Wanna know a little secret? Sometimes I don't post recipes because I don't have a pretty picture. Pitiful right? I was thinking about how selfish this is of me - keeping yummy recipes stashed in a mental file due to my personal problem with perfection. I'm trying to get over it. Bear with me. It's kind of like not inviting friends over because the house isn't clean. If I were to invite you over, would you come even if you knew you ...
Parmesan Roasted Green Beans
"Get down from that tree! We don't have time for a trip to the ER today!" I holler my no-time-for-contingencies mantra a dozen times a week. Maybe more. Of course I don't mind the Littles climbing the magnolia tree—it's truly the best climbing tree around. It's when they scurry past the two-story roof line on days with no margin for the unexpected that I cringe. This week, it's me with the ain't-nobody-got-time-for-that dilemma. I ...
Caramelized Winter Squash with Lemon-Rosemary Topping
Doesn't this recipe sound ridiculously delicious? The first hint of fall has me reading cookbooks and scouring magazines for new concoctions to whip up in the kitchen. I found this gem in a favorite cookbook called How to Pick A Peach: The Search for Flavor from Farm to Table. I've never posted a recipe I haven't tried before, but reading this one just makes my mouth water. I know it'll be a hit. We are big fans of squash—here a few ...
Easy Homemade Tomato & Basil Soup
It's still blazing hot here in Austin. Way too hot to be thinking about soup. But, I had these beautiful summer tomatoes and two handfuls of fresh basil. What's a girl to do? Make soup and crank the air conditioner. When the Littles were still little, they had a funny way of finishing off our soup. They would raise their bowls with the last sip of soup to their lips and tilt their heads back to get every last drop with a gigantic ...
Southern Green Beans & Potatoes with Bacon
I've been somewhat of a slacker in the kitchen lately. Piddling here and there, creating small bites, but lacking in the full meal department. Husband notices these things. It's summer, I justify in my mind. I donwannacook. Ever feel that way? Lucky for me, and triple lucky for Husband our CSA basket arrived yesterday with the most gorgeous burst of colorful produce straight from Tecolote Farm. Purple potatoes, crispy green beans, ...
How to make Homemade Kefir
What is Kefir? Kefir (pronounced kee-fer) is a cultured milk, similar to yogurt, that originated in the Caucasus Mountains in Eastern Europe. Known for it's intense health benefits, kefir is a favorite source of live probiotics. Probiotics are essential for a healthy gut—they fight the bad bacteria and boost the good ones which results in a stronger immune system. Kefir is also high in protein, Vitamin B, and calcium. I just ...
Crispy Brussels Sprouts
I haven't cooked in a month of Sundays. Maybe more like two months of Sundays. I'm sure there is a pithy quote out there about the cook who can't cook, but I'm not up for a google search. I'm trying to be still. To calm my restless heart and trust that I'm exactly where God wants me. Have you ever been in a season of life that makes you feel like an alien in your own body? Susie and I were chatting at my kitchen counter this ...
How to make almond milk
Homemade almond milk is so easy to make I swear I'm going to do it more often. The hardest part about this recipe is remembering to soak the almonds overnight. Because who has soaked almonds lying around? SOAK ALMONDS — now there's an iPhone reminder you never thought you'd set. Soaking the almonds softens the nuts, releases their flavors, and makes for a more creamy milk. Once you've made your own almond milk, you'll wonder, like ...
Pumpkin & White Bean Soup
Yum. This soup is autumn in a bowl. Savory, with a hint of heat from the crushed red pepper, you'll be warmed up and cozy in no time. It's a breeze to make and keeps well in the fridge so you can make it a few days in advance. I've served pumpkin & white bean soup in small mugs as an appetizer, with crusty French bread as a simple weeknight supper, and a double batch straight out of the crockpot {used for warming} for a Teacher ...
Crock Pot Sesame Chicken
One hour. You'd think it wouldn't be such a big deal, but we are still adjusting to the time change around here. My 5 am internal clock was most unwelcome at 4 am the last two days. Oy vay. I'm keeping things simple in the kitchen this week. Using my sous chef to do the work – my beloved crock pot. Fall Back Favorite One of our favorite crockpot meals is sesame chicken. The Littles love the sweet and tangy chicken piled high on ...