Sour Cream, Spinach, and Onion Dip (Lightened Up)

So...um...I guess it's football season?

I dunno, my brother and facebook feed seem pretty stoked.

I don't make a secret about the fact that I am not the kind of girl who likes or cares about sports (some people may say I cram the fact down their throats...I say that people who like sports try to cram it down mine so only fair). Here's the deal: where I come from...sports, especially football, is like...a huge deal. First of all the Midwest in general is super into the sport. Then, also, everyone knows how Ohio-ans are about Ohio State. Oh and Catholics love Notre Dame (my grandma, for instance). Oh and Canton (the city right next door to my hometown, where I went to high school) has the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Oh yeah and Massillon (where I'm from) has the longest running high school football rivalry (Massillon vs. McKinley)-is generally all about football (Paul Brown, of the Browns-as well as many other football players-went to Massillon's high school). They're so football crazy that every little boy born in Massillon hospital is given a football at birth. And here I am, this un-coordinated, uber-girly, just...not sporty girl. And people tried SO HARD to make me like sports, especially football, that all it did was make me like it less.

So there you have it, a reason for my insanity.

Now, all my personal dislikes aside, I completely support people's desire to be into sports.

And even more so...I completely support the consumption of copious amounts of delicious foods at the parties, games, tailgates, etc etc. that go along with the sporty tradition. So, in honor of all of you-sports lovers and haters alike-let's eat some dip!

I don't know if any of you care but...ya know...if you wanna avoid a football season gut...or I dunno maybe delay it or minimize it (?)-this dip has a little bit of a secret weapon: it's been lightened up.
There's still sour cream, for taste. But it's also made with Greek yogurt (I used 2%) AND-in addition to, obviously, onions-spinach. You can't really taste the spinach, and I am by no means saying it makes this dip a health food but it's still spinach and it still gives you a bit of nutritional value. So, yay. :P

Funny story about this dip: I didn't love it at first. I thought it's onion flavor wasn't...well...onion-y enough.

Michael wasn't a big fan either, he thought there was too much onion (he didn't like biting into onion pieces). 

So I speculated on ways to potentially solve this problem: obviously chopping the onions as small as possible buuut...I'd already tried my best with that (secret shame: I'm awful at chopping). I thought maybe I could puree the cooked onions? (I'm still curious about the idea). 

Regardless, there we were, with a TON of dip, staring at it and trying to figure out how we'd finish it.

But then...something magical happened. I don't know if the extra time in the refrigerator made the flavor get more integrated over time or if it just grew on me but, um, I got addicted. Like...couldn't stop eating it. All the fears were for naught, I finished that bad boy in a few days. 

No shame.

If you like sour cream and onion stuff you'll like this (even if it means you don't eat it until after it's sat in the fridge for a day or two :P) Trust me. Would I steer you wrong? That's right.

Browned Butter Popcorn

I interrupt your popcorn fantasies to bring to you some sad news:

Me and savory popcorn are broken up.

I know! I know. No one's sadder than me. But we had a good run. I used to eat microwaved popcorn daily (or at least weekly). I was known to scarf down a large bucket of the buttery stuff at the movies. I literally purchased a new microwave in my first apartment because the one that came with the place wasn't large enough to pop popcorn. But in the past few years...we've grown apart. I already had to give up movie popcorn after I got sick more than a couple times from it. I lost my craving for the microwave kind (even after I found a way to do it homemade). I found a new popcorn love...sweet popcorns. Chocolate and caramel corns, those have been bringing me nothing but joy. But when I heard of browned butter on popcorn...I knew I had to try to rekindle mine and savory popcorn's love. But alas...it was not to be. After a couple (delectable) bites...I no longer wanted any more. And my stomach protested the entire thing. I had a headache and was nauseous for the rest of the night.

I don't know why, but this same thing happened with eggs. I ate too much of a thing and now..it makes me sick. I don't know why. But I have to accept my sad fate. Because let's face it...if browned butter popcorn can't fix it....nothing can.

Anyway...my stupid palate/belly aside. Let's discuss.

BROWNED BUTTER POPCORN, people!!!

I mean...how did this never occur to me until now? It's so genius! Maybe I got sick later, but those first couple bites...mmm they were buttery, nutty, heavenly popcorn goodness.

Whole Wheat Double Corn Cornbread

So...it's like...cold here now. It actually feels like fall (blech).
We're using the comforter. I have a blanket on at all times. I even wore a *shudder* hoodie!

