Homemade Lemon Curd
If sunshine had a flavor it would certainly be lemon curd. This very versatile "condiment" can be spread on scones or bread, dolloped on a pound cake, fill a tart shell, or my favorite, simply licked off a spoon.
Lemony Lentil-Kale Soup with Sweet Potatoes
Spring in North Carolina is here. The forsythia is in bloom, the daffodils are poking their heads up and the peepers in the creek near our house are in full song. This soup speaks to the season perfectly. The sunny flavor of the lemon zest and the umami of the lentils are well suited for early spring.
Clementine Almond Cake
If you need a little sunshine this January, this is your cake. Fresh and sunny, this orange cake is naturally gluten free. The secret to its orangey flavor is using the whole clementine, skin and all, in the batter. The almonds balance out the flavor perfectly.
Homemade Greek Style Yogurt
There is nothing better than creamy homemade yogurt. It is soooo much better than anything you can buy in the store. Yogurt is especially good for your gut microbiome as it contains probiotics, which are live microorganisms that help balance the bacteria in your digestive system. Bonus for the environment: no plastic containers are needed!
Healthy Pumpkin and Maple Muffins
Perfectly spiced, these winter muffins are filled with healthy ingredients. They are so moist (sorry, I had to say the word moist) and fluffy.
Quick Vegetarian Skillet Chili
Simple, tasty and good for you. This is my kind of fast food. If you keep canned beans and tomatoes in your pantry then this is ready to make with the addition of an onion and some spices.
Classic Chocolate Orange Mousse
Simple, decadent and a French classic. The Grand Mariner gives depth of flavor and subtle sunny lift of orange.
The Best Pumpkin Tart
Some pumpkin pies can be stodgy and heavy. The secret ingredient to this tart is the thin layer of apricot preserves at the bottom. It gives the pumpkin a brightness that transforms the entire tart.
Spiced Red Lentil and Parsnip Soup
This tasty autumnal soup is a simple weekday meal that soothes the soul.
Mushroom Pasta with Shaved Vegetables
A simple pasta dish made with farmers market mushrooms and ribbons of shaved zucchini, summer squash and carrots. Weeknight meal, quick and delicious!
Ginger, Turmeric, and Citrus Wellness Shot
Easy to make, this shot boasts amazing antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects as well as vitamin C to boost the immune system.
The Ultimate Energy Bars
The ultimate energy bars… the oatmeal, coconut and dates make them chewy and the almond butter and coconut oil give them some creaminess. They are the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Cherry Frangipane Tart
Cherry season is here and almonds are the perfect match for cherries. For me, cherries evok summer on a lake in northern Michigan (my happy place) where the roadside stands are always selling washed cherries. We have not made it up there yet this summer, but I will be sure to make this tart again when we get there.
Summer Lentil Salad
Lentil salad is such a simple and colorful summer dinner. French green lentils also known as le Puy lentils are a must because they hold their shape when cooking. The brown or regular green or red lentils can turn mushy when cooked and not ideal for lentil salad. They are a great source of plant based protein and fiber.
Quinoa, Black Bean and Mango Salad
This lime spiked summer salad is so very refreshing in this hot weather. Quinoa is an ancient grain known for being gluten free and a complete source of protein. Combined with the black beans, this salad has plenty of protein and fiber for the vegetarian or omnivores alike.
Basil Walnut Pesto
The fresh basil in my North Carolina garden is going wild. I wanted to harvest it at its peak and my mind turned to pesto. This pesto freezes well or can be stored in the refrigerator for days. I love a good garlicky pesto but rarely have pine nuts in the pantry, the typical nut used in pesto. We always have a big jar of walnuts, however, so I thought I’d try this substitute.
Classic Madeleines
Madeleines are buttery little cakes that are rich in taste and in history. Traditionally these french gems are served as a small "goûter" or afternoon snack with tea or coffee. Their perfect simplicity is what makes them so special.
Lentil Soup - Simple, Comforting, and Healthy
The cure for all that ails you - I have worked on perfecting this soup over several iterations. It is rich and hearty and the vitamins are just leaping out of the bowl at you.
Chicken Curry Bowl
Deep curry flavors heighten humble chicken thighs in this easy weeknight dish...
Steamed Artichokes with a Garlic Aioli
I found these purple beauties in my market and remembered how much I loved eating steamed artichokes as a kid. We would dip the leaves in drawn butter before running them through our teeth. Half the pleasure in eating them was the fun.
