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Vanilla Cranberry Protein Energy Balls

I love creating nourishing snacks that are both delicious and supportive of your health. These Vanilla Cranberry Energy Balls are the perfect no-bake treat—packed with wholesome ingredients, protein, and optional nutrient-rich boosters. They’re naturally gluten-free, portable, and a wonderful pick-me-up during the day.

Why You’ll Love These Energy Balls

Naturally sweetened with Medjool dates—no refined sugar needed.
Protein-powered with a boost of vanilla protein powder.
Nutrient-dense when you add flax, chia, or hemp seeds.
Kid-approved thanks to the mini chocolate chips and chewy cranberries.
Quick & Easy—no baking required and ready in under 15 minutes.

Ingredients

1 cup pitted Medjool dates (about 10–12, soaked in warm water if dry)
2 tablespoons ghee, room temperature
? cup vanilla protein powder (Use a clean brand like Shaklee’s Vanilla Life Shake Protein Powder or Paleo Valley Vanilla Bone Broth Protein Powder)
? teaspoon sea salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 tablespoons fruit juice–sweetened dried cranberries, chopped
2 tablespoons mini chocolate chips (dairy-free if needed)
? teaspoon cinnamon

Optional Boosters:

1 tablespoon ground flaxseed
1 tablespoon chia seeds or hemp seeds

Instructions

In a food processor, pulse the dates until they form a sticky paste.
Add ghee, protein powder, sea salt, vanilla extract, and cinnamon. Process until well combined.
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and stir in chopped cranberries and mini chocolate chips. Add any optional boosters at this stage.
Roll into 12–14 balls (about 1 tablespoon each).
Place in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to firm up.

Storage

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for up to three months.

These energy balls are a fun way to satisfy your sweet tooth while giving your body nutrients it needs to thrive. They’re perfect for an afternoon snack, a pre-workout bite, or even dessert. I’ve been keeping a batch in my fridge lately, and they never last long!

Have you made your own energy balls before? What flavor combinations are your favorite?

Bold, Gut-Friendly Flavor: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free Tandoori Chicken

If you’re craving something warm, spicy, and satisfying—but need to keep it both gluten-free and dairy-free—this Tandoori Chicken is exactly what your meal rotation needs.

Made with a creamy unsweetened coconut yogurt marinade, warming anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric and ginger, and juicy bone-in chicken thighs, this dish is packed with bold flavor and nourishing ingredients. Perfect for summer grilling or year-round roasting, this version skips the dairy without compromising on richness and depth.

? Why I Love This Recipe

As someone who’s committed to clean, nutrient-dense meals that work with my gut—not against it—this Tandoori Chicken checks all the boxes:

Naturally gluten-free & dairy-free
Rich in anti-inflammatory spices
Gut-friendly and hormone-supportive
Easy to meal prep or double for a crowd
Versatile: bake, grill, or air fry

? Ingredients

2 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (skin on or off, your choice)
1? cups unsweetened coconut yogurt
? cup fresh lemon juice
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
6 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp ground ginger
2 tsp ground cumin
1 tbsp ground fennel
2 tsp smoked paprika
1 tbsp ground turmeric
? tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
2 tsp sea salt
? tsp white pepper

? How to Make It

1. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl, combine the coconut yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and all of the spices. Whisk well until smooth.

2. Marinate the Chicken
Add chicken thighs to the bowl and coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, but ideally overnight to let the flavors soak in.

3. Cook Your Way

Oven method (my go-to): Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment. Arrange the marinated chicken in a single layer and bake for 35–40 minutes, or until the skin is crisp and the meat is cooked through.
Grill: Preheat to medium-high and grill for 6–8 minutes per side. The photo shows my bone in chicken thighs cooked on our Blackstone grill.
Air fryer: Cook at 375°F for 20–22 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. Finish and Serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh cilantro if desired and serve with lime wedges. Pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice, white or brown rice, grilled veggies, or a crisp cucumber salad.

