A Cedar Spoon

A busy cook's mix of healthy, seasonal & local flavors

Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves

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Always a crowd pleaser, these Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves are delicious warm, cold or room temperature. My mom loves to add celery stalks and a couple of cabbage leaves to the pot for added avor while cooking.

Always a crowd pleaser, these meat stuffed grape leaves are delicious warm, cold or room temperature. My mom loves to add celery stalks and a couple of cabbage leaves to the pot for added flavor while cooking.

MEAT STUFFED GRAPE LEAVES

I am so excited to be sharing these Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves with you along with a review of my friend Liz Della Croce, from The Lemon Bowl’s, newest eCookbook, Food From Our Ancestors: The Ultimate Syrian Sunday Dinner. 

Liz’s new eCookbook includes so many of my favorite recipes from my childhood. As many of you know my family is Lebanese and our cuisines are pretty similar from these Meat Stuffed Grape Leaves, to Tabbouleh, to Lubee: Lebanese Green Beans, to Baked Kibbeh and more, we grew up eating the same foods and both share a love of all things Mediterranean and Middle Eastern.

When I started my food blog five years ago Liz was one of the first blogs I came across because of course I was drawn to her passion for Mediterranean food and her emphasis on healthy eating and living. Liz also is a mom of boys and lives in Michigan, two things I can relate to. Michigan will always hold a special place in my heart and I enjoying following along with her life in Grand Rapids.

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BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad

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A bagged salad, leftover rotisserie chicken and a few other simple ingredients makes this lunch come together in no time. This recipe packs perfectly in lunchboxes or layered in a mason jar for mom or dad. Add this BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad to the rotation!  BBQ CHICKEN CHOPPED SALAD School is back in session which…

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Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce takes your normal roasted cauliflower to a new level. Earthy and slightly sweet the za'atar is the perfect spice to add to your roasted cauliflower and is complimented nicely by the yogurt tahini sauce. 

Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce

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Za’atar Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce takes your normal roasted cauliflower to a new level. Earthy and slightly sweet the za’atar is the perfect spice to add to your roasted cauliflower and is complimented nicely by the yogurt tahini sauce.  ZA’ATAR ROASTED CAULIFLOWER WITH YOGURT TAHINI SAUCE Nothing beats roasted cauliflower. If you haven’t tried it…

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Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta is a zesty meal that the whole family will love. This meal cooked in no time when using your Instant Pot or pressure cooker. The ground turkey, taco seasoning, fired roasted tomatoes paired with pasta make this a fun alternative to taco night. 

Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta

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Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta is a zesty meal that the whole family will love. This meal cooked in no time when using your Instant Pot or pressure cooker. The ground turkey, taco seasoning, fired roasted tomatoes paired with pasta make this a fun alternative to taco night.  INSTANT POT TURKEY TACO PASTA I am…

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Whip up this Bourbon Marinade for your favorite cut of beef and create a flavorful, bourbon flavored dish. This marinade uses Bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, Worcestershire Sauce, dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil and red wine vinegar to create the perfect pairing of flavors! 

Bourbon Marinade

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Whip up this Bourbon Marinade for your favorite cut of beef and create a flavorful, bourbon flavored dish. This marinade uses Bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, Worcestershire Sauce, dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil and red wine vinegar to create the perfect pairing of flavors!  BOURBON MARINADE When it comes to beef I love using…

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Persian Tomato Cucumber Salad is a fresh, light salad mixing tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, fresh mint and parsley and topped with an olive oil lemon dressing. This is the perfect side dish to any dinner or a nice lunch with some added chickpeas or grilled chicken. 

