Several years ago, my parents went on a trip to Italy with some close friends. One of their most favorite things they did was to attend cooking classes. My father LOVES to cook. He loves searching for ingredients, the process of cooking, and of course, enjoying the meal. It was no surprise to me to hear how much he enjoyed … Read More
Spicy Thai Eggplant Dip Recipe
We have had such a weird summer here in Chicago. Even though it is August and school is approaching, it has been so cool and wet, I don’t really feel like we have had summer. I am hoping for at least a few more warm days so we can enjoy the pool and the sun! But, the weather has been … Read More
Red, White and Blue Popsicles – a delicious treat for the 4th of July!
It’s almost July 4th! Can you believe it?! I feel like summer just got underway. What are your plans? Usually we go to an annual party on July 3rd and then hang out at home on the 4th and have a small bbq and walk to our town’s major park to watch the Fireworks. I was trying to think of … Read More
Recipe: Lentil Spinach Soup and What’s in My CSA Box Week 5
This week brought a whole lot of goodness from my CSA share! As mentioned before, I am part of a CSA program through Sandhill Organics. Each week, I receive a box of vegetables (and fruit in the summer). Every two weeks, I receive eggs. And every month I receive some dairy products and cuts of meat. This week was the … Read More
Recipe: Asian-style Sesame Asparagus and What’s in My CSA Box – Week 4
It’s that time of the week again for “What’s in My CSA Box!” I also have a yummy recipe that is perfect for this season’s asparagus. It’s a twist on sesame noodles but with nutrient dense asparagus! First off, my CSA box this week was full of delicious spring goodies! spinach two types of head lettuce rhubarb Easter Egg radishes … Read More
Brine your Chicken before you Roast it!!
When we roast a chicken, brining is by far our favorite way to do it. Yes, it takes some planning ahead. But, no joke, we get to enjoy a very tasty bird when we plan ahead. I think it is safe to say that once you try brining before roasting, you will never go back to your old way of … Read More
The Best Flourless Brownies Recipe
I am on a bit of a grain free kick right now. I do not normally follow a strict grain free diet, but I have been having so much fun experimenting with different grain free desserts recently. This recipe flourless brownies has become one of my favorites over the past few months. I honestly can’t even tell you how … Read More
What’s in My CSA Box? Week 2
Well, this past week, I received vegetables only. I was kind of glad that the veggie only time was this week as we were going out of town for a long weekend. I picked up my delicious veggies and received lettuce asparagus bok choy parsnips lettuce mix ramps (wild leeks) radishes dandelion greens What did we do with this bounty? … Read More
Roasted Cabbage
I absolutely love simple recipes. Few, but wholesome, ingredients that explode with real flavor are the kinds of dishes I like to serve to my family. As far as veggies go, I always strive to offer variety to my children, but often find myself serving the same tried and true recipes over and over again because I know they will … Read More
Beef Stir Fry
I love the versatility of stir fry! Meat, veggies…fry it all up and serve it over rice. Done and done. What I love even MORE about stir fry is that I can use whatever I have in my fridge. Any ingredients usually lend well to a stir fry. In this case, I had some broccoli, a red bell pepper, and … Read More
Friday Happy Hour #25
Check out what Kelly and Tamara found this week around the blogosphere! Grab a glass of your favorite beverage, relax and Cheers!
Soaked Oatmeal Breakfast
I love having a hearty oatmeal for breakfast in the morning. The warm and gooey texture, topped with whatever toppings I am craving in the morning is a delightful breakfast treat. When I was a child, my favorite oatmeal was one that was in a little package – Maple and Brown Sugar. Considering both “Maple” and “Brown Sugar” don’t appear … Read More
Stuffed Peppers – Real Food Style
I have always loved stuffed peppers. It doesn’t matter if they are little tiny peppers stuffed with cheese or spicy jalapenos stuffed with meat, or big bell peppers stuffed with veggies, rice and sausage…I love them all. My mom used to make stuffed peppers often when I was a kid and they were so delicious. Unfortunately, looking back on them … Read More
Fermented Jalapeño Rings
This is going to be a spicy post, my friend! Personally, I don’t like things REALLY spicy. I like a little bit of heat, but nothing that sends me looking for a tall glass of milk. My husband, on the other hand, LOVES spicy! If he doesn’t start sweating, it isn’t spicy enough. In an effort to get my family … Read More
How to Use a Fermenting Crock
I received this Fermenting Crock from my husband for Christmas and I am so excited!! Up until this weekend, I have only ever used mason jars for my ferments. On Saturday morning, the kids and I headed to the Farmer’s Market and I brought home 5 pounds of cabbage (among other things) to make a sauerkraut! But, before I get … Read More
Frozen Granola Bars
We love Granola Bars in our house. Remember my recipe for a homemade granola bar that uses honey and sugar? Well, that recipe is great for traveling. To school, work, or wherever, it is a great snack to throw in your bag. Today I am going to share a recipe for a frozen granola bar! This snack is a favorite … Read More