STRAWBERRY RHUBARB CRUMBLE BAR

Makes 4 Servings

395 Calories Per Serving

Borani is a popular Middle Eastern yogurt dip made with yogurt, any vegetables from spinach to eggplant to carrots ( here with red beets ), some spices and seasonings.. You can make borani as an appetizer that has almost like a dip / hummus texture; but here you'll get - not so traditional - my version that is more like a palate cleanser soup or delicious bed for the rest.. This amazingly refreshing base doesn't only please the eyes with its vibrant gorgeous color, it also satisfy taste buds

Finally we're living in easy summer days, no need to worry about dinners for awhile; and I'm celebrating the season with these fresh, delicious, homemade dip board and crazy tasty pretzel bites.. Trust me, you'll never go back to store - bought once you try these addictive homemade caramelized onion dip and cauliflower queso, you know you will never ever get this flavor in store bought dips.. Ohhhh, I've just upgraded these amazing tasty dips with serving homemade pretzel bites.. Either you need an afternoon snack or light dinner appetizer, or crowd pleaser party starter - YES, we can talk about outdoor parties now - , give them a try, you won't be disappointed.. Healthy, gorgeous, soft, creamy caramelized onion dip is made with sweet onions, yogurt, cashew mayo, and only two tablespoons of mascarpone cheese, and turned out "the best "onion

Makes 6 Servings

370 Calories Per Serving

Salad season is officially here and I’m on a constant journey to discover new addictively delicious flavor combinations on salads that won’t leave you hungry and make you come back for more. If you're looking for the "very best healthy salad "recipes, I hear you, and I can help; because I can not eat or do boring salads.. I LOVE amazing salads, you know the type — those salads filled with tons of chewy greens, herbs, lots of different flavors, textures, colors and crunchy toppings that gave all the deliciousness, refreshing, and filling.. Here is my general rules for any great salad foundation; start your salad with a bed of fresh mix greens - mix arugula, spinach, kale, shaved Brussels sprout, mustard green, watercress, so on... - and herbs - freshness and flavors of herbs are the best-, bulk up your salad by adding grains - quinoa, wild rice, lentils, orzo etc -, add any kind of protein source into your salad for richness - fish, tofu, soft boiled eggs, crunchy spicy chickpeas, mushroom steaks, etc -, don't forget adding the crunchy element - candied nuts, homemade croutons, spicy chickpeas.. -, add lots of mix veggies - roasted, grilled, pickled and freshly shaved -, add something sweet-y + fruity, and something tangy + creamy into your salad - fresh or dried fruits, blue cheese, goat cheese, avocado -, and crown your salad with just a drop of healthy homemade dressing.. Voila !! I could eat 

Makes 9 Hot Dogs, 134 Calories Per Hot Dog

329 Calories Per Sandwich With Potato Relish Salad and Condiments

How is everybody doing ? We're just few days away from Memorial Day weekend, it's going to be second on the pandemic.. I don't want to mention about last year's one; but this year finally we may see vaccinated ones out for picnicking, grilling and enjoying - of course not forgetting to remember and take a moment to showing our respect to who served / lost their life for this country -.. Yes, it's summer, it's time for BBQ, to go sandwiches, picnic baskets, burgers, hot dogs and more.. Fortunately, we don’t eat hot dogs or other packaged food for decades, I hardly remembered of their taste, so there is no big temptation or desire to have them, but my husband was a real hot dog lover once, and time to time he haunted by the memories of them.. Then I realized that I don't need to give up on hot dogs - like other things-, if I could make them myself.. Believe me it's easier than you can imagine to make your own vegan version, and so much healthier with nutritious ingredients.. There is no way to go back at that moment.. I have to say, these hot dogs are not a quick fix, they need a bit work; but if you're like me and want to be in control of the ingredients that are going into your food / body, than these are definitely for you..There is no seitan or wheat gluten in my recipe, all are made with simple pantry ingredients.. They're perfect for BBQ season

Makes 8 Bagels

218 Calories Per Bagel

Who is going to resist to hot 'n' fresh homemade everything bagels ? Extra chewy, soft in the center but crunchy + salty on the crust, and incredibly tasty.. They're uber delicious in every way; toasted with spreadable cheese and smoked salmon or served as an avocado toast with a fried egg, or use your imagination, there is no right or wrong way to eat a bagel.. But if you're asking why on earth we should skip to store bought or bakery made bagels and make our own at home ? Because they're not just tasteless when you compare to these, also they come with unnecessary ingredients and preserves.. Making bagels at home is easier than you think, no special ingredients or equipment necessary, and they're simply the best.. When you taste it, you'll understand why freshly made bagel is one of life's greatest pleasures..Life is too 

Makes 16 Tacos

302 Calories Per Taco

These crispy breaded cauliflower + lemony tofu tacos are the best.. Period.. But they are not traditional tacos, in one shell you'll taste many different cuisines - Middle Eastern, Asian, Mexican and contemporary American - together with layers of many flavors.. First layer starts with uber creamy red lentil hummus that does not just provide a smooth, tasty bed for the rest, at the same time secretly+deliciously serves lots of your daily protein needs -if you've never had hummus in your tacos before, then you missed the whole point, just saying -.. Believe me these well balanced sauces elevate humble tacos into " I've never tasted something like before " level.. Second layer consists of crunchy radishes, quick pickled red onion

