Happy Birthday, Jesse!

Today is my best friend's birthday! He's also my husband, but he was my best friend first ;) 

Six years ago, we celebrated our first birthday "together" whilst 10,000 miles apart, not knowing where our relationship would lead or what was ahead of us. Today, we're spending our his second birthday here in Australia, happily married and so so grateful that we achieved what we dreamed of for so many years. 

He might not like celebrating his birthday, but he's married to the birthday queen. The first mission of the day is heading out to get the things to make a last minute pumpkin pie. Jesse was looking at the blog last night when the featured recipe slideshow on the sidebar flashed up a picture of his favourite Healthy Pumpkin Pie and he said "Ooh! It's fate! Forget the brownies, I want pumpkin pie for my birthday!". 

Pumpkin pie he wants, pumpkin pie he shall have! 

I thought it'd be fun to share Jesse's all time favourite recipes blog, because after all, he is the number one taste tester. You mayyy just see a little pattern in his favourites ;P Be sure to click the links under the pictures to get the recipes! 

L-R: Healthy Banana Bread | Healthy Banana Nut Muffins

Buckwheat Banana Muffins | Healthier Banana Muffins

If I ask Jesse what he'd like me to make, at least 8 times out of 10 he'll ask for banana something. Banana muffins, banana cheesecakes, banana bread - you name it. We're both big fans of banana-y baked goods so I'm certainly not complaining. In fact, it's because of this reason why we have so many awesome banana recipes on the blog!

L-R: Healthy Chocolate Cake | Healthier Chocolate Fudge Cake
Healthy Double Chocolate Brownies | Lightened Up Chocolate Buttermilk Cake

And if it's not a banana recipe, it's chocolate. I'm probably to blame for Jesse's new found chocolate addiction because I loveeeee me some chocolate. We've actually been working on quite a few new brownie recipes lately that are amazing and I can't wait to share them with you. 

L-R: Healthy Cookie Cake | Healthy Chocolate Chip Cookies
Lightened Up Peanut Butter Shortbread | Healthy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

But if it's not a banana recipe or a chocolate recipe, it has to be a cookie recipe. Truth be known, the first time Jesse ever came to Australia, I made up a batch of my favourite chocolate chip cookies and I thinnnkkkk that may have been when he fell in love with me. 

He thought they were so good that he ate almost the entire batch, I kid you not, and it's been a bit of a joke in the SIL family ever since ;P (You can't trust Jesse when there's a batch of my cookies around). 

Last year he had the Healthy Cookie Cake as his birthday cake and I'm planning on making it again for a church dinner we're co-hosting on Sunday Night!

L-R: Chicken and Bacon Rice Bowl | Cheesy Chicken Rice Bowl
Brown Rice Quiche | Chicken Parmesan Rice Bake

But we do eat savoury food too ;P Rice Bowls are a frequent addition to our dinner menus as they're quick and easy. I make up a big batch of brown rice every couple of weeks and freeze portions for quick dinner additions. It makes it so much easier to whip up a healthy meal.

L-R: Healthy New York Style Baked Cheesecake | Healthy Pumpkin Pie
Polenta Banana Muffins | Oatmeal Banana Snack Cake 

As I said before, Jesse's birthday dessert of choice this year is our Healthy Pumpkin Pie Recipe - but Healthy New York Style Baked Cheesecakes are also a big favourite - and of course, there's more banana baked goods that are on the favourites list!!

L-R: Healthy Apple Almond Cake | Healthy Apple Crumble Cake
Healthy Carrot Cake | Healthy Buttermilk Biscuits/Scones

But they're not always banana-y, chocolatey or cookie like. These are a few of Jesse and my favourite recipes to share with others. The Apple Almond Cake and Apple Crumble Cake are one we often bring along to friends houses or make when we have people over. The Healthy Buttermilk Biscuits Recipe (don't call them scones to Jesse!) are one of Jesse's favourite recipes, but they have to be warm (Whilst I like them room temp ;P)

L-R: Healthy Almond Butter & Honey Rice Crispy Treats | Healthy Cornflake Cookies
Healthy Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats | Raw Banana Icecream Cake

And if we don't feel like baking there's always no bake recipes. The Healthy Almond Butter and Honey Rice Crispy Treats and Healthy Peanut Butter Rice Crispy Treats have become a huge favourite for Jesse lately - we currently have a big batch of the PB version in the fridge as we made them with our youth group last week. 

L-R: Cheesy Quinoa Bakes | Healthy Cheesymite Scrolls
Healthy Crispy Potato Cakes | Healthy Roasted Turkey Breast

Since moving to Australia, Jesse has become a huge Vegemite fan - so it's only natural that our Healthy Cheesymite Scrolls Recipe made the favourites list cut!

L-R: Healthy Asian Noodle Stir Fry | Healthy Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta

Healthy Creamy Chicken and Mushroom Pasta | Healthy Chilli Con Carne

When it comes to dinner we like meals that are quick, healthy and delicious and these are some of our favourites! The Healthy Chilli Con Carne is also great for making in advance in big batches and freezing in single portions for a quick dinner option.

L-R: Healthy Chocolate Protein Pancakes | Healthy Better Than IHOP Pancakes

Blueberry Buckwheat Pancakes | Our Favourite Peanut Butter Banana Protein Pancakes

And of course, you can't forget the pancakes! I'm thinking that's probably what Jesse will want for breakfast this morning. Our Better than IHOP Pancakes Recipe is definitely Jesse's favourite with our Peanut Butter and Banana Protein Pancakes falling in at a close second.

But tell me, fruity, chocolate-y, banana-y, savoury? What's your go-to recipe flavour? 

I'm either a chocolate or banana girl, usually!

And what's your favourite birthday dessert? 

I always go for chocolate cake - but when I was younger, I hated cake (weird child) and always chose Icecream Cake even though it lead me to freeeeeeezing my insides as my birthday is in the middle of winter ;P