? Nutrition Note

This recipe is packed with powerful spices that support digestion, reduce inflammation, and help regulate blood sugar. Turmeric and ginger in particular are two of my favorite go-to’s for overall wellness and hormone balance.

Don’t forget to tag me on Instagram if you make this—I love seeing how you recreate chichua style recipes in your own kitchen! ? Let’s Connect!

I share a mix of healthy recipes, clean beauty tips, and handmade projects from my studio.
Follow me @SewGlowEatWell for a peek into what I’m cooking, crafting, and creating.

? Save It for Later:

“Bold & Gut-Friendly: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free Tandoori Chicken”
A perfect meal prep star or crowd-pleaser—pin it, share it, make it again and again.

Delicious Green Energy Bites Recipe

I’m so glad you’re here! As many of you know, I’m a Certified Health Coach, and I’m passionate about creating recipes that help people feel their best. Recently, I’ve been incorporating Shaklee’s skincare and supplements into my daily routine after thoroughly researching the cleanest and safest brands on the market. After using their products for several months, I decided to become a Shaklee Wellness Advocate. My goal is to support you in feeling your best at any age with clean, science-backed nutrition and skincare. ?

This February, I’m dreaming of spring! But let’s be honest: winter can leave us feeling a little sluggish, especially towards the end. That’s why I’m excited to share a new recipe to keep your energy up and help you sneak more greens into your day—all while treating your taste buds!

These Green Energy Bites are a simple, delicious way to boost your energy while sneaking in a serving of greens. They’re perfect for picky eaters because you can’t even taste the greens! For a kid-friendly version, I recommend using peanut butter and honey. My kids say they taste like no-bake cookies, which is a win in my book.

One of the key ingredients in this recipe is Shaklee’s Organic Greens Booster. I’ve been using greens powder for over a decade, and finding an organic option is so important because greens are highly concentrated and you don’t want anything but greens in there. Shaklee tests their products for heavy metals and other contaminants and has the highest of safety standards. Just one scoop of this booster equals a full cup of raw, organic vegetables—a mix of kale, spinach, and broccoli sprouts. It contains no artificial flavors, sweeteners, or colors, and it’s gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, and kosher.

Green Energy Bites

1 scoop Shaklee Organic Greens Booster

1 Cup Rolled Oats

1/2 Cup Nut Butter (Peanut, Almond, or Cashew)

1/4 Cup of Honey or Maple Syrup

1/2 Cup of Very Finely Chopped Nuts (pecans, walnuts, peanuts) (I’ve been using this mini express chopper for years and LOVE it)

1/4 Cup of Mini Dark Chocolate Chips (I use Enjoy Life brand)

1/2 tsp. Vanilla

1 pinch of salt

1 to 2 tablespoons of water if needed for consistency. Only if it’s not coming together.

Instructions:

Preheat your oven to 325 degrees F. Grind your nuts in a mini food processor or chop them very finely. Stir together the oats and finely chopped nuts on a rimmed baking sheet, and toast in the oven for 7 minutes.

In a mixing bowl, stir together the peanut butter and runny warm honey (I used honey and warmed it in the microwave a few seconds until warm and runny) or maple syrup. Combine all the rest of the ingredients except mini chocolate chips. Stir until well mixed.

Using a tablespoon cookie scoop, form the balls into round balls, then drop them in the mini chocolate chips and coat them lightly. Place on a tray and refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm up.
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

These bites are perfect for an on-the-go snack, pre-workout fuel, or a healthy sweet treat!

Makes 14

Here’s a wellness tip and a little treat just for you: Did you know that adding collagen to your morning routine can support healthy skin, hair, and joints? It’s one of my favorite easy upgrades! This month, Shaklee is offering 15% off when you invest in your health and purchase three select nutrition products of your choice using the code HEALTHY15. This includes the Organic Greens Booster featured in today’s recipe and the Collagen 9.

Why I Love This Recipe:

Quick and easy to make
Packed with clean, plant-based nutrition
Kid-approved

What’s Your Wellness Goal?
I’d love to hear from you—what’s your top wellness goal right now? Reply and let me know! ?

