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As ready as I am for you, Im still shocked youre already HERE. I will say though, Ive been dreaming of you since November and have been humming your popular songs, decorating your tree and wrapping your presents all month long. Youve been in my mind forever, but its just still so shocking how fast you snuck up on me!

In all honesty friends, Im completely on top of my life everywhere else but this little piece of the internet.  I have my Christmas cards sent, my recipes bookmarked for Christmas Eve and all of Dahlias presents bought and en route. Ive managed to send out pitches for new work and have submitted my invoices for all of my freelance work. The only place Im struggling to get caught up on is this blog!

But instead of beating myself up like I usually do, Im going to just move on with life. I mean, its 2020. The fact Im still alive (thankfully), healthy and able to work is all that matters. So here you are, my darling friends, some cookies to drool over as you get ready to celebrate the holiday however that looks. Here are 10 of some of my all-time favorites, including some classics and some re-imagined from my years as a recipe creator. 

Whether youre zooming with your family, are lucky enough to get to see them this year, are celebrating with your quarantine pod or are spending the holidays solo, cookies are the answer to everything. End of story.

Lemon Rosemary Sugar Cookie Sandwiches

Rosemary is one of my favorite herbs to use, and not only in savory dishes. The addition of this earthy and flavor packed herb to these soft, chewy and tangy lemon sugar cookies totally takes these up a major notch. Plus the soft sweet buttercream in the middle balances out the boldness of both the lemon and rosemary. Grab the recipe on SheKnows!

Pretty red green pinwheels

These are one of my favorite cookies because of how cute they are. As creative as I am in the kitchen, not all of my attempts at adorable holiday desserts always turn out. These, however, turned out even better than I could have anticipated. Grab the recipe on SheKnows!

Spicy hot chocolate cookies

How can you not love a double chocolate cookie that tastes like your favorite wintertime drink? Even though I love these for the fact that theyre loaded with chocolate, my favorite ingredient is actually one you cant see! These are made with a dash of spice (cayenne and chili pepper), giving every bite a fun little zing. Grab the recipe on SheKnows!

Cookie butter kisses

In my family, you just cant have Christmas without a kiss cookie. My mom makes them every single year and I dont think Ive ever celebrate the holiday without one (or 5). I made my own version of this classic treat with luscious cookie butter instead of peanut butter last year, and holy cow were they amazing. I might just have to recreate them for Ol St. Nick this year! Grab the recipe here!

Milk Cookie cupcakes (not quite cookies, but just as tasty!)

Okay so this isnt technically a cookie, but it is stuffed with cookie dough and topped with little cookies, so it kind of counts, right? These amazing cupcakes are a dream for any cookie lover and are so freakin cute to boot. Surprisingly enough, they are easy to make as well so a batch might be perfect for Santa! Grab the recipe here on SheKnows!

Soft and chewy peanut butter cookies

Peanut butter cookies are my love language, and these whole wheat ones are no different. Soft, chewy and so freaking delicious, its so hard to eat just one. But hey, its the holidays and were all about that indulgent life, so why stop at one? These also make a great gift for those looking for a slightly healthier Christmas cookie! Grab the recipe here.

Chewy peanut butter and chocolate chip cookies (egg free!)

I know, an egg-free cookie seems like an abomination. But, hear me out. These are TO DIE FOR. Theyre literally the softest cookies Ive ever made. Theyre like eating little chocolate and peanut butter filled pillows. These arent necessarily holiday-themed, but they taste like heaven. Pure, chocolate heaven. Grab the recipe here.

Roasted Banana and Rum Cookies

You had me at rum, baby. Jokes aside, youll call these crack cookies, because theyre that good. Made with roasted bananas, these are like an easier-to-eat version of Bananas Foster. Or a bite-size version of boozy banana bread. Whatever you want to call them, I can guarantee youll want to eat all of them, so plan on tripling the recipe. Grab the recipe here.

Gingerbread Cookie Bars

As someone who doesnt love gingerbread, I love these bars. As Ive gotten older, Ive grown to love gingerbread a little bit more than I did as a kid. These dont taste like the traditional cookies, either. Theyre moist and soft (almost like cake), but with a rich density of brownies. Add frosting and these might be your new favorite holiday dessert. Grab the recipe here.

