If you’ve been here awhile, you know a plain bowl of oatmeal doesn’t cut it for me anymore - once I realized it wasn’t keeping me full, I started ...
Korean-inspired Ground Chicken Tacos
Tacos of all kinds are in a regular rotation in our house. If you’ve been here awhile, you know I often refer to them as my favorite food group. In no ...
Sweet and Spicy Salmon
I couldn’t love this simple, quick-to-prepare recipe any more. Buttery salmon with a sweet and spicy glaze is always a winner, even for people who ...
Ground Beef Taco Bowl with Roasted Cauliflower
Cauliflower Taco Bowls This is one of those dinners that works for everyone in our family. It’s simple enough to make on a busy weeknight yet ...
Pumpkin Spice Coffee Creamer (using REAL pumpkin!)
I’m not much of a coffee shop person - those visits are rare treats, usually when I’m out of town or meeting up with a friend. At home, I’ve been ...
Egg Roll in a Bowl
This super easy dish is always a hit in my house. It comes together so quickly that I don’t mind making it at the end of a busy day, but it also works ...
Chicken Fajita Bowl
This chicken fajita recipe is one of my all-time favorites to teach and share. It’s so simple, customizable, and a total hit with all ages. Kids and ...
Chicken and Zucchini Tex Mex Casserole
Late summer casseroles are my jam. Winter casseroles often lean heavy and creamy - delicious for some, but not my everyday food. This late ...
Chia Seed Yogurt Bowl
A Healthy and Nourishing Breakfast Chia Seed Yogurt Bowl is one of my favorite make-ahead breakfast dishes. It’s creamy, satisfying, and ...
Grass-fed Beef Chili with Beans
A Simple Meal for Post-Travel Days This is the kind of meal I like to make upon returning home from a trip. It uses mostly pantry staples and ...
Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter Cup
A Quick & Easy Healthier Dessert If you're looking for a sweet treat that’s simple, satisfying, and nourishing, this Greek Yogurt Peanut Butter ...
Homemade Maple Chicken Apple Sausage
Skip the processed breakfast meats and make your own clean, flavorful sausage patties at home! These easy Maple Chicken Apple Sausage Patties are made ...
Easy White Bean Chicken Chili
A Quick and Flavorful Family Favorite If you're looking for a healthy, high-protein, and fiber-rich meal, this Easy White Bean Chicken Chili is ...
Tricolore Salad with Citrus
Colorful salads are one of my favorite things to eat. The vibrant mix of greens, reds, and citrus hues makes this Tricolore Salad as beautiful as it ...
Puffed Dutch Baby Pancake
A Family Favorite Birthday Brunch: Dutch Baby Pancake Birthdays are a time for celebration, and what better way to start the day than with a ...
Curried Red Lentils with Greens and Garbanzos
A Cozy Dish for Colder Months During the colder months, I love to cozy up to a bowl of warm anything. Warm breakfast bowls, soups, and one-pot ...
Arugula Salad with Brussels Sprouts, Persimmons and Pistachios
Every fall, I eagerly anticipate the arrival of persimmons at my local farmer’s market, grocery store, and even Costco. These vibrant fruits, along ...
Fish Tacos with Citrus Jicama Slaw
Fish tacos are one of the easiest weeknight meals I can think of. I often keep frozen wild cod filets on hand, and when fish tacos are on the dinner ...
Cashew Golden Chai
Cashew Golden Chai: A Warming Beverage for Chilly Evenings As the days grow shorter and the evenings chillier, I find myself gravitating toward ...
Maple Almond Butter Granola
A Longstanding Staple Granola has been a staple in my home for over 20 years! Throughout the years, I’ve crafted countless versions of this beloved ...
Homemade Taco Seasoning
The Benefits of Homemade Taco Seasoning While I’ve often shared our love for the convenient taco packets from Trader Joe’s, we typically keep ...
Ground Turkey Soup with White Beans and Kale
Comforting Turkey Soup with White Beans and Kale A bowl of comforting soup is always a welcome addition when the weather turns chilly. It’s also a ...
