Coconut, Banana + Macadamia Nut Pancakes

I am thrilled once again to be hosted on Yummly as a featured blogger. This is a fantastic light and healthy pancake recipe that you and your family are going to love.  Check out what I have to say and get this recipe by clicking on Coconut Banana + Macadamia Nut Pancakes over at Yummly.

Every June, we take our family trip to Hawaii. Our favorite breakfast meal is the coconut, banana and macadamia nut pancakes. It’s the end of April, and I can’t wait for June to get here. Overly anxious, this morning I decided to recreate those pancakes for breakfast. 

Healthy Granola Bars [Clean Eating]

First of all, I apologize for not posting the last couple of weeks. Normally, I post at least once, maybe twice a week.  

Mini Mushroom, Spinach + Goat Cheese Frittatas [Clean-Eating]

One of my most popular posts on Skinnyluscious is the Mini Spinach and Feta Frittatas, so I decided it was time to create another yummy mini frittata. 

Blackened Cajun Shrimp Tacos

Do you work long hours, get home and cook dinner for your family? If you answered "yes", join my club. After a 9 1/2 hour day with an hour plus commute home, somehow I still find time and energy to cook dinner. Blame it on my belief that a nutritious dinner and family time together is both essential and valuable. During the weeknights, I try to plan meals that are quick, healthy, and delicious. 

Asparagus + Leek Quiche

Today, I am making two quiches, one for my hubby and the other for our neighbors who gifted us with bundles of glorious asparagus from their farm in Bakersfield, CA. I’m deciding on what kind of “healthy” crust I want to make for my quiche. Do I go with an oat, quinoa, or millet crust? I’m cooking more organic these days, but I have yet to venture in using Xanthan Gum (needed with oat, quinoa, and millet). So, I settle for a more old fashion crust, but healthy and lower calories, using whole wheat flour and half the amount of butter; I’m pleased with my decision. 

Pear + Ginger Muffins [Organic]

All week I have been craving a good healthy muffin. I've stopped by Starbucks a couple times, but didn't see any organic or healthy muffins, other than fat free blueberry (too boring). I really wanted a good organic muffin, just not sure where I can get one on my way to work on those days of craving.

Chicken Curry + Perfect Brown Rice

Today is Sunday, the day that I occasionally turn my kitchen into a "test kitchen". My hubby has taken our daughters (my step-daughters aka the girls) dirt biking, so I have some free time to test a new recipe. Today's test recipe happens to be chicken curry with brown rice. Recently, my family has been in the mood for curry. The only curry dish in my repertoire is pineapple curry fried rice - it's a hit but time for something new. 

Banana + Strawberry Acai Bowl

Have you tried an acai bowl yet? It is like eating a bowl of a very healthy sorbet or having a smoothie in a bowl. This banana + strawberry acai bowl is one of my family’s favorite breakfast.  My hubby and daughters love to eat this for breakfast after returning from a morning surf.  What family wouldn’t love having sorbet for breakfast?

Mango + Honey Smoothie

Bathing suit season is quickly approaching and I’m not as ready to put one on as I should be.  So, I decided that I need to start my day off with something a bit healthier and lighter, plus work out (does walking my dogs count as working out?).

Umami Turkey Burger + Caramelized Onions and Roasted Mushrooms

What is an Umami Turkey Burger? It is a turkey burger that has been infused with a savory sauce, called umami. The burger is then topped with onions that have been carmalized, roasted mushrooms, and more umami sauce. Thus creating the perfect twist to the average turkey burger. One bite, and you are going to be hooked. 

Spinach Salad with Caramelized Onions, Dates, and Feta + Balsamic Vinaigrette

The perfect start to a springtime lunch, this salad really satisfies your taste buds. Try topping with grilled chicken or salmon for a full meal. You are going to love the melody of flavors that this salad delivers from the caramelized onions, feta, and dates. This is my perfect springtime salad.

Edamame Kale Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette [Clean-Eating]

I am ecstatic to be hosted on Yummly as a featured blogger. Check out what I have to say and get this recipe by clicking on Edamame Kale Salad with Sesame Vinaigrette over at Yummly, you will love this one!!

Heirloom Tomato Carpaccio with Red-Wine Shallot Vinaigrette

I know it’s spring…but so far most days have been gray and cold along the coast in Southern California. So, I went way outside of the box when making a tomato salad that is best saved for summer.  

Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Garlicky Pita Chips

Are you in need for a simple and fast, yet elegant appetizer? If yes, then Roasted Red Pepper Hummus with Garlicky Pita Chips is the perfect solution. This hummus dip requires only a slight bit of chopping and a food processor. The pita chips are quickly tossed in a garlicky olive oil mixture and bakes in less than 15 minutes. 

Roasted Balsamic Strawberry Sundae

Tonight I made Roasted Balsamic Strawberry Sundaes and I’m over the moon with the results. The aroma of hot strawberry pie consumed the house as the strawberries roasted in the oven. My family quickly wanted to know what it was that was cooking. 

Whole Wheat Banberry Muffins

Changing my family’s way of eating has been happening one meal at time. Thank goodness for these sweet and deliciously moist Whole Wheat Banberry Muffins that I made for breakfast. Not only are they healthy, but also are loaded with pure ingredients such as whole wheat flour, olive oil instead of butter, raw sugar, bananas, and blueberries. These muffins were an all-time hit! 

Cheesy Penne with Spinach (Meatless Monday)

My teenage daughters do not like cheese, however they do love macaroni and cheese.  I made this super fast, Cheesy Penne with Spinach, since it is a light and creamy cheese with pasta, and I’m trying to incorporate more dark green vegetables into their meals.  

Simply Divine Chicken Lettuce Cups

I took my daughter, Jade, to Villa Blanca in Beverly Hills, for lunch on her birthday. Villa Blanca is owned by Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, star Lisa Vanderpump. Lisa also owns SUR in West Hollywood. Speaking of SUR, like me, did you happen to get sucked into watching Vanderpump Rules? It is another reality show that focuses on Lisa’s waitresses and bartenders from SUR. Loved that show! Anyway, back to Villa Blanca….I love the white and cream, shabby chic décor of the restaurant. You can be seated inside or out. It’s best to be seated outside, on the patio, during lunch, because it faces Rodeo Drive where all the great shopping takes place, the people watching is fabulously entertaining.

Mini Spinach and Feta Frittatas [Clean-Eating]

On occasion, in the early mornings on my way to work, I like to stop at Starbucks and pick up their Spinach & Feta Breakfast Wrap for breakfast. In case you have never tried one, it is a wheat wrap tortilla filled with egg white, spinach, feta cheese and sun dried tomatoes. I really enjoy the savory flavor and it’s filling too.

Sesame Noodles with Asparagus & Scallions [Clean Eating]

What is Clean Eating? Clean eating is consuming food in its most natural state, or as close to it as possible. It is not a diet; it's a lifestyle approach to food and its preparation, leading to an improved life - one meal at a time.