Laurenda Marie

By Laurenda Marie Bennett Photos do not always do soup justice, particularly this one.

By Laurenda Marie Bennett I know I’m not the only one that becomes absolutely pumpkin obsessed around the holidays. Am I right? There is just something about the season that makes me want to consume pumpkin in every single form.

By Laurenda Marie Bennett It’s very likely I ate more watermelon making this watermelon bluerry mint salad than what actually ended up in it. Plus, it's blueberry season in Michigan!

By Laurenda Marie Bennett Pancake Sunday was a tradition in my family. I looked forward to those mornings when my mother poured her homemade buckwheat batter onto a warm griddle. Yummmm. I haven’t met a pancake I didn’t like, but over the years I’ve come to find my favorite. So, what are my favorite pancakes, you ask? They are fluffy, chocolatey, whole wheat Almond Joy Pancakes, with plenty of ch

By Laurenda Marie Bennett Brussels sprouts, carrots, parmesan and toasted walnuts plus a yummy lemony garlic dressing equals a simple and refreshing salad. It’s bright, flavorful and perfect for spring and summer.

By Laurenda Marie Bennett I cannot get enough of fresh berries in the warmer months. Cherries. Strawberries. Raspberries. Blueberries. Blackberries. Oh, and smoothies. I can’t get enough of those either! They are breakfast made easy. Or have one as a mid-day snack. Or enjoy one as a post-workout replenisher. Or try one as a dessert!

By Laurenda Marie Bennett Spring has finally sprung! While everyone is spring cleaning and de-cluttering their homes, I think it’s just as important to cleanse our bodies. They sure deserve it, don’t they? Especially after such a long winter of hibernation and comfort foods. Fresh salads, like this Apple, White Cheddar & Chicken Salad with homemade Honey Mustard Dressing, are the perfect way t

By Laurenda Marie Bennett Double dark chocolate brownies with avocado. Yes, you read that correctly: avocado! The avocado replaces butter in the recipe. I hope you haven't left yet. These are also refined sugar and flour free. Are you still here? ;) I adapted this recipe from a fellow blogger. And let me tell you, these cookies do not disappoint.

By Laurenda Marie Bennett One thing my husband, Dan, has a knack for is creating appetizers that are irresistibly delicious. I’m talking finger-licking good. I can’t label everything he makes as healthy, but these Crab Stuffed Mushrooms make the cut! They're loaded with veggies, fresh herbs, parmesan and plenty of lump crab.

By Laurenda Marie Bennett Hello everyone! I’m Laurenda Marie Bennett, or Ren for short. I like to make mouth-watering recipes made from real, clean and nutrient-dense food. I share recipes and healthy living advice via my blog, Laurenda Marie. Good health is extremely important to me, but yummy food is, too! So, why not have them both? My food philosophy is quite simple: Just eat real food! It’s n