Coconut Chicken Soup My friend Rebecca has been raving about this Coconut Chicken Soup for years. I couldn't take it any longer. Friends don't let friends describe delicious food without inviting themselves to dinner, so naturally I suggested she make it for me. Last month, she did just that. I ate one bowl and decided she was definitely onto something. Then I ate a second bowl just to be sure. My husband was equally as thorough in his taste testing. Instead of dropping by for dinner each month, I decided it was time to learn how to make it myself. This healthy soup is creamy and flavorful, thanks to the base which combines chicken broth, Keep Reading
Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad
Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad I have been making this Ina Garten recipe on a weekly basis. My husband is a big fan, and it receives rave reviews anytime it hits the road, potluck style. This Middle Eastern Vegetable Salad is a great end-of-summer recipe because it highlights vegetables that are coming out of the garden at the end of the summer: tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, parsley, and basil. However, I'll often mix and match vegetables based on what I have on hand; zucchini, green beans, olives, artichoke hearts, or avocado all complement or substitute for the tomatoes and cucumbers. Or whatever you can find at the store. I've only made slight Keep Reading
Vegetarian frittata (seasonal vegetable recipe)
Vegetarian Frittata Recipe I had never made a frittata until I met my friend Elizabeth seven years ago. It seemed like every time I stopped by her house, she was pulling a skillet loaded with eggs and vegetables out of the oven. We'd stand around her kitchen talking, taking piping hot bites of whatever the special was that day, while our children ran wild around the house. She was onto something good. Frittatas are Italian-style omelets, a healthy, filling crustless quiche that's perfect for breakfast, brunch, lunch, or dinner. I find myself going back to this kind of cooking quite a bit lately. Just good honest food, created from a combination Keep Reading
Larabar Recipe (gluten, dairy, and sugar-free)
Larabar Recipe We just returned from a mini end-of-summer vacation. When on vacation, I eat like calories don't count and sugar has no effect. Of course I'll have a maple bar, French fries, and milkshake for lunch. Yes, that really happened. Oh, Vacation, I love you so bad. By the time we get home and I'm loading dirty clothes into the washing machine, though, it hits me. I feel crummy. Sugar crash. Why do I do this to myself?! It's time to buckle down and get ready for the school year, whatever that may look like right now. Which means telling my brain that Summer Vacation Eating is over; it's time to get back on track. This recipe for Keep Reading
Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Bread
Gluten-Free Chocolate Zucchini Bread Our family doesn't follow a gluten-free diet, but we have plenty of friends who do. Because of this, I have an assortment of gluten-free baking products in my pantry. The only problem is, it never seems to be the perfect combination for whatever recipe I decide to make. I'm always missing some random ingredient like xanthan gum or potato starch. FoodDay ran this recipe for gluten-free chocolate zucchini bread from Portland's own Back to Eden Bakery in March. I almost skipped it because zucchini isn't on my radar in the spring, but one thing caught my eye. It only calls for one gluten-free specific item! Keep Reading
Carrot cake baked oatmeal (gluten-free, dairy-free recipe)
Carrot Cake Baked Oatmeal Because I know you need something exciting, today we're talking about carrots and oatmeal! Buckle up. Now, I'm not a licensed counselor or anything, but I think there's something to be said for being stuck in a rut. I mean, I wouldn't recommend it for one's career or relationships. But breakfast? I live in Rutsville, where the local diner serves eggs + toast or yogurt + granola every single morning. And I really like it that way. If something unexpected like French Toast happens, I'll eat my standard breakfast for lunch. If the whole family wants muffins, we do muffins, but the whole time I feel like I'm skipping out Keep Reading
Caprese Skillet Eggs (one-pan, gluten-free recipe)
Caprese Skillet Eggs (gluten-free recipe) Most of my summer afternoons are spent around our half-deflated kiddie pool. Four little bodies splash and shriek, while I watch behind my sunglasses and hold a magazine (I never actually read it, I just look at the same sentence over and over). Their life is pretty much the kid version of an all-inclusive resort. I am the nurse-lifeguard-chef-concierge. I'm not sure why 5 o'clock surprises me every single day, but it does. We're out by the pool, doing our thing, and suddenly all these little people think they are starving. I am out of snacks. It's time for dinner. Fast. This dish is one of those summer Keep Reading