Whole Wheat Sugar Cookie Bars

I didnt mean to put two cookie bars are the bottom of the list, mostly because these are two of my favorite recipes. These soft sugar cookie bars taste like those famed Lofthouse cookies, except so much lighter and made without those pesky additives. If you want, omit the rainbow sprinkles for holiday ones and add a dash of eggnog to the frosting instead of cream. Youll thank me later. Grab the recipe here.

Happy Holidays, yall. Now go eat about 10,000 cookies because youve survived 2020, and thats something to be proud of.

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Tags:best cookie recipes, christmas baking, Christmas cookies, cookie baking, cookie recipes, holiday baking, holiday recipes
Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Bites PIN IT!Follow this blog on Pinterest!

These cinnamon sugar baked donut bites are so easy, youll want to make them all week long!

Were keeping with the easy theme this week, and Im pretty sure yall arent mad about that, are you? With back to school in full swing, the seasons changing and the stress, I mean excitement, of upcoming holidays, easy is something we all need a little bit more of.

Especially when it comes to donuts, which is one of the hardest things Ive had to give up on my quest for fitness. Can I live without meat? Yes. Dairy? Probably. Donuts? UGHH.

The thing is, I rarely indulge in a flakey, cakey, sprinkle topped donut, but when I do, its like armageddon. I black out and before I come to, all of the donuts in sight are devoured and Im in a sugar and fat induced coma thats nearly impossible to shake. Maybe its because as a kid, Id enjoy donuts anytime I went home to see my grandparents and have such fond memories of them.

Or maybe its just the simple fact that theyre sweet little balls of dough that are deep-fried, dredged in glaze or chocolate and often filled with an insatiable variety of creams, jellies or custards. Ive never met a donut I didnt like, and considering how many people I meet that I loathe, thats saying something. I kid. Mostly. Even though I adore these baked banana nut donuts and could consume 62 of these bite-size whole wheat strawberry ones, these decadent little morsels might be my favorite yet. I feel a bit like a hack, though, because theyre not homemade at all, actually.

Theyre made with biscuit dough! Doing my best Sandra Lee impersonation, I really just made these out of boredom one day. I had two rolls of biscuit dough in the fridge, enough cinnamon to coat a baby (thanks to a recent trip to India) and heaps of milk (thanks to a farmers market impulse buy). Normal people would probably bake the biscuits for dinner, but I decided to turn them into little donuts and then slather then in a cream cheese cinnamon roll icing glaze.

You could omit the glaze, but why would you? Only truly terrible people would do that, and none of you lovely folks fit that category. So just dont, okay?

Cinnamon Sugar Baked Donut Bites

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!

Yields about 12 16 donut holes, depending on size. Recipe adapted from Pillsbury.
Prep time: 8 minutes
Cook time: About 18 minutes

Ingredients: 

For the donuts:

1 can (16.3 ounces) buttermilk biscuit dough (I used the reduced-fat version)3/4 cup brown sugar1 teaspoon ground cinnamon1/3 cup butter

For the glaze:

4 ounces low-fat cream cheese1 cup powdered sugar1/4 cup butter, softened1/4 teaspoon almond extract1/4 teaspoon vanilla extractDirections: Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a cast iron skillet with nonstick cooking spray. (Note, you can also use an 8 x 8 round cake pan or a 9 x 13 glass baking dish as well).Remove the biscuits from the canister. Using your hands or a knife, break each biscuit apart into two or four pieces (depending on how big you want the bites to be).Melt the butter in a microwave for about 30 seconds (at 100% power). Whisk the cinnamon and the brown sugar together.Using a fork or your hands, dip the dough bites into butter and then cover liberally in the cinnamon brown sugar dusting. Place into the skillet. If you want, you can place them further apart to make separate bites, or do as I did and lump them together. This gives you almost a pull apart doughnut cake in the end.Bake for about 16 18 minutes, or until golden brown.While the bites cool, make the icing. In a mixing bowl fitted with a whisk attachment, beat the cream cheese, sugar, butter, almond extract and vanilla extract. While the bites are still warm, drizzle the glaze over them (or pour liberally, your call). Garnish with chopped nuts and enjoy!