Chopped Salad with Salmon, Beets, Feta and Maple Orange Vinaigrette
Salads are a lunchtime staple for my husband and me and I'd say we have them about 2-3 times a week. We've enjoyed countless chopped salads over the ...
Harvest Salad with Balsamic Chicken
A Fall Salad That’s Worth the Effort Some salads are quick and simple, while others take a bit more preparation. This fall salad falls into the ...
Ratatouille
Why Summer and Early Fall are Ideal for Ratatouille Summer and early fall months are perfect times to make ratatouille. With farmers' markets ...
Chicken Shawarma Salad
Of all the salads my family enjoys, this Chicken Shawarma Salad has been a regular in our rotation for years. Along with Southwest Chicken Salad and ...
Dairy-free Creamy Tomato Soup
How I Perfected Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup During my internship at Flea Street Cafe in Menlo Park, I regularly made 16 quarts of seasonal, vegan ...
Zucchini-Olive Oil Cake with Lemon Icing
Why Snack Cakes are My Favorite Dessert When it comes to desserts, snack cakes are always a favorite of mine. Unlike traditional layer cakes, which ...
Easy Pearled Farro
Farro is a delicious nutrient-rich grain, often used in Italian cuisine. Pearled farro, which cooks faster than whole farro and seems easier to find ...
Raspberry Chia Seed Jam
If you've been here awhile, you know my love of adding chia seeds to my meals, especially my breakfast! Here's one way I've been using chia seeds in a ...
Quick Pickled Red Onions
Quick Pickled Onions: A Pantry Staple in Our Home There’s hardly ever a time that these Quick Pickled Onions are not in a tall mason jar in our ...
Soyaki Roasted Chicken Thighs
Quick and Flavorful Asian-Inspired Marinade This flavorful Asian-inspired marinade is easy to throw together and can marinate overnight or in as ...
Tuna Salad Seaweed Bites
Quick and Nutritious: Tuna Salad Seaweed Bites This is one of my favorite quick and nutritious recipes I keep in my back pocket. My Tuna Salad ...
Morning Glory Muffins
Teen-Approved Morning Glory Muffins Finding a snack that satisfies both your nutritional needs and your teenager’s taste buds can be a challenge, ...
BLT Salad with Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
BLT Salad with Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Summer is in full swing, and the last thing many of us want to do is heat up our kitchen. Easy, summer ...
Berries and Cream Protein Smoothie
Boost Your Day with a Berries and Cream Protein Smoothie: Nutrient-Packed Recipe with Basil Seeds This Berries and Cream Protein Smoothie is ...
Lemony Feta Turkey Meatballs
Protein-Packed Turkey Meatballs for a Healthy Meal Lemony Feta Turkey Meatballs are a protein-packed dish with fresh flavors and have become a ...
Spicy Kombucha Mocktail
Over the years I’ve upped my water game substantially. In fact, it’s probably the number one change I’ve made that has improved my overall ...
Grilled Shrimp with Quick Smoky Marinade
Cooking during the summer can be a mix of easy and challenging. Here in California, we’re fortunate to have an abundance of fresh produce and the ...
Chopped Salad with Tuna and Chickpeas
Celebrity Salad Habits and the Power of Plant Diversity Have you ever heard of people eating the same salad for years or even decades? Rumor has it ...
Heavily Seeded Cinnamon Raisin Bread
Nut and Seed Bread: A Recipe I Can’t Get Enough Of I've been experimenting with this recipe since late last year, even gifting mini loaves during ...
Coconut Red Curry With Chicken and Vegetables
Coconut Red Curry with Chicken and Vegetables: A Versatile, Flavorful Staple This Coconut Red Curry with Chicken and Vegetables is a staple in our ...
Chipotle Shrimp Fajitas
Shrimp Fajitas: A Family Favorite Shrimp fajitas have been a long-time favorite in our household, regularly making their way into our meal planning ...
Berry Beet Smoothie
One of my main motivations when eating each day is to include a variety of colors. This often ensures I am not missing any key nutrients - ...
Instant Pot Chicken and Rice Immune Boosting Soup
As post-holiday and back-to-work/school sickness tends to go around, it’s a good idea to keep recipes like this one in your back pocket! My dear ...
