Watermelon Mint Stir-Fry

Watermelon is one of the simplest joys in life. It is perfect in every way yet somehow made even better by mint. I love grilled watermelon but seeing as I live in a tiny apartment with no grill... I decided to compromise. I was not disappointed.

Mint Chocolate Chip Avocado Ice Cream

I really love this "keto" thing I'm doing. It's made me more mindful of the foods that I eat and has challenged me to be creative in the kitchen. However, while it's easy to find something savory that fits my macros, it's nearly impossible to satisfy my sweet tooth. Although I don't crave sweets nearly as much as I used to, (which definitely has something to do with my body adjusting to the drastic restriction of my carbohydrate intake) I get ice cream cravings every so often. Who doesn't? There just isn't a market for low carb, moderate protein, high fat ice cream so there isn't much out there for me. I've spent a few hours over the past week experimenting with ice cream recipes and after a few attempts and dismal failures, I've settled on one that's not only delicious but also fits my macros.

Bulletproof Dirty Chai Latte

Remember my Bulletproof Coffee from a few weeks ago? I've been drinking them every day as a breakfast substitute. Since I've been drinking it every day, I felt that I needed a little variety. Dirty chai soy lattes used to be my daily indulgence so I figured that I'd try to make my own version.

Chocolate-Covered Bacon

It's Valentine's Day whether I like it or not and love is in the air. Do you know what I love? Bacon. Who doesn't? (Except vegans.) Bacon is the way to anybody's heart. Dip it in chocolate and it's that much better. If you need a last-minute gift for your boo, your best friend, your parents, or even just want to treat yourself, why not chow down on some salty, decadent chocolate-covered bacon? It takes about 30 minutes and it is oh so worth it. (Oh, and since we found out about those pesky "fat guidelines" being kind of a sham, these are mostly guilt-free.)

Roasted Grapefruit

I know that foregoing the pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving seems sort of blasphemous because it's supposed to be the one day a year when you indulge in everything and blah blah blah but if you're like me and doing well on your diet, working out, and losing weight, there's absolutely nothing wrong with finding a healthy alternative. Baked fruit is a favorite of mine. It's an easy way to trick yourself into thinking you're eating something sugary and sweet because it is sugary and sweet but without (most of) the guilt.

What you'll need:

 - 1 Grapefruit

 - Brown Sugar & Sugar in the Raw

 - Any mix of nuts and/or dried fruit you'd like to add.

Preheat the oven to 350. Segment the grapefruit by cutting an asterisk into it and then cutting around the edges. This helps the sugar to distribute evenly while it melts. Sprinkle a generous amount of brown sugar and sugar in the raw on the top. When the oven is ready, roast the grapefruit. Cooking times may vary, begin with 20 minutes and check back often. I like the top of mine to be a little burnt. When it seems to be baked to your liking, take it out and sprinkle some nuts on top for a little added protein. I added raw almonds, walnuts and dried blueberries. Serve hot. Yum yum yum!

xo,

e.m.

The Perfect End of Summer Salad

Love me some salad. I always try to outdo myself and make 'em fancier and fancier. I made this one this past weekend and loved it! One of my favorite salad "recipes." (Yes, I know that salad recipes don't really exist because you basically just throw vegetables on a plate.)

- Spinach, Arugula, Swiss Chard, and Basil leaves as a base

- 1/2 of an Avocado

- 1 Cactus Pear

- 1 Raw Beet

- 1/2 cup Brussels Sprouts sauteed in Garlic and Olive Oil

- Any sweet and spicy dressing. (I used a Spicy Mango dressing with shredded coconut.)

Try it out! So yummy.

xo,

e.m.

Salted Peanut & Banana Smoothie

To be honest with you all, I'm not quite sure if this should be called a "smoothie" or a "milkshake." It's not the healthiest smoothie you'll find but then again, there's no ice cream in it so it's also not the worst. Either way, it's delicious, particularly during that oh-so-wonderful "time of the month." (Ladies?) Salty, savory, and the perfect amount of filling... mmm mmm!

What you'll need:

1 Banana

1 Cup of Chocolate Soy Milk

1 1/2 tbsp. Peanut Butter

Sea Salt to taste 

Optional: Add a dash of Maca Root-- it helps with all of those "lady problems."

Mix all ingredients in a blender, blend, and enjoy! Makes one serving. If you'd like to save a few thinly-sliced banana pieces, they make a nice garnish along with a little bit of extra sea salt. 

Keep these ingredients on hand for the next time you're got a wild craving! This smoothie makes a yummy snack and is slightly better for you than a candy bar. (FACT.)

xo,
e.m.

guest posting on the perfect pear today!

Lauren from The Perfect Pear asked me to share a little project for Easter, which I was beyond excited to do! You can find me over there today sharing my new favorite cocktail recipe.

Enjoy!

xo,

e.m.

weird snack

Not gonna lie. This snack sounds really weird but it. Is. SO. Good. It's a mix of everything. A little spicy, a little sweet, a tad bit salty and very, VERY delicious. Satisfies every darn craving out there and can be made in a pinch!

Little side note, if wasabi peas aren't a staple in your pantry, head to the store and pick some up PRONTO! They're amazing in salads, in trail mixes, or just plain. 

xo,

e.m.