I've been on a search for new recipes for the last few weeks as I like to keep things vibrant in the kitchen, especially during these colder months when grilling isn't an option. I love to grill! Cast iron skillets and our Le Cruset Dutch Oven are my go-to cookware during the winter in lieu of grilling. A well-seasoned cast iron skillet adds vibrant flavor to foods and doesn't require a lot of oil, making it a healthier option. Dutch ovens generally cook faster then a crockpot and are quite versatile. Several of the recipes below use a dutch oven or crockpot. For recipes that incorporate a cast iron skillet, check out my blog for additional recipes.
What have we been eating? So many awesome food bloggers — so little time.
Out of Portland, Oregon is a farmer/food blogger, who I've come to love. Her food photography and the creativity of her recipes are inspiring and yummy. We just tried her Wine Braised Pork Shoulder with Cauliflower Purée and it it is dreamy. The puree, which is light and airy, could also be paired with salmon or other fish for those that don't eat pork. Cauliflower has many health benefits including anti-imflammatory properties, as well as being rich in fiber. The pork is amazingly tender and full of flavor. A must-try meal.
Have you been in search of a comfort meal? Search no longer! Check out former Olympian, Brianne Eaton's blog for the Sausage and Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash. It's one of those meals that feels like comfort on a plate and makes the house smell so damn good! The flavors are diverse and mingle together beautifully. It's a little like a twice-baked potato, but low-carb. And, acorn squash is a great source for vitamin C. If you don't eat pork you can leave it out or substitute a turkey or chicken sausage instead.
For those of you who love salmon, try the Lemon Kale Salad and Seared Salmon recipe from Sprouted Kitchen (SK). SK is a husband and wife team producing beautiful recipes, food photography, and cook books. This recipe is now a staple in our house. I have quite a few salmon recipes on my blog and this one is now my most favorite: kale + salmon = a tasty and well balanced meal. The salad is flavorful, light, and pairs perfectly with the salmon. You could easily serve the salad with chicken or shrimp or even by itself. To make the recipe just a bit healthier we leave out the breadcrumbs. Kale has many health benefits including: high in iron, vitamin K, anti-oxidants, and much more. Salmon is one of the healthiest foods around and is a rich resource for omega 3 fatty acids, which is an essential fat that our bodies need.
From New Jersey is a recipe developer and photographer who offers innovative and thoughtful recipes, such as the Turmeric Braised Chicken with Golden Beets and Leeks. Beets seem to be very popular right now, whether in a recipe or as a side dish. Turmeric, which I consume just about every day helps with inflammation. To make this meal a bit healthier, we took out the drumsticks and used boneless and skinless chicken thighs. I like to include root vegetables in meals as they are full of nutritional value including: anti-imflammatory, antioxidant, and numerous vitamins. This is a tangy, savory, and healthy dish. You could substitute the chicken with fish instead, for an even healthier version.
I have come to appreciate five spice powder and now have several recipes that incorporate it, as it offers a unique and deep flavor profile. From Jeanette's Healthy Living, I found a delicious meal you must try: Chinese Five Spice Ground Turkey Zucchini Noodles. This dish is super easy to make, especially on a busy week night. We added in red pepper flakes to add a bit of heat to the dish and substituted honey for the sugar. I like to undercook the zoodles a bit so they are crisp and not soggy. Zucchini is low in cholesterol, high in protein and vitamins, and a good source of fiber.
Check out my New Move of the week video on the home page of the blog.