Corn Muffins

Sometimes, simple foods are the best foods, and are very often the most-loved.  They are comforting and nostalgic, and take us back to seemingly less complicated times.  Case in point, the humble corn muffin, a mainstay of many a hearty and rustic meal.  Corn bread and muffins appear in one version or another in all of the regions across the country, north, south, east and west.  They are, however, often sadly ignored for being too simple for fancier affairs.  Perhaps it is the lowly pedigree, the corn grain, shunned as fodder for those too poor for wheat, or the fact that is used as a major component in livestock feed (something I could get on my soapbox for a while about...I mean, cows are grass-eaters for Heaven's sake...right?).  Maybe it is the grittiness and the inevitable crumbliness that occurs following buttering and munching.  For whatever reason the often overlooked corn muffin has been relegated to the role of bread wallflower, I dedicate this post to you, corn muffin, and hope you will feel the love and admiration you deserve, in all your crunchy, hearty, satisfying and unpretentious glory.

Wild Rice Stuffed Peppers

In an effort to prove that it isn't all about the sweet stuff on Luv'n Spoonfuls, I present another savory recipe, which just happens to be vegetarian and packed full of flavor.  This stuffed pepper leans towards Spanish with a hint of Aleppo pepper (not Spanish, I know), Manchego cheese, and a sprinkling of Marcona almonds.  The wild rice mixture provides fabulous texture and chew, while providing a healthy dose of fiber.  If you're still struggling, like some of us, with a few left over pounds from the holidays (I'm almost there), this is a delicious and satisfying way to get that healthy eating plan back on track, all the while kickin' it with a fiesta for the mouth!

Turkey Chili

When there's two feet of snow on the ground (holy cow it's almost March for Heaven's sake!), nothing warms the soul quite like a heaping bowl of smokin' chili.  And, in keeping with the Luv'n Spoonfuls way, this chili also warms the heart by being chock full of healthy ingredients.  I've used ground turkey breast instead of beef, which reduces the amount of 'bad' fat considerably, but nothing is lost in the flavor department.  This chili can hold its own next to any beef-based version; I've employed a little 'trick' to steer things more toward 'moo' than 'gobble' (see below).  This is a spicy recipe, not for sissies, and packs a punch, but could easily be toned down a bit to suit anyone's heat tolerance.  

Whole Wheat Chocolate Chip Cake

Just in time for Valentine's Day, a simple but incredibly delicious chocolate chip cake that can be dressed up or dressed down, depending on the occasion.  When I tell you that my three EXTREMELY PICKY boys love, love, love this cake, no further testimonial is needed.  They have no idea that it is actually a fairly healthy dessert, which makes this mom extremely happy (I know I've shared in the past about my somewhat twisted compulsion about sneaking healthy things into their food).  It's made with more than half whole wheat flour, and the only fat in the cake is olive oil!  What could be more appropriate for the official day of love than a decadent dessert to feel great about making for your loved ones?

Whole Wheat Bran Muffins with Roasted Grapes

Holidays...good.  Overindulging...bad.  Sometimes it's hard to get back in the healthy groove once one's fallen off the proverbial wagon.  So, I thought I'd offer up a fairly quick and healthy bran muffin, with a tasty twist, to help with those new and improved best intentions (aka resolutions).  Read on for said 'twist'...

Berry Cheesecake Tarts with Chocolate Crust

You might think the world just doesn't need another cheesecake recipe...but, I mean, can the world really have too many cheesecake recipes?  What makes this one special is that it is made with natural ingredients (made as healthy as possible), has a killer flavor combination (which leans towards 'festive' with the chocolate crust), and comes together in a flash.  What's not to love about a knock-out dessert that doesn't take all day in the kitchen?  The smooth tart filling is contrasted with the cocoa flavor and nut crunch of the crust, topped off with a high note of berry flourish (enhanced with just a hint of rosewater) as a beautiful, glistening finish, making a gorgeous finale to any holiday get-together.