We are having an exceptionally rainy spring in Washington, D.C. It may be hot, but rain always makes me crave comforting foods. I can eat warm, filling meals all the time, weather notwithstanding. I mean, it's never that hot inside, right? How did I come to add this Lentil Cilantro Soup to my repertoire? I was digging through my pantry for ... view more
comfort food
Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread Muffins
In a decade far far away, but really like 6 blocks from where I live, I worked in a different office than I do now. And at that office, it was the job of two people, annually, to chair the "Sunshine Committee," which consisted of exactly two people, and served as a morale booster for the employees. I was younger then - much younger - and had ... view more
Classic Spinach Artichoke Dip
This is a very special "Snow Day Snacks" - WIND DAY edition. There was much hype this week about impending high winds today. The forecast was no joke: gusts up to 70 MPH. The news started stressing that the weather would be hazardous during the morning commute, and last night one of the more rural school systems canceled school for today. These ... view more
Blackened Chicken Salad
The memories associated with this chicken salad! During the first summer of law school, between my first (1L) and second (2L) years, I lived in a large studio apartment in Chicago above a Whole Foods. Did not have to go outside to shop. It was my introduction to yuppies amassing in the same place to pick up prepared food at the end of the ... view more
Turkey Chili
This is the winter of Turkey Chili. I feel like it's everywhere! And why shouldn't it be? Turkey Chili is such a great meal - lean meat, beans, vegetables, tomato - so filling, one-pot, easy to make on a weeknight... need I go on? I will. Turkey Chili is easy to carry to work for lunch, and you can always have the ingredients on-hand to ... view more
Herb-Crusted Filet Mignon with Zinfandel Shallot Sauce
I am a meat and potatoes kind of girl. It's how I grew up, it's what I like, and I can't deny it. I don't cook a lot of steaks at home though. I think steak is just one of those things that is better when eaten out. Is this because steak houses paint their steaks with butter? Hard to say. Haaaard to say. And living in an apartment, grilling is ... view more