Nutritional information per serving (about 2 bites):

Calories: 322
Fat: 12.5 grams
Carbohydrates: 42 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein: 4.2 grams

Leave a Comment | 5 Comments PIN IT!Tweet ClaireCategories:Bread, Breakfast, Recipes
Tags:baked donuts, biscuit dough, breakfast recipes, brunch recipes, donut recipes, quick and easy recipes, sweet recipes
Easy Grilled Flank Steak with Cilantro Pesto PIN IT!Follow this blog on Pinterest!

Unless you live in Denver (sorry friends that blizzard looked rough), theres a chance its finally feeling nice and warm outside. Which is exactly why were starting this Tuesday with a big, beautiful, sexy slab of grilled flank steak with cilantro pesto. Because if this doesnt make you break out the shorts, flip flops, margarita makers and wide-brimmed hats, I dont know what will.

One of the (many) benefits of living in coastal South Carolina is the weather. Minus a few chilly mornings and a few rainy days, the weather has been almost perfect since we moved in. More sunny days than not, and most afternoons touching the 70-degree mark by 2pm. Coming from an area that still had snow a few weeks ago, this has been a MAJOR game-changer in not just our moods (or tans), but also the way we eat.

Instead of heavy soups, cheesy casseroles or yet another pizza, were eating delicious spreads of beautiful grilled meats, fresh vegetable salads and tons of corn on the cob. Because unlike home, you can light up that grill in December down here. Which is why most of our dinners are enjoyed al-fresco on our porch or outdoor patio, with the beautiful sounds of charcoal sizzling and ducks squawking in the background. (How serene is my new backyard?!)

Although I made this steak a few weeks ago (before travel, life and, well, travel) took over, its definitely going to be on the rotation all summer long. Not only is it SO easy to prepare, its even easier to make just a few minutes on each side to sear and slightly char. Now, Im a full believer that steak should be enjoyed medium rare and if you want to eat it any other way, youre dead to me. I kid (sort of). If youre really skeevy of the pink inside, cook a little longer to your preference.

Just dont tell me about it.

Although the steak is the Oscar winner in this dish, we couldnt leave without honoring the best supporting actor the cilantro pesto.

 

Its no surprise that Im a giant sucker for this iconic leafy herb Ive used in more dishes than not. However, Ive never made a pesto with it. The steak sings on its own, of course, but I wanted even more flavor backed into each bite so I dressed it with luscious spoonfuls of this bright green pesto. The two paired together just works. Bright and earthy, vibrant and bold its the perfect marriage of classic American and South American flair.

So go ahead fire up that grill and eat like its summer. Your new piece will thank you.

Easy Grilled Flank Steak with Cilantro Pesto

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!

Serves about 6.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: About 12 minutes
Total time: 22 minutes

Ingredients: 

For the steak:

1 1/2 pounds flank steak1 tablespoon steak seasoningDash of salt and pepper

For the cilantro pesto:

2 cups fresh cilantro, large stems removed3 garlic cloves, peeled and minced1/2 cup walnuts or pine nuts1/3 cup parmesan cheese1/2 cup high quality olive oil2 tablespoons lemon juiceSalt and pepper to tasteDirections: Heat grill to high heat. Lightly grease the top with cooking oil or spray.Liberally season the steak with steak seasoning and salt and pepper. (Ensure both sides are coated).Using tongs, place the steak onto the grill and sear both sides (about 1 2 minutes on each side) to get a nice color. Reduce heat to medium-high, and cook another 4 5 minutes on each side (for medium rare). Remove steak and let rest about 10 minutes.Meanwhile, place all of the pesto ingredients into a food processor. Pulse on high until creamy. Add additional salt and pepper to taste.Once steak has rested, slice (against the grain). Serve with pesto and enjoy!

Nutritional information per serving (about 3 ounces steak and 2 tablespoons pesto):

Calories:  353
Fat: 27 grams
Carbohydrates: 8 grams
Fiber: 2 grams
Protein: 26.5 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 10

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Tags:best cilantro recipes, easy cilantro pesto, flank steak recipes, healthy steak, quick and easy steak recipes, quick grilled flank steak, steak recipes, summer steak recipes
Black Bean Hummus Pasta PIN IT!Follow this blog on Pinterest!

Ive written over 20,000 words these past two days, so Im taking a much needed breather. The thing is, Im so incredibly caffeinated that I cant just sit and watch Southern Charm without typing, so I thought itd be a blast to update this little corner of the world wide web. Ya see, its been a bit since my last update, and it was pretty heavy. (Thank yall SO much for your kind words, by the way!) So, lets go with something a little less heavy, figuratively speaking.