Persian Tomato Cucumber Salad

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Persian Tomato Cucumber Salad is a fresh, light salad mixing tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, fresh mint and parsley and topped with an olive oil lemon dressing. This is the perfect side dish to any dinner or a nice lunch with some added chickpeas or grilled chicken.  PERSIAN TOMATO CUCUMBER SALAD If you have had a…

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Shish Taouk Chicken Thighs with Mediterranean Eggplant Salad are a twist on traditional shish taouk grilled chicken kebabs. Instead of using chicken breasts that are on kebabs, this recipe uses tender chicken thighs that are marinaded in yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika and cayenne pepper and then grilled to create a juicy, flavorful meal.

Shish Taouk Chicken Thighs with Mediterranean Eggplant Salad

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Shish Taouk Chicken Thighs with Mediterranean Eggplant Salad are a twist on traditional shish taouk grilled chicken kebabs. Instead of using chicken breasts for kebabs, this recipe uses tender chicken thighs that are marinated in yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, paprika and cayenne pepper and then grilled to create a juicy, flavorful meal. Pair this…

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Mediterranean Eggplant Salad mixes grilled eggplant with fresh tomatoes, mint, parsley, green onion, bell pepper and tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, za'atar and crushed red pepper. This is the perfect side salad for a summer BBQ or party or to pair with grilled chicken or fish. 

Mediterranean Eggplant Salad

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Mediterranean Eggplant Salad mixes grilled eggplant with fresh tomatoes, mint, parsley, green onion, bell pepper and tossed with olive oil, lemon juice, za’atar and crushed red pepper. This is the perfect side salad for a summer BBQ or party or to pair with grilled chicken or fish.  MEDITERRANEAN EGGPLANT SALAD The end of summer often…

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One Pot Beef Enchilada Casserole cooks in one pot to make the perfect quick and easy meal for back-to-school and those busy weeknights. It takes your favorite enchiladas and creates a casserole with ground beef, enchilada sauce, tortillas, vegetables and cheese. The kids and adults go crazy for this! 

One Pot Beef Enchilada Casserole

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One Pot Beef Enchilada Casserole cooks in one pot to make the perfect quick and easy meal for back-to-school and those busy weeknights. It takes your favorite enchiladas and creates a casserole with ground beef, enchilada sauce, tortillas, vegetables and cheese. The kids and adults go crazy for this!  ONE POT BEEF ENCHILADA CASSEROLE Will starts…

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Banana Sushi Rolls

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Kids won’t be able to resist this banana sushi! It’s simple – roll, cut and add sliced strawberries and kiwi for added flair. These sushi rolls will keep in lunchboxes until lunchtime. If your school is a nut-free zone, swap the peanut butter for soybutter or sunbutter instead! I have started collecting back-to-school recipes for…

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A Weekend in Butler County, Ohio

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Today I am talking about how to spend A Weekend in Butler County, Ohio. I have six fun and exciting adventures you can go on that will show you just a little slice of the beauty that Butler County has to offer from the Donut Trail to kayaking to a cooking class.  Mike and I…

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Vegetarian Breakfast Egg Burritos are a nice make-ahead breakfast for those busy days, especially during the school year. These breakfast burritos are loaded with veggies, eggs and cheese along with warm Southwestern spices. Make a big batch of these burritos and freeze them for later! 

Vegetarian Breakfast Egg Burritos

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Vegetarian Breakfast Egg Burritos are a nice make-ahead breakfast for those busy days, especially during the school year. These breakfast burritos are loaded with veggies, eggs and cheese along with warm Southwestern spices. Make a big batch of these burritos and freeze them for later!  VEGETARIAN BREAKFAST EGG BURRITOS We love waking up to eggs…

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Overnight Triple Berry Oatmeal is a protein and calcium packed breakfast that is perfect for back-to-school or an on-the go snack. Oats are soaked overnight with milk and Greek yogurt and paired with three berries: blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. You can't beat a quick and easy breakfast that also tastes delicious! 

