Lisa Cheplak
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Blogs
    • The Healthy Family
    • More Broccoli Please
  • Toolbox
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Recipes
  • Blogs
    • The Healthy Family
    • More Broccoli Please
  • Toolbox
  • Contact
Search by typing & pressing enter

YOUR CART

    Categories

    All Breakfast Ideas Entrees & Main Dishes Sides & Snacks Smoothies & Drinks Soups & Salads Sweet Treats

5/2/2022 Comments

APPLE DONUTS & BANANA SUSHI

Picture
Yield: 4 servings
Print Recipe
Don't miss out on the most important meal of the day! Make breakfast (or snack time) fun for kids with apple donuts and banana sushi.  Kids can get creative and add their favorite toppings. The options are endless! Read more about why breakfast is the most important meal of the day here:  A Healthy Start with Breakfast
Apple Donuts
  1. 2 apples, any variety
  2. Wash apples, then core and cut into rings about ¼ inch thick. I love this apple corer: apple corer
  3. Spread peanut butter or nut-free butter, such as Sunflower seed butter, on apple*
  4. Add favorite toppings (see list below)
Banana Sushi
  1. 2 bananas
  2. Peel banana and spread peanut butter on top
  3. Add favorite toppings (see list below)
  4. Cut into 1” pieces like “sushi”

Topping suggestions:
  • granola
  • unsweetened coconut
  • raisins
  • cranberries
  • mini chocolate chips 
  • ground flax seeds, chia seeds or hemp seeds
  • cinnamon
  • chopped nuts or sunflower seeds​
  • fresh fruit: strawberries, blueberries, raspberries

*Instead of peanut butter for the spread: use yogurt.
Picture
Comments

4/27/2022 Comments

CUCUMBER GUACAMOLE BOATS

Picture
Yield: 8 "boats"
Print Recipe
Ingredients:
  • 2 avocados
  • juice and zest of 1 or 2 limes
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ jalapeno, finely chopped
  • handful of cilantro
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ red onion, minced
  • 2 cucumbers 
  • optional toppings: diced tomatoes, diced bell pepper, diced onion
 
Directions:
  1. Make guacamole: Mash avocados in a large bowl.  Stir in lime juice, garlic, jalapeno, onion, cilantro and salt.
  2. Wash cucumbers, cut in half, then cut lengthwise and scoop out the seeds.
  3. Fill cucumber “boats” with guacamole.  Can also use celery.
  4. Top with diced tomatoes, chopped cilantro, bell pepper, onions or any other favorite toppings
 
Comments

4/27/2022 Comments

FRUIT & VEGGIE BUGS

Picture
Yield: 20 or more
Print Recipe
You have all heard of ants on a log (celery with peanut butter and raisins), let’s take it a step further and create bugs on a log.  All you need is celery, any spread (peanut butter or sunflower seed butter if nut free, cream cheese (can use vegan cream cheese), hummus.  Next create some bug parts: cucumbers, radishes, tomatoes, chives, olives, grapes, blueberries and more and let your kids get creative! 
Ingredients:
  • 1 large bunch of celery, cut into 2- or 3-inch-long pieces
 
Options for the spread:
  • cream cheese: can also use non-dairy cream cheese like Daiya brand
  • hummus
  • peanut butter, almond or nut free butter
 
Best fruits and veggies to use to create bugs:
  • grape or cherry tomatoes
  • cucumbers, thinly sliced into rounds/half-moons and/or cut into triangles
  • radishes - thinly sliced into rounds
  • sliced olives
  • chives - cut in half or 2-3” piece
  • red bell pepper - cut into thin strips
  • raisins “ants”
  • grapes
  • strawberries
  • blueberries
 
Directions:
  1. Add hummus, cream cheese or peanut butter to your celery.
  2. Get creative and build “bugs” with the fruit and/or vegetables. Examples: Use raisins as “ants” with the peanut butter; small tomatoes for caterpillars or heads; Cucumbers as snail shells; chives for antennas 
Picture
Comments