Thank you for letting me share this journey with you. I hope you love these Green Energy Bites as much as my family does. Here’s to feeling our best, no matter the season! ?

Chocolate Truffle Cookies Dusted with Cocoa Powder, Gluten Free and Decadent

The smell of a rich chocolate cookie baking in the oven is delightful. Pull them out, and let them cool, then sprinkle them with more high fat cocoa powder like my favorite Droste Cocoa Powder. After they cool, and you have dusted them with more heavenly cocoa powder, curl up on the sofa with a hot steamy cup of strong coffee, a couple of these cookies and a good book, and indulge in these buttery, cookie treats. Make sure you have a napkin, because you will be licking cocoa powder off your lips, and it may get on your book without one! ? You are sure to get a surge of joy, because chocolate is known for positively impacting mood, specifically dark chocolate with high cocoa content. This is due to the flavonoids and theobromine, which can stimulate the release of endorphins (feel-good chemicals) in the brain. I don’t know if being female makes me love it even more, but I don’t understand how you couldn’t like chocolate. Don’t forget the cozy throw or quilt! I have my own built in water bottle in the form of my delightfully fluffy pug, Ming.

I have made these cookies on repeat, because they are so good and lower in sugar, without sacrificing flavor. The butter to flour ratio is perfection, and they are reminiscent of a decadent, rich chocolate dark chocolate truffle.

Winter is here in breathtaking Northern Michigan. I am delighted to say that the ski hills have opened in November this year, which hasn’t happened in a while because of warmer winters. There is plenty of powder and ski resorts to choose from. I expect the lake to freeze this year, due to the more seasonal weather we are having so far. Last year was a very mild winter and also very dry. This is a photo of my morning walk around the lake. I like to get outside and walk year round as long as the weather permits.

**First Snow of the Winter, Up North Michigan**

I think I may get a set of snow shoes to try out too. They have come a long way since I’ve last went snow shoeing. They are much smaller and easy to manage. Any advice on how to choose a pair? Coming in after a snowy adventure is a good time for cookies and a warm beverage!

Here is the recipe for my cookies:

Chocolate Truffle Cookies Dusted with Cocoa Powder, Gluten Free and Decadent

2 Cups of Measure for Measure Gluten Free Flour Blend

2 Sticks of Unsalted Butter

1/4 Cup of good quality cocoa powder with higher fat content (I use this.)

1/4 Teaspoon of Salt

1/2 Cup of Maple Sugar

1 Teaspoon of Quality Vanilla Extract

Directions: In a stand mixer or using a hand mixer with a large bowl, beat your butter, sugar and salt together for two minutes until light and fluffy. Add in your vanilla extract, and then in a separate bowl whisk your flour and 1/4 cup of cocoa powder together before adding it to the butter mixture. Mix on low speed until incorporated to prevent a flour mess, and then turn to high just until completely blended. Lay out a parchment lined cookie sheet, and using a tablespoon cookie scoop, scoop the cookies into balls on the cookie sheet. Now, pick up each scoop of dough, and roll it into a nicely shaped ball. Place the cookie sheet in the refrigerator for half of an hour. Meanwhile, preheat your oven to 325 degrees.

After the cookie dough has chilled, bake the cookies in your preheated oven two inches apart on two separate cookie sheets for 20 minutes. Remove the cookies from the oven, and cool completely. Then, dust them with more cocoa powder like shown below before eating.

Enjoy! This makes about 2 dozen cookies.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Tahini Truffle Cups You’ll Love

**Chocolate Tahini Truffle Cups in Hedgehog Dish**

When September comes rolling around, I often find myself craving rich, indulgent treats, especially sweets that remind me of decadent chocolate truffles. I like to think I manage to behave pretty well around sweets. A big part of that self-control comes from my experience with food sensitivities—I’ve learned to be mindful, or else I pay the price later with feeling less than my best. After eliminating the troublesome culprits and getting serious about relearning what works for my body, I began healing my leaky gut. Through lab and genetic testing, I discovered my gluten intolerance. Since then, I’ve been able to reintroduce nearly all food groups—except for gluten. We constantly hear—and deep down, we all know—that too much sugar isn’t doing us any favors. But complete deprivation? That’s not an option for me. These two-bite chocolate cups are the perfect solution when those sweet, chocolatey cravings hit—they satisfy my sweet tooth without overindulging.

