Quick & Healthy Weeknight Win: Easy Baked Bean, Sausage, and Kale Skillet for Busy Evenings

My family adores this Baked Bean, Sausage, and Kale Skillet – and I absolutely cherish how effortlessly it comes together, making it a perfect solution for even the most hectic weeknights! This delightful and satisfying recipe was proudly developed in partnership with Bush’s Beans, a brand we trust for quality and flavor.

Pin this Baked Bean, Sausage and Kale Skillet to save for your next dinner inspiration!

Finding Balance: My Journey Back to School and the Quest for Simple Dinners

First and foremost, I genuinely miss connecting with you all here on the blog! It feels like ages since my last post, which was actually weeks ago, and I can hardly believe how quickly this month has flown by. Life has been exceptionally hectic since I embarked on my new academic adventure last month. I’ve had to humbly admit to those closest to me – especially my ever-patient husband and children, who have witnessed my recent chaotic state – that taking two demanding science classes with labs (Anatomy & Physiology 2 and Chemistry I) in a single semester might not have been my most brilliant idea. (For those who might not know, I returned to school earlier this year with the ultimate goal of becoming a registered dietitian). I’m currently navigating a bit of a struggle to keep pace with the rigorous schoolwork, not to mention the steep learning curve (which I vastly underestimated) that accompanies a subject like chemistry – think complex scientific calculators, revisiting basic algebra and intricate math equations, and safely navigating a lab filled with test tubes, beakers, and various “stuff” (otherwise known as chemicals). Oh my, the sheer amount of math alone has been quite a challenge, proving just how rusty my brain has become in that department!

Deep breaths are my constant companion these days. All will indeed be okay. If there’s one profound lesson I’ve gleaned from being a student at my age ( 😉 ), it’s recognizing that my self-imposed expectations are often sky-high. As my wonderful friend Kristen wisely reminded me recently, it’s perfectly acceptable if I don’t achieve a perfect ‘A’. The real goal is simply to get through it, learning as much as possible along the way.

Read more

Hearty Kale with Stewed Tomatoes and White Beans: A Simple, Healthy & Soul-Satisfying Comfort Food Recipe

In the culinary world, some ingredients arrive as fleeting trends, while others establish themselves as enduring staples. Kale, once hailed as the “it” superfood, has undoubtedly cemented its place in the latter category. What began as a buzzword in health circles has evolved into a beloved, versatile ingredient that home cooks and professional chefs alike embrace for its robust flavor and impressive nutritional profile. Alongside fellow health powerhouses like quinoa and chia seeds, kale has spearheaded a significant shift towards more mindful and healthful eating, inspiring countless recipes and opening doors to delicious ways of nourishing our bodies. Personally, I wholeheartedly welcome this culinary evolution; any food that offers such profound health benefits can never truly be just a “trend.” It’s exciting to see more people confidently incorporating nutrient-dense foods, even those that might initially seem a little unconventional or intimidating (though, I confess, the jury is still out for me on “chia pudding”).

My own journey with kale began years ago, and since then, it has become an indispensable part of my kitchen. I genuinely can’t recall a time before I was enthusiastically seeking out new and creative ways to integrate this leafy green into my meals. From savory frittatas bursting with flavor, to comforting soups that warm you from the inside out, and vibrant salads that redefine “power lunch,” kale’s adaptability is truly remarkable. Its ability to transform any dish, adding not just texture and taste but also a significant nutritional boost, makes it a true kitchen hero. And let’s be honest, there’s a certain undeniable satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment that comes with eating something so incredibly good for you.

Why Kale Deserves a Permanent Spot in Your Diet

Kale’s reputation as a superfood is well-earned. This leafy green is a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as essential minerals like calcium, potassium, and manganese. It’s also an excellent source of fiber, which aids digestion and promotes a feeling of fullness, making it a great ally for weight management. Beyond its vitamin and mineral content, kale is rich in antioxidants, including beta-carotene and various flavonoids, which help protect the body against oxidative stress and support overall cellular health. Its anti-inflammatory properties are also noteworthy, contributing to better long-term health. Whether you’re sautéing it, blending it into smoothies, or roasting it into crispy chips, incorporating kale into your diet is a simple yet effective way to boost your nutrient intake and support a healthier lifestyle.

Read more

Embrace Winter Warmth: The Ultimate Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili Recipe

This winter, transform your kitchen into a haven of warmth with our incredibly hearty and healthy Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili. Brimming with wholesome vegetables, lean protein, nutritious whole grains like farro, and the rich flavor of Bush’s Chili Beans, this recipe is designed to nourish your body and soul. This post is proudly sponsored and created in partnership with Bush’s Beans, bringing you premium quality ingredients for your culinary adventures.

Click here to pin this comforting Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili recipe for later!

My culinary journey with farro continues to deepen, and I’m excited to share my latest obsession with you. For a while, this ancient grain has been a staple in my salads, lending a delightful chewiness and nutritional boost. More recently, I’ve discovered its incredible potential in warm dishes, making it a fantastic addition to various soups and, most notably, this Slow Cooker Chicken and Farro Chili. Farro’s robust texture holds up beautifully during slow cooking, infusing the entire dish with a satisfying heartiness that distinguishes it from other chilis. While this recipe features succulent chicken breast, its versatility truly shines, allowing for an equally delicious vegetarian version by simply increasing the bean content and opting for a rich vegetable broth. Whether you’re a meat-lover or prefer plant-based meals, this chili adapts perfectly to your dietary needs and preferences.

As much of the country braces for the biting cold and swirling snow that dominates news feeds and social media, a craving for soul-warming meals becomes almost instinctual. There’s truly nothing quite like the magic of a slow cooker, diligently working its wonders all day long, especially when loaded with convenient pantry staples like Bush’s Chili Beans. The beauty of slow cooking lies in its simplicity: a few minutes of prep in the morning, and you return home to a perfectly cooked, fragrant meal. Even here in sunny Florida, where “soup weather” might not be the prevailing norm, I find myself drawn to the comforting embrace of a hearty bowl of soup or chili, a year-round tradition I wholeheartedly embrace. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, no matter the temperature outside.

Read more