(Vegan) Buddha Bowl with Lemon Parsley Dressing

Like the spiritual guru it’s named after, Buddha bowls (sometimes referred to as glory or hippie bowls) are filling dishes that usually include raw or roasted veggies, legumes, healthy grains, sometimes they include toppings such as nuts or seeds, and are usually dressed with a vinaigrette style dressing for added texture and flavor.
Though Buddha bowls can contain a whole array of ingredients and can be seasoned in any number of ways, the basic formula remains the same.

Honey Glazed Chicken and Veggie Kabobs

Kabobs or skewers? I call them kabobs but I’ve noticed a lot of people say skewers.
It really doesn’t matter, but these Honey Glazed Chicken and Veggie Kabobs do matter.
Actually they’re the only thing that matters to me right now.
Chicken, zucchini, bell peppers, and onions marinated in zesty bath of oil, honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
Should I stop or do you want me to go on?

My Favorite Breakfast Sandwich

I love breakfast because it’s a way to sneak in a moment of quiet enjoyment before rushing off into your busy day. It’s an opportunity to take the time to eat something delicious and nutritious.
It’s also — without a shred of doubt — my favorite meal to cook, because there’s nothing fussy about it.
While most of the time I’m happy with a chia seed pudding or an energizing smoothie on some mornings I need something more, something more substantial, something like a breakfast sandwich.
Let me rephrase that, an AWESOME breakfast sandwich.

Peach Mint Lemonade

I know what you’re thinking “That’s pink lemonade! You’re trying to sell us homemade peach mint lemonade but that, right there in the pictures, is Crystal Light Pink Lemonade!”
I can’t blame you. I, just for fun, compared the two and there was no significant difference in color.
Believe me though, what you see in the pictures is pretty pretty pink homemade Peach Mint Lemonade.
So pink it looks like the river in candy kingdom, like it was made by a unicorn or by a princess. You decide.

(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.