Keep these delicious, creamy, nutty tasting, melt in your mouth chocolate cups in your freezer. Enjoy Life chocolate chips are my go to since they are so allergen friendly and excellent quality.

Can we talk cute woodland creatures for a minute? Isn’t this the cutest hedgehog dish? I am obsessed with cute hedgehogs and other woodland creature home decor. It’s so cozy, and bringing the nature theme indoors is so relaxing. These hedgehog dishes are so playful. I love their delicate little faces. I was gifted a set of four of these nesting hedgehogs. I love using them for company!

Chocolate Tahini Truffle Cups

1/2 Cup of Tahini (I used this kind)

1 Cup of Chocolate Chips (you can use dark chocolate chips or semi-sweet)

You will need a mini muffin cup pan and approximately 20 mini muffin cup paper liners.

This recipe is Super Easy and much better for you than a store bought nut butter cup! In a double broiler, melt the Tahini and Chocolate Chips together, whisking until all the chocolate is melted. Using a teaspoon cookie scoop or spoons, evenly fill the muffin cup liners about two thirds full. Place the pan in your freezer. These will be solid in about 30 minutes. After they are firm, you can store your Chocolate Tahini Truffle Cups in an airtight container in the freezer. These yummy cups are a great little pick me up! Speaking of pick me ups, self care is huge for well being. When we get busy, run down or overloaded, it can be a recipe for disaster….(pun intended).

Many of you remember Perfectly Posh! Well, this pampering company is back in a BIG way! I couldn’t be happier to have all their natural based, quality bath, body and skincare products back in my life! It’s like a dream come true for many who these products were their go to favorites. They were a big part in reminding me to slow down and take time for self care. They have the best quality products at really good price points. I have a link to them at the top bar of my homepage. They don’t include nasty additives and ingredients, just good clean fun, and you can find a lot of the products rated in EWG Skin Deep! I am a Posh Advocate and am sharing my love of helping people through all areas of well being, in addition to healthy recipes. Perfectly Posh is the absolute BEST pampering company that has amazing products for self?care and pampering! We can’t be there for others until we are there for ourselves first. Self Care is not a luxury, not a nice to have. It’s necessary. Self care is an essential daily practice that reminds us that we are alive and that we matter. Every person matters and deserves self care. It’s true you can’t pour from an empty cup, and it’s not just for girly girls. If you shower, Posh is for you! This includes the guys in your life.

**Perfectly Posh Because You Deserve Self Care! We All Deserve to be Pampered.**

You can find all their products here. I also have started a sample of the month club for free. Each month I send you a fun sample! But, you need to opt in by filling out this form for me.

Have a wonderful day! I hope you make and enjoy this new recipe! I’d love to hear from you in the comments!

Sam

Easy Compounded Fresh Basil Garlic Butter

Basil is an amazing herb. It is like sunshine in a plant, the flavor of it is beautiful and mild enough to eat the leaves tossed in a salad. It is my favorite fresh herb. I have a very large plant that keeps giving and giving, and it is more difficult to find after summer in large bunches. You can’t do a whole lot with a little plastic container that you find at the grocery store. I start craving fresh basil mid-winter after the crunchy autumn maple and oak leaves are covered by white snow, and my fresh basil has long been killed by frost. Up here in Northern Michigan that is about January.

I like to go to my local food coop to find large bunches when it’s too cold to grow it outdoors myself so I can make and freeze pesto. I also have grown it indoors in the wintertime with an Aerogarden Hydroponic System that is tabletop sized. This year, I have been making a compound butter with my fresh basil and freezing it into tablespoon sized cubes to keep the fresh basil flavors going in my kitchen long after Summer is gone.

