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If you hadn’t guessed that I’m pregnant by now, especially with the dearth of original recipes from December through March on this blog, consider the cat officialy out of the bag! We are having a little girl in August of this year, and we could not be more excited to meet OrganicBaby First things first: […]
I have found it! The ultimate on-the-go smoothie container. I’ve been searching for something for years that would do several key things: 1) Keep my smoothie cold; 2) Provide a straw for drinking; 3) Lock so it doesn’t spill when it’s in my purse; and 4) Be BPA- and PVC- free. Thanks to TJ Maxx, […]
Still need ideas for Mom’s brunch or supper this Sunday? I’ve compiled a round-up of things I’ve made in the past that went over well. From breakfast and brunch dishes to salads and desserts, these options should give you lots of ideas. Treat your Mom well! BRUNCH BEVERAGE LUNCH/SUPPER DESSERT
Just like the Americanization of the holiday itself, these recipes are only marginally authentic — but man, are they festive. Cue the mariachi music and host your own fiesta! Horchata Ingredients 1 cup uncooked long grain white rice 1 quart warm water 1/2 cup whole milk 2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract 1/2 teaspoon almond extract [...]
You’ve heard of farm-to-table? How about bringing the table to the farm: Boston Globe Magazine published an awesome piece about New England farms that welcome everyone onto their land for a locally-harvested dinner. Ranging in price from $20 to $200 per person, there’s an option for every palate and budget, and many even allow you [...]
I got this great recipe from the Food Network online. I got invited to a “bacon theme” shindig last weekend, and knew immediately that I wanted to bring bacon cookies like Mark and I had in New York a couple years ago. I thought peanut butter was a genius addition, and I was definitely right. [...]
This risotto combines mango chicken sausage with roasted red peppers for a sweet, filling, simple meal. It comes together fairly quickly and will give you plenty of comfort-food leftovers! I make it often for Mark when his work schedule is nightly, because it’s easy for him to reheat when he has to eat dinner earlier [...]
I was highly skeptical of this, but I’m willing to try anything. Two ingredient cookies? We’ll see…. …but they are surprisingly tasty! And dare I say….not all that bad for you? The only ingredients are overripe bananas, and 1 cup of quick oats. That’s it. Of course, if you want to, you can add in [...]
Just in time for March Madness! Make enough to get you from the Sweet Sixteen to the Final Four, and you won’t be sorry. Here’s what you need: Tomatoes, canned jalapenos, fresh cilantro, and — my secret ingredient, cribbed from The Pioneer Woman’s salsa — two cans of Rotel. Here’s her original post, where she also [...]
What’s more fitting for the first day of spring than to get an early start on this year’s garden? After being a little disorganized and haphazard in laying out our garden last year, we have decided to take a more proactive approach for 2013, starting with this handy seed starter kit available through Amazon or [...]
This has a nice subtle heat that will call to mind shrimp fra diavolo. Made with whole wheat pasta, spinach and a creamy sauce of fire-roasted tomatoes and non-fat Greek yogurt, it packs a healthy punch that will keep you feeling fuller longer. Tons of great protein and flavor in here! Ingredients 1 package whole [...]
Farm Shares are an awesome way to enjoy fresh produce all summer long while supporting a local business. This year, there’s a great new way to find your 2013 farm share: the “Farm Share Fair” on Thursday, March 14 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Cambridge College. It’s one-stop shopping for your 2013 growing season! So [...]
I’ve heard of this here and there, but today NPR confirmed the trend: cooking lunch (or breakfast, or dessert) in your coffee mug…in the microwave. Think it’s crazy? I’ve tried it for brownies, and it actually works, albeit in a single serving size. Maybe I’m ready to try scrambled eggs or mac ‘n cheese, too…would [...]
Have you heard about this? A group of would-be farmers has leased the rooftop at the Boston Design Center for what will be 40,000 square feet of urban growing space, creating Boston’s first rooftop farm. Located along the new South Boston Waterfront district, Higher Ground Farm eventually wants to offer a CSA, supply restaurants, and [...]
A coworker shared this recipe with me the other day, and I had to post it for Valentine’s Day. He claims they came out really well. Would YOU try brownies made from black beans? Find the full recipe here. It’s low fat and sugar free. Something tells me Mr. McGriddle wouldn’t put up with these.
I got this recipe from Food to Run For. It sounded easy and hearty for a cold winter day, and what better opportunity for comfort food than Blizzard 2013! Plus, it gave me a chance to break out my new, red Le Creuset, which Mark got me for Christmas. Ogle the beauty: You only need [...]
I have a great salsa recipe coming soon for Super Bowl Sunday (not that I’m watching, with the Pats out)…but first I have to share this great vegan recipe for Warm Spinach & Artichoke Dip by Chloe Coscarelli. You all know how much I love Chef Chloe, and she’s got another winner here. I devour [...]
Before the holidays, I had a brunch & jewelry party for a few of my friends and family. Not wanting to overwhelm people with food, I eventually scaled WAY back from my original menu, just serving some finger foods (chips & salsa, cheese & crackers) for those who get up early and would have already [...]
The New York Times had a cool article recently about how challenging it can be to “go Vegan” cold turkey. It listed a bunch of tips for easing the transition, broken down by which food type you’re trying to replace or replicate, from dairy milk to ground beef to eggs. Here’s the list: NONDAIRY MILK Taste [...]
Happy New Year everyone! WordPress.com prepared a cool 2012 annual report for my blog. It’s pretty interesting, so I thought I’d share! And, I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has decided to follow the blog and support me by reading, commenting, pinning, and sharing ideas. I love getting recipe tips and [...]
