FOOD

Crunchy Asian Kale Salad

April 15, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

If you love chopped, crunchy salads with lots of fresh veggies and a wonderful dressing, this Asian Kale Salad is sure to please even the pickiest of appetites. You can have it ready in a short time. Just add your favorite toppings and you’ve got a great healthy meal that is satisfying, flavorful and delicious!

Why We Love Kale

Kale is one of the most nutrient-dense vegetables in the world. This superfood is low in calories, high in fiber, and loaded with an assortment of minerals and phytonutrients. Among the many health benefits it provides are detoxification, heart support and cancer prevention.

How To Give Kale A Softer Texture

Although many people love the crunchy toughness of raw kale, many others prefer their kale to be softened before eating. This can easily be accomplished by “massaging” the kale with a little lemon juice and a pinch of salt. The key is to rub the leaves with your fingers right up to the point where they begin to wilt. Not only will this process tenderize the kale, but it will also reduce the bitter taste of the leaves.

In addition to what the recipe calls for, you can also top your asian kale salad with crumbled bacon, chopped rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, chopped steak, chopped egg, chopped peanuts or pecans, crunchy noodles or any of your other favorite toppings.

Crunchy Asian Kale Salad

If you love chopped crunchy salads with lots of fresh veggies, and a wonderful dressing, this is sure to please even the pickiest of appetites.

Course Salad

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

1/2 head green cabbage chopped and washed
1/2 head red cabbage chopped and washed
1 bunch kale chopped and washed
3 carrots peeled and chopped
1 bunch romaine lettuce chopped and washed
1 bunch Italian parsley chopped fine and washed (stems removed)
1 bunch green onions cleaned, trimmed and chopped
1 cup cherry tomatoes washed and cut in half
1/2 cup sunflower seeds

Dressing

1/4 cup coconut milk
1/2 cup almond butter
1/4 cup lime juice
3 tbsp rice wine vinegar
2 tbsp sesame oil
1 tbsp soy sauce low sodium
1/4 cup honey
1 tsp garlic minced
salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Wash and chop all the vegetables, then dry on kitchen towels to ensure that water has been removed.
Place all chopped vegetables in a large bowl, then place bowl in refrigerator.
In a blender, add the coconut milk, almond butter, lime juice, vinegar, sesame oil, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and a little salt and pepper. Blend until thoroughly mixed.
Pour dressing over salad and toss to coat.
Serve immediately.

Recipe Notes

OPTIONAL: You can also top the salad with crumbled bacon, chopped rotisserie chicken, grilled chicken, chopped steak, chopped egg, chopped peanuts or pecans, crunchy noodles or your favorite toppings.

White Bean and Farro Salad

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

April 7, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

These savory Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are healthy, easy to make and low carb (keto approved). This recipe is a perfect way to add vegetables to your diet WITHOUT sacrificing taste! They are loaded with flavor and make delicious main courses or appetizers.

What are Zucchini Boats?

Zucchini Boats are created by slicing a zucchini in half lengthwise and hollowing it out with a spoon. This essentially creates a “boat” for you to fill up the zucchini with your favorite ingredients.

I have found that zucchini is a perfect vessel for stuffing any kind of cheese, meats, or dips into. I regularly choose it over chips, breads, and crackers because it’s a much healthier alternative.

How do you make Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats?

Once you’ve made your “boat”, then combine chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce and ¼ cup cheese in a stand mixer.

Next, spoon the mixture into the zucchini boats, pressing down. Pile extra mixture on top until the boats are overflowing slightly. Add the remaining cheese and buffalo sauce over the top.

Now it’s time to bake for 15 to 20 minutes. You will know it is done when the cheese is melted and the zucchini tender.

How do you make the Blue Cheese Sauce?

In a food processor, blend the blue cheese crumbles and the heavy whipping cream until thick. For the next step, slowly add milk until a desired consistency is reached. Now you are ready to serve your Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats!

Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats

These savory and tangy Buffalo Chicken Stuffed Zucchini Boats are healthy, easy to make and low carb (keto approved). This recipe is a perfect way to add vegetables to your diet WITHOUT sacrificing taste! They are loaded with flavor and make a delicious meal or appetizer.

