Splurge Alert! Over the summer I'd stop at the local traveling farmer's market in my town. It comes through every Thursday through the summer, and I look for the sign every week (as I can't remember when it starts back up. May, likely?!) on Thursdays when I take Charlie to school. There are many days when I just which we had more grocery budget money to spend on the … [Read more...]
Spicy Kale Chips and Yogurt Dip
I was not that fond of kale and initially only grew it in our garden to supplement our guinea pigs and bearded dragon's diet. When it continued to grow throughout our harsh winters filled with snow and below freezing temperatures producing more than our pets could consume, I developed a new respect for its resilience and grudgingly added it to my diet. I used it primarily as … [Read more...]
Gluten Free Oat Chocolate Chip Mini Muffins
Here's a simple Gluten Free breakfast muffin for you...with a little chocolate-y surprise! They call for brown rice flour, and GF certified oats...both of which I had stashed on the gluten free shelf in my pantry. Stir in a few chocolate chips (here are my favorite allergy free chocolate chips), and you've got a lovely breakfast. When it comes to baking muffins or loaves … [Read more...]
Steak and Asparagus Frittata
My children and I have established a ritual of having breakfast for dinner on the first night my husband is TDY. When he is deployed for any length of time, we have breakfast for dinner at least once a week. There is something so cozy and comforting about breakfast food and I appreciate how fast and easy breakfast recipes come together. Usually I make Scrambled … [Read more...]
Cinnamon Walnut Quinoa with Raisins
Meet the new porridge! Goldilocks is sure to eat all three bowls of this delicious "dressed up oatmeal"! Except it's not oatmeal!!! This gluten-free breakfast is sure to please the entire family, not just those who need to eat sans gluten. It's cooked quinoa with a little sweetness and cinnamon, then topped with walnuts and raisins. Move on over Wheaties...this is … [Read more...]
Smothered Okra with Chicken and Rice
When Steve and I lived in the Dominican Republic, one of our favorite side dishes was smothered okra. I would go into the fruit and veggie market and get a pound of fresh okra. I'd grab some peppers and an onion, then I'd probably pay $1 for it all...maybe $1.25, and I'd be on my way. Eddy was my market man...and he always gave me a great deal! Nothing had prices on it, but … [Read more...]
Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding
About a year ago, I was introduced to "chocomole" by Katie from Kitchen Stewardship. She included a link to a recipe in one of her e-books, "Healthy Snacks To Go" and I was intrigued. So intrigued that I made in the next week. I could not believe it. I still can't believe it. It's a dairy-free pudding. (I can't remember the last time I had pudding.) This chocomole … [Read more...]
Heat ‘N Sweet Chili
Ever since I scored that fabulous deal all those cans of tomatoes and diced tomatoes with green chilies, I can't seem to stop making chili! After making the Spicy Southern Chili, I thought another chili with some kick was in order...but this time with a little sweetness added in as well. Sweetness...in the form of maple syrup. I give you my Heat 'n Sweet Chili! For a … [Read more...]
Mexican Bean Tostadas – How to Make Tostadas
So it occurred to me at about 5 pm on Sunday (when the Super Bowl had not started yet...somehow in my head the game was supposed to be in the afternoon), that we needed to eat dinner. And while all the appetizers that I had out would have probably sufficed, I still wanted to have something "dinner-ish" to serve to the guys! (We'd hoped to have friends over...but that … [Read more...]
Mango Avocado Salsa with Sweet Lime Vinaigrette
When I was in Texas over the holidays, I went rummaging through my mom's refrigerator trying to come up with a fun appetizer for a family dinner we were having. I found a mango that I was going to use in a fruit salad, but when I cut into it and discovered it was tangy and not-so-sweet, I decided we needed to add more bold flavors, to help hide the tangy mango! I ended up … [Read more...]