Vanilla Almond Milk
This has been a staple in our home for many years and a very nice alternative to prepared almond milk from the grocery store which is often not ...
Braised Beef Roast with Banana Peppers
You’ve likely heard of the widely popular Mississippi Roast that became popular many years ago on Pinterest. I’ve never actually tried it as it ...
Orange Ginger Yogurt with Berries and Granola
Many years ago when I had my first born I took a solo road trip to visit my mom. That first drive by myself with a tiny baby was nerve wracking to say ...
Spa Crunch Salad
My friend Lisa is the queen of salads. When she offers to bring a salad to your house to go with your meal, you can always bet on a crunchy mix ...
Quick Overnight Steel Cut Oats
Quick Steel Cut Oats - a More Nutritious Way There’s not much better on a cold winter morning than scooping a warm bowl of hearty oats. The key to ...
Cranberry Orange Scones
I have lost count how many times I’ve made these scones… especially over the holiday season. If I’ve been to your house recently for brunch or ...
Salmon with Orange Mustard Glaze
A Culinary Friendship That Inspired a Favorite Recipe Many years ago, we lived next door to a family who shared our love for cooking. Both the ...
Quesadilla with Sweet Potato, Black Beans and Spinach
Busy weeks call for simple, nutritious food! Quesadillas are the perfect answer to a quick lunch or dinner. Since I have three teenagers, they ...
Shakshuka with Spinach and Feta
Shakshuka is hands down one of my top 5 favorite brunch items. My husband and I both happen to share a love of this savory dish. Recently, after ...
Macho Salad (copycat recipe)
One of the fun things about touring colleges with our teenagers is checking out new cities and trying new restaurants. Last spring, in both ...
Zucchini Pineapple Bread
There is no doubt this bread is perfect in peak summer. However, I tend to prefer it in early fall when zucchini is still overflowing at the ...
Immune Boosting Smoothie
School is back in session and so is cold and flu season. While I don’t have toddlers anymore, my teens sure seem to be bringing home germs and getting ...
Cold Brew Coffee
Coffee has taken many forms in my house. It's actually one part of the kitchen tasks (joys?) that I'm not in charge of. For decades now, my husband ...
Mocha Protein Smoothie
Adding cold brew is a delicious twist on my chocolate protein smoothie. Reminiscent of a mocha frappa whatever from your nearby chain coffee shop, but ...
Summer Zucchini Casserole
A Delicious Summer Casserole for Late Summer or Early Fall Casseroles and summer may not seem like a natural fit, but this one is perfect for your ...
High Protein Pancakes
Who doesn’t love a stack of fluffy pancakes with warm maple syrup? This girl. They taste good going down, but the crash and then the immediate hunger ...
Mixed Greens with Roasted Chicken, Tomato and Basil
I'm thinking of adding a category to my blog called "Everyday Salads." There are countless salad combinations in our house but they never seem to ...
Southwest Chicken and Vegetable Soup
If my family’s sneezing, congestion and general uncomfortableness isn’t a sign that spring has officially sprung, I don’t know what is! The ...
Low and Slow Chicken Stock
Chicken broth, chicken stock, bone broth... it's all very similar with a few subtle differences. This is technically a chicken stock because it ...
Stuffed Shells with Sausage and Vegetables
Happy New Year! I'm excited to continue sharing delicious recipes from my kitchen to yours. As always, 90% of what I eat year round is FOR my health ...
Harvest Pumpkin Muffins
A Family Favorite Pumpkin Muffin Recipe This pumpkin muffin recipe has been a family favorite in my house since my kids were little. The cherished ...
Curry-Spiced Chickpea Burgers with Yogurt Sauce
A Flavorful, Pantry-Staple Recipe with Fresh Ingredients This is one of those recipes that use pantry staples as well as fresh ingredients that I ...
Pumpkin Protein Smoothie
Embrace Pumpkin Year-Round: A Nutritional Powerhouse Beyond Fall Why Limit Pumpkin to Fall? I love a cozy fall morning with a warm beverage and ...