Here is my easy and incredibly delicious recipe to add pops of flavor to vegetables, proteins like steak, eggs, and meatballs, pasta, and breads. I like to use this butter 50/50 with a drizzle of olive oil and a pat of this compounded butter over steamed vegetables. Try it with steamed Brussels sprouts! It’s delicious. For even more salty savory flavor, grate some fresh Parmesan over them too. Top a steak cooked on a Blackstone grill with this butter for a restaurant quality T-Bone or New York Strip. A cast iron pan stove top to oven works well also. I also like to use it for spiralized zoodles, and add it to halved baked squash fresh from the oven with a drizzle of honey. It’s excellent on beets, broccoli, carrots and potatoes. Here is my recipe:

Easy Compounded Fresh Basil Garlic Butter

2 Cups of Fresh Basil Leaves

1 Pound of high fat butter like Plugra or Kerrygold (cubed) You can use salted or unsalted.

2 Tablespoons of Garlic Infused Olive Oil

1 Teaspoon of Salt

In a food processor, add the fresh basil leaves and pulse until they are finely chopped. When the basil has been finely chopped, add in the remaining ingredients, and pulse in your food processor until it is blended and incorporated. You will have to stop the processor and scrape down the sides a couple of times. Lay out a parchment lined baking sheet and scrape your compounded basil garlic butter onto the sheet. Using an offset spatula, form the butter into a square block, and place it in the freezer overnight. The next day lay the frozen butter onto a cutting board and cut into 32 squares. Place your butter pats into a zipped freezer bag or sealed container, and keep them in the freezer. Use as needed!

**Basil Garlic Compounded Butter on Gluten Free Bread Ready to Broil**

Let me know how you like to use this butter. I’d also love to hear what your favorite fresh herb is and how you use it.

Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce: A Versatile and Delicious Recipe

Hello! Can you believe how fast Summer went by? We still have plenty of gorgeous weather coming our way in September, and my tomato plants are producing like they are on steroids. I made the most delicious spaghetti sauce with them, and I wanted to share the recipe, because it is incredibly delicious, and a great way to take advantage of all the benefits tomatoes offer and use the bounty of fresh tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes are delicious, but when you are growing them, they are quite a bit like zucchini in their abundance when they start ripening. I don’t like to waste food, and the tomatoes need a good recipe. Now I’m a girl who loves a yummy sauce not just for pasta and spaghetti, this sauce is so good over vegetables, lentils, polenta, zoodles, and more. I have two options for you too. You can make it meatless, or as a last step in the recipe, you can add ground pork, sausage, beef, chicken or turkey.

Fresh Tomato Spaghetti Sauce: A Versatile and Delicious Recipe

In this recipe I removed the skins from the tomatoes, but left the seeds. I have a variety of tomatoes, and you use what you have. If you don’t grow your own garden, you can get fresh tomatoes at a local farmers market and produce stands. Trust me, it’s worth it.

I’d love to hear what fresh produce you have enjoyed most over the last few months in the comments. It has been a very busy season here, and the Summer was wonderful and fleeting. I tried to soak up as much outdoor activities and sunshine as possible. My son got married in August, and I had the pleasure of being in the company of my grandchildren quite a bit while they were off school. This included taking my granddaughter to swim lessons at the lake two days a week in the mornings. and taking all three of them boating and swimming. We’ve had lots of beach time and backyard BBQ’s, and I’m not quite ready to give it up! I will also be sharing this month another new recipe for a compounded butter using fresh basil that is a smart time saver that bumps up the zing factor. It is freezable into tablespoon pats! A delicious flavor boost!

So, enough gabbing, here is my recipe for Spaghetti Sauce using fresh tomatoes! But first here’s a photo of the sauce adding a combination of ground pork and beef. The hands on time for this sauce is about 45 minutes. It simmers for a few hours, and you just need to stir it a few times.

