Dani's Corner

Dani Spies is a Health & Food Coach and Fitness Trainer who enjoys finding simple, d'lishes ways to incorporate nutritious ingredients into an everyday kitchen. More about Dani »

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Simply Spinach (frozen) Soup

Simply Spinach (frozen) Soup
I am not a big "frozen food" person.  

It's not that I have anything against frozen foods (as a matter of fact I can see how they could be a lifesaver for many) I just rarely think to use them.  

Roasted Eggplant Couscous Salad

Roasted Eggplant Couscous Salad
I have no groceries in the house, I haven't cooked in about five days and I ate enough chocolate and drank enough "Skinny Girl Margaritas" over the weekend for each and every one of you!!

After a three day getaway to Palm Springs (first one since pre-Katie), this clean-eatin' Mama needs to get her rear in gear.

Broccoli and Chicken Quesadillas - Video

Broccoli and Chicken Quesadillas - Video
Pre-Baby = Dani makes fast, easy, nutritious meals.

Post-Baby = Dani makes faster, easier, nutritious meals.

And simply put, "Unless we're talking peanut butter and jelly...

Mango and Chickpea Brown Rice Salad

Mango and Chickpea Brown Rice Salad
Gotta love a quick meal that comes together with no plan... just a few random ingredients hanging around the kitchen and BAM...

How-To: "Kick-Up a Can of Soup" - Video

How-To:
Two things that hold true for me when it comes to food:

  • I do NOT skip meals (I don't think I've ever skipped a meal in my life AND I'll never understand people that "forget " to eat).
  • I do NOT compromise on flavor (this means even if I don't have time, am uninspired, or am in a rush - I ALWAYS manage to find a way to be sure that whatever I am eating tastes good! [I mean really... why eat a meal if it doesn't taste good?!]).

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....

Greek Style Salad

Greek Style Salad
During the summer months, I often make salad the main course for dinner at least once, if not twice, a week.  Not only is a light and refreshing option during the hotter weather but it also doesn't require me to turn on my stove (or do any actual cooking for that matter) which is a nice option when your husband REFUSES to turn on the air conditioning unless the temperature is ABOVE a hundred degrees and there is NO breeze (which never happens here in SO.Cal - so you can understand why I like no-cook options during the summer months!)

Asian Chicken Salad

Asian Chicken Salad
This is the salad that I have been ADDICTED to the past two weeks and am considering putting on the "Weekly Menu" for the third week in a row!

It's a simple spin off of a Chinese Chicken Salad and let me tell you...

Black Bean and Kale Topped Sweet Potatoes w/ Avocado Mash

Black Bean and Kale Topped Sweet Potatoes w/ Avocado Mash
Slight change of plans from the weekly menu plan!  Originally these were going to be Black Bean Tacos but I couldn't resist the big fat pre-cooked sweet potatoes sitting in my fridge!  So I took the same idea BUT swapped sweet potatoes for the taco shells and let me tell you...

Salmon Caesar Salad

Salmon Caesar Salad
Okay... WE DID IT! (I say we because it was 100% team work between me and my husband)!!  We pre-prepped a ton of veggies, some fruit, hard boiled eggs, sweet potatoes and steel cut oats yesterday and successfully pulled off our first pre-planned meal of the week!

Salmon Burgers - Video

Salmon Burgers - Video
Canned salmon is one of the most economical ways to incorporate wild salmon into your diet and these burgers are a great way to make one can of salmon go a long way!

Lentil Joe's

Lentil Joe's
I grew up eating the real-deal Sloppy Joe's (a.k.a. "Manwich")  and I'm not gonna lie... they were one of my favorites!  But as my eating habits shifted, Sloppy Joe's just kind of fell off the radar.

Liven Up Your Leftovers - Video

Liven Up Your Leftovers - Video
Who likes to eat the same old leftovers again and again?  Not me!

This video is all about ways to recreate your leftovers into a fresh new meal!  Here a few things you want to keep in mind:

Veggie Burger B.L.A.T

Veggie Burger B.L.A.T
Holy delicious sandwich!!

