Cook It. Blog It! for the health nuts

I haven't forgotten you guys! I promise. I still peruse your blogs from time to time in search of yummy recipes to tantalize my palate. My family thanks you too! :) So, since it's been a while since I featured you guys on here, I decided to do a healthy installment of Cook It. Blog It! I took a look around today for any low-fat, or low-carb or low-sugar recipes I could find out there, so there should be something on this list to appeal to anyone out there who is trying to lead a healthy lifestyle, no matter what diet plan you follow. ;) Very fitting right now, considering my own diet challenge. My sis' wedding is less than 2 weeks away so I need these more than ever!!!

BTW, did you know we have 52 members right now?! WHOA! Way to go, you guys!

OK, let's see what I found...

If you enjoy a vegetarian lifestyle, Patricia at OneBoyOneGirl Boutique has been cooking up some amazing Black Bean Burgers! She serves them with a side farfalle pasta and zucchini. YUM!

If a refreshing salad is your idea of the perfect warm weather meal, check out this delicious Summer Spinach Salad posted by Laura at Real Mom Kitchen. It has all of my favorite ingredients, so I think I might have to give this one a try. :)

And of course, I can't leave out this Tomato, Mozzarella & Basil salad I found on From Mommy's Kitchen. This is one of my all-time favorite salads and one I make A LOT at home since the whole family will eat it. When I make it at home I always add Balsamic Vinegar on top... it is the perfect combination of flavors, IMO. Will's Kitchen has another twist on this delicious salad, using feta cheese instead of mozzarella... LOVE IT!

If you need to add a bit of protein (and flavor) into your diet, try this Chicken Thighs Braised in White Wine recipe I found over on the Home & Cooking blog. I think what won me over was that picture with all the lemon slices on top of that savory chicken. Have I ever mentioned how much I *heart* lemon?!?! mmmm...



Of course, no matter what diet plan you are following, you can always find something that will fit your needs at The Gourmet Momma blog. Nikki gives you the full nutritional information for every meal she features, including the Weight Watcher points. How great is that? I especially salivated at the Greek Mahi-Mahi recipe she posted a few days ago. The "light & heatly" title got my attention immediately and once I read the ingredients I was SOLD! Of course... it's got both lemon juice AND lemon wedges. DUH! LOL! Check it out here.

And speaking of fish, I couldn't resist posting this amazing recipe for Roasted Salmon With Lemon Relish (don't let the title of the post deceive you) I found on Amii Rob's blog, Ramblings. You guys and your lemon! I am drooling all over my keyboard here!!

To satisfy that sweet tooth, I would recommend a refreshing -- and healthy! -- Strawberry Smoothie like this one I found on Huenu's Blog. Of course, I am a sucker for good photography so Huenu's blog always satisfies that craving for me. :)

And if you are trying to wean your kids (or yourself) off sugars, check out my friend Geeta's newly redesigned Pintuck blog (not like her old one needed any redesigning, IMO). She has shared her sugar-free pancakes tip with us. YUM!

I hope you guys have enjoyed these few features. Thanks to all of you for keeping the Cook It. Blog It! club going even though I've totally slacked off on it lately. I promise to share some recipes of my own soon. I just discovered a new favorite store in my hometown, World Gourmet Foods. I spent nearly an hour today in there and walked away with some amazing new things to play with at home. I'll share soon! :)