There is really nothing more satisfying to me that homemade junk food. I grew up in the south and am the literal queen of turning childhood favorites into healthier dishes, I can’t help it. When I started my blog back in 2013, I was already creating these types of recipes for a year on my Instagram channel. I missed southern food but was also in just a healthier place in my life. I remember making one of the first ever cauliflower crust pizzas. It took forever and there was so much trial and error! I don’t have the time I had back then, so I stick pretty closely to convenience these days. But I highly recommend taking a Saturday to make this for your family. I swear its a crowd-pleaser.

Disclaimer: I’m a pretty good cook but not great at writing recipes. So please always reach out with questions or mistakes. xo

Yams

2 -4 medium yams or sweet potatoes (washed, scrubbed)

1 -2 teaspoon arrowroot

coconut oil spray

1 -2 teaspoons Maldon smoked salt

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika

1/2 teaspoon white ground pepper

olive oil

Tips for crispy potatoes: Preheat the baking tray with the oven. Do not salt or add fresh herbs to the yams before cooking (add after). Soak for one hour in cold water - can even soak overnight - and towel dry before beginning your steps.

Preheat oven to 425 f. Spray baking sheet lightly with coconut oil spray. In a bowl, mix together potatoes, seasonings, and arrowroot. Drizzle olive oil over them until they're lightly coated. Stir and mix. Lay yams in one single layer. When oven is preheated, remove baking pan to add yams. For best results, flip half way through! Will cook for appr. 15 mins. I like to broil for about 2 minutes at the end (it's risky with parchment paper - but soooo good if you can accomplish this successfully). Parchment paper catches fire at any temperature over 425 f. So be really careful! Add salt.

Aioli

(these easy, vegan version)

I make this version when my daughter is dining alongside me! It’s quick and there’s not risk of contaminated raw eggs.

Soak 1-parts minced garlic in lemon juice for 10-15 minutes, strain, and stir the garlicky lemon juice into 2-parts avocado oil vegan mayonnaise.

Popcorn Chicken

pro-tip: Purchase pounded chicken breasts and ask the butcher to chop it into 1 inch cubes for you.

1 lb of chicken breast

1 /2 cup gluten-free panko crumbs

coconut oil spray

1 -2 teaspoons Maldon smoked salt

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon smoked or sweet paprika

1 teaspoon white ground pepper

olive oil

Add chicken to a bowl, drizzle with olive oil. Add all seasonings and stir. Then add panko to the mixture and completely coat. Place in single layer on lined baking dish cook for 15-20 mins. I also like to broil at the end!

Honey Mustard

1 parts dijon mustard, 2 parts honey, stir