Spaghetti Sauce Using Fresh Tomatoes

Ingredients:

3 Pounds of Fresh Tomatoes

5 Cloves of Garlic (Peeled and Smashed) Low FodMap Option substitute 3 Tablespoons of Garlic Infused Olive Oil)

2 Tablespoons of Olive Oil (if you are making Low FodMap, this would be part of the garlic oil above.)

8 Ounces of Tomato Paste (I like this organic brand.)

4 Cups of Water

1 Tablespoon of Dried Parsley

1 Tablespoon of Dried Oregano

1 Teaspoon of Dried Basil

1 Bay Leaf

2 Teaspoons of Salt of Choice (I used Himalayan Pink Salt here. I like that you get trace minerals in this salt)

Ground Pepper to taste.

To begin this recipe we need peeled tomatoes. It is very easy to do with a pot of boiling water. The skins slip right off after plunging them in the water for 3 minutes. Bring a large stock pot up to a rolling boil. Add a tablespoon of salt. Now, carefully add half of your tomatoes into the boiling water and set a timer for 3 minutes (Alexa is my best friend). After the time is up, remove the tomatoes to a bowl with a mesh strainer and cool slightly. Meanwhile, add the remaining tomatoes to the boiling pot and set a timer. When the tomatoes are cool enough to handle, slip off the skins using a knife when necessary for the little bits that stick and remove the core. Slice the tomatoes in half. There is not a lot of chopping here. They will deconstruct with the cooking….easy! After all the tomatoes are peeled and halved. Prepare a large saucepan (I love my Martha Stewart Red Dutch Oven. It is heavy and built for a long simmer.)

Add the olive oil to the Dutch oven, and turn the burner on medium high. Peel and smash your garlic cloves. Leave them whole. They will infuse the sauce as it simmers. Add them to the just hot oil and cook until they are fragrant, about one minute. Now, add in your prepared tomatoes and the rest of the ingredients, including the tomato paste and 4 cups of water. Bring the sauce to a boil, then turn it to a low simmer and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 1/2 hours. When the sauce is getting to be a nice thick consistency, it is ready. Taste it for salt and pepper. If you want to add ground meat, now is the time to saute your meat of choice and add it to the sauce. It is ready to serve over anything you want. It is so delicious! Enjoy. It’s a very good thing!

Delicious Gluten Free Cherry Cheesecake Recipe with Lactose Free Cream Cheese

**Delicious Gluten Free Cherry Cheesecake with Lactose Free Cream Cheese**

Cheesecake. It is a much loved dessert here in America. There are so many variations of cheesecake and toppings. My sister had a gorgeous display of cheesecakes at her wedding when she was married. Of all the kinds of cheesecakes, I think cherry is still the most classic! So, having said that, I have an absolutely delicious gluten free cheesecake recipe for you today using lactose free cream cheese and Greek yogurt with those sensitive to dairy in mind. I made this cheesecake for a Summer picnic recently, and it was a big hit. My mother used to make the most delicious cherry cheesecake when I was a child, and although this is a different recipe, it is light and creamy like the ones I remembered eating as a young girl. One of the reasons I like this recipe so much is it is light and not overly rich. It is super creamy with just the right amount of graham cracker crust. I used frozen sweet cherries to make the topping, and the consistency to spoon on top of the cheesecake was just right. I find that using frozen cherries versus canned gives a much better flavor and texture. I also like that the bake time is quick with very little chance of the top cracking.

In this recipe, I used an 8 inch springform pan, and it serves 8 to 10 people. Let’s make a cheesecake!

Gluten Free Cherry Cheesecake

For the Crust:

1 1/2 Cups of Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crumbs (I used Pamela’s Graham Crackers and made crumbs in my food processor. You could also use a zipper bag and a rolling pin to crush them.) Pre-made Gluten Free Graham Cracker Crumbs works as well.

