Remember the low carb diet hysteria? Â When the grains that were the basis of civilization became banned substances? Â I fell just as hard as the majority of people -- somehow always looking for the miraculous fix to that pesky problem of eating too much. Â We all eliminated carbohydrates from our diet and commenced eating large … Continue reading Stuffed Spaghetti Squash with Sausage
The Girl’s Italian Meatloaf
Now that we are in our summer schedule, I usually try to get a run in on the treadmill while my son (almost 3) Â is napping during the afternoon. Â As I am attempting to burn off my last piece of pound cake (how aptly named...), my daughter (7 1/2) is conducting Barbie weddings, which generally … Continue reading The Girl’s Italian Meatloaf
Pasta with Fresh Peas, Basil, and Mint
I'm going to go out on a limb here and say that summer cooking is almost every bit as good as summer lovin'. Actually, I think it might be what replaces the thrill of summer lovin' when you get old and boring. Â Because seriously, heirloom tomatoes covered with olive oil and basil? Or fresh sweet … Continue reading Pasta with Fresh Peas, Basil, and Mint
Curried Chick Pea and Red Potato Hash
Does anyone remember that show "Ready, Set, Cook?" Â Basically it was a game show where you got a box of random ingredients and had to make dinner out of it. Â Some of the cooking reality shows use a similar premise now, but I liked this show because the professionals had to work with regular people … Continue reading Curried Chick Pea and Red Potato Hash
Barbecued Herb Burgers with Grilled Scallions
I know I mentioned recently that I hurt my back. Â When I think about what the hell I did to it, all I keep coming up with is heavy duty gardening/digging up boulders, running, carrying around an almost three year old ... and then loading a box containing 1/8th of a cow into my car. … Continue reading Barbecued Herb Burgers with Grilled Scallions
Simple Herb Roasted Chicken
Although we are eating less meat lately, it is impossible for me to say that a simple, whole roasted chicken is not a delicious thing. First, when the meat is fresh and organic from your local farm, you will be astonished by how much better it tastes than its grocery store cousin. Second, it can … Continue reading Simple Herb Roasted Chicken
Grilled Pizza with Asparagus, Caramelized Onions, and Brandied Figs
At the beginning of last summer, we decided to abandon our patio as a dining room. Â We had the obligatory table and chairs outside and never ever sat there. Â Because the patio is right spanking next to our eat-in kitchen, it just always seemed so pointless to lug all of our food outside. Â And then … Continue reading Grilled Pizza with Asparagus, Caramelized Onions, and Brandied Figs
Whole Wheat Macaroni and Cheese
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
Fried Tofu: Chicken Style and Buffalo. Yes, Buffalo.
Like many people right now, we are cutting back on our meat consumption.  And when we do eat it, we now spend our "meat dollars" (wow, that sounds gross) on responsibly raised and locally produced animals. Clearly, ethical issues and environmental impacts have led us down this path. I absolutely cannot justify having cheap, feedlot … Continue reading Fried Tofu: Chicken Style and Buffalo. Yes, Buffalo.
Homemade Flour Tortillas
I hope I don't lose you on this one. Â Because, probably even a year ago, I would have seen this recipe title and furrowed my brow and clicked on over to the Huff Post or something. Â Homemade tortillas sounded like a gargantuan task to me -- somewhere between homemade bread and homemade puff pastry (although … Continue reading Homemade Flour Tortillas