Today is a tribute.
Friday seems like the perfect time to celebrate some fantastic bloggers who have inspired some of the best meals I’ve had. This list is not at all exhaustive, but it’s what I’ve had lately for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Breakfast:
These fluffy, lemon-flavored chia muffins were based on this Lemon Chia Cake created by Lisa @ Healthful Sense. I’ve made several of Lisa’s recipes and have never been disappointed. She’s also the only person more obsessed with sweet potatoes and peanut flour than I am.
They are gluten-free and vegan – great for breakfast or an afternoon snack. Next time I make them I’ll add some poppy seeds too, as that’s what the chia bites reminded me of. Who doesn’t need a little opium first thing in the morning?
My modifications:
- Used brown rice flour rather than millet
- Replaced Stevia with NuNaturals Fiber Baking Blend
- Reduced vanilla extract to 1/2 tsp
- Added 1/2 tsp lemon extract
- Used a full 1 tsp of cinnamon
- Made 6 muffins rather than cake (baking time = 15 mins)
You should try these. Like now.
Lunch:
When I can work from home, lunch is my favorite meal of the day. I can cook something fresh AND use the daylight for picture-taking. Even though I was too lazy to whip out the good camera for this pic.
Sweet potatoes. Smashed and coated with goodness. I took the idea from Pinterest – this recipe for Hot Crash Sweet Potatoes pinned from Donalyn @ DLYNZ.
My modifications:
- Rather than her spice mix, I used this one created for use in my Babaganoush Soup… fitting because the blend was from another blogger, Cara @ Cara’s Cravings
- Brushed sweet potato slices with a mix of olive oil and rice wine vinegar.
- Skipped the boiling step (increased baking time to 20 mins on each side using convection bake)
These “crashed” sweet potatoes tuned out beautifully, and my Middle-Eastern spice blend went perfectly with the Coconut Curry Marinated Tempeh by Turtle Mountain I had in the fridge. Nom.
Dinner:
After an orange lunch, I needed a green dinner.
Janet @ The Taste Space created a Spinach Dal Palak that couldn’t be any greener if it tried. If you don’t already follow Taste Space, check it out. There isn’t a day where I don’t drool over a post.
My modifications:
- Short on spinach, I reduced the recipe to make a single serving
- Increased cumin
- Used ground ginger (I’m out of fresh – use it if you have it on hand!)
- Added more red pepper flakes (because I’m not happy ’til my nose is running)
Served with sriracha and an Ezekiel Sprouted Grain Tortilla. Pinned and will be making again soon!
Dessert:
I have a bajillion blogger desserts marked to try… but tonight was my own.
These Chewy Granola Cookies (not limited to dessert – momma texted me to say she had 2 for breakfast with Greek yogurt) with a glass of “Chocolate Milk.”
___________________________________________________________________________________
“Chocolate Milk”
- 4 oz unsweetened chocolate almond milk
- 1 oz Godiva liqueur
- 1/2 oz vodka
- 4-5 drops NuNaturals Cocoa Liquid Stevia
Mix in cocktail glass and serve with ice.
***
Yes, I realize such a simple drink shouldn’t count as a recipe… but it was good, so I’m going to milk it. (Tee hee… milk it… get it?)
What blogger recipe have you made lately and loved?
What do you use to bookmark recipes? Pinterest? Reader? Delicious?
48 comments
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Lee
January 20, 2012 at 7:53 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I made the Indian Spiced Vegan Chili from Daily Garnish recently and that was really good. I use Pinterest to save my recipes.
Rachel @ My Naturally Frugal Family
January 20, 2012 at 8:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think my favorite pick is the chocolate milk. Who doesn’t like a little liquer with their dessert
Parita @ myinnershakti
January 20, 2012 at 8:39 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That daal looks yummy! I have some lentils sitting around that I’ve been meaning to use, so I may try to make something similar.
And I love Pinterest for saving recipes. Before Pinterest, I would just email myself the link.
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 10:39 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Let me know if you try it – I’d love to hear what you think.
You must have had a million emails!
Heather @ Better With Veggies
January 20, 2012 at 8:52 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think that drink recipe counts as a recipe for sure – just because it’s simple doesn’t mean it’s not a recipe!
