Creamy Feta Dip

I have been on a real feta kick these days. I’ve been adding them to my turkey and lamb burgers, throwing it in salad, and slicing it with grilled eggplants. Last night, I used a fresh block of feta to create this tangy, creamy dip (or sauce) for some roasted sweet potato wedges and I am so glad I did! You can use this feta dip/sauce/dressing however you’d like! Serve it with roasted veggies, add it as a “special sauce” for your turkey or lamb burger, or use it as a salad dressing! For those of you who live in San Francisco, it really reminds me of the Souvla dressing, and that is tough to beat!

Ingredients:

• 1 small garlic clove, minced

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• ⅓ cup feta, crumbled

• 2 tsp fresh lemon juice

• 2 tsp olive oil

• Pinch of pepper
  

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a food processor until creamy and smooth

Optional: Add in some fresh herbs like dill or parsley for more of a green goddess sauce. You can also thin this out with more lemon juice or water if using for a salad dressing.

Turmeric Ginger Smoothie

A tropical and nutrient-rich anti-inflammatory smoothie! This smoothie not only looks vibrant and beautiful, it tastes delicious and is loaded with beneficial ingredients! Curcumin, a substance in turmeric, is high in antioxidants and is a powerful anti-inflammatory. A pinch of black pepper helps your body to absorb more of the curcumin (you won’t even taste it!). Ginger is also an excellent anti-inflammatory, plus it can help fight infection and aid in digestion. There’s fiber from the fruit and protein from the Greek yogurt which will help keep you full all morning long :)

Ingredients:

• ¾ cup frozen pineapple chunks (mango works too)

• 1 banana, frozen

• 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced

• 1 tsp ground turmeric 

• ½  cup plain Greek yogurt (I like 2%)

• ¾ cup dairy or non-dairy milk

• Pinch of black pepper

Directions:

• Blend together and enjoy!

Pumpkin Overnight Oats

Pumpkin Overnight Oats! How is it mid October already and I haven’t made ONE pumpkin recipe?? I guess having a newborn might be the reason?! For those of you who know me, I love pumpkin….borderline obsessed with it. 

Well, today was a big day. I finally made a pumpkin recipe and I’m pretty excited about it. Overnight oats have always been a favorite breakfast of mine, but even more so now when I feel like I don’t have time to cook up a big breakfast in the mornings. These overnight oats are so satisfying, plus they’re loaded with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, which keep me full and ready to keep going with my busy days with my baby. Made with a few simple ingredients, this is the perfect fall breakfast (or snack)!

Ingredients

• ½ cup rolled oats

• ½ cup almond milk

• ¼ cup plain greek yogurt

• 3 tbsp pumpkin puree

• 1 tbsp maple syrup

• 2 tsp ground flaxseed or chia seed

• ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice

• Toasted pecans (optional) for topping
  

Directions:

• Combine all ingredients in a bowl or mason jar

• Place in the refrigerator overnight and enjoy the next morning!

Avocado Stuffed with Crab Salad

We are lucky to have amazingly fresh Dungeness Crab in San Francisco, and it is something I try to take full advantage of! Fresh crab meat is delicate and sweet, and just so satisfying! We got some fresh crab meat this week and decided to throw together an incredibly simple dinner in about five minutes. It’s perfect for a weeknight meal when you want something healthy, yet you don’t have time to do a lot of prep!

Ingredients:

(serves 2)

• ½ lb of fresh crabmeat

• ¼ cup plain greek yogurt

• 1 ripe avocado, halved and pitted

• Juice from 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Optional - fresh parsley for garnish

Directions:

• In a small bowl, mix together crabmeat, greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.

• Fill the avocado halves with crab salad and garnish with parsley (optional)

* Serving suggestion: You will have leftover crab salad. I recommend making a simple salad with mixed greens, olive oil, lemon juice and sea salt and topping that with another scoop of the crab salad. 

Health Benefits of Crab:

• Crab meat is high in phosphorus, which is essential for bone and teeth development.

• It’s an excellent source of Omega-3s, an essential fatty acid, which is anti-inflammatory and can balance cholesterol levels.

• Crab meat is an excellent source of copper, a mineral that helps with iron absorption and boosts blood circulation throughout our bodies.

• It’s an excellent source of vitamin B12, which our bodies need in order to produce healthy red blood cells. 

• It’s low in calories, yet it’s still an excellent source of protein and healthy fats (omega 3s).

Sources and Additional Reading:

• https://www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/animal-product/health-benefits-crab.html

• http://www.costasinn.com/seafood-facts/health-benefits-of-eating-crabs/

Tart Cherry Sleep Smoothie

This smoothie is the perfect dessert or pre-bedtime snack! It’s full of healthy fats, protein, and complex carbs so it won’t spike your blood sugar before bed. Plus, the key ingredient is tart cherry juice!  Did you know tart cherry juice can improve the quality of your sleep and help you sleep longer? It has been shown to boost your body’s production of melatonin, the hormone that helps regulate the sleep-wake cycle. Read more about it here! Try about 4 tbsp of juice before bed or enjoy this sleepy time smoothie!

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup plain greek yogurt or coconut yogurt 

• ½  cup tart cherry juice

• ½ banana

• 1 tbsp almond butter

• Handful of ice cubes

Directions

• Blend until smooth and enjoy before bed