Peanut Butter Cookie & Brownie Bites

Peanut Butter Cookie ‘n’ Brownie Bites

What could be better than a homemade peanut butter cookie or a rich chocolate brownie? Both, fused together in one sweet bite!  No one else will notice the healthy ingredient hidden in the dark side of these tempting treats. Brown sugar, honey, and (spoiler alert) carrots lend sweetness to the two-in-one bites you see here.  The results are healthier than your typical candy, yet still delicious–and, I would … Continue reading Peanut Butter Cookie ‘n’ Brownie Bites

Raspberry Rhubarb Apple Crisp {gluten free} | Swirls and Spice

Raspberry Rhubarb Apple Crisp

Loaded with tart rhubarb and tangy raspberries, sweetened with local apples and rich maple syrup, this fruit crisp celebrates the end of summer harvest.  The topping is delightful, made with oats and ground almonds held together with coconut oil (or butter if you prefer) and a touch of sugar and spice.  It also happens to be gluten free.  But mostly it’s a dessert that I … Continue reading Raspberry Rhubarb Apple Crisp

Cherry Coconut Banana Ice Cream {Dairy-Free, No Added Sweetener}

Creamy coconut milk, naturally sweet bananas, and fresh B.C. cherries swirl together in this cool treat that offers guilt-free indulgence.  Kissing sugar goodbye is a lot easier with ice cream like this! I’ve seen so many tempting ice cream recipes this summer, and I would love to try them all.  Last week, however, I decided I needed to eat healthier so that I can keep … Continue reading Cherry Coconut Banana Ice Cream {Dairy-Free, No Added Sweetener}

Banana Parfait with Peanut Butter Streusel

Banana Smoothie Parfaits with Peanut Butter Streusel

Rich tasting banana parfaits can serve as a healthy breakfast, energy snack, or crave-worthy dessert.  Part smoothie, part pudding, part healthy dessert, it’s the peanut butter streusel that keeps me coming back for more. The streusel part of the recipe is triple the amount needed for a batch, which means you can save the extra streusel to have plenty on hand for next time and … Continue reading Banana Smoothie Parfaits with Peanut Butter Streusel

Mango Semifreddo with Blackberries

Mango Lemon Semifreddo with Blackberries

Few tastes compare to fresh blackberries picked on a warm summer day.  When I played in the backyard as a girl, I would sometimes spy a ripe berry along the chain link fence and pop it into my mouth.  Where I live now, blackberries don’t grow wild, but I haven’t forgotten their allure.  I guessed that a cool dessert like mango lemon semifreddo would be enhanced … Continue reading Mango Lemon Semifreddo with Blackberries

15 Favorite Picnic Dishes: A Summer Recipe Roundup

Picnics and potlucks, how I love them. Let me count the ways! But what to bring? Collected here are 15 fabulous recipes for celebrating the arrival of summer. These will help me (and you I hope) put together great picnic menus for the warmer months ahead. Vive la picnic! My top picks  1. Creamy Sweet Pea Salad 2. Tapas-Style Deviled Eggs 3. Mango Lemon Bars For salad lovers  4. … Continue reading 15 Favorite Picnic Dishes: A Summer Recipe Roundup