Kale Caesar Salad

Kale Caesar Salad

This is our current favorite salad. The flavors are simple enough to compliment most meals. I like to toss the dressing with the kale about 30 minutes prior to serving to allow the kale some time to break down. The kale is sturdy enough that you can dress the salad and it will still be good for most of the day.

-1 bunch kale, washed and torn into bite sized pieces
-1/2 cup shaved parmesan cheese

Dressing

-1/2 c olive oil
-1/2 c lemon juice
-2 cloves garlic
-1 Tbsp dijon mustard
-1 tsp sugar
-1 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1/4 tsp red pepper flakes

Combine dressing ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix well. Toss with kale and parmesan and serve.

Pumpkkin Mac and Cheese with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower

Pumpkin Mac and Cheese with Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Cauliflower

This dish screams fall to me. I love the way the flavors of nutmeg, sage, gouda, pumpkin and the vegetables all compliment each other.

-1 small head cauliflower, cut into bite sized pieces
-1 lb brussels sprouts, sliced in half and outer leaves removed
-2 Tbsp olive oil
-1 1/2 tsp salt, divided use
-1 box rotini pasta of choice (can use whole wheat, glutenfree, etc.), cooked according to package directions
-2 Tbsp butter
-2 Tbsp flour
-2 c milk
-8 oz smoked gouda, shredded, divided use

-8 oz sharp cheddar, shredded, divided use

-1 can (15 oz) pumpkin (NOT pumpkin pie filling)

-1/4 tsp pepper
-1/8 tsp nutmeg

-1 tsp ground sage


Preheat the oven to 400°. Toss cauliflower and Brussels sprouts with olive oil, and 1 tsp salt. Spread in an even layer on a greased baking sheet. Roast for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

While the vegetables roast, melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Sprinkle in the flour, cooking stirring constantly for 2-3 minutes, until the flour is golden. Add milk and broth and whisk, Whisk in milk and simmer 4 to 5 minutes, until it thickens slightly. Season with 1/2 teaspoon salt, pepper, nutmeg and sage. Stir in cheese, reserving 1/4 c of each cheese on the side. Continue to cook and stir until the cheese melts. Stir in pumpkin. Remove from heat, add the cooked rotini and mix well. Stir in the vegetables. Pour into a greased casserole, top with reserved cheese and bake at 350 for 20 minutes.

Chili Lime Melon

Chili Lime Melon

This is a sophisticated twist on a bowl of fruit. It is reminiscent of the flavors found in a South American fruit salad. The cilantro and chili powder add a depth of complexity making this a great side dish or salad for brunch, lunch or dinner. You could use any melon you desire here (honeydew, cantaloupe or watermelon) or a combination of all 3).

-1 melon (the size of a basketball), cut into bite sized chunks
-zest and juice of 1 lime
-1/4 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp chili powder
-1-2 Tbsp honey
-1/2 bunch cilantro, chopped

In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime zest and juice, salt, chili powder and honey. Toss with the melon. Sprinkle with cilantro and serve.

Banana Swirl

Banana Swirl

This is such an easy, dairy-free dessert that is on the healthy side. My kids watched Daniel Tiger and wanted to make the banana swirl from the show. We have made it plain, like Daniel Tiger did, with just frozen bananas and we have also made versions with cocoa powder, nutella, peanut butter and honey (separately). Any way we've done it has been delicious. This is a great way to use up any bananas that are past their prime.

-6 bananas, sliced then frozen for at least 2 hours
-1-2 Tbsp nutella, peanut butter, honey or chocolate (if desired, but not necessary)

Place the bananas and any extra ingredients you are using in a food processor. Process until everything is smooth and uniform. Serve immediately for a soft serve texture or return to freezer for at least 2 hours to scoop and serve like a traditional ice cream.

Roasted Okra

Roasted Okra

This is by far my favorite way I've ever eaten okra and it is so simple. It's not slimey at all, and my non-okra liking hubby loves this.

-1 lb okra, tops cut off and pods sliced lengthwise
-2 Tbsp olive oil
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp pepper

In a small bowl whisk together oil, salt and pepper. Toss oil with okra and arrange okra cut side down on a greased or lined baking sheet. Bake at 425 10-15 minutes until desired browning and tenderness is achieved. Serve immediately.

Asparagus and Brie Tart

Asparagus and Brie Tart

This tart is fairly simple yet super delicious and impressive. It can be sliced like a pizza and served as an appetizer or with a green salad for brunch or lunch. This is also very versatile. You can leave the egg out altogether for vegans and change up the cheese to fontina, ricotta or goat cheese depending on your preference.

