Banh Mi Bowls


It is with a giant amount of salivating that I present to you my most favorite recipe these days..the Banh Mi Bowl. I’m getting all giddy already, guys! Too good. Just too stinking good.

If you’ve been hanging out around here for any length of time you’ve probably figured out that I go batty for Asian food in any form…but the Banh Mi Sandwich trumps them all for this gal. Remember this one?  Continue reading

Avocado Stuffed Salmon


Hey you! How can it be that we’ve been this out of touch?! Are you getting into the swing of your fall routine? This summer seemed to fly by in the blink of an eye. I hope you have been enjoying this crazy, hectic time!

All is so very well over here. We are feeling like we’ve got this “new start” thing down. Georgia is literally jumping with joy about kindergarten so far. She’s been an absolute champ with all of the newness and I couldn’t feel more proud of her. Jude’s doing his part time preschool thing and is loving his own special time with a wonderful teacher and friends…he’s such a little sponge and has an amazing, curious nature. And Rocco, well, chubby, happy and the most sweet spirited little human I’ve ever known. He brings so much joy to all of us.

Having been away from blogging these last few months has really proved to me that a part of my heart truly belongs to you guys. I’ve missed it so much..and the interaction with all of you. I’ve simply been waiting for “that perfect time” to start up again. Waiting for when things slow down and I’ve got more time to plan thoroughly, photograph to my best ability and write in peace and quiet. But guess what? I’ve realized that’s just not going to happen..and I’m totally okay with it as long as you are! Continue reading

Waverunner Chicken with Citrus Salsa and Coconut Brown Rice

SONY DSCI don’t even know where to begin, you guys.  I made this dish a while back and I am literally about ready to jump through the screen in an attempt to devour these photos because I want to eat this again immediately.  Incredible.  Just incredible.

Now let’s just start from the beginning, okay?  Urban Halo…yes?  No?  If you haven’t…you are welcome for the introduction, and I apologize for your addiction all at the same time.  I’ve been a fan of this company and their headbands for a solid couple of years and for so many valid reasons…it’s local, started by a fellow mama like myself who was looking to create the most stylish, functional headbands on the planet and I’m pretty sure she has accomplished her mission.  These are my gym bff (and they don’t slip!!!)..and they are cute and comfy enough to keep on all day long after my workout.  Also, pretty much my saving grace on those rush-out-the-door mornings with no time to do my hair.  Not to mention Georgia is also obsessed..and man do they look cute on a silly little five year old, too.  So fun to share my stash with her! Continue reading

Thai Chopped Salad with Peanut Dressing

SONY DSCOh Lordy.  Meet my new best friend, you guys.  And I’ve got one lousy photo to prove it…ugh, a food bloggers worst nightmare.  I contemplated waiting to take more photos and post this recipe after the next time we have it but you know what?  I don’t really think its a good idea for me to wait any longer than necessary to hand this one over to you.  It’s a weeknight game changer and it tastes like a giant bowl of happiness.   Continue reading

Roasted Cabbage Ruben Stacks

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Now what in the heck was I supposed to call these things, you guys?  They are the most random twist on one of my all-time favorite sandwiches and this name was all that my tired, pregnant brain could come up with.  If you can come up with a better one, please do share.

Now heres the deal.  If you love a good reuben sandwich and you love cabbage you might go wack-a-doodle over this combination.  It’s a reuben gone healthful and light…but you won’t for one second miss that bread and cheese, I promise.   Continue reading

Sweet and Sticky Salmon + Coconut Rice Bowls

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Guys, you know I love a good Asian dish.  And you know that my husband is a bit meh about that whole deal-he’s an Italian food junkie.  But these salmon and rice bowls?  His fave.   Totally worthy of your meal rotation, promise!

The coconut rice is a total winner around our home.. .my kids adore it and it pairs wonderfully with basically any protein.  So I started these bowls with a base of that sweet, perfectly cooked rice.   Continue reading

Baba Ghanouj | Eggplant Dip

SONY DSCWeekend warriors!  It’s Saturday!  What’s the good word?

We have a whole lot of nothing planned this weekend and I just couldn’t be more thrilled about it.  The weather here in MN is feeling a bit crisp and fall like-so as you can imagine, I intend on a cozy cup of coffee this morning with my husband who is [finally] back in town and a couple of kids running around in jammies until we decide what random Saturday adventure we would like to partake in.  Man, my kind of day.   Continue reading

Quick + Easy Garden Fresh Salsa

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There really is no excuse not to make this stuff.  It takes about as much time as it takes to open up a jar of salsa from the market and, well, I don’t need to tell you how the taste compares, right?

We all know how delicious fresh salsa is.  And when the tomatoes, peppers and onions are as fresh and perfect as it comes it really is just the most unbeatable condiment on the planet, in my humble opinion.  Gobs of garlicky, acidic, sweet, spicy flavor…yes, please, I’ll go right ahead!  Continue reading

Garlic and Herb Rack Of Lamb

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This is the good stuff, guys. The really reeeeaaallllyyyy good stuff.

Rack of Lamb. Sounds fancy and intimidating, no? Take one breeze over this recipe and you will be so pleasantly surprised. It’s just so simple to do. And the results? So good. Like stupid good. Incredible. Continue reading

Cherry Lime Mojito

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Well.  I’ve been sitting here pondering what to call this recipe.  Picture this:  my husband and I are both on the couch.  I’ve got the laptop, well, in my lap as it should be, and he is reading Lord knows what on his phone.  He looks at me: what are you stuck on?  Me:  I’m trying to figure out what I should call those drinks.  Nick:  a summer slurpee?  

So, theres a couple of reasons I didn’t go for his suggestion. First off, we certainly don’t run a 7-11 out of my kitchen, as much as I love the thought of that.  Second, its not 1987.   I didn’t just get back from riding my bike to the gas station up the road to spend all of my hard earned allowance on a cherry icey and Big League Chew.  This recipe must never be called a Slurpee of any sort.   Lets go ahead and give him an A for effort, but clearly I’m on my own with this one.

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Continue reading