Black bean hummus pasta. I made this, um, way too long ago. Like, when I still lived in Charleston long ago. Like, when I wasnt even a vegetarian yet and weighed 35 more pounds long ago. Its so weird looking back on these photos and thinking of the space I was in. Miserable with my weight, in a place I felt lost, and with a man who I didnt know anymore.

Its so weird that you can feel everything all over again just by looking at a photo. BUT, we arent talking about heavy stuff. Were talking about black bean hummus. Honestly, its kind of all I eat now that Ive cut meat, most dairy and heavily processed wheat products (like pasta, bread) out of my diet. Plus, Ive partnered with Sabra so my fridge is literally STOCKED with mini hummus cups. Which are the perfect post-Orange Theory workout snack, especailly because Ive opted just eating it with a spoon.

I dont eat a ton of pasta, but this one Im definitely okay with splurging on. For one, its super powered with fiber and protein, which means you dont need as much to feel full (like itll stop a carb-a-holic like me from overindulging). Luckily for me now, Im in a house with four other hungry people (including a 192 pound power lifter), so a big bowl of pasta like this wont last through the night, better yet another day. That makes it easier for me to control my portions and feed people I love in the meantime!

I have another article to pen, a million more photos to edit and a workout to get to, so were going to skip the small talk and just get right to the recipe. I have an arsenal of more recipes to share, so stay tuned the next few weeks. Were bringing this blog baby back to life!

Black Bean Hummus Pasta

Hummus serves 8. Pasta serves about 6.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 12 minutes

Ingredients: 

For the hummus:

15 ounce can of black beans, drained1/2 cup fresh basil2 tablespoons tahini2 tablespoons lime juice1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped (save 1/2)1 habanero pepper, seeded and chopped (save 1/2)1 garlic clove2 tablespoons waterSalt and pepper to tasteOlive oil for garnishChopped nuts

For the pasta:

1 package (16 ounces) spaghetti + 1 cup reserved pasta water1 1/2 cups chopped tomatoes1 cup chopped tortilla chips or pita chipsFresh basil choppedSalt and pepper to tasteDirections: To make the hummus, place the black beans, basil, tahini, lime juice, jalapeno, habanero and garlic clove in a food processor. Pulse on low. Gradually add the water until the mixture starts to thin. Add salt and pepper to taste. Measure out about 1 cup and save the rest.Bring a large pot of water to a rapid boil. Add the pasta and a dash of salt. Cook until al-dente, about 8 minutes. Drain, saving 1 cup of water.In a large bowl, whisk 1 cup of hummus with pasta water and stir until creamy. Add in the tomatoes and mix to combine. Serve with crushed chips and chopped basil. Serve warm.

Leave a Comment | 2 Comments PIN IT!Tweet ClaireCategories:Pasta, Recipes
Tags:black bean hummus, easy vegan recipes, healthy pasta, healthy vegetarian, hummus, hummus pasta, low-fat pasta recipes, quick and easy pasta, vegetarian recipes
Mango Coconut Smoothie Bowl PIN IT!Follow this blog on Pinterest!

This is, hands down, my favorite flavor profile in the entire world. This mango coconut smoothie bowl might just be my new favorite thing.

When I was in Thailand, Id get a mango sticky rice for dessert every. single. day. See, the Thai people do it right. They dont eat shitty desserts filled with preservatives or sugar, they eat all natural desserts made from things found in nature.

I miss Southeast Asia more than I can verbalize. I miss the sounds, the smells, the people. What I miss the most, tough, is the tastes. Despite the fact I got sick (from the water NOT the food), the food I had there in the kitchens of the locals, picked up from the markets and made for us at local restaurants was some of the best Ive ever had. Every dish was so incredible packed with flavor fresh chiles, homegrown spices, locally sourced meats and veggies. Everything tasted like it was made with nothing  but love.

Now, I know the US has an incredible food culture Im not doubting that. I love visiting the states and biting into every delicious morsel. Food is here is made with love, but not in the way the Thai dishes are. Its so hard to explain and maybe someday Ill be able to say what I actually mean.