Course Main Course

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

3 zucchini
1-2 lbs cooked chicken breast shredded
8 oz package cream cheese softened
2 tbsp ranch seasoning
1/2 cup buffalo wing sauce your favorite
1 cup mozzarella cheese shredded

Blue Cheese Sauce

1/4 cup blue cheese crumbles
1/4 cup heavy whipping cream
1/2 cup milk

Instructions

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
Slice zucchini in half lengthwise and scoop out the middle of the vegetable with a spoon leaving about 1/2 inch along the outside creating a “boat.” NOTE: If you prefer the zucchini to be soft when serving, bake the zucchini boat for 5 to 10 minutes prior to stuffing.
In a stand mixer, combine the chicken, cream cheese, ranch seasoning, ¼ cup buffalo wing sauce and ¼ cup cheese.
Spoon the mixture into the zucchini boats, pressing down. Pile extra mixture on top until the boats are overflowing slightly. Add the remaining cheese and buffalo sauce over the top.
Bake for 15 to 20 minutes until the cheese is melted and zucchini is tender.

Blue Cheese Sauce

In a food processor, blend the blue cheese crumbles and heavy whipping cream until thick. Slowly add the milk until the desired consistency is reached. Serve with zucchini boats.

We hope you get the chance to try this easy and delicious recipe. It sure is a great way to use up all those garden zucchinis. If you are looking for a low carb, high protein dinner option, then this is certainly the right meal for you! In the meantime, please check out some of our other recipes.

Thai Chicken Dinner

Sheet Pan Jambalaya

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Olive Garden Copycat Fonduta

White Bean and Farro Salad

April 6, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

This healthy White Bean and Farro Salad is packed with flavor and hearty enough for a main course. What makes it special is Farro, my new favorite grain! It’s a delicious and chewy whole grain with a mild nutty flavor. It has more protein and fiber than wheat and is especially rich in magnesium and B vitamins. I love it so much that I have been using it as a replacement over rice and pasta.

This quick and easy salad recipe has only six ingredients. The ease of preparation is sure to make your hectic day a little less stressful.

You will want to follow the instructions that come with the specific Farro you purchase. Most directions will say to add Farro and water in a pot and bring to a boil. Then you will want to reduce the heat to low, cover and simmer anywhere from 25-40 minutes. The Farro should be tender and all of the liquid should be absorbed.

Although it’s not necessary, you can speed up the cooking time of Farro by soaking it beforehand. Simply add enough cold water to submerge the grain completely, put a lid on it, and then refrigerate for 8-24 hours.

Four pantry ingredients is all it takes to make the easiest Red Wine Vinaigrette ever. This classic vinaigrette recipe is super versatile, only takes a few minutes to whisk together, and always tastes delicious! To save time, I prepare it while the Farro is cooking.

Now it’s time to add the Farro, white beans, kale, feta cheese, dried cranberries, and pepitas in a large mixing bowl.

Toss until mixed, pour the vinaigrette over the salad, toss again and then enjoy this fantastic White Bean and Farro Salad!

White Bean and Farro Salad with Red Wine Vinaigrette

This healthy White Bean and Farro Salad is packed with flavor and hearty enough for a main course. What makes it special is Farro, a delicious and chewy whole grain with a mild nutty flavor.

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

Salad

1 cup uncooked Farro
1 can white beans drained and rinsed
1 cup kale torn small by hand
1/2 cup dried cranberries
1/2 cup pepitas
4 ounces feta crumbled

Dressing

1/2 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup olive oil
1 tsp dried parsley
1/2 tsp salt

Instructions

Prepare 1 cup Farro as directed in the package.
While Farro is cooking, prepare dressing.
Add all dressing ingredients to a small mixing bowl. Whisk until well combined and refrigerate.
When Farro is done, rinse with cold water until cool.
In a large mixing bowl, add Farro, beans, kale, feta*, cranberries, and pepitas.
Toss until mixed.
Pour dressing over salad, toss again and serve.

Recipe Notes

*If making the night before, leave out feta until right before serving.

You may also want to check out some of our other delicious recipes:

Copycat Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread

Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Instant Pot Carne Asada Street Tacos

Sheet Pan Jambalaya

The Very Best Soup Recipes

Easy Gluten Free Brownie Cookies

March 29, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

Gluten Free Brownie Cookies are deliciously fudgy and so easy to make. The inside is soft and chewy like a brownie while the outside has the texture of a cookie. You truly get the best of both worlds!

