Plates with Purpose

Welcome to my kitchen — where simplicity, nourishment, and intention come together. Here you’ll find cozy, wholesome meals made with real ingredients and lots of love. Whether you're looking to ground your mornings, fuel your body, or unwind with something warm, these recipes are here to support your wellness journey — one bite at a time.

🍓 Chocolate Chip Berry Pancakes

Fluffy, naturally sweet, and perfect for a cozy morning.

Ingredients (Makes 6–8 pancakes):

  • 1 cup all-purpose or oat flour

  • 1 tbsp baking powder

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

  • 1 cup milk (any kind — dairy or plant-based)

  • 1 egg (or flax egg for vegan)

  • 1 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1/3 cup chocolate chips

  • 1/4 cup chopped strawberries

  • 1/4 cup blueberries

  • Coconut oil or butter for the pan

Optional toppings:

Fresh berries, extra chocolate chips, yogurt, or a drizzle of maple syrup.

Instructions:

  1. Mix the dry ingredients: In a bowl, whisk together flour and baking powder.

  2. Add the wet ingredients: Stir in the milk, egg, vanilla, and maple syrup. Mix until just combined — don’t overmix!

  3. Fold in the good stuff: Gently fold in chocolate chips, strawberries, and blueberries.

  4. Cook the pancakes: Heat a pan over medium heat and add a bit of coconut oil or butter. Scoop 1/4 cup of batter per pancake. Cook for about 2–3 minutes each side, or until golden.

  5. Serve and enjoy: Stack them up and top with more berries, yogurt, or a drizzle of syrup.

 

Roasted Chicken & Veggie Bowl with Mustard Nut Sauce

Savory, crunchy, and full of flavor — perfect for a balanced lunch or dinner.

Ingredients (Serves 2–3):

Main:

  • 2–3 chicken thighs or breasts, cut into chunks

  • 1 head broccoli, cut into florets

  • 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

  • 2 medium potatoes, cubed

  • 2 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & pepper to taste

  • 1/4 cup mixed nuts (almonds, walnuts, or cashews), finely chopped or shredded

Mustard Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 1 tbsp maple syrup or honey

  • 1 tbsp olive oil

  • 1 tbsp lemon juice or apple cider vinegar

  • Pinch of garlic powder

  • Salt to taste

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).

  2. Prep your veggies: Toss the broccoli, asparagus, and cubed potatoes in 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread on a baking sheet.

  3. Prep the chicken: In a separate bowl, toss chicken pieces with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Place them on the same baking sheet or use a second one if needed.

  4. Roast: Bake everything for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway, until the chicken is cooked through and the veggies are golden and tender.

  5. Make the mustard sauce: While it bakes, whisk together all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl.

  6. Add the crunch: In the last 5 minutes of baking, sprinkle the shredded nuts over the chicken and veggies so they toast lightly.

  7. Serve: Plate the chicken and veggies, then drizzle with mustard sauce. Top with extra nuts if desired!

 

🍌 Banana Cinnamon Latte with Homemade Syrup

A creamy, cozy drink with warm spice and natural sweetness.

Ingredients (1 serving):

Latte:

  • 1 ripe banana (very soft is best!)

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

  • 1 cup milk (any kind — almond, oat, dairy, etc.)

  • 1–2 shots espresso or 1/2 cup strong brewed coffee

  • Pinch of sea salt

Homemade Syrup (makes a small jar):

  • 1/4 cup pure maple syrup

  • 1/4 cup water

  • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

  • 1/4 tsp vanilla

  • Optional: pinch of nutmeg or clove

Directions:

  1. Make the syrup: In a small saucepan, simmer all syrup ingredients for 3–5 minutes until slightly thickened. Let cool and store in a jar.

  2. Blend the banana base: In a blender, mix banana, cinnamon, vanilla, and milk until smooth and frothy.

  3. Warm it up: Pour the banana milk into a saucepan and heat gently. Add coffee or espresso and stir.

  4. Sweeten: Add 1–2 teaspoons of your homemade syrup (or more to taste).

  5. Serve: Pour into a mug, sprinkle with cinnamon, and enjoy warm.

🍳 Egg, Chicken & Rice Nourish Bowl

Simple, satisfying, and packed with protein and flavor.

