Garlic & Lemon Shrimp Pasta with EVOO, Butter & White Wine Sauce

You're looking for more filling foods that will make your buttons pop open after Thanksgiving, right? This dish falls squarely into that category. If not, let me rationalize it for you. I'm good at that. It's a born talent within procrastinators. I'm not as bad as I was in high school and parts of college, but I fall back into those habits from time to time. 

Here's my defense: 

There is only about a month between Thanksgiving and Christmas, then another six days until the new year. That's not much time. Why gorge only on the holidays? It's likely you'll attend a few holiday get-togethers where you'll nosh and imbibe without restraint. 

In my point of few, you might as well go for broke. 

That's what new years resolutions are for, after all.

Thanksgiving Round-Up: Last Minute Dish Suggestions + Leftovers

Hello, my last-minute lovelies! 

Are you still deliberating on specific side dishes to serve at Thanksgiving? Maybe you're responsible for bringing one thing and haven't solidified your choice? Or, you know what type of dish you're cooking, but haven't honed in on a specific preparation or variation?       

Then again, maybe you've completely planned everything down to the napkin placements and are merely perusing Thanksgiving round-up sites for sheer fun. (Aren't you lucky!) 

Either way, I've assembled pictures and links to a few of my recipes that I think are Thanksgiving-worthy, plus ideas for leftovers. And a few other recipes suggestions that aren't my own.

So don't fret. Between my round-up and the bazillion others across the interwebs, you'll be fine! 

*  * *

1. Roasted Purple Cauliflower with Parmesan, Lemon Juice & Garlic 

Roasted Brussel Sprouts is a popular healthy veggie dish for Thanksgiving, but lots of people disdain it.  I happen to love them, but I understand. Instead, try this equally healthy, but SUPER tasty roasted purple cauliflower. This dish will surely brighten up your table and amaze the skeptics. The lemon juice, garlic, parmesan combo is fabulous!!! And guess what? The vegan version is EVEN BETTER. That's right, substitute nutritional yeast for and even more potent cheese flavor. :)

Rosemary Roasted Chicken Thighs with Orange Wedges

Happy Monday, foodies! Thanksgiving is only three days away. 

How does this make you feel? 

Excited? Stressed out? Apathetic? 

Personally, I'm pumped to see my family (especially my little sister). We've been separated for four months and that's the longest we've ever been apart. Granted, I live out of state now, so every visit is special.

I consider myself lucky because many people hate the holidays. "Why?", you ask. Thanksgiving and Christmas force people to hang out with family, extended relatives and acquaintances they might otherwise not desire to be around. Plus, lots of people, food and alcohol in one place can lead to roused emotions and who's better at arguing and fighting than family? 

Then again, maybe you're the family hosting a get together. You're responsible for the majority of the dishes. And you're stressed out of your mind. 

Relax! This is part of the reason why I'm posting this roasted chicken recipe. 

Homemade Vegan Kettle Corn with Coconut Oil

Guess who doesn't have to wait until their next trip to the carnival, fair, or festival for fresh kettle corn? This lady! Huzzah! 

Homemade Kettle Corn Without the Carnival Price

As soon as I tasted my first glorious homemade bite last night, I knew I had to share this recipe. You know why? It's ridiculously simple, healthy, and delicious. Not to mention that it's 1000x tastier than butter (or butter flavoring...gross) laden popcorn. 

White Chicken Chili & Green Chile Cornbread Muffins

I've been slacking slightly in the posting department. Tsk, tsk. My only excuse is that fall has finally arrived in northern texas! After months of complaining that everyone else in north america was enjoying wonderful 55-65 degree weather while it was 85 degrees here in Dallas, I woke up four days ago to a chilly 67 degree apartment. 

At first I was confused (since I was still half awake and in a pre-caffeinated state) then I realized it was 47 degrees outside! I dug a sweater out of my closet (I had previously been wearing tank tops/t-shirts), swaddled myself in a blanket and went about my morning routine. I was tempted to turn on the heat, but convinced myself not to be such a puss-puss. 

One strong coffee and two hot chocolates later I realized I needed more hot liquid for warmth. That's when I decided to make this soup. From scratch (well except for the canned beans and corn). Since it was only the afternoon. I'm soooo glad I did. Cause it's one of my favorite soups ever. Not sure what it is exactly, but white chicken chili + cornbread puts me at ease. In other words, this is a great anti-stress, chill-you-out or cheer-you-up soup. Especially when you pair it with a glass of pinot noir. Mmm...

Chorizo, Rice & Black Bean Stuffed Acorn Squash

In the past few days, I've put my crock-pot to hard work and snarfed down some seriously tasty slow-cooked meals. First was shredded chicken breasts with salsa, black beans and green chiles and second was pulled pork (carnitas) made from pork shoulder that was on sale for only 99 cents a pound. Needless to say, I've been feasting on tacos and rice for several meals (and days) in a row.

Unfortunately, my cooking/eating habits are not up to speed with my posts, so the carnitas will have to wait. Instead, I'd like to share a stellar recipe for chorizo stuffed acorn squash. It's soooo good that I couldn't keep it to myself. I've made it for dinner four times in the last few weeks. Although I've tweaked the ingredients nearly every time, I can't take credit for creating it.

Vegan Pumpkin Spice & Cinnamon Oatmeal

During the spring and summer, my general breakfast fare is comprised of two over easy eggs,  pan-fried avocado and a piece of whole wheat toast schmeared with peanut butter & honey. 

Now that the temps are cooling, I'm back to craving my wintertime breakfast staple: warm old-fashioned oats (oatmeal). Frankly, I'm overdue for a healthier breakfast. Don't get me wrong, eggs, avocado & peanut butter toast are healthy, but I need more fiber in my diet. 

With that goal in mind, oatmeal is perfect. The creamy oats, warm spices and crunchy toppings form a comforting breakfast, while the fiber and protein from the whole grains keep me full all morning. 

Seriously, folks. If you're not on the oatmeal bandwagon, it's time to join! 

Any form of oatmeal—whether it be steel cut oats, rolled oats (a.k.a. old-fashioned oats), or quick-cooking oats—is a breakfast power house. It will stave off hunger until lunchtime and it's super healthy. The fiber cleans out all the gunk in your system, the protein keeps you full and it's heart-healthy. How can you beat that?

Plus, it's a secret-weapon for most active people. Oatmeal keeps you full and energized. The good carbs leave you feeling satisfied, not bogged down, which equates to less snacking. So, if you're trying to lose weight, eating oatmeal is a great way to incorporate whole foods into your diet, while also shrinking your waistline. 

On top of all those benefits, oatmeal is also inexpensive. You can purchase a large can or bag for only 3-4 dollars. A single serving is 1/2 a cup, so the container will last awhile.