Avocado Toast

Avocado Toast Recipe simplyhappenstance.com #cleaneating #avocadosAvocado Toast //

So… I’ve been on a serious {carb-overload} toast kick. I can’t seem to shake it. I usually start my day with a healthy, protein-packed smoothie, but lately… all I crave is a warm cup of coffee and a buttery piece of toast. {Yikes!} Perhaps not the healthiest way to start my day {insert frown face}. I’ve noticed within an hour or two, my stomach is already growling. I decided it’s best not to fight my craving, but instead… let it ride out. After all, how long can this toast addiction of mine last?

So, in an effort to make my latest obsession a little more nutritious, I gave Gwyneth Paltrow’s recipe for Avocado Toast a try. It’s from her It’s All Good cookbook – a fave of mine! You guys… how have I not been eating this? Not only did I love it… but so did 3 out of 4 of my kids {success, right?}! It reminded me of my husby’s tasty homemade guacamole on toast! PERFECTION, I tell you!

Avocado Toast | simplyhappenstance.com #cleaneating #avocados

As you can imagine, the ingredients are super simple… some healthy bread, mayo, ripe avocados, sea salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon.  [Read more…]

Chocolate Ricotta Pudding

Valentine's Day and chocolate go together so why not try this Chocolate Ricotta Pudding with Raspberry Sauce. :: Chocolate Ricotta Pudding ::

Do you have your Valentine’s Day plans all figured out? Menu all planned? If not, don’t fret! This recipe for Chocolate Ricotta Pudding With Raspberry Sauce is a magical end to a Valentine’s Day meal at home. Sara shared, in the guest post recipe of Nutella Cheesecake featured on Simple As That, her favorite Valentine’s Day plans.  She like myself, tends to spend the night-in with the kids and hubby, rather than battle with the prices and the crowds. We both often don’t have the luxury of having our husbands home on holidays, so it makes like easier to make a fun meal at home.  Often times it’s just our kids and us, so dessert has to be the star of the show! [Read more…]

The Perfect Dutch Baby

Dutch Baby {simplyhappenstance.com} #dutchbaby #breakfast:: The Perfect Dutch Baby ::

I may need an intervention! I recently made my first ever Dutch Baby {which is sometimes called a German Pancake, a Bismarck, or a Dutch Puff}.  I’ve since made a few more batches, using my new favorite cast iron skillet. I may be addicted, friends! I love the simplicity of the ingredients, and how you can easily change the taste by the toppings you choose.  I also love the flavor and texture! It reminds me of a mix between a pancake, crepe, and an omelet. {Is that strange?! I promise it’s utterly delicious!} The edges end up golden brown in color, and slightly chewy/crispy {sort of omelet-like}, while the inside of the Dutch Baby becomes an almost custard-like consistency. It’s hard to put into words — but trust me, it’s crazy good! 

The first Dutch Baby I made, I topped with a sprinkling of powdered sugar and a drizzle of raw honey. I dressed the second batch with a dusting of powdered sugar, and fresh blueberries {pictured}. The third batch I made, I simply dipped each bite into a bath of  pure maple syrup! I’ve yet to try a hint of fresh squeezed lemon and butter, but I’ve been told it’s a favorite among many! [Read more…]

Salsa Verde Turkey Chili

Easy crockpot salsa verde turkey chili. :: Salsa Verde Turkey Chili ::

Back to school, how can that be? Well it’s time to get back into the swing of things with easy weeknight meals like this Salsa Verde Turkey Chili.  Wow that’s a mouth full, but I promise if my first two days of school have any indication to the year ahead, the crock-pot is going to my new best friend. [Read more…]

Summer Pasta Salad

Summer Pasta Salad-4

:: Summer Pasta Salad ::

Do you find, in the summer, that you cook less or look for easier recipes? I certainly do! Our days have been filled with outings, lots of outside time playing, and for us… packing up our mountain home in preparation for our upcoming move {not so fun!}.

During the school year, I’m fairly good at sticking to a routine of eating dinner at a reasonable time so that I can get the kids in bed around 8 p.m. In the summertime, that’s not the case! Usually, I’m throwing dinner together on a whim… with little time to spare! This recipe for a chilled Summer Pasta Salad is perfect for nights like that! [Read more…]

Blueberry Poppy Seed Salad

Blueberries are in season so why not make a simple salad on a hot day. Blueberries and poppy seed dressing go hand and hand.:: Blueberry Poppy Seed Salad ::

I love summer, but who wants to turn on the oven or cook over a hot stove top when it’s 100 degrees outside?  This Blueberry Poppy Seed Salad is fast, fresh, and most of all tasty.  What makes this salad a quick dinner fix is the use of a store bought rotisserie chicken.  I love rotisserie chickens, they make life easy and you can incorporate them in so many different meals.  It’s all about making life easy right!?! So let us make your life easier with this simple Blueberry Poppy Seed Salad, it’s what’s for dinner on this hot summer night. [Read more…]