{Spiral Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes}

I am seriously in love with my sisters spiral veggie cutter (check it out here)!  I used it to make zoodles for this delicious "pasta" recipe and I used it last night to make this fresh and summery cucumber salad! I am obsessed!  I have already thought of about a million ways to use this ingenious kitchen gadget!  

This salad screams summer to me and the best part about it was I used all local farmers market produce!  Side note, can you believe that this past Saturday was the first time I had been to the farmers market all summer?  I know... its sad and I am embarrassed to admit that!  We can talk about my laziness later.  Right now we need to talk about this salad and how simple yet delicious it is!  The simple dressing gives a hint of flavor to the fresh cut cucumbers and the fresh tomatoes add texture and more flavor!  A little salt and pepper help amp up the flavor without taking away from the produce!  Make as a side dish or enjoy as part of a light lunch! 

Cucumber Salad with Tomatoes 

Brunch N'Cupcakes 

Serves 2-4

Ingredients: 

 1 1/2 Medium Cucumber - Cut with vegetable spilar 

1/2 Cup Grap Tomatoes - Halved 

Dressing: 

2 Tablespoons Olive Oil 

2 Teaspoons Balsamic Vinegar 

1 Teaspoon Honey 

1 Teaspoon Garlic 

Salt and Pepper to Taste 

Directions: 

1 - Cut cucumbers with spiral veggie cutter (we used this one)

2- Toss cucumber and tomatoes together lightly in a bowl and set aside. 

3- In a small bowl mix together olive oil, balsamic, honey and garlic.  

4- Pour dressing over cucumber/tomatoes and toss until well combined.  Season with salt and pepper to taste. 

Enjoy! 

{Zoodles with Pesto}

I have been sitting on this recipe all week, and dreaming about how delicious it is.  And, yes I am just now getting around to sharing it with you!   My mind has been consumed with other things I guess, like wedding planning, engagement photos and the list could go on and on and on.  Better late then never though, right?

So lets talk zoodles... Are some of you wonder what the heck a zoodle is?  Let me explain.  A zoodle is a "noodle" made out of zucchini, and they are hands down delicious!  My sister got this amazing little gadget this past weekend that slices veggies into thin, noodle like strands.  Check out the deets here.  Anyways when I saw she bought this little gadget I knew we needed to try it out!  We sauteed onions, garlic and mushrooms with the zoodles.  We finished off the zoodles with a garlicky pesto, sun dried tomatoes and Parmesan cheese.  Delicious!  Add in grilled meat of your choice for some added protein!

Zoodles with Pesto, Sun Dried Tomato and Parmesan
Brunch N'Cupcakes
Serves 4

Ingredients: 

5 Medium Zucchinis (Sliced with a Gefu Spiralizar)

1/2 Medium Onion 

3 Cloves Garlic Minced

1/3 Cup Chopped Mushroom 

1/4 Cup Sun Dried Tomatoes (Non - Oil Packed) 

1/3 Cup Prepared Pesto (I used Trader Joe's) 

1/3 Cup Parmesan Cheese 

Salt and Pepper to Taste 

**Protein suggestion for serving  - Grilled Chicken Breast or Shrimp. 

Directions:

1 - Heat a skillet coated with cooking spray.  Add in onion and cook until tender, stir in garlic and cook until fragrant.  Add in mushrooms and cook for 5 minutes until mushrooms are tender. 

2- Add in your sliced zucchini noodles.  Cook until zucchini is tender.  About 7 minutes.  

3- While zoodles are still in skillet pour prepared pesto evenly over the zoodles.  Stir until pesto is well incorporated.  Top with parmesan cheese, sun dried tomatoes and serve! 

Enjoy!

{Berry Acai Bowl}

When it comes to breakfast I can be what you would call a creature of habit.  To me breakfast needs to be simple, easy/quick to prepare and keep me full for hours.  I have a handful of "go to" breakfast that I cycle through; Including Greek Yogurt with Berries, Overnight Oats, Smoothies... just to name a few.  But recently I have been getting into something a little different for breakfast... Acai Bowls!

My sister introduced me to the brand called Sambazon a few weeks ago,   Sambazon is a  Unsweetened Acai smoothie packet that works great for making Acai bowls!  I have been blending my Acai packets with strawberries, a bit of honey and stirring in chia seeds in the end.  The next morning I drop in a few blueberries, a dab of greek yogurt and breakfast is served!  If you're look to switch up your morning breakfast routine, I suggest giving this Acai bowl a whirl!

