We flew out of Greenville on a Friday morning to Dulles airport where we had a 5 hour layover before boarding our flight to Zurich. Fortunately we have the Chase Sapphire Reserve Card and have been learning more about perks, one of which is free lounge access. So the girls and I had our first airport lounge experience and it’s safe to say we are spoiled now. Comfy places to sit, free food and drinks, and a relaxed atmosphere; David and I basically had a mini date night before the trip even officially started!

Family Ski Trip to Grindelwald Switzerland

Day 1: Travel to Grindelwald

Our plane was delayed due to deicing and we didn’t take off until 2 hours past our scheduled departure. The flight was smooth, though none of us really slept well (expected). When we touched down in Zurich at 9:30 AM local time, we were a bit groggy, but excited. We headed straight to the train station where we were immediately confused. While the trains are certainly a well oiled system, it’s not intuitive when you’re from a different country and there are not many people to ask for help. TIP ALERT: Get the app. We didn’t figure this out until later in our trip and it would have saved us a lot of bumbling around.

It took one short train ride (30 minutes), a long train ride (2 hours 30 minutes), and one last short train ride (30 minutes) for us to get to Grindelwald and by the time we arrived we were all pretty much delirious.

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Our hotel was literally steps from the train station (perk!). We stayed at Hotel Kreuz and Post, a historic hotel with a lot of character and charm. We stayed in the hotel’s three bedroom apartment, which was wonderful. Whenever we can swing it, I prioritize everyone’s ability to get the best sleep on a trip and this set up knocked that goal out of the park. The girls had their own room, as did David and I. There were two bathrooms, a living area, and a kitchen. It wasn’t super updated (by typical American standards), but everything felt really clean and I loved the vintage and personalized feel of the decor and art.

We checked in late afternoon, went right next door to get ski rentals (which was the most efficient ski rental process ever), then went in search of dinner. We decided on Barry’s Restaurant Bar & Lounge, since they were about to squeeze us in without a reservation. TIP ALERT: You need to book meals and experiences ahead of time in Switzerland; it’s very hard to get into most places last-minute.

We all could barely keep our eyes open, but we made it through the meal, which was very tasty in a cozy atmosphere. We headed straight back to the hotel for showers and we all crashed hard into bed.

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Day 2: Ski Day at Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen

12. Hours. Later. We woke up. The hotel offers a complimentary breakfast buffet with a wide variety of offerings. On ski trips, this is always a perk worth prioritizing for us. The cappuccino machine only helped solidify our affections for this hotel perk.

After breakfast we donned our ski gear, fetched our equipment from the ski storage room behind the hotel, and walked over to the train station to print off our lift tickets. We took the bus across from the hotel to the base of the mountain (terminal) then rode a gondola to the top of the mountain.

Kaitlyn had woken up with a sore throat and was hanging in there the best she could by the time we finally started skiing. I’m not sure it it was that or figuring out a ski mountain and map that runs things differently than we’re used to, but it all felt pretty clunky on that first day. There were a lot of flat runs resulting in poling, uphill areas, and confusion over how to map showed certain runs.

By midday Kaitlyn was almost in tears so I opted to take her back to the hotel. The buses were tricky to figure out but the kindness of stranger helped us board the right one and soon enough we were back at the place, her in a hot bath and me running a load of laundry in the hotel’s laundry room (perk!). David and Hailey continued skiing and had a good time, except for the part where Hailey fell of a T-bar lift and had to take off her skis and hike her way up the mountain.

It wasn’t our shiniest vacation day. That evening we were turned away from a couple of restaurants (reservations needed) but ended up having an absolutely delicious dinner at Golden India who were able to get us in a save the day!

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Day 3: Grindelwald First & Top of Europe

The next day was forecasted to be a clear day and I knew I wanted us to have blue skies when we visited Jungfraujock, also known at the Top of Europe. We decided to start the day at Grindelwald First Top of Adventure. We walked to the gondola (free with our lift tickets) from our hotel and after a 10 minute ride arrived at an absolutely stunning view. The kids were excited and we wanted to do it all- the Cliff Walk (complimentary), the First Flyer, where you zipline over the Alps in a swing, and the First Glider, where you fly like an eagle over the Alps in a group of four, on your belly. We loved it all!

The views were stunning, there were no lines for the activities, and we were able to sip hot tea and stare at the view without a crowd. Highly recommend!

While sipping tea and admiring the clear skies we decided that it was also the right day to try and experience the Top of Europe, as clouds were supposed to roll in the next day. We took the gondola down and caught a bus to Terminal, where we rode the gondola up to the starting point of the tour, which begins with a train ride up the mountain to the highest railway station in Europe.