I use two different places to bookmark recipes. For recipes I’m going to make in the next week, I put it straight into “Plan To Eat” which is the website I do my meal planning on each week. For ones that I want to remember, but may not make immediately – Pinterest!
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 10:40 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I’ve never heard of Plan to Eat. Definitely checking that one out.
Heather @ Better With Veggies
January 23, 2012 at 9:16 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I should probably do a post about it – it’s awesome! Not a free service, but pretty inexpensive and makes life much easier for me.
Alayna @ Thyme Bombe
January 20, 2012 at 8:53 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I think the last blogger recipe I’ve made was strawberry oat bars from OhSheGlows, which were really delicious. I’ve been just bookmarking recipes in Chrome, but that’s not been the most helpful, so I think I’m gonna start moving them all over to Pinterest.
Lisa ♥ Healthful Sense
January 20, 2012 at 8:56 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for the shout out my friend =)
I love the addition of the lemon extract mmmm!!
I’m guilty of bookmarking a bunch of recipes and have yet to make them.
Wow does that chocolate milk sound good =) It definitely deserves to be a recipe!! The shorter the ingredient list the better =) Have you ever tried adding coffee… mocha chocolate milk?
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 10:44 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I just ate the last one tonight… and I’m pretty sure I’ll be baking more tomorrow.
I love mocha chocolate milk. Here’s my rendition: http://www.sprint2thetable.com/2011/03/morning-vs-evening-coffee
Lindsay @ The Lean Green Bean
January 20, 2012 at 9:19 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
in love with those sweet potatoes!
Kiri W.
January 20, 2012 at 9:48 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love the header!
Great post! I’ve made Heather’s brussel sprouts recently, and I have a looong list of bookmarked posts I want to make
Claire @ Live and Love to Eat
January 20, 2012 at 10:00 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I love the “smashed” idea! Pinterest is great for keeping track of blog recipes I want to try.
Linda
January 20, 2012 at 10:08 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Love those sweet potatoes!! And how you enjoyed such a “colorful” day! Never thought to look at my meals throughout the day as what color I’ve had or am missing!! You can bet I’m going to be thinking of that from now on!!
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 10:45 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My mom used to tell us to “eat the rainbow.” I guess it stuck with me!
Kiah
January 20, 2012 at 12:22 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
This post is great–it reads as a you-should-read-food blogs sales pitch
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 10:46 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha! You SHOULD read food blogs.
sonia
January 20, 2012 at 12:40 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow….this is an amazing tribute and now i am in a big time dilemma which one to choose first and try, all look fabulous. I wud like to try this sweet potato dish…enjoy !
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 10:47 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That was my favorite – I was a little sad to see it end.
sportsglutton
January 20, 2012 at 12:53 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I like the idea of those smashed sweet potatoes, a food I’ve learned to thoroughly enjoy over the past year or so. Since you’re a sweet potato freak, did you ever see my sweet potato nachos? http://sports-glutton.com/2011/12/14/sweet-potato-nachos-w-chipotle-black-beans-fries-nachos-recipe/
Have a great weekend Laura!
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 10:48 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Whoa… I missed that recipe, but thank you so much for sharing. I’m pinning this to make ASAP!
Jenn L @ Peas and Crayons
January 20, 2012 at 12:55 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
bahaha milk it for all it’s worth gorgeous! Buzzed ya! <3 Hope you have a fantabulous weekend Laura! Loving the new header btw – not sure if I mentioned that before! MWAH!
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 10:50 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you, Dah-ling. Hope you’re having a fabulous weekend!!
Anonymous
January 20, 2012 at 1:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ohh I need to try that Lemon Chia cake! Looks delicious!
I love your lunch! Sweet potatoes have been a favorite of mine.
Laura
January 20, 2012 at 1:48 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow, those all sound delicious… especially the Spinach Dal Palak. Yummm. I haven’t had a lot of time for experimenting lately, other than with cupcakes.
We’ve been eating lots of crockpot beans and lentils this week!
Mindy @ clueless nut
January 20, 2012 at 3:07 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am trying the Hot Sweet Potatoes for lunch tomorrow! They look and sound delish.
Also, when my stash of dark chocolate oatmeal cookies run out, which will be VERY soon, your recipe will be next on my list!
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 10:56 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Did you make them? Let me know what you thought! It’s on my list to make again this week.