2/2/2022 Comments

VEGGIE DIPPERS, CHIPS & GUAC

Picture
Yield: Serves 4
PRINT RECIPE
Guacamole! You see it at every party and pot luck! Probably one of the healthiest snacks you can eat! Avocados pack tons of nutrients and are considered a SUPERFOOD (very nutrient dense).  So mash up those avocados, add your favorite seasonings and dip away! I taught this recipe virtually to students at a local elementary schools through my work with Green Our Planet. I used common vegetables that are growing in their garden as the "veggie dippers".  Then, of course, you need chips with guacamole, so I baked up my favorite tortilla chips!  Whether you need a game day snack, an after school snack a before dinner snack or really anytime, enjoy this combo of veggie dippers, chips and guac!
Ingredients:

Veggie Dippers
  • radishes
  • carrots
  • snap peas
  • cucumbers 
*can use any other favorite veggies
Chips
  • tortillas, any favorite brand
  • salt
  • olive oil spray
  • other seasonings, chili powder, cumin, paprika
Guacamole
  • 2-4 ripe avocados
  • ¼ cup finely diced red onion*optional
  • handful of cilantro, finely chopped
  • jalapeno-optional
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • ½ tsp chili powder
  • ½ tsp cumin
  • ½ tsp salt
  • Juice of 1 or 2 limes

Directions:
  1. Prepare veggie dippers: cut radishes into thick rounds, peel carrots and cut into sticks, wash cucumbers (can peel if desired) cut into sticks, wash snap peas, arrange all veggies on platter
  2. For chips: line a sheet pan with parchment paper. Cut the tortilla into 8 triangles.  Add to the sheet pan and spray each side of the tortilla with olive oil cooking spray.  Season with salt and any other seasonings that you like. Bake in a 300 degree oven for 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through. Remove from the oven when they are nice and crispy and lightly browned.
  3. For the guacamole: Peel avocado and remove pit. Mash well. Mix in onions, cilantro, jalapeno, garlic and seasonings. Stir in lime juice and adjust seasonings to taste. Add to platter.
  4. Complete your snack platter with the veggie dippers, bowl of guacamole and freshly baked chips! Enjoy!
Comments

1/8/2021 Comments

COWBOY CAVIAR

Picture
Yield: 10 cups
Print Recipe
Ingredients:
  • 2, 15 oz. cans black eyed peas, rinsed and drained
  • 1, 15 oz. can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1, 15 oz. can sweet corn drained or 1 cup frozen corn (thawed)
  • 4 Roma tomatoes, diced
  • 1/4 red onion, finely diced
  • 3 celery stalks, chopped
  • 1/2 yellow bell pepper and 1/2 orange bell pepper, chopped
  • handful of cilantro, finely chopped

Dressing:
  • Juice of 2 limes, about 1/4 cup
  • 1/3 cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp maple syrup
Directions:
  1. Add black eye peas, black beans, corn, celery, bell peppers, tomatoes, onion and cilantro to a large bowl.
  2. Whisk dressing ingredients together and pour onto beans and veggies
  3. Serve with tortilla chips, lettuce wraps or as a salad
Picture
Comments

10/6/2020 Comments

GARDEN HERB HUMMUS

Picture
Yield:  3 cups
PRINT RECIPE
Ingredients:
  • handful of fresh herbs: (usually combo of 3 different herbs: parsley, thyme, basil, mint, oregano)
  • 1 garlic clove 
  • zest and juice of one lemon
  • 1, 15 ounce can of garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 tbsp. tahini
  • red pepper flakes, optional
  • olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt

Directions: *For best results, use a food processor or a blender
  1. Add garbanzo beans, herbs, garlic, lemon and tahini to a food processor. Blend for a few minutes until combined.
  2. Drizzle in olive oil.  Add salt and extra seasonings to taste. Blend until smooth and creamy.
  3. Serve with vegetables and/or pita chips/crackers
Comments

