Cooking With Gigi, Danville, Virginia, USA (2026)

24/03/2026

PROTEIN CHICKEN POPPERS
(appetizer)

These baked protein poppers are the perfect healthy choice for an appetizer or snack. They come together easily and are packed with good-for-you ingredients that are delicious! The poppers are blood-sugar friendly and satisfy hunger cravings.

INGREDIENTS (chicken nugget mixture):

- 1 lb. lean ground chicken
- 1 med. zucchini, finely grated
- 1/2 c. low-fat cottage cheese, blended until smooth
- 1/2 c. Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 egg
- 2 Tbsp. almond flour
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (I sometimes use minced garlic from a jar that I get at grocery store)
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp. onion powder
- 1/2 tsp. paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil spray

INGREDIENTS (creamy herb dip):

3/4 c. plain Greek yogurt
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1 Tbsp. lemon juice
1 Tbsp. fresh dill
1 Tbsp. parsley
1 small clove minced garlic
Salt and pepper to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400° F.
Shred zucchini using a fine grater. After shredding, place zucchini in a towel and squeeze out all of the excess moisture.
2. In a large bowl, mix ground chicken, zucchini, cottage cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, almond flour, garlic, herbs, and seasoning. Do not overmix; ,mix gently until just combined.
3. Roll into 1-1/2-inch balls and place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Lightly spray tops with olive oil.
4. Bake for 18 to 22 minutes until golden.
5. While baking, mix all ingredients for dip into a small bowl and chill for 10 to 15 minutes.
6. Makes 4 servings at 390 calories and 6 to 8 carbs per serving.

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

24/03/2026

HIGH-PROTEIN CHEESECAKE FLUFF
(desserts)

Today is National Cheesecake Day, making it a must to post a cheesecake recipe -- a healthy cheesecake recipe! Enjoy!

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 c. Greek yogurt (plain, non-fat, or full-fat)
- 8 oz. cream cheese, softened (low-fat or full-fat)
- 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (about 30g, optional but recommended)
- 2 Tbsp. sweetener of choice (stevia, monk fruit, or honey)
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- ½ c. heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- ½ c. light sour cream (optional, for classic cheesecake tang)
- Fresh fruit for topping (strawberries, raspberries, or blueberries)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, softened cream cheese, protein powder, sweetener, and vanilla extract. Beat with a hand mixer until smooth and creamy. If the mixture feels too thick, add a splash of almond milk or water to loosen it slightly.
2. In a separate bowl, whip the heavy cream until soft peaks form. This step gives the fluff its light, mousse-like texture.
3. Fold the whipped cream into the cheesecake mixture using a spatula. Go slowly to keep the mixture airy.
4. If you use sour cream, add it to the mixture now.
5. Spoon the mixture into serving cups or bowls. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow it to thicken and set.
6. Top with fresh fruit just before serving and enjoy chilled.

NOTES:

1. While the protein powder is optional, it is recommended, as it provides protein to the dessert.
2. Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 or 4 days.
3. Serve with fresh berries, crushed nuts, or a drizzle of sugar-free syrup OR a combination of any of these!

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

16/03/2026

Do you sit down to family meals together? It is one thing I insisted on at our house. When I was growing up in the 1960's and 1970's, dinner time was considered family time. It was mandatory that we sat down together at the end of the day and have a meal together. Mama always cooked. When I married and got my own kitchen and family, we followed that same tradition. Even if you did not eat, we all spent dinner time at the kitchen table as a family. Sadly, so many families do not share dinner meals together at the table. I truly think they are missing the best part of the day! 🥰

12/03/2026

CRISPY SWEET POTATO BITES
(side dish)

If you are like me and love sweet potatoes, this is an awesome side dish with a twist. Instead of your average baked sweet potato with butter and cinnamon sugar, I have discovered how to spice up a sweet potato and give it a crispy texture that is delicious!

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 to 3 medium-sized sweet potatoes

INGREDIENTS FOR PARMESAN HERB BUTTER:

- 4 Tbsp. unsalted butter, melted
- 2 Tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 Tbsp. fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1 tsp. fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder
- Pinch of salt and pepper

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 400° F (200° C).
2. Peel potatoes using a standard vegetable peeler. Cut them into uniform 1" pieces to help them bake evenly. Place them in a bowl.
3. Melt butter in small dish in microwave. Add other ingredients and mix well.
4. Pour melted butter mixture over sweet potatoes and toss them together until each piece is coated with liquid mixture.
5. Spread potatoes onto a cookie baking sheet in a single layer.
6. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes. About halfway through, flip the sweet potatoes to ensure a nice golden brown coloring on all sides.
7. Check them to ensure a fork to ensure they are cooked all the way through and tender with crispy edges.

NOTES:

1. If you do not have fresh parsley and rosemary, you can use dried ones. Just make sure you cut the amounts in half.
2. These sweet potatoes pair well with salmon, chicken, or tossed in a salad for extra flavor and crunch.

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

12/03/2026

PINEAPPLE CHICKEN & RICE
(Main Dish)

A family favorite, this sweet and savory one-pan dinner can be qu**ky whipped up on any weeknight!

