Measuring Cups, Optional

Peach Popsicles

It’s been upwards of 90 degrees for the last few days. We’ve been enduring a not-so-nice heat wave – which I’m hoping will subside by next week. When I saw “101” flashing at me from the thermometer in my car, I knew that light-colored clothing and water wasn’t going to be enough. I needed an icy treat that could keep me cool … that is, if it didn’t melt before I could enjoy it in its entirety. Enter fruit popsicles. The great thing about making your own popsicles, is that you can mix up the fruits and flavors however you like. (more…)

Cilantro-Lime Rice

categories: 500 Calories or Less, Desserts, Posts, Recipes, Rice & Grains

After spending some time with my mother this weekend, I decided to take some of her advice. Mom suggested I find a hobby to keep me busy since I’ve been getting bored lately. That would have been easy, if I could think of one activity that could keep me interested and entertained for a long period of time. Cooking can’t keep me busy all the time. That’s when I realized, it’s time to get cracking on my “Before I’m 30 List.” Yes. Such a list does exist. It started when I was 15 on a piece of college-ruled paper. When I got my first laptop, I digitized my list and have been crossing things off ever since. Some have heard about this list … not many have actually seen it, or know what’s on it. That’s probably because, I’ll admit, there are some things on there that I should have accomplished by now. (more…)

Caesar Chicken and Romaine

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

I have been drooling over this recipe for weeks. The day I found it, I thought to myself “I’m going to add this to my list of delicious but easy dishes to make.” That is, my ongoing list of recipes to make on days when I’m low on time. Recipe ideas are welcome. I think this one will be a winner. It’s light and yet while low on calories and carbs, the chicken and lettuce are bursting with flavor. (more…)

Couscous Stuffed Peppers

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

Making delicious food doesn’t always mean you have to make it from scratch. It needs to be balanced, though. You can’t buy store-prepared food and try to take credit for the entire meal. It’s a balancing act. Full disclosure – I think the smart ones are the ones who can pull off a multiple-course dinner combining their own cooking, with some boxed help. It doesn’t make you a bad person … it makes you a smart entertainer. Spending all day in the kitchen prepping for a dinner doesn’t leave you much energy to do the actual entertaining. (more…)

Calamari Salad

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

Following an incredibly long time away from my bathroom scale, I got up the courage to get on and face the number that stared back at me. Not bad. For all the eating I had done on my two-week work trip, I was back and while feeling bloated (probably from being on a plane for 8 plus hours), I hadn’t gained a pound…. I couldn’t say the same for my luggage though. But that’s a story for another day.

The scale scare, and the heat and humidity that greeted me upon my return inspired me to go lighter on my meals. I scoured the internet looking for something light, but filling. And I came across this recipe for Calamari Salad. (more…)

Parmesan Asparagus

categories: Posts, Recipes, Vegetables & Sides

Looking for an easy, no-fuss side vegetable? Your search is over. I found a way to make asparagus a little more exciting without sacrificing additional calories. It’s so quick, you may eat your side before your main meal! (more…)