2017 Reading Rewind: All My Books & Top Picks

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My 2017 Reading Journey: Goals Achieved and Favorite Books Discovered A few years ago, I embarked on a new literary adventure by setting annual reading goals on Goodreads, and it’s a decision I’m incredibly grateful for. This simple act transformed my reading habits, leading me to consistently read more books each year than I ever … Read more

Fresh & Filling: 12 Wholesome Grain Salads for Your Best Summer

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Nourish Your Body: Delicious & Healthy Whole Grain Salad Recipes for Every Season These vibrant, healthy whole grain salad recipes are designed to be both incredibly light and wonderfully filling, making them absolutely delicious additions to your menu, especially during the warmer months! They offer a perfect blend of nutrition, flavor, and convenience, ensuring you … Read more

Pesto-Kissed Roasted Brussels

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Easy & Healthy Pesto Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Your Flavorful Italian-Inspired Side Dish

Transform your meal with an exquisite Italian twist! These Pesto Roasted Brussels Sprouts are incredibly easy to make with just a few ingredients and promise to be a delightful, healthy addition to any meal. Say goodbye to bland vegetables and hello to a burst of fresh, savory flavor that will have even the pickiest eaters asking for more.

Pin this incredibly delicious Pesto Roasted Brussels Sprouts recipe for later!

Pesto Roasted Brussels Sprouts with an Italian twist, a simple and healthy side dish recipe via aggieskitchen.com

Let’s be honest, we all have those moments of indulgence. Just last night, I found myself raising my hand to openly admit to consuming far more Halloween candy than I had originally intended. My plan was to navigate Halloween night without even a single taste from my kids’ trick-or-treat bounty, believing that such self-control would empower me to resist the candy onslaught that inevitably lingers for days. However, the allure of a rare Snickers Almond and a 100 Grand proved irresistible, quickly leading me down the delicious path to my ultimate favorite – a Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup. This morning, after my unplanned candy feast, I’m telling myself I’m completely satisfied and ready to move on. Hopefully, this self-affirmation holds true!

On a more serious note, there’s something else I feel compelled to confess. Since this summer, I’ve gained almost 10 pounds. Writing that down feels incredibly challenging and vulnerable, but it’s a reality I’ve known and thought about for too long. These extra pounds are truly taking a toll on me, both physically and emotionally. I’m not entirely sure what shifted, but I’ve definitely been eating more than my body needs and making lazy food choices that result in a lot of empty calories. This doesn’t feel good at all. Beyond the obvious fact that my clothes are no longer fitting comfortably, my lower back has been hurting more than usual, and I find myself feeling less confident and generally uncomfortable. It’s clear that it’s time to take decisive action and nip this unhealthy pattern in the bud before it escalates further.

My proactive plan of action is comprehensive and committed. It includes daily cardio and strength training workouts to get my body moving and strong again. I’m meticulously tracking my food intake using My Fitness Pal, which helps me stay accountable and mindful of my nutritional choices. Additionally, I’m aiming for 10,000 steps daily, tracked by my trusty Fitbit, to ensure consistent activity. Crucially, I’m dedicating time to thorough meal and snack planning, which prevents last-minute, unhealthy decisions. This time, there are absolutely no excuses!

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Mediterranean Morning Frittata with Feta, Peppers, and Onions

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Delicious Greek Pepper and Onion Frittata: An Easy, Flavorful Meal for Any Time of Day

Imagine a meal that effortlessly transitions from a hearty breakfast to a satisfying lunch or a light, wholesome dinner. That’s the magic of a frittata! This versatile Italian egg-based dish, similar to an omelet or crustless quiche, is renowned for its simplicity and adaptability. Among the many variations, a truly standout option is the Greek Pepper and Onion Frittata. It’s a dish I find myself making frequently, especially when I need a quick, incredibly flavorful, and nourishing meal designed for one – although it can easily be scaled up for more!

Click here to pin this recipe to your board!

Breakfast, lunch or dinner for one! I love making frittatas for a quick meal, this Greek Pepper and Onion Frittata is one I make often! Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

The Essential Foundation: Fresh Eggs Make All the Difference

There’s something truly special about cooking with fresh, high-quality ingredients, and nowhere is this more apparent than with eggs. Over the years, we’ve been incredibly fortunate to know wonderful friends and neighbors who keep hens. Receiving a box of farm-fresh eggs, with their vibrant, deep orange yolks and superior flavor, is always a delightful experience. These aren’t just any eggs; they’re from happy, healthy hens, and you can truly taste the difference.

Recently, our generous neighbors have been a consistent source of these incredible eggs, supplying us with a bountiful amount for the last few years. Their kindness and the quality of their eggs are something I’m perpetually grateful for. Just look at how gorgeous these eggs are in their natural state – their varied colors and robust shells hint at the deliciousness inside. These fresh eggs are truly the star ingredient, providing a rich, creamy base for our Greek frittata that elevates it from good to absolutely fantastic.

Breakfast, lunch or dinner for one! I love making frittatas for a quick meal, this Greek Pepper and Onion Frittata is one I make often! Recipe via aggieskitchen.com

It’s a good thing my family enjoys eggs as much as we do! Typically, our breakfasts feature them scrambled or nestled in a delicious spinach egg breakfast sandwich. However, on those evenings when my husband is away and the kids are content with a simple mac ‘n cheese, I often treat myself to a comforting frittata. It’s my ideal solo meal, perfect for when I haven’t already enjoyed one for lunch that day.

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Sweet & Tender Herb Roasted Onions

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Ina Garten’s Herb Roasted Onions: A Simple, Flavorful, and Essential Side Dish Prepare to fall in love with a truly indispensable recipe that will quickly become a cherished staple in your culinary repertoire. These rustic herb roasted onions, inspired by the legendary Ina Garten, are not just incredibly delicious but also remarkably versatile and visually … Read more

Flavorful Roasted Veggie Black Bean Burritos

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Roasted Sweet Potato & Black Bean Burritos: Your New Favorite Vegetarian Meal Prep! Discover one of the most satisfying and flavorful vegetarian burrito recipes you can create right in your own kitchen! These Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Burritos are a harmonious blend of smoky, sweet roasted vegetables and hearty black beans, delivering a … Read more

Kickoff Kitchen Wings and Zesty Cajun Pasta Salad

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Irresistible Weekend Feast: Zesty Lemon Pepper Dill Chicken Wings & Vibrant Cajun Pasta Salad Recipes Even during the busiest of weeks, there’s a special joy in gathering around delicious, home-cooked food. Today, I’m thrilled to share two incredible recipes that became instant favorites in my kitchen – perfect for weekend entertaining, family dinners, or simply … Read more

Decadent Cocoa Honey Nut Granola

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Irresistible Honey Nut Cocoa Crunch Granola: Your Ultimate Guide to a Healthy, Homemade Snack This post is proudly sponsored by Fisher Nuts, bringing you wholesome ingredients for delicious, heart-healthy recipes. There’s nothing quite like the aroma of freshly baked granola filling your kitchen, and I’ve certainly been on a homemade granola kick these past few … Read more

The Spirit of the Season

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Sweet Potato Biscotti: A Wholesome & Delicious Treat for Any Season Ah, sweet potatoes. Many associate them with crisp autumn days, holiday feasts, and cozy gatherings. While it’s certainly true that their warm, earthy flavor feels right at home during the cooler months, I’m here to tell you that it’s *always* the season for sweet … Read more