As part of the Top of Europe experience you get a phenomenal view of the longest glacier in the Alps… and then you get to walk through it! The ice palace was a definite highlight of our trip. We lucked out that it wasn’t crowded at all and sliding along the icy path felt truly magical. We got chocolates from the highest chocolate shop in Europe and enjoyed them on our train and gondola ride back down the mountain.

We picked up pizza from Take Away for the kids while David and I enjoyed a dinner date at the hotel’s restaurant. The atmosphere was cozy and the food was excellent. It has a menu that shifts seasonally and both of us figuratively licked our plates clean.

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Day 4: Skiing at Grindelwald First

Kaitlyn woke up this day unsure if she was up for skiing with her sore throat. After breakfast and a promise from me that I’d happily come back with her if she tried and was miserable, we got our gear and hopped the bus back to Grindelwald First gondola to head to the top.

The day started off quite snowy, but the runs were a much better fit for us. They were wide open with a little powder and the mountain felt very open and uncrowded. We started to hit our stride and at one pausing point Kaitlyn looked and me and declared: I’m so happy I didn’t miss out on this.

We skied happily all morning, laughing when we took a lovely run down the mountain, declaring it our favorite one yet, only to have it dead end at a bus stop. There was nothing to do but pop off our skis, wait on the bus, and head back to the gondola at the base of Grindelwald First.

At the top we went in for some lunch- spaghetti Bolognese, burgers, and fries, which we enjoyed while watching some Olympics. Once fed and warm we decided to head to the highest part of the mountain and… well, my goodness it turned out to be the ultimate highlight of our skiing.

The skies were clear, the snow park was empty, the views were out of this world, and we spent the afternoon skiing that area as many times as we possibly could. We went over the hills, skied the course, and took the lift back up on repeat until finally they closed the lift for the day and we had to accept it was time to head down. That afternoon will forever be concreted in my memory.

Back at the apartment we changed and headed to dinner. We popped into a few places, none that had space for us (reservations needed), so we returned to Barry’s where we enjoyed a traditional Switzerland cheese fondue! The girls were just so-so on the Raclette cheese, but the potatoes and bread were a hit for all.

The girls got cozy back at the apartment afterwards while David and I made us of the saunas in the spa area at the hotel. As a family we sure missed the hot tub experience (it definitely is not as prevalent in Europe as in the US), but the sauna was beautiful and provided a nice warm up before calling it a night.

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Day 5: Skiing at Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen

Our last ski day we decided to return to Kleine Scheidegg-Männlichen via Grindelwald Terminal, taking the Eiger Express gondola up. We knew wet weather was supposed to be returning and while it was rain in the town, on the mountain it was ALL snow! It was beautiful and we enjoyed it until it really started pounding down so hard that it was hard to see.

We took the opportunity to stop at The Wall Bar on the mountain, order schnitzel, sip coffee and hot chocolate, and watch the Olympics. I also had a shot of Jägermeister, for warming up purposes of course.

Afterwards we headed back out and were thrilled at the 6+ inches of fresh powder the storm has delivered! The weather ebbed and flowed all afternoon from clear to quite snowy. The girls loved the powder. We attempted another T-bar and lost Hailey again. I jumped offf with her and we skied down under it to attempt another ride up, which was successful! Kaitlyn fell in a hill of deep powder and it took a solid 10 minutes to dig her skies out, which she laughed endlessly at. We enjoyed the day very much and closed down the mountain.

Hungry and tired we went in search for dinner that night, stumbling upon the restaurant at Hotel Spinne completely by happenstance. The views were beautiful from the dining room, the food was hearty and delicious, and it made for a wonderful last evening in Grindelwald.

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Day 6: Zurich & The Lindt Chocolate Factory

We woke up our last morning, packed up, grabbed breakfast, and walked across the street to the train station to be ready to leave Grindelwald by on the 9:15 train. Feeling much fresher and having finally downloaded the train app, the trip back to Zurich felt much smoother than the one there. We played cards and watched the rain hit the windows, which the girls were delighted at for the very authentic Harry Potter Hogwarts train feel.

It was pouring when we got to Zurich and we walked the quarter mile to our Marriott in it. We unloaded into our room and decided on lunch at the hotel bar, which was surprisingly good. At lunch we surprised the girls with the our rainy day activity- visiting the Lindt Chocolate Factory & Museum!

