Smokey Pork and Citrus Kale Salad

SONY DSCCan you believe it’s February already?  How is this happening, you guys?  It seems like just yesterday we were in the midst of Thanksgiving preparation, and now, we are full blown into winter and darn near our decent into Spring.  Spring!  I mean I know I’m jumping the gun a bit here…but it will be here before we know it, no?

And that pretty much makes me feel all sorts of crazy emotions.  Because spring equals baby’s arrival…eek!  I can’t even begin to tell you how insanely fast this pregnancy has gone..wow.  I mean we have two trimesters under our belt and one to go; I swear I blinked and here we are.   And while I have seen so incredibly many changes in myself/my body during these last several months, there is positively one thing that has remained constant throughout this entire journey….CITRUS FRUIT.     Continue reading

One-Pot Salmon Pasta with Cream Sauce

SONY DSCFriends!  Hello!  How are we?  We’ve nearly made it through January, the most grey month of the year, in my opinion…so the rest is all downhill from here, right?  We just returned home from a vacation with my entire side of the family you guys….what a way to break up the month.  We had such a great time and enjoyed the warm weather of the Bahamas so incredibly much.  And now…back to good old reality.  But gosh I have to admit, a solid routine and well rested kids feels pretty dang good.

So to go with this grey month, how about a rich, gooey, comforting pasta dish that you can get on the table in 20 minutes?  Yes?  Yes.  Let’s do it!  Continue reading

Weeknight Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup

SONY DSCHappy New Year!  It’s  been a while, friends, and while I have thought about you so very often, I have just been way too busy eating to check in with you.  I mean this pregnancy thing really couldn’t have come at a better time.  Christmas.  New Years.  Holiday gatherings galore.  It all amounted to more yummy food than I can explain.  And then there’s the fact my oven was broken for nearly  a month.  You guys, ONE MONTH.  Do you know how long that is?  I mean I get it, be grateful for what you have, I try so hard.  But my oven?!  Take my hot water.  My coffee.  My contact lenses.  But for the love, don’t take my oven! I’m happy to report we are back up and running around here..and we were so very happy to have this Cheesy Ham and Potato Soup at home for dinner last night.   Continue reading

Southwest Chicken, Bacon and Potato Soup

SONY DSCIt won’t stop, you guys.  All things comfort.  All day.  Every day.  I’m not sure if its the damp, cold weather happening around here or the fact that theres a precious tiny little human growing inside of me but COMFORT FOOD, I will find you.

And soups are at the very top of my comfort food list these days. It’s December, after all-seems only appropriate.  As I’ve told you in the past, soups are one of my very favorite dishes to create because there are just no rules.  Soups are so forgiving.  Throw in what you’ve got in the fridge and with a few of the right aromatics, spices and garnishes you’re practically good to go.  This soup right here?  This Southwest Chicken, Bacon and Potato Soup?  You just must.   Continue reading

Chocolate Banana Muffins

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How often do you have over-ripe bananas sitting on your counter?  Is it just me?  I swear it happens weekly, yet I continue to buy the same bunch that tends to go partially uneaten every time I do my shopping.  Maybe it’s because I love a good challenge?  Because Lord knows you can only make so much banana bread and so many peanut butter banana smoothies…it forces me to switch things up and get creative with those leftover sweeties.

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Simple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

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Heres the deal, you guys.  I’m going to be frank with you.  I am getting lazy.  Like LAAAAZZZZYYYY.  Yes, you can still count on me to get a decent dinner on the table most nights…but man, I’ll find a shortcut.  Now don’t get me wrong..I love a good Sunday spent in the kitchen…but these weeknights are all about saving time.

I feel like life has progressively taken me to this place of minimal effort.  And yes, the weather these days must have something to  do with it, too.  But it used to be, you know, pre-kids, I was putting hours into dinner.  Hours.  Meticulously dicing, pureeing, grinding, whatever it took to make the food absolutely delicious.  Then one kid…two kids..came along and it has gradually shifted from hours of effort to literally strategizing how I can get this meal on the table as quickly as possible.  What shortcuts can I take that wont sacrifice taste?  How can I make this easier, not only for myself, but for you, my NP people…because Lord knows you don’t have the time either, friends.   Continue reading

Quick-Chili Loaded Baked Potatoes

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You guys, this weather we are having around here!  It’s COLD!  Gorgeous, but man does that change in temp feel like a chill or what?  It’s pretty much the best kind of weather.  You know, the kind of weather where it’s not too cold to sleep with your windows open…but them when you wake up in the morning you can’t possibly seem to peel yourself out of those perfectly warm, cozy covers because your room has an insane chill going through it.

We have been comfort-fooding around here like crazy people lately.  It must be the weather.  And these Quick-Chili Loaded Baked Potatoes made the roster.  I feel like I say this a lot, mostly because I only tend to share the recipes that get my family’s stamp of approval, but these are definitely a favorite among the kiddos. Continue reading

Potato Gratin with Poblanos, Pancetta and Corn

SONY DSCHow about this weather, friends?  It’s so random this time of year.  Mornings feel like fall at its finest:  cool, crisp air perfect for that cozy sweater.  Head into afternoon and the sun is blazing and the temps are rising forcing you to tear that sweater off as quickly as you can.  Part summer, part fall, no?

And this gratin is right there with the weather these days.  Part summer with those farm fresh poblanos, potatoes and corn.  Part fall with that comfort an warmth.

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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

No-Bake Peanut Butter Chocolate Bites

SONY DSCYou aren’t going to believe these.  Truly.

Let’s just start with the fact that they involve only 6 simple ingredients.

And then lets discuss the fact that there is no cooking involved.  Or blending.  Or pureeing.  Or effort.  None.

SONY DSCAnd then let’s talk about how much more healthful they are than your typical store-bought white sugar packed peanut butter chocolate granola bars.

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