I am often asked, "What is your favorite thing to make?" I hem and haw and say I can't pick just one thing ... but this Pumpkin - Gruyere Focaccia recipe may be it. I originally posted the recipe, without pictures, in March, but now that we are in full-pumpkin-season-swing, I made a batch this week and wanted to post the pictures. I ... view more
Great Sides
Quinoa Breakfast Cakes
As featured in Buzzfeed (see #17) When I open my refrigerator on a lazy weekend morning (or any morning during this federal government shutdown!) and see healthy ingredients left over from the week's meals, I pat myself on the back and pretend I planned the whole thing. Then I usually scramble up whatever is there, with a few eggs. Pretty good, ... view more
Challah with Apples and Honey
Tonight marks the beginning of the Jewish New Year - Rosh Hashanah. Happy New Year! I love this holiday and seize the opportunity for fresh beginnings. I treat it like a traditional new year and spend the day reflecting about the past year and year to come; straightening my apartment, organizing my life, and vowing to get to the gym; and cooking. ... view more
Caprese Skewers
How about a no-cook, easy, crowd-pleasing appetizer? How about another way to serve and eat cheese? Yes, please? These Caprese Skewers are great for cocktail parties - for any party really. When entertaining, I like to have a few things prepped in advance (and one fragrant dish in the oven as guests arrive so it smells inviting). This dish ... view more
Cucumber – Avocado Salad
This Cucumber - Avocado Salad is mega healthy, crazy tasty, and super fast. And yes, it deserves all of those edgy adjectives. This side dish is made with only a few ingredients, all healthy {I am not worried about the one teaspoon (max) of sugar}! If you use a mandolin or vegetable peeler, you can shave the vegetables in seconds, and have this ... view more
Spinach – Walnut Pesto
Traditional pesto is made with basil, garlic, parmesan reggiano, olive oil, and pine nuts - but there is nothing that says we can't mix that up a bit. I find that pesto made with all basil is just a bit too basil-y for me - and pine nuts are disproportionately expensive recently. That brings us to Spinach - Walnut Pesto. Equal parts basil and ... view more