They both were excited at the prospect of seeing where their favorite chocolate truffles were made, so much so that Kaitlyn burst into happy tears. After lunch we went back to the train station and a 15 minute train followed by a 15 minute walk had us arriving at the grand site of the Lindt Chocolate Factory!

Let me tell you, like dinners in Switzerland, this needs to be booked weeks in advance. We learned that the hard way when we tried to book it a few days prior and it was all sold out. We scored the very last set of tickets to a chocolate bar making class which allowed this trip to happen.

The building itself is grand! Being greeted by the world’s tallest chocolate fountain sets the tone and every experience that follows matches up. Our chocolate bar making tickets didn’t grant us entry into the museum, but we were told there were a few available last minute in person (even though online it said sold out). We decided to go for the full experience to learn the history of chocolate and revel in the unlimited chocolate tastings.

Everything is very well done, from the museum experience to our chocolate bar making class. They dressed us in chef hats and aprons, walked us through the bar making process, educated us on the differences in chocolate types, and made the whole experience deeply enjoyable for us all. Highly recommend!

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We stayed approximately three hours at the museum, including the hour of our class, and took the train back to Zurich all hopped up on chocolate.

We went in search of dinner and a friend had told me about a place called Zeughauskeller, so we went in search of this historic and popular restaurant. We lucked out and they were able to fit us into the packed place without a reservation where we enjoyed beer, apple juice in mugs, and sausages. The vibe and food were both excellent, and we all enjoyed reading the history of this for armory built in 1487. A perfect last night!

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Back at the hotel we rotated through showers and watching the Olympics before calling it a night. At 6:15 AM we were up and catching an Uber to the airport to started our travel back home, which included a flight to Chicago, a long layover, and our flight back to Greenville. All in all, we ended up being awake for 23 hours by the time we were stepping into showers back in our own home.

Switzerland Ski Trip Conclusion and Takeaways

• The travel was a LOT for a weeklong trip. If I were to do it again, I’d spend a day or two in Zurich before heading to Grindelwald.
• The views of the Alps are absolutely stunning and I really don’t think you can find a more breathtaking mountain range on earth. (But if you have one you think could rival it, I’m all ears).
• Get the train app. It solves all your problems.
• Book dinners and tours a few weeks in advance.

Trip Questions from Instagram

What made you want to go to Switzerland? I enjoyed seeing your pictures- beautiful there.

You hit the nail on the head- the beauty! I’ve always heard about the Swiss Alps and their beauty. Being that we love skiing, we decided to go for it. The country is so stunning in winter, I can only imagine how jaw dropping it is in summer.

What’s the cost comparison to US ski destinations (like Big Sky)?

On the whole, we found it to be less expensive to go to Switzerland than out west in the US. Flights are about even in cost. Lodging is less expensive in Switzerland. Lift tickets are significantly less expensive in Switzerland. Eating out is more expensive in Switzerland.

Please share a blog post with your full itinerary! This trip is on our radar!

Done! In a mere 2,700 words- ha! While we had some definite highlights, I’d do a few things differently. I’d get lodging as close to the Grindelwald First gondola as possible so you’d be close to our favorite mountain and only have to take the bus if heading to the other mountain. I would extend the trip to make travel easier on both sides. I’d make dinner reservations each night (even though I do think that can be hard to plan for based on how the day on the mountain goes).

Did you take all your ski equipment with you?

We packed our ski clothes, helmets, goggles, and gloves. We rented (very convenient, right next to the hotel) boots, skis, and poles.

Did you have to rent a car to get to the Lindt Chocolate Factory?

No car rental needed the whole trip! From Zurich it’s a short train ride to Kilchberg Station, then a 10-15 minute walk.

No question, but thanks for bringing us along!

My pleasure! I love getting to share travel destinations because I so enjoy seeing where and how other families travel myself!

Loved your stories; what will you remember most from the trip?

Oh, great question! My personal highlights: ziplining over the snowy alps together, the afternoon we we spent skiing the snow park on top of Grindelwald First over and over again with the insane views, walking through Europe’s longest glacier (the ice palace), and our last dinner together with good views, plates of pasta, and laughing together about the trip’s triumphs and mishaps.

What made you choose Switzerland? I do Northern Italy so I’m biased.

We actually started off looking at both Switzerland and Italy, but prices in Italy were so much higher because of the Winter Olympics, so with the timing we needed, Switzerland won out. But I wouldn’t be against skiing Northern Italy to compare

How did you decide where to go in Switzerland? So many options!

