20 Savory Twists on Traditional Sweets

Chia Pudding

Chia seeds are relatively high in protein, and the fact that you can turn 'em into pudding that tastes like literal dessert has our tummies grumbling! This egg-free breakfast idea is also a perfect fit for meal prepping, since you can make a big batch and store it in the fridge for later. Top with any fruits or nuts of your choosing! (via Brit + Co)

Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal Muffins

These healthy muffins take the traditional apple + cinnamon oatmeal and turn it on its head. They're a super easy high-protein bake, and the recipe leverages some pretty accessible ingredients, too. (via Brit + Co)

Matcha Yogurt Bark

You'll get a great protein *and* caffeine boost from this easy egg-free breakfast recipe. You can get crazy with the toppings, too! (via Brit + Co)

Roasted Sweet Potato & Kale Breakfast Hash

Think breakfast hash is only for egg lovers? Think again. This tofu-based scramble also features sweet potato, kale and red onion. Bonus points if you can find a fresh, seasonal squash from your local farmers’ market to add! (via Minimalist Baker)

Vegan Chickpea Omelette

Omelettes are traditionally made with eggs, but we're dying to buck tradition with this chickpea-based egg-free breakfast recipe. You can easily save time by making the batter before going to bed. Wake up in the morning, cook it on the stove top, and it'll be ready to eat in just 5 minutes. (via Fork & Beans)

Vegan Overnight Oats

Speaking of meals you can prep before bed, these overnight oats are about as quick and easy as it gets! Just soak 'em in your favorite dairy-free milk overnight, and in the morning, they'll be soft and parfait-like. Top with pureed fruit, chia seeds, nuts, and anything else that suits your fancy. (via Oh She Glows)

Paleo Cinnamon Granola

If you're a Paleo eater, you know how frustrating it can be when granola recipes contain extra grains and sugar. But this Paleo-friendly recipe only calls for those absolutely necessary, primal, completely clean ingredients that really matter: nuts, seeds, spices, and natural sweeteners. (via Real Food with Jessica)

Paleo Chocolate Chunk Banana Bread

This grain-free, gluten-free, and sugar-free recipe gives banana bread a whole new meaning — it's literally sweetened only with bananas. Egg-free breakfast never sounded so yum! Pro tip: add some homemade Paleo-friendly chocolate chips to make it even healthier and yummier. (via Bakerita)

Blueberry Breakfast Quinoa Smoothie Bowl

Did you know you can use quinoa as a cereal-like grain for breakfast? This quinoa bowl is topped with an antioxidant-rich blueberry smoothie, making for a protein-packed, nutrient-dense meal. (via Food Faith Fitness)

Southwest Tofu Scramble

This savory egg-free breakfast option packs a ton of protein into a completely vegan meal. Here's a little breakfast hack for ya – mix your spices together with a little water and you have a quick, ready-made seasoning sauce to top your scramble with! (via Minimalist Baker)

Grain-Free Banana Granola

Granola is a healthy and quick breakfast option that can easily be topped with non-dairy milk for a delicious vegan treat. Be sure to stir your granola after it's been in the oven for about 12 minutes, so it gets evenly crispy on all sides. (via A Saucy Kitchen)

Vegan Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bowl

Looking for an egg-free breakfast that's still packed with plant-based protein? This vegan muesli bowl is so amazing, you won't miss conventional cereals or dairy milk at all. It's deliciously packed with rolled oats, cacao nibs, fresh fruit, honey, coconut and protein vanilla milk for sweetness. (via The View From Great Island)

Almond Butter Blueberry Paleo Waffles

These waffles are made with almond butter and coconut flour, as well as blueberries, cinnamon, mashed banana and almond extract. The result is a batch of totally healthy, grain-free waffles that will leave you feeling satisfied and full of protein-powered energy – no eggs necessary. (via Ambitious Kitchen)

Vegan Banana Protein Pancakes

Did you know that protein powder can actually stand in for pancake mix in many cases? This little egg-free breakfast hack is commonly used by athletes and fitness gurus, and it's super simple to do at home. (via Vega)

Easy No-Bake Protein Bars

A whole, delicious vegan protein bar we can grab on our way out the door? Yes, please. To make these nut-free, simply substitute sunflower seed butter for the peanut butter included in the recipe. (via Oh She Glows)

Poke bowls can get pretty pricey when you order them as takeout, but this rice bowl recipe makes enjoying the delicacy super easy – right at home! (via Sarah Anderson for Brit + Co)

The same idea goes for bibimbap. Load yours up with all your fave toppings! (via Brit + Co)

Basically, what we’ve learned here today is that cauliflower is a great substitute if regular rice isn’t your thing. But just because it’s healthy, doesn’t mean you can’t fry it! (via Brit + Co)

Use the freshest of freshest ingredients to craft these slow cooker bowls – you won't regret it. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Sometimes simple and traditional is best, which is why this classic chicken and egg dish tops our list of rice bowl recipes. (via Sea Salt with Food)

Now you can have the flavors of fish tacos without many of the carbs, thanks to the star of this dish – cauliflower rice! Who knew? (via Julie’s Eats & Treats)

Chipotle, who?! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Add avocado to anything, and it instantly turns into the best thing ever. This dish is fresh eats at its best! (via Half Baked Harvest)

The sauce on these chicken meatballs is basically the tastiest thing ever. (via The Girl on Bloor)

The coconut ginger rice and pineapple combo in this recipe add a bit of sweetness to this savory, tropical dish. (via One Lovely Life)

The tasty romesco sauce made with pimiento peppers and almonds (among other things) really makes this dish stand out. (via The Kitchn)