Until then, Ill talk about that dessert. Now, Ive thought about recreating it for the blog about a million times. But I know it wouldnt do the actual dessert justice. So instead, I took those exotic and refreshing flavors and turned them into something you can have for breakfast a smoothie bowl!

Unless youve been living somewhere without Pinterest, youve probably seen the smoothie bowl craze. Im not one to jump on bandwagons, but I just couldnt resist. I mean, look at how frackin beautiful these bowls are? Its a smoothie with added fruits and crunchy stuff. (But I love caramel and crunchy stuff!) Once you get over how pretty it is and stick your spoon into the thick, creamy smoothie, youll melt.

Or, if youre really lucky, youll wake up on the white sandy beaches of Phi Phi Island.

Mango Coconut Smoothie Bowls

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!

Serves about 2.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 0 minutes
Total time: About 10 minutes

Ingredients: 2 cups frozen mango chunks1 medium frozen banana1 1 1/2 cups coconut milk (I used low-fat, feel free to sub in full-fat)1 tablespoon flax seed1 2 tablespoons honey

For the toppings:

About 1 cup fresh blueberries1/2 3/4 cup crunchy granola2 tablespoons unsweetened coconut flakes1/2 cup mango chunks, defrostedAdditional honey for drizzleDirections: Combine the mango, banana, coconut milk (start with 1 cup and add more if necessary), flax seed and honey. Pulse on high until thick and creamy.Pour the smoothie into two deep bowls. Top with blueberries, granola, coconut flakes, mango chunks and additional honey for sweetness. Serve immediately!Nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 475
Fat: 16 grams
Carbohydrates: 70 grams
Fiber: 3 grams
Protein: 7.5 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 12

Leave a Comment | 6 Comments PIN IT!Tweet ClaireCategories:Breakfast, Recipes
Tags:breakfast bowls, coconut recipes, easy mango smoothie bowl, mango recipes, smoothie bowls
Easy Homemade Berry Frozen Yogurt PIN IT!Follow this blog on Pinterest!

Enjoy those last dog days of summer with this easy homemade strawberry frozen yogurt!

Yall, who is ready for some fro-yo? Yes, I just said fro-yo and NO, I dont feel bad about it.

So, can we talk for a second about how many people on my social media networks are already talking about fall? Not just talking about fall, but wishing for it. Trust me, Im not a huge fan of sweating and I love that crisp Autumn weather and all of the #basic favorites that come along with it. However, if theres one thing Ive learned in my life and my travels, its this we all need to spend more time living in the moment.

I may lose some credibility here, but theres a movie that describes this better than I can. Its called Click. It stars Adam Sandler, I know, but it actually portrays this exact dilemma in a really powerful way. As a synopsis, Adams character has trouble living his life in that moment so he procures a magical instrument that can fast-forward his life.

It sounds cheesy but it truly showcases what its like to wish away the moment youre in for a better one. Trust me, there were moments of this year I wish I could have fast-forwarded through and skipped past without having to truly experience them. Looking back now, though, I wouldnt trade those moments even if I had to. They were hard, emotional and truly challenging, but theyve helped shape who I am today and Im forever thankful for that.

As much as I want fall, Im not ever going to wish away summer to get it. Instead, Im going to live in this very second, eat a big bowl of this homemade strawberry frozen yogurt, and enjoy a few more nights on the front porch with a glass of rose, listening to the familiar buzz of secadas.

Life is short enough, why dont we stop wishing for whats next and just start appreciating for whats happening right now?

Easy Homemade Strawberry Frozen Yogurt

Yields about 1 quart (4 cups).
Prep time: 5 8 minutes
Chill time: 2 hours

Ingredients: 1/2 pound fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped1/2 pound fresh raspberries1/4 cup honey1/2 cup sugar1 tablespoon fresh lemon zest1 cup plain Greek yogurtFresh mint for garnishDirections: Mix the strawberries, raspberries, sugar, honey and lemon zest together.Add the berries and yogurt to a blender and blend until smooth. Pour into a mixing bowl, cover with saran wrap and chill for at least 2 3 hours.Once chilled, place into the frozen canister of an ice cream maker. Churn for about 15 20 minutes or until thick and creamy.