Makes 4 Servings

789 Calories Per Serving

It's Mother's Day weekend.. If you're like me, and you're not there yet + don't feel comfortable to take up a table in your favorite restaurant, then you should better get in the kitchen and cook something special for her.. YES, it's going to be second virtual Mother's Day for all of us.. It should be.. I hope you'll cook something for tomorrow.. With a joy !! Keep in your mind, cooking is a form of creativity, discovery and adventure, and it gives happiness and deliciousness at the same time.. Tomorrow, I'll start the day with light brunch, then I'll make sheet pan cajun salmon with spring vegetables for lunch, and I'll bake hibiscus glazed homemade Nutella sugar cookies for honoring the day.. But now, I have another delicious fish recipe for you, just in case if you need it.. Michelin star quality dish.. Hot honey glazed sea bass literally melt in your mouth, flakey, tasty,

Makes 10 large Cookies, 195 Calories Per Cookie

Makes 10 Slice Of Jelly Roll Cake, 386 Calories Per Slice

We're only a week away from Mother's day, and although I'm trying to post as much as I can, still my "to do list" is overwhelmingly long and lots of new recipes are waiting to be published.. I know you guys will understand when I tell you that food blogging has been ranking low on my priority list nowadays.. Because spring has sprung here at Northwest.. That means busy days are lining on my way; lots of preparation + maintenance for newly start veggie garden, planning and planting.. But, it doesn't mean I'm going to miss the Mother's Day without posting.. So, I've just created something special with my mom's favorite cookies + cake that decorated with her favorite flowers; quick but sweet.. Nothing says " I love you, mom " like something sweet baked from scratch - no matter how hard you work to find the perfect card or gift, or you're already ordered beautiful flowers to deliver on exact time -.. You know, best way to crown Mother's day is baking something special for her.. Her favorite treats.. The best

Makes 12 Slices

583 Calories Per Slice

It's one of our sweetest family tradition; every year try to make different / challenging birthday cake just for two of us.. I think, birthday cakes help you to express your love towards each other, and easy way to say "you are special ".. Every year when our birthdays are coming close, I take a deep breath, and try to focus on different design and taste for this special celebration.. This year's stunning conversation piece of edible art made with just only a few basic decorating skills but lots of patience.. After days of debating, and lots of searching, I decided to make healthy fruit loaded, light yet decadent cheesecake that -reflects the season -decorated with my favorite magnolia flowers, petals and dark chocolate ribbons.. Because of this amazing cheesecake requires lots of advance preparations, I do recommend making this beauty over the course of couple days.. Cheesecake, labneh + mascarpone + coconut cream frosting, dark chocolate ribbons, and white chocolate magnolia flowers 

Makes 4 Servings

743 Calories Per Serving

Yes, I'm addicted to gnocchi, and always make my own gnocchi at home to keep things a little more complicated :)) but you can use store bough gnocchi instead.. Gnocchi can be a little bland tasting if it's not executed well, but it can be light, pillow-y, heavenly with an addictively melt in your mouth texture if it's done well.. Like this easy baked potato gnocchi with unbelievably delicious vegan sausage, leek + spinach - as always try to sneak little bit of greens into any dish -, and egg.. This time I wanted to put together all of my favorite ingredients and taste in one skillet.. Potato, sausage and egg.. Who doesn't like eating breakfast at dinner - kind of pasta form - ? I certainly do.. Especially if you consider, I quit eating sausages when I was in my early 20's; because of all the chemicals used in this highly processed food.. This almost 35 years of separation finally came to end with an amazing, fool proof vegan sausage recipe.. These are made with combinations of fiber and protein loaded beans, nuts, veggies, and several seasonings + herbs - they aren't contain wheat gluten ( seitan ) like most of the other vegan recipes 

Makes 8 Lahmacun

431 Calories Per Lahmacun

Lahmacun or Turkish flatbread is a very simple yet incredibly delicious pizza variation; made with super thin, almost crispy yeast dough that traditionally topped with tasty, spicy, aromatic mixture of ground beef or lamb, onion, tomatoes, peppers, and parsley or other fresh herbs.. I made it my own version -a vegan version- with protein rich tofu, minced walnut + sunflower seeds, roasted bell peppers

Makes 12 Slices

558 Calories Per Slice

Whole oranges for marmalade like but brighter citrus-y flavor, almond flour for nutty texture, lemon curd for sticky softness, crunchy meringues for coffee and hazelnut taste.. Just do the math, add the flavors together, and dream about the taste.. Soft + moist + jammy + crunchy + silky creamy, +fruity + chocolate-y = taste heaven.. This amazing gluten - free, flourless, almond-y, nutty, moist and sticky texture whole orange cake -which made with whole oranges; rind and all - is first layered with most delicious lemon curd then covered with decadent chocolate mascarpone frosting, and finished 

