Sweet and Spicy Snack Mix!

Sweet with a touch of heat!! The perfect cocktail party snack!! You can make this snack mix ahead in large batches and keep it stored fresh in large mason jars!! Enjoy!!

Pear & Chicken Potstickers!

I love any recipe that is Asian influenced. I would like to think I incorporate all of my favorite flavors in every recipe that I create. These potstickers are different, delicious and soooo healthy! I used roast chicken breast that I made on a Sunday, instead of ground chicken; because that is what I had on hand...but you can use whatever you have! What is great about this recipe is you can make a large bunch and freeze what you are not serving that night. Perfect as an appetizer at a cocktail party or served with rice and soup for dinner -- these potstickers are worth the work (its not really that much work)!

 

White Bean & Salsa Verde Baked Empanadas!

Here is a great recipe to add to your Meatless Monday Menu! Creamy white bean, spicy salsa verde, garlic and a crust made with coconut oil...(thanks to wholefoods.com for the crust recipe). Delicious can be healthy! Double the recipe and make these empanadas in large batches to be frozen for later! They will last in the freezer for up to 4 weeks and maintain freshness. In this recipe I do not include cheese, but some queso fresco would be a yummy option! Enjoy! XO Jessica

Baked Avocado, Black Bean, & Corn Egg Rolls!

Meatless Monday -- I posted these egg rolls on my Instagram account a week ago, and I have been getting great feedback and many questions about how to make them.  I have posted the recipe below with wrapping instructions.  Here are a few quick tips...read the directions on the egg roll wrapper package carefully before assembling.  Also, do not overfill the egg rolls before folding.  You can find egg roll wrappers in the fresh section of most supermarkets!  These baked egg rolls are so delicious, I really hope you give this recipe a try!! Enjoy! XO

Baked Cheesy Cauliflower Bites!

Low-Fat Veggie Cream Cheese...Please!!!

The current obsession in our household is homemade veggie cream cheese!! Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner we are coming up with ways (excuses) to incorporate this into every meal!!

 

On crackers, bagels, turkey sandwiches or stuffed in sweet peppers...homemade veggie cream cheese is a healthy addiction. I have been alternating between low-fat cream cheese and dairy-free cream cheese and I can't decide which is more delicious...so hopefully you all can let me know!!

Lighter Buffalo Chicken Meatballs

Spice up your Healthy Weeknight Meals, with Lighter Buffalo Chicken Meatballs!! Perfect with salad, brown rice and veggies! Leftovers make an awesome Buffalo Chicken Pizza...but then again, I turn all leftovers into pizza or quesadillas!! Enjoy! XO

Homemade Organic Cheese Crackers!

As much as I love all the organic and GMO free snack options in the food store for my little guy, it's great to be able to make a snack for him, that I can truly control all the ingredients. It is super fun that I can make these crackers into different shapes, that I know will make my son excited about eating them...like airplanes, boats, snails and crabs!! These crackers are delicious, lower in sodium, 100% organic and definitely Maxwell approved!

 

Spicy Baked Artichoke Hearts!

This is the perfect appetizer for a small cocktail party!  Crunchy spicy artichokes, that can easily be eaten in one bite.  I am warning these are addicting!

Crispy Oven-Roasted Herb Chickpeas!

Crispy Oven-Roasted Herb Chickpeas

INGREDIENTS:

• 2  15 oz. cans organic chickpeas (drained and rinsed)
• 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon dried coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon fresh rosemary
• 1/4 cup flat-leaf parsley roughly chopped
• salt & pepper to taste

PROCESS:

1. Pre-Heat oven to 400F
2. Toss all ingredients together in large bowl and add chickpeas.  Toss until chickpeas are evenly coated.
3. Spread the chickpeas in an even layer on a rimmed baking sheet and bake until crisp, about 30 to 40 minutes.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss with parsley while the chickpeas are still warm.
5. Serve warm or at room temperature.

Lighter Homemade Caramelized Onion Dip!

Lighter Homemade Caramelized Onion Dip!

