGHTFUL savory dish I have had in months. The flavors all combine into something so spectacular that you will be licking the pan. No shame. There is a perfect balance of creamy {coconut milk} , rich {shrimp} & tarte {lemon}.

Brandon and I wanted more the following night for dinner & the next. Editing the photos of the dish made my mouth water over & over. IT'S THAT GOOD! I certainly feel like it is restaurant quality. What a perfect dish to make for your significant other, family or yourself! Plus it takes about 30 minutes. :)

​If you're not a fan of shrimp you can easily substitute chicken {adjust cooking time}. If you have never used coconut milk before don't be afraid! It is a very mild flavor that melds into whatever other ingredients you add. It gives the dish a nice creaminess without the dairy.

HINT: The secret to tender yet crispy shrimp is high heat with melted butter. Don’t forget to season well. Cook on high for a short amount of time. Perfect shrimp every time!

I've done it! I recreated one of my favorite LaraBar flavors and I have to say they taste just like the real thing. I made them into balls for easy snacking. These are ideal for a breakfast, after a workout, or post dinner sweet treat. They can be easily adapted to fit your taste. 
​
Packed with:
+ good fats
+ fiber
+ potassium 
& FLAVOR!

Recipe makes about 15 balls, a serving size is two-ish (they are filling). Plus, you don't want to overdo it on the dates if you know what I mean!
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I wanted to share some of my go-to reusable products that I am constantly using. We try to do our best to purchase items that are high quality & that will help us use less disposable items in the future (paper plates, straws, bags, water bottles).  

I have purchased these items over the last five to ten years and built up a stock, this is not something that will happen over night. I try to buy one small item every couple of months that I consider an improvement in my everyday living. Something that will reduce the use of plastic or other waste, or that is simply better for our family to use. If you are looking to reduce waste try one of my favorites out!!

32oz HydroFlask (Straw top) $50 : Worth every penny. I have dropped it out of my car so many times. Doesn't make your water taste like metal & keeps it cold for so long!

Stasher Snack Bag $10 : We have these in every size but the snack bags are my favorite. They are the perfect size for on-the-go or any fridge item. 

Mesh Produce Bags (5) $12 : In non-COVID times you really need to stop using the store produce bags! So wasteful! I have used these for years without any dirty looks from grocery store cashiers....ha! They can be put in the washer and used again.

ZipTop Cup Set $35 : Add these to your list...when they run a sale you will be ready! They are some of the highest quality silicone bags I have found. I like how these stand up without spillage!

Ball 12 count Jelly Jar $8.39 : I bought these when I made baby food. They are so perfect for any sauces or small amounts of food. Love that they are glass! 

Silicone Straws (6pk) $6 : I prefer these straws over most and trust me I've tried them all!

OXO 8 pc Glass Tupperware $30 : Quality. Perfect snap closure! Would be a great gift for someone.

10pk Flour Sack Kitchen Towels $8 : I wash all of my produce and lay them to dry on these. They are absorbent enough but not fluffy (to leave lint on food). They can be bleached (if stained) and washed over and over. 

I love to see how everyone interprets my content. It makes me so happy to share it with you!

Who else finds themselves with a produce overload sometimes?!
The summer tomatoes seem to multiply!! Combined with my tendency to over order on grocery pick up . . . I always seem to miss the weight of items & order waaaaay too much!! 

This recipe grew from a need to rid my counters of produce. In my mind, there is nothing better than homemade sauce. Tomato sauce is one of my favorites to make at home. This time I wanted a slightly different flavor profile with some added veggies for the kids!

This sauce has it all . . .
- smoky/roasted undertones
- creaminess without cream
- chunky rustic texture
- versatility: could be used in so many ways! 

Check out the recipe below!

I paired this sauce with my favorite meatball recipe for a hearty dinner!

Basic Meatball Recipe:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 egg
• 1/4 cup Nut Crumbs (GF, Italian style)  or  1/2 cup panko
• 1/2 cup grated cheese
• 1/2 teas. each garlic powder & sea salt

*1 grated zucchini (pat dry), optional addition to meat mixture
400 degrees for 20ish minutes.

This sauce will have you coming back all fall & winter long! Warm & cozy!! Prep a double batch & store some in the freezer for easy weeknight solutions. You could even make it into a soup by adding additional chicken or vegetable broth & a touch of your favorite milk. YUM!