Do you know what I like to do when it's cold?
Eat comfort food.
"but Kayle you eat comfort food all the time-" Shush!

Cornbread. It's hearty and thick and is served with warm food that helps you chase away the chill.

I don't know about you but, I'd like to have my comfort food and eat it too-without gaining, like, hibernation weight. Because...I didn't really lose anything over the summer so...we just can't have me getting bigger.

 So, when I tackled making this cornbread, I decided to tweak it a smidge. Add more corn to up the veggie level. Sub out some of the AP flour for whole wheat. (I totally messed around with the flour to make it whole wheat-and so can you! You can try to make it all with whole wheat flour, use some white whole wheat flour for part/all of it, go crazy! Go nuts! Experiment!) You can even use coconut oil, if you want, or canola oil, or whatever your favorite healthier oil is. Honestly, there's not much that's bad for you here. It's a pretty satisfying and low guilt dish. And Michael liked it, and so did my cousin Amy (who was visiting after I'd made this and had a little leftover), and of course I did-so really, anyone should :)

Healthy Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

So, you know, sometimes I try to be healthy.

Sometimes.

Not like in a, "Oh yes let's eat a bunch of vegetables* for lunch." kind of way, but in more of a "well...these cookies aren't quite...unhealthy."

Obviously.

These are one of the first recipes I'd bookmarked, back when I was stalking sites like "Eating Well" and before I'd discovered what a food blog was. I gotta say, though, this cookies hold up! I tweaked them a smidge according to some comments I read and my own personal tastes and needs, so feel free to play around with it some yourself, too. These cookies really are quite delicious and comforting-they don't taste much different than any other oatmeal chocolate chip cookie. They're just a little better for you :) 

My kind of healthy.

*(As I type this, I have just come back from a 9 hour Green Giant promotion, telling kids to eat more vegetables. The irony is not lost on me. Also-I'm sleepy. I worked a lot these past couple days. Zzzzz)

Cinnamon Streusel Coffee Cake + CHOBANI Review

I don't like coffee.

But, like, everyone else does. And when 20-somethings get together, it is often for "coffee". Many times this coffee takes place at a Starbucks. And, so as not to appear rude, I have managed to find a few things there that I frequently order and like...of course they're not a beverage. My most favorite thing to get there is their coffee cake. I loooove it. It's cinnamon-y and brown sugar-y and cake-y but with a delicious crunch from the streusel. *sigh*. This is why, when I saw a recipe on The Baker Chick for a coffee cake that was hailed as BETTER than Starbucks', I immediately bookmarked it. I am so so SO happy I did. It IS even better. The cake is so moist, so fluffy and it is completely bursting with cinnamon goodness. I oftentimes find the cake to streusel/filling ratio lacking, but not here. This cake is heaven. AND you can make it the night before and bake it in the morning, which is so amazing because as ambitious as my morning plans are when I go to bed, that is how sleepy and lazy I feel when I awake. With this all I needed to do was take it out of the refrigerator and put it in the oven, and then sit on the couch, enjoying the heavenly smells wafting through the apartment. Ah yes, this is a coffee cake of wonders.

Whole Wheat Greek Yogurt Pancakes

Happy Labor Day-bor!

Ohhhh it's time for another breakfast recipe on this loovely Monday morning! (imagine that I sang that to you, because I did.I wanted you to know that. And hear it....I'll wait.....)

...You done? My voice is pretty, huh? Thanks :) Anyway! Pancakes! YOU GUYS! I made pretty(ish) pancakes! This never happens! The only pancakes I've ever made that looked nice were those healthy ones! That is also why those are the only ones I've ever shared on here. Also, when it comes down to it, given the choice between waffles and pancakes, Michael and I both usually prefer waffles. But..sometimes..I don't want to mess with the waffle-maker. Sometimes all I want is a stack of fluffy pancakes.

There are a couple things that make these pancakes special.

They're not super unhealthy and fattening! These are made with whole wheat and Greek yogurt (which I will talk about more on Wednesday), and absolutely no oil or any other sort of fat. So-yay!

The Greek yogurt in these (which I subbed in for the originally called for sour cream) makes these pancakes super moist and rich. It's quite lovely.