We originally were looking at Zermatt, which had us research top family skiing destinations in Switzerland online. Grindelwald kept showing up in the top three wherever we looked and promised the stunning views of the Alps. That plus the fact we’re huge Harry Potter fans sealed the deal. David does not agree with that last statement

If you’re planning a trip and have any questions, please comment below and I’m happy to answer them. I think planning travel in Europe can feel intimidating and so I’m always happy to chat about our experiences if it’s helpful!

Barnes and Noble Book of the Year: 2025

International book seller Barnes and Noble chose this book as its 2025 best seller, translated into 38 languages from the original by French art historian, Thomas Schlesser.   He is a professor of art history at the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris, and this is his American debut with the work featured by Europa Editions in New York. He chose the image of a work of art by Johannes Vermeer from 1665 known as the Girl with the Pearl Earring which is in the Mauritshuis House in the Hague for his cover. The painting was donated there by Arnoldus Tombe in 1902 who had paid about 24 euros for same in 1881.

Girl with a Pearl Earring, oil on canvas, 1665, Mauritshuis House.

Professor Schlesser has taken on a very unusual task with this novel which highlights 52 works of art and the story of a young girl, age 11, who wakes up one morning and cannot see.  After medical exams and testing, her sight returns in a few days. Physicians cannot explain this blackout and insist that she see specialists in sight control and a psychiatrist to keep her calm and relaxed.  Instead of a tedious weekly session with the latter, her grandfather steps in and says he will manage the situation.  His plan is to take her each Wednesday to one of the three major museums in Paris for a detailed look and examination of a work of art.  Mona loves this idea, and the book goes into detail on each of the 52 visits.

What is such fun is that the author divided the book into three sections with works of art from the Louvre in part one, the Museé D’Orsay in part two, and the Pompidou from the Beaubourg suburb in part three.  These are very cleverly illustrated in the two-part cover of the book.

There is an expression in Spanish that reads: “Puede ver pero no puede mirar,” which translates that one can look but did not see enough. As museum statistics have claimed that the average visitor spends about 20 seconds in front of each work of art, I can relate that looking and seeing can be different experiences.  With the details on each work of art, the grandfather tells Mona about the artist, his or her country, and the medium of the artwork. They then together stand in front of same for at least 20 minutes and talk about the image, its content, its meaning, its details and how they each think it became a very special work of art.

In part one Schlesser chose the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci as one of 19 works from the Louvre, and the grandfather explains that this was a private commission by a wealthy Florentine businessman, Francesco del Giocondo, who wanted to capture the smile of his lovely wife Lisa.  In my art history classes, I learned that the Catholic church forbid women to be used in works of art in the 16^th century unless they were to look like the Virgin Mary or her helpers.  To engage also with the viewer in a direct pose was also considered sinful and most portraits were done in profile.  The Mona Lisa thus became famous for her engaging smile and simple repose.  Ironically Da Vinci never delivered the work of art and instead took it to France with him when he went to work for King Francis I who bought it from him in 1519. Subsequent kings had it in Versailles until it was moved to the Louvre where it is now under bullet proof glass where 80% of the visitors line up to see her.

Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa, 1519. Louvre Museum.

One more favorite in the second chapter of the book is the work of Paul Cezanne from 1890 called Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a view that he captured in oil from his studio window in Provence about 90 times. Cezanne’s father was a banker and not happy that his son chose to be an artist, but the famous French art dealer, Paul Durand Ruel, saved him by selling his work in his Paris gallery.  Cezanne was quoted as saying that the mountain had a raging thirst for sunshine which he tried to capture in the details of the foreground, mid-level, and background.  Mona said, “Grandpa I think Cezanne wanted to light up the world with his paintings.”  (p. 256)

Paul Cezanne, Montagne Sainte- Victoire, 1890. Museé D’Orsay.

In the third section Mona loves many of the works but identifies the work of Georgia O’Keeffe from 1924 as her favorite.  Entitled Red, Yellow and Black Streaks, the grandfather says that O’Keeffe painted this one when she was living near Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains.   He explained that her style became known as bio-morphism as she tried to turn nature into abstractions.   Mona said, “Grandpa she has created a heaven of colors here with vapors and clouds moving all over the sky!” (p.335).

Georgia O’Keeffe, Red, Yellow and Black Streaks, 1924. Centre Pompidou.

As the story ends Mona occasionally loses her sight again but when it returns, she relished the reminders of her 52 wonderful days with her grandfather looking at so many works of art. It is a complex ending to a wonderful book that captures the message that we need to both LOOK and SEE more in the wonderful world around us every day.  Enjoy!

Source:

Thomas Schlesser, Mona’s Eyes. New York, Europa Editions, 2025.

