Oatmeal Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Cookies

It’s fall y’all and time to take advantage of all the pumpkin flavored <fill in the blank> until your heart is content.  I took advantage of a rare weekend with nothing scheduled to clean up the house, decorate for Halloween/Fall Harvest season, and of course, do a little baking with the ingredient of the season…pumpkin!  This was a new recipe for me, but it turned out great!  Definitely follow the directions to take out the cookies after ~ 10-12 minutes…they stay nice and soft that way.  Enjoy!

Paprika Chicken & Spinach with White Wine Butter Thyme Sauce

Oscars Sunday is always a fun one…a little exercise, running errands, cooking a great meal, and glass of wine or two.  This recipe caught me eye on pinterest earlier this week and thought I would save it for today.  I am wishing I had a side of mashed potatoes to go with it though! That would have made the meal superb.  But, don’t get me wrong this is pretty spectacular on its own.  Enjoy!

Skillet Chicken with Mustard Cream Sauce

A few weeks ago my sister came over with my new nephew for the first time.  I decided to try out a new recipe in honor of Andrew’s first time at “Aunt Lindsay’s” house and man, it was SO good.  I have eaten chicken breast so many ways, but this mustard cream sauce (okay, probably not the healthiest thing) is AMAZING.  I literally licked the plate….and spoon, and spatula.  This was super easy and quick for a week night meal.  Enjoy!

Garlic & Cheese Zucchini Quinoa

When life gives you lemons, make lemonade…or so the saying goes.  Today is a high of 6 degrees in Chicago, and thus a perfect day to stay inside and tryout new recipes.  Today’s recipe was actually supposed to be zucchini and quinoa fritters, not a fried rice-like concoction.  Don’t get me wrong, this still tastes damn good, but every recipe doesn’t always turn out the way it is supposed to turn out.  Despite the setback, I did some quick thinking and just decided to stir it all together…appetizer turned to side dish.  Enjoy!

One Pan Cheesy Chicken & Broccoli with Quinoa

Well, the bone chilling cold winter finally showed up in Chicago today with highs in the teens.  I really can’t complain as it has been a pretty mild winter…I can deal with 30’s. With the chilly temps today, I decided to try a one pot healthy, but comforting, meal.  It was delish! Definitely something that would be easy for a weeknight too.  Enjoy and stay warm!

Ricotta Stuffed Sweet Peppers

New year, new goals!  For my first post of 2016 I decided to go with something that was on the healthier side (this recipe is a 21 day fix recipe) but packed full of flavor to help those out there with new year resolutions like ‘eating healthier’ or ‘losing weight.’   For me those are definitely on my list as well as getting my butt back in gear in the gym.  Usually the more I cook at home vs. grabbing Chipotle on the way home is a bit friendlier on my waist, so cheers to more posts and toning up!

Creamy Basil Polenta with Roasted Tomatoes

I have been on the lookout for polenta based recipes and having been pinning and saving them left and right.  This one touted its ease and deliciousness and I thought I would give it a try on this perfect fall day in Chicago.  The roasted garlic and tomatoes have filled my house with amazing smells in addition to the combination of polenta, parmesan cheese and basil simmering on the stove top.  Today marks the first day of “going dark” with my nail polish for the season…bring on the dark reds, greys, deep purples and blacks!  Gotta love fall!