citrus

Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad

This simple but totally flavorful salad makes the perfect meal-prep meal for lunch or dinner thanks to pan-seared citrus-flavored shrimp, creamy avocado, and the crunch of sliced almonds.

I grew up with a mother who 99% of the time ordered two things when we ate out at finer dining establishments. It was like she didn’t even need to look at the menu, yet she always did and still does.

So when it’s my mom’s turn to answer the usual round of “what are you going to have?” question because we all want to be 100% sure we’re ordering just the right thing on the menu, my husband and I always share a knowing grin when we hear her reply, “Oh, I think I’ll try the shrimp. Or maybe the scallops.”

My mom. She’s predictable that way. And to prove we share the same DNA, I unapologetically share her menu choosing tendencies. Man, I LOVE shrimp!

That’s why when I made my friend Robyn’s Pan-Seared Citrus Shrimp I was totally stoked there were leftovers to be had, because that meant that both of these recipes become the perfect solution for weeknight meal planning that turns into weekday salads.

So we can thank my leftovers for inspiring this ridiculously easy and delicious Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad that my mom would totally approve of.continue to the recipe… about Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Chunky Citrus Guacamole

Chunky with a citrus-ey accent or both lime and orange juice plus a hit of spice and just enough girth to make any chip happy, it’s the perfect combo to welcome some spring weather with a few salty corn chips and a nice cold beverage.

If it weren’t for guacamole serving as my avocado gateway, the jury is out on whether I would ever have become an avocado fan. Now, they’re one of my favorite things to eat, so how could it be there was a time I didn’t like them?

Just like artichokes, it wasn’t until I was in my late teens that I finally gave in to even trying avocados. I have no idea where my aversion stemmed from. Maybe I just had an aversion to fruits and veggies that started with the letter A?

There are as many guacamole recipes out there in the world as there are stars in the sky and we all have our favorite, and this chunky homemade version is mine.

My husband came up with this guacamole recipe years ago and it was one of the first recipes I published here on the blog when I announced the first issue of FoodieCrush magazine along with some of my favorite things. But after making this guacamole time and time again, my photos and this post were in need of an update.continue to the recipe… about Chunky Citrus Guacamole

5 Ingredients That Make Boring Food Taste Good

If your food doesn’t show off the wow factor you wish it would, these 5 toppings can put a flavorful spin on an otherwise boring dish.

Chicken. Popcorn. Plain old white rice or steamed vegetables.

Too often some of our mealtime staples can put us into a serious flavor rut. They may be on our weekly meal planning lists, but end up being, simply…boring.

If you’re baking, cooking, or plating and feel that your food doesn’t show off the wow factor you wish it would, sometimes just changing up the accoutrements and toppings puts a fantastical spin on an otherwise normal (aka, boring) dish.continue to the recipe… about 5 Ingredients That Make Boring Food Taste Good

Citrus Fennel and Avocado Salad

It’s no secret I like to eat. It would be abnormal—in my humble opinion—to have a food blog and not enjoy the feasting it’s bounty produces. I stand firmly in the make and munch camp.

While I do consider myself a semi-foodie, I’m not really a whole foodie. I’m not hard core about eating 100% organic or avoiding sugar in my diet and I’m too lazy a.k.a. scatterbrained to ponder the possibilities of signing up for a CSA because then I wouldn’t have to run to the grocery store 4 times a day.

And for heaven’s sake don’t even ask me to think of giving up chocolate or cheese.

But that doesn’t mean I’m not a fan of eating fresh foods depending upon the season. In fact, I’d say that’s just exactly how my foodie tidal cravings swing.

As a former creative director for a health and fitness magazine, over the years I learned ALOT about food and nutrition. Heck, I even put a girl in a swimming pool full of oranges just to show “creatively” that vitamin C is so important for skin care. Instead of shooting just a regular old orange. Because that would be easy. Back before digital cameras were even used professionally, when we still shot film. And polaroids. So you could save them for years and hang then on the inside of your office cupboards for a walk down memory lane.

Oh wait, am I the only one that does that?

Oh, how my prop stylist hated me when she had to transport 100 cases of oranges to the pool and then get them all out afterward. And the model who put on a brave face in January in an unheated pool in un-sunny Encino, CA.

But doesn’t that model look just like Bridget from Bake at 350? I bet Bridget would have been smiling too, because she’s always smiling.

continue to the recipe… about Citrus Fennel and Avocado Salad

Chocolate and Orange Sandwich Cookies plus Friday Faves

You could say I’m on a citrus high. And that makes me happy, in all the right ways.

Oranges, clementines, meyer lemons and limes. I’m a big fan of most all citrus, minus grapefruit. Why not grapefruit? I have no idea. Grandpa used to eat it every morning for breakfast. Loaded with about 3 tablespoons of sugar.

But other than the pink fleshed fruit, I’m a fan. And with so many ways to cook with it, you can go from sweet to savory in a snap.

Like yesterday’s post for my new favorite pasta: savory. In the overused words of Rachel Zoe, “I die.” That pasta was my savory twist, and this recipe is it’s alter ego, ergo sweet.continue to the recipe… about Chocolate and Orange Sandwich Cookies plus Friday Faves

Citrus Shrimp and Avocado Salad

Chunky Citrus Guacamole

5 Ingredients That Make Boring Food Taste Good

Citrus Fennel and Avocado Salad

How to Make the Best Potato Salad

How to Make Classic Macaroni Salad

How to Make the Best Grilled Salmon

The Best Greek Chicken Marinade

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