Nutritional information per serving (1/2 cup):

Calories: 88.5
Fat: 1 gram
Carbohydrates: 21 grams
Fiber: 1 gram
Protein: 2.25

Leave a Comment | 0 Comments PIN IT!Tweet ClaireCategories:Desserts, Recipes
Tags:dessert recipes, fresh berry recipes, froyo, healthy recipes, low fat icecream, strawberry frozen yogurt, strawberry recipes
Chocolate Whiskey Bread Pudding PIN IT!Follow this blog on Pinterest!

Can we briefly talk about how much I fail at holidays? Most of my food blogging friends have been posting St. Patricks Day recipes since the end of February and here I am, the day before, with an St. Paddys themed dessert. Oops? However, Im a firm believer in better late than never so Im going to pretend like Im not an epic failure and move on.

And what better thing to move on to than chocolate and whiskey? I must admit, I was never a huge fan of bread pudding as a kid because we didnt really eat much of it. My mom made such a wide assortment of other delicious desserts that there was never really a need to branch into the puddings. However, I will say, the first bread pudding I ever had completely changed my perspective.

It was an eggnog rum and chocolate chip bread pudding that was serving during a holiday party. As a 17 year old, I wanted anything with any sort of alcohol in it so I completely devoured like 3 pieces. Of course, I didnt realize that the alcohol actually bakes out of it and I was just eating 15,000 calories, but it was that bread pudding that converted me into a BP lover.

Sadly, my husband doesnt share my love for it, but I will say he ate two pieces of this without batting an eyelash. Most likely because this pudding was covered in a chocolate whisky sauce, but its still a win. I think the best way to get him to eat things he normally doesnt like is to slather it in chocolate and whiskey.

Now theres an idea!

Chocolate Whiskey Bread Pudding

 

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!

Serves about 10 -12. Slightly adapted from My Recipes.
Prep time: 30+ minutes
Cook time: 1 1/2 hours
Total time: 2 hours

Ingredients: 1/4 cup unsalted butter7 cups chopped whole wheat french bread, slightly stale2 cups low-fat milk3/4 cup light cream2 1/2 tablespoons honey/maple flavored whiskey (I used Jim Beam)8 ounces milk chocolate chips5 large egg yolks, lightly beaten1/2 cup light brown sugar2 1/2 tablespoons honey1 teaspoon vanilla extractFresh whipped cream for garnish1/2 cup chocolate chips1 tablespoon vegetable oilDirections:In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the bread cubes and toss to coat with tongs. Remove from heat and pour into a grease 9 x 13 baking dish.Bring the milk, light cream and whiskey to a boil. Remove from heat and immediately whisk in chocolate chips. Add the egg yolks, one at a time, the brown sugar, honey and vanilla. Continue to whisk until thick and smooth.Pour the mixture over the bread, tossing the cubes so they are all evenly coated. Cover with foil and let sit for about 30 minutes. Add a few pokes into the foil to allow steaming.Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours. Let sit until slightly cooled.Meanwhile, melt the remaining chocolate chips and oil in a microwave safe bowl for about 60 seconds, stopping to stir at 30 seconds.Serve the bread pudding with a dollop of whipped cream and a drizzle of melted chocolate.Nutritional information per serving:

Calories: 400
Fat: 15
Carbohydrates:  48
Fiber: 3.5 grams
Protein: 11 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 10

Leave a Comment | 14 Comments PIN IT!Tweet ClaireCategories:Desserts, Recipes
Tags:bread pudding recipes, chocolate recipes, chocolate whiskey recipes, dessert recipes, treat recipes
Garlic and Butter Mussels over Butternut Squash Bisque #AD PIN IT!Follow this blog on Pinterest!

This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of Rediscovering America . The opinions and text are all mine.

One thing I loved about my job as a freelancer was that I constantly challenged myself in the kitchen. Because the site I wrote for relied heavily on social media networks like Pinterest for traffic, we were constantly having to come up with extremely unique and innovative recipes. Now that Ive quit the world of freelancing and am just cooking for pleasure — food and my blog — Ive sort of hit a creative wall block when it comes to inspiring ideas.

Thats why I was thrilled to try out Chef Sean Mendes restaurant — Gillies Seafood — and taste his take on a farmers casserole for Walmarts Rediscovering America program. As part of Walmarts Rediscovering America Program, Walmart tasked nine chefs from across the country, including Chef Sean of Gillies Seafood, to create one-of-a-kind dishes using fresh, local and organic fruits and vegetables available in Walmart stores.

