The ultimate power bowl - this grain salad is packed with proteins to keep you energized throughout the day. And plus, it's delicious! While it may look like it has a long ingredient list, most of these are spices that are completely optional. Unlike some of the other recipes I post, this one is not based on specific measurements, but rather the classic taste-test. As you create it, mix in more of what you like and less of what you don't. It's so versatile, it could easily be prepared as a vegetarian, vegan or gluten-free dish as well! 

I am a proud Saint Louisan, and I love the fresh food of St. Louis Bread Co., better known nationally as Panera Bread. Now that I'm living abroad, I unfortunately can't drive around the corner to pick up lunch when I get a craving for their flawless broccoli cheddar soup. So when the mood struck this weekend, I decided to try my hand at a simple, low-effort recipe. To the surprise of both myself and my boyfriend, I managed to create creamy broccoli perfection. 

So heat up your slow cooker and prepare to impress yourself. The recipe below is definitely one worth saving, and really tastes like the real deal. The only thing missing is the bread bowl! 

With the warmer weather comes relaxing afternoons on the patio with margaritas and fresh guacamole. Make the guac even more fresh by making your own! This tasty snack is remarkably easy to prepare, and universally loved by all your friends. (and for any stragglers who don't love it, that just means there's more for you!)

As a beginning myself, this was my first time making guacamole. And, with this recipe I must share a confession and fun/vital fact: a "clove" of garlic is not actually the entire garlic head. Go figure! It's actually just one removable segment of the garlic. If you already knew that, well then you're already ahead of me! This little mishap ruined my first batch, as I'm sure you can imagine (there wasn't enough mouthwash in the world to help!!) But never fear - the next batch came out crisp, creamy and perfectly balanced with avocado & spice. 

It's that time of year for "pumpkin-spiced-fill-in-the-blank," and I'm just as caught up in the season as anyone! If you're looking for a festive treat to bring tailgating or to a bonfire, or if you're just ready to try anything that tastes like October, look no further. The pumpkin cookie recipe below is a thick batter of pumpkin filling that not only creates heavenly cookies, but it also works great for cupcakes & muffins (just put the dough into cups instead of onto the cookie sheet). And if the words "homemade glazed-topped pumpkin spiced cookies" don't get your mouth watering, then I'm not sure you know the definition of autumn bliss... 

I have recently discovered the beauty of working out first thing in the early morning. In addition to the beautiful smell of crisp morning air, working out first thing in the day is a great way to wake up and energize your body naturally. The mornings when I wake up early to exercise are definitely the ones I don't need a cup of coffee to keep myself going. All I need is a nice creamy, freshly blended smoothie after my workout to start my day with an extra bounce in my step! 

Some of my favorite breakfast smoothie ingredients include bananas, strawberries, mangoes, kale, spinach, flaxseed, milk, fat-free yogurt, peanut butter, and last but not least, protein powder.