What started out as a simple request for breakfast pastries and a late-night treat turned in to a whirlwind weekend of family-style brunches, and plentiful finger foods and snacks (and breakfast pastries and many late-night treats). In the end, the weekend was filled with as many laughs as calories. {Do not be dissuaded - this recipe is ... view more
easy
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
Dark Chocolate Cherry Brownies
One of my favorite parts of going home to my parents' house is seeing what is abundant in their garden and turning it in to something delicious - and that is just what I did over July 4 weekend. In my apartment, the only thing that is in season right now is the bunch of basil I have managed to keep alive for a month in a water glass on my window ... view more
Quinoa Tabbouleh
Could it be hotter outside? And could this dish look more refreshing? And can you kind of see my reflection, upside down in the spoon? Cool, crunch, mint, and quinoa ... it even sounds refreshing. Toss this dish together for a summer BBQ bring-along, or keep a bowl of it in your fridge this week for after-work snacks. The flavors are ... view more
Roasted Garlic + Rosemary Beer Bread
Do you love fresh-baked bread ... but fear the thought of working with yeast? I recommend starting with a delicious baby-step: Beer bread! Beer bread is just what it sounds like - bread that is made with beer. What kind of beer? Any kind, really, and the bread will take on a subtle taste of the beer you choose. For this recipe, all you do is mix ... view more