6/8/2020 Comments

CHIA SEED PUDDING

Picture
Yield: 4 servings
Print Recipe
Ingredients:
  • 2 cups almond milk (or other favorite non dairy milk: oat, coconut, soy)
  • ½ cup chia seeds
  • 1 tbsp. maple syrup
  • ​1 tsp vanilla
Extra toppings: customize with your favorite!
  • 1 cup frozen berries, blended    
  • unsweetened coconut
  • cinnamon
  • raisins or dried cranberries
  • fresh fruit
  • nuts or sunflower seeds
  • ​jam
  • mint

Directions:

  1.  In a large glass bowl, add chia seeds to almond milk and whisk together.  Add vanilla and maple syrup and whisk well.
  2. Cover and place in the refrigerator. Mixture will firm up overnight.
  3.   Add favorite toppings and serve.
Picture
​Check out my Chia Seed Pudding video presentation which was part of Green Our Planet's Virtual Academy summer edition.  In my work as a Nutrition Chef with Green Our Planet, I teach students how to use produce that is growing in their school garden and the benefits of eating healthy. As schools were shut down due to COVID-19, this academy was created to continue to deliver garden and nutrition lessons to students.
Comments

4/23/2020 Comments

PITA BREAD PIZZA

Picture
Yield:  6 pizzas
Print Recipe
Ingredients:
Quick Tomato Sauce:
  •  28 oz can crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes or whole tomatoes
  • 1 small can tomato sauce
  • 1 garlic clove
  • Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, oregano)
  • optional:  fresh tomatoes
  • red pepper flakes
  • salt
  • pita bread (can also use tortilla or English muffin)
 Pizza Toppings (Add your favorites)
  • olives
  • zucchini, thinly sliced
  • mushrooms
  • bell peppers, diced
  • broccoli, finely chopped
  • tomatoes, chopped
  • shredded cheese 
Directions:
  1.  In a blender or food processor, combine tomatoes, garlic, herbs and seasonings. 
  2. Top pita bread with sauce.
  3. Add favorite toppings.
  4. Bake in 350-degree oven for 10-15 minutes or until cheese is melted.
Picture
Picture
Comments

4/9/2020 Comments

WHITE BEAN & RADISH SALSA

Picture
Yield:  3 cups
Print Recipe
I love making salsa, especially non traditional versions of salsa like this white bean and radish salsa! Salsa is made using lots of fresh vegetables and herbs.  It's a perfect appetizer and snack anytime!  I created this version, because I had an abundance of radishes from a school garden.  Radishes are a great topping for salads, tacos, even pickled, but my favorite way to eat them is in this salsa!  White beans adds some protein which makes it an extra healthy, nutrient rich snack.  ​
Ingredients:
  • 6 large radishes
  • 1 handful of any herbs: parsley, dill, cilantro, basil
  • ½ red onion
  • 2 celery stalks
  • Juice and zest of 1 lemon or lime
  • salt
  • 1, 15 oz can white beans, rinsed and drained
 
Directions:
  1. Add beans to a large bowl.
  2. Add radishes, herbs, celery and onion to a food processor and pulse until finely chopped. (can also chop by hand if you don’t have a food processor)
  3. Add radish mixture to the beans.  
  4. Add lemon or lime zest and juice to the  radish and bean mixture.  Mix well.
  5. Season with salt.
  6. Serve in lettuce wraps or with chips.
Check out my demonstration making White Bean and Radish Salsa! What type of salsa are you ready to make?
Comments

3/1/2020 Comments

QUINOA LIME SALAD

Picture
Yield: 4 servings
Print Recipe
​Ingredients:
  • 1 cup cooked quinoa, use white or red quinoa
  • ½ cup fresh herbs, chopped: parsley, mint, basil
  • ½ cup cranberries
  • 1 cup chopped cucumber
  • 1 cup shelled edamame
  • chopped walnuts or sunflower seeds
  • zest and juice of 2 limes, about ¼ cup
Directions:
  1. Add quinoa, herbs, cranberries, cucumber, edamame and walnuts or sunflower seeds to a large bowl.  
  2. Toss with fresh lime zest and juice.
Comments

1/13/2020 Comments

QUINOA BLACK BEAN SALAD/TACOS

Picture
Yield: 4-6 servings
Print Recipe
​I wanted to share one of my favorite dishes to make that uses my favorite grain, Quinoa.
If you are not familiar with quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah) here are some facts about this wonderful grain.  Quinoa has a high nutritional value and provides all of the essential amino acids. It is not only high in protein, but high in iron, vitamin B3, vitamin B6 and phosphorus.  Quinoa is also gluten free. 
 