Roasted Grass-fed Beef Meatballs
Meatballs are a good idea no matter the season. They are quick to make, freezer friendly, and make great leftovers. I keep several pounds of local ...
Cottage Cheese and Tomato Toast
I'm not always ahead of the curve, but aside from my daily smoothies, there are two things I've been doing since the late 80's and 90's that have been ...
Chia Seed Pudding
Hi Family and Friends! It’s been a little while since I’ve shared any recipes, and I hope this finds you all doing well and enjoying the beginning of ...
Ground Pork Skillet with Maitake Mushrooms, Cabbage and Cashews
This tasty skillet recipe is a new family favorite. I fear the name of the recipe may not get your taste buds buzzing, but trust me, it's a delicious ...
Layered Mediterranean Dip
Who doesn’t love a layered dip? I’m 100% certain that saying the words “7 layer dip” is assumed to be of the Tex Mex variety - a legit, scoopable, ...
Creamy Pistachio Nut Protein Smoothie
A Smoothie a Day: The Pistachio Nut Protein Smoothie We all know the saying, "A smoothie a day keeps the doctor away." While that might be a bit of ...
Sourdough Bread Stuffing with Sausage, Parsnip, and Sage Butter
One of my favorite holiday side dishes is this stuffing. Though technically a dressing, as I would never in a million years stuff this in a bird ...
Mixed Greens with Tuna Salad and Dill Vinaigrette
It's the most delicious time of the year! I'm pretty sure I said that same thing over 5 years ago when I began this little food blog. But it's true... ...
Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies
Cookie swaps and exchanges, front porch cookie deliveries, cookie plates at a potluck... all signs point to cookies being shared. Of all the desserts ...
Mediterranean Chicken Wrap
Wraps are one of my favorite ways to take food on the go... which my family (and perhaps yours!) seems to need a lot of these days. Made with ...
Mixed Greens with Roasted Chicken, Figs and Shallot Vinaigrette
A Simple, Yet Delicious Salad I recently served this salad to my very happy, working from home hubby. It's such a simple salad, but both of us were ...
Chicken Salad with Almonds, Turmeric and Celery Leaves
Pre-made, portable meals are my favorite, especially this time of the year when school and sports have ramped back up. Like so many with school aged ...
House Vinaigrette
Every weekend, usually on Sunday, I have a list of kitchen staples that I prep for the week ahead. Some type of vinaigrette is always at the top of ...
The Best Iced Matcha Green Tea Latte
Matcha green tea seems to be all the rage these days. During the summer, this is the drink I make after a day at the lake or pool, but also the one I ...
Southwest Chicken Salad with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette
Cooking during the summer, at home or on vacation, is a true pleasure for me. Summer's bounty combined with high quality proteins I keep stocked up on ...
Everyday Protein Power Smoothie
The Joy of Smoothie Making in the Shoup Household Smoothies have become a staple in our household, with each family member having their own ...
Spring Greens with Radish, Flaked Mackerel and Toasted Walnuts
Spring Greens with Radish, Flaked Mackerel, and Toasted Walnuts "Don't overlook the oily little fishes." - Michael Pollan, Food Rule #32 I'm ...
Carrot Soup with Turmeric, Ginger and Lemon
When I looked back on my meal calendars, I noticed that this soup was always in heavy rotation January-March. At first thought, it made total sense. ...
Swiss Chard and Spiced Sweet Potato Hash
File this dish under one of my top 10 (maybe 5!) favorite things to eat. The word hash was never one of my favorite words - brings to mind a college ...
Almond Butter Coconut Power Smoothie
Energizing Power Smoothie: A Nutritious Blend for a Satiating Start It seems running out of smoothie names is inevitable, but I certainly won’t run ...
Veggie and Quinoa Egg Bites
Egg muffins, sous vide egg bites, and similar products are popping up everywhere - from grocery stores to coffee shops - and for good reason! They’re ...
Spiced Cauliflower with Dates and Pine Nuts
With travel adventures a distant memory right now, I often find myself cooking food that reminds me of some of the wonderful places we’ve been. ...
Almond Butter, Banana and Chia Seed Toast
This is a "no recipe" recipe... but writing it down is a good way for me to remind myself about a great dish or send to a friend! Some time ago we ...
