I get really excited when asparagus makes its way to the front of the produce section. It means Easter is around the corner & spring is in the air! Bring on the warmer weather & fresh garden veggies! Unfortunately, Upstate New York still has mounds of snow this time of year, but a bowl of this velvety asparagus soup is a warm reminder of sunny days yet to come.
Simple to make, quick to bake and nearly fool-proof, this dense bread should be a staple on your St. Patrick's Day menu. It's incredibly versatile; adapting easily to any taste. Sweet or savory... adding raisins and caraway or nothing at all. It's the perfect side to round out a hearty corned beef dinner with a pint of Guinness!
Pastina is a delightful combination of small pearl pasta boiled in chicken broth, then thickened (to an oatmeal consistency) with eggs, butter and Parmesan cheese. (Think of it like a grownup version of mac 'n cheese!) It's a simple dish that really hits the spot when you are chilled to the bone and no amount of cozy blankets or thick socks will warm you up. Not surprisingly, this comfort meal is also perfect when you're feeling under the weather.
This week we were in search of a meatless, dairy-free entree and I was still craving the spice-filled Mexican flavors of my Ahi tuna tacos last weekend. So, after tinkering around in my kitchen, I'm happy to say that even the pickiest family members applauded! Start to finish this meal takes only 30 minutes to make and that included vegetable preparation and fish marinade time!
Everyone in my home is headed back...back to work and back to school. That means back to a schedule too. Crockpot meals always help get me on track when trying to reclaim time (and my waistline)! This mouth watering make ahead meal has lots of flavor from long strips of bell peppers & onions, plus red wine, garlic and crushed tomatoes. There was more than enough for our large family AND some to freeze for another meal later in the month. This slow-cooked Chicken Cacciatore is delicious, healthy & easy. Dinner doesn't get much better than this!
A healthier alternative to rice or pasta, cauliflower rice is similar in texture but full of flavor! The best part, it can be prepared in as little as 15 minutes! Try substituting it tonight and get ready for applause from even your toughest critics!
I love to make this stew once the autumn season starts. It's one of my most requested recipes as well. Hearty, comforting and slightly different from most slow cooker beef stews; I think the cinnamon is the secret ingredient to making this a memorable!
There is something incredibly comforting about a simple fried egg sandwich. It doesn't pretend to be anything more than it is; warm and nourishing. It reminds me of my childhood; of treasured times, quiet moments in the past and that the future is always brighter than the present may seem.
