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Appetizers


Toasted Maple-Walnut Brussel Sprout Salad
If there were ever a salad that tasted like cozy sweater weather, this is it. This Shredded Brussels Salad is the perfect mix of fresh, crisp, sweet, tangy, and warm thanks to a tray of maple-toasted walnuts that take the whole bowl to another level. Shredding the brussels sprouts in a food processor is the real secret here. Instead of chewing through big leaves, you get light, fluffy ribbons that soak up the dressing beautifully. They become the perfect base for all the text

lailaayubi
4 days ago1 min read


Crispy Spiced Acorn Squash with Miso Tahini Dip
There’s something magical about acorn squash in the fall: the naturally sweet flavor, the tender texture, and the way it caramelizes beautifully in the oven with the right blend of spices. This roasted acorn squash recipe is one of those effortless but impressive sides that works for busy weeknights, holiday entertaining, or as a nutrient-packed snack throughout the week. What makes this recipe special is how simple the prep is. Acorn squash can look intimidating, but once yo

lailaayubi
Dec 182 min read


Crispy-Top High Protein Creamed Spinach
Creamed spinach is one of those dishes that feels nostalgic, comforting, and rich but this version gives the classic a protein-boosted, lightened-up twist thanks to cottage cheese. It still delivers all the warmth and coziness you want from a creamy spinach bake, but without feeling heavy or overly indulgent. It’s the perfect side dish to pair with roasted chicken, festive dinners, or cozy weeknight meals. Using frozen spinach makes this recipe incredibly easy and budget-frie

lailaayubi
Dec 72 min read


Cheesy Herb Layered Mashed Potato Bake
Mashed potatoes are a classic comfort food, but this Cheesy Herb Layered Mashed Potato Bake takes them to the next level. Creamy, garlicky mashed potatoes are baked with layers of thinly sliced potatoes and topped with cheddar for a golden, crispy finish. The mashed layer is rich with herbs, basil, dill, and paprika and finished with Greek yogurt, Parmesan, and cheddar for depth and tang. Topping it with thinly sliced potatoes ensures the dish gets that perfect combination of

lailaayubi
Nov 251 min read


Apricot Pistachio Sourdough Stuffing
There’s something about homemade stuffing that instantly makes the kitchen smell like the holidays. This Apricot Pistachio Stuffing is a little twist on the classic: savory, buttery, and herb-packed, but with a touch of natural sweetness from dried apricots and a nutty crunch from the pistachios. Each bite has the perfect balance of soft, custardy bread and crispy golden edges, with bursts of flavor from the pistachios and herbs. The addition of apricots gives it that subtle

lailaayubi
Nov 241 min read


Creamy Whipped Garlic Herb Butter on Toasted Sourdough
Creamy, rich, and full of fresh herbs, this homemade herb butter is pure magic on warm sourdough, roasted veggies, or grilled chicken. It’s made completely from scratch using just heavy cream and your favorite herbs. Once you make it yourself, you’ll never go back to store-bought butter again. It’s such a fun little kitchen project too, watching cream turn into fluffy whipped cream, then suddenly separate into butter and buttermilk feels like a tiny science experiment. The t

lailaayubi
Nov 131 min read


Air Fryer Brie & Roasted Garlic Tomato Dip
This Air Fryer Brie & Roasted Garlic Tomato Dip is a cozy, crowd-pleasing appetizer that looks elegant but couldn’t be easier to make. The creamy melted brie pairs perfectly with roasted cherry tomatoes and caramelized garlic, all made together in the air fryer for a hands-off, minimal-mess snack. The air fryer does all the magic here: the brie gets warm and gooey, the garlic turns sweet and spreadable, and the cherry tomatoes burst with flavor. Add a drizzle of olive oil, to

lailaayubi
Nov 101 min read


Crispy High-Protein Chicken Crackers
If you’ve ever wanted a crunchy, savory snack that’s actually made of real food, these Crispy High-Protein Chicken Crackers are about to be your new favorite thing. They’re made from just blended chicken breasts and seasonings , air-fried until golden and crisp. The result? A high-protein, low-carb cracker that’s super crunchy and perfectly seasoned. You can enjoy them with guacamole, hummus, or any dip you love, they taste like chips but are packed with pure protein. These

lailaayubi
Nov 11 min read


Classic Tomato Bruschetta
Tomato bruschetta is one of those recipes that feels like summer on a plate. It’s fresh, simple, and full of flavor, yet comes together in minutes. The magic of bruschetta is in the balance—the crunch of toasted bread, the juiciness of ripe tomatoes, the fragrance of fresh basil, and that hint of garlic and olive oil that makes it irresistible. Some people love adding a splash of balsamic vinegar for tang, while others keep it classic with just tomatoes, basil, and olive oil.