Quinoa Salad with Arugula, Roasted Carrots and Fennel
I had the pleasure of sharing this recipe in the January issue of our sweet local magazine, Hillsborough Living. This quinoa salad is not only perfect ...
Candy Cane Crisps
Many years ago when I was away at college, I received the most delicious care package - these cookies! My brother's girlfriend, now wife of over 20 ...
Sugar Cookie Cut Outs
The Christmas season would not be the same without these cookies! I've been making them since my kids were little and it's always a fun project to ...
Maple Oat Nut Scones
Waaay back in the day, I sold these scones through my eBay store called Coffee Companions. Cute name, huh? During the hours I wasn't teaching 3rd ...
Mixed Greens with Pecans, Gorgonzola and Apricot Jam Vinaigrette
A perfect salad to begin a meal with or piled on a dinner sized plate next to a crusty baguette or hot cup of creamy soup. This salad is perfect year ...
Baked Turkey Meatball Sub Sandwich
If this isn’t a way to change up the work and school week, I don’t know what is! I recently made these turkey meatballs in the morning to prep ahead ...
Pumpkin Pancakes
It seems Starbucks and Trader Joe's have done a good job of creating pumpkin season. Pumpkin flavoring in everything from coffee to cereal, pasta to ...
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Maple Butternut Squash Soup: A Recipe Full of Memories Many years ago, my husband and I had a favorite date night spot, California Cafe in Los ...
Quiche with Bacon, Baby Kale and Gruyere
A good quiche is one of my all time favorite dishes. I frequently order it when I see it being offered on a restaurant or bakery menu and am often ...
Brie Prosciutto and Fig Panini
These delicious, and incredibly simple panini have been a household favorite longer than I can remember! Something about the crispy buttery outside, ...
Glazed Pumpkin Cookies
The Perfect Pumpkin Cookie to Welcome Fall When my kids see this pumpkin cookie coming out of a hot oven, it’s a telltale sign that fall has ...
Baja-style Fish Tacos with Spicy Lime Crema
It’s a very rare occasion that I fry something in my kitchen - I rarely pan or shallow fry, let alone deep fry. When I do, it causes quite a stir ...
Cantaloupe Banana Smoothie
The most used appliance in our house is our Vitamix... this is not a paid sponsorship, but rather a ode to my favorite appliance for almost 15 years. ...
Green Beans Provencal
This side dish is such a hit with my family that during the summer when green beans are in peak season, I make it on a weekly basis. Correction, my 13 ...
Summer Fruit Almond Cream Galette
When your favorite summer desserts include all things fruit, you come up with new ways to use all that peak produce! Fruit crisps are one of my ...
Arugula Salad with Tomato, Peach and Roasted Golden Beets
For many of us, a simple trip to the farmer’s market can provide such joy these days. The aromas, the array of colors, and the people! Oh how nice it ...
Overnight Oats
Overnight oats are such a welcome treat in the morning, especially during the summer months when even the thought of a steaming bowl of anything makes ...
Cherry Peach Smoothie
Refreshing Summer Smoothie: Cherry Peach and Mint This refreshing smoothie is one of my favorite summer treats. The combination of fresh peach, ...
Boysenberry Pizza
A Childhood Favorite: Boysenberry Cheesecake Pizza This Boysenberry Cheesecake Pizza is a nostalgic treat that has been a staple in our family for ...
Salmon Sandwich with Pesto Mayo and Apricot Jam
Salmon Sandwich with Pesto Mayo and Apricot Jam: A Perfect Summer Recipe A Year-Round Favorite, Perfect for Summer Holidays This salmon sandwich ...
Spiced Rosemary Bar Nuts
Spiced Rosemary Bar Nuts: The Perfect Snack for Entertaining When guests arrive, there's nothing better than offering a warm, flavorful snack that ...
Southwest Grain Bowl with Roasted Poblano Dressing
Perfect for Summer Months During the summer months, this is my favorite type of grain bowl. The abundance of fresh, seasonal produce like corn, ...
