Measuring Cups, Optional

Mom’s Fruit Salad

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Desserts, Posts, Recipes, Salads

My mom makes an amazing fruit salad, and that’s because of her secret ingredients (namely the sauce). I’ve only made her fruit salad on two occasions. It’s not complicated but it packs in a lot more calories than you’d suspect. So don’t be fooled by the word “fruit.” Although I’ve measured out the amount of condensed milk and orange juice, you may have to adjust to your taste. I will warn you, however that you don’t need to add more than 1/2 tsp of orange blossom water. Too much will be flavor overload on your senses. (more…)

Bacon-Wrapped Sea Scallops

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Posts, Recipes, Seafood

Weeknight meals can get extremely boring, especially when you’re trying to whip things up really fast and trying not to eliminate your hunger by snacking during meal prep. That’s why I love these bacon wrapped scallops. They take way less time than 30 minutes, they’re packed with flavor, and super filling. (more…)

Sunny-Side Up Eggs in Toast

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Breakfast, Posts, Recipes

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. I know, I’m a total sucker for all these Hallmark holidays. It gives me something to look forward to. I just love the themes. And the girly side of be loves being able to flaunt pink and red for an entire month. The Hallmark holidays give me the opportunity to get crafty too. I enjoy pulling together artsy surprises for my family and the girls.

Crafts aren’t the only way to show Holiday Love. We all know that the best way to a anyone’s heart, is through their stomach. Ah, I couldn’t have said it better myself. So in addition to my little crafts, heart-shaped food is the way to go. (more…)

Yogurt Marinated Leg of Lamb

categories: Lamb, Posts, Recipes

It’s not everyday that I cook lamb. Although, it’s rare to find an Arab household that doesn’t cook lamb. I’m told it’s an acquired taste. I can’t attest to said acquired taste because I grew up eating lamb before I even knew that it was any different from beef. (more…)

Garlic Almond Green Beans

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Posts, Recipes, Vegetables & Sides

Because I’m always on a diet (or so it seems), I’m constantly trying to find ways to make veggie sides more interesting. Sure, I could steam broccoli and asparagus, and sauté spinach until is comes out of my ears. But in reality, how appealing do steamed veggies sound? That’s what I thought. I’ve recently starting grilling veggies. Yes, it’s winter and it’s too cold to be outside using a grill. That’s where my stovetop grill comes in handy. I’m telling you, I’ve becoming a grilling fanatic, minus the smell of food that lingers in the house long after we’ve devoured dinner. (more…)

Skinny Chicken Salad

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Chicken, Posts, Recipes, Salads

In general, I don’t go out of my way to make lunch unless I’m home around lunchtime on the weekend, or a three-day weekend. That’s because during the week in my morning rush, I grab something on my way out the door or simply pick up lunch at work.

The nice thing about lunch is that it’s easy. Throw together a salad, or a sandwich and ta-da! Lunch is served. This weekend, I wanted to take a stab at making some better for your chicken salad. You can trade off some of the additions, but stick with the light mayo. Mine only has 20 calories per tablespoon, without compromising taste. A nice combination could be one tablespoon each of chopped walnuts and dried cranberries. Test it out, try it out and see what works for you. I like the crunch of celery and carrots but it’s your prerogative. (more…)