My Quinoa Black Bean Salad/Tacos are very healthy and easy to make.   This dish is delicious on its own as a salad or served in a soft shell taco, topped with avocado and salsa, if desired.  It can be served hot or cold.  It is great to pack for picnic lunches or to keep in the refrigerator for a quick lunch or dinner.​
Ingredients:
  • 1 can (15 oz) organic black beans drained and rinsed
  • 2 cups frozen corn, thawed 
  • 1/2-pint grape tomatoes, sliced
  • 1 red, orange or yellow bell pepper, diced
  • ¼ cup diced green onions
  • 2 cups cooked quinoa
  • ½ bunch fresh cilantro or Italian parsley finely chopped
  • ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
  • zest and juice of 1 lemon (Try also substituting lime)
  • sea salt
 Directions:
  1. In a large bowl, combine the black beans, corn, tomatoes, quinoa, bell pepper, cilantro or parsley and onion.
  2. Whisk together the lemon and olive oil.
  3. Pour on salad and toss to combine.  Season with salt.

Serving suggestions:
  1. Serve as a salad
  2. Serve in a soft taco shell topped with avocado and salsa
  3. Serve in tortilla chips "scoops" 
Comments

10/17/2019 Comments

MONSTER MASH WITH VEGGIE FRIES (OR WHITE BEAN BASIL DIP)

Picture
Yield: 2 Cups
Print Recipe
​Halloween time is upon us, and kids (and adults) will be filling up on CANDY and sugar filled treats! Before trick or treating, how about a healthy little snack? This Monster Mash dip is fill with protein, tons of vitamins, minerals and of course lots of flavor!​
  Ingredients:

  • 1, 15 oz can white beans, rinsed and drained
  • ​1 avocado, peeled and seeded
  • 1 handful fresh basil
  • 1 lemon, zest and juice
  • 1 garlic clove, peeled
  • 1/2 cup spinach 
  • water (to thin out as needed)
  • 1 tsp salt
 
Directions:
  1. Add white beans, avocado, basil, lemon zest and juice, garlic, spinach and salt to food processor.
  2. ​Blend until completely pureed.  Add water to thin out and blend until smooth.
  3. Serve with veggie “fries”: celery, carrot, jicama, cucumbers, bell pepper sticks
Picture
Picture
Check out my video demonstration of this recipe which is part of Green Our Planet's virtual academy.
Picture
The White bean basil dip also works well for our Pita Bread Christmas Trees.
For the “trees”:
  • pita bread - cut into triangles
  • pretzel sticks
  • yellow, orange and red bell pepper, finely diced
​
  1. Add pretzel stick to the bottom of the "tree" triangle pita bread
  2. Spread a thin layer of white bean basil hummus. Sprinkle with bell pepper.

Comments

10/9/2019 Comments

CARAMEL APPLE NACHOS

Picture
Yield: 2 cups
Print Recipe
Ingredients:
Caramel Apple Dip
  • 1 cup pitted dates
  • 1-2 cups warm water
  • 1/2 tsp pure vanilla extract, optional
 
  1. Soak dates in warm water for about 15 minutes to soften. 
  2. Add dates, water and vanilla to blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
  3. Add more water for desired consistency.

Apple Nachos
  • apples – Use your favorite type of apple. 
  • fresh squeezed lemon juice
Toppings:
  • unsweetened coconut
  • raisins
  • cranberries
  • chocolate/cacao chips
  • chopped walnuts or almonds
  • cinnamon
 
  1. Core apple and cut into thin slices. Add a touch of fresh squeeze lemon on apple slices to prevent browning.
  2. Arrange apples on plate.
  3. Drizzle on caramel dip.
  4. Add your favorite toppings.
* Store any remaining caramel dip in a glass jar in the refrigerator.  