lailaayubi
Oct 11 min read


Healthy + Light Cole Slaw
Coleslaw is one of those side dishes that never goes out of style — it’s fresh, colorful, and adds the perfect crunch to any meal. Traditional coleslaws often use heavy mayonnaise-based dressings, but this healthier version lightens things up with Greek yogurt, raw honey, and lemon juice. The result is tangy, creamy, and refreshing without being overly heavy. The base is a simple mix of freshly grated carrots, shredded cabbage, and thinly sliced onion. Tossed with the yogurt-

lailaayubi
Sep 191 min read


Pistachio Crusted Cauliflower Bites
Looking for a delicious and healthy snack that’s packed with flavor and crunch? These Pistachio Crusted Cauliflower Bites are the perfect guilt-free treat! Whether you’re meal-prepping or need a crowd-pleasing app, this recipe hits the sweet spot between indulgent and nourishing.

lailaayubi
Mar 131 min read


Crispy Cauliflower Breaded Bites
A Guilt-Free Crunchy Snack If you're looking for a delicious, crispy, and healthier alternative to fried snacks, these are just what you need! They’re packed with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for meal prep or as a party appetizer. Plus, they’re baked (or air-fried) instead of deep-fried, making them a guilt-free treat. Why You’ll Love This Recipe: Healthy Alternative – A nutritious swap for fried snacks with fewer calories and more fiber. Crispy and Flavorful – The per

lailaayubi
Feb 111 min read


Mini Bell Pepper Bites with Avocado Sauce
If you're looking for a simple, colorful, and delicious appetizer, these Mini Bell Pepper Bites are just what you need! They are the perfect balance of creamy, cheesy, and slightly spicy goodness. With vibrant mini bell peppers, a luscious green avocado sauce, and a kick from crushed red pepper, they make a nutritious yet indulgent snack. Whether you're hosting a party, looking for a healthy game-day snack, or just craving something fresh, this recipe will be a winner! Why Y

lailaayubi
Feb 101 min read


Crispy Pan-Sautéed Beef Gyoza with Sweet Chili Spicy Dip
There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly crispy, juicy gyoza. The combination of savory beef filling wrapped in a delicate dumpling skin, pan-seared to golden perfection, and dipped in a sweet and spicy chili sauce makes for an irresistible treat. If you love dumplings as much as I do, this easy homemade beef gyoza recipe will become your new favorite! Why You’ll Love This Recipe ✔ Crispy & Juicy: Golden brown bottoms with a juicy, flavorful filling.✔ Easy to

lailaayubi
Jan 281 min read


Vegetarian Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas)
These vegetarian stuffed grape leaves , filled with aromatic basmati rice and a mix of herbs and spices, make for an impressive and crowd-pleasing appetizer or side dish. Although they may seem intricate, following these easy steps will have you rolling perfect dolmas in no time. Here’s the quick rundown: Grab Some Grape Leaves: Fresh is great if you can get them, but jarred ones work fine too (just rinse off the brine). Mix Up Your Filling: Whether you’re going vegetarian

lailaayubi
Jan 81 min read


Sweet Potato Fries with Guacamole and Cilantro Chutney
This vibrant dish is a flavor-packed twist on classic fries. Crispy sweet potato fries are paired with creamy guacamole and topped with a tangy, spicy cilantro chutney for a snack or side dish that's sure to impress!

lailaayubi
Dec 26, 20241 min read


Mint Cucumber Yogurt Dip (Perfect for Grape Leaves)
Sometimes, the simplest dishes are the best, and these Grape Leaves with Mint Cucumber Yogurt are a perfect example. This recipe is a fresh, flavorful, and light snack that’s ideal for any time of day. If you’ve never had grape leaves before, they are a delight—slightly briny, soft, and packed with flavor. When paired with a cooling and refreshing mint cucumber yogurt, they make the perfect bite. I decided to take a leap and try something new at the grocery store, picking up

lailaayubi
Dec 9, 20241 min read


Roasted Carrots with Cilantro Chutney
If you love the sweet and savory combination of roasted vegetables, then these Roasted Carrots with Cilantro Chutney are for you. I can’t get enough of roasted carrots—they’re so sweet and tender, especially when paired with a tangy, spicy chutney. This recipe brings together earthy, roasted carrots and a zesty cilantro jalapeño chutney for an explosion of flavors. The roasted carrots are simple to make—just toss them in olive oil, season with a bit of black pepper and sea s

lailaayubi
Dec 9, 20241 min read


Crispy Fried Plant-Based Wontons
I’m always craving Asian cuisine, and these Crispy Fried Plant-Based Wontons are the perfect snack when that craving strikes! They’re easy to make, satisfyingly crunchy, and full of flavor. You can customize the filling to your taste, but this plant-based ground beef version is my favorite. Pair them with sweet chili sauce, and you’ll be hooked! I’ve been craving Asian flavors a lot lately, and these wontons deliver everything I need: crispy, savory, and satisfying. These ar

lailaayubi
Dec 9, 20241 min read


Fall Harvest Salad
This Fall Harvest Salad is the perfect combination of sweet, savory, and crunchy, filled with all the seasonal goodness that makes autumn so special. With roasted sweet potatoes, juicy pomegranate, crisp apples, and a zesty homemade vinaigrette, this salad is as easy to make as it is delicious. Let’s dive into how to make it! The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make! Roast the sweet potatoes in an air fryer for a quick and convenient cooking method. While the sweet potatoe

lailaayubi
Dec 9, 20241 min read
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