And, I also discovered I like using mini chocolate chips in pancakes. They're cute. Plus, they seem to work better. Obviously, you do not need to use chocolate chips. I am just crazy and need to eat pancakes/waffles with chocolate chips and peanut butter spread on top. It's dark chocolate and natural peanut butter though, so, still healthy!

Frozen Strawberry Yogurt Pie

NOOOO! Summer is almost over! (There's only a month left!) I hate fall! Nonononononooooooo! I want sun and blue skies! And warmth! And sundresses and shorts! And flowers and green trees and just happy summertime! I dread the leaves and everything dying and the gray skies and colors shifting from blues and yellows and pinks to oranges and browns. I abhor the idea of wearing a jacket and boots instead of a tank top and flip flops. I am not looking forward to September, nononooo.

To try to hold on to summer a little longer, I'll share a super summery dessert recipe that I recently made for my Michael.

Like me, he hates fall. Loves summer. Especially summery desserts. Michael loves anything "refreshing" and is obsessed with berries-especially strawberries. A couple weeks ago I decided to make myself a s'mores treat (that I'll share later), and Michael is not a s'mores fan. So, I knew I'd have to make him his own special dessert. I also had some extra Greek yogurt lying around that I needed to use up. When I saw this recipe I knew it was sure to be a winner-and I was right! Michael says this may be the best thing I've ever made him. He says, "It's like a cheesecake...but frozen...and more refreshing. So pretty much-perfect." It's everything he loves and wants and needs in a dessert. I've scored major girlfriend points. :D.

Whole Wheat Biscuits

My biscuit recipe collection is nearing rivalry of my chicken collection.*

(Not really, it's not even close)

There's just nothing like waking up in the morning and biting into a warm, delicious biscuit with butter...Mmm. But you know, sometimes...I worry about my waist-line. So I hunted down a whole wheat biscuit recipe-made entirely with whole wheat flour. The biscuits are great. They're hearty, but delicate, and are amazing with jam, honey, and, of course, butter. They'd even be great to dip into a soup or stew. They're pretty quick and simple to make, and you can go about your day knowing you started it right!

Brown Bag Microwave Popcorn

Popcorn and I have had a very intense relationship over the years-we've had a lot of ups and downs.

For some reason, up until the 2nd grade-I thought I didn't like popcorn. Then, when I tried some, I realized I LOVED popcorn! I began to eat it a lot-a movie theaters, but especially microwave popcorn at my house. Eventually I was up to eating 1 bag of microwave popcorn PER DAY! I was very picky about what kind as well. Act II Butter Lover's Popcorn was the only popcorn for me. In high school, when I was worrying about my weight a bit more, I cut back to only a few bags of popcorn a week. This kept up through my first year of college. Then, in the midst of my 2nd year...something happened. I sort of started to get over it. I began to eat popcorn less and less. I realized movie theater popcorn made me sick, and I was sort of microwave-popcorn'd out. So, me and popcorn took a break. 

While I was shooting in Maine and discovered Michele's popcorn, my love was reawakened, but in a new form, now I'm more into the occasional sweet popcorn (such as caramel corn). 

Recently, I learned that microwave popcorn bags are lined with all kinds of stuff that is bad for you (yeesh I wish I'd known that as a kid). I don't have an air popper. Using oil/skillet/etc. seems messy and complicated.  So I was VERY excited when I learned there's a safe, easy, fat-free way to make popcorn in my own microwave! It's so seriously simple: Take a brown paper bag, put the kernels in (you don't even need oil!), tape it shut, microwave and VOILA! YOU HAVE POPCORN!!

So cool. Just....so cool. 

Crisp and Fluffy Whole Wheat Waffles

WAFFLES!

WAFFLES!

WAAAAFFLES!

OK, I don't know who amongst you remembers All Dogs Go to Heaven--but there's this one scene where the little girl eats a bunch of waffles. And they look like the best waffles you've ever seen. 

These waffles blow those waffles out of the water. 

I'm for serious.

These waffles are not only pretty healthy (whole wheat flour and canola or coconut oil!)-but they are the best waffles I've ever had! The outsides are perfectly crisp and inside they are fluffy and wonderful. And, I threw some chocolate chips in mine because that's how I roll (Michael's were plain-he eats waffles like a normal person with butter and syrup. I eat mine with peanut butter on top).

