There's something really comforting about soup. I love its warmth, and the fact that it can tie a variety of ingredients together in a harmonious way. I also love the simplicity of tossing some good things into water, adding a bit of seasoning, and having a pot of steaming deliciousness to serve my family half an hour later. Italian Orzo Chicken Soup (adapted from this recipe at Gimme Some Oven) is one of our go-to recipes on Sunday after church because it's an easy, one-pot meal that just ... continue reading...
Mom’s Fabulous Pumpkin Cookies
Pumpkin cookies were my very favorite cookies growing up. I recall walking home from school on many an autumn afternoon (or what passed for autumn in sunny Southern California), hoping that my mom had whipped up some pumpkin cookies that day. If I was lucky, I would open the front door and be greeted by the heady aroma of pumpkin, cinnamon, and cloves. It was autumnal bliss, I tell you. I love these cookies so much that my mom actually mailed me some my first semester away at college. ... continue reading...
Hawaiian Haystacks with Homemade Chicken Gravy
Sometimes I like the concept of a recipe, but the execution doesn't wow me. Take Hawaiian Haystacks, for example. I loved the idea of drizzling savory chicken and gravy over rice, then adding whatever toppings suited my fancy. This customizable, chickeny dish seemed like it would even be a winner with my kids. The trouble was that the sauce in most Hawaiian Haystacks recipes is basically cream of something soup thinned with some milk or broth. While that certainly gets points for ... continue reading...
Why Quinoa Is Awesome
About ten years ago, I walked into a health food store and asked where the "quinn-OH-uh" was. The employee pointedly informed me that the "KEEN-wah" was over there next to the millet and bulgar. Feeling just a little bit humbled (since I'm a word nerd who likes to pronounce things properly), I followed her over to the shelf and picked up a bag of tiny, beige disks. Such was my introduction to quinoa. What the Heck Is Quinoa? Quinoa is a seed that is native to the Andes region of South ... continue reading...
Creamy Blueberry Smoothie
Fall is my favorite season, but this year I'm finding it hard to let go of some of the perks of summer--long sunny days, fresh tomatoes in our garden, and lots of ripe berries calling my name at the grocery store. Maybe that's why I've been making this delicious blueberry smoothie so often lately--it somehow manages to bridge both of those seasons. It has lots of blueberries in all their summery glory, but also a dash of cinnamon hinting at cozy comfort foods and fun holidays peeking around ... continue reading...
Chicken Broccoli Parmesan
I know, I know--this is supposed to be a healthyish blog, and here I am handing you a recipe that has cream in it. And butter. And freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Trust me, I haven't sold my soul (or yours). I seriously debated whether to put this recipe on my blog because a recipe with heavy cream just didn't seem consistent with my goal of helping you and your family eat healthier. I ultimately decided to post it for four reasons: The nutritional breakdown is decent for a main dish ... continue reading...
Decadent Chocolate Zucchini Muffins
A few years ago, when I asked my oldest daughter what dessert she wanted me to serve at her sixth birthday party, I expected her to ask for cookies or cupcakes. To my surprise, she requested chocolate zucchini bread. There's something unique yet comfortingly familiar about chocolate zucchini bread. It tastes like chocolate cake, yet it's flecked with green, and the cinnamon gives it a slightly exotic flavor. I love it more than any chocolate cake I've ever eaten, and that's saying a ... continue reading...
Basil Chicken Curry
I discovered this recipe a few years ago in a little cookbook compiled by some women at church. I wouldn't call it an "authentic" curry, in the sense that it probably originated in Idaho rather than India, but it became an instant favorite in our family because of the bold, wonderful flavor. I also appreciate that it is quick and easy to make. My only quibble with the recipe was that there weren't any vegetables in it, unless you count the onion and garlic, which I use so often that I tend ... continue reading...
