Pomegranate Quinoa Salad with Citrus Dressing

Pomegranate Quinoa Salad

Vibrant red pomegranate contrasts with fresh splashes of green parsley in this quinoa salad with a bright citrus dressing. This salad has everything I am looking for.  Not only is it eye-catching, it’s healthy, crunchy, satisfying, and tied together with a perfectly balanced, tangy citrus dressing.  Salads that are too sweet are not my style.  The beautiful red pomegranate, however, does not take this salad over the … Continue reading Pomegranate Quinoa Salad

Slow-Cooker Succotash with Quinoa and Butternut Squash

With plenty of savoury flavour and the convenience of the crock pot, finally, here is an appealing succotash recipe that makes me grateful and glad! Skeptics like me need some convincing that succotash is a dish worth serving. Though I would like to be as thankful as the my immigrant ancestors were for basic sustenance, bland food does not incline me toward celebration. My opinion … Continue reading Slow-Cooker Succotash with Quinoa and Butternut Squash

Chocolate Dipped Banana Bar with Toppings

Chocolate Dipped Banana Pop Bar

When I saw this super idea at Hidden Ponies to make marshmallows pops with melted chocolate and assorted toppings, I knew we had to try it with bananas.  Because I’m just not that into corn syrup. As much as we like sprinkles, to avoid artificial colours this time, I rummaged through my cupboards and the refrigerator and found a healthier array of coatings–pretzels, pomegranate fruit, … Continue reading Chocolate Dipped Banana Pop Bar

Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream {Dairy-Free, Paleo}

Creamy coconut milk pairs with pumpkin and warm spices to create a gloriously rich ice cream that might even eclipse a slice of pie.  And it only needs five ingredients! Clean eating that tastes this good makes me even happier to celebrate and “indulge.”  Gathering with friends and family to enjoy some amazing pumpkin ice cream seems like a great way to spend November (or … Continue reading Pumpkin Spice Ice Cream {Dairy-Free, Paleo}

Harvest Lentil Salad with Goji Berry Vinaigrette

Harvest Lentil Salad with Goji Berry Vinaigrette

As satisfying as a warm bowl of lentil soup is, I sometimes long for something different. Crisp apple and carrot cubes offer plenty of crunch in this dish that celebrates the harvest season. A splash of apple cider vinegar adds just the right tang to the goji berry-infused vinaigrette that ties the flavours of this autumn salad together. As a bonus, the honey, apple cider … Continue reading Harvest Lentil Salad with Goji Berry Vinaigrette

Sticky Rice Cakes with Banana and Sesame Seeds

Sesame Sticky Rice Cakes with Banana

Inspired by my favourite Chinese and Vietnamese desserts, these rice cakes feature sticky rice coated in sesame seeds with sweet banana tucked inside. Frosted birthday cakes in Asia were always a dicey proposition.  They almost never tasted quite right to me.  But anything sweet that involved sticky rice was usually excellent.   So I have come to the conclusion that it is best to seek out ethnic food that … Continue reading Sesame Sticky Rice Cakes with Banana