Pan-Roasted Purple Potatoes and Carrots with Garlic-Lemon Aioli

My mother knows that I love to work with unique, fun ingredients in the kitchen. So, it was no surprise that she picked me up a bag of stunning purple potatoes this past week and said, "I knew you could do something cool with them." I decided on pan-roasting them with some carrots in my large cast iron pan. I knew I wanted some type of dipping sauce, so I whipped up a super-quick aioli that totally elevates this dish.

The mayo-based aioli is lemon-y, creamy and garlicky. Having it alongside of the vegetables is a necessity. Plunging those perfectly-roasted potatoes and carrots into that sauce is pretty much heaven on earth. The vegetables themselves come out super tender on the interior, but are not mushy. And, they have just the right amount of crusty sear and crispness on the exterior.

This is a fabulous side dish that takes little prep work and truly highlights beautiful, fresh produce in a simple, yet delicious way.

NOTE: Baby gold/yellow or red potatoes can be utilized for this dish if you can't get your hands on the purple variety.

Yields 2 - 3 servings.

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Puff Pastry Creamy Chicken Pot Pie

If you’re a sucker for Chicken Pot Pie, this recipe is one that you must try. Store-bought puff pastry dough stands in for traditional pie crust here. And, it’s nothing short of magical. I’ve made pot pie with puff pastry in the past, but simply laid the giant piece of dough across the top of the baking dish. While that was good, I really like cutting the dough into small squares, then layering them up on top of the filling. Yes, the result is prettier – in my opinion – but, more importantly, I just love all of those flaky nooks and crannies that are created.

The recipe starts with gently cooking onions, celery and carrots in butter, then sprinkling in a little flour. This is the base of the gravy that will be created. After stirring in milk and a little heavy cream, the sauce gets flavored with bouillon, a pinch of Herbs de Provence, salt and pepper. A handful of frozen peas and tender, cooked chicken are added to the party before the gravy gets transferred to a baking dish. Store-bought puff pastry that has been cut into cute, little squares gets haphazardly layered on top, then into the oven it all goes.

NOTE:  The recipe calls for a couple of cups of cooked chicken. A store-bought rotisserie chicken can be a great time-saver. Just remove the meat, then either shred or cube per your preference. To prepare the chicken at home, I simply roast two boneless and skinless chicken breasts - coated in a little olive oil, salt and pepper - for 30 - 40 minutes {or until fully cooked through} in a 400-degree oven.

 

Yields 4 servings.

 

Joyously Domestic is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com. You can read my full disclosure statement here. This post contains an affiliate link to amazon.com.

Cold Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce

I've gotten into the habit in recent months of spending my Mondays prepping lunches for myself for the week. With the kids gone to school and the hubby at work all during the week, it's just me at home throughout the day. One of my New Year's resolutions was to eat more purposely and with greater intention. {I'm trying for lunch for myself not to be just a string cheese and a protein bar.} Some weeks I roast off a bunch of veggies and cook up some grains so that I can throw together a quick grain bowl on an given day. I often make up pasta salads, too, for myself. And, I keep quick, homemade vinaigrettes on hand and lots of prepped, fresh vegetables.

Over the past week, I worked on developing and testing this Cold Noodle Salad with Peanut Sauce recipe. It's loaded with tons of fresh vegetables and is served tossed with a killer peanut butter dressing.

It is a super versatile salad ... whatever crisp veggies that you like or have on hand work here. In addition to what I've listed, some suggestions would be sugar snap peas, sliced cabbage, edamame or even some chopped apples. And, if you like things spicy, toss in some sliced chili peppers in place of the sweet ones I've used.

The peanut butter sauce is simple to whip up and really makes this salad the winner that it truly is. Its base is a blend of sesame oil, soy sauce, garlic, lime juice and peanut butter.

Preparing this whole thing will require boiling off your noodles, whisking up the dressing and a little effort chopping up your veggies - maybe twenty minutes or so total. Then, you can tuck the leftovers away in the fridge and enjoy a healthful, hearty, fresh lunch for the next couple of days without any work at all.

Yields 4 servings.

Ultimate Drop Blackstrap Molasses Cookies

Soft molasses cookies have been my husband's favorite sweet treat for many years. Both his mother and my mother make amazing versions that are super similar. They often pass a dozen or so his way. {He devours them in less than a day.} I sometimes refer to this as his "molasses cookie fix." After twenty-plus years of he and I being together, I figured it was time for me to step up and attempt to master the recipe.

