Creamy Basil Vinaigrette

There is nothing I love more than a good salad. One that makes you forget you aren't eating a cheeseburger and fries because it's absolutely fabulous.

Cucumber Melon Salad

A refreshing and crisp salad with hints of salty and sweet make this perfect for bridal showers, BBQ's and family gatherings.

Huckleberry Lemonade

As a Montanan, it's only right that I be completely obsessed with huckleberries. If there is a way to incorporate it into a recipe, I'll find a way. Now with grilling season in full swing and family BBQ's just around the corner, what could be more refreshing at a gathering than a pitcher of sweet, fruity Huckleberry Lemonade?

Chicken Satay with Sweet Potato-Peanut Sauce

As much as I love cooking, I don't want to be doing it all day. That is why these chicken satay skewers are the perfect lunch. Packed with flavor but quick and easy to whip up.

Panko-Crusted Salmon Burgers

Tangy, creamy and oh so good for you. These flavorful omega-3 packed salmon burgers are mouth-watering good!

 

Garlic Roasted Acorn Squash Stuffed with Quinoa

 

One thing I love about my husband is that he is just as adventurous as me when it comes to food. We love almost everything and anything, except one thing....squash. 

Huckleberry Smoothie

One of the many benefits of living in Montana are the wild huckleberries that grow in the mountains over on the western side of the state. I have some really great memories of huckleberry hunting with my mom and sister when my family would go camping at the lake. Even though we were totally freaked out about the possibility of running into a black bear while scavenging for berries, we didn't care. Huckleberries are just that good!

Chimichurri Shrimp Salad

Ethnic cuisine is a luxury and rare find when you live in the land of meat and potatoes. One of my favorite restaurants, Serranos, located in East Glacier, is a treat and once in a while occurrence due to the fact it's over 120 miles round trip. Trust me, it is well worth the journey for some authentic chiles rellenos, pork tamales and flan. I'm drooling just thinking about it!

California Breakfast Sandwich

 

Let me tell you what...this California Breakfast Sandwich is not only good for you, but seriously flavorful. It's been raining the past few days and I needed something that reminded me of warm weather. This sandwich did the trick! So grab yourself a tall glass of bright sunny orange juice with this sandwich for a great start to your day!

Flank Steak & Potato Hash

I don't know about you, but I hate leftover steak. It becomes chewy, tough and just doesn't reheat very well. So what do you do when you have leftover steak? Make breakfast hash! And don't forget to top it with a perfectly fried or poached egg and a couple dashes of Tobasco sauce to really send it over the top :)

Light & Fresh Tuna Melt

An easy and quick lunch to throw together that has bright fresh flavors. This is one of my husbands go-to sandwiches that he makes frequently. Therefore, I always have canned tuna, tomatoes and shallots on hand for whenever he gets the hankering for this tasty open-faced sandwich!

 

A Fresh New Start

Back in May of 2010, I started a blog named, The Girly Girl Cooks. My first blog was created as a place for me on the Internet to document my attempts of learning how to cook while attending college. I wrote about my experiments with food, recipes, and different cuisines all while finding myself and winning the heart (and stomach) of my long time college boyfriend.

It’s been 5 years since I started The Girly Girl Cooks and now I find myself wanting a fresh start. I am no longer a college girl trying to impress her boyfriend’s palate while dealing with the stresses and joys of college life. Now I am a farm wife, nurse and new mother to a wonderful baby boy. I live on the Hi-Line in the gorgeous state of Montana. My priorities in the kitchen have become more focused on creating healthy and fresh meals that are delicious and nutrious for my family, rather than anything and everything that tastes good despite how healthy or unhealthy it may be.

Living in a rural community with few resources brings many challenges in the kitchen. The ingredients in the grocery stores in this area are basic with very few “fancy” ingredients. For example, cumin and smoked paprika are rare finds in the spice department. So if I can find the ingredients used in my recipes, then anyone can find it!

Over the next few weeks I’ll be transferring my favorite recipes from The Girly Girl Cooks and placing them here on Hi-Line Healthy. So be on the look out for some really fun and tasty recipes that are near and dear to me.

I look forward to sharing these recipes and new life experiences with you!