Using a brownie mix makes this recipe fast and easy to prepare. You can literally mix all the ingredients together in one large bowl. We used the 15.5 oz Pillsbury Gluten Free Brownie mix in our recipe.

About 1 in 100 people worldwide are affected by celiac disease, for which the only effective treatment is committing to a life-long gluten free diet. However, a growing number of people without celiac disease are claiming to have a gluten sensitivity. Many claim that their gastrointestinal health has improved after cutting out all gluten from their diet. Do you know someone who has benefited from a gluten free diet?

Gluten Free Brownie Cookies

Course Dessert

Author Good Living Guide

Ingredients

1 box gluten free brownie mix 15.5 oz
1/4 cup melted butter
2 eggs
2 tbsp coffee
1/2 cup chocolate chips
1/2 cup toffee bits

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Mix the brownie mix, melted butter, eggs, coffee, chocolate chips, and toffee bits together in a large bowl.
Scoop a tablespoon of batter onto a parchment paper-lined baking sheet. Spread cookies at least two inches apart on the baking sheet.
Bake for 12 to 14 minutes. Cookies should be firm on the edges and soft in the center.
Allow to cool on the baking sheet for at least five minutes before moving them to a wire cooling rack to cool completely.

25 of the Best Homemade Donut Flavors ever Created

Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Mermaid Tail Lollipops

February 21, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

These easy-to-make Mermaid Tail Lollipops are the ultimate treat for any child (or adult) who’s ever dreamed of flipping their sparkling fins and exploring under the sea just like Ariel from The Little Mermaid. They are the perfect addition to any Mermaid-themed birthday party!

The Silicone Mermaid Tail Mold can also be used to make chocolates, homemade soaps or as a topper on cupcakes.

Mermaid Tail Lollipops

Ingredients

Instructions

Preheat oven to 275 degrees.
Cut or break Jolly Ranchers in pieces. They cut pretty easy with scissors, but you could also place each color in baggies and hit with a rolling pin to break up as well.
Fill each mold with pieces of the candy. Make sure to fill the entire mold.
Place on a sheet pan and stick in oven for 5-6 minutes or until all pieces are melted.
Take out and place lollipop sticks on each tail. Since the sticks will be touching, place a strip of parchment paper over each row of lollipop sticks. Let cool.
Once cooled, pop out each lollipop from the mold and enjoy!!

Here are some other recipes we thought you may enjoy:

Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Copycat Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread

Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits

February 3, 2019 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

These Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits are guaranteed to satisfy your cheesecake cravings without the guilt of eating too many calories or fat grams. They require minimal effort to make and can be enjoyed for breakfast, a mid-day snack or a healthy dessert.

Healthy Strawberry Cheesecake Parfaits

Ingredients

1 32-ounce contain1 32-ounce container plain nonfat greek yogurt
1 small package fat free sugar free cheesecake pudding mix
2 pounds strawberries diced

Instructions

Pour yogurt in a large bowl.
Slowly add pudding mix a bit at a time, stirring between each addition until all the pudding mix has been added.
Layer 1/3 cup yogurt mixture and strawberries in each jar until the jar is filled and one cup of yogurt has been used.
Place jars in the refrigerator to chill for at least an hour before serving.
Top with lite whipped topping (optional and may increase Weight Watchers Points value).

Recipe Notes

Each jar has 1 Weight Watchers Freestyle point.

Copycat Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread

Immune-Boosting Recipes to Fight Colds and The Flu

The Very Best Soup Recipes

December 28, 2018 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. 3 Comments

Is there anything better than a piping hot bowl of soup? The aroma of homemade soup is certainly one of life’s greatest comforts. And according to scientific research, soup can help you lose weight because of its unique ability to curb hunger. Whether you’re in the mood for something decadent and creamy or healthy and full of nutrients, we have compiled a mouth-watering collection of The Very Best Soup Recipes.