-1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
-1 small wheel or wedge of brie with the rind cut off and cheese slliced
-1 egg, beaten
-1 bunch asparagus, trimmed

Cover a sheet pan in parchment. Place puff pastry on parchment and roll the dough out a little in each direction. Fold in each of the sides at about an inch to form a crust. Spread slices of brie inside of the crusts. Pour beaten egg over the crust and brush over edges. Lay asparagus over egg mixture. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake at 375 for 20 minutes, or until dough is puffed and golden. Cool 5 minutes and serve.

Wilted Spinach Salad

Wilted Spinach Salad

This is one of my favorite salads. It's simple, yet elegant. You can serve it with cloves of roasted garlic, toasted pine nuts, or curls of parmesan cheese.

-2 Tbsp olive oil
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-1/2 pound spinach
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
-juice of 1 lemon

Heat oil in pan over medium heat. Add garlic, saute 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add spinach a few handfuls at a time, stirring as it cooks down and adding more when you have room. Once all of the spinach is incorporated and wilted remove from heat, add salt, red pepper flakes and lemon juice and serve immediately.

White Bean Soup

White Bean Soup

This is my altered version of Shauna Niequist's Magical White Bean Soup from her book Bread and Wine. This soup base is vegan, glutenfree, quick, easy, inexpensive yet delicious and elegant. I like to leave it chunky, but it would be just as good pureed smooth. 

For The Soup
-2 Tbsp olive oil

-1 onion, diced
-1/2 pound carrots, diced
-1 bulb fennel, diced
-4 celery ribs, diced
-1 Tbsp dried rosemary

-1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
-6 cans white beans in liquid (cannellini or great northern beans)
-salt and pepper to taste

For The Vinaigrette
-1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
-1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
-1/4 teaspoon salt
-1/4 teaspoon pepper
-1/4 cup olive oil

For Serving
Prosciutto, torn into ribbons
Parmesan, curled into strips with a vegetable peeler

Heat oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the onion, carrots, fennel, and celery, and allow to soften, 10 to 15 minutes. Add beans in their liquid, rosemary and red pepper flakes. Cover and cook for 20 minutes at a gentle boil. Taste, add salt and pepper, taste again-- keep in mind that you'll get a good amount of salt from the toppings. Cook for an additional 20 minutes, or longer if you have time.

While the soup cooks, make the vinaigrette. Place all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor and mix until evenly incorporated.

To serve, ladle soup into bowls, drizzle with vinaigrette and top with parmesan and prosciutto (if desired).

Green Chile Strata

Green Chile Strata

This is a unique twist on the traditional breakfast casserole. It can all be assembled up to 24 hours in advance then refrigerated until you are ready to bake and serve.

-10 eggs
-2 cups milk
-1 tsp salt
-2 (7 oz) cans green chiles
-2 cups shredded pepper jack cheese
-10 corn tortillas, cut into bite sized strips

In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk and salt. Stir in green chiles (and their juice), pepper jack and tortillas. Pour mixture into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Bake at 350 for 45-60 minutes, until the casserole is set and browned and puffy on top. Serve.

Zucchini and Rice Gratin

Zucchini and Rice Gratin

This is a twist on an old school Julia Child recipe. I have lightened up her recipe significantly and simplified the process. I loved the end result. This would be a great way to use up day old leftover rice.

-1/2 cup heavy cream
-1 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1 tsp dried thyme
-2 cloves garlic, minced
-6 zucchini, shredded (I used a food processor)
-1 cup cooked rice
-3/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese, divided use

In a medium bowl, whisk together cream, salt, pepper, thyme and garlic. Stir in shredded zucchini, rice and 1/2 cup parmesan cheese. Pour into a greased, medium sized casserole dish and top with remaining 1/4 cup parmesan. Bake at 350 for 20-30 minutes, until cheese on top has browned. Sprinkle with parsley if desired and serve immediately.

Roasted Parmesan Zucchini

Roasted Parmesan Zucchini

This is my favorite way to eat zucchini.

-2 Tbsp olive oil
-1 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1/4 tsp garlic powder
-1/2 tsp thyme or oregano
-4 zucchini, each one cut into 8 spears
-1/4 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Place zucchini on a greased baking sheet (I like to line mine with parchment or foil for easy clean up). In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder and thyme or oregano. Pour oil mixture over zucchini and stir to coat. Sprinkle parmesan over zucchini. Bake at 400 for 10-15 minutes, until desired tenderness is reached.

