My post-parenting years begin soon. We are moving from a child focused life, back to our own lives. As parents of two amazing sons, who are fiercely independent, intelligent, humorous, kind and inspiring, this would be the time in our lives we pat ourselves on the back for a job well-done. If only it were … Continue reading Spicy Ramen Stir Fry with Broccoli, Tofu, and Mandarin Oranges
Tag: vegetarian
Stove to Table within 30 minutes: Moroccan Lentil Stew with Raisins
This lentil stew with raisins is considered a traditional Moroccan comfort soup much like our beloved chicken soup. Chick peas, lentils, and golden raisins stew in a savory tomato broth with cinnamon, cumin and red pepper. Dried fruits are a staple in a Moroccan kitchen and the raisins here are a perfect addition … Continue reading Stove to Table within 30 minutes: Moroccan Lentil Stew with Raisins
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
Stay out of the Kitchen: Summer Gazpacho
The heat has become almost unbearable. The humidity on most days is pushing 100% along with the 100 degrees F. temperatures. We affectionately refer to the heat here in the panhandle of Florida as "swamp heat". Unlike the southern part of the state which lay claim to a tropical climate, us hooligans in the north … Continue reading Stay out of the Kitchen: Summer Gazpacho
Savoring the Seasons: Avocado and Pineapple Salad
Cool summer salads like this one makes me want to throw open the patio doors, fire up the grill and let the Florida summer months begin! In spite of knowing, I will regret this comment in August when the swamp heat arrives (laugh).This is a cool summer salad. The fresh flavors, highlights the season and … Continue reading Savoring the Seasons: Avocado and Pineapple Salad
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
Weeknight Madness: Pasta Fagioli (Italian Bean and Pasta Soup)
Pasta Fagioli or as it sometimes called Pasta "Fazool" is an Italian style peasant soup which includes two inexpensive ingredients pasta and beans. You just need to add a few readily available ingredients and you have a delicious, healthy and satisfying soup. What I love about this soup is it is forgiving. A little less … Continue reading Weeknight Madness: Pasta Fagioli (Italian Bean and Pasta Soup)
Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder
Early autumn still means that peppers including poblanos are still abundant in overgrown summer gardens that are being prepared for the transition to the fall garden here in north Florida. This means as the fall bell rings there is time to still enjoy peppers in hearty soups and stews.The mildly spicy Mexican poblano pepper is … Continue reading Roasted Poblano Corn Chowder
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
Discovering the Virtues of Squash: Spaghetti Squash Fritters with Sriracha Mayonnaise
"Simplify Velva!" It is the story of my life. It is my main challenge, it is what I strive for, and I remind myself everyday to slow down, I am moving too fast, take a breath. I find that I am most successful at keeping things simple is in the kitchen. This is the … Continue reading Discovering the Virtues of Squash: Spaghetti Squash Fritters with Sriracha Mayonnaise
Tomatoes on the Vine 