Blackberry Cheesecake Tarts

If you haven't figured out by now, I have a bit of a sweet tooth that is just barely reigned in day after day (and on some days not at all).  Being health-conscious and having a sweet tooth is generally a tough juggling act.  Sort of like being a mini-version of Sybil, minus a few personalities.  I am of the opinion though that you should be able to have your dessert, and eat it too...without having to skip dinner for the privilege.  My recipe for blackberry goat cheese tarts, which I am oh so happy to share, is a perfect medley of good-for-you and deliciousness...in some very sensible (not to mention kind of endearing) portion sizes.  So go ahead and eat dinner for Heaven's sake...and make sure you save just a little room for one or two of these little gems.

Orange Poppy Seed Cake

Have you been over to Jolly Vindaloo yet?  If not, I urge you to jump over for a visit.  You will find some tasty and imaginative recipes to spice up your cooking repertoire, not to mention gorgeous photography.  This month I'm entering the healthy dessert challenge going on there at the moment with a favorite summer, ah heck, anytime recipe.  The challenge asks to provide a dessert recipe that can actually be called healthy (hello! right.up.my.alley).  I had a hard time trying to narrow down my entry choice (surprise) but decided on this one as it is a universal favorite with everyone who tries it, and it seemed so right for this time of year.  It simply gets rave reviews wherever it goes--family, friends' houses, my work, TH's work.  The fabulous part about it is that is uses 100% whole wheat flours and has very little saturated fat...only 3 tablespoons of butter.  The other ingredients are healthy as well.  Where do I start?  Olive oil (heart healthy), yogurt (probiotics), citrus (vitamin C), poppy seeds (too many benefits to mention).

Orzo and Oven Roasted Vegetables

Don't you love the summer and all the fresh vegetables on offer?  I turn into somewhat of a vegetarian every summer just because of all the beautiful produce available at the markets.  I can't seem to get enough!  Notice I said 'somewhat'...I mean, I live in one of the barbecue capitals of the world and seriously doubt I could ever walk away from barbecued ribs forever.  Anyway...this isn't your boring, I-need-something-next-to-the meat side dish.   This vegetarian dish effortlessly becomes the main attraction on any plate, delegating meat to a supporting role.  This is like the Albert Brooks of side dishes...complex yet approachable, simple but just a tad sassy (although I'll admit there isn't really anything remotely comical about the dish)!