1/4 Cup of Sugar

6 Tablespoons of Melted Butter

Filling:

2 – 8 ounce tubs of lactose free cream cheese (I used Green Valley from my local grocery store)

2 Large Eggs at room temperature

1/2 Cup of Sugar

1 Teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract

Greek Yogurt Topping:

1 Cup of Plain Greek Yogurt

1/4 Cup of Sugar

1 Teaspoon of Pure Vanilla Extract

Sweet Cherry Topping:

14 Ounces of Frozen Sweet Cherries

1/2 Cup of Sugar

2 Tablespoons of Cornstarch dissolved in 2 Tablespoons of Water

1 Tablespoon of Lemon Juice

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 375 degrees F.

Mix your graham cracker crumb ingredients, and press it in the bottom and up the sides of the pan firmly. Set aside.

Now you’ll make the filling. Beat your cream cheese together with the sugar, eggs and vanilla in a medium bowl with electric beaters. Pour the filling into your graham cracker crust. Wrap the bottom of your springform pan with foil, and put it on a rimmed cookie sheet in case of any butter leakage. Bake for 20 minutes.

Remove the cheesecake from the oven, and let it rest for 15 minutes. Meanwhile, turn your oven up to 450 degrees F.

Now we will make the Greek yogurt topping while the cheesecake is cooling, this is the final baking step! While your cheesecake is cooling for 15 minutes, beat together the Greek yogurt topping ingredients, and spread it evenly over the top of the cheesecake. Bake at 450 degrees F. for just 10 minutes. Remove it from the oven, and cool at room temperature. Then, cover and chill in your refrigerator overnight or for 12 hours.

After it has chilled, you are ready for the last step, the cherry topping!

In a medium saucepan, cook the frozen cherries and sugar together until the sugar melts and the cherries thaw and start releasing their juices, stirring slowly and constantly over medium heat. Whisk the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl. Bring the cherry and sugar mixture to a boil and slowly whisk in the cornstarch. Cook until nicely thickened. Last of all, stir in the lemon juice and cook another 30 seconds or until it’s a nice, loose, jammy consistency. Remove from the heat, and cool for ten minutes, stirring occasionally. Spread the cherry topping evenly over the cheesecake with the back of a spoon, and chill for several hours until ready to serve. Remove the ring from the springform pan before serving and place it on a serving tray. This is really pretty on a fancy pedestal serving tray for company! I like to cut the cheesecake with a sharp knife run under hot water for clean slices, wiping the knife in between pieces. It’s so good! Also, if you like blueberries, frozen blueberries would work equally well in this recipe, so feel free to substitute. You could also use regular cream cheese if you are not sensitive to dairy.

I’d love to hear from you in the comments. Also, if you make this recipe, please leave me a review. Thank you! Sam

BBQ Shredded Pork and Tater Tot Casserole

I have been obsessing a bit lately on how easy a tater tot casserole is to put together and the endless possibilities. It seems tater tots delight the young and old alike based on how my family’s eyes light up when I put this one on the table. A BBQ pork tater tot casserole is a delicious and comforting dish that combines the savory flavors of barbecue pork with the crispy texture of tater tots, all baked together in a casserole.

Who doesn’t like shredded barbecued pork? The BBQ sauce adds a sweet and tangy flavor that complements the savory pork. There is also a layer of creamy refried beans before the tater tots, and it’s all topped with good aged cheddar cheese and takes only 30 minutes to bake in the oven. The contrast between the crispy tater tots and the creamy cheese makes for a satisfying texture. Another bonus is this can be made ahead and also frozen in advance. If you are looking for time saving tips, I recommend making two and freezing one for a night when you don’t have time or are too tired to cook. I’m raising my hand here. ?

BBQ Shredded Pork and Tater Tot Casserole

Ingredients:

1 Cooked Pork Roast, Shredded

Favorite BBQ Sauce (I used my recipe here)

10 ounces of Refried Beans (I used Thrive’s Refried Pinto Beans)

1 Cup of Chopped Green Onion

Two Tablespoons of Capers

Two Large Jarred Roasted Red Peppers (I used Thrive Market Organic) Diced

1 Bag of Tater Tots

10 Ounces of Shredded Aged Cheddar

Directions:

Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F. Grease a 9 x 13 glass casserole dish. Toss together the shredded pork and barbecue sauce adding enough sauce to make a nice saucy, juicy mixture.