Overnight Triple Berry Oatmeal

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Overnight Triple Berry Oatmeal is a protein and calcium packed breakfast that is perfect for back-to-school or an on-the go snack. Oats are soaked overnight with milk and Greek yogurt and paired with three berries: blueberries, raspberries and strawberries. You can’t beat a quick and easy breakfast that also tastes delicious!  I am excited to…

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Asian Vegetable Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a vegetable packed pasta salad that is the perfect summer dish. This salad has a little kick to it and is very customizable to your guests tastes! 

Asian Vegetable Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce

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Asian Vegetable Noodle Salad with Spicy Peanut Sauce is a vegetable packed pasta salad that is the perfect summer dish. This salad has a little kick to it and is very customizable to your guests tastes!    ASIAN VEGETABLE NOODLE SALAD WITH SPICY PEANUT SAUCE Summer is still in full swing. I don’t care what anyone says…

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Healthy Hydration Habits

Healthy Drinking Habits with Gululu

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Summer is all about fun in the sun, being active, playing on the playground and running around for kids. It is especially important for children to stay hydrated and develop healthy drinking habits. Today I am talking about Healthy Drinking Habits with Gululu!   HEALTHY DRINKING HABITS WITH GULULU Summer is my family’s favorite time…

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Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops make a flavorful and easy summer meal that the whole family will love. Pork chops are marinated in a Hawaiian sauce, grilled to perfection and topped with a sweet pineapple salsa. 

Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops

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Grilled Hawaiian Pork Chops make a flavorful and easy summer meal that the whole family will love. Pork chops are marinated in a Hawaiian sauce, grilled to perfection and topped with a sweet pineapple salsa.  Summer is all about grilling in my house! I love having a variety of new grilling recipes to try out…

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9 Tips for Grilling Beef

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Today I am sharing 9 Tips for Grilling Beef and a recap of my trip with The Ohio Beef Council to Columbus, Ohio to learn about Ohio Beef farmers, how to prepare and cook beef and so much more!  9 TIPS FOR GRILLING BEEF I don’t know about you but I do a ton of…

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5 Ingredient Watermelon Salsa is a simple summer salsa using fresh watermelon, cucumber, red onion, cilantro and lime juice to create the perfect snack with chips or addition to grilled chicken or fish. Your guests will love this one!

5 Ingredient Watermelon Salsa

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5 Ingredient Watermelon Salsa is a simple summer salsa using fresh watermelon, cucumber, red onion, cilantro and lime juice to create the perfect snack with chips or addition to grilled chicken or fish. Your guests will love this one! 5 INGREDIENT WATERMELON SALSA I hope you all had a wonderful 4th of July holiday! The…

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Easy Fish Tacos with Spicy Pineapple Salsa is a quick and easy meal that doesn't lack flavor! These are the perfect way to mix up taco night with baked breaded cod tacos topped with a spicy pineapple salsa and a spicy slaw.

Easy Fish Tacos with Spicy Pineapple Salsa

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Easy Fish Tacos with Spicy Pineapple Salsa is a quick and easy meal that doesn’t lack flavor! These are the perfect way to mix up taco night with baked breaded cod tacos topped with a spicy pineapple salsa and a spicy slaw. EASY FISH TACOS WITH SPICY PINEAPPLE SALSA Do you guys love seafood as much…

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This Tropical Green Smoothie is the perfect summer smoothie mixing a granny smith apple, fresh spinach, mint and frozen pineapple. You will get a good dose of your fruits and vegetables, while feeling refreshed on a hot summer day.

Tropical Green Smoothie

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This Tropical Green Smoothie is the perfect summer smoothie mixing a granny smith apple, fresh spinach, mint and frozen pineapple. You will get a good dose of your fruits and vegetables, while feeling refreshed on a hot summer day. TROPICAL GREEN SMOOTHIE I am drinking this Tropical Green Smoothie on a weekly basis and now…

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Green Chicken Chili

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Green Chicken Chili a nice chili to make in the warmer months. It is a bit lighter than traditional chili, yet packed with protein to keep your energy up on those busy days. This chili uses chicken, green chiles, pinto and white beans, chicken broth, spices and a can of beer to create a flavor packed bowl of…

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Southwestern Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish for a brunch or make-ahead breakfasts for the week. This casserole has fresh ingredients, protein and calcium to get your day started. Eggs are mixed with cheese, milk, sausage, bell pepper, onion, Southwestern spices, baked and topped with fresh cilantro and green onion making a warm, flavorful casserole.

