Cauliflower Puree - AKA Mashed Potatoes

side, vegetarian

Who doesn't love mashed potatoes? I know my family does. My brother once smashed his face in a huge bowl of them at Thanksgiving.

That's dedication.

Roasted Shrimp Enchiladas with Green Chile Cream Sauce

Mexican, dinner, casserole, leftovers, freezable, crowd-pleaser, seafood

I loooooooooove having enchiladas at-the-ready in the freezer!

It makes for a healthy lunch or dinner in a jiffy!

Summer Kabobs

dinner, easy, quick, meat

I wanted to call these "Piece-O-Cake Kabobs", but then I figured you'd want cake.

And that would be a very sad day for you.

Except that it really wouldn't, because these guys are quite scrumptious.

Cheesy Mini Cornbreads

side, bread, quick, leftovers, crowd-pleaser

I needed something to go with my Lighter Shepherd's Pie, but I didn't want another vegetable.

So, not surprisingly, I settled on a carb + cheese combo.

Easy, Grilled Salmon

fish, salmon, seafood, quick

I love red meat.

I love Fridays.

You can't eat red meat on Fridays during Lent.

I solve this difficult equation with a fish that eats almost like a red meat:

Salmon. 

Best Pasta Salad. Ever.

pasta, side, potluck, leftovers

This recipe is adapted from Paula Deen's pasta salad recipe. One of my best friends requests it anytime we have a potluck <makes me feel good>.

Easy Spaghetti (Squash)

side, vegetarian, quick, leftovers, freezable

This is a piece-of-cake!

I tried about 4 other (difficult) ways to cook this little carb-imposter until I found the easiest way possible.

Quinoa-Stuffed Tomatoes

side, snack, vegetarian, appetizer

What is quinoa? Well, I'm so glad you asked.

I pronounce it "keen-wa". It looks like little pebbles. It's a grain that's a cheat carb (in my opinion). It holds flavor very well. It's healthy.

And here's how you can make it.

Grilled Stuffed Jalapenos

appetizer, spicy, crowd pleaser 

Perfect for grilling on a Friday or Saturday <okay, any> night.

They're low-enough in calories for you to enjoy a few before chowing down on the main course.

Mushroom, Bacon, and Swiss Strata

breakfast, freezable, casserole, crowd pleaser

Bread. Bacon. Mushrooms. Cheese. Yes, please.

If mushrooms aren't your thing, just leave them out. No biggie. Except that you're missing out on the beautiful world of edible fungi.

Sweet Potato Hash

breakfast, freezable, casserole, chicken sausage

Sweet potatoes were never my fave, but this breakfast brings out all of their super-foody, nutritious, delicious goodness.

I based it off of something I saw once. But that's a secret that I just won't share.

Manicotti with Red Bell Pepper Sauce

pasta, dinner, Italian, freezable, crowd pleaser, chicken, leftovers, casserole

These beautiful Italian lovelies are from a Southern Living cookbook. They freeze well and they can serve an army. They're easy to make, but I would probably save the prep-time for the weekend.

"Look at that gorgeous color, Joan."

Creamy Mexican Chicken

Mexican, chicken, dinner, leftovers, spicy (or not), freezable

I had this idea when I was at work one day (daydreaming about food: shocker).

I love Instagram.

I wanted something with a kick that was creamy and that I could have with rice.

Literally, these are my thoughts on a daily basis. 

Thus, the Creamy Mexican Chicken was born.

Chicken Sausage with Rotini and Cheese

dinner, pasta, quick, Italian, freezable, leftovers

This one is an adult spin on mac 'n' cheese with hot dogs. The best part is that it's on the table in less than 30 minutes! It makes for a great leftover lunch either the next day or you can throw it in the fridge for later.

LPG's Asian Lettuce Wraps

chicken, dinner, lunch, leftovers, freezable, quick, asian

Ever had some good lettuce wraps? You truly get the best of both worlds with 'em, don't you? They taste amazing. Plus, the word "lettuce" is in the title, so clearly, they're healthy. Well, here's a homemade version that's on the table in less than 20.

You win.

Congrats, champion.