Coconut Basil Sunshine Smoothie

Spring is here and the Seattle sun is finally shining!

It’s time to get healthy, get active and sieze the day.

Here’s a quick and easy smoothie to enjoy for breakfast, lunch or an afternoon energy boost.

Ingredients

• Two handfulls fresh basil
• 1 cup light coconut milk
• Banana
• 1 tsp honey or agave nectar
• Protein powder (missing from picture but highly recommended to stay energized and full)

Directions

Combine all ingredients in a blender.

Blend and enjoy!

Sunflower & Sun-dried Tomato Pasta {Gluten Free}

Yesterday was one of those days where nothing seems to go smoothly. It was getting late and I needed to make something quick from the ingredients already in my cabinet. Since it’s near the end of the week, my fridge was on the empty side and I wanted to throw together a delicious, yet simple meal for Thursday night. This recipe requires almost no planning and delivers an effortless and healthy meal from ingredients already hiding in your kitchen. Next time I will add grilled chicken breast and a bottle of vino. This dish is worth celebrating!

What You Will Need:

• Gluten Free Pasta (I used Fusilli but any type will do)

• Sun Dried Tomatoes (half jar)

• Sunflower seeds (1/4 cup)

• Artichokes (canned)

• Capers (1/4 cup or less)

• Fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano (as much as your heart desires)

Use any amount of ingredients you like, whether you are cooking for one, two or an entire group. Boil lightly salted water, add pasta and cook for 7-10 minutes (depending on type of pasta). Slice artichokes into quarters. Once pasta is al dente, strain pasta and mix additional ingredients in a large bowl. Sprinkle with Parmigiano-Reggiano and that’s it!

Buon Appetito!

Spicy Chicken Lettuce Wraps

Ingredients:

2 organic chicken breasts or package of thighs

1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger

2 garlic cloves

Fresh lime wedges

1 large bell pepper seeded and thinly sliced

1 tablespoon brown sugar

2 tablespoons fresh lime juice

1 1/2 tablespoons fish sauce

1 tablespoon dark sesame oil

1 tablespoon red pepper and garlic or jalapeño pepper, finely chopped

8 leaves of Bibb lettuce

Directions:

Heat skillet over medium heat. Add sesame oil and sauté garlic. Add chicken to the skillet. Mix ginger, brown sugar, lime juice, hot peppers and fish sauce together and pour over cooking chicken. Add sliced bell pepper to chicken in the skillet (Add extra veggies if you prefer) Transfer cooked chicken and vegetables to a bowl. Place spoonfuls of chicken into a pieces of bibb lettuce and fold to eat. Squeeze fresh lime wedges over lettuce wraps for a boost of flavor.

Enjoy!