Veggie burgers – I feel like the first thing that pops into my mind when I envision a veggie burger is black beans. I happen to be a huge fan of black bean burgers, so this isn’t a problem for me. BUT it’s come to my attention that a) not everyone is a fan of black beans, and b) some people have allergies to black beans, which means they totally miss… Continue Reading
The Best Beanless Veggie Burgers
Easy Chana Masala
When I set out to create this dish, my goal was to come up with an authentic version of chana masala that I could make at home. It’s my favorite Indian dish, and I’ve wanted to figure out how to replicate it forever. Did I do that with this dish? No, not exactly. Does that mean you should stop reading right now? No, absolutely not.
Pasta Carbonara with a Fresh Twist
Pasta carbonara is without a doubt one of the most decadent, indulgent dishes in existence. Bacon, eggs and pasta all in one dish? Low-key elegance at its finest. But if I had one complaint about pasta carbonara, it would be that sometimes, it just feels a little… unhealthy. And heavy. And salty. Okay, so more than one complaint. The point is that the recipe I’m about to share with you… Continue Reading
Apple Juice Oatmeal with Caramelized Plantains
Oatmeal made with apple juice and caramelized plantains – literally comfort in a bowl. There isn’t a more perfect breakfast for a snowy winter morning. (Or for when you want something wholesome after a morning workout. Or for when you wake up late and want a simple but delicious brunch.) There are actually a lot of circumstances in which this twist on a breakfast classic is the perfect fit –… Continue Reading
Graduation Gift Guide
Graduation season is just around the corner, and while it’s definitely a very exciting time, it can also be a liiittle tricky for those of us trying to figure out appropriate gifts for the newly-minted grads. Gift giving can be tough as it is, but graduation gifts are kind of in their own little class. Not only do you want to get the grad something you think they would like,… Continue Reading
Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes
As it turns out, sweet potatoes are good for something more than just being smothered in brown sugar, butter, and marshmallows. Not that there’s anything wrong with that delicious approach, but the fact is that sweet potatoes are actually super healthy, and can act as a meal in and of themselves when paired with the right ingredients. I’ve always loved twice baked potatoes, but never ate them terribly often because… Continue Reading
Chorizo and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers
Chorizo and quinoa – what a combination. Put it inside a bell pepper and top with pepper jack cheese, and you’ve got one flavorful meal. I’ve been looking for new ways to use quinoa for a while now. I like it because it’s super healthy, but let’s be honest – unless prepared properly, it can taste a little. . . blah. Enter chorizo. I’m actually not quite sure how it… Continue Reading
Why I Meditate (and Recommend the Practice to Others)
For those who have never attempted meditation, the idea can be a bit intimidating. Trust me, I know – mainly because I used to be one of those people who absolutely did not think I was meant to meditate. Even the idea of forcing myself to sit still and try to think of nothing for any amount of time was enough to make me anxious. I mean really, who has… Continue Reading
Winter Fashion Inspiration
I live in Chicago, which means that for me, winter is synonymous with single digit temperatures, icy winds, and lots of snow. As any of my fellow far-north dwellers can attest, keeping your look up to par can be pretty tricky when any hint of exposed skin opens you up to the threat of severe frostbite. Survival over fashion, every time, am I right? BUT not to worry, because as… Continue Reading
How I Stay Mindful
What does it mean to be mindful? I think it means slightly different things to different people; to me, it’s the practice of being aware of the mind and of what it’s doing, rather than just letting it run rampant. What does your inner dialogue look like? How do you speak to yourself? Are you kind? Encouraging? Forgiving? Or, as so many of us are, are you harsh, critical, and… Continue Reading