When I first learned that quinoa can be cooked directly into a chili or stew {like with this recipe}, I was hooked. Sure, it is not difficult to make a pot of quinoa on its own, but one less step, and one less pot? Yes, please. This Marinara Quinoa with Chicken is such a satisfying dish after a long day; it is also an easy weeknight recipe ... view more
weekday/weeknight idea
How to: Make Pumpkin Puree
The changing of the seasons from Summer to Fall is more than breathing the crispness in the air, pulling out sweaters and boots from the back of the closet, and paging through pictures of friends' kids on Facebook dressed like small animals. Although I do love all of those things! I also love the first sugar pumpkin of the season. Slicing off ... view more
Gyros
While some food makes for a memorable meal based on the taste alone, other dishes are favorites in large part due to the memories associated with them. For me, Gyros falls in this second category, and the memories take me back to the local Gyros joint in my home town. I used to love watching the cylinder of meat turn around the rotisserie spit, ... view more
Chicken Burgers {Portobello, Edamame, Red Onion}
In this recipe, you make your own ground chicken. Are you both intrigued by, and skeptical of, that statement? I admit that I would have been, before I first processed my own meat. I promise you though: a food processor will make short work of chicken breasts; add a few mix-ins and you have a healthy, fast dinner with a complex taste. This ... 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