Dani's Corner

Dani Spies is a Certified Health and Nutrition Counselor, Fitness Trainer and Mom who is passionate about finding simple ways to make real, whole, nutrtious foods a part of an everyday kitchen. More about Dani »

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Bite-Sized Blueberry Bran Muffins

Bite-Sized Blueberry Bran Muffins
Remember the abundance of blueberries I mentioned a few weeks back when I was making my Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones?  

Well, they're baaaaaack...  

Only this time they are jam packed into some Bite Size Blueberry Bran Muffins!  

Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones

Whole Wheat Blueberry Scones
Big, fat, plump, juicy blueberries have been all over the place lately, which is really no surprise considering it is berry season, but very exciting none-the-less!

The best part about seasonal produce is the price... when there is an abundant supply, there is a decrease in cost (yeah) which is why I had no problem handing a heaping cup of fresh blueberries over to these simple and tasty scones!

Broccoli and Cheese Breakfast Casserole

Broccoli and Cheese Breakfast Casserole
I have so many recipes bookmarked from so many great food blogs out there but somehow or other I always seem to fall back on Kalyn!

This Broccoli and Cheese Breakfast Casserole was inspired by a recipe I found over on Kalyn's Kitchen.  I know you guys know who Kalyn is by now...

Roasted Apricot Crunch w/ Vanilla Yogurt Cream - Video

Roasted Apricot Crunch w/ Vanilla Yogurt Cream - Video
Now I'm not bragging... but the truth is that I don't like to watch the news and I very rarely read the newspaper.

What can I say, I'm a sensitive kind of gal and more times than not the news leaves me with thoughts and images in my mind that I find I am better off without!

Enter my husband...

Potato Crusted Swiss Chard Quiche w/ Goat Cheese

Potato Crusted Swiss Chard Quiche w/ Goat Cheese
I think there is a fine line between "healthy eating" and "depriving yourself of foods you love".

There are a lot of "not so healthy" foods that I would never give up simply because the pleasure I get from eating them nourishes me on a whole different level than the simple science of micro and macro nutrients.

For instance...

Pineapple and Banana Smoothie

Pineapple and Banana Smoothie
If you are wondering why it has taken me three months to post a new KidBite recipe the answer is simple.

Katie has figured out how to do things she wasn't doing three months ago.

I mean three months ago she started doing things like this:


Banana Split Breakfast Bites

Banana Split Breakfast Bites
As I've mentioned in the past, eating healthy does not need to be complicated.

And contrary to popular belief, it does not take any longer to prepare a nutritious meal than it does any other type of meal.

The bottom line is this:

High-Protein Blueberry Pancakes

High-Protein Blueberry Pancakes
As I've mentioned in the past, breakfast is not my strong suite.  

Actually, breakfast is a bit of an exaggeration.  Really it's just pancakes that I need to practice but every time pancakes are on the breakfast agenda...

Bee Pollen & Flax Topped Oatmeal (No-Frills Power Food)

Bee Pollen & Flax Topped Oatmeal (No-Frills Power Food)
Okay - SO I need to know...

How many of you guys make your food choices based on nutrients and health value vs. flavor and taste?

Strawberry-Vanilla Protein Oats

Strawberry-Vanilla Protein Oats
Counting calories has never worked for me.  In all honesty it drives me INSANE.  I find myself getting crazy over the littlest things and always end up self sabotaging in one way or another.

This is why the "Clean Eating" style has become my favorite guideline when it comes to eating. Clean Eating does not focus on calories, rather it focuses on...

Summer Squash Frittata - (video)

Summer Squash Frittata - (video)
As you read the title of this post you are probably thinking, "Summer Squash at the end of October?  Hmmm, a little out of season, no?"

And to this I respond....

Pumpkin Vanilla Oats

Pumpkin Vanilla Oats
Ever notice how versatile pumpkin is? 

Well, it's that time of the year again when pumpkin starts pleading to be mixed into all sorts of d'lishes dishes... sweet, savory, salty, spicy... you name it, pumpkin always seems to find a way to fit in!

California Scramble

California Scramble
I'm not a "coffee-all-day" kinda girl. 

What I am is a "one-really-good-cup-of-coffee-in-the-morning" kind of girl (oh, the love I put into my morning brew!)

AND since Katie has joined the tribe, my morning cup of coffee seems to be growing larger by the week! 

So what does this all have to do with my California Scramble?

Bright Green Oats

Bright Green Oats
Don't ask me why, but the idea of starting the day with a handful of greens mixed into my breakfast makes me really excited.  Not to mention looking down into this colorful bowl seems to be another "feel good" way to start the day... it just looks happy.  It's like my breakfast bowl is smiling at me...

