turkey burgers with aioli

the perfect low-carb meal. makes 4 small burgers (enough for 2 people) but can be easily doubled.

• 1 pound ground turkey (80% is ideal for burgers and meatballs)

• 1/8 cup breadcrumbs

• 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or whatever you have)

• 1 tsp each: parsley, paprika, onion powder, black pepper

• 2 cloves minced garlic

• 1 egg per person for serving (turkey can be a little dry no matter what you do to it so a fried egg is the perfect topping)

• cooking spray

aioli: (also good on sweet potatoes or deli sandwiches)

• 1/2 lemon

• 2 cloves minced garlic

• 1/2 tsp dijon mustard

• 1/4 cup mayo

First, combine the garlic and lemon juice in a small bowl for the aioli. Allow to sit while you prepare the burgers.

Mix all burger ingredients together (minus the eggs) and form patties. Spray your pan and cook on medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side.

Once you flip the burgers, start frying the eggs. Heat a saucepan over medium. When the pan is hot, spray with cooking spray and crack both eggs directly into the pan. Top with black pepper. Cook until whites are opaque but yolks are runny.

To finish the aioli, stir the mayo and the dijon mustard into the bowl with the garlic and lemon. Serve on top of burgers and finish with a fried egg.

balsamic pasta salad

perfect for warm weather and keeps well in the fridge. serves 4 generously.

• 12 ounces bowtie or other small pasta: cooked, rinsed, and cooled

• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, sliced in half

• 3 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped

• 1/2 cup red onion, diced

• 8 oz. (1 cup) mozzarella cubes (I use chopped string cheese when feeling lazy)

• could also add 1 lb. grilled chicken, diced

dressing: (also phenomenal over any kind of salad)

• 1/3 cup olive oil

• 3 tbs balsamic vinegar

• 2 tbs mayo

• 2 tbs Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 tbs dijon mustard

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/2 tsp dried basil

• salt and pepper to taste

Combine dressing ingredients in a food processor, blender, or jar with secure lid and blend well.

Once the pasta is completely cool, combine with vegetables and cheese. Toss with half of the dressing before putting in the refrigerator, and serve with extra dressing.

cookie dough pie

good for using up random baking ingredients in your cabinet.

• 1 graham cracker crust

• 2 eggs

• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1/2 cup sugar

• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 1/2 cup salted butter, melted

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips

• 1 cup pecans, chopped (optional)

Preheat oven to 325º. Combine eggs, sugar, flour, and vanilla. Stir in melted butter followed by chocolate chips and pecans. Pour into crust.

Bake ~1 hour or until middle is set. Pro tip: at about the 45-minute mark, remove the pie, slice into 8 pieces, and place back in the oven. It helps the middle cook all the way through.

zucchini chips

the perfect side dish for when you haven’t eaten a green vegetable in a minute.

• 2 zucchini, washed

• 1 tbs olive oil

• 1/2 tsp each salt, pepper, Italian seasoning

• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese (vegan substitution - bread crumbs)

Preheat the oven to 425º. Slide each zucchini into 1/4” slices. Toss with olive oil, spices, and Parmesan/bread crumbs.

On a tinfoil-covered cookie sheet, lay them out in one layer. Bake 10 minutes or until cheese/crumbs just turn golden brown.

oatmeal cookies

oatmeal cookies are only good when chewy. there, I said it.

• 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened

• 1 cup white sugar

• 1 cup packed brown sugar

• 2 eggs

• 1 tsp vanilla

• 2 cups all-purpose flour

• 1 tsp baking soda

• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon

• 3 cups instant oats

• 1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips or raisins, optional

Preheat the oven to 375º.

In a mixing bowl, whisk together flour, baking soda, and cinnamon. In a medium bowl, cream together butter and sugars. Add eggs and vanilla one at a time. Gradually add in the dry ingredients. Once combined, stir in the oats.

Grease or parchment paper cookie sheets. Roll the dough into walnut-sized balls and flatten slightly.

Bake for 8-10 minutes, and allow to cool for a few minutes before removing from the baking sheet.