The post Mona’s Eyes: A Novel by Thomas Schlesser – Reviewed by Sharon Lorenzo appeared first on Sharp Eye.

Barnes and Noble Book of the Year: 2025

International book seller Barnes and Noble chose this book as its 2025 best seller, translated into 38 languages from the original by French art historian, Thomas Schlesser.   He is a professor of art history at the Ecole Polytechnique in Paris, and this is his American debut with the work featured by Europa Editions in New York. He chose the image of a work of art by Johannes Vermeer from 1665 known as the Girl with the Pearl Earring which is in the Mauritshuis House in the Hague for his cover. The painting was donated there by Arnoldus Tombe in 1902 who had paid about 24 euros for same in 1881.

Girl with a Pearl Earring, oil on canvas, 1665, Mauritshuis House.

Professor Schlesser has taken on a very unusual task with this novel which highlights 52 works of art and the story of a young girl, age 11, who wakes up one morning and cannot see.  After medical exams and testing, her sight returns in a few days. Physicians cannot explain this blackout and insist that she see specialists in sight control and a psychiatrist to keep her calm and relaxed.  Instead of a tedious weekly session with the latter, her grandfather steps in and says he will manage the situation.  His plan is to take her each Wednesday to one of the three major museums in Paris for a detailed look and examination of a work of art.  Mona loves this idea, and the book goes into detail on each of the 52 visits.

What is such fun is that the author divided the book into three sections with works of art from the Louvre in part one, the Museé D’Orsay in part two, and the Pompidou from the Beaubourg suburb in part three.  These are very cleverly illustrated in the two-part cover of the book.

There is an expression in Spanish that reads: “Puede ver pero no puede mirar,” which translates that one can look but did not see enough. As museum statistics have claimed that the average visitor spends about 20 seconds in front of each work of art, I can relate that looking and seeing can be different experiences.  With the details on each work of art, the grandfather tells Mona about the artist, his or her country, and the medium of the artwork. They then together stand in front of same for at least 20 minutes and talk about the image, its content, its meaning, its details and how they each think it became a very special work of art.

In part one Schlesser chose the Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci as one of 19 works from the Louvre, and the grandfather explains that this was a private commission by a wealthy Florentine businessman, Francesco del Giocondo, who wanted to capture the smile of his lovely wife Lisa.  In my art history classes, I learned that the Catholic church forbid women to be used in works of art in the 16^th century unless they were to look like the Virgin Mary or her helpers.  To engage also with the viewer in a direct pose was also considered sinful and most portraits were done in profile.  The Mona Lisa thus became famous for her engaging smile and simple repose.  Ironically Da Vinci never delivered the work of art and instead took it to France with him when he went to work for King Francis I who bought it from him in 1519. Subsequent kings had it in Versailles until it was moved to the Louvre where it is now under bullet proof glass where 80% of the visitors line up to see her.

Leonardo da Vinci, Mona Lisa, 1519. Louvre Museum.

One more favorite in the second chapter of the book is the work of Paul Cezanne from 1890 called Montagne Sainte-Victoire, a view that he captured in oil from his studio window in Provence about 90 times. Cezanne’s father was a banker and not happy that his son chose to be an artist, but the famous French art dealer, Paul Durand Ruel, saved him by selling his work in his Paris gallery.  Cezanne was quoted as saying that the mountain had a raging thirst for sunshine which he tried to capture in the details of the foreground, mid-level, and background.  Mona said, “Grandpa I think Cezanne wanted to light up the world with his paintings.”  (p. 256)

Paul Cezanne, Montagne Sainte- Victoire, 1890. Museé D’Orsay.

In the third section Mona loves many of the works but identifies the work of Georgia O’Keeffe from 1924 as her favorite.  Entitled Red, Yellow and Black Streaks, the grandfather says that O’Keeffe painted this one when she was living near Lake George in the Adirondack Mountains.   He explained that her style became known as bio-morphism as she tried to turn nature into abstractions.   Mona said, “Grandpa she has created a heaven of colors here with vapors and clouds moving all over the sky!” (p.335).

Georgia O’Keeffe, Red, Yellow and Black Streaks, 1924. Centre Pompidou.

As the story ends Mona occasionally loses her sight again but when it returns, she relished the reminders of her 52 wonderful days with her grandfather looking at so many works of art. It is a complex ending to a wonderful book that captures the message that we need to both LOOK and SEE more in the wonderful world around us every day.  Enjoy!

Source:

Thomas Schlesser, Mona’s Eyes. New York, Europa Editions, 2025.

The post Mona’s Eyes: A Novel by Thomas Schlesser – Reviewed by Sharon Lorenzo appeared first on Sharp Eye.

