Are you confused? Wondering if you’re in the right place? Where’s the dessert?? I promise this isn’t the twilight zone, just changing things up today. You see, the most common question I’m asked is “How do you stay in shape?” Sometimes I get the “You don’t look like a pastry chef!” Other times it’s just “What’s your secret?” Well, I can assure you there is no secret, but I do have some tips and tricks for balancing the buttercream. I also figured as long as I’m going to talk about this, I have to share one of my favorite go-to meals!
First off, I should start by saying I am not the type of gal who can just eat whatever she wants. Like everything else in life, this all takes work and moderation. I always say my diet is 90 percent healthy and 10 percent butter. I do eat dessert just about every day. I also eat lots of fruit, veggies, and seafood. I love food, am very aware of what I eat, and I do not believe in deprivation. If I want a cupcake, I eat one. I find if you deprive yourself, you’ll wind up eating three! I also eat really well, meaning I eat fresh and seasonal. I tend to stay away from stuff that comes in packages with a shelf life of 25 years…
I am constantly surrounded by sweets, so as I mentioned I am very aware of what I eat. Yesterday I tested a new cookie recipe, a new fall bar – twice, and a sinful peanut butter sauce. After a day like that I opted to skip the ice cream last night! Are there days when the ice cream sandwich wins or I end up sitting on the kitchen floor with some cake scraps thinking to hell with it all, I’m just destined to be a chubette… Why yes there are, but thankfully those days are few and far between.
My two top tips for balancing the buttercream are…
-Never bake when you’re hungry -Always bake in your jeansThe first one is obvious. If you’re starving and you start making a batch of blondies, chances are blondie batter will definitely win over will power. I always have room for some batter, but if I’ve already eaten something, I’ll just have a taste and be satisfied. You may think the second one is ridiculous, but trust me here. If you roll out of bed and just start making some cookies in pajama pants, I’m gonna bet a lot of that dough finds its way into your mouth. A few spoons of cookie dough leads to a few cookies straight out of the oven, you know the ones that don’t look very pretty so you might as well just take care of them 😉 It’s a slippery slope my friends and we’ve all been there. A pair of jeans that fits you will automatically make you more aware.
The second part of this equation is working out. For me working out isn’t an option, it’s part of my daily routine. I run first thing in the morning before the oven or computer gets turned on. If I do something else first, the run will never happen. Know yourself! Running is not only important to keep me in my jeans, but the mental aspect is what keeps me going. It is my me time with no phones ringing, notifications dinging, timers going off, you get the point. It is also the one time of day I can quiet my mind, and that is very difficult for me to do! I also go through phases and change things up with the elliptical, Jillian Michaels DVDs, and P90X. For me, it’s not about a number but how I feel. When I work out I feel good, I feel strong, and that makes me a happier person.
This post took a lot longer than I expected due to the fact that I didn’t realize just how much I have to say on the topic. From dealing with weight issues as a child to where I am today has definitely been a journey. While I do not have it all figured out, I don’t think anyone really does, I hope this post gives you a pretty good overview.
And now for the good stuff! Goat cheese and avocado portobellos are a good example of a go-to meal for me. They’re super quick to throw together and full of flavor! Goat cheese, avocado, and roasted tomatoes…I could go for one right now! I love using goat cheese here because you only need half an ounce for each mushroom to get that cheesy factor. The sweetness of the roasted tomatoes balances out the tanginess of the goat cheese, and anything involving avocado gets my vote. Two of these served on a bed of spinach and I’m all set! Besides a quick meatless meal, I make these a lot when I have company. This size works great if I’m just having a few people over, I serve a few on a platter and call it a day. I’ve also done them for larger parties instead of the standard stuffed mushrooms, and they’re always a hit.
I hope you guys enjoy this little dish as much as I do. As for sweets, I promise there is a new fall dessert coming your way very soon!
Ingredients
- 4 portobello mushrooms
- 2 ounces goat cheese
- 1 avocado
- 4 Tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 Tablespoons olive oil
- roasted cherry tomatoes
- 1 pint of cherry tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- salt & pepper
Instructions
- Whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
- Pour half in shallow baking dish and put mushrooms on top. Pour the rest over mushrooms and let then hang out for about 15 minutes so they can get to know each other.