What’s the best thing about mashed potatoes? How fluffy, buttery and delicious they are, right? But there’s a dark side — all that peeling, chopping, boiling and mashing by hand the morning of a big meal, which almost makes you dread having them. Well, not anymore. As I mentioned in my Christmas Dinner post, I [...]
With the sincerest apologies for not posting for two weeks — explanation coming later — I’m back with a preview of our Christmas menu, with more recipes coming soon! We are hosting Mark’s parents and my mom again this year, plus my brother, Mark’s grandfather, and our wonderful friend Sue. It’s just what I love [...]
Looking for the perfect festive, filling thing to serve your house guests on Christmas morning? Look no further than the German Apple Pancake. This is a recipe my aunt gave me a few years ago, after we had it for breakfast on Christmas morning at her house in Florida. Health food it ain’t — but [...]
Check out these great tips from Top Chef’s Gail Simmons on how to “Eat Well and Cook Like a Pro on a Budget,” courtesy of my favorite financial advice site, Learnvest. If you’ve never been there, check it out! And be sure to share YOUR favorite tips for saving money and eating well with me [...]
Is anyone else out there feeling desperate for simple, healthful food after that holiday? Yeah, me too. As much as I love stuffing, casseroles and pie, they do take a toll on your energy level, complexion and waistline. Personally what I’ve been craving is fresh fruit, lots of water and NO bread! So I threw [...]
Hope you all had a happy Thanksgiving & Black Friday and that you’re getting geared up for Cyber Monday (I know I am!) I meant to post this last year, but then forgot to do it and eventually it was too late. As I’ve mentioned before, I love making homemade cranberry sauce, and I always [...]
If I had to pick one signature dish that I make every year and that I know my family loves, it would be my cranberry sauce from scratch. I created this version with inspiration from a Rachael Ray Magazine recipe that I found right after college, and it’s such a hit that I haven’t looked [...]
Remember two weeks ago, when everyone stayed up past midnight to watch the election results right on the heels of Hurricane Sandy and just before a big Nor’Easter? Yeah, that’s when I made this. This cheesy lazy thing. I’m pretty glad it’s in my repertoire with the holiday craziness rolling in. Sweet n’ Spicy Macaroni [...]
This is my lightened-up version of a comfort food favorite. Chock full of seasonal vegetables, this dish features reduced-fat cheese as well as vegetarian crumbles instead of ground beef or sausage. And by using gluten-free rice pasta, you reduce that “bloated” feeling you get after eating a heavy pasta meal. I served it with a [...]
These are very pumpkin-y and taste like Fall (in Mexico)? Super easy and nutritious with a few key ingredient swaps, these make a good weeknight meal when served with veggies (I chose corn) or a salad. Pumpkin Spice Enchiladas Ingredients 4 oz. light cream cheese (about half a small container) 1 1/2 cups pureed pumpkin [...]
If you know me, you know I always throw greens into EVERY smoothie I make, because…well, why not? It tastes great and it adds critical nutrients. This one is simple but delicious and makes a great breakfast drink. Strawbanana Spinach Smoothie Ingredients 1 bag of frozen strawberries 1 small coconut water 1 banana, frozen (fresh [...]
This year, for the first time, I was lucky enough to participate in the Austin-Boston Food Blogger Swap (#atxbos), which matches food bloggers from Austin, TX and Boston, MA to swap foodie care packages in the month of October. The only rules? A $30 limit and a passion for local food products! I swapped with [...]
This is my favorite pizza recipe to date. I made it last weekend to have on hand for a crazy week coming up, and Mark ate 90% of it in one sitting (so much for me taking it for lunch!) Luckily, the pizza dough came in a two-pack, so I just whipped up another one. [...]
I’ve been a little swamped lately — between deadlines at work, re-doing our porch roof, and the flu hitting our house — leaving my blog empty for almost a week. With apologies and promises for more original recipes soon, a quick list of the food-related things I’m excited about this Fall: The Austin-Boston Food Swap [...]
Ricotta is one of my favorite things, edible or otherwise. Light, fluffy and creamy, it never lets me down. Am I a walking stereotype with all the garlic, pasta and cheese on this blog? Probably. Do I care? Not in the slightest. (It’s not my fault Italian food fits naturally into the vegetarian diet). This [...]
OK. Last zucchini post of the year, I promise. This recipe is great for a couple reasons: Number one, it’s easy; and number two, it’s a new take on zucchini that’s perfect for when your tolerance is growing thin (like at the end of the summer). Simmering the diced zucchini over medium heat for half [...]
…from the Boston Globe. There are more than 50 featured, so I selected my favorite vegetarian (and seafood) options from among the group: Pizza with butternut squash, onion and spinach Fish roasted on caramelized onions Baked Shrimp with Feta & Orzo Seared Sea Scallops with Parsnip Puree Click each picture for the full recipe. I’m trying the [...]
Guys…my favorite visual recipe site, Gojee, HAS FINALLY RELEASED an iPhone app. Up until now, they weren’t supported AT ALL on tablets or smart phones. This is a life changer! Watch the nifty video to see why I like Gojee so much for finding new recipes and drink ideas! Gojee lets you type in the [...]
Someone asked me recently what I do in my free time, when I have nothing at all to do except kill an afternoon by myself (rare, I know…can you tell I don’t have kids yet?) Well, obviously I love to cook, but I love to eat out just as much. So when I have a [...]
It’s been raining a lot this week, and work these days is a ball of stress wrapped in a germ-infested box…cue the comfort food and a night on the couch watching Friday Night Lights. This recipe is a set-it-and-forget-it speciality, inspired by something I saw in Real Simple Magazine (love). You can leave it in the slow cooker all day [...]