Healthy Carrot Apple Muffins
Why Snacks Are Synonymous with Summer For most of us with kids, a synonymous word with summer is the word snack. They begin early in the morning, ...
Grilled Pork Chops with Stone-Fruit Relish
Easy Summer Grilling: Grilled Pork Chops with Stone-Fruit Relish One of my favorite ways to make dinner during the summer is to marinate some ...
Cherry & Peach Snack Cake
Easy Summer Fruit Cake: The Perfect Coffee or Tea Companion This adaptable summer fruit cake is the ideal treat for any time of day. With just a ...
Sweet and Smoky Baby Back Ribs
Versatile and Flavorful Ribs: A Method, Not a Recipe This rib recipe is incredibly flexible—more of a method than a strict list of ingredients. The ...
Crispy Pork Carnitas Tacos
Crispy Pork Carnitas Recipe: A Cinco de Mayo Favorite I’m not sure where my love of Mexican cuisine began, but it has no doubt become my favorite. ...
Healthier Mango-A-Go-Go Smoothie
Nostalgic Beginnings: Bagels and Blenders in Bakersfield Years before Jamba Juice became a household name, my hometown of Bakersfield had its own ...
Baked Crispy Chicken Sandwich
Nostalgic Homemade Chicken Sandwich Inspired by the 80s Growing up in the 80s meant indulging in our fair share of fast food, with Taco Bell and ...
Berry Banana Smoothie
Decades of Smoothie Making: Our Journey to Daily Smoothies I can’t count how many smoothies we’ve made over the years, but it’s safe to say it’s in ...
Best Potato Salad
Welcome the Warm Weather with Delicious Grilled Meals This warm weather has our family cleaning off the outdoor grill and putting it to good use ...
Southwest Breakfast Burrito
Craving Mexican Food Morning, Noon, and Night It's no secret in my family that I could eat Mexican food for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. One way I ...
Smoky Black Bean Dip
The Ultimate Spicy Black Bean Dip: Perfect for Any Gathering I’m a sucker for a good bean dip, but then again, who isn’t? Classic 7-layer Tex Mex ...
Refrigerator Bran Muffins
Delicious Refrigerator Bran Muffins: A Healthy Snack for Kids and Families Kids and snacks seem to go hand in hand, and finding easy, healthy ...
Easy Homemade Hummus
Why Homemade Hummus is Worth the Effort Homemade hummus is incredibly easy to make and far superior to the pre-made varieties you often find at the ...
Manhattan Cocktail
As my husband and I grow older, the saying "less is more" resonates with us more than ever. When it comes to alcohol — quality over quantity has ...
Mezcal Con Pepino Cocktail
A Memorable Anniversary in Cabo San Lucas A few years ago, my husband and I celebrated our anniversary at the stunning Resort at Pedregal in Cabo ...
Easy Frittata Recipe
How to Make the Perfect Frittata: A Versatile Meal for Any Time of Day Frittatas are the ultimate go-to meal when you need to use up veggies that ...
Homemade Granola
Why Homemade Granola is a Staple in Our Home Homemade granola has become such a staple in our house that I often forget what store-bought versions ...
Summer Tomato Pie
Celebrating Summer’s Bounty at Bay Area Farmer’s Markets It’s late July, and the local farmer’s markets in the Bay Area are bursting with the ...
Marinated Beans with Garlic and Herbs
Easy Seasonal Summer Meal for the Whole Family One way to enjoy a summer evening at home is to have an easy, stress-free seasonal meal planned. ...
Pumpkin Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins
Preparing for a Stress-Free Flight with Homemade Snacks Last week, I made these little muffins when I should have been packing for a big family ...
Melon Salad with Feta, Jalapeno and Mint
Happy Friday, friends! I hope you’ve all had a fantastic week. If it’s 5 o'clock where you are, congratulations on the end of the workday! If you're ...
Holiday Sculpture Bread
Embracing the Holiday Season Happy December, everyone! We are in full holiday swing around here, although we have heavy hearts with the fires in ...
Browned Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies with Toffee and Flaky Salt
A Sweet Cookie Journey I've never had much of a sweet tooth, even as a kid - except when it comes to cookies. Who doesn’t remember picking up a bag ...