Dani's Corner

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

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Turkey and Zucchini Skillet - Video

Turkey and Zucchini Skillet - Video
Okay, so I've been fairly addicted to these "skillet" meals lately, but I'm telling you, once you make one you'll see why!!  It's just one of the easiest ways to get good food on the table fast and this Turkey and Zucchini Skillet video will show you just what I mean.

Soy and Rosemary Marinated Tuna

Soy and Rosemary Marinated Tuna
I'm happy to say that frozen fish, like tuna and salmon have become a new staple in my kitchen!  Let me explain...

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;)).

Trader Joe's Bacon Wrapped Turkey Mignons

Trader Joe's Bacon Wrapped Turkey Mignons

Yep.  You read it right.  Bacon Wrapped Turkey Mignons from Trader Joe's

Hello easy.  Hello D'lishes.

How-To Steam (Chicken and Veggies) - Video

How-To Steam (Chicken and Veggies) - Video

For those of you really trying to incorporate more QUICK and HEALTHY meals into your diet you have to play in the world of steaming. 

Simply Grilled Asparagus

Simply Grilled Asparagus

Grilling is one of my favorite ways to enjoy asparagus As a matter of fact as the weather gets warmer I like grilled just about anything!

This is a very simple way to cook asparagus and it's quick too.  Try serving it with a squish of fresh lemon or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar when it's done cooking.  Enjoy!

Banana Boat

Banana Boat
Oh, where to begin?!  This is simplicity at it's best!!

Banana.  Peanut butter.  Cacao Nibs.  Goji Berries.  That's it!

Curry Coated Tilapia

Curry Coated Tilapia

Here is the fish that I served with my Napa Cabbage and Watercress Salad last week. 

I really liked the combination because while the fish was warm and spicy the salad was cool and crunchy!

Baked Salmon with Dill

Baked Salmon with Dill

Four words:  SO GOOD, SO EASY!

I'm telling you guys, if you are looking for quick, healthy, weeknight food you HAVE TO add some fish to the menu.  I topped some wild salmon with a teaspoon of olive oil, dill, and salt and pepper and twelve minutes later, it was done!  DONE!

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!

Broiled Sole w/ Sumac

Broiled Sole w/ Sumac

White fish (like Sole and Flounder) is one of the quickest dinners you can make.  You just sprinkle on a little seasoning, throw it under the broiler, and voila'... 3 minutes later dinner is served. 

I made this in a pinch the other night and served it with some Minty Pea Quinoa and steamed asparagusSo simple, so yummy and so nutritious!

South Beach "Teriyaki" Tuna

South Beach

A friend of mine gave me the "South Beach Diet" Cookbook a few years back.  She wasn't that into it and thought I might get some use out of it... she was right!

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.

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.

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

Baked Sweet Potato Fries

I think I've mentioned it before but that won't stop me from saying it again, "I love fries".  Love em'!

What's not to love? Seriously, you tell me because I can't think of one thing.  

I also love sweet potatoes (what can I say, I just love food)... so needless to say, these fries really do it for me; they're the best of both worlds.

Roasted Root Veggies

Roasted Root Veggies

Talk about a feel good food.  Roasted roots satisfy on so many different levels.  They are warm, sweet, salty, savory, hearty and so, so satisfying.  This is one dish where you think to your self, "Could something so simple and d'lishess really be SO good for me?"

And the answer is Yes!  Yes. Yes. Yes. And yes!

Quinoa

Quinoa

If you haven't tried Quinoa (pronounced keen-wa) I'd say, "now's the time".  It's clean, simple, and d'lishes (I know I'm a dork, but I couldn't resist).

Technically, Quinoa is a seed, but for all intents and purposes we'll keep things simple and group it with the grains.  And in the world of grains, it just doesn't get any easier than Quinoa.

So, So Simple Shrimp Tacos

So, So Simple Shrimp Tacos

As much as I would love to post a recipe that would hit the spot on a crisp Autumn day, it just ain't happenin'.  "Why?", you ask.  Simply because I've yet to have a crisp Autumn day.  Here in SoCal. we're still warm... not hot... but definitely warm.  We're talking mid-seventies. 

Cumin Scented White Beans

Cumin Scented White Beans

Yikes, I almost forgot... this is the Cumin Scented White Bean recipe that I promised!  I served them with my Simply Seared Tuna w/ Triple Herb Sauce. They literally take all of ten minutes to throw together!

5-Minute Chicken and Broccoli

5-Minute Chicken and Broccoli

One thing that I find to be a HUGE HELP when it comes to sticking to a healthy game plan during a busy week, is a little pre-preppin'.  Although I sometimes opt to spend the extra hours at the beach or lounging with some friends, I'm usually pretty good about "setting up my week". 

Simply Seared Tuna w/ Triple Herb Sauce

Simply Seared Tuna w/ Triple Herb Sauce
Yum to the yum to the yum, yum, yum!!! All I have to say is this Simply Seared Tuna w/ Triple Herb Sauce is SO GOOD AND SO EASY!!

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...

Strawberry-Mango Milkshake - Video

 Strawberry-Mango Milkshake - Video
I made this Strawberry-Mango Milkshake for breakfast yesterday and let me tell ya, I almost forgot how good it was!! And talk about easy...
So I pulled it out from the archives and decided to bring it back for another round! It's perfect for these hot summer days!

Kalyn's Zucchini & Sausage Kebabs - Video

Kalyn's Zucchini & Sausage Kebabs - Video
Is it just me, or does Summer making cooking oh so easy?!  Salads, salsas, and grilled foods are some of the easiest and tastiest ways to "cook" you're way through summer. 

This recipe was inspired by a blog that I often read, Kalyn's Kitchen. 

Food For Thought »

The Bottom Line on White Whole-Wheat Flour
Nov 13, 08 - Comment
Like many of you, I have become a big fan of the White Whole Wheat. 
This Is Gonna Be An Interesting Nine Months
Oct 31, 08 - 1 Comments
Ever notice how much easier it is to give advice to others compared to how
Seven Days and I'm Done!!
Oct 3, 08 - 2 Comments
Well guys, although I had big ambitions I’ve decided to call it quits after seven