Lightened Up Pasta with Vodka Sauce

Lightened Up Pasta with Vodka Sauce

I've replaced the butter with olive oil and reduced the cream in this over the traditional version to make it a little less guilt laden. Serve with a green salad or roasted asparagus or broccoli for a quick, vegetarian dinner.

-1 box penne pasta, cooked to al dente
-2 Tbsp olive oil
-1 onion, diced
-4 cloves garlic, minced
-3/4 cup vodka
-1 (29 oz) can tomato puree
-1 1/2 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
-1/2 c heavy cream
-1/2 cup shredded parmesan cheese

Heat oil in medium to large pot, over medium heat. Add onion, saute 5 minutes stirring often. Add garlic, saute 1 more minute stirring constantly. Add vodka, simmer 3 minutes, stirring intermittently. Add tomato puree, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Simmer 5 minutes. Stir in cream, remove from heat, toss pasta with sauce and top with parmesan cheese.

Israeli Chopped Salad

Israeli Chopped Salad

This is a great salad to serve with gyros, hummus, chicken gyros, shakshuka or any Mediterranean meal. You can also toss feta and/ or chickpeas into this to make it a more hearty salad.

-3 Tbsp lemon juice
-3 Tbsp olive oil
-1 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1 english cucumber, chopped
-1 green pepper, chopped
-1/2 red onion, chopped
-4 roma tomatoes, seeded and chopped
-1 bunch parsley, chopped

In a medium bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Toss with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately or refrigerate up to 2 hours prior to serving.

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Feta

Whole Roasted Cauliflower with Whipped Feta

This is a knock off of a dish served at a local restaurant called Domenica. Even my non-cauliflower eating hubby ate this one.

-2.5 cups white wine
-1/3 cup olive oil
-1/4 cup salt
-4 Tbsp lemon juice
-2 Tbsp butter
-1 Tbsp sugar
-1 tsp red pepper flakes
-1 bay leaf
-1 head cauliflower, outer leaves removed

Whipped Feta
-1/2 cup feta cheese
-2 Tbsp olive oil
-1 Tbsp lemon juice
-1/4 tsp salt

In a medium large pot combine wine through bay leaf with 8 cups of water and bring to a boil. Add cauliflower, reduce heat and simmer 15 minutes, turning every 5 minutes to ensure even cooking. Remove cauliflower from liquid using a slotted spoon and drain on a kitchen towel. Roast cauliflower at 475 for 30 minutes, or until it is browned all over.

While cauliflower is cooking combine feta, olive oil, lemon juice and salt in a food processor. Process until smooth. Refrigerate until cauliflower is done.

Once cauliflower is done, remove from oven and serve with feta on the side for spreading.

Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

Sweet Chili Brussels Sprouts

-2 lbs brussels sprouts, sliced in half and outer leaves discarded
-2 Tbsp olive oil
-1/2 tsp salt
-4 Tbsp sweet chili sauce
-2 tsp soy sauce

Toss brussels sprouts with olive oil and salt, Roast at 400 for 15-20 minutes, until browned to your liking. While brussels sprouts roast, stir together sweet chili sauce and soy sauce. Once the brussels sprouts are nicely browned, toss with the sauce and roast 5 additional minutes. Serve immediately.

Sweet Potato, Corn and Black Bean Salad with Chipotle Lime Dressing

Sweet Potato, Corn and Black Bean Salad

This is a great side dish to accompany Mexican flavored main dishes or can serve as a main dish of its own. The combination of flavors, textures and colors make this salad dynamic. If you have an avocado lying around that would be a great addition in here as well.

Sweet Potatoes
-2 Tbsp canola oil
-1 Tbsp chili powder
-1 tsp cumin
-1/4 tsp cayenne
-1 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-2 sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into a bite sized dice

Corn
-Tbsp butter
-1 bag (16 oz) frozen corn
-1/2 tsp salt

Chipotle Lime Dressing
-8 oz sour cream
-zest and juice of 1 lime
-1 chipotle in adobo pepper, minced- or 1 Tbsp chipotle hot sauce
-1 tsp sugar
-1/2 tsp salt

Salad
-1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
-1/2 red onion, diced
-1/2 red bell pepper, diced
-1 bunch cilantro, minced

Whisk together canola oil, chili powder, cumin, cayenne, 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper. Toss with diced sweet potatoes. Roast sweet potatoes at 400 for 30 minutes, stirring halfway through.