These cookies - truth be told - are one of my favorites, as well. {I just rarely get any when he is gifted them.} They are deep and rich in flavor. Almost magically, they manage to be both ultra moist {almost brownie-like in texture - especially when warm} on the inside while presenting a bumpy, slightly crisp exterior {especially fresh from the oven}. Utilizing blackstrap molasses yields such a deeply developed molasses flavor here. And, the inclusion of cold, strong coffee contributes to the moistness of the batter and helps boost the already-exuberant molasses flavor.

These do freeze well, too. And, they thaw super quickly. So they are a wonderful treat to have on hand for when company stops by or when you may need some goodies on the fly.

Yields 5 dozen cookies.

Peanut Butter, Chocolate and Banana Baked Oatmeal

"Crazy" has been the word of the week in our house. Not that our lives are typically slow-moving, relaxing or boring. But, recent days have been particularly busy and a bit chaotic. Zayne ended wrestling season this week with a team party and a youth wrestling tournament at which the high school boys worked at all day today. He, also, had a first date. {Dying.} Allanah had her final Snowball Dance this weekend. Our van was stolen from my husband's workplace {and thankfully, recovered a few days later}. All three kids are in the same play production, which means practices galore these days. And, I must mention that the kiddos and I have all been battling some type of flu for the past few weeks at varying times.

Having grab-and-go meals and snacks are a must for me these days. Since we are a huge oatmeal-loving family, baked oatmeal is a great option for us. It reheats pretty well and provides major fuel to power us through our day.

The combo of chocolate, peanut butter and banana here is pretty awesome. All three are incorporated into the oatmeal itself, then it gets topped with fresh bananas, chocolate chips and a peanut butter/honey dollop at time of service. I do have a couple of kids who prefer this without the toppings, however. They like a slice of this as-is to throw on a napkin on their way out the door.

Think of this as a cross between a bowl of traditional oatmeal AND oatmeal cookies ... just maybe not quite as sweet as normal cookies. Plan to adjust how you serve and top this based upon your family's preferences. My youngest asked to drizzle her slice with caramel sauce. {Quite the treat.} It is pretty moist when it is first baked. But, we actually prefer it cooled, the pieces individually wrapped up, stored in the fridge and reheated in the oven the next day. It becomes a little drier and more bar-like.

Serves 6 - 8.

Refreshing Fennel Citrus Salad with Orange Maple Dressing

As we dance between winter and spring, life can feel dreary and lackluster. The excitement of Christmas, the new year and Valentine's Day is behind us. The promise of warmth, new life and green-hued landscape taunts us as we wait in the ending days of February. Glimpses of sunshine and occasional above-average temps remind us that winter's bitter cold is almost in our rear-view mirrors. Spring is just within reach. We stagger between the desire for stews and casseroles while pining for fresh, vibrant salads and the unleashing of our grills from our sheds. This particular salad is a beautiful ideal bridge between the seasons. All in one a nod to winter produce and yet, a welcome "hello" to the beginning of traditional salad season.

And, it truly could not be easier to assemble. I've presented it within this post as a side salad, but one could easily add a beautifully-cooked filet of salmon on top for a more-complete meal. The salad itself consists of just four fresh ingredients. And, the dressing is comprised of stuff most of us keep on hand. Between the two components, you'll need maybe ten minutes to get this on the table from start to finish.

Yields 2 - 3 servings.

No-Bake Cranberry Crunch Energy Bites

With three kids still living at home, we stay pretty busy. Two teenagers and a nine-year old make for an often hectic schedule. I don't think there are very many extra-curricular activities that my kids don't do {or, at least, haven't tried}. Currently, we are knee-deep in varsity wrestling for Zayne {our fourteen-year old}. Wrestling can be demanding and grueling on kids {as well as the families}. Weeknights are filled with practices and conditioning. Weekends consist of all-day tournaments that we often travel quite a distance to attend. To maintain his energy and fuel him through his day, our son needs lots of protein. And, typically, he needs food that he can take on the go.

When it comes to breakfast and snacks, these are his "go-to" many days. Actually, all of us munch on these and I always pack some when we're headed to sports activities. You'll seldom not find a batch of these in my freezer. They are full of pretty wholesome ingredients and they do a good job of keeping us full until mealtime.

RECIPE NOTES:  I prefer a combination of peanut butter AND almond butter for this recipe. However, I have made these just using peanut butter and they turn out well. {I really wouldn't recommend utilizing just almond butter.} Also, I use a combination of cacao nibs {found at health food stores or online} AND mini semi-sweet chocolate chips, but you can simply use chocolate chips, if desired. This recipe is pretty versatile as long as you follow the basics with regards to the peanut butter, oats, honey and rice cereal. Basically, taste as you go along and look for a texture that can be easily shaped into balls, but isn't too sticky. I find that the exact measurements for this recipe can change depending on what brand/style of peanut butter or almond butter that I use.

