Maple Mustard Pan-Roasted Salmon

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How was the weekend?  It’s officially spring, friends..congratulations..you’ve made it!  I’m feeling awfully grateful that ‘technical’ winter is behind us…now if we could just get these temps (and random bouts of snow) out of the equation.

So with spring comes lighter food, which I am feeling so ready for.  You know I’m all about soups, stews and gratins but there comes a point in time when a change of food is in order…and around here our changes in food tend to come and go with the seasons. Continue reading

Asian Chicken Salad Spring Rolls

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So friends.  I really wish I didn’t have to do this, but I’m left with no choice.  It’s time to preach.  I need you to get your cute butt in your kitchen.  Immediately. Continue reading

Coconut Curry Shrimp + Noodle Soup

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I love a good soup that requires a couple of different utensils.  Because that usually means I get a couple of different experiences out of eating the dish.   Continue reading

Perfectly Healthful Blueberry Banana Muffins

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So these have sort of become a weekend breakfast staple for us.  They are quick and easy to put together and the leftovers freeze wonderfully for quick breakfasts later on in the week.

They are healthful and full of nutrients without refined sugars and flours which makes me pretty darn happy…and pretty darn ok with the fact that my kids always want seconds. Continue reading

One Pot Asian Peanut Chicken + Noodles

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So I’ve got this thing for these one pot pasta deals that have been floating around the internet over the last couple of years.  Remember this one?  Well, I haven’t stopped experimenting. Continue reading

Apple Pie Oatmeal

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Breakfasts can get a bit monotonous in my home.  This Apple Pie Oatmeal is a favorite of my kids and an awesome way to switch things up from these, these and these breakfast favorites around here.

My four year old named this simple, healthy, quick number “Apple Pie Oatmeal” and for very valid reasons.  It’s rich, comforting and has all those wonderful flavors that apple pie has to offer without all of the hassle and useless ingredients.   Continue reading

Slow Cooker Smokey Ham and White Bean Soup

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I’ve got a thing for a good ham and bean soup. It’s old school.  A staple.  Nostalgia central.   It’s like a really fantastic,  super old pair of Chuck Taylors, or that worn in sweatshirt with all the holes in it.  Solid.  Legit. Classic.  Always in style.  So this recipe?  My jam.

I’ve tried simmering this stuff on the stove for hours.  I’ve soaked the beans overnight.  I’ve used beans from a can.   I’ve seared the ham before slow cooking it.  I’ve added roasted garlic.  The list could go on.   I’ve fussed around with ham and bean soup in every way, shape or form and this ridiculous, itty bitty, hardly-any-work-or-ingredients recipe is by far the best I have done to date.   Continue reading

Maple Coconut Snack Nuts

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‘The Holidays’.  Is it safe to say they are upon us?  I’m going to  go ahead and declare a yay on that.  It is November, after all.  And the hustle and bustle is right around the corner.  I’ll be the first to admit, I love it.  Most of it.

I love it because of the constant gathering around the table with loved ones. People just tend to get together more often, at least in my world.  Whether it’s a group of couples having  a fun dinner out on the town, old friends who are hosting a gathering in an effort to get the ‘gang’ back together, or simply having dinner at other families houses, we just tend to do it more often around this time of year.  And I’m TOTALLY cool with that. Continue reading

Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili

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My husband was craving chili big time last week.  And chili is one of those weird things I have a hard time making on any day of the week other than Sunday.  It’s a Sunday food, no?  It needs time to simmer on the stove and smell the house up beautifully while everyone gets cozy and football is blaring in the background.

But last week on Sunday I had an event to attend.  Which meant no time to let that chili bask in its glory on the stove.  So I decided to try a stab at it in the slow cooker. Results?  Delicious.  So simple.  And perfect for days where time has got the best of you. Continue reading

Asian Steak and Cabbage Bowl

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So, how was it?  Did you go crazy for your kids halloween candy?  My husband did.  I had no part in it.  Except for the DOTS.  And peanut butter cups.  I may have had a Snickers, too.  Or two.

This weekend basically consisted of lots of junk food…pizza, burgers and fries, way too much candy..and not enough sleep.  So, back we are to reality and it feels so very good to have meals at home, sleep schedules for the kids and real-life food in the fridge.  It doesn’t take much for me.  If I’ve got those three things I am ONE HAPPY CAMPER. Continue reading