Southwestern Breakfast Casserole

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This post was sponsored by Sargento Foods as part of an Ambassador Program for Influence Central and all opinions expressed in my post are my own. Southwestern Breakfast Casserole is the perfect dish for a brunch or make-ahead breakfasts for the week.  This casserole has fresh ingredients, protein and calcium to get your day started. Eggs…

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Southwestern Salmon Nachos take traditional nachos to a new level mixing salsa and salmon together and topping that with black beans, corn, shredded cheese, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, green onion, jalapeños, red chiles and a drizzle of sour cream. These nachos are backed to perfection and are a nice lunch for Father's Day or football season.

Southwestern Salmon Nachos

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Thanks to Chicken of the Sea for sponsoring today’s post. As always, all opinions are 100% my own.  Southwestern Salmon Nachos take traditional nachos to a new level mixing salsa and salmon together and topping that with black beans, corn, shredded cheese, tomatoes, red onion, cilantro, green onion, jalapeños, red chiles and a drizzle of sour…

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Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs are turkey meatballs mixed with the warm, rich spices of cumin, cinnamon, allspice and cayenne pepper. These meatballs are lean and baked to create a healthy meal option. Pair these with fresh Mediterranean ingredients to create a rice bowl for dinner!

Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs

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Disclosure: I was asked to participate in the “#TurkeyLovers ” campaign as a member of the Healthy Aperture Blogger Network. I was compensated for my time. As always, opinions are 100% my own.  Mediterranean Baked Turkey Meatballs are turkey meatballs mixed with the warm, rich spices of cumin, cinnamon, allspice and cayenne pepper. These meatballs…

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13 Refreshing Summer Salads

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Try one of these 13 Refreshing Summer Salads for your next summer gathering, picnic or BBQ. There is a little something for all tastes from pasta salads, potato salads to veggie loaded salads! There is nothing like eating the rainbow in the summer.    13 REFRESHING SUMMER SALADS Summer is here and the gatherings are…

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Always a crowd pleaser, these meat- stuffed grape leaves are delicious warm, cold or room temperature. My mom loves to add celery stalks and a couple of cabbage leaves to the pot for added avor while cooking.
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
Za'atar Roasted Cauliflower with Yogurt Tahini Sauce takes your normal roasted cauliflower to a new level. Earthy and slightly sweet the za'atar is the perfect spice to add to your roasted cauliflower and is complimented nicely by the yogurt tahini sauce. 
Instant Pot Turkey Taco Pasta is a zesty meal that the whole family will love. This meal cooked in no time when using your Instant Pot or pressure cooker. The ground turkey, taco seasoning, fired roasted tomatoes paired with pasta make this a fun alternative to taco night. 
Whip up this Bourbon Marinade for your favorite cut of beef and create a flavorful, bourbon flavored dish. This marinade uses Bourbon whiskey, brown sugar, soy sauce, ginger, Worcestershire Sauce, dijon mustard, garlic, olive oil and red wine vinegar to create the perfect pairing of flavors! 
Persian Tomato Cucumber Salad is a fresh, light salad mixing tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, jalapeño, fresh mint and parsley and topped with an olive oil lemon dressing. This is the perfect side dish to any dinner or a nice lunch with some added chickpeas or grilled chicken. 

Recipes

Eggplant Dip {BABA GHANOUSH}

Kale Cucumber Salad

Whisky Barbecue Baked Chicken Wings

Pomegranate Margarita

Sea Salt Chocolate Chip Cookies

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