Tina @ Best Body Fitness
January 20, 2012 at 3:28 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Those lemon muffins are going on my must make list too. Anything lemon is a topper for me! Also, I like your version of chocolate milk.
Carol @ Lucky Zucca
January 20, 2012 at 4:06 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I definitely use Pinterest for bookmarking recipes!
Cucina49
January 20, 2012 at 5:30 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That spinach dal looks fabulous–I need some interesting ways to eat my daily quota of dark leafy greens.
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 10:57 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Same here – I’m constantly looking for new ways to incorporate greens. Do you put spinach in smoothies? That’s my go-to and I PROMISE you can’t taste it.
Anonymous
January 20, 2012 at 5:36 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I just bookmark them the old fashioned way to the little “bookmark this page” thing up in the corner. I should use pinterest, though! That way there’s a photo to remind me why I bookmarked them in the first place!
Lauren @ Lawfully Wedded Wife
January 20, 2012 at 5:57 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
MMMM I need a glass of that “chocolate milk” stat! I like to use Reader to save recipes, but I always star so many that I could never possibly try them all!
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 11:00 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I had to stop with Reader for that reason – thank god for Pinterest!
Tessa @ Amazing Asset
January 20, 2012 at 6:06 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
The spinach dish sounds wonderful! I have been finding so many different recipes on Pinterest, and am loving it!
Oh and yes please to the chocolate milk, with a bit of alcohol for the final touch
Sylvia
January 20, 2012 at 8:31 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
All sound wonderful although I’d expect nothing less
Just last night, I tried Stuffed Sweet Dumpling Squash from Heather’s Dish. I used brown rice instead of Orzo and Feta instead of goat cheese since they were all I had but it was still so delicious and easy!
I tend to bookmark recipes in my head or leave the post open on my laptop to get to it. When something sounds good, it does NOT take me long to make it
Have a great weekend chica!
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 11:02 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That sounds like a really good one! I’m going to have to look it up.
Maybe if I started leaving stuff up on my computer to make I’d work though my loooooong to try list faster. Hmmmm…
Grubarazzi (@Grubarazzi)
January 21, 2012 at 10:35 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for these recipes! I’m really trying to avoid the dairy (as you know) so now I’m turning to you even more for great alternatives. I’m trying that dish from the taste space stat!
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 11:04 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
It is surprisingly easy for me to cut out most dairy – I actually prefer almond milk to cow’s milk. I do love my Greek yogurt though!
Let me know what you think if you try it – I’d love to see what spin you put on it!
Ellie@Fit for the Soul
January 21, 2012 at 1:32 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Mmmm I wanna try the dal and your cookie! I love all these healthified recipes. And I love me some poppy seeds too! And chia. btw! I can’t wait to give your triceps workout a try!
Laura
January 21, 2012 at 11:05 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you! Let me know what you think of the tricep workout. It’s my favorite part to work.
janet @ the taste space
January 22, 2012 at 1:47 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks for the shout-out! I can’t believe you made dal palak for one! That’s a lot of work for just one meal, aie! Glad to hear you liked it, though.
Bring on the spinach!
Laura
January 22, 2012 at 11:36 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Haha – I didn’t think it was that bad. I serving of lentils cooks up pretty quickly and I took the lazy out and steamed my spinach in the microwave. Thanks for a great recipe!
Donalyn
January 24, 2012 at 2:35 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thanks so much for the shout out to the Crash Hot Sweet Potatoes – and love the look of that drink!
Laura
January 24, 2012 at 11:54 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Anytime! I’m going to try yet another version this weekend. Thank you!!!
Christin@purplebirdblog
January 24, 2012 at 10:20 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ah-ha! Finally made it back to this post. Those sweet potatoes sound ridic!!
Your chocolate milk is some kind of awesome!
Bailee
January 26, 2012 at 10:10 PM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That spinach looks amazing!
Jackie @ Vegan Yack Attack!
January 28, 2012 at 12:12 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
That chocolate milk drink sounds FABULOUS! I definitely must try that out.
what i ate wednesday — sarah learns
February 22, 2012 at 6:51 AM (UTC -4) Link to this comment
[...] i finally made these crash hot sweet potatoes that i first saw laura make a while ago. [...]