(Vegan) Chocolate Almond Butter Crunch Bars

Chocolate. Almond butter. Maple Syrup. Coconut oil. Crispy Rice Cereal.
Surely, you can’t hold it against me. Who could resist? These are some of the most awesome words in the dessert glossary.
And if you think that my fave breakfast when I was a kiddo, was a huge bowl of Rice Krispies sprinkled with two tablespoons of chocolate Nesquik, you can pretty put together the story of how I ended up with these bars.
Look at them! Honestly, who can resist so much awesomeness?

(Vegan) Persian Eggplant Stew

A thing I have learned over the last 5 years here (has it been that long already?) is that people have very strong opinions on eggplant.
Some find it to the be awesome, especially when it’s spicy or paired with tomato sauce, others just don’t care about it, and no matter what you do with it, they’re never going to be converted.

Roasted Salted Paprika Almonds

Today’s recipe is brought to you by a couple of things: simplicity and an insatiable snack craving.
I’ve been so busy lately, I’ve found myself eating fewer meals, and nibbling throughout the day.
And despite the fact that recent studies have linked eating more meals during the day to better health, I’m not so sure about it...
Almonds though, of those suckers I’m pretty sure. They’re an excellent source of protein, good fat, and fiber, a constant staple in my pantry, and are one of my favorite snacks.

Crock-Pot Chicken Barbecue

Man this was great!
The shredded chicken is fall-apart tender and the sweet tangy flavor of the sauce bursted in the mouth.
YUM!

Not to mention this is arguably one of the easiest BBQ chicken I’ve ever made.
You know those times when you don’t have time to stand over the stove and want to cook something delicious with the minimum of fuss? this Crock-Pot Chicken Barbecue is going to save your life.
Throw everything in the slow cooker without any special prep and let it work its magic.

Mint and Ginger Iced Green Tea

I know, I know, “Mike, what’s up with putting up a iced tea recipe two days after an awesome long holiday weekend?”
But wait, I think you’re coming at this from the wrong angle; this Mint & Ginger Iced Green Tea is, in fact, three days early for next weekend and just in time for the summer heat.

Because we all know that a tall glass of iced tea, dripping with condensation, is an icon of relief from the summer heat. It quenches the thirst and satisfies the desire for flavor like no other drink.
All you need to do is pull up a reclining chair, sit back, relax, and sip away.

Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Zoodles

I know I haven’t made zoodles in forever, but with the official beginning of summer (i.e., Memorial Day weekend) I thought that some fresh and light crunchy zoodles paired with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and lemon juice would be the the perfect dish to celebrate the start of the hot season.

Homemade Twix Bars (Paleo & Vegan)

Most of the time, I like to cook for others. I like to cook things that I know (or hope) others like. Then, when I pulled it off and they tell me how great it tastes, I feel awesome. It’s an accomplishment.
I’m fairly certain that this has something to do with deep-rooted need for validation. Something I don’t go out looking for it, but that I do very much appreciate — especially in the cooking department.
It probably stems from something my parents did when I was young. Trust me, it’s always their fault. HA!

My Favorite Chickpea Veggie Burger

If you’ve been following TheIronYou for a while, you know I love me a good veggie burger just as much as the next guy. But a good one? That’s very hard to come by.
In my opinion a good veggie burger must have a well balanced mix of veggies and legumes (or grains).
It must have flavor.
It must be cooked until crisp on the outside yet a little tender on the inside.
And — last but not least — it shouldn’t be falling apart.

Creamy Caprese Rice Casserole

Don't you just love when you have a recipe that can be a favorite week in/week out? One you keep making and loving?
For me it’s the Creamy Caprese Cauliflower Casserole.
There's something about that dish that I found quite special. It has a rich, comfort-food feel that you would never expect from a dish made with cauliflower and tomatoes.
It's easy and delicious. Plus it makes great leftovers — not to mention everyone I have served it to has gone crazy for it.
So I thought it was time to make another caprese themed casserole.
Enters the Creamy Caprese Rice Casserole.

Mom's Parsley Potato Salad

If you grew up in a household where mayonnaise was almost forbidden — though she never admitted it, I’m fairly certain that Mom hates mayo — you can understand why I don’t have a family recipe for a classic (mayo-drenched) potato salad.
It was just not part of Mom’s cooking repertoire.
She did have her own version of potato salad though.
One that involved parsley, lemon, olive oil, capers, but — not surprisingly — zero mayo.