Quinoa Black Bean Patties

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This grain-like seed has become quite the talk for some time now. It comes in a variety of colors but is most known for the translucent yellow seed. It’s a delicate flavor and is light and fluffy.  It’s time I jump on board already to see what all the hoopla is about. I’ve seen recipes on other blogs but just haven’t made the time to learn and explore this little gem. As a mom of three kids involved in sports, it’s important that I feed their bodies to keep up with their energy levels. It’s also a complete protein.  Quinoa is packed with nutrients! This is one well-rounded grain-like seed! You can read here to learn more about this little powerhouse.

  

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Blueberry Swirl Cheesecake

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Growing up I was surrounded by ample amounts of fruit trees, bushes, and plants.  I can remember standing outside for what seemed like hours picking the plump blue purple colored fruit.  Papa (Grandpa pictured in the photo) would hand us kids a bucket and lead the way.  My sisters, cousin and I would always find the bush with the most berries on it, then race to see who could fill their bucket first.  A few berries for the bucket, then a few in our mouths, eventually we always picked enough to bring  Baba (grandma) to make into pies.  Of course we had moments of spilling buckets of fruit while waving our arms like maniacs shooing away those biting torpedo flies, but we always managed to still get buckets upon buckets of blueberries.

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Frittata with Asparagus, Potato, Zucchini and Tomato

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Need a healthy and simple weeknight meal? Try making a frittata. This can be a meal in itself or a nice addition to a fresh salad. It can be eaten hot, warm or room temperature.

A frittata may be described as an open-faced Italian omelet. Like an omelet, it consists of eggs cooked in butter with a variety of fillings. The texture is firm and set, although never to the point of being stiff and dry.

Do you have an overstocked produce drawer with a questionable life expectancy?  You can create your own flavor of a frittata. Leftover vegetables always work well in a frittata.  It’s a good way to use up vegetables (that you know would never get eaten otherwise) and get a second meal out of your first time efforts.  Yes, frittatas can be made extra simple with eggs and just cheese.  But by adding vegetables it’s a nice way to incorporate more veggies into your diet, which I’m sure a good chunk of us need to do.

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Pumpkin Brown Butter Cupcakes with Cinnamon Frosting

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When autumn approaches do you find yourself reaching for cans of pumpkin with almost every trip to the grocery store, only to realize when you get home your cabinet is already storing a few?  Endless pumpkin baking leaves me doubting my supply.  Why not check the cabinets and make a list before I leave for the store you ask? Let’s just say at times I fly by the seat of my pants and my organizational skills need improved upon.  A little extra pumpkin can only equal good things for me and those around me.

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Chicken Breast Mediterranean

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Does anyone have a recipe that made his or her significant other fall in love with them? Twenty years ago I made this recipe, as well as a blueberry swirl cheesecake, for my husband.  This dish will forever hold this story.

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