Loved "sloppy Joes" as a kid. Messy by design and delicious. These days the aim is still delicious but, lighter more healthy choices.Using lean ground turkey and the hearty lentil beans, is a great alternative to preparing this traditional meat-centric meal that still feels substantial and comforting without sacrificing the flavor.This recipe makes enough for … Continue reading Scenes from My Pantry: Turkey Lentil Sloppy Joes
Tag: healthy eating
Mediterranean Style Three-Bean Salad
Beans are under appreciated in the American diet. A budget friendly staple packed with fiber and plant based protein, not to mention a list of vitamins and minerals (Vitamin B6, Potassium, folate, magnesium etc...). It's recommended we consume 25 mg of fiber each day. A half-cup of cooked beans delivers a whopping 10 mg! So, … Continue reading Mediterranean Style Three-Bean Salad
Fresh Buttermilk Dressing with Herbs
Never underestimate the power of a dressing to transform the most simplistic of salads into something memorable. I have been unwavering with my family and friends to throw away bottled salad dressings. Take a few minutes and make something real. So, if you are willing to step-out and make a great salad dressing, here is … Continue reading Fresh Buttermilk Dressing with Herbs
Weeknight Wonders: Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu Stir Fry
We have embraced our empty nest status and continue to focus on creating a less hurried lifestyle (still a struggle) and rising to the challenges of cooking for two.Until recently, I was not sure what I felt about tofu. Tofu is essentially mashed soybean curd. Does that sound appetizing to me? No, it does not. … Continue reading Weeknight Wonders: Szechuan Green Beans and Tofu Stir Fry
Keeping it Simple: Potato and Kale Soup
Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated~ConfuciusThere is nothing complicated here. Only a few fresh ingredients needed. Take a moment and savor the simplicity.Potato and Kale SoupServes 6Ingredients:2 Tablespoons olive oil2 strips applewood bacon, chopped1 medium onion, chopped2 garlic cloves, minced1-2 large carrots, diced6 medium yukon gold potatoes, peeled and cut … Continue reading Keeping it Simple: Potato and Kale Soup
How Does My Garden Grow: Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Hazelnut, Orange, and Saffron
Winter has finally arrived in North Florida and my garden remains utterly confused. The garden pests feasted on young fresh winter greens with wild abandon, and procreated endlessly in the warmth of the sun. War was waged in the garden and we emerged in victory when Old Man winter made an official appearance, and got … Continue reading How Does My Garden Grow: Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Hazelnut, Orange, and Saffron
Casual and Comforting: Farfalle Pasta with Arugula
My boys consider meals that do not include a chunk of meat a snack. Since our teenager appears to be eating less meals with us these days, I am beginning to shift the focus to easy to prepare "empty nesters" meals. It won't be too much longer, and it will be just my husband and … Continue reading Casual and Comforting: Farfalle Pasta with Arugula
Eat Your Greens: Vegetarian "Southern Style" Collard Greens
"Almost any southerner who is a respectable cook has a recipe for collard greens" There is history in this pot of leafy greens which is firmly rooted in the African-American communities of the deep south. Family recipes are handed down from generation to generation. Collard greens have been available for centuries but it was in the … Continue reading Eat Your Greens: Vegetarian "Southern Style" Collard Greens
Discovering Ancient Grains: Farro Salad with Peas, Asparagus, and Feta
Several years ago while traveling in New York City we ate at a local contemporary Italian restaurant in the East Village (the name of the restaurant escapes me) but the farro salad that I enjoyed does not escape me. The mild nutty taste of the grain, the flavors and textures of the salad stayed with … Continue reading Discovering Ancient Grains: Farro Salad with Peas, Asparagus, and Feta
Tomatoes on the Vine 