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Meals


Roasted Squash Mac ’n Cheese
There’s something about a baked mac ’n cheese that feels like a warm blanket, nostalgic, cozy, and completely grounding. This Squash Mac ’n Cheese takes everything you love about classic mac and levels it up with an extra-creamy roasted veggie sauce that tastes indulgent but is secretly packed with nutrients. It’s comfort food that doesn’t weigh you down, and it’s the kind of dish that makes you feel good during and after eating it. The magic starts with roasting an entire sp

lailaayubi
6 days ago2 min read


Meal Prep Series: Protein
If there’s one thing that makes eating well during a busy week actually happen, it’s protein prep. Not complicated recipes. Not perfectly portioned containers. Just real, flavorful proteins ready to go so meals come together in minutes instead of spiraling into takeout. This week’s meal prep is all about protein-first cooking, done efficiently — everything staggered in the oven so I’m not cooking all day, but I still end up with four completely different proteins that don’t f

lailaayubi
Feb 32 min read


One Pan, Easy Unstuffed Cabbage Rolls
If you love the flavors of classic stuffed cabbage rolls but don’t have the patience (or time) to roll each one individually, this unstuffed cabbage rolls recipe is a game-changer. It’s all the flavor in one easy pan: caramelized onions, seasoned ground beef, tender cabbage, and tomato sauce meld together beautifully. This dish is cozy, comforting, and perfect for weeknight dinners. The cabbage absorbs all the savory flavors, making each bite satisfying and hearty. Plus, it’s

lailaayubi
Feb 11 min read


Extra Spicy Peanut Hoisin One Pan Noodles
This is one of those recipes that saves dinner on busy nights but still feels exciting. Everything cooks in one pan, the sauce builds itself as the noodles soften, and the heat level is bold without overpowering the flavors. The combination of hoisin, sweet chili, oyster sauce, and chili oil creates that glossy, crave-worthy finish you usually only get from takeout. I love using KAME udon noodles here because they cook quickly and soak up sauce beautifully, but the real star

lailaayubi
Jan 271 min read


Parsley Crusted Salmon with Herb Potatoes & Lemon Sage Broccoli
This parsley panko crusted salmon is one of those meals that feels elevated but is actually incredibly simple to pull together. Everything is baked, the flavors are clean and fresh, and the plate feels balanced without trying too hard. Crispy salmon, herby roasted potatoes, and bright lemony broccoli, it’s a classic combo for a reason. The salmon is the star here. A quick mixture of fresh parsley, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic, and a touch of honey creates a flavorful pa

lailaayubi
Jan 81 min read


Slow-Roasted “Marry Me” Creamy Tuscan Pasta
There’s a reason recipes called “Marry Me Pasta” go viral — they’re rich, comforting, and unapologetically creamy in a way that feels both indulgent and familiar. This version leans into that cozy factor but uses a slow-simmered, one-pan approach that lets the flavors deepen and melt together instead of feeling rushed. The base starts with gently sautéed onion and garlic in olive oil until soft and fragrant. Sun-dried tomatoes and tomato paste add that signature Tuscan depth,

lailaayubi
Jan 51 min read


Paprika Chicken Thighs with Wild Rice & Green Beans
Some dinners don’t need to be complicated to feel nourishing and satisfying and this lemon paprika chicken is proof of that. This is the kind of meal you make on a busy weeknight when you still want something homemade, flavorful, and balanced without pulling out ten pans or a long ingredient list. The chicken thighs are coated generously in warm paprika, a touch of crushed red pepper for heat, sage for depth, and finished with fresh lemon juice. As they bake, the spices bloom

lailaayubi
Jan 31 min read


Healthier Broccoli Alfredo Lasagna
This healthier broccoli alfredo lasagna is one of those recipes that feels indulgent but secretly isn’t. It has all the cozy, creamy vibes of classic alfredo lasagna, but it’s made lighter using buttermilk powder, cottage cheese, and a modest amount of cheese without sacrificing flavor or texture. Instead of heavy cream, the alfredo sauce starts with Hoosier Hill Farms buttermilk powder mixed with water, which creates a rich, tangy base once warmed. Parmesan melts right into

lailaayubi
Jan 21 min read


Olive Pistachio Tapenade Crusted Chicken
If you want a show stopping main that feels festive yet simple, this Olive Pistachio Crusted Chicken is it. The flavors are rustic, aromatic, and deeply savory: a mix of golden roasted veggies, fragrant herbs, and a rich pistachio olive tapenade crust that transforms the whole chicken into something special. The chicken roasts over a bed of potatoes, carrots, celery, and onion so it becomes a one-pan meal that’s hearty, nourishing, and visually beautiful. The herb stuffing in

lailaayubi
Dec 19, 20251 min read


Creamy Baked Spinach Artichoke Spaghetti Squash
This Spinach Artichoke Dip Filled Spaghetti Squash is the ultimate comfort dish that combines the rich, creamy goodness of a classic dip with the wholesome, noodle-like texture of roasted spaghetti squash. The result is a deliciously light yet satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Start by roasting the spaghetti squash until it’s tender and the strands are easy to scrape out. Meanwhile, you’ll prepare a creamy filling using frozen spinach, Greek yogurt, Parmesan, a

