my favorite recipes, kitchen tools + cookbooks! - Lauren Kay Sims (2024)

I don’t know about you, but I am always looking for new recipes that are quick, easy + healthy! Michael and I have built a pretty good routine over the last year where we have so much fun cooking nutritious meals and trying out new recipes! I have a few cookbooks that I live and breathe by, and I also have some faves that I’ve saved off pinterest! I’m always getting so many DM’s about what I like to eat and what my typical meal plan looks like, so today I wanted to share a few of my favorite kitchen gadgets, recipes and cookbooks!

my favorite recipes, kitchen tools + cookbooks! - Lauren Kay Sims (1)PIN IT

3 kitchen gadgets I’m obsessed with

Okay this might seem like a funny thing to be obsessed with haha but it makes cooking so easy! A lot of recipes we use have ground turkey or ground beef, and this makes chopping up meat super quick and simple. It's also great if you need to mask potatoes, and it can be used if you have a baby and need to whip up some baby food! You can order it off of amazon for literally less than 10 dollars.

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This blender is a game changer!! Works so well, isn't super loud, makes everything so smooth. Lately I've been making kale smoothies in morning and this makes my smoothies perfectly blended. It doesn't leave any gross pieces of kale or spinach on the sides or at the bottom of the pitcher... no one wants that in their straw haha. You can also use it for soup or juice! Definitely worth the investment.

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I am all about the instant pot trend! I was a little skeptical at first because I was so used to my crockpot... but the instant pot is SO fast and makes meal prep a breeze. I love to use mine for shredded chicken on Sundays so I can eat it throughout the week!

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my favorite recipes, kitchen tools + cookbooks! - Lauren Kay Sims (5)PIN IT

3 healthy recipes I’m loving right now

1. whole30 egg roll bowl

Even if you aren’t doing whole30, this egg roll bowl is absolutely amazing! Packed with healthy ingredients like ginger, cabbage and high protein pork – it’s super filling and full of clean ingredients! It also sits well in the fridge and it’s delicious leftover. I love how you can just toss it all in a big bowl and go!

2. slow cooker paleo jalapeño popper chili

Another whole30 approved recipe! You can make this slow cooker chili the instant pot and have leftovers for a few nights which is always a bonus as a busy mom! We top ours with avocado and eat it with tortilla chips or cornbread! You could even put greek yogurt on top as a healthy alternative to sour cream! So yummy and so easy and packed with a ton of protein! Definitely a win for the men in your life too!

3. chicken bacon ranch bowls

You guessed it… these chicken bacon ranch bowls are also whole30 approved! I’m not doing whole30 currently but when I tried it last year I was amazed at my energy levels and overall wellness, so a lot of the recipes I enjoyed during my whole30 journey have become part of my weekly rotation! Really simple ingredients, but so yummy and filling! Michael loves this one too and its super quick to shop for + whip together on a weeknight. You could swap out the ranch for regular ranch or homemade greek yogurt ranch dressing if you can’t find Tessemaes!

3 of my all time favorite cookbooks

This cookbook is a newer purchase and we have loved it so far! The recipes are packed with protein and healthy ingredients and she also provides the nutritional information if you are trying to get into macro counting!

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If you've been following me for a while then you've definitely heard me talk about this cookbook or you may have seen it in my instagram stories! I love it so much. All of the recipes are Whole30 approved and super delicious!

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I love this cookbook because all of the recipes are simple and only use one dish, such as an instant pot, sheet pan or skillet! If you're like me and have a busy schedule or hate doing dishes, this is a win! So good.

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my favorite recipes, kitchen tools + cookbooks! - Lauren Kay Sims (23)PIN IT

3 recipes I can’t wait to try

1. sheet pan salmon + broccoli with harissa honey

I’m obsessed with salmon and this recipe looks so delicious! I love how the defined dish focuses on creating well rounded meals with an even mix of fat, protein and carbs. Super filling and nutritious! Definitely excited to try this one soon.

2. espresso martini

I’ve been very into espresso martinis lately! I love how this one is only 4 ingredients. Such a yummy after dinner treat with the hubs! Pair it with some strawberries or chocolate and you are set!

3. paella inspired cauliflower gnocchi skillet

Paella definitely takes me out of my comfort zone a little bit, but I’ve heard amazing things about the gnocchi used in this recipe, from trader joes! I also love cooking shrimp because it’s super fast and it’s such an easy, healthy protein option! This recipe is on my menu, for sure!

what’s your favorite instant pot recipe or cookbook? comment below and let me know, I love trying out new ideas! I hope ya’ll love all of these recipes as much as I do, thanks for reading you guys!

xo Lauren

my favorite recipes, kitchen tools + cookbooks! - Lauren Kay Sims (2024)
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