Check out a video demonstration of the Caramel Apple Nachos here: youtu.be/wigCq9ERY3Y


Check out recommended product links here:
Apple Corer 
​Vita Mix
​Food Processor

Disclosure: This page contains Amazon Affiliate links. I am a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide me with fees from qualified purchases linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Picture
Comments

9/16/2019 Comments

FLAX CRACKERS

Picture
Yield:  4-5, 15x15 Trays
Print Recipe
*Note: Must have a dehydrator to make these crackers (I recommend Excalibur dehydrator) Temperature: 125 degrees for about 8-10 hours
Ingredients:
  • 3 small tomatoes, quartered
  • ¼ onion (red or yellow)
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 3 celery stalks
  • Handful of herbs: parsley, basil, oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Juice of 2 lemons (or limes)
  • 1 cup ground flax seeds and 1 cup whole flax seeds
  • 2 cups water
​
 *Other optional items to add to puree mixture (just add to food processor mixture)
  • Jalapeno or cayenne pepper (if you want them spicier)
  • Bell peppers
  • Kale or spinach
  • carrots
  • Other seasonings:  Ground cumin, onion powder, garlic powder
  1. Process tomatoes, onion, garlic, celery and herbs in food processor or blender and blend until pureed. 
  2. In a separate bowl, combine ground flax with whole flax, add in 2 cups water and whisk well.
  3. Add pureed vegetable mixture to flax seeds mixture and blend all together well. Mix in the salt and lemon juice. Let sit together for 5-10 minutes and mix again until well combined.
  4. Pour mixture onto teflex sheets in thin layers (1 use about 4-5 sheets for this batch) and dehydrate at about 120-125 degrees. Score into squares (if desired) ½ hour from beginning after top is dry, flip. Takes about 8-10 hours until they are done (but check on them regularly). If you don’t score them, you can just break into “crisps” instead of perfect squared crackers.
  5. Serve with salsa, guacamole, your favorite dip or just alone! 
Comments

9/4/2019 Comments

WHITE BEAN HUMMUS WITH ROSEMARY

Picture
Yield: 2 cups
Print Recipe
​Ingredients:
  • 1 can organic white beans (cannellini or great northern), rinsed and drained
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled
  • 2 tbsp. organic cold pressed olive oil
  • 2 tbsp. tahini
  • juice of 1 lemon (or two drops of lemon essential oil*)
  • 1 drop Rosemary essential oil* or 2 tsp. dried /1 tbsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
Directions:
  1. Add beans, garlic, tahini, lemon juice, olive oil and salt to a food processor and blend until smooth. 
  2. Stir in 1 drop of rosemary essential oil (or stir in dried/fresh rosemary, if using)
  3. Chill in refrigerator about 30 minutes.  Serve with sliced vegetables or flax crackers.
​
*For best results, I recommend dōTERRA, a safe, pure and effective essential oil.
Comments
<<Previous

Home

About

RECIPES

TOOLBOX

Contact

SUBSCRIBE HERE
Join my email list and immediately gain access to my TOP FIVE SMOOTHIE RECIPES right now as a thank you!!

NEW RECIPES DELIVERED FOR FREE!

​Get the latest recipes delivered straight to your inbox, and be the first to hear about new cooking classes, workshops, blog post updates, and more! Give it a try...you can unsubscribe at any time. :-)
​And, of course, I promise to never spam you or sell your email address to anyone.
PLEASE NOTE: The information provided throughout my website pertaining to your health or wellness, is not intended to be a substitute for the professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment provided by your own physician or health care provider. It is intended to be provided for informational, educational, and self-empowerment purposes only. This information should not be used to diagnose, treat or cure any illness or health condition. If you have, or suspect that you have a medical problem, contact your physician or health care provider. A Health Coach is defined as a guide and mentor who empowers clients to take responsibility for their own health and supports them to implement and sustain lifestyle and behavior changes that will contribute to the achievement of their personal wellness goals. I became certified as a Health Coach because of my passion for health and wellness, and to work with others on incorporating positive and healthy changes in their lives.
Picture
© 2018 Web Design by Lisa Smith, Geek Girls In Vegas