(Zucchini) Brownies

Meet my newest lightened-up dessert creation: an intensely chocolate brownie, featuring some hidden healthy stuff, the (Zucchini) Brownie! I say (zucchini) because, honestly, no one would ever guess that this brownie has zucchini in the mix -- you can't detect any vegetable flavor whatsoever -- it just makes the brownies super dense and moist. They are almost a cross between zucchini bread and brownies, but the brownie ends up being more fudge-y than bread-y (the BEST kind!). They are also lighter than your average brownie, because they contain no oil or butter, whole wheat (instead of white) flour, and you also get a serving of veg in every piece! Not to mention, they are insanely rich; a perfect treat for the chocolate lover looking for a fix (aka: ME. And everyone? I don't understand people who don't live for chocolate.).

Now what about this doesn't sound good? Let's get to baking!

Baked Artichoke Chicken

I first saw a variation of this recipe on pinterest, and I LOVED the idea of it all. Here it goes: put some vegetables (including artichoke hearts, which I adore) on the bottom of a pan, place chicken on the veggies, top it all off with a flavorful sauce, and bake. Why is this so amazing?! First of all, it's super easy to throw together. Then, as it bakes (and you walk away), the oven does the work for you: the sauce seeps into the chicken; the chicken drippings and sauce marinate the vegetables as they cook; a delightful sauce with a combination of these flavors coats the entire dish.

As you take the dish out of the oven, you will be amazed at how things have changed since you first walked away. Finally, you just grab a plate, throw on some veggies & a piece of chicken, and get yourself some carbs to soak up the tangy sauce in which the entire dish is now bathing.

My contribution is the sauce, featuring ingredients such as white wine, Dijon mustard, and tarragon. It makes the entire dish burst with flavor, and complements the artichoke and chicken perfectly. I also made sure to include a printable recipe below -- I've been forgetting to do that; so hopefully that helps for those who like to cook from an easy-to-read hard copy!

Now, onto the good, no great, stuff... 

Pureed Cauliflower (w/ Cheese & Roasted Garlic)

"Mmmmm... these mashed potatoes are really good!"
"This is cauliflower?!"
"I can't stop thinking about that cauliflower dish. I don't even like cauliflower..."

Just a few remarks I've heard after my friends and loved-ones tried this deceptively delicious dish. Whatever your thoughts on veggies, or cauliflower, I promise, this will satisfy your comfort-food craving for mashed potatoes, but with more nutritional value and less of the bad stuff. I served them as a side with my Turkey & Veg Meatloaf, and it was a dynamite combo!! Give it a whirl for dinner... easy, delicious, satisfying... What are you waiting for?!

Turkey & Veg Meatloaf w/ Balsamic Glaze

Pictures of meatloaf can never do it justice. I've been pouring over my pics, and well, they're not very attractive. And let's be honest, a "meat loaf" in no way sounds appetizing. But, trust me, this was moist, flavorful, and delicious "comfort" food -- the LAST thing I would think was that this dish was packed full of lean protein and veggies -- but it is! You've to give this recipe a try; I was absolutely shocked how MUCH I loved it!!

I served this with my Pureed Cauliflower, and it was the perfect healthy comfort food complement. That post is coming up next, so check back if that suits your fancy!

Lightened-Up Chicken & Curry Pot Pie

Hello fresh followers, yes, I am finally sharing new, and (hopefully), inspired, recipes with you! This recipe is the first of a series that I call "lightened-up" comfort food: warm, hearty, and rich dishes for winter that are also guilt-free.

I am quite delighted that this is the first recipe; it captures the theme perfectly -- a delicious, crowd-pleasing dish, but was simple to make and also deceptively healthy. The recipe is similar to a traditional chicken pot pie, however, I lightened-it up by taking away the bottom crust, adding more veggies, and creating a lighter sauce that also features some curry flavor! It was soul-soothing and seemed decadent -- however, keep reading -- I promise that you will be shocked to see how healthy it really is! Let's do this...

Healthy Recipe Compilation

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season!!! I don't know about y'all, but I was just about the laziest person alive -- there has been A LOT of couch sitting and mimosa drinking in my life, haha. I was in desperate need of some relaxation, so sorry I haven't been around much! However, now that I'm rejuvenated, I'm really looking forward to the New Year, and helping people incorporate fresh & healthy ingredients into their lives!

I'm currently developing some lightened-up classic comfort food dishes; wonderful meals to keep you warm in the winter that are more nutritious than the usual! Until I get those posts ready, I wanted to share a compilation of some of the healthiest recipes on my blog, featuring breakfast, salads, & entrees! Just click on the title to get to the specific recipes that interest you. Hope you try them out, and here's to a FRESH 2013!!

Breakfast 

Blueberry Breakfast Quinoa 

Mango-Nut Granola

Almond Butter, Oatmeal & Banana Bars

Salads

Citrus Quinoa Salad

 



Chinese Chicken Salad

Quick & Easy Quinoa Salad

  











Entrees & Sides

White Bean & Chicken Chili

Baked "Fried" Chicken

Panko-Crusted Asian Salmon & Lightened-Up Fried Rice 

Baked Fish w/ Arugula-Caper Salsa Verde

Roasted Broccoli & Cherry Tomatoes

 














Orzo-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Roasted Chicken w/ Citrus-Garlic Sauce (Note: to make this dish less fattening, remove the skin upon eating.)

There are more healthy recipes on the blog, but I thought this was a nice variety. EAT FRESH! ~Leah

And the winner is...

Peanut Butter & Peppers!!

And a HUGE thank you to everyone else for your support. I truly appreciate it, and I am looking forward to sharing many more fresh & seasonal recipes with you! Happy Holidays!