If you love a nourishing bowl that feels balanced and satisfying, these Peanut Chicken Rice Bowls With Roasted Sweet Potatoes are going to become a regular in your kitchen.

They are colorful, hearty, and layered with texture. Caramelized sweet potatoes. Savory golden chicken. Fluffy brown rice. Fresh spinach. And a creamy peanut lime sauce that brings everything together.

This is the kind of meal that leaves you feeling energized and grounded. It is balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and it works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.

What You’ll Love About this Peanut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Protein-Rich: High in protein from lean chicken to support steady energy
• Nutrient Packed: Rich in fiber from sweet potatoes and brown rice
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten free when using tamari or coconut aminos
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for meal prep and stores well for several days
• Customizable: Easy to customize with extra vegetables or spice

Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl Ingredients

For the Bowls

• Sweet potato: Roasts into tender, naturally sweet bites and adds fiber
• Red onion: Becomes soft and lightly caramelized in the oven
• Brown rice: A hearty whole grain base that adds fiber and staying power
• Baby spinach: Adds freshness and important micronutrients
• Fresh cilantro: Brings a bright herbal finish
• Sesame seeds: Add subtle crunch and texture
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used for roasting and adds richness

For the Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that keeps the bowl balanced and satisfying
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth
• Ground ginger: Brings subtle warmth
• Sea salt and black pepper: Enhance all the flavors
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps create a golden sear

For the Peanut-Lime Dressing

• Creamy peanut butter: Forms the rich base of the sauce
• Fresh lime juice: Brightens and balances the richness
• Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness
• Soy sauce or tamari: Provides savory umami flavor. You can also use coconut-aminos
• Toasted sesame oil: Adds nutty depth of flavor. Do not skip.
• Fresh garlic: Gives the dressing bold flavor.

(See printable recipe card below for full ingredient amounts)

How to Make Peanut Chicken Rice Bowls

1. Roast the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes and red onion with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Cook the chicken: While the vegetables roast, season the chicken with garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Cook the chicken for about 7 to 8 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
3. Make the peanut lime dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh garlic, lime juice, peanut butter, honey, and soy sauce. Add sesame oil and olive oil and whisk until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add one to two teaspoons of warm water until it reaches a pourable consistency.
4. Assemble the bowls: Divide the brown rice among bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, sliced chicken, and fresh spinach.
5. Add the dressing: Drizzle generously with peanut sauce and sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Add heat: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat
• Swap the grain: Swap brown rice for quinoa or jasmine rice
• Add vegetables: Add steamed broccoli or shredded carrots for extra vegetables
• Try dark meat: Use chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor
• Meal prep tip: Store components separately for best texture when meal prepping

The post Peanut Chicken Rice Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes appeared first on Elizabeth Rider – Modern Healthy Living.

If you love a nourishing bowl that feels balanced and satisfying, these Peanut Chicken Rice Bowls With Roasted Sweet Potatoes are going to become a regular in your kitchen.

They are colorful, hearty, and layered with texture. Caramelized sweet potatoes. Savory golden chicken. Fluffy brown rice. Fresh spinach. And a creamy peanut lime sauce that brings everything together.

This is the kind of meal that leaves you feeling energized and grounded. It is balanced with protein, fiber, and healthy fats, and it works beautifully for both weeknight dinners and meal prep.

What You’ll Love About this Peanut Chicken Rice Bowl

• Protein-Rich: High in protein from lean chicken to support steady energy
• Nutrient Packed: Rich in fiber from sweet potatoes and brown rice
• Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten free when using tamari or coconut aminos
• Meal-Prep Friendly: Great for meal prep and stores well for several days
• Customizable: Easy to customize with extra vegetables or spice

Peanut Chicken Protein Bowl Ingredients

For the Bowls

• Sweet potato: Roasts into tender, naturally sweet bites and adds fiber
• Red onion: Becomes soft and lightly caramelized in the oven
• Brown rice: A hearty whole grain base that adds fiber and staying power
• Baby spinach: Adds freshness and important micronutrients
• Fresh cilantro: Brings a bright herbal finish
• Sesame seeds: Add subtle crunch and texture
• Extra virgin olive oil: Used for roasting and adds richness

For the Chicken:

• Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Lean protein that keeps the bowl balanced and satisfying
• Garlic powder: Adds savory depth
• Ground ginger: Brings subtle warmth
• Sea salt and black pepper: Enhance all the flavors
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps create a golden sear

For the Peanut-Lime Dressing

• Creamy peanut butter: Forms the rich base of the sauce
• Fresh lime juice: Brightens and balances the richness
• Honey: Adds a touch of natural sweetness
• Soy sauce or tamari: Provides savory umami flavor. You can also use coconut-aminos
• Toasted sesame oil: Adds nutty depth of flavor. Do not skip.
• Fresh garlic: Gives the dressing bold flavor.

