Hello, and welcome to Newsletter 16 of 2026! I hope you had a good summer! I’m not ready for it to be over but I’m ready for the fall shift. More fun and tasty recipes await. Speaking of, I have recently created a new mini eBook, “The Chickpea Cookbook,” by To Your Better Health. You can find this eBook and a few other eBooks on my Gumroad here: knitwhisperer6.gumroad.com. I plan on making a few more in the legume series and will have a final collection to publish on Amazon in the future. Until then, you can still enjoy a few smaller eBooks that might spark your interest!
As always, this newsletter has all of the recaps, product recommendations, and a notable quote. I post these regularly on my social media accounts along with other posts that are health tips or great recipes. You should check it out and friend me! My links are on the right hand tab. Without further ado, here are the past recaps and more!
Blog Recap
Recipe Recap
Crispy Air-Fryer Zucchini Pizza Boats
A fun, lighter alternative to traditional pizza, these zucchini boats are packed with vegetables, protein, marinara, and melted cheese. They make a great low-carb lunch, dinner, or easy side dish.
Ingredients
Makes 4 servings
- 2 medium zucchini
- ½ cup marinara sauce, preferably no added sugar
- ¾ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup turkey pepperoni, chopped
- ¼ cup diced bell pepper
- ¼ cup sliced mushrooms
- 2 tbsp finely diced red onion
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp olive oil
- Fresh basil, for topping
- Optional: red pepper flakes
Instructions
1. Prepare the zucchini
Wash and dry the zucchini. Slice each zucchini in half lengthwise. Use a spoon to gently scoop out some of the center, leaving about ¼ inch of zucchini around the edges so the boats remain sturdy.
Don’t throw away the zucchini you scoop out! Chop it finely and save it for scrambled eggs, soups, or another recipe.
2. Pre-cook the zucchini
Lightly brush the zucchini with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and black pepper.
Place the zucchini cut-side up in the air fryer.
Air fry at 375°F for 5–6 minutes. This helps soften the zucchini without making it mushy.
3. Add the pizza toppings
Remove the zucchini and pat the centers lightly with a paper towel if they released a lot of moisture.
Spoon about 1–2 tablespoons of marinara into each zucchini boat.
Add the chopped turkey pepperoni, bell pepper, mushrooms, and red onion.
Top with mozzarella and Parmesan.
4. Air fry again
Return the zucchini boats to the air fryer.
Cook at 375°F for another 5–7 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and lightly browned and the vegetables are tender.
For extra browning, increase the temperature to 400°F for the final 1–2 minutes.
5. Finish and serve
Remove carefully and let them cool for 2–3 minutes. Sprinkle with fresh basil and, if desired, a pinch of red pepper flakes.
Chocolate PB Banana Ice Cream
Ingredients:
1 Banana
1 cup of yogurt
1/4 cup melted PB
2 tbsp cocoa powder
2-3 tbsp Stevia or Monk fruit
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients in blender first
- If you have an ice cream maker, just put it in that for 15 to 20 minutes. If not, freeze in freezer for a few hours.
Chili-Lime Air-Fried Salmon with Mexican Street Corn Veggies
Serves 2
Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets, about 5–6 oz each
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ tsp onion powder
- ¼ tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Mexican Street Corn Veggies
- 1 cup corn, fresh or frozen
- 1 medium zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- ½ small red onion, sliced
- 1 tsp olive oil
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finish
- Juice of ½ lime
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh cilantro
- 2 tbsp crumbled cotija or feta cheese
- Optional: diced avocado
Directions
- Season the salmon: Mix olive oil, lime juice, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, salt and pepper. Brush generously over the salmon.
- Season the vegetables: Toss corn, zucchini, bell pepper and red onion with olive oil, chili powder, cumin, salt and pepper.
- Air fry the vegetables: Place vegetables in the air fryer and cook at 390°F for 5 minutes, shaking the basket halfway through.
- Add salmon: Push the vegetables to the sides and place the salmon in the basket. Air fry for another 8–12 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Salmon should reach 145°F in the thickest part.
- Make it street-corn style: Remove everything from the air fryer and toss the vegetables with fresh lime juice, cilantro and cotija or feta.
- Serve: Place the salmon over the vegetables and finish with another squeeze of lime. Add avocado if desired.
🌽 Optional Creamy Lime Drizzle
For an extra flavorful finish, mix:
- 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- ½ tsp chili powder
- ¼ tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
- Pinch of salt
Product Recommendations
Cuisinart Ice Cream Maker Machine, Ready in 20, 1.5 qt Freezer Bowl
Ice cream maker, frozen yogurt machine & sorbet maker, includes double-insulated freezer bowl & easy-lock lid.
5-Type Multi Collagen Gummies Calm Magnesium Gummies for Women & Men
3000mg multi collagen peptides for anti-aging, hair, skin, nails, triple magnesium for sleep, stress, focus, 0 sugar, 60 ct
Raaka Organic Cacao Powder – Unsweetened, Non-Alkalized, 8oz Resealable Bag.
The Chickpea Cookbook, by To Your Better Health.
Notable Quote
“The idea says get in the car. Don’t worry, I’m driving. Sometimes I’m shotgun, sometimes I’m in the trunk. The idea takes you where it wants to go.”
~ Dave Chapelle
I am an affiliate marketer and I use affiliate links. Some links are from Amazon.
I hope you enjoyed Newsletter 16 of 2026. I have been looking ahead for some great fall recipes to share with you! Please stay tuned and subscribe to this blog! Feel free to comment, like, and please share! Have a wonderful day and cheers to your better health!
Leave a Reply