Berry Acai Bowl 
Brunch N'Cupcakes
Serves 1

Ingredients: 

1 - Sambazon Unsweetened Acai Packet (I get mine at Whole Foods) 

6 Strawberries washed and quartered 

Honey to Taste - I use about 2-3 Teaspoons 

1 Tablespoon Almond Milk (I used Unsweetened Vanilla) 

1/3 Cup Blueberries

1 Tablespoon Chia Seeds 

1/4 Cup Greek Yogurt  (I use 2% Fage) 

**Yogurt for serving

Directions: 

1- Run Acai Packet under warm water for 5 minutes to slightly de-thaw the pack.  

2- Add strawberries, acai packet, almond milk and honey in blender.  Blend ingredients until smooth. 

3- Place acai mixture into a tupperware container, stir in chia seeds and allow to sit over night. 

To serve - Stir in Blueberries and Greek yogurt the next morning and Enjoy!  I will sometimes top mine with a bit of granola for a little added crunch! 

Happy Eating! 

{Creamy Cucumber Sauce with Mint and Cilantro}

I feel like lately I have been on auto pilot while making dinner.  Pan sear protien, steam veggies and repeat.  While the meals are healthy, simple and fresh, I just felt like it was time to jazz things up!  Cue this delicious and healthy Cucumber Sauce!

Let me start by saying that I am a huge sucker for sauces.  I feel that sauces can be that extra little kick to a dish that totally elevates the flavor!  A good sauce to me is one that is  healthy and can be smothered over everything that I am eating!  And let me tell you, this Cucumber Sauce  is just that.  Healthy, creamy and loaded with flavor.  Added bonus it is delicious on pretty much anything!  Use it on top of pan seared salmon, as a flavorful dressing for a basic sandwich/warp, to dip veggies in, really folks the sky is the limit.  I whipped this sauce up last night and served it atop our pan seared salmon, yum! Think of this sauce as a slightly sweeter version of traditional tzaziki.  Fresh cilantro and mint give this sauce a fresh taste, while the cucumber adds a cool crunch!  You even get a little protein from the greek yogurt!  Make this today, right now!   

Creamy Cucumber Sauce with Mint and Cilantro

Brunch N'Cupcakes 

Makes about 1/2 Cup 

Ingredients: 

1/2 Cup GreeK Yogurt ( I used Fage 2%) 

1/4 Cup Cucumber Diced 

1 Teaspoon Dijon Mustard 

1 Teaspoon Honey 

Salt and Pepper to Taste 

1/2 Teaspoon Cumin 

1 Teaspoon Onion Powder

2 Garlic Cloves Minced

2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Mint 

2 Tablespoons Chopped Fresh Cilantro 

1 Teaspoon Tahini 

Directions: 

1- In a small bowl combine yogurt, mustard, honey, spices, and tahini.  Whisk together until well combined. 

2- Add garlic, cucumber, cilantro and mint to yogurt mixture.  Stir until well combined and enjoy!  

**Serve atop pan seared or grilled fish or chicken, use as a dip for veggies, or use as a dressing on sandwiches and in wraps! 

Enjoy! 

{Sweet and Spicy Brussell Sprouts}

If you would have told me 20 years ago that brussel sprouts would be one of my favorite vegetables, I probably would have laughed in your face, or turned up my little nose!  Because let me tell you brussel sprouts do not look that appetizing to a little kid.  They are green, leafy and to be honest kind of ugly!  So how did I go from loathing brussel sprouts to loving them?  I have no idea!  But honestly I love them! 

I whipped these little green guys up the other night as a nice veggie side for our chicken.  Let me just tell you that between Derek, my sister and I there were no leftover brussel sprouts!  I guess they were a hit!  I pan seared these little green guys in coconut oil with onion and garlic until golden brown and slightly crispy.  I then finished them off with a sweet and spicy "glaze"  that I think elevated the whole dish!  Make them as your next side, maybe you will even get your picky veggie eaters to eat their veggies! 