(See printable recipe card below for full ingredient amounts)

How to Make Peanut Chicken Rice Bowls

1. Roast the vegetables: Preheat your oven to 425 degrees F. Toss the cubed sweet potatoes and red onion with olive oil, sea salt, and black pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet. Roast for 20 to 25 minutes until tender and lightly caramelized.
2. Cook the chicken: While the vegetables roast, season the chicken with garlic powder, ground ginger, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium high heat. Cook the chicken for about 7 to 8 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through. Let it rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
3. Make the peanut lime dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together fresh garlic, lime juice, peanut butter, honey, and soy sauce. Add sesame oil and olive oil and whisk until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add one to two teaspoons of warm water until it reaches a pourable consistency.
4. Assemble the bowls: Divide the brown rice among bowls. Top with roasted sweet potatoes, sliced chicken, and fresh spinach.
5. Add the dressing: Drizzle generously with peanut sauce and sprinkle with cilantro and sesame seeds. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Add heat: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha for heat
• Swap the grain: Swap brown rice for quinoa or jasmine rice
• Add vegetables: Add steamed broccoli or shredded carrots for extra vegetables
• Try dark meat: Use chicken thighs if you prefer richer flavor
• Meal prep tip: Store components separately for best texture when meal prepping

The post Peanut Chicken Rice Bowls with Roasted Sweet Potatoes appeared first on Elizabeth Rider – Modern Healthy Living.

As I’ve spent more time in the kitchen over the years, I’ve come to appreciate the humble pinto bean for its versatility and nutritional value. These beans aren’t just a fantastic source of protein (15g per 1 cup of cooked pinto beans), fiber (15g per 1 cup, cooked), vitamins, and minerals; they’re also packed with antioxidants. Their earthy flavor and creamy texture make them incredibly adaptable, working beautifully in everything from soups to casseroles to quick weeknight burritos.

Beans are also a great way to spend less at the grocery store. Whether canned, jarred, or dried, you can make beans the main event or mix them in with meat recipes to stretch it a bit further. If you want to eat more beans, but they mess with your digestion, I recommend trying a digestive enzyme about 15 minutes before the meal and seeing if that helps.

Today, I’m excited to share with you a collection of pinto bean recipes that I’ve enjoyed making for my family, along with some favorites from fellow food enthusiasts. These dishes, ranging from comforting soups to flavorful side dishes and hearty main courses, showcase just how wonderful and adaptable pinto beans can be. I hope these ideas are useful as you meal plan!

10 Recipes With Pinto Beans

10 Recipes With Pinto Beans

Crock Pot Pinto Beans

Well Plated by Erin simplifies pinto bean preparation with her Crock Pot Pinto Beans. This no-soak recipe infuses pinto beans with sautéed onion, jalapeño, and Southwestern spices for bold flavor.

Pinto Bean Soup

The Cozy Cook’s Pinto Bean Soup is a rich medley of vegetables, pinto beans, and sausage. It’s adaptable for slow cookers and perfect for chilly nights.

Oven Baked Bean Burritos

In my own kitchen, I’ve created Oven Baked Bean Burritos, a quick 20-minute meal that combines refried pinto beans, rice, spices, green chiles, and cheese in a tortilla wrap. These burritos are freezer-friendly and ideal for busy nights. The kids dip them in sour cream, and I like mine served over iceberg and cabbage for extra crunch (and maybe a drizzle of hot sauce).

Pinto Bean Casserole (Easy Mexican Recipe)

The Picky Eater Blog introduces a cozy Pinto Bean Casserole, a one-pot vegetarian meal ready in less than 30 minutes.

Pinto Bean & Cheese Freezer Burritos

These Pinto Bean & Cheese Freezer Burritos combine pinto beans, brown rice, and cheese for an easy reheat-and-go meal. These were a go-to toddler meal when my kids were younger.

Pinto Bean Casserole

Southern Eats & Goodies offers a classic Southern Pinto Bean Casserole topped with cheese and baked to comfort-food perfection.

The Best Homemade Bean Dip Recipe

A Spicy Perspective presents a creamy Homemade Bean Dip featuring pinto beans, sweet onion, garlic, and spices. Add green chiles or hot sauce for extra kick.

