Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Broccoli

  Looking for a quick, satisfying weeknight pasta meal? Here ya go.  A wonderfully light and flavorful sauce is created by combining Italian sausage, loads of fresh garlic, shallots, red pepper flakes, chicken broth, Parmesan cheese, and fresh herbs.  When the pasta is added to the saute pan, it absorbs some of the sauce.  ThisContinue reading "Orecchiette with Italian Sausage and Broccoli"

Crock Pot White Bean Chicken Chili

  I'll wake up early to cook.  I do it often.  If, upon waking up, I have my old friend Mr. Crock Pot readily available to help me out...well, waking up early becomes much easier.  Upon arriving home that night, you have the delicious aromas and the ready to eat meal. The magic of theContinue reading "Crock Pot White Bean Chicken Chili"

Easiest Bruschetta Ever

Sometimes, it's as easy as combining freshly baked bread, a ripe tomato, and basil.  Pour yourself a glass of white wine, and the perfect afternoon snack or light lunch is served.   Ingredients: 2 slices of fresh bread, lightly toasted (or not, your preference) 1 ripe tomato, sliced 2 fresh basil leaves, torn 2 tspContinue reading "Easiest Bruschetta Ever"

Summer Italian Sausage Soup

  Lately, Chicago weather has been throwing us a curve ball.  Last week was consistently ninety degrees, while this week has seen plenty of cool temperatures.  With this feeling of Fall in the air, I thought it a perfect time to post this delicious Italian sausage soup recipe.  I make multiple versions of this soup,Continue reading "Summer Italian Sausage Soup"

Corn and Kale Salad with Basil Lime Vinaigrette

  To me, fresh corn equals the arrival of summer.  I have been known to eat multiple ears of warm buttered corn on the cob, and then call it dinner.  I think I get it from my Dad.  I remember growing up watching him sit at the kitchen table with a plate full of cornContinue reading "Corn and Kale Salad with Basil Lime Vinaigrette"

Lemon Dill Chicken Kabobs & Greek Balsamic Orzo

One of the best parts of summer is barbecuing.  I love sitting outside on a warm evening, sipping on a cold beer or glass of wine, and throwing something yummy on the grill.  The thought of it just makes me smile. This past weekend, we noticed the summer slipping away from us.  It was theContinue reading "Lemon Dill Chicken Kabobs & Greek Balsamic Orzo"

Mexican Rice Salad

  Today, I'm bringing another fresh summer salad to your kitchen.  This salad is a no brainer to pull together.  Simply combine the ingredients, then toss and serve.  When using leftover rice, this dish comes together in minutes.  It also looks quite pretty,  (you eat with your eyes first, right)? Brown rice can easily beContinue reading "Mexican Rice Salad"

Summer Spaghetti with Shrimp

  I LOVE PASTA!  That's all there is to it.  I try to minimize my carb intake, especially at night.  That being said, sometimes I have to give in to my craving for a big bowl of pasta.  In the summer months, this dish is perfect.  I know perfect is a strong word, but really,Continue reading "Summer Spaghetti with Shrimp"

Lentil Orzo Salad

  Lentils, orzo, carrots, parsley, red onion, and lemon; what's not to like about this salad?  It's healthy,  inexpensive to make, and easy to prepare. Lentils are part of the legume family.  They have many health benefits including lowering cholesterol, reducing the risk of heart disease, and stabilizing blood sugar.  They are also a goodContinue reading "Lentil Orzo Salad"

Blueberry Banana Pancakes

  My typical breakfast consists of whole grain cereal, berries, and skim milk. However, every once in a while I like to indulge (by every once in a while, I mean every Sunday morning).  Fluffy and crispy maple syrup soaked pancakes are my idea of a good Sunday morning breakfast (especially when a side ofContinue reading "Blueberry Banana Pancakes"