Fruit Nut & Oat Cookies

Fruit Nut & Oat Cookies
If you've been reading my blog for a while, surely you don't need me to tell you that I am certainly not the world's most proficient writer;).  Short and to the point tends to be my basic style, so while after eating these cookies I had a hundred of different ways to explain just how absolutely d'lishes they are, the only thing that I can think to say about them now is, "Holy Yum!".

Egg White Scramble (in the microwave!) - Video

Egg White Scramble (in the microwave!) - Video
I know from past experience that I am going to get a handful of "isn't the microwave a not so 'clean' way of making healthy food" questions/comments on this video, so I thought I would start by addressing this point... 

Peanut Butter Performance Pancakes

Peanut Butter Performance Pancakes
Ahhhh, Southern California... I just finished a beautiful six a.m. hike with my friend Mary, and when I got home boy was I hungry! I wanted something hearty and satisfying without being overly indulgent.  These Peanut Butter Performance Pancakes were exactly what the doctor ordered!

Irish Soda Bread

Irish Soda Bread

*Updated 

This is not a new recipe but it is my favorite when it comes to Irish Soda Bread! 

Growing up, my best friend lived right across the street and let me tell you, her dad perfected  Irish Soda Bread!  Using his recipe as my base, I make few clean, simple, & d'lishes substitutions to create my version of this St. Patty's Day favorite.

I like my Irish Soda Bread on the "drier" side... kinda like a big fat scone.  So if you're anything like me, this might be the perfect recipe for you!  

Happy St. Patty's Day!

Oatmeal Parfait

Oatmeal Parfait
Hot, fluffy oats... warm bananas and maple syrup... sliced strawberries... creamy yogurt and cottage cheese... crunchy walnuts... I mean, c'mon, do I really need to explain why I have been so obsessed with my morning Oatmeal Parfait?

Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine's Day!
Why not start your Valentine's Day with a beautiful and healthy meal that will be sure to leave you with plenty of extra room for some Chocolate Covered Strawberries later in the day?!

"No-Bake Sweet Potato Pie" Pancakes

It doesn't happen often, but every now and then I come up with a recipe that impresses even me!  These "No-Bake Sweet Potato Pie" Pancakes were just one of those recipes where I really felt the need to pat myself on the back, and not just because they taste amazing...

Crunchy Topped Apple Oat Bran Muffins

Crunchy Topped Apple Oat Bran Muffins

Apparently, when one becomes pregnant, while the body focuses on nourishing the little blueberry, other bodily systems can have the the tendency to slow down.  Let's just say I've been keeping the local bakeries in business lately buying bran muffins for breakfast and decided it was due time to get into the kitchen and whip up my own!

 

Clean and Simple Breakfast Tacos

Clean and Simple Breakfast Tacos
As you know by now, I am a huge fan of Mexican food so starting the day off with Breakfast Tacos is a sure way to put a smile on my face (and that's with out the margarita;).

Strawberry-Vanilla Smoothie - Video

Strawberry-Vanilla Smoothie - Video

Here in Southern California, September is one of the hottest months we have so this Strawberry-Vanilla Smoothie is still on my menu.

Besides, I really wanted to sneak in one more summery QuickBite before we start cuddling into the warmer foods of fall.

The PB&B Sandwich - The Ultimate Snack Food

The PB&B Sandwich - The Ultimate Snack Food
Unlike the self-proclaimed life of Denise Richards, eating well does NOT need to be complicated.  Sure we can complicate it if we want to and more often than not we do, but the truth is that it doesn't have to be that way.

Protein Pancakes

Protein Pancakes

I wasn't planning on posting this recipe for Protein Pancakes this week, but after this conversation that I had with my Dad, I changed my mind!

It went something like this: 

Tuna and Onion Egg "Pizza"

Tuna and Onion Egg

What can I say, I've been making so many different types of Egg "Pizza's" lately, I just couldn't help but share another Egg "Pizza" flavor combination! 

Apple and Cheddar Egg "Pizza"

Apple and Cheddar Egg

Hey guys... I'M BACK!  Lot's of fun, long trip, happy to be home BUT most importantly... happy to be back in my kitchen with my knife and my cutting board!  Man oh man, did I miss cooking!

Frozen Banana and Cacao Topped Yogurt

Frozen Banana and Cacao Topped Yogurt
As a Health Counselor and Food Coach I find that many of my clients are more interested in clean, simple, and d'lishes ideas than they are actual recipes.  It's not they don't enjoy the recipes, it's just that for most, a normal, busy work week just doesn't allow the time for them. 

