Smile Sandwich

Prosciutto and Parmesan Baked Asparagus

May 28, 2015

This quick and easy recipe for Prosciutto and Parmesan Baked Asparagus will transform asparagus-haters … it’s that good!

Ahhhhhh-sparagus. It’s just so good. Especially when you cover it with prosciutto and Parmesan cheese. AmIRight?!

I actually can’t take credit for this recipe for Prosciutto and Parmesan Baked Asparagus because my sister dreamed it up and made it for me, but it was just such a beautiful work of art that I knew I had to share this one with the world.

I mean, what’s better than some Italian meats and cheeses to make your vegetables fun to eat?

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Kale, Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Salad

May 27, 2015

This Kale, Brussels Sprouts and Bacon Salad is one of my all-time favorite salads. With bacon, pecorino romano, brussels sprouts, kale and a smile homemade dressing, this healthy salad is super easy to make and super delicious.

Summer summer summer summer!

It’s finally (almost) here, which means lots of fresh salads and the year that I finally learn how to correctly apply sunscreen like the grown adult that I am.

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Skinny Banana Streusel Muffins

May 22, 2015

These Skinny Banana Streusel Muffins are incredibly moist, sweet banana muffins with a crunchy cinnamon streusel on top! They’re the perfect healthier breakfast, snack or sweet treat.

HAPPY MEMORIAL DAY WEEKEND!

I escaped the cold rain of Chicago this week and am currently sipping white wine in sunny North Carolina! I love visiting my mom because she’s the only one who understand my weird eating habits, and therefore plans a bunch of healthy meals for our visits.

These Skinny Banana Streusel Muffins fresh out of the oven were what we started the day with. And they are delicious!

They’re super moist and naturally sweetened with very ripe bananas and apple sauce! I’m an uber cinnamon lover, so anything with that crunchy, sweet cinnamon crumb topping is definitely on my “I want to eat you” list.

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Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan

May 18, 2015

This classic Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan is a healthy chicken parmesan recipe that’s baked, not fried. Served over whole wheat spaghetti, this is restaurant-quality chicken parmesan, lighted up.

I’ve been super into Italian lately, if you haven’t noticed. There’s really just nothing better than pastas, pizzas, and Italian baked chicken. Not sorry. No take-backsies.

It doesn’t get much better than chicken parmesan. Although this isn’t an innovative recipe that I created myself, it’s my personal belief that the world can’t have too many Oven-Baked Chicken Parmesan recipes.

Or baked chicken recipes, for that matter. (Liiiike these Mediterranean Chicken Bowls and this sheet pan dinner.)

This healthy chicken parmesan recipe is baked, not fried! I like to use Panko bread crumbs to add extra crispiness without having to fry it in oil.

Plus, this healthier chicken parmesan is served over whole wheat pasta with just enough marinara sauce to save on all those calories you’d eat going out to an Italian restaurant.

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One Pot Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers

May 13, 2015

This One Pot Italian Chicken Sausage and Peppers recipe is the perfect easy weeknight recipe that only requires one skillet! Yay for fewer dishes!

It’s official. I’ve discovered the cure to any sickness. I’m not quite sure if I should let my secret out here without patenting it first.

I mean, this is revolutionary stuff. It has about a 80% success rate for curing any cold or sore throat of mine within 48 hours.

Okay, I guess I’ll tell you since being sick is the worst, and because I’m feeling generous.

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Oatmeal Raisin Overnight Oats

May 8, 2015

If you love oatmeal raisin cookies, you’ll LOVE this overnight oatmeal recipe! They taste super similar to your favorite childhood treat, but in a healthy breakfast recipe.

I have a serious crush on overnight oats.

I’ve been so focused on eating protein and smoothie each morning that I forgot one of my favorite a.m. treats – overnight oatmeal! There really is no limit to the flavors you can create, plus they’re so stinkin’ easy to make. You just throw the ingredients in a container and let the oats soak overnight until they get super soft and creamy.

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Chicken Sausage Skillet Pasta

May 6, 2015

This Chicken Sausage Skillet Pasta is a quick weeknight dinner that’s super simple yet super delicious. Perfect for those nights when you don’t want to lift a finger.

I’m officially all moved in to my new apartment! Yay for living within running distance of the beach.

I’ve learned that there’s just one rule to surviving apartment living … every square inch of space must be used to shove your shit into. Every closet is full, my book case will become a random crap catch-all, there’s not an empty inch of space under my bed, and I’m currently stowing my bras in my nightstand. Fitting your crap into a city apartment takes a whole lot of creativity if you don’t want it to look cluttered. If you need help, I’m practically a professional by now.

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Mango Almond Green Smoothie

May 4, 2015

This Mango Almond Green Smoothie is a delicious and detoxifying smoothie recipe that tastes like it came straight from the Tropics. With spinach, mango, banana and vanilla almond milk, this green smoothie recipe is delicious and a great start to your morning.

It’s FINALLY almost summer here in Chicago. In fact, I got my first sunburn this weekend. (I do not support a lack of good sunscreen practice … it was an honest mistake).

I don’t know about you, but as soon as the weather turns warm, my blender immediately comes out of hiding and gets a workout all summer. This Mango Almond Green Smoothie is one of my favorite ways to start the day. With mango, banana, spinach and almond milk, you get a dose of fruits and vegetables before even leaving home!

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4-Ingredient Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bowl

April 28, 2015

This 4-Ingredient Healthy Chicken Parmesan Quinoa Bowl is a 4-ingredient, lightened up version of an Italian classic – chicken parmesan! Inspired by one of my favorite Chicago chains – Protein Bar.

Moving is hard.

Seeing as I graduated college just 2 short years ago, I’ve moved apartments every single year for the past 6 years. Most years, I even moved two or three times!

You’d think I would be an old pro by now, but rather I’ve just come to realize how much random crap I have. Like, is there any reason to still have that love letter from high school from that guy you don’t speak to any more? (I wish I was kidding).

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5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats

April 22, 2015

5-Ingredient Peanut Butter Banana Overnight Oats is a simple overnight oats recipe that tastes more like an amazing dessert than a protein-packed breakfast! This conversation is sponsored by Silk. Opinions and words are all my own.

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