Pumpkins

Last weekend we had our first fall meal. Adam made beer can chicken, corn, and okra. His dad made his famous beans and my dad made his tasty pumpkins. We had these growing up and they are really simple to cook. First, cut the pumpkin (like you would to carve it) and clean out the inside. Next, add a tablespoon of maple syrup or honey. Lastly, put the pumpkins on tin foil (for an easy clean up) and bake them for 35 minutes at 325 degrees. 'tis the season!

Smoothie time

Adam leaves early for work and finds himself ravenous late morning. So, I've started making smoothies the night before. Last night I made a smoothie for Adam, my mother-in-law, and me. Perhaps you can take turns with someone at work or school and switch off making each other smoothies. My personal favorite is spinach, celery, apple, and frozen mango with a little bit of water or coconut water. I find it's great to use a frozen fruit instead of ice. Just use what you have and discover what combination suits your palate. I highly recommend the magic bullet for single serving, no mess smoothies. They're $40 at Bed, Bath, and Beyond with a coupon. Happy Friday y'all!

Garden

Our garden is finally here! Get inspired today... start by growing herbs in your home ;)

Miso cod

Adam and I made dinner tonight for our parents... Miso cod, wilted spinach, and brown rice. Everyone enjoyed and it's a really simple meal. The recipe for the cod can be found at foodandwine.com

Build your own tacos

My dad arrived in Texarkana tonight and Adam and I decided to make him his favorite.... Tacos! Tacos are easy and everyone is happy because you can customize them with whatever ingredients you enjoy. You can do hard or soft tacos, nacho style, or a salad. Also, meat becomes a condiment rather than a main. The taste is there yet you're eating a small portion.

Snack

My idea of a perfect snack! Frozen grapes and raw nuts.

Smoothie

It tastes as good as is looks!

Chinese salad

Here I used Sam's Clubs Chinese salad base and then I spiced it up with baked cashews (baking them really is a must), tofu, and avocado. Sugar snap peas and oranges are also great to add!

Omelet

A delightful Sunday morning open face omelet. Fun and fresh :)

Parfait

Homemade granola layered with Greek yogurt and blueberries. Simple and satisfying!

Taco salad

Taco salad with sauteed peppers and onions. Perfect for lunch or dinner... there is really nothing to it!

Caprese, kale, and sweet potato

How fortunate I feel to have Loomis Farms in Texarkana. Thank you Jim and Janie for your bi-monthly fresh produce boxes. Here are LF tomatoes caprese style with fresh basil from our garden. LF sweet potatoes with a little brown sugar and cinnamon. Kale, a nutritional powerhouse, in a light EVOO/lemon/sea salt dressing. A nutritious and delicious meal!

PB balls

Peanut butter protein balls... these are so easy to make an always a guaranteed hit. 1 cup of peanut butter (or almond butter or any nut butter you enjoy), 1/2 a cup of honey (or agave, maple syrup, or sweetener of your choice), and 1/4 a cup of powdered milk. Mix it up and make it your own. Add cranberries, raisins, or chocolate chips. Dip it in chopped almonds, peanuts, or oatmeal. I love to pop these pre-workout or post-workout... for a snack or for dessert.. an all around winner according to me.

SW tilapia

A shout out to Julie's Deli for their tasty Southwest tilapia. Just the right amount of kick... I'm a huge fan!

Picnic

Birthday lunch on the lake. Broccoli slaw and a shrimp, avo, cucumber, tomato chop salad drizzled with EVOO, lemon, and sea salt. Yes, this is what I chose as my bday lunch because to me, it's all about how you feel after you eat! I will admit, though, a few hours later Adam and I stopped for a snickers ice cream bar... it's all about balance!