The Perfectly Creamy and Healthy Guacamole

Avocados are by far one of my favorite foods in the entire world, so naturally Guacamole was one of the first recipes I made sure to master.  Avocados are so delicious and naturally healthy for us however, not all guacamoles are made equal. That perfectly creamy guacamole you eat at restaurants is usually loaded with mayonnaise to give it that creamy consistency. That is why my recipe is so incredible. It is creamy and flavorful without the added fake fat. Guacamole is that perfect appetizer to have out whenever you have guests over from football sundays to week night dinners. Everyone loves guacamole. But, once you try this recipe you will never make it another way again. I always have people asking what I put in my guacamole and if I can make it again. So what's the secret ingredient? Feta! I know it sounds so strange but it works. It gives it the creamy texture and a little extra flavor. Try this recipe and I promise you won't be disappointed. 

Ingredients

• 2 Ripe Avocados
• 1/2 cup of diced Onions (red onion for stronger flavor, yellow onion for a more mild flavor)
• 1/2 cup of diced Tomatoes. Make sure to get rid of the juices and seeds as you don't want watery guacamole 
• Lemon Juice
• Garlic (fresh or dried) I usually do around 1-2 garlic cloves. Depends on how strong you like the garlic flavor
• 1/4 cup of Crumbled Feta 
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Optional

• Cilantro, chopped
• Serrano Peppers, chopped- if you like it spicy!

 Directions

Mix together all ingredients. Mash however much you want. I tend to like mine a little in between mashed and chunky as you can see in the pictures- seems to make everyone happy. I like to always taste as I go with the spices and lemon juice. A good thing to remember is most of the time you are going to be eating this guacamole with salty chips so go lighter on the salt to balance the chips. If it is too bland, you can always add more! If you do end up going over board with the spices, more lemon juice works perfectly. Another trick with guacamole is make it ahead of time and let it sit in the fridge to marinate the flavors together before serving. 

Russell and I have this guacamole at least once a week. Hope you all enjoy and become as addicted as we are!

Cranberry Lemon Kale Salad with Parmesan and Pine Nuts

Kale was a superfood I had yet to fully appreciate. I could mask the flavor in green smoothies but it wasn't until Pam introduced me to this salad that now I not only enjoy kale but actually crave it! This salad has a little bit of everything in it- sweet, salty, citrus, and fully satisfying. It is an easy go to healthy lunch option or a perfect dinner appetizer for when guests come over. 

Ingredients

Salad

• 1 bunch of kale, stems removed, washed and patted dry
• 1/3 cup of dried cranberries (or you can use raisins if you prefer)
• 1/2 cup of pine nuts
• freshly grated parmesan cheese

Dressing

• Juice of one lemon
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp honey
• salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Prepare dressing by mixing together lemon juice, olive oil, honey, salt and pepper
2. In a food processor (or if you don't have one I used my vitamix on a low speed) process kale into small chopped pieces
3. Add chopped kale, pine nuts, cheese, and dried cranberries to dressing
4. Mix everything together then serve into salad bowl

Healthy and delicious! Hope you enjoy!

How do you like to eat your superfood kale?

Healthier Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Anyone who knows my husband knows that he loves to bake and makes deliciously naughty desserts. And anyone who knows me knows that I have an insane weakness for cookies. ANY type of cookie. Every now and then there is nothing wrong with indulging in sweets but baking was becoming an every week thing. So I decided now is the time that we start looking into slightly healthier options. For this recipe we took out butter from the recipe completely and added oats for less flour and sugar. Like I said, this is an intro into healthy desserts so it's not completely guilt- free but one step at a time right? These cookies might quickly become a new favorite. For me the hard part was to not eat all the dough and actually bake the cookies. These really are so good. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 cups Old Fashioned Oats
• 2 cups All Purpose Flour
• 1/2 cup Granulated Sugar
• 1 cup Brown Sugar
• 1 teaspoon Baking Soda
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 2/3 cup of Canola Oil (use a little more if dough seems too dry)
• 2 large Eggs
• 4 teaspoons Vanilla Extract
• Semi- Sweet Chocolate Chips (however much chocolate you want!)

↣ You can also add or substitute nuts, dried fruit, coconut, or any other toppings you enjoy!

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper

2. Mix together the oatmeal, flour, sugar, brown sugar, baking soda, salt, oil, eggs, and vanilla.

3. Beat until the dough is moist and all the ingredients are combined. Mix in the chocolate chips or whatever topping you chose!

4. Using your hands, clump together a tablespoon of dough and squeeze the dough into a ball. Place on prepared baking sheet.

5. Bake for 10-12 minutes or until golden.

6. Eat and enjoy while they are still warm!

Enjoy!

Can't you just see the gooey goodness?!

What are some ways you make your desserts healthier?

Spicy Mango Fish Tacos with Avocado Slaw

I wasn't a huge fish taco fan until Russell and I went to Seattle this year. We were walking around Pike Place Market and of course stopped by the fish market for fish tacos. That's when it happened. I was hooked. They are fresh, light, healthy, and not to mention seriously delicious. We got them again last week at an amazing Latin American restaurant and that is when I decided I need to take on the challenge of making my own. And I am so happy to announce that it was a success. These are so good. Hope you enjoy!

Ingredients

Tilapia

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Fresh Lime Juice

2 Tsp Honey

1 1/2 Tbsp Chili Powder 

(depending on how much spice you want)

1/4 Tsp Red Pepper Flakes

Salt and Pepper

For Slaw:

2 Cups Shredded Cabbage

1 Cup of Fresh Chopped Cilantro

1/4 Cup of Plain Greek Yogurt

(or sour cream if you want)

Fresh Lime Juice

Salt and Pepper to Taste

1 Mango, Diced

1 Avocado, Diced

Whole Wheat Tortillas

(or corn tortillas if you 

like that taste more)

Directions

1. Place tilapia in ziplock bag and add in olive oil, lime juice, honey, chili powder, red pepper flakes, salt and pepper. Close bag and massage seasonings into fish. Let marinade in the fridge for about 20 minutes. 

2. Prepare Slaw: In a bowl, combine cabbage, cilantro, yogurt, lime juice, salt and pepper.

Place in refrigerator. 

3. Remove fish from marinade. Cook on skillet on Med-High heat until fish is properly browned on both sides. Remove and keep warm. 

4. Place a little olive oil in the skillet and cook tortillas for about 10-20 seconds on each side. 

5. Add slaw mixture evenly into tortillas. Place tilapia on top of slaw. Then add the diced mango and avocado for the final touch.  

My favorite thing to do is to take a recipe and change a few things to make it my own. Try this one and leave a comment letting me know if you try anything differently. Get creative and enjoy!