I’ve been making a conscious effort to be healthier. Not that I wasn’t before, but my sweet tooth was getting a bit out of control, plus I made the decision a couple months back to manage my PCOS with diet and lifestyle rather than with medication (honestly, I hate taking pills. Talk about an anxiety trigger). With this effort, I am learning a lot about not only my habits and cravings, but simple ingredient swaps I can do to make my go-to meals that much better for me.

     Enter salmon cakes. I LOVE making salmon cakes. They are crazy easy to do and are a great pantry dinner (I use canned salmon for these). Typically I make these using [gluten free] breadcrumbs and end up frying them in a pan with vegetable oil, but that’s old me. New me swaps for better ingredients that are still yummy and satisfying while being healthier. So this version has almond flour in place of breadcrumbs and coconut oil in place of vegetable oil.

     I don't know many people who are thrilled at the idea of moving, especially in NYC. I have to say that I am certainly not, so the fact that I have to for the first time in 7 years this coming weekend is stressing me out a bit. Sorting through years worth of clothes and "stuff" and deciding what to toss/donate/keep and how to pack it is tough! But the one fun thing that is involved? Truly clearing out my pantry!

     I'm really testing myself with creativity as I work my way through various cans and jars and packets of food I've had forever but never actually used. I don't need that extra weight for the move and I'm certainly not tossing perfectly fine food out! In this time I've discovered I have like, 8 jars of chickpeas. Don't ask me why. I couldn't tell you. But I'm not mad about it because I've been snacking HARD on crispy chickpeas! Crazy easy to make and they're packed full of protein...which lets face it, I need for all of the heavy lifting I'll be doing this week.

     Not too long ago I posted on Instagram (@thealiconklin, follow ya girl!) that I'm getting back into the blog thing. It was an announcement to everyone just as much as it was me holding myself accountable to actually do it. With that, I asked the IG world what recipes they would like to see. Oddly, multiple people requested mac & cheese - hence this post!

     I debated going healthier with it (and trust me, I've created a recipe for that, too) but ultimately said "screw it, the people want mac & cheese dammit!" So this is my super creamy, super indulgent, super cheesy version full of all the good stuff you crave (minus the gluten...but you can use glutenous ingredients just the same). 

     I'll be honest, lately I've been so busy and tired that the last thing I've wanted to do is a blog post (more work goes into it than you might think!). Any spare moment to just chill I did. ...damn I've missed this though! I think this recipe is perfect redemption - plus it's inspired by suggestions from friends which makes it even better!

     Thanksgiving is such a wonderful food holiday. There is the obvious meal day of, but my favorite part is getting creative with the leftovers! I get started right away with breakfast the next morning.