grilled caprese sandwich

Tomato + basil = an amazing flavor combination. 

Add cheese & smush it in a panini press? Well, that right there is a seriously delicious sandwich.

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• 1/2 Tbs. olive oil
• 1/2 Tbs. balsamic vinegar
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

• 1 tomato sliced
• 1/3 cup shredded mozzarella style cheese
• a healthy pinch of salt & pepper
• a big dash Italian seasoning

1. While your skillet or panini press is heating up, slice up the tomato & measure out the other ingredients
2. Lightly drizzle the balsamic vinegar onto one piece of bread & the olive oil onto the other
3. Layer the basil leaves on top of one slice of bread and top it with the tomato, cheese, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning & finally the other piece of bread
4. Place the assembled sandwich into your hot skillet or panini press & cook until the cheese is nice & melty & the bread perfectly golden brown- bon appetit :)

friday's fave 5: my first garden

I've always enjoyed taking care of a couple houseplants, but an entire garden has been quite the undertaking- 

It's been a lot of learning, but a lot of fun too!

1. Starting something new is always a little worrisome, but thanks to some cute plants and an amazing homemade planter (thanks Dad!) I've had no problem diving right into this endeavor 

2. My parents have great green thumbs- Not only am I thankful for all their help, but I'm also excited to now share their love of gardening too. It's something that I can't wait to do with all my loved ones ♥

3. This is my very first cucumber EVER! Isn't it amazing what a little sun, water & soil can make?

4. I love reaping the benefits from this garden- Nothing tastes better than a perfectly ripe cherry tomato fresh off the vine- yum!
5. I can't believe how much everything has grown in just a few short months! My little garden has become such a nice place to get my hands dirty in the soil, take a nibble of fresh, homegrown produce, & even just enjoy being outside in the beautiful summer sun.

Is anyone else having fun in their first garden this summer? What are you growing?

eggLESS egg salad sandwich

Craving egg salad but skipping on eggs? Look no further than this tofu version- it's fast, easy & so tasty you'll be like, eggs? What eggs? 

Ingredients:

• 2 slices whole wheat bread
• 1/3 block firm tofu- squeezed
• 1 Tbs. Vegenaise
• 1/4 tsp. black pepper

• 1/4 tsp. salt
• A dash of garlic salt
• 2 leaves romaine lettuce
• 1 Tbs. spicy brown mustard

1. Place the 2 slices of bread into the toaster & let them brown to your desired crispiness
2. Meanwhile, take the squeezed tofu & crumble it with your fingers into a bowl
3. Add the Vegenaise, salt, pepper, & garlic salt to the tofu & mash everything together with a fork until all the ingredients are entirely combined
4. Spread mustard on one piece of toast, top it with the tofu mixture, then the romaine lettuce, and finally the second piece of toast- enjoy! :)

**This recipe is so great and simple, it also makes a good baseline for more flavorful add-ins, like shredded carrot, diced onion, or chopped celery. Your eggless salad? The sky's the limit! ;)

easy peanut sauce

A quick, easy, Asian-inspired peanut sauce. I'm not the biggest peanut butter fan, but this sauce is still one of my favorites!

Ingredients:

• 2 1/2 Tbs. your favorite peanut butter
• 2 Tbs. soy sauce
• 1/2 Tbs. rice vinegar
• 1/2 Tbs. hoisin sauce

• 1 1/2 Tbs. water
• A dash of chili garlic sauce
• A splash of lime juice

1. Pour all ingredients into a bowl and stir vigorously until everything is well combined
2. Adjust flavors and spiciness to your liking
3. Serve as a dipping sauce with fresh spring rolls, or pour on top of a stir fry or noodle bowl

grilled brussels skewers

Summertime is BBQ-time, and if you're looking for a crowd pleaser, try these brussels sprouts skewers, 'cause they're seriously amazing!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs. brussels sprouts
• 1 Tbl. olive oil
• 1 tsp. salt

• 1 tsp. pepper
• 1 package wooden skewers

1. Place the skewers in a large dish & cover them with water to soak while you prep everything else & heat up the grill
2. Toss together the brussels sprouts, olive oil, salt & pepper in a large mixing bowl or plastic bag
3. When the sprouts are evenly coated with the oil & spices, slide them onto the skewers
4. Place the skewers on a hot grill and cook for approximately 5 minutes on each side
5. When perfectly blackened, serve them up & dig in! Yum!

erin's favorite salad

Salads can be seriously boring, but this one is full of color, texture & flavor. This is my absolute favorite, go-to salad, and I could eat it everyday.

Ingredients:

• 2 large kale leaves chopped
• 1/2 cup red cabbage chopped
• 1 carrot shredded

• 1 Tbl. ground flax seed
• 1 tsp. your favorite spice or dried herb
• 2 Tbl. your favorite salad dressing

1. Chop, shred, measure, grind, and get all the ingredients prepped
2. Combine the veggies, flax, and spices in a bowl or on a plate and top with dressing
3. Grab a fork and dig in!

* If you're looking to add some protein, top off your salad with 1/2 cup beans, hard-boiled egg, or a sliced Boca chik'n patty :)

slow cooker lentils & veggies

Crock pot cooking isn't just for the winter months! Throw everything in, go to work, and come home to a hot, tasty meal without having to heat up the kitchen. Lentils & veggies? Yes please.

Adapted from this Lentil & Veggie Stew recipe on Skinny Ms.

Ingredients:

• 1 large garlic clove diced
• 1 cup frozen whole kernel corn
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 4 carrots sliced
• 3/4 onion chopped
• 2 stalks celery sliced
• 12 oz frozen green beans

• 1/2 tsp. paprika
• 1/2 tsp. black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. garlic salt
• 3 cups low-sodium tomato juice
• 3 cups water
• 1 cup dry lentils

1. Prepare all the ingredients by chopping the vegetables & measuring out the spices & liquids
2. Place everything except the lentils into the crock pot and cook on low for 8-10 hours
3. After 8-10 hours-ish, add in the lentils and cook for 1 more hour
4. When the lentils are tender, adjust the liquid and/or seasoning to your liking & dig in! - I like my portion served with hot sauce :)