Loaded Leftover Mashed Potato Cakes

I could just swim in a giant batch of mashed potatoes during the holidays…they are my absolute favorite holiday side! If I’m lucky enough to snag leftovers after Thanksgiving, I love to make these reimagined potato cakes. I was inspired by www.justataste.com. As if the flavor of mashed potatoes aren’t delicious already, the added goodies enhance them even more. They remind me of smashed loaded baked potatoes with the cheese, sour cream, chives and bacon…YUM!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Cheat recipe, kid friendly

 

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Corn and Crab Chowder

This rainy weather is awesome! Such a great change to the hot summer weather of Southern California. It’s really beginning to feel like Fall around here and the more reason for soups…and more soups! This corn and crab chowder was inspired by many recipes, including my Mama’s. You’ll love the tasty flavors of this soup with a hint of creaminess. It calls for fresh crab meat so be on the lookout for deals at your local stores. I was able to snag almost a pound for less than $6! It takes some time to pull out the meat, but the fresh flavor is worth it!

 -Melanie

Health tips: Low fat, heart healthy, low carb

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4-Ingredient Firecracker Shrimp

Can you tell I’m obsessed with jalapeños lol!? I pinned this recipe from www.baconbuttercheesegarlic.com and can’t get enough of them! It’s a low-carb, yet indulgent way of eating jalapeño poppers and quite easy to make. It only takes a few ingredients and shrimp cooks up in a jiffy. It’s now a favorite delicious bite I like to serve at summer BBQs!

 -Mel

Health tips: Cheat meal, low carbRead More »

Chipotle Ranch Bacon Potato Salad

I created my 2nd new favorite potato salad for summer BBQs! Besides Tyler Florence’s delicious dilly lemony potato salad I posted previously, I am now in love with the flavor of chipotle in salads, especially a creamy potato salad. I was inspired by a yummy chipotle pasta salad that I just fell in love with during an air show a few weeks ago. Mixing ranch in with the chipotle softens the spice for a larger crowd and adds a tangy creaminess to it. Hope you enjoy!

 -Mel

Health tips: Cheat mealRead More »

Bacon Sriracha Deviled Eggs

Lots of BBQ’s and summer gatherings will soon be happening (if they’re not already). If you need a yummy appetizer to bring to your next gathering, try my Sriracha Bacon Deviled Eggs! We recently went to a giant gathering and these bad boys were gone in minutes! Deviled eggs with a little kick! Enjoy!

 -Tammy

Health tips:  low carb, diabetes friendly, kidney friendly

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Smoked Jalapeno Popper, Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf

Smoked Jalapeno Popper, Bacon-Wrapped Meatloaf!!! OH YES I DID! I took a classic and kicked it up like a million notches. I usually cook all day on Sundays. But on this day, I didn’t want to go my usual route; I knew I wanted to use my smoker, but I wanted something different, something I have never done before. So I came up with this recipe. Meatloaf! I will wrap it in bacon. But what can I stuff it with? I know… I’ll stuff it with jalapeño poppers! (You should’ve heard the conversation I was having with myself; hilarious). If you do not have a smoker, then you can absolutely make this in the oven as an alternative.  And remember, this ain’t yo mamas meatloaf, but it’s darn good!

-Tammy

Health tips:  cheat meal

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Proscuitto-Wrapped Jalapeno Popper Bites and Stuffed Mushrooms

Ready for a double-dose of stuffed goodness? These simple Jalapeño Poppers and Stuffed Mushrooms both use a similar creamy stuffing, making it even easier to prepare. You can also prep them ahead of time. These delicious finger foods will satisfy your crowd at your next get together!

 -Mel

Health tips: Cheat mealRead More »

Fried Brussel Sprouts with Honey Sriracha Crema and Bacon

It’s hard to believe that Christmas is just a few days away… I can’t wait for all the goodies to devour! This side dish was inspired by a visit I had to BJ’s Restaurant & Brewhouse a couple months ago with some great friends as we “held court”(Our weekly meet up to catch up on the week and vent!). Brussel sprouts often get a bad wrap, but if they are so good for you! And, if you season and mix them up with just the right ingredients such as bacon, mayo and Sriracha, you can’t go wrong. You deserve a little indulgence if you eat your greens…Try this super easy and delicious recipe for your Christmas dinner!

 -Mel

Health tips: Diabetes-friendly, anti-inflammatory, low carb

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Jack Skellington Bacon Ranch Cheese Ball

“This is Halloween, this is Halloween, Halloween Halloween…!” This is my favorite holiday of the year, it’s so much fun I can’t stand it. Horror movies, haunted houses, costumes, candy, what can be better!? Since Halloween is only a few days away, here is a super easy and delightfully creepy recipe for a cheese ball that you can conveniently serve at your party or bring to a potluck. Everyone will recognize the charming face on it… =P

-Mel

Health tips: Cheat meal!

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Roasted Cabbage Steaks with Bacon, Blue Cheese and Scallions

Are you ready for a super easy, quick and tasty snack? Roasted vegetables yield so much flavor and I’d have to say that cabbage is one of my favorites! As soon as you start roasting cabbage in the oven, the smells that fly through the house are amazing. And talk about healthy…cabbage is full of antioxidants, and rich nutrients that fight cancer and inflammation. This recipe allows you to indulge in a light helping of delicious bacon and cheese, while also taking in these amazing nutrients. We foodies don’t want to deprive ourselves right??? Proportion is key! You deserve it! =)

-Mel

Health tips: Anti-inflammatory, low carb, low fat, heart healthy, diabetes friendly

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