Fruit and Flax Smoothie

Fruit and Flax Smoothie
For those of you that receive my newsletter, this Fruit and Flax Smoothie is old news.  This is the smoothie that was the featured this June as the recipe of the month. (what can I say, I've been a busy girl... notice there were no new videos this month??  Let's just say I've fallen a little behind schedule, but I promise... they will be back;)).

Salmon and Dill Frittata

Salmon and Dill Frittata

Never underestimate an egg.  Really.  They are so darn versatile!  I've become a big fan of eggs for dinner so when I was at my Yoga class last week and my favorite yoga teacher (Amy) in the whole world told me that she made my leek and potato tortilla (which is not posted) with the addition of smoked salmon I was not only flattered but I couldn't wait to get into the kitchen and give it a try!

Asparagus and Herb Omelet - Video

Asparagus and Herb Omelet - Video
Food is simple AND cooking is simple.   It's that simple.

Of all of the cooking classes I have attended, all the cook books I have read, and all the cooking shows I've watched, there is one on going fact that seems to be repeated:  Keep it Simple!

Quinoa with Oranges and Yogurt

Quinoa with Oranges and Yogurt

Here's another great way to sneak some Quinoa into your diet... top it with some fruit and yogurt.

Once again guys, this is a meal you could make a million different ways!

Butternut Squash and Quinoa Frittata

Butternut Squash and Quinoa Frittata

Mmmmm, mmmm, mmmm am I loving Quinoa!! I made a big bucket of it over the weekend and have been throwing it in to just about everything all week long. 

When I saw this recipe over at Anticiplate,  I just knew I was gonna have to give it a go.   

Quick-Quinoa Breakfast

Quick-Quinoa Breakfast

New Quinoa recipe number two... Quinoa Porridge!

I've made this recipe a few times in the past but was recently reminded of it when I saw this post over at Closet Cooking (I love that site, Kevin is always trying something new).

Quinoa Raisin Muffins

Quinoa Raisin Muffins

Batters up!  Here is my first new recipe using Quinoa this month.  I must say, quinoa is one of those ingredients that just has my wheels spinning... there are so many things you can do with it.

For some reason my mind keeps going toward sweets like muffins, cookies, and puddings but don't worry, I'm determined to get some savory dishes in there as well.  As a matter of fact, I'm thinking about making a Butternut Squash and Quinoa Frittata for dinner tonight... I'll keep you guys posted.

Clean and Simple Egg White "Omlette"

Clean and Simple Egg White

So this one isn't so much a recipe as it is an idea. 

Really you can use any veggies or any cheese that you have hanging out in the fridge, it's is less about the details and more about the big picture.

Spinach Scramble - Video

Spinach Scramble - Video

*updated from the archives.

As you may know, I am a big fan of "whole foods" and I think that whole eggs are a perfectly delicious and nutritious food.  I love adding them to just about anything; breakfast, lunch, or dinner. But anytime I am trying to pull back on my calorie intake a bit without pulling back on flavor, I skip the yolks and stick to the whites

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Chocolate and Peanut Butter Oatmeal

Here's another simple and d'lishes way to whip up some oatmeal for breakfast.  Remember, I almost always make my oatmeal ahead of time,  so all I  have to do is reheat it with some yummy "add-in's" come breakfast.

"Pear Cobbler" Oatmeal

What's a Jersey girl to do on Christmas Eve Day when the temperature is about to reach 75 degrees here in Southern California?

Why, make a breakfast that would hit the spot in the middle of a snowstorm, of course!  I mean, c'mon... how else am I gonna make it feel like Christmas??

Steel Cut Oats

Steel Cut Oats

Okay, so this isn't exactly a recipe, it's more of a strategy that I use to be sure that I have time for a nutritious breakfast.

Eggs-on-Quick Veggie Brown Rice

Eggs-on-Quick Veggie Brown Rice

I just had to show you another way I like to eat the Veggie Brown Rice. 

I'm telling you guys, ya throw an egg on top of just about anything and you've got yourself a meal.  I usually have this for breakfast but it would definetely work for lunch or even a light dinner. 

Banana Oat Muffins

Banana Oat Muffins

What can I say... the cool, crisp air really gets me in the mood for baking!  I have to be careful though, because unlike so many talented bakers out there, I have a hard time keeping my fingers out of the batter OR resisting anything that is fresh baked out the oven!

Quick-No-Cook Breakfast

Quick-No-Cook Breakfast

"Breakfast is the most important meal of the day!

How many times have we all heard this? 

Maybe there's something to it...