INGREDIENTS:

- 1-1/2 lbs. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 fresh pineapple, cut into chunks (or one 20 oz. can of pineapple chunks in juice, undrained)
- 1 c. jasmine rice, cooked
- 2 c. chicken broth
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (I sometimes use minced garlic from a jar that I get at grocery store)
- 1/2 c. red bell pepper, diced
- 1 Tbsp. fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 c. low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 Tbsp. rice vinegar
- 2 Tbsp. brown sugar
- 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 2 green onions, sliced (optional)
- 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame seeds (optional)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Prepare the rice in a pot on the stove or a rice cooker as per instructions on package.
2. Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat with a Tbsp. of oil. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is good and hot, add chicken pieces. Cook to a golden brown, 3 to 4 minutes per side. Remove from pan.
3. Lower heat to medium and add a little more oil, if needed. Toss in minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 60 seconds to release fragrance.
4. Pour in soy sauce, chicken broth, brown sugar, rice vinegar, and pineapple juice from can (if using canned pineapple). Whisk until all is combined and making sure brown sugar dissolves.
5. Bring to a gentle simmer and let cook for 5 to 7 minutes, stirring occasionally. Let it reduce slightly and thicken up until glossy. Taste sauce and adjust as needed (i.e. a splash more of soy sauce or a tad more brown sugar).
6. Add the chicken back into the skillet as well as the pineapple chunks. Stir in gently, making sure the chicken and pineapple are fully coated in sauce. Simmer for 5 to 8 minutes.
7. Serve chicken mixture over top of fluffy rice.

NOTES:

1. Makes 4 servings with 450 calories and 45 carbs per serving.
2. Do not overcrowd your skillet when cooking chicken. It would be better to separate it into two small batches to ensure a good crust.
3. If you do not have fresh ginger, substitute with 1/2 tsp. of ground ginger.
4. Before plating, squeeze a fresh lime over the mixture in skillet. This will add an extra pop of flavor (optional).
5. Sprinkle plated serving with green onion and sesame seeds (optional), if desired.

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

11/03/2026

PHILLY CHEESESTEAK CASSEROLE
(Main Dish)

Who doesn't love a yummy cheesesteak sandwich? I know I do, and I did not want to lose this favorite just because I am trying to eat healthy and lose weight. After testing and tweaking recipes to get the ingredients just right, I came up with a Philly Cheesesteak Casserole that is satisfying even without the bread!

INGREDIENTS:

- 1-½ lbs. sirloin steak, sliced into thin strips
- 1 tsp. of your favorite steak seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 green pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 c. mushrooms, thinly sliced
- 1 medium to large onion, thinly slices
- 2 gloves of garlic, chopped
- 2 oz. cream cheese, room temperature
- 1 tsp. Worcestershire sauce
- 2 eggs
- ½ c. heavy whipping cream
- 2 c. Provolone cheese, shredded

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat your oven to 375° F (190° C).
2. Place sliced sirloin steak on a cookie sheet pan and season it with your favorite steak seasoning, salt, and pepper.
3. Transfer steak strips to a large skillet, heated to medium-high. Brown your steak strips until they are your desired color. Return strips to clean cookie sheet pan and set aside.
3. Toss green pepper, mushrooms, onion, and garlic into the same frying pan. Saute until vegetables are as soft as you desire (5 to 7 minutes).
4. Turn heat down to low and add the cream cheese, whipping cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir until all ingredients are combined and melted.
5. Add cooked steak strips back into skillet and stir them up well with the creamy vegetables to blend flavors.
6. In a small bowl, beat the eggs and fold them gently into your skillet with steak and veggie mixture.
7. Pour entire mixture into a greased 9 x 13-inch casserole dish and top with shredded Provolone cheese, spreading it evenly across the mixture.
8. Bake for 22 minutes or until the top is golden brown.

NOTES:

1. This recipe makes 6 servings, 387 calories each.
2. If you want to eat this with bread, look for or make a low carb bread using almond flour.

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

10/03/2026

LIGHT & CREAMY STRAWBERRY FLUFF
(Dessert)

I know everyone is getting excited about the upcoming strawberry season! It is a fun time of the year for me because I love EVERYTHING strawberry! I will be posting some of my favorite healthy strawberry recipes, including my famous strawberry cake (another day)! Today, I am featuring one of my favorites ...

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 pkg. (3 oz.) strawberry gelatin powder
- 1 c. boiling water
- 1 c. cottage cheese
- 1 c. non-dairy whipped topping
- 1 can (8 oz.) crushed pineapple, drained
- 1 c. fresh strawberries, washed and chopped
- 1 c. mini marshmallows (OPTIONAL)
- 1/2 c. chopped nuts (OPTIONAL)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Pour one cup of boiling water into a large mixing bowl. Add in the strawberry gelatin, stirring gently and continuously until dissolved. Set aside and let cool to room temperature.
2. Add cottage cheese to a blender or food processor; pulse until cottage cheese is smooth and uniform. Transfer to bowl with cooled gelatin mixture.
3. Fold in whipped topping until mixture is well combined.
4. Add the drained crushed pineapple and sliced strawberries; stir gently to combine.
5. Fold in marshmallows and/or chopped nuts. (OPTIONAL)
6. Spoon mixture into individual serving cups and refrigerate for at least two hours.
7. Garnish with additional sliced strawberries and a spoonful of whipped topping.