Sweet and Spicy Brussel Sprouts

Brunch N'Cupcakes 

Serves 2-4 

Ingredients: 

2-3 Cups Brussel Sprouts Halved - Outside leaves discarded 

2 Teaspoons Coconut Oil 

1/2 Medium Onion Roughly Chopped 

2 Garlic Gloves Minced 

1/2 Teaspoon Ginger 

Salt and Pepper to Taste 

2 Tablespoons Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce 

1 Tablespoon Honey 

1 -2 Teaspoons Chili Garlic Sauce - Depending on how spicy you like them! 

Directions: 

1- In a large skillet heat coconut oil until melted.  Add onions and sautee until tender.  Add in garlic and cook until fragrant. 

2- Add halved brussel sprouts to skillet and cook until golden brown (about 15 min). 

3- In a small bowl mix together ginger, soy sauce, honey and chili garlic sauce.  Whisk ingredients together until well combined.  Pour over brussel sprouts and let cook an additional 3-4 minutes. 

4- Serve immediately! 

Enjoy !

{Honey Soy Turkey Lettuce Wraps}

Friends, it had been way to long since I had been creative in the kitchen... let alone cooked an entire meal.  I have to say that I missed cooking, and coming up with recipes for the blog!  Cooking is my creative outlet, and my way to relax at the end of a long day.  Yes, cooking can be messy and I usually have to wash a million dishes after, but there is just something about creating a beautiful meal from start to finish that just de-stresses me!  

Does that sound a little crazy?  I know I am odd!  Anyways, it felt good to be back in the kitchen creating a meal.   I felt like I was getting back to my normal nightly routine.  I can honestly say that I have felt a bit off since moving, traveling and starting a new role.  But, I think I am settling into the changes, and excited for whats to come from the many changes.  

 Now, lets begin talking about these delicious Turkey Lettuce Wraps!  These lettuce wraps are the bomb!  I made them for my sister and I last night and they got some pretty rave reviews!  She called them blog worthy, and delicious!  Win for me!  And yes,  I have been drooling over these images the entire time I write this post!  Just incase you were wonder!  Anyways back to the lettuce wraps.   You must make them as soon as possible!  They are full of flavor and just the slightest bit spicy.  I seasoned the ground turkey with cumin, chili powder, red pepper flakes and ginger!  Then once the turkey has been partially cooked I drizzle the meat and veggies in a delicious honey sesame soy sauce!  Make these for dinner, a simple app, or a side.  They are delicious and won't disappoint you! 

Honey Soy Turkey Lettuce Wraps

Brunch N'Cupcakes 

Serves 2-4 

Ingredients: 

1 Lb Lean Ground Turkey 

1/2 Medium Red Pepper Chopped 

1 Medium Onion Roughly Chopped 

2 Garlic Cloves Minced 

1 Large Handful Fresh Cilantro 

1 Head Iceberg Lettuce

1 Teaspoon Chili Powder 

1 Teaspoon Cumin 

1/2 Teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper 

2 Teaspoons Ground Ginger 

1/2 Teaspoon Onion Salt 

Cooking Spray 

Honey Soy Sauce: 

2 Tablespoons Reduced Sodium Soy Sauce 

2 Teaspoons Honey 

1 Tablespoon Sesame Oil 

Directions: 

1- In a medium skillet coated with cooking spray suatee onions until translucent.  Add garlic and cook until fragrent.  Next add in red pepper and cook 3 minutes until tender. 

2- Add ground turkey to skillet.  Use a spatula to break the turkey into chunks.  Season meat with chili powder through onion salt.  

3- While meat is cooking whisk together soy sauce, honey and sesame oil in a small bowl.  Once meat is partially cooked drizzle soy sauce mixture over meat and continue to cook meat until fully cooked. 

4- Once meat is cooked through stir in handful of cilantro and serve. 

**To serve scoop turkey mixture into lettuce leaves and wrap burrito style.  You can serve the lettuce wraps with additional soy sauce, sriracha or any other dipping sauce of choice! 

Enjoy! 

{Wedding Update - Engagement Photos}

This past weekend was packed full but the majority of the weekend was spent focusing on Wedding Planning!  My mom and dad were nice enough to head up to Minneapolis for the weekend, specifically so my mom could help me with wedding details!  We shopped, met with florist, tried a new brunch place, enjoyed the weather on a beautiful patio with a glass of wine and talked what felt like non stop about the wedding!