Welcome to the weekend, my friends! We’ve had a wonderfully peaceful Christmas break so far and I’m ready to dive back into the last week of work before the new year. (Bring on 2026, I am sooooo ready for it!) The kids are enjoying their break from school and our weather here in Ohio has been a wild ride of cold, then warm, then super warm, and now it’s supposed to get chilly again.
ON OUR MEAL PLAN THIS WEEK: Grilled cheese sandwiches paired with our favorite tomato soup is the perfect lunch for a chilly day. Is there anything better than the crunch of toasted cheese filled sourdough drenched in tomato soup?
If you haven’t tried it yet, this balsamic glazed meatloaf is about to change your meatloaf game. Served with chunky, buttery, garlic smashed potatoes, and smashed Brussels sprouts this is a meal I absolutely love.
These juicy, tender pan-fried chicken thighs with a golden-crisp skin are possible with just a spoonful of oil and a bit of patience. Paired with this cheesy broccoli mushroom casserole, it is guaranteed happiness on your plates.
Italian White Bean, Cabbage, and Sausage Soup is loaded with great flavors and it’s filled with far more vegetables and meat than broth. I like to serve this soup with warm, toasted garlic bread.
Have you tried baking sweet potatoes in the air fryer yet? If not, I highly recommend that you put this one on your list to try asap. This has become one of my favorite lunches over the past year. It’s about as simple as it gets and it’s my kind of comfort food too.
I’m making room for one more fantastic dessert while we’re on our Christmas break. This chocolate cobbler combines a topping of fudgy, chocolate cake over a layer of rich, gooey chocolate. If you’ve ever had a molten lava cake, then the experience is deliciously similar.
My FAVORITE THING this week is this tiny keychain container. It can be used as a travel pill case or for carrying small jewelry or earplugs. It’s beyond the handiest thing I could’ve imagined! I started carrying mine over a month ago and loved it so much, I wound up giving it to several people this Christmas. It’s super discreet and thin and doesn’t weigh down my keychain at all. I really love it.
What I’m WATCHING:
This healthy cottage cheese egg bake is a high protein breakfast recipe from both eggs and cottage cheese! Our fluffy and flavorful breakfast casserole is so easy to make with just a handful of ingredients (eggs, cottage cheese, tomatoes, basil cheese, and roasted red bell pepper) in less than 50 minutes!
I eat eggs multiple times a week in many different forms. While I’m not opposed to making scrambled eggs or a fried egg on a daily basis, I love prepping a batch of spinach, sausage and egg casserole or a cheesy monterey jack souffle (one of our most popular breakfast casserole recipes) to have on hand during the week.
My favorite egg casserole with cottage cheese is the perfect meal prep recipe for the weekend! I love making a healthy breakfast casserole on the weekend that I can enjoy throughout the week. It’s such a great way to have easy breakfasts on hand for those busy weekday mornings and lunches when I need something quick, easy and good for me.
Cottage Cheese is a Great Source of Protein!
Um, cottage cheese is totally having a moment right now and I am here for it! I have vivid memories of my parents eating a bowl of peaches or pears with cottage cheese and now I see why.
It’s loaded with protein! I’ve been experimenting with ways to add more protein to meals, and cottage cheese is a major winner. Using low-fat cottage cheese is a great way to increase protein without feeling too full. Try my 7 Minute Savory Oatmeal, VIRAL High-Protein Cottage Cheese Beef & Sweet Potato Bowl, or these fluffy cottage cheese pancakes!
Diet for Perimenopause
Being in my 40’s I’m fully aware of all the women dealing with Perimenopause. Because of this, I ensure my protein intake is well over 100 grams a day.
Higher protein helps me with my goals of building muscle and strength as it’s important to maintain muscle as we age. Cottage cheese is also a high calcium food which is fantastic for bone health. Just one serving of this dish is 17 grams of protein!
If you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve party this year, you need appetizers that are easy, crowd-pleasing, and totally irresistible. This hand-picked collection of New Year’s Eve appetizers has everything from warm and cheesy dips to fresh party bites, sliders, bacon-wrapped favorites, and make-ahead options.
Every appetizer is simple to prepare, party-tested, and perfect for ringing in the new year deliciously.
Hot & Cheesy Dips
Warm dips are a must-have on New Year’s Eve! We love dips that are comforting and scoopable, and they are always the first thing guests gather around. These bubbly, cheesy favorites pair perfectly with crackers, veggies, or toasted bread.
A creamy, cheesy classic packed with spinach and artichokes and always the first dip to disappear.
Rich, smooth melted cheese perfect for dipping bread, veggies, and pretzels for a fun, interactive appetizer.