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

10/03/2026

MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN ZUCCHINI
(Main Dish)

Many of the recipes I share are based on a Mediterranean cuisine life-style, meaning they contain more plant-based ingredients that are healthier options. They are so delicious because they contain fresh, naturally flavored ingredients and spices.

INGREDIENTS (meat and vegetable mix):

- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 2 medium zucchinis, cut into quarter-inch rounds
- 1 c. cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (I sometimes use minced garlic from a jar that I get at grocery store)

INGREDIENTS (coating):

- 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp. oregano (dried)
- 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- 1/2 tsp. basil (dried)

INGREDIENTS (topping):

- 1/2 c. Mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 c. Parmesan cheese
- 2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F (190° C).
2. Lightly grease a 9 x 13-inch baking dish.
3. In a large mixing bowl, place chicken, zucchini, tomatoes, onion, and garlic. Pour olive oil on top of meat and vegetable mixture followed by all of the coating ingredients. Toss well, until all ingredients are mixed well and coated.
4. Spread mixture evenly into your baking dish. Sprinkle with a generous amount of Mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes. Remove foil and bake 10 to 15 more minutes until top is golden brown.
6. Optional: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

NOTES:
1. Makes 4 servings. Each serving is 360 calories, 15 carbohydrates, and 30g of protein.
2. If you are not a fan of zucchini, you may substitute yellow squash.
3. If you like Feta cheese, consider using it instead of Mozzarella.
4. If you like simple, this recipe is easy and quick to throw together on a busy weeknight!

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

09/03/2026

Welcome to Cooking With Gigi! I started making the recipes shared here a few years ago after I had a heart attack and later suffered heart failure. I had to eat better -- healthier. I have always enjoyed making home-cooked meals for my family, and we all could stand to eat healthier! Plus, I like to try new recipes! These recipes have helped me eat healthier and lose weight, and I want to share them with you! In addition to posting these recipes, I share tips, gadgets, small appliances, other products, and information to help you master your skills in the kitchen whether you are a beginner, intermediate, or advanced chef! Thanks for joining me!

09/03/2026

COTTAGE CHEESE PIZZA BOWL
(Main Dish)

I was searching for a healthy version of pizza when I stumbled upon this beauty! Pizza in a bowl -- no crust -- delicious! I tried it and loved it. It allows me to enjoy pizza without the calories and carbs and gives you another option over cauliflower crust. You have to give it a try! ❤️

INGREDIENTS:

- 1 c. to 2 c. cottage cheese (I use low fat.)
- 1 c. to 2 c. marinara sauce (as much as you like)
- 8 to 10 pepperoni rounds
- 1/2 c. diced bell peppers (If you use any mixture of red, green, orange, or yellow, make sure it is 1/2 c. total diced peppers.)
- 1/2 c. diced onion (I use red onion.)
- 1/2 c. mushrooms
- 1/2 c. spinach
- 1/2 c. Mozzarella shredded cheese (I use low carb.)
- salt and pepper to taste
- optional toppings (basil, black olives, Italian seasoning)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 375° F. (190° C).
2. In a medium baking dish, spoon cottage cheese to create a layer along the bottom.
3. On top of cottage cheese, spoon and smooth the marinara sauce (as much as you desire) as the second layer.
4. Layer the vegetables and any additional toppings you select on top of the marinara sauce.
5. Layer pepperoni rounds over vegetables.
6. Sprinkle a gracious amount of Mozzarella cheese on top of vegetables.
7. Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you want to include (i.e. red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, garlic salt, etc.).
8. Pop the dish in the oven and bake for 20 to 25 minutes OR until cheese is bubbly.
9. Remove from oven. Garnish with fresh basil and an additional drizzle of olive oil should you desire. Serve hot.

NOTES:

1. This recipe makes 2 servings at approximately 350 calories each.
2. About cottage cheese and marinara sauce - the measurements are really dependent on how much you like and how big your baking dish is. You need enough to create a good layer of each.
3. Change it up, experimenting with other favorite vegetables (i.e. tomatoes, artichokes, zucchini, asparagus, fresh garlic) and whatever seasonings (i.e. red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, garlic salt) you like on your pizza.
4. Add 1/2 c. ground beef, ground sausage, bacon, or diced ham. If you prefer more than one meat, just add 1/4 c. of each in Step 5 above. Keep in mind each additional meat will slightly change the calorie count.
5. Sprinkle with ground or shredded Parmesan cheese (optional).
6. This was so easy to put together and very little mess to clean up!

IF YOU TRY THIS RECIPE, LET US KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF IT! Rate it from one to five hearts! I rate this recipe ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️

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