The farmers casserole I tried at Gillies was packed with a hearty serving of in-season produce, like zucchini and squash, sourced from Walmart, along with gooey cheese, and all other things delicious. Every bite was absolutely heavenly. When chefs use fresh, local ingredients, you can always tell the difference like its night and day. Little did I know, my local Walmart store has those types of local, high-quality ingredients, making it that much easier to create a dish to really satisfy my cozy, warm, autumnal soup cravings!

Inspired by the local flavor I found at Gillies, I stopped by Walmart to pick up carrots and butternut squash to make a Garlic and Butter Mussels over Butternut Squash Bisque. While there, I also learned that they also have an online grocery pick-up service,which actually makes grocery shopping speedier if youre in a time crunch!

I love to make a good butternut squash bisque, and this time I added mussels for two reasons. One, my husband is obsessed and demanded I make him some. Two, they add such a gorgeous textural element that really balances the soft, velvety soup. Plus, theyre freaking gorgeous, dont you think?

On a side note, I wanted to share that Im trying a lot harder to step outside of my comfort zone in the kitchen. As part of my goals with revitalizing this lonely little food blog, Im trying to make writing recipes something I do because I love it and something I do more frequently. Im happy its not something I rely on for a source of income (how I did that, I have no idea) anymore, but I also want it to be something Im proud of again—something that reflects who I am as a person, a cook, and a foodie.

In addition to recipes I want to be proud of, I also want to make food thatll inspire my picky daughter to eat. She has absolutely no desire to eat outside of her own comfort zone, so Im always trying to find ways to sneak protein, vegetables, and new flavors into her food. This soup is the creamiest, smoothest and most amazing bisque Ive ever had. Paired with buttery and garlicky mussels, its like a dream team when it comes to flavor. In fact, Im going to remake it this week for a fun little date night in for me and my husband!

GARLIC AND BUTTER MUSSELS OVER BUTTERNUT SQUASH BISQUE

CLICK HERE FOR THE PRINTABLE VERSION OF THIS RECIPE!

Serves about 4. Soup adapted from All Recipes.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 45 minutes
Total time: 60 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

For the mussels:

3 pounds fresh mussels3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened2 green onions, chopped4 garlic cloves, minced1 leek, chopped1/2 cup dry white wine (I used Chardonnay)1/2 cup low sodium chicken brothCracked black pepperFresh sea salt

For the soup:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter1/4 cup chopped onions1/4 cup chopped leeks2 cloves garlic, minced1/2 cup chopped orange carrots1/4 cup chopped yellow carrots4 cups peeled and chopped butternut squash3 cups low sodium chicken broth1/2 cup heavy creamFresh parsley or cilantro for garnishCracked black pepper and saltDIRECTIONS: To make the soup, heat the butter in a Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the leeks, garlic, and onions. Stirring constantly, heat the vegetables until soft and fragrant, about 3 4 minutes. Add in the carrots and squash. Heat another 3 5 minutes, or until they just start to soften.Pour the chicken broth, salt, and pepper over the vegetables. Cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for about 20 25 minutes, or vegetables are extremely tender. Remove from heat and pour into blender in batches until smooth and creamy. Whisk in heavy cream.To make the mussels, rinse them under cold water and scrub lightly to remove dirt and excess film from outside of the shells. Remove the mussel beards (or those loose hairs on the shells) and discard them.In a large Dutch oven or pot, heat 1 tablespoon butter over medium-high heat. Add the green onions, garlic, and leeks. Reduce heat to medium and cook, stirring frequently, until the vegetables are soft.Add the mussels and toss with some tongs. Add in the white wine and the broth. Cover and let steam for about 10 minutes, or until the mussels start to open up. *While the mussels are steaming, its important to stir them around so the vegetables dont stick to the bottom and the mussels are on contact with the heat.To serve, ladle the soup into four large bowls. Top with a hefty spoonful of mussels and drizzle with remaining melted butter from the mussels. Garnish with fresh herbs.NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION PER SERVING:

Calories: 276.5
Fat: 22.2 grams
Carbohydrates: 26.25 grams
Fiber: 2.8 grams
Protein: 32 grams
Weight Watchers Points: 11

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