Simple, ultra-creamy, and loaded with Parmesan and marinated artichokes for bold, savory flavor.
Get ready to wow your taste buds with this Healthy Chocolate Swirl Berry Yogurt Bark! Quick, easy, and only 5 minutes to prep, it’s the ultimate after-school snack that’s as fun to make as it is to eat.
Creamy Greek yogurt, sweet berries, and decadent chocolate swirls come together for a treat that feels indulgent but is totally wholesome. Perfect for kids, grown-ups, or anyone who loves a little sweet crunch without the guilt!
Some days it feels like the snack struggle is real! How many times can you eat an apple, string cheese, or almonds before your taste buds revolt? I’m so over the same-old, same-old. That’s why I’m beyond excited to share this fun healthy snack idea with you: Healthy Chocolate Swirl Berry Yogurt Bark! It’s officially my new favorite treat, and our kids can’t get enough either. It’s the perfect after school snack!
Ingredients For Yogurt Bark
This Chocolate Berry Yogurt Bark is healthy and packed with flavor. Let’s break down the ingredients that make it so irresistible…
- Chocolate Chips: Melted and swirled throughout the bark for rich chocolate flavor. We used semi-sweet, but milk chocolate, white chocolate or dark chocolate would all be good.
- Greek Yogurt: Vanilla Greek yogurt creates a creamy, lightly sweet base.
- Fresh Berries or Fresh Fruit: We used blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries, but see below for more ideas!
With just chocolate, creamy Greek yogurt, and fresh berries, you’ve got a snack that’s as pretty as it is delicious!
Other Mix-Ins & Toppings
This yogurt bark is easy to customize, so feel free to get creative with mix-ins and toppings.
Try adding sliced bananas, fresh strawberries, mango, or cherries for more fruit flavor.
Granola, chopped nuts, cookies, sprinkles, or coconut flakes add great crunch, while chia seeds, pepitas, or hemp hearts bring a little extra nutrition.
You can also swap the chocolate swirl for white chocolate, drizzle with honey or pure maple syrup, or sprinkle on crushed pretzels for a sweet-salty twist. Mix and match to make it your own.
How to Make Yogurt Bark
Making this yogurt bark is easier than you think! A few simple steps and you’ll have a colorful, chocolatey treat ready to chill.
- Melt: Place the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each round, until smooth. Let cool slightly so it doesn’t melt the yogurt.
- Spread: Line a rimmed baking sheet with a Silpat mat or wax paper and evenly spread the Greek yogurt into a smooth layer.
- Top: Sprinkle the fresh berries evenly over the yogurt.
- Swirl: Dot the melted chocolate over the bark, then use a toothpick to gently swirl it through the yogurt.
- Freeze: Place the&n
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that healthy doesn’t have to mean boring. These Healthy Chicken Recipes are proof that you can keep dinner simple, nourishing, and full of flavor without spending hours in the kitchen.
Whether you’re craving a quick stir fry, something cozy from the slow cooker, or a light citrusy marinade on the grill, there’s a recipe here that’ll bring your family running to the kitchen for dinner. Let’s make eating well feel easy and totally delicious!
Quick & Easy Chicken Dinners
Busy nights call for simple, feel-good meals. These quick chicken recipes come together fast — we’re talking 15 to 30 minutes — without sacrificing any of that cozy, home-cooked flavor your family loves.
- 10 Minute Mexican Chicken
Sticky Mexican Chicken
This 10 Minute Mexican Chicken is your new go-to for busy weeknights! It’s bursting with bold flavor, tender chicken, and all your favorite Mexican-inspired spices — yet it’s light, clean, and ready faster than takeout.
- 15 Minute Chicken Stir Fry
Chicken and Vegetable Stir Fry
This quick and healthy Chicken Stir Fry is packed with crisp veggies and tender bites of chicken in a light, flavorful sauce. Perfect for meal prep or busy weeknights, it’s ready in just 15 minutes — faster than delivery and far more nourishing.
- 10 Minute Garlic Butter Chicken
Quick Garlic Butter Chicken
Dinner in 10 minutes? Yes, please! This Garlic Butter Chicken is simple, savory, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious. Made with just a few pantry staples, it’s a healthy, protein-rich meal that’s quick enough for weeknights but fancy enough for company.
- Quick and Easy Cashew Chicken
Better Than Takeout Cashew Chicken
Skip the takeout and make this quick, healthy Cashew Chicken at home! It’s loaded with tender chicken, crunchy cashews, and colorful veggies tossed in a naturally sweet, savory sauce.
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