Yields 2 - 2 1/2  dozen "bites" {balls}. 

Simple Strawberry Salad with Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing

Winter weather is still lingering around for many of us, but I am a year-round salad eater. My salad love knows no boundaries. Even when the temps outside are a little on the low side, I still enjoy salads all throughout the week for lunch. This particular salad is a pretty simplistic one ... utilizing just a handful of fresh ingredients. And, the dressing is pretty basic, too, in terms of ingredients and prep. But, it sure does pack a punch and deliver on many levels. It's a tad bit tangy, a little sweet and has just the right amount of creaminess {while still feeling light}.

This would be a great salad to serve alongside Valentine's Day dinner if you're planning to cook for {or with} your sweetheart. The strawberries bring a pop of red to the party, so it would tie in nicely with the evening's color theme. {And, strawberries - in my opinion - are always sexy.}

Yields 2 servings.

Southwest Rice Power Bowl with Citrus Vinaigrette

I'm keeping on track - for the most part - with my decision to eat {and cook} with more intention in 2017. Instead of grabbing just a granola bar and maybe a string cheese for lunch while I'm home by myself during the day {or sometimes skipping lunch altogether}, I set out to invest a little more time and effort into what I feed myself. Yes, doing so has meant better planning while shopping, greater investment into meal prep and taking the extra time to actually make myself sit down to eat a wholesome, healthful lunch. But, I know that eating more intentionally is worth it. This power bowl has found its way into my meal rotation over the past few weeks. So darn good. And, definitely worth the bit of extra effort.

 

Although it's a breeze to make, it does take a few minutes to chop and assemble everything. With some music cranked, I pop the sweet potatoes into the oven to roast while I prep the other ingredients. The dressing could not be easier to whisk up, then it's time to arrange everything nicely {I like pretty-looking food} into a big bowl and grab a fork.

I take a little help in this recipe by utilizing a bag of frozen microwavable brown rice and a small bag of frozen microwavable corn. Obviously, you could use leftover rice or even something like, cooked quinoa if you'd like {in place of rice}. This whole power bowl is pretty versatile, so play around with what you like or what you have on hand.

This, basically, consists of cubed sweet potato that gets coated with olive oil, salt, pepper, a little ground cumin and a pinch of cayenne pepper before roasting. Some canned black beans, brown rice, corn and vegetables get piled onto some fresh greens before the whole thing gets drizzled with an ultra-simple citrus dressing. Oh, and I love this with some quick-pickled red onions on top, so I'm providing the recipe for those at the end of the post.

You'll feel amazing knowing that you're feeding yourself something super good for your body. And, it's a lunch that will definitely power you through the afternoon.

Yields 2 servings.

Sweet Potato, Kale and Wheat Berry Citrus Buddha Bowls

My readers know that I'm a sucker for loaded salads, arranged salads and salad bowls. I particularly love the inclusion of whole grains, beans or the like in them. Have you heard of Buddha Bowls? A Buddha Bowl is, basically, a form of a loaded salad. It, typically, includes some type of cooked grain (or legume), lots of chopped vegetables, some greens of some sort, sometimes fruit and nuts/seeds. It's usually topped with a sauce or dressing. Basically, I've come to find that I can pretty much throw whatever wholesome foods and/or healthful leftovers that I have on hand together to create something magical. And, these types of all-in-one meals are perfect for those of us trying to be mindful of making healthy food decisions.

So many make majestic and often extreme resolutions at the start of each new year. For me, I have committed to simply eating more "intentionally" in 2017. It's not about dieting, restricting carbs, omitting sugar or cutting calories. Rather, I'm taking a more conscientious, vigilant approach to what I feed myself. I am pledging to eat more wholesome, "real" foods. And, I'm making more of an effort to include way, way more vegetables into every meal.

Working from home and living a busy life with kids means that a string cheese and a protein bar is often my lunch. While not entirely bad, it just doesn't provide me the nutrition that I know that I need on a daily basis. So, I've set out to be more thoughtful with what I consume ... taking time to meal prep for myself more and spending a little time making myself healthy meals - especially lunches since that meal is the one I find that I skip or skimp on the most.

Buddha Bowls are amazing for me. I just love how versatile they can be. And, I love how creative I can be when making them. This recipe is a good starting point if you're new to the BB game. I'd love to hear if you've tried making your own at home ... and what your favorite combination of ingredients/components is.

Yields 2 servings/bowls.