Balsamic Mustard Roasted Brussel Sprouts

Obviously when my husband found out I was pregnant, he was thrilled.  Mainly because we were going to have a beautiful baby however, he was also super excited about pregnancy cravings.  Lets just say he was a little disappointed when my first and only craving was brussel sprouts.  Yes, you read that right, BRUSSEL SPROUTS.  This recipe is super simple and full of flavor.  Great side dish for any meal!

 

Ingredients:

• 3 cups brussel sprouts, sliced
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 tablespoon white balsamic
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a large bowl mix Dijon, oil, balsamic, salt and pepper until well blended.  Toss with sprouts and place on a foil lined baking sheet.  Bake for 20 minutes and serve.

Lemon Garlic Cod Fillets

This is my first attempt at Cod and it was delicious.  As you can see from the picture above, I need to perfect my flipping technique a bit.  When I did a quick Internet search for, "Sauteed Cod" the fillets all looked so perfect.  Mine as you can see do not....  however, they tasted fantastic and will be a regular in our house.  I am betting I will have a new and improved photo in no time!!

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 Alaskan Cod Fillets
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 3 cloves garlic, grated
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:  In a small bowl whisk lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper together.  In a medium skillet melt butter over medium heat and add Cod.  Top cod with juice mixture and baste frequently.  Saute for about 3 minutes on each side, or until Cod is cooked through and flaky.

Protein Packed Smoothie

I was driving in the car the other day and just had this ingenious thought.  Why not put garbanzo beans in Logan's smoothie for some extra protein?  I figured you wouldn't be able to taste them and he likes them plain anyways.  It turned out perfectly and no taste difference at all.  Luckily for me Logan will eat most anything but, for all you not so lucky parents this is a WIN WIN for sneaky protein.

 

 Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup garbanzo beans
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 handful baby kale
• 1 orange, peeled
• 1 banana
• 1 apple
• 1 cup ice
• 1 1/2 cups water

Directions:  Blend all ingredients together until smooth!!

Mongolian Beef with Broccoli

Recipe adapted from Six Sister's Stuff P.F. Chang's Mongolian Beef Copycat

 

My husband and I both really enjoyed this dish.  The sauce is delicious and we were discussing all the different ways to try it next.  It would work great for chicken and any kind of stir-fry or yakisoba.  Definitely a new favorite!

 

 Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger, grated
• 1 clove garlic, grated
• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/2 cup water
• 3/4 cup dark brown sugar 
• 1/2 tablespoon sriracha
• 1 tablespoon hoison
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 head broccoli, lightly chopped
• vegetable oil , for frying (about 1 cup)
• 1 lb beef sirloin 
• 1/4 cup cornstarch
• 2 large green onions, chopped

Directions for Sauce:  In medium sauce pan heat oil over medium/low heat and in garlic and ginger.  Stir for a little bit making sure not to burn garlic.  Stir in soy sauce, water, hoison, and sriracha.  Dissolve brown sugar in sauce, stir in pepper flakes and bring to a boil until sauce thickens, stirring constantly.  Remove from heat.

Directions for Beef:  Slice steak into 1/4 in strips and lightly dip in cornstarch.  Let cornstarch thicken for about 10 minutes on beef.  Heat up one cup of oil in a wok or large skillet over medium heat.  When oil is nice and hot add beef and saute until brown, about 3 minutes on each side.  Place beef on a plate covered with paper towels to soak up some of the extra grease.  Remove excess oil from skillet and bring sauce to a light boil.  Add beef and broccoli until everything is coated evenly and broccoli is just a little tender and serve over rice.

 

 

PB&J Grilled Cheese

I seriously think I died and went to heaven with this one!  Seriously, this is amazingly delicious.  I kind of feel like a genius, this must be exactly the way the person who invented Jalapeno Cheese Bagels felt.  Like my husband, I know some of you are absolutely repulsed by this.  I will tell you what I tell him, "Don't knock it till you try it!"

Directions:

• 1 croissant square, sliced
• Extra Sharp White Cheddar Cheese, Enough to cover one side of croissant
• Peanut Butter
• Jelly

Directions:  Lather one side of croissant with PB and the other with Jelly.  Place the cheese on one side and form into a sandwich.  On a lightly greased panini press (I used my George Foreman) cook for about 2 minutes or until bread is lightly brown and crisp.

Healthified Orange Julius

My whole family has been trying to fight a cold and all I seem to want is orange anything!!  I had the biggest craving for an Orange Julius so, I started looking up recipes and wasn't to surprised when all of them were loaded with sugar.  This drink is so divine and full of flavor.  This is a MUST make and is perfect for SUMMER!

 

Ingredients:

• 3 navel oranges, peeled
• 1 banana
• 1 cup almond milk
• 2 tablespoon Raw Agave
• 1/4 teaspoon vanilla
• 16 or so ice cubes, add more if you want a thicker drink

 

Directions:  Add all ingredients into a blender and puree until smooth!!

Oven Roasted Asparagus

For as long as I can remember, I have always loved asparagus.  I should probably ask my Mom that one, I bet she would have a different answer.  My Uncle works in the Yakima Valley and every time we would visit in the spring/summer months he would send us home with fresh produce.  One time he literally sent us home with a crate of asparagus, it was amazing.  We had it with every meal and this way was my favorite.  My Mom should of had us make an, "asparagus stand."  We could have brought in some extra cash, HAHA.

Ingredients:

• 1 bunch asparagus
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lemon wedge
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, shredded
• salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:  Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Trim asparagus about 1/2 inch and drizzle with olive oil.  Sprinkle with salt, pepper, cheese and squirt with lemon wedge.  Bake for 10 minutes and serve.