Pinto Bean Salad with Avocado and Tomatoes

Kalyn’s Kitchen offers a refreshing Pinto Bean Salad with avocado, tomatoes, and cilantro for warmer days.

Spanish Pinto Bean Stew

This hearty stew is packed with vegetables and flavor from garlic, paprika, and broth. Serve with a crunchy baguette for the full experience.

Healthy Turkey Chili with Pinto Beans

This lighter turkey chili uses pantry spices and fresh vegetables. It’s even better the next day once flavors meld together.

If you’re new to cooking with pinto beans, these quick tips can help you get even more out of them.

What Are Pinto Beans Used For

Pinto beans are incredibly versatile and work in everything from soups and stews to tacos, burritos, dips, and salads. They’re commonly used in Mexican and Southwestern cooking, especially alongside rice, cheese, green chiles, and warm spices like cumin and chili powder.

They also mash beautifully, making them ideal for refried beans, sandwich spreads, enchilada fillings, and even as a thickener for soups. Their creamy texture allows them to blend into sauces while still holding their shape in heartier dishes.

What Goes Well With Pinto Beans

Pinto beans pair beautifully with both bold flavors and simple staples.

They work especially well with:

• Rice or quinoa
• Tortillas and taco shells
• Roasted vegetables
• Grilled meats
• Eggs
• Avocado and cilantro

A splash of acid like lime juice or vinegar brightens their earthy flavor. Cheese adds richness, and a drizzle of hot sauce can bring just the right amount of heat. I also love adding diced green chiles or a spoonful of salsa for freshness and depth.

How To Make Canned Pinto Beans Taste Good

Canned pinto beans are incredibly convenient, but a few small upgrades can make them taste homemade.

Rinse and Drain Well

Rinsing removes excess sodium and the starchy liquid from the can. This gives you a cleaner base and allows your seasonings to shine instead of tasting metallic or overly salty.

Sauté With Aromatics

Warm beans in olive oil or butter with onion, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Cooking them briefly with aromatics adds depth and makes a big difference in flavor.

Simmer With Broth or Spices

Instead of reheating in water, simmer the beans in broth with smoked paprika, taco seasoning, or diced green chiles. Even 5–10 minutes transforms them.

Finish With Acid and Heat

Right before serving, add a squeeze of lime juice, a splash of apple cider vinegar, or a drizzle of hot sauce. That final brightness elevates the whole dish.

What To Do With Leftover Pinto Beans

Cooked pinto beans store beautifully and can easily be repurposed throughout the week.

Turn Them Into Lunch Bowls

Layer beans over rice or quinoa with roasted vegetables, shredded cheese, avocado, and a simple dressing for an easy lunch.

Mash for Wraps or Toast

Lightly mash with seasoning for burritos, quesadillas, tostadas, or even savory toast toppings.

Freeze for Later

Portion beans into freezer bags with a little cooking liquid to prevent drying out. Lay flat to freeze for easy stacking.

Stir Into Soups and Skillets

Add leftover beans to scrambled eggs, vegetable soups, skillet dinners, or pasta for extra protein and fiber.

Fresh Pinto Bean Tips (New Since This Post Was First Published)

Over time, I’ve learned a few extra tricks that make pinto beans even better:

• Season in layers instead of all at once.
• Add salt toward the end if cooking from dry beans to avoid tough skins.
• Use beans as a base for meal prep—cook a big batch and reinvent them all week.
• Blend a portion of the beans to naturally thicken soups without cream.
• Toast spices briefly before adding beans to wake up their flavor.

I also find that pinto beans taste even better the next day. Letting them sit overnight allows flavors to deepen and meld together, making leftovers something to look forward to instead of just reheating.

Pinto beans have become a staple in my kitchen, offering incredible versatility in a myriad of delicious ways at a low price. Whether I’m in the mood for a warming soup, a hearty main course, or a light salad, these pinto bean recipes truly cater to all tastes and occasions. They’re not only nutritious but also deeply satisfying, making them a fantastic ingredient for everyday cooking.

I hope these pinto bean recipe ideas inspire you to experiment with them, adapting dishes to your taste and dietary needs. If you’re new to cooking with beans, don’t be intimidated — they’re forgiving, affordable, and surprisingly simple to work with once you get started.

If you are looking for other healthy side dish recipes, my easy green beans recipe is a kid favorite for their crunch and simple seasonings. For a vegetarian main dish, this hearty vegetable and lentil marinara is delicious over spaghetti. And for a bean-focused lunch entry, I can’t tell you how much this chickpea “chicken” salad will hit the spot.