Stir the refried beans in a bowl with a fork to loosen them up. If they are not spreadable, warm them in the microwave for one minute. Then, spread a layer of refried beans evenly over the shredded pork. Sprinkle the tangy salty capers evenly over the beans and 3/4 cup of sliced scallions.

Now, dump the frozen tater tots on top of the beans, and spread them out evenly. Top with the diced roasted red peppers, then the shredded cheddar. Bake in your preheated oven for 30 minutes. Then, when the tater tots are golden brown and the casserole is bubbly, remove it from the oven and sprinkle it with the remaining sliced green onions.

Serve! You can provide additional toppings like hot sauces and ranch. Tip: Add jalape?os or use a spicy BBQ sauce for some heat. Serve with a fresh salad, coleslaw, or roasted vegetables.

This casserole is great for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings. It’s easy to prepare in advance and can be a crowd-pleaser due to its hearty and flavorful nature.

A BBQ pork tater tot casserole is a versatile and enjoyable dish that brings together familiar flavors in a comforting and satisfying way.

Happy eating!

Sam

Nourishing Winter Mediterranean Quinoa Bowls with Lemon Vinaigrette, A Symphony of Flavors

There is something about winter where our bodies intuitively crave colorful, fresh food, or is it just me? This Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl has hearty, warming quinoa and an array of colorful, flavorful fresh food and textures that will nourish you! From creamy avocado, to crunchy peppers and omega rich hemp seeds, it will make you feel satisfied and is bursting with flavor.

Winter cravings often whisper the desire for warmth and color on our plates. If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for a burst of freshness amid the chilly season, you’re not alone. Embrace the winter palette with this vibrant Mediterranean Quinoa Bowl — a symphony of hearty quinoa, succulent chicken, and an orchestra of colorful, nutrient-packed ingredients.

Picture this: a bowl brimming with fluffy quinoa, perfectly cooked chicken tenderloins, and an array of vibrant vegetables dancing in a melody of textures. From the creamy embrace of avocado to the crisp crunch of bell peppers, each bite is a celebration of flavors. As you savor the omega-rich hemp seeds, the bowl transforms into a winter feast that satisfies both the body and the soul.

Quinoa adds a comforting, healthy base to your colorful masterpiece.

Juicy chicken tenderloins are protein packed to elevate your bowl.

Creamy avocado adds a luscious richness that complements the other textures and adds healthy fat.

Bell Peppers, Cucumber, Shredded Carrot: A trio of colors and crunch, these vegetables bring freshness and vibrancy to every spoonful.

Hemp Hearts: A sprinkle of omega-rich goodness, adding a delightful nuttiness to your bowl.

Red Cabbage: Vibrant and crunchy, red cabbage not only adds color but also a boost of antioxidants.

Green Onion, Fresh Cilantro or Parsley: These herbs provide a refreshing aroma and a burst of flavor, enhancing the overall experience.

Here’s the ingredients to put together your bowls. You can have these all on hand and pre-prepared in your kitchen and refrigerator to grab and assemble quickly.

Ingredients:

Cooked Quinoa, I used sprouted and cooked mine in a small rice cooker

Cooked Chicken Tenderloins, I baked mine with olive oil, a little Djon mustard, salt and pepper whisked and brushed over them.

Avocado, sliced

Bell Peppers, chopped….any color you like

Cucumber, sliced

Shredded Carrot

Hemp Hearts (I like these)

Red Cabbage, shredded or chopped

Green Onion, sliced

Fresh Cilantro or Parsley

Lemon Vinaigrette:

3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1 clove garlic, minced
1 teaspoon maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, and maple syrup.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Assemble your bowls by placing a scoop of cooked quinoa in the center of the bowl and building the rest of the ingredients around it. Finally sprinkle with fresh herbs, hemp hearts and drizzle with the vinaigrette.

Let me know if you made this in the comments. I always love to hear from you!