Makes 12 Sandwiches

346 Calories Per Sandwiches

Have you ever thought about putting chickpeas on a sandwich, in non-hummus form ? You would not be surprised when I say chickpeas are my favorite legumes, because like cauliflowers or tofu; so versatile and deliciously nourishing.. I'm so trilled to continue to find new ways to enjoy and corporate chickpeas into any meal.. Now, I want to introduce you to my recent best friend; quick, easy, healthy, and deliciously loaded mashed chickpea salad sandwiches, reminds me - one of my favorite to-go lunches - very much of egg or tuna salad sandwiches.. These sandwiches completely satisfying and tastes out-of-this-world delicious while providing me more than half of my required protein and fiber for the day, plus made with simple ingredients, you probably already have on hand.. If you don't want to get extra carb from bread, than skip that and serve on a bed of mix greens or wrap with collard greens as a wrap filler.. But.. They're killer when they stuffed in between two

Makes 6 Servings

493 Calories Per Serving

Tulips rise, hellebores bloom, spring is tiptoeing slowly into the scene, and I couldn't be more excited about warmer days and of course more light for food photography.. It's time to put sweaters and socks in a drawer, and get ready for starting veggie garden, spring flavors loaded recipes etc.. Also as vaccinations accelerate our hopes to turn back to normal are rising along with spring blooms; which doesn't mean we should stop to cook delicious yet nutritious meals or we shouldn't share them with nearby friends, family, neighbors.. This is how we heal from overwhelming, exhausting and devastating pandemic.. Anyway, here is another our house favorite meal, healthy twist of classic Southern dish - without butter 

Makes 12 Servings

282 Calories Per Serving

How much I love when I take something traditional but heavy, turned and meld it into light, healthy yet still delicious way.. Although classic monkey bead looks so yummy and delicious, but most of the times when I get a bite, it's either heavy with butter or too sweet for my taste.. So if you're looking for extra fluffy, light, not overly sweet but crazy delicious monkey bread recipe, look no further.. This amazing tasty bread has many layers of flavors and texture, the bottom layer is uber gooey, because it soaks up all the caramel which consists of date, peanut butter and honey.. This bottom layer becomes top after bread bakes, I drizzled couple tablespoons icing over to adding just a bit sweetness to it.. Yes, still room

Makes 6 Servings

747 Calories Per Serving

I know; during dark quarantine days, when we're cooking most of our meals at home, pasta is often a go-to choice for many of us.. Although pasta has a bad reputation in our minds, actually it can be a wholesome, well-balanced meal if prepare it in right way.. If you load your pasta with tons of vegetables- actually think and use pasta as a vehicle for your vegetable consumption -, less cheese and eat the portion size that's suitable for you, then pasta is going to be your " feel good about yourself " favorite again for either feeding the whole gang, casual entertaining or date night meal.. Like this big pan of vegetable heavy, meatless version of classic Italian American comfort food of pasta; first slightly undercooked ziti 

Makes 7 Wraps

659 Calories Per Wrap

If you're just getting started your new journey as a vegetarian or vegan; or you're trying to make your diet more plant based friendly, you're in the right address.. I know the biggest challenge is while you're figuring out of different textures and discovering + balancing the new flavors, at the same time worrying about getting enough of nutrients and proteins when you switch one to another diet.. After lots of confusing recipes, worries, trials, failures, and most probably you'll end up be bored, frustrated or worst of all, felt still hungry.. Here are some tips+short cuts for your new game; use a lot of legumes -actually layering different legumes together is better -and make them a part of whatever you cook, even think about protein rich healthy sauces based on yogurt, tahini, nuts etc.. Treat your vegetables like the way you would eat meat, season well, marinate and use spices wisely; add garlic, lots of garlic whenever you can; roasted, raw or black garlic- gives tons of umami flavor into any meal-.. And last but not least; educate yourself about new tastes, flavors and meals, be open mind and try without any rejection in your mind, if you don't like it, do not scratch from list immediately instead give it another chance to shine, play with flavors and spices as you would like.. Here; I have a delightful, colorful, nutritious plant based, veggie and protein loaded wrap recipe for your midweek motivation.. Maybe you can start here, but for me I really don't know where to start to describe this amazing meal; because so many 

Makes 10 Mini Naked Cakes

650 Calories Per Cake

How could someone possibly resist these beauties ? Everybody's favorite carrot cake in layered naked mini cake form, crowned with a light, fluffy frosting that is made with cream cheese, mascarpone, and thick drained yogurt, and dotted through with candied honey hazelnut to die for.. These adorable mini cakes are not just an eye catcher; but they're super delicious, crumbly, fluffy, moist, as well as loaded with wholesome ingredients and all the goodies that you can eat without thinking; freshly shredded carrots, almond flour, shredded unsweetened coconut, walnut, raisin, warm spices and applesauce.. Ohhh, they're gluten free, not overly sweet and made with only four tablespoons of oil -thanks to almond flour, natural sweetness