Red White and Blue-Berry Shortcake Cupcakes-Guest Post with Kristina of Whipped

OK, so I have one more amazing guest post for you before I'm back! This is just as exciting as the last one. Kristina from Whipped is here to share a great 4th of July themed recipe for you! I have to tell you, Kristina is not only an amazing blogger with gorgeous photos, a fun and friendly voice, and scrumptious (plus healthy?!) recipes, but she has also become my BFF--best foodie friend. She's moving to NYC this September for culinary school and I CANNOT wait! Michael is worried I may leave him to spend all my time with her. But then again, he wants her to be at the apartment all the time so she and I can both feed him goodies. Spoiled boy :P Anyway! These cupcakes/shortcakes look so perfect for summer (you can even wear a bikini after eating one, I say it's ok!) and Michael positively drooled over these when he saw the photos! (They're refreshing and have berries so he's obviously ALL OVER THIS!) Now, read the rest of this post, enjoy the wonderousness that is Kristina, then go check out her blog and read every morsel of awesomeness on there! And while you're at it, you should really keep up to date with her through the twitter, that facebook, and of course pinterest!  And I will be back in full force next week! Have a wonderful weekend everyone!

Healthy Fettuccine Alfredo

Remember how I'm like a dumb little kid and I need to be tricked into eating vegetables?

This is one such recipe.

You take zucchini and use them to take the place of some of the fettuccine noodles, and then smother them in the super flavorful (but not super fatty!) sauce. And it's amazing. I love this entire concept so much I've even used zucchini noodles in other kinds of pasta (but not oil pasta, because olive oil alone isn't enough of a mask for the icky green stuff for the 6 year old that is myself). It's so great because this recipe takes a dish that is so fatty and calorie-laden that many of us feel like we just can't eat it-but it gives us a delicious alternative that I, personally, think is just as good. What makes me so sad, though, is the fact that this is one of the first recipes I ever bookmarked. And it took me like 2 years to make it. I could've been eating this for 2 years and I wasn't! It's a travesty! An outrage! An abomination! YOU MUST LEARN FROM MY MISTAKES AND MAKE SOME OF THIS ASAP! I mean it! Also-you definitely might want to double (or triple) the amount, depending on how many people you're serving and if you want leftovers. Because when it says serves 2-it means serves 2. A little friendly advice. But anyway, what are you doing hanging around here reading the silliness that comes out of my fingers on this keyboard onto this blog? YOU SHOULD BE MAKING SOME OF THIS FETTUCCINE ALFREDO!

GO ON!

:)

Healthy Fettuccine Alfredo

From Eating Well "Fettuccine Alfredo"

Serves 2

(can easily double this recipe if you want leftovers)

Cook Yourself Thin Chicken Tenders

You know what's hilarious?

When I speak to people I know in real life, and this blog is brought up, they always say, 

"You post the most delicious things! Poor thing, it must be so hard not to eat them."

To which I respond, "Uh....I eat pretty much everything I put on the blog. If it's a dessert I probably eat almost all of it."

Then they look at me in confusion.

(HEALTHY) Chocolate Chip Cookie Pancakes

Sometimes I make pancakes.

Not often.

I'm concerned they're not super healthy for breakfast.

I've never shared any recipes with you because....

my pancakes always turn out ugly.

Apparently I am unable to cook pancakes and have them look pretty.

Or at least-I was!

Chicken Parmesan Wraps

Oh my word. This week I have been cooking up a storm. I have so much to share with you guys! But, first thing's first, these Chicken Parmesan Wraps. I made these awhile ago and they were awesome. It's a new, healthier twist on that beloved Italian favorite. Egg roll wrappers mimic the breading, and are filled with sauce, cheese, some spinach, and cooked chicken. Michael was a super big fan of these. They're pretty simple AND these wraps were the first time I ever made my own tomato sauce! (Which I improvised...just some crushed tomatoes, garlic, basil, and sugar that I cooked.)

EATS!

Chicken in Parchment Paper-Holiday Recipe Exchange: Week Seven (Fresh Herbs).

One day, I'd like to have my own herb garden. Heck, I'd love a vegetable garden too. There's just something so appealing about being able to do all that yourself. Weird, I had never thought of myself as one of those people who'd be drawn to "living off the land", but then again I never thought I wouldn't want to eat McDonald's (turns out...once you go without for awhile...your body won't allow that sort of atrocity to enter it again. It gets P.O.'d at you. Weird, huh?) Anyway, this week's Holiday Recipe Exchange asked for a recipe with fresh herbs, and really-this is the only recipe I've ever used FRESH herbs in, so perfect! I know, another chicken recipe. Get used to it-I'm picky and chicken is easier to make and more versatile than beef so just deal with it *harumph*...