With Italian sausage and an Asian-inspired sauce, this meal in a bowl makes it easy to bring fusion cuisine into your home kitchen. (via Noble Pig)

No one ever said rice bowl recipes only have to be Asian influenced!Bright Italian flavors make this dish healthy and comforting. (via Cookin’ Canuck)

This dish is truly restaurant-tier... without the restaurant prices. (via The Original Dish)

Sriracha makes everything better — especially chicken breasts. Add some pineapple, and you’ve got a meal that’s equal parts sweet and spicy. (via Spache the Spatula)

Upgrade your rice bowl recipes with black rice for a fun way to create a pleasing meal! The contrast of the colors of the oranges, avocados, and tomatoes pop. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Remember how we said rice bowl recipes were comforting? Well, add some bacon, and you’ve hit the mother lode. And there’s spinach in there, too, so it’s healthy! (via Iowa Girl Eats)

Talk about a power lunch! The egg and avocado in this rice bowl have all the protein you need to feel powered up throughout the day. (via Bon Appétit)

Rice takes a backseat in this dish, because let’s face it – the rice is just a vehicle for soaking up the deliciousness that is this curry. (via Partial Ingredients)

Summer will be all about fresh fruit and fresh seafood, making this a perfect end to those extra long (and hot) days. (via Cooking on the Weekends)

Oh yes, you read that correctly. Curried avocado… AKA the best idea ever. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Who says a rice bowl has to be savory? This refreshing take on rice pudding is made in a slow cooker, so you can let it go all day and come home to a sweet and light dessert. (via Food Network)

THE BEFORE

Prior to the renovation, the home was stuck in the past with a lime green exterior and a late 80s/early 90s design aesthetic, including dated flooring, cramped rooms, wall-to-wall carpeting, bulky kitchen cabinets and granite (granite!) countertops. Drumroll on the after....

THE AFTER

I'm in awe of this transformation. Amanda and Taylor enhanced the home’s original features, including the floor-to-ceiling windows, slate roof with beautifully patinated gutters and accents, and kept original lighting fixtures while adding a fresh coat of paint and modern landscaping. Gorgeous!

THE BEFORE: ENTRY AND LIVING ROOM

Before diving into the renovation, take a look at the original living area and entryway. The space feels not just overdone, but also cold and uninviting. The bulky staircases (plural) dominate the entry, while the divider adds nothing to the warmth or flow of the space. The furniture feels stuck in another era, and that tiny rug? A total eyesore!

THE AFTER: LIVING AREA

The entry now is stunning, designed to make a statement with one staircase removed to create a charming seating nook and a more open, inviting flow into the cozy living space. The home now has 20-foot ceilings, an elegant formal living room topped with custom-stained cedar paneling, and a bespoke bar area showcasing beautifully restored red oak cabinetry.

Elegant furnishings with modern silhouettes and warm, earthy tones instantly elevate the home's aesthetic. The restored fireplace adds warmth and character to the room, while a well-proportioned rug enhances the cozy, inviting space.

THE BEFORE: KITCHEN

My eyes! This kitchen is a time capsule of outdated design, from the heavy granite countertops to the awkward circular layout that feels cramped and closed off.

"We opened up the kitchen to create a much more spacious and functional layout," says Taylor. "One of the key changes was expanding the kitchen’s visual space by installing double islands to create more prep space and an inviting area for family to gather."

They also removed a wall that separated the kitchen from the dining area, which not only opened up the space but also allowed natural light to flood in from both sides of the house. "The wood and paint-grade cabinetry allowed for contrast, and served as the perfect canvas for Calacatta Viola marble and absolute black slabs. The matte black hardware we used throughout the cabinetry and railings added a modern touch," adds Amanda.

Amanda and Taylor revamped the '90s kitchen into a chic and design-forward space by adding a moody breakfast nook for the family to gather. Find more banquette inspiration here!

Another challenge was optimizing the natural light — some rooms had very little natural light while others had plenty, so they introduced skylights where it was lacking. "We maximized the layout, lighting, and use of space while adding crucial design factors to make the property stand out," says Taylor.

Striking a balance between light and dark, the dining room features a rich brown and black palette that enhances its moody, earthy aesthetic while beautifully framing the outdoor views.

"The defining highlight for us is how we were able to preserve the home’s original charm while modernizing it to meet the physical and aesthetic needs of a modern family," says Amanda. The design duo kept the architectural integrity intact, but enhanced the functionality and warmth.

Taylor and Amanda restored the fireplace to its original brick, "but not how you might think," says Taylor. "We went through multiple processes to come to the final product. First attempting to remove paint, then micro cementing the fireplace, and at the very end we wanted to have the warmth and beauty of used brick. So we had to source used brick to satisfy the color and size needs for our room and proceeded to install."

Marble and matte black hardware was also used in the bathrooms, creating a cohesive and luxurious feel throughout the home.

"We chose natural materials like warm oak wood, used brick, and natural stones to blend with the moldings and historic feel of the home," says Amanda. The soft goods complement these harder materials with natural linens and vintage style rugs.

Touches of nature are woven throughout the home, subtly appearing in the artwork and décor.

The adorable kids room is a clean canvas with neutral decor and a rich amber-colored rug.

The outdoors is just as stunning. The pair upgraded the pool tile to a cle rust brown tile to modernize and warm up the pool. "We take landscaping our homes very seriously, so when it came to this home we had to go all out," says Amanda. Grass, olive trees, ficus, vines and more create a serene environment for years to come.

"The idea was to create a connection between the interior and the surrounding landscape — bringing the outside in," adds Taylor. "The seamless integration of indoor-outdoor living and the design of the kitchen as the heart of the home really stand out."