It's only been recently that I have been able to crack open a box of mac and cheese and cook it for my kids. Â I've always had to make it from scratch with soy cheese/soy milk because my daughter was severely allergic to dairy (which she has thankfully outgrown). Â And somehow when you get used … Continue reading Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese
Banana Honey Caramel Ice Cream with Salted Tuile Cookies
So, this was the week when everyone in my family decided they didn't like bananas -- and I was left with four sitting in the fruit bowl (Bananas, that is. Â Not family members.). Â Of course, the natural inclination is to make banana bread. Â Or more likely, the natural inclination is to pitch them. And even … Continue reading Banana Honey Caramel Ice Cream with Salted Tuile Cookies
Agave-Sweetened Chocolate Cream Pie
So I have been entertaining like a madwoman lately. Â It seems that once spring hits, the pace of life quickens even beyond its normal speed. Â Family comes back north, end of the year activities are rolling, and we all climb out of winter's woodwork and feel more free to invite friends over on a whim. … Continue reading Agave-Sweetened Chocolate Cream Pie
Brown Butter and White Chocolate Blondies
When my new niece was born, I wanted to take some food to my sister-in-law at the hospital. You see, I had visions of the Hungarian Goulash that I was served after I gave birth to my son not too long ago ... At that moment, I felt like I was on an episode of … Continue reading Brown Butter and White Chocolate Blondies
Manicotti with Whole Wheat Crepes
I loved to cook as a kid. Â I remember one particular cookbook that my mom had that featured recipes made with brand name products. Â It was at least two inches thick -- and I was pretty convinced that each recipe was magic. Â Even if the main ingredient was Stove Top Stuffing. Â I guess the corporate … Continue reading Manicotti with Whole Wheat Crepes
Whole Wheat Cheese Straws
Whenever we have friends over, I am always lacking in hors d'oeuvres.  I usually get so in over my head with a main dish and a dessert that I am lucky to put some cheese and crackers out.  I'll blame it on the fact that everyone in my house is a slob.  Including me.  So if … Continue reading Whole Wheat Cheese Straws
Pasta with Tomatoes, Spinach, Ricotta Salata, and Toasted Sunflower Seeds
I have hit the point in the year where I am officially out of my summer tomatoes. Â And my strawberry jam (which makes everyone very unhappy). Â I never freeze enough because I am always limited to my meager amount of freezer space. Â So I have to either learn to can or buy a deep freeze … Continue reading Pasta with Tomatoes, Spinach, Ricotta Salata, and Toasted Sunflower Seeds
Chicken Apple Pot Pie with Cheddar Whole Grain Crust
A farmer at our local market had "Sunday Dinner Chickens" the other day, so I bought one. Â Of course, I fell right in line and cooked it on Sunday -- because that's what the marketing told me to do. Â It was delicious and left us with a whole lot of leftover meat (he promised it … Continue reading Chicken Apple Pot Pie with Cheddar Whole Grain Crust
Mama Pick-Me-Up Cookies
One afternoon last week, I was putting something away in my baking cabinet and I spied a bag of chocolate-covered espresso beans that I had forgotten about. Â The evil wheels in my brain started turning and I instantly thought about cookies. Â And given the caffeinated nature of espresso beans (have you ever seen a two … Continue reading Mama Pick-Me-Up Cookies
Detox Chocolate Coconut Cookies
This morning brought rain, cold, and being housebound because we have some major construction occurring on our house.  No sense explaining it, but suffice it to say that I wanted to be nearby as our entire  chimney was being rebuilt.  When I looked at the clock and it said 10:18 (that's not close to lunchtime, … Continue reading Detox Chocolate Coconut Cookies