 

INGREDIENTS:

• 2 medium yellow onions thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 cup low-fat sour cream
• 1 tablespoon flat-leaf parsley chopped
• salt and pepper

PROCESS: 

1. In a skillet, met butter and the onions. Sprinkle with salt and pepper -- stir occasionally. Lower heat to low and let cook for 30 minutes.
2. Transfer onions to a cutting board and coarsely chop. In a bowl combine onions, sour cream, parsley, salt and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are combined.
3. Serve with chips or veggies. 

Enjoy!!

XO Jessica

WINE FOOD -- Bacon Wrapped Dates!

Sometimes you have to just go for it and by go for it I mean eat bacon! Bacon wrapped dates are delicious and the perfect wine food. Whenever I make these I always use applewood smoked bacon for an extra layer of flavor.

 

Bacon Wrapped Dates

INGREDIENTS:

• 16-ounce package of applewood smoked bacon
• 8-ounce package of pitted dates
• Fresh cracked pepper
• Garlic powder

(My favorite bacon to use is Applegate Farms)

PROCESS:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Position oven rack in the center of the oven. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment paper.
2. Wrap a piece of bacon around a date. Make sure the bacon seam is placed facing downward on the cookie sheet. Repeat until all of the dates are wrapped in bacon.
3. Sprinkle with pepper and garlic powder.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes until crisp. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.

Oven "Fried" Okra & Spicy Mango Greek Yogurt Dipping Sauce!

A few years back, my husband and I would frequent a southern cuisine inspired restaurant in Asbury Park named "Trinity and the Pope". This is where we were first introduced to Fried Okra and it was absolutely yummy! The restaurant has since closed, but our love for fried okra has stayed. I wanted to come up with a lighter version of the recipe and knew an oven fried version would be best!! Here is the recipe along with a delicious dipping sauce. Enjoy!

Good for you too....Veggie Nachos!

If you are looking for a game-day appetizer that won't break your health resolutions you NEED to make these Veggie Nachos!! So yummy and filled with lots of veggies! I actually made them last weekend and again yesterday, because they are so delicious and my hubby loves them too!

Good for you food should taste good and look good too!! These veggie nachos are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an at home happy hour!

Cucumber Dill Greek Yogurt Dressing!

  

This dressing is so healthy and refreshing you will be covering, dipping and tossing everything you eat all week with it! Greek yogurt is such a great base for so many dressings, dips and sauces because of the tangy flavor it brings to recipes!

 

Baked Green Bean Fries!

Baked Green Bean Fries are healthy food Heaven!  This is definitely my favorite healthy junk food?!

  

SUPER GREENS mini quiches!

While I was food shopping I came across a mixture of super greens. So of course I bought it...and this is what it evolved into in my kitchen! I love turning any recipe into a mini size and could live my life just eating finger foods at every meal. These mini quiches are great for breakfast, brunch or a party appetizer! Enjoy!

 

Zucchini Pizza Bites!

Start your first Pizza Night of the new year with these healthy and easy Zucchini Bites...this is the only "pizza" I will be eating for the next few months. Time to get ready to indulge in next year's 25 days of cookies...

Prosciutto Wrapped Rosemary Potato Bites....Yumm!

This easy and delicious appetizer is perfect for entertaining all year long!! Change the herb for a different flavor...Thyme would be nice!

Process:

Boil potatoes first to fork tender -- wrap in prosciutto, drizzle with olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and fresh rosemary.  Bake at 350f for 20 minutes! Enjoy!! 

Serve with your favorite dipping sauce!

Pumpkin Beer Battered Onion Rings!

The easiest homemade onion rings you will ever make....

Ingredients:

• 1 large onion sliced 
• 1/2 cup of flour
• 3/4 cup of your favorite pumpkin beer
• Salt and Pepper to taste!

Process:

1. Wisk all of the ingredients together.  
2. Drop in sliced onion rings and coat.  
3. Fry in a mixture of olive and vegetable oil.
4. Sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste.

Enjoy!