My name is Amanda and welcome to my blog! I created this as an outlet for healthy recipe creation while searching for a sustainable and balanced life. Follow my journey and together we can encourage and cheer each other on!

Spelt Banana Blueberry Muffins
Breakfast Amanda Townsend Breakfast Amanda Townsend

Spelt Banana Blueberry Muffins

Banana bread is a staple in my family, and easy to adapt the ingredients for a healthy twist, just as long as you have ripe bananas. I use flour made from the ancient grain spelt, which has more fiber than regular wheat flour, and this paired with coconut sugar makes for a low GI sweet treat! Add antioxidant-rich blueberries and Ashwagandha powder for adrenal health, creating a balanced snack to nourish your body and mind.

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Cilantro Feta Turkey Meatballs
Savory Amanda Townsend Savory Amanda Townsend

Cilantro Feta Turkey Meatballs

These turkey meatballs are flavorful yet so simple to make with just a few ingredients including my homemade creamy cilantro lemon dressing. An added bonus of using the creamy dressing in the meatball filling is that it makes the meatballs juicy and keeps them from drying out. Serve them as an appetizer with the same dressing for dipping, or coat them in your favorite sauce and pair with pasta and a side of veggies for a complete meal!.

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Creamy Cilantro Lemon Dressing
Savory Amanda Townsend Savory Amanda Townsend

Creamy Cilantro Lemon Dressing

Made creamy with protein packed Greek yogurt, this versatile dressing is perfect to for salad or as a sandwich spread. The bold flavors of lemon, cilantro and garlic make this great as a marinade and can even be brushed on salmon before baking! Use it as a healthy condiment for turkey burgers or as a creamy bright dressing for a pasta salad. Having this simple nutritious dressing on hand is a great way to add tons of flavor fast to any dish.

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Kabocha Squash Gnocchi with Pea Arugula Pesto
Savory Amanda Townsend Savory Amanda Townsend

Kabocha Squash Gnocchi with Pea Arugula Pesto

Pillowy soft gnocchi packed with vitamin A, vitamin C and Magnesium from Kabocha squash, also know as the Japanese pumpkin squash. This delicate gnocchi is paired with lemony pesto made with peas, greens, and fresh herbs resulting in a delightfully bright and nutritious dish!

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Maple Cinnamon Granola
Breakfast Amanda Townsend Breakfast Amanda Townsend

Maple Cinnamon Granola

Packed with whole grains, antioxidants, and omega 3 fatty acids; this gluten free granola is nourishing and energizing! Puffed millet gives a super crispy texture like a healthy version of rice krispies, while real maple syrup and cinnamon gives this granola a slight sweetness perfect to top your yogurt or smoothie bowl.

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Balsamic Mushrooms with Sausage Stuffing
Savory Amanda Townsend Savory Amanda Townsend

Balsamic Mushrooms with Sausage Stuffing

There is something about pairing mushrooms with sausage and green pepper that I cannot get enough of. It’s the perfect flavor combination. These stuffed mushrooms are extra special with the addition of luxurious balsamic glaze that adds a slight sweetness and complexity to this show stealing appetizer. Serve as an Hors d'oeuvre for the Holidays or just enjoy paired with a salad for a deliciously satisfying meal.

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Mejadra
Savory Amanda Townsend Savory Amanda Townsend

Mejadra

Mujadara or mejadra, however you spell it, is one of my favorite items to order from the Mediterranean restaurants here in Ann Arbor, MI. These lentils and rice are so flavorful and filling while still feeling somehow light. This dish is all about the caramelized onions which adds a touch of sweetness pairing perfectly with the warm Middle Eastern spices we all love.

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Banana Carrot Cake Muffins
Sweet Treats Amanda Townsend Sweet Treats Amanda Townsend

Banana Carrot Cake Muffins

Carrot cake and banana bread merge for this nutritious muffin that is packed with quality ingredients. Soft, chewy and crunchy make this such a satisfying breakfast with just a touch of sweetness and warm spices also making this a great anytime sweet treat.

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Fall Turkey Chili with Pumpkin
Savory Amanda Townsend Savory Amanda Townsend

Fall Turkey Chili with Pumpkin

I’m always looking for more ways to enjoy the flavors of fall. Pumpkin adds a wonderful creamy texture to this chili making it even more hearty and tasty. I added in some delicate squash for more texture and fall spirit! A tiny bit of cinnamon is the secret ingredient — trust me on this, the cinnamon flavor is not easily recognized but it adds such warmth and depth to the chili.

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Salsa Canning
Savory Amanda Townsend Savory Amanda Townsend

Salsa Canning

This is my favorite way to preserve tomatoes and peppers grown over the summer. I have yet to find a quality store bought salsa without any added sugar and homemade salsa is so easy to make in large batches so it can be enjoyed anytime!

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