Ingredients (1–2 servings):

  • 1 cup cooked rice (white, brown, or jasmine)

  • 1/2 cup cooked chicken breast or thigh, shredded or chopped

  • 1–2 eggs (fried, poached, or soft-boiled)

  • 1/2 avocado, sliced

  • 1/2 cup sautéed greens (spinach, kale, or broccoli)

  • 1 tsp sesame oil or olive oil

  • 1 tbsp tamari or soy sauce

  • Optional toppings: green onion, sesame seeds, chili flakes, or sauerkraut

Directions:

  1. Warm the rice: Heat your rice and mix with a drizzle of sesame oil and a splash of soy or tamari.

  2. Cook the eggs: Fry or soft-boil your egg(s) to your liking.

  3. Assemble the bowl: Start with a base of rice, then layer chicken, eggs, avocado, and greens.

  4. Top it off: Add toppings of choice — sesame seeds, chili flakes, or a spoonful of fermented veggies for gut health.

  5. Serve: Eat warm, and feel free to drizzle extra tamari or a squeeze of lemon over the top.

🌶️ Maya’s Loaded Wellness Nachos

Ingredients:

  • 1 bag of nacho chips (choose whole grain or corn-based if preferred)

  • 1 cup cooked shredded chicken

  • 1/2 cup chickpeas (drained & rinsed)

  • 1 cup grated cheese (cheddar, mozzarella, or a mix)

  • 1/2 red pepper, diced

  • 1/2 green pepper, diced

  • Optional: chopped cilantro, salsa, or a dollop of plain Greek yogurt

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

  2. On a baking sheet, layer your nacho chips evenly.

  3. Sprinkle on the shredded chicken and chickpeas.

  4. Add the diced peppers evenly across the tray.

  5. Top with a generous layer of grated cheese.

  6. Bake for 10–12 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

  7. Remove and top with optional extras like fresh cilantro, yogurt, or salsa.

These nachos are hearty, protein-rich, and still totally comforting. 

🍕 Maya’s Basil Chicken Sourdough Pizza

Ingredients:

  • 1 ball of sourdough pizza dough (or store-bought regular dough)

  • 1/2 cup pizza sauce (homemade or store-bought)

  • 3/4 cup shredded cheese (mozzarella or a blend)

  • 1 cup cooked chicken pieces (shredded or chopped)

  • 1/2 green pepper, thinly sliced

  • Fresh basil leaves (a handful)

  • Olive oil & a pinch of salt (optional)

Instructions:

  1. Preheat oven to 450°F (230°C). If using a pizza stone, place it in the oven while it heats.

  2. Roll or stretch out your pizza dough onto a lightly floured surface until it’s your desired thickness.

  3. Place the dough on a baking sheet or preheated pizza stone.

  4. Spread a thin layer of pizza sauce across the base.

  5. Sprinkle evenly with shredded cheese.

  6. Top with chicken pieces and green pepper slices.

  7. Bake for 10–15 minutes, or until the crust is golden and the cheese is bubbling.

  8. Remove from the oven and top with fresh basil and a light drizzle of olive oil if desired.

It’s a balanced, flavorful pizza with a fresh kick from the basil and a wholesome touch from the sourdough. 

 

Chocolate, Strawberry Peanut Butter Cups

Ingredients (makes about 6):

  • 1 cup chocolate chips (semi-sweet or dark)

  • 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter

  • 1 tbsp coconut oil (optional, for smoother chocolate)

  • Fresh strawberries, sliced

  • Cupcake liners (paper or silicone)

Instructions:

  1. Prepare the base:

    • Line a muffin tin with 6 cupcake liners.

  2. Melt the chocolate:

    • In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the chocolate chips and coconut oil (if using) in 20-second intervals, stirring in between, until smooth.

  3. Assemble the cups:

    • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of melted chocolate into the bottom of each liner.

    • Tap the tray gently to spread the chocolate evenly.

    • Place in the freezer for about 5–10 minutes to firm up.

  4. Add peanut butter layer:

    • Spoon about 1 tablespoon of peanut butter over the set chocolate layer.

    • Smooth it out gently with a spoon.

  5. Top with more chocolate:

    • Add another tablespoon of melted chocolate over the peanut butter.

    • Tap the tray again to level the tops.

  6. Add sliced strawberries:

    • Press a few sliced strawberries onto the top of each cup while the chocolate is still soft.

  7. Chill to set:

    • Place the tray in the fridge or freezer for 15–30 minutes, or until fully set.

  8. Serve:

    • Once firm, remove the cups from the liners and enjoy!