While sweet potatoes are cooking heat melt butter over medium high heat in a medium pot. Add corn. Cook 10 minutes, stirring intermittently, until corn has a nice char to it. Stir in salt and set corn aside.

While sweet potatoes cook and after corn is made whisk together dressing ingredients and set aside.

When sweet potatoes are done, in a medium large bowl toss sweet potatoes with corn, black beans, red onion, red bell pepper and cilantro. Drizzle dressing over top and serve.

Spinach and Artichoke Quinoa Bake

Spinach and Artichoke Quinoa Bake

Because quinoa is packed with protein it is a great grain for a vegetarian or vegan dinner. It is also gluten-free, so it is a good option for those with dietary restrictions. To make cooking the quinoa easy, I like to cook it in my rice cooker using a 2:1 water to quinoa ratio. This dish can serve as a vegetarian main dish, or as a side dish to accompany your favorite meat.

-1 c quinoa, cooked according to package directions
-2 eggs
-1/2 c heavy cream
-1/2 c plain greek yogurt
-1 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
-1/2 tsp dried thyme
-1/2 tsp dried rosemary
-3 cloves garlic, minced
3/4 c shredded mozzarella, divided use
-1/2 c shredded parmesan, divided usse
1 (15 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
-1 (10 oz) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed of excess moisture using a kitchen towel

In medium bowl, whisk together eggs, cream, yogurt, salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, thyme, rosemary and garlic. Stir in 1/2 c mozzarella, 1/4 c parmesan, artichoke hearts and spinach. Spread mixture into a small, greased casserole dish. (I use an 8x8 pan). Top with remaining 1/4 c of mozzarella and parmesan. Bake at 350 for 20- 30 minutes and serve immediately.

Caprese Quinoa Bake

Caprese Quinoa Bake

I make a lot of varied quinoa bakes and salads and Jeremy and I both agreed that this is the best one I've ever made by far. It's a great light lunch or dinner or can be served as a side dish to your favorite meat.

-1 c quinoa, cooked according to package directions
-1 c marinara sauce, tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
-1/3 c heavy cream
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp pepper
-1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
-1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, sliced in half
-1 1/4 c shredded mozzarella cheese, divided use
-1 bunch basil, sliced into ribbons
-1/3 c balsamic vinegar

In a medium bowl, whisk together marinara sauce/ tomatoes, cream, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Stir in tomatoes, reserving a small handful of tomatoes to top the finished dish. Stir in 1 c of the mozzarella. Spread mixture into a small greased casserole dish. (I use an 8x8 pan). Top with remaining 1/4 c mozzarella. Bake at 350 for 30 minutes. While dish is making, place balsamic vinegar in a small sauce pot over medium heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer 5 minutes. Then remove from heat. When the casserole is done baking, pour the balsamic over top and top the dish with the reserved handful of tomatoes and sliced basil. Serve immediately.

Dairy-Free Fudge

Dairy-Free Fudge

I got this recipe from a friend, who I think got it from somewhere else, so I have no idea where it originated from. I will says that it is delicious and tastes just like peanut butter fudge made with butter and refined sugar- I don't miss those ingredients at all!

-1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
-2/3 c smooth, natural peanut butter
-1/2 c maple syrup
-1 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
-dash salt
-1/3 c coconut oil, melted

Combine all ingredients in a food processor and process for 8-10 minutes. Spread mixture into a loaf pan that has been greased or lined with wax paper. Freeze for 1 hour, cut into squares, freeze for 1 additional hour until fully set.

Moroccan Quinoa Salad

Moroccan Quinoa Salad

This can be a light main dish, or a side dish to accompany your meat of preference. 

-1 cup quinoa, cooked according to package directions
-1/4 c olive oil
-zest and juice of 1 lemon
-1 tsp cumin
-1 tsp curry powder
-1 tsp turmeric
-1/4 tsp cinnamon
-1 tsp salt
-1/4 tsp cayenne
-1 Tbsp sugar or honey
-1 can chickpeas, rinsed and drained
-3 carrots, shredded
-1 bunch cilantro, mint or parsley, chopped
-1/2 c raisins
-1/2 c sunflower seeds

In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon zest and juice, cumin, curry powder, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, cayenne and sugar/ honey. Toss with remaining ingredients. Serve immediately or chill until serving.