- Place mushrooms on a heated grill cavity side facing down, for about 5 minutes then flip.
- Once you flip the mushrooms, fill each with a half ounce of goat cheese. Grill about 4-5 minutes till cheese melts. Remove from grill.
- Mash an avocado with a pinch of salt to season. Divide it among the mushrooms and then top with roasted tomatoes.
- Preheat oven to 450 degrees.
- Cut cherry tomatoes in half and toss with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bake on a sheet pan for 15-20 minutes.
Mary says
These look great, however I don’t have a grill. How do you recommend we do them in the oven? Thanks so much!
R says
We were searching for stuffed mushroom recipes & found this one! I was excited to try it because the ingredients are ones we always have on hand. I love not having to buy any extra special ingredients. Turned out fabulous! This recipe is a definite keeper & we’ll be making it for years to come. Thank you!
Terra says
What a lovely change up from all your fun dessert posts. I love the flavor combination, and really so delicious and healthy! Yum, Hugs, Terra
Ashley - baker by nature says
I’m always thrilled to fall in love with a new blog, and that totally just happened upon finding yours!! And this dish looks almost as good as dessert: love it.
bblondie says
Thanks so much for your kind words Ashley! You made my day 🙂
Anne@FromMySweetHeart says
Meghan…these mushrooms look fabulous. This is my idea of a perfect dinner! I agree…it’s all about finding the balance. And of all the great baking tips I’ve learned from you….bake in your jeans….has to be the best! : )
bblondie says
Lol, I speak from experience my friend! Thanks Anne!
JulieD says
Wow, I love portobellos and roasted tomatoes…this dish is so easy and it’s gorgeous!!
Kate@Diethood says
I love the way you balance… just like me! 😉
Portobello and avocado… bring it on!!
Jessica's Dinner Party says
These look great! Anything with buttery avocado has me sold.
baker street says
I was so curious about those two rules. lol. This would make for such a fabulous app! Great pictures, M!
Cassie says
Balancing the buttercream is always a good idea, especially with goat cheese, avocado and portobellos. A combination that I can’t get enough of these days. These are amazing Meghan!!
Bridget says
This dish looks absolutely fabulous!! Can’t wait to try it!! Keep them coming.
bblondie says
Thank you!!
Whitney-To Live and Diet in L.A. says
Yum! Three of my favorite ingredients and totally healthy. Definitely making these soon. Thanks Meghan!
bblondie says
Thanks so much Whitney! I hope you enjoy them!
Stephanie @ Eat. Drink. Love. says
Oh my! This is like all of my favorite things in one delicious appetizer!
Julie @ Table for Two says
Oh I LOVE this!! I love all the ingredients stacked up on the portabellas..this is healthy and easy and perfect for a party app 🙂
bblondie says
Thanks Julie!
Jennifer @ Peanut Butter and Peppers says
I am not a mushroom person, but you make these look delicious! I think you may have changed my mind about mushrooms!!
bblondie says
Thanks Jenn! Now I just need to get some of that black bean dip!
amy @ fearless homemaker says
Balancing the Buttercream – i like it! This should become a regular feature on your blog. This looks absolutely delicious!
bblondie says
Thanks so much Amy, I think it will!
Hester @ Alchemy in the Kitchen says
Good tip not to bake when hungry. I love this simple tasty dish – I always have these ingredients to hand but have never combined them in this way. Yum.
bblondie says
Thanks Hester! I love the goat cheese with avocado!
Erin @ Dinners, Dishes and Desserts says
Great tip, and something we all need to think about all the time!! Moderation is life, isn’t?
bblondie says
Definitely & thanks Erin!
Kayle (The Cooking Actress) says
Omigoodness. I don’t even like mushrooms but–goat cheese and avocado!? Yessss please!
Stephanie says
So healthy! Things are always good in moderation and self controlled. =)
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
ha! i was a little confused at first but i LOOOOOOOOOOVE this idea! putting it on the list for dinner this weekend!
bblondie says
Thanks Heather!