lailaayubi
Dec 16, 20251 min read


Creamy Hidden Veggie Gnocchi
This creamy hidden veggie gnocchi has officially become one of my favorite quick weeknight meals. It’s rich, cozy, and feels like something you would order at a restaurant, but secretly packs in a ton of vegetables. The best part is how seamlessly everything blends together: the zucchini, mushrooms, garlic, and tomatoes cook down into a silky, flavorful base that becomes the perfect creamy sauce. The vegetables soften in olive oil until they release their liquid, deepen in sw

lailaayubi
Dec 1, 20251 min read


Creamy Kimchi Potato Comfort Soup
There is nothing more comforting than a creamy potato soup, but this version takes things to another level with bold flavor, spice, and tang. This is built on a base of velvety potatoes simmered with milk, broth, onions, celery, garlic, and warm spices then finished with a generous topping of kimchi that instantly transforms the entire pot. The process is simple: sauté aromatics until they smell irresistible, simmer everything until buttery soft, and blend lightly or leave it

lailaayubi
Nov 28, 20251 min read


Citrus Herb Roasted Mediterranean Chicken
There’s nothing cozier than a whole roasted chicken filling your home with the scent of citrus, herbs, and slow-cooked vegetables. This Citrus Herb Roasted Mediterranean Chicken is the kind of one-pan meal that feels both rustic and elevated: simple ingredients, vibrant flavors, and almost no hands-on work once it’s in the oven. This recipe is built around bright citrus, earthy herbs, and a luscious yogurt–olive oil marinade that keeps the chicken incredibly tender. As the b

lailaayubi
Nov 19, 20251 min read


Roasted Cauliflower Steak with Cilantro Hummus
There’s something about the combination of creamy hummus and roasted cauliflower that feels both comforting and elevated. This dish transforms a simple cauliflower into a show-stopping centerpiece: thick “steaks” brushed in a smoky yogurt marinade, roasted until golden and crisp, then layered over a bed of homemade cilantro hummus. The hummus itself gets a protein-packed twist with Greek yogurt, which makes it lighter and extra creamy. The cilantro adds freshness, lemon bring

lailaayubi
Nov 16, 20251 min read


Creamy Squash Lasagna Rolls
This creamy squash lasagna roll recipe is the perfect cozy, veggie-forward twist on a comfort classic. Instead of heavy layers, each roll is filled with tender roasted squash, caramelized onions, and creamy cottage cheese, then topped with rich tomato sauce, mozzarella, and feta for the perfect melty finish. There’s something about a baked pasta dish that just feels like comfort in a pan. This squash lasagna roll recipe has been my new obsession, it’s lighter than a tradition

lailaayubi
Oct 16, 20252 min read


quick air fryer pesto egg bagels
These quick air fryer pesto egg bagels are everything you want in a breakfast: crispy, herby, melty, and ready in minutes. The idea is simple: a swirl of pesto forms the base, the bagel gets toasted right into it, and the egg cooks perfectly in the center. Top it with mozzarella, a little spice, and you’ve got a quick, high-protein breakfast or brunch that feels totally gourmet. I love how the air fryer toasts the bagel edges golden-brown while keeping the inside soft and che

lailaayubi
Oct 11, 20251 min read


Crispy Air Fryer Chicken Hot Pocket
these quick air fryer pesto egg bagels are everything you want in a breakfast, crispy, herby, melty, and ready in minutes. the idea is simple: a swirl of pesto forms the base, the bagel gets toasted right into it, and the egg cooks perfectly in the center. top it with mozzarella, a little spice, and you’ve got a quick, high-protein breakfast or brunch that feels totally gourmet. i love how the air fryer toasts the bagel edges golden-brown while keeping the inside soft and che

lailaayubi
Oct 10, 20251 min read


Chickpea Buffalo Pistachio Wrap
Meet your new favorite high-protein, plant-powered lunch: the Chickpea Buffalo Pistachio Wrap. It’s creamy, spicy, and crunchy all at once, packed with chickpeas, Greek yogurt, tangy buffalo sauce and pistachios for that extra punch of flavor and texture. This wrap takes less than 10 minutes to throw together, and it’s a perfect balance of heat, creaminess, and freshness from crisp cucumber and radish. I love how the pistachios give every bite that satisfying crunch and subtl

lailaayubi
Oct 9, 20251 min read


Quick, Cheesy Chicken Pasta
If there’s one comfort food that never fails, it’s pasta loaded with chicken, cheese, and bold flavors. This Cheesy Chicken Pasta recipe is my healthier, homemade take on a restaurant-style creamy pasta dish. It has tender chicken breast, a rich tomato-based sauce with a little kick of spice from sriracha, and plenty of melty mozzarella cheese. The best part? It all comes together quickly in one pan while your pasta boils on the side. Perfect for busy weeknights, this dish ba

lailaayubi
Oct 8, 20251 min read


High-Protein Cheeseburger Pockets
If you love a classic cheeseburger but want something a little healthier and fun to make at home, these are the perfect recipe. They combine fluffy homemade yogurt dough with a juicy beef-and-onion filling, then get pan-seared for that golden crisp bite. Instead of a regular burger bun, the filling is wrapped in a soft dough pocket that cooks up like a stuffed flatbread. Each one is cheesy, saucy, and satisfying — but lighter than fast food. The best part? The dough uses just

lailaayubi
Oct 4, 20251 min read
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