This is basically a Bacon, Lettuce, Avocado, and Tomato Sandwich stuffed with a Veggie Burger!

Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad

Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad
D'lishes and beautiful, I will definitely be making this Butternut Squash and Pomegranate Salad again!  I just love the idea of using the flesh of the squash in a salad, it just goes to show you just how darn versatile Butternut Squash really is.

Turkey and Avocado Super Sandwich

Turkey and Avocado Super Sandwich

What makes this Turkey and Avocado Sandwich so super you ask?!  Well other than the fact that it is absolutely d'lishes and super nutritious, it only takes about four minutes to make and requires only three ingredients... pretty super, huh?!

I mean, tell me you don't wanna just take a bite of this thing!?

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!

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!

Soba Noodle Salad w/ Mizuna

Soba Noodle Salad w/ Mizuna

Spring time is naturally a very cleansing time of year.  After a long, cold winter of heartier, heavier foods, Spring rolls in with its fresh, light flavors that are designed by nature to help clean us out and lighten us up a bit!

Leafy greens are the number one ingredient missing in the American diet which is why I've decided to focus on Spring Leafy Greens this month!
 

Israeli Couscous Salad w/ Asparagus and Feta

Israeli Couscous Salad w/ Asparagus and Feta

My initial plan was to make this salad using farro, but I couldn't get my hands on any so I turned to the cupboard for a convenient alternative.

I wanted to use a heartier grain or rice and thought Israeli couscous would do the job.  Couscous is really just another form of pasta (it's like really little pasta balls).  The only difference between Israeli couscous and regular couscous is the size. Israeli couscous is bigger and the size makes for a great texture (just be sure to cook your couscous like you would your pasta... al dente!).

Napa Cabbage and Watercress Salad

Napa Cabbage and Watercress Salad

Here's another quick recipe starring, "Cabbage"The cabbage with it's cool, crunchy self was perfecty paired with the tender, spicy watercress. I served this with some Curry Coated Tilapia (which I'll be posting soon) and I've gotta say, it was d'lishes!

Cabbage and Butter Bean Soup - Video

Cabbage and Butter Bean Soup - Video

I'm not really a winter girl. Although I love a good snow fall for the most part I'm not a huge fan of being cold... but with that being said, sometimes I like it. Which brings me to my point. If I had to choose one month that I most relate to it would have to be March.

Mexican Cabbage Soup

Mexican Cabbage Soup

Okay, so soup was not on my cabbage agenda this week. 

I was planning braised red cabbage with apples and goat cheese served with some type of protein; possibly experimenting with chicken or pork moo shu, and/or whipping up an asian style cabbage salad. 

What changed things you ask?

Salmon & Basil Quinoa Salad

Salmon & Basil Quinoa Salad

Can you believe February is just about over?!  Wow. Wow. Wow.  What can I say, time really does fly by when you're having fun!

So this will probably be my last Quinoa recipe of the month and I am hoping that you guys have at least given it a try by now.  I mean jeez, I've been eating this stuff all month and I haven't gotten sick of it yet... that's how good it is!  Not to mention, I haven't even made a dent in the quinoa recipes I would like to try!

Black Bean and Quinoa Pita Pockets - Video

Black Bean and Quinoa Pita Pockets - Video

Okay, so I got a little distracted with Valentine's Day (Chocolate Covered Strawberries can do that to me) but I haven't forgotten this months Food Focus... Quinoa!  

I've got more Quinoa recipes coming your way, starting with my Black Bean and Quinoa Pita Pockets

Food For Thought »

Busted! Frustrated... so I ate.
Feb 24, 10 - 3 Comments
So annoying but what can I do? Observe, learn and move forward, right?
What Kind of Eater Are You??
Feb 1, 10 - 4 Comments
I have to be honest, I've always been a bit of a fast eater BUT
Ask Dani - How Do You Come Up With Ideas?
Jan 13, 10 - 1 Comments
Hi Dani, I've been reading your blog for about a year now and I've never