Creamy Italian Quinoa Soup from Platings and Pairings

Creamy Chicken Kale Soup from I Heart Umami

Cabbage Roll Soup from Canadian Cooking Adventures

Greek Lemon Rice and Chicken Soup from Tastefulventure

Roasted Poblano, Sweet Corn and Potato Stoup from Iowa Girl Eats

French Onion Soup from Tastes Better From Scratch

Winter Detox Moroccan Sweet Potato Lentil Soup from Little Spice Jar

Creamy Roasted Cauliflower Soup from Cookie and Kate

Cajun Pumpkin Soup from Avant Garde Vegan

Loaded Broccoli Potato Soup from Lil’ Luna

Cream of Reuben Soup from An Affair From The Heart

Crockpot Green Chile Chicken Enchilada Soup from Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Spicy White Cheddar Beer Cheese Soup from A Flavor Journal

Steak and Ale Soup with Mushrooms from The Cozy Apron

Cold-Fighting Couscous Chicken Soup from Soup Addict

Creamy Alfredo Lasagna Soup from Small Town Woman

Creamy Asiago Chicken and Mushroom Tortellini Soup from Closet Cooking

White Wine Chicken Stew Recipe from The Cookie Rookie

Creamy Spinach Artichoke Soup from Modern Honey

20-Minute Cheesy Chicken Enchilada Soup from Gimme Some Oven

Copycat Panera Chicken & Wild Rice Soup from Wishes and Dishes

Chicken Pot Pie Soup from Kitchen Dreaming

Cheeseburger Soup from Kitchen Fun with my 3 Sons

One Pot Lasagna Soup from I Heart Naptime

Slow Cooker Creamy Tortellini Soup from Cafe Delites

Slow Cooker Chicken Tortilla Soup from Cooking Classy

Weight Loss Vegetable Soup from Spend with Pennies

Creamy Chicken Gnocchi Soup from The Recipe Critic

Baked Potato Soup from Spend with Pennies

Easy Hamburger Soup from Spend with Pennies

Olive Garden Copycat Fonduta

Copycat Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread

Sheet Pan Jambalaya

Thai Chicken Dinner

Sheet Pan Jambalaya

Thai Chicken Dinner

December 23, 2018 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

Instead of ordering takeout, I much prefer making this Thai Chicken Dinner at home. It’s a healthy meal with simple ingredients and the result is tender, moist and sticky chicken thighs packed with delicious flavor!

Thai Chicken Dinner

Ingredients

8 chicken thighs
1 bunch asparagus
1 bag baby carrots
1 bag broccoli
1 cup ketchup
1 cup honey
1/2 cup soy sauce
2 tbsp garlic chopped
1/4 cup green onions
2 tbsp sesame seeds
PAM Cooking Spray

Instructions

Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
In a small bowl, mix together the ketchup, honey, soy sauce, and garlic until combined.
Set the sauce mixture aside.
Chop up the asparagus and place in a large bowl with the broccoli and carrots.
Toss 1/4 cup sauce in with the veggies until coated.
Spray baking dish with PAM spray and pour veggies in the dish.
Place the chicken thighs on top of the veggies.
Brush the remaining sauce on the chicken with a BBQ brush until all covered. Sprinkle a little bit of sesame seeds on top.
Place in the oven for 30-40 minutes.
At 35 minutes check the chicken and if its not crunchy on top, pull off the chicken and place on a cookie sheet.
Add more sauce to the chicken.
Turn the oven to low broil, and then place the chicken back in the oven for 10-15 minutes.
Once the chicken is to your desired crispiness, take out of the oven and let cool for 5 minutes.
Serve and enjoy!

Here are some other recipes you may enjoy:

Sheet Pan Jambalaya

Carne Asada Street Tacos

…

Copycat Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread

December 15, 2018 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

Nothing says home like the smell of banana bread in the air…..and this Copycat Starbucks Banana Walnut Bread is my favorite of them all. It’s super moist and tender and the walnuts add the perfect crunch!

We highly recommend using ripe or even brown bananas…..because the riper the bananas, the sweeter and better the bread will taste.

starbucks copycat banana walnut bread

Copycat Starbucks Banana Nut Bread

Ingredients

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
2 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla
1 1/2 cup ripe bananas mashed
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup vegetable oil
2 tbsp milk
1 egg
1 cup chopped walnuts

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.
Sprinkle some flour in a loaf pan and swirl it around to coat evenly.
In a medium sized bowl add your flour, baking soda, cinnamon and salt. Whisk until combined.
In another small bowl, add the egg, sugar and vegetable oil. Mix until combined.
Add the dry mixture to the egg mixture and stir until well blended.
Add the milk, vanilla, and mashed bananas into your mix. Combine until well incorporated.
Chop the walnuts into small pieces and fold 1/2 cup into your batter.
Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
Top with remaining walnuts.
Bake for 60-80 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean.
Let cool to room temperature, then remove from the loaf pan.
Enjoy!

