Avocado and Goat Cheese Toast

I've been seeing the avocado toast / avocado and egg toast all over Pinterest.  And I love it.  Because anything avocado is okay in my book.

But honestly, I've never met any dish that goat cheese couldn't improve.

I loved this both with and without the egg (as you can see in the pic!).  The goat cheese adds a nice tang and compliments the avocado deliciously!

This is quick, easy and filling breakfast - sometimes I also cut the egg in half and have half on each slice of toast.  If you want to be even quicker, substitute a 100 calorie pack of Wholly Guacamole for the avocado!

Avocado and Goat Cheese Toast

1 half Haas avocado
2 slices multigrain bread
1/2 lemon (for juicing)
1 oz. crumbled goat cheese
Pinch red pepper flakes
Salt and pepper to taste
Egg (optional)

Toast the 2 slices of bread.  Mash the avocado half until creamy.  Squeeze the half lemon, add the pinch of red pepper flakes, and stir.  Add salt and pepper to taste.

Spread mixture evenly on the toast slices.  Divide the goat cheese in half on top of the avocado.  Top with egg if desired!

Blog Bites: Ina Garten's Lemon Chicken

So, I was having Easter, and looking for an easy, make ahead and delicious recipe that would feed a crowd.

I stumbled across the blog She's Cookin' and found this recipe from one of my favorite Food Network chefs, Ina Garten.  Seriously, I have major house envy everytime I watch that show!

Scanning over the recipe, it looked like it fit all my qualifications!

I was able to basically put everything together in the morning, cover and put it in the refrigerator, and bake it off when ready.

The chicken was tender and juicy and absolutely delicious.  And the leftovers were dynamite as well.  The longer the chicken sits in that sauce, the better it gets!

Ina Garten's Lemon Chicken

Fabulous Find: Skinnygirl Lime and Sea Salt Popcorn

I'm definitely a snacker. I like crunchy snacks, sweet snacks, savory snacks.  You name it.

I also really love popcorn.

I'm familiar with the Skinnygirl brand, but have not tried too many of the items available.  But this caught my eye in the store and I was intrigued.  She has partnered with Orville Redenbacher so you know the popcorn will be good. 

See, one of my favorite snacks is the Hint of Lime Tostitos.  And I thought this might be a good, lower calorie dupe for that.

I was pleased to find that that's the case!  And what's more, you certainly get a larger serving size!

Each bag is larger than a 100 calorie bag, so you get a bit more, weighing in at 150 calories a bag, which is a good snack size.  When you first take out the bag you definitely smell the lime, but after it pops, it's much more subtle.  You can definitely taste it, and it does remind me of the Tostitos.  The lime mixed with the sea salt is a new twist on popcorn and I'm definitely a fan! 

Fantastic Friday Four!

The latest edition of the things that are giving me life this week!

My Broadway Blues are in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, which means the Messier jersey is worn.  A lot.  Let's go Rangers!

The first time I drink this each year is my first taste of Spring.  I'm not a huge fan of peach flavored stuff but this?  I love.  

Dogsitting at the folks' and spotted these beauties in the front yard.  Winter is well and truly over!

This might be my favorite recent discovery.  I'm going on a cruise again this summer (109 days to be exact!) and I stumbled across this app called Ship Mate, which has reviews, a countdown timer, and a bunch of other great features.  But it also has access to the deck cams of the ships!  So I have been borderline stalking my ship, the Carnival Splendor.  And jealous of anyone who is currently in one of those lounge chairs!

Sweet Potato Hash with a Poached Egg

Hash is great, right?  I mean it's basically a meal where you can use up anything you have in your fridge.  And there is nothing wrong with that.

This hash is healthy and delicious, with a sweetness from the sweet potato and a kick from the spices.  I've actually tried it with 2 different kinds of cheeses - shredded cheddar as well as goat cheese - and both were delicious, so feel free to use what you want!

Word to the wise - par cook your sweet potato, because my goodness those things take time!  I partially cooked mine in boiling water for about 25 minutes.  It was a big sweet potato, and actually gave me three servings of this hash!  Also, the times below are really dependent on how small you chop your sweet potato and the texture you like.  I like mine crisp and a bit charred so if you like it less so, just keep an eye on it!

This is a very, very filling meal!  Great protein from the egg and the beans, and some great healthy fat from the avocado!  And it can easily be doubled or tripled as well!

Sweet Potato Hash with a Poached Egg
(serves 1)

1 cup partially cooked sweet potato, chopped
1/2 tsp. minced garlic
1 tsp. coconut oil
1 cup chopped zucchini
1/2 cup black beans, rinsed and drained
1/4 cup shredded reduced fat cheese (I used cheddar) or 1 oz. goat cheese crumbles
2 tbsp. avocado, chopped
1/2 tsp. chili powder
1/2 tsp. sweet paprika
1 egg

Melt coconut oil over medium heat.  Add garlic and saute 1 minute.  Add sweet potatoes, and cook for 7-8 minutes, stirring occasionally.  Add zucchini, and cook for another 7 minutes.  Add in black beans and spices, and cook for another 2 minutes.  Reduce heat to low, stirring occasionally while egg is poaching.

Just before serving, add cheese to the hash, allowing it to heat through and melt.  Place hash into a bowl and top with avocado and poached egg.  Enjoy!

Blog Bites: Crockpot Herb Roasted Potatoes

I was hunting down some easy Easter recipes, since I was hosting, and to me, anything I can make in the crockpot is great for entertaining.

I found this recipe on Tasty Kitchen and it was super easy, could make it ahead, and really delicious!  We weren't quite ready to eat, so I just turned the crockpot down to warm once the 2 hours on high were up and they were perfect!

Fantastic Friday Four!

Some of the things making me smile this week!

1.  Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt:  If you haven't watched this yet, get yourself to Netflix and watch it now.  It is amazing and funny and heartfelt.  Tina Fey is brilliant and Ellie Kemper is adorable.  But let's be honest, I'm in it for Titus.

2. Portion Controlled Cadbury Mini Eggs:  Because let's face it.  It's Easter, I'm having them.  But at least now I can feel less guilty!

3.  Essie Turquoise and Caicos:  I had to.  I'm going to Turks and Caicos this summer!  And anything that reminds me of my still too far off vacation makes me a happy camper.

4.  Elite Tangle Ease Brush: I remember Casey Holmes aka itsblondie mentioning this in one of her videos and talking about how it doesn't tear at your hair, even when it's wet.  Sign me up!   It's super comfortable going through your hair, even those tough knots!

Favorite YouTubers: Mind Over Munch

I stumbled upon this channel and have found it not only entertaining, but very informative!  Lots of great recipes, as well as some healthy tips and tricks.

This video on healthy snack ideas is one of my favorites!

Check out her channel here!