Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Bites

SONY DSC

So I think my family has fully recovered from the zucchini overload that transpired a few weeks ago.  I’ve learned that putting them through the hells of zucchini recipe testing for a couple of weeks actually isn’t too bad of a tactic to get them to completely appreciate all of the other veggies out there.  Lately I’ve been hearing things like We aren’t having zucchini?  We’re having broccoli?  YESSSS!!!  So really, we are all sort of winning here.

But this Parmesan Crusted Zucchini Rounds recipe shouldn’t even technically count as zucchini.  Fried cheese? Now that’s more like it. Continue reading

Butter, Lime + Parmesan Corn

SONY DSC
Happy official summer, friends! It’s a much anticipated time here in Minnesota and man can we embrace it. Lakes for days. Warmth. Homegrown produce. BBQs. Patios. Late bedtimes. Smores over a bonfire. Sandy shoes. And CORN.

Let’s just get something straight, for starters.  I love Minnesota.  Living here is perfect for myself and my family.  But I am a gosh darn Iowa girl..and proud of it.  18 wonderful years of my life were spent in Iowa and aside from Hawkeye football…and pork…and so many other fabulous things….that place reigns supreme for homegrown corn.  There’s just nothing like it.  We ate it so often in the summers…and there were always farmers selling it out of the back of their trucks along the sides of the roads.  Hows that for fresh? Continue reading

Slow Cooker Lentil Stew

SONY DSC

Well, a gloomy forecast is ahead, friends. I thought this one may be fitting for your cozy-day weekend plans. And the best part? It’s hands-off to the max so you can sit back and kick your feet up while your slow cooker does all the work 😉 Continue reading

One Pot Chicken + Asparagus Lemon Cream Pasta

SONY DSC

I’m just going to lay it all out there, guys.  We’ve talked about that word ‘creamy’.  There.  I said it.  I put it out there.  I can not stand the way that word sounds.  But it needs to be used.  Theres a time and a place…and this, right here, would be it.   Continue reading

Parmesan Crusted Cauliflower Steaks

SONY DSC

I must begin by saying this is the easiest, most no-fail, fabulously scrumptious vegetable recipe on the face of the planet there ever was forever and ever.   Continue reading

Kale with Lemon Cream Sauce

SONY DSC

Good old kale.  It’s wonderful.  It’s versatile.  It’s full of so many fantastic nutrients.  The total package.  I’ve always adored it; for salads, wilting into soups and stews and so much more.  But I have got to say this Kale with Lemon Cream Sauce is up there high on my list of very favorite side dishes. Continue reading

Kale, Farro and Nectarine Salad

SONY DSC

I just can’t do it.  There are very few things that leave me speechless in this life but Im afraid this Kale, Farro and Nectarine Salad has done it. Continue reading

Parmesan + Goat Cheese Grilled Zucchini Boats

SONY DSC

My husband?  He’s pretty amazing.  Sensitive.  Kind.  Strong.  Intelligent.  Nearly the whole shebang, that Nickyboy is.  But a zucchini lover he is not…it’s the texture.  I can let the toilet seat thing go.  The all-too-often-frat-house-vibe I get from living with him, fine, I’ll get over it (please, just put the toilet seat down.  And the toothpaste…just clean the remains out of the sink before you finish!) But the lack of love for a little tiny thing called ‘summer squash’ that is very near and dear to my heart?  I can’t.  I won’t.  This is a part of our marriage…for better or for worse.  You’ve committed to me?  You’ve committed to summer squash.  Have I mentioned that he’s passed this turn-your-nose-up mentality of it on to my daughter?  Oy vey.  I’m in trouble.  Continue reading