25 of the Best Homemade Donut Flavors ever Created

The Very Best Christmas Dessert Recipes

The Very Best Christmas Dessert Recipes

November 30, 2018 by Good Living Guide. This post may contain affiliate links. Leave a Comment

‘Tis the season for indulging in desserts that are guaranteed to satisfy even the grumpiest of Christmas Grinches. Whether it be an office party or a family get together, you will love this compilation of The Very Best Christmas Dessert Recipes. Christmas will be more festive than ever with the help of these sweet and decadent treats.

Melted Snowman Oreo Balls from The Girl Who Ate Everything are festive and a great addition to any holiday party. I guarantee they’ll be the first to go.

Peanut Butter Pretzel Reindeer Cookies from Thrifty Jinxy

DIY Peppermint Candy Bowls from Princess Pinky Girl make a super cute teacher gift, Christmas gift, decoration, etc!

Chocolate Covered Strawberry Christmas Trees from Lovely Little Kitchen …..so cute and easy to make!

The Absolute Best Sugar Cookies from In Katrina’s Kitchen – no chilling the dough, cookies keep their shape when baked, soft and flavorful, perfect for decorating.

Homemade Christmas Caramels from Garnish & Glaze – soft buttery goodness that melts in your mouth! The PERFECT Holiday Gift!

3-Ingredient Christmas Candies from Chelsea’s Messy Apron – perfect for giving to neighbors, bringing into work, taking to a party, or enjoying with your family!

Soft and Chewy Gingerbread Cookies from A Crafty Spoonful – a delicious alternative to the crispy kind!

Reindeer Oreo Cookie Balls from Chelsea’s Messy Apron

Chocolate Vanilla Christmas Bark from The Taylor House – great for filling up cookie trays or even giving a tin full of bark to neighbors or friends as gifts. It’s a great little Holiday goodie.

Candy Cane Snowmen from Baby Gizmo

Cranberry Christmas Cake from Barefeet in the Kitchen – tart cranberries, sweet buttery cake, and a fantastic texture all combined to basically beg me to eat another piece!

Chocolate Christmas Tree Cupcakes from Just a Taste – serves double duty as dessert and tabletop décor.

Magic Christmas Bars from Chocolate, Chocolate and More – also known as Seven Layer bars all dressed up for the Holidays.

Christmas Sugar Cookies from The Slow Roasted Italian – slightly crispy on the edges and soft and chewy throughout with the fabulous flavors of vanilla and almond.

Christmas Tree Nutella Pie from Tastemade – the kind of Christmas tree that everyone will want to gather around.

Christmas Cranberry Pound Cake from OMG Chocolate Desserts – decadent pound cake with cranberries, white chocolate and cream cheese frosting!

Christmas Cheesecake from OMG Chocolate Desserts

Christmas Reindeer Crack from My Incredible Recipes

Candy Cane Cheese Danish from My Incredible Recipes

Creamy Eggnog Fudge from 12 Tomatoes – deliciously creamy, perfectly spiced, and light-as-air!

Mickey & Minnie Christmas Cookies from Living Locurto – these holiday treats are not only no-bake, but simple for both adults and kids to make.

No-Bake Eggnog Pie from Love Bakes Good Cakes – so good it will become a family favorite!

M&M Marshmallow Dream Bars from Mom on Timeout

Ugly Christmas Sweater Cake from Shugary Sweets

Puerto Rican Coconut Nog from The Noshery

Hot Chocolate Cookie Cups from Princess Pinky Girl – perfect for Christmas parties, cookie exchanges or just to put a smile on someone’s face!

Homemade Reese’s Peanut Butter Christmas Tree from OMG Chocolate Desserts

Ginger Cookies with Egg Nog Dip from Homemade Hooplah – soft ‘n chewy and the eggnog dip is creamy ‘n sweet – all with fewer calories!

Buckeye Ball from Dinner at the Zoo – classic peanut butter balls dipped in dark or white chocolate and coated with sprinkles. An easy no bake holiday dessert!