Sorry...I'm sensitive about my picky-ness. Let's not fight. Let's just eat chicken, k?

Note: This recipe can totally be played with. Put different stuff in there, season it different. Go nuts. I intend to.

Poulet en Papillote (Chicken in Parchment Paper)


From sophistimom

Oat Waffles (+ Chocolate Chips)

Sooo, I'm not super in love with breakfast food--I know I know! Don't worry, I always eat breakfast, but it's always like peanut butter toast, fruit, green monster smoothie, etc.-just because I know it's good for me. The only other like big breakfast foods I like....well...they taste like dessert. Cinnamon Rolls. Muffins. Pancakes and waffles--BUT--only if they have chocolate chips and I spread peanut butter over them. I wasn't always this way, I used to kind of like the classic butter and syrup combo. But now that I can have a breakfast with one of my flavor combinations, it's done for. Anyway, one day I wanted waffles! And I wanted to use what I had! But I didn't want them to be boring! So, after poring over the internet and thinking a bit, I sort of Frankenstein-ed this recipe together. They're healthier (I have to make up for my pb chocolate weakness) and light yet substantial (as a result of the whipped egg whites + oats). They're delishums! 

Peanut Butter Cream Pie and Strawberry "Ice Cream"

Finally! I am BACK! We're completely moved in (I might post a picture sometime later) and I love our new place! It's adorable and pretty and wonderful :). And I finally have a kitchen all to myself!!! So, to make up for the fact it's been like a month since I shared a recipe I'm giving you all a double dose! These are the two first new things I've made in this kitchen and they are delicious, yum yum yummy desserts!

Here, have a bite. It's the least I could do.

Yesterday I made peanut butter pie. It's a recipe I've had sitting in my recipe box since I was in high school that I had pulled out of one of my mom's old magazines. It seemed easy, refreshing (a prerequisite for a dessert Michael will love), and it has peanut butter sooo....you can't go wrong. Funnily enough, although I thought the fact that it was chilled would mean Michael would like it, he wasn't very excited, he feared it would be too "rich" (*eye roll*). But I persevered and made it anyway. And I am soooooo happy I did! It is amazing! And when Michael took his first bite, he looked at me with wide eyes and then gave me a big peanut buttery kiss. He approved. It's a super easy to make recipe, requires very few ingredients, and not too bad for you either, especially if you opt for lower cal ingredients (ie. fat free milk, etc.).

"Eat This" Chicken Fingers

I'm a simple lady with simple tastes. I don't usually want anything to do with frou-frou dishes (except for some select desserts), and really, I probably have the palate of a 5 year old. But gosh darn it I'm going to make the best immature food I can! Anywhozzle (yes, that's a word, I said so), I subscribe to Eat This, Not That's emails, which are actually some very realistic, and awesome tips for anyone just trying to make healthier choices. They also have these great "Cook This, Not That" articles, giving recipes for healthy versions of your favorite things you can cook at home. I LOVE these chicken fingers. They are also something you can tweak around if you feel like it. It's just a great, simple, yummy recipe that adults and children and adults-who-eat-like-children alike will love :)

"Eat This" Chicken Fingers

from "Cook This, Not That"

(disregard the pizza. That's a slice of Amy's Organic that went splendidly with the chicken.)

250 calories per serving (makes about 4 servings)

Lightened Up Spinach Artichoke Dip

I don't much like green vegetables. We don't get along. Which is why I was so annoyed when my best friend, Alex, would insist we share Spinach Artichoke dip whenever we would go out to eat at T.G.I. Friday's. To my surprise, I liked it-and grew to like it more and more the more I ate it. I was so proud of myself! I liked something healthy! Yay! Then, a year or two later, I found out-actually not so good for me. Well, sheesh, what's the point of eating green things if they're not even good for you?! Figures. Enter this recipe. I found it back when finding recipes was an occasional thing, and not yet an obsession, on Kraft's recipe website. It is supposed to be a makeover of the very dip I fell in love with at Friday's. Healthy Spinach Artichoke dip! Yay! But-would it taste good? Answer: yes!!! Yum! It is one of my favorite things to make now, and I hope it becomes that for you too!

Lightened Up Spinach Artichoke Dip (Recipe Makeover)

from Kraft Recipes