Maple and Harissa Roasted Carrots

  It’s an Autumn Saturday morning in Chicago. As I sit here and type this, I’ve already seen the weather go from dark and cold, to windy and pouring rain. Now, its slightly breezy and a lovely 70 degrees F and sunshine. Why am I telling you this? Well, for one thing, my fiance isContinue reading “Maple and Harissa Roasted Carrots”

Kale Salad with Breadcrumb Croutons

  I’m guilty of it. I’ll readily admit. I’m guilty of eating kale multiple days a week. I love it in my Fall Quinoa and Kale Salad, Kale and Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon, Almonds, and Pecorino, and Kale and Corn Salad with Basil Lime Vinaigrette.  All incredibly tasty, satisfying, and hearty. But just because kaleContinue reading “Kale Salad with Breadcrumb Croutons”

Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken

I’m writing this at 2pm on Friday of Labor Day weekend. We’ve all mailed it in at this point, right? We’re done doing “actual’ work. So, in the spirit of Labor Day, I give you this fantastic dish. Ideal for a lazy summer weekend afternoon. Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken.  Vibrantly flavored, full of crispContinue reading “Sesame-Ginger Soba Noodle Salad with Chicken”

Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad with Chicken

  Some of the best memories are made in flip flops … while eating this dish. Summer’s back.  Time to make Greek tortellini pasta salad.  Here’s my update on the classic Greek salad. I mixed it up by adding cheese tortellini, shredded chicken, and a couple other tid bits.  I’ve always got cheese tortellini onContinue reading “Greek Tortellini Pasta Salad with Chicken”

Lazy Ravioli Lasagna

  So, you’re in a precarious “situation” with the mafia?  (It happens … I guess)  Cooking up a tasty lasagna would really ease some tensions, right?  Problem is, you’ve got neither the time nor the fresh ingredients for a proper dish. Lasagna noodles, ricotta cheese filling, the timely/messy process of layering of everything together?  Here’sContinue reading “Lazy Ravioli Lasagna”

Crock Pot Skinny Mashed Potatoes

  I realize it’s been been some time since my last post.  I apologize for all the grief and anxiety that you’ve no doubt been suffering from due to this absence.  So, accept my apology, dry your tears, and let’s get goin’ again.  Game on! I’m reminded of a wise passage I once read onContinue reading “Crock Pot Skinny Mashed Potatoes”

How to Freeze Homemade Basil Pesto

  Are you reluctantly saying goodbye to summer?  Here’s my perception. Whip up a large batch of homemade pesto.  Then freeze it.  IN ICE CUBE TRAYS!! (yes, that deserved the double exclamation point).  We all love the smell and taste of fresh basil pesto.  We need it during the non summer months.  That said, here’sContinue reading “How to Freeze Homemade Basil Pesto”

Lentil Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Feta Cheese

Here’s a clever little twist I came up with.  I added a couple ingredients to this lovely lentil orzo salad recipe from my archives.  This time around, I topped it with sauteed shrimp and crumbled feta cheese.  Yeah, I hear ya … “Real clever, Emily.  Adding crumbled feta and sauteed shrimp to most anything willContinue reading “Lentil Orzo Salad with Shrimp and Feta Cheese”

Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)

  Zucchini noodles (aka “zoodles”) are healthy, light, and delicious.  Another plus, the gorgeous presentation these luscious strands of goodness make. I use a vegetable spiral slicer or julienne peeler to make zoodles.  If you don’t have one of these “fancy” kitchen tools, use a box grater or cut zucchini by hand into small strips,Continue reading “Zucchini Noodles (Zoodles)”

Chicken Salad with Grapes, Almonds, and Tarragon Dressing

  Chicken salad is so subjective.  Everyone thinks of something a little different when they hear those two words. Everyone has their favorite way to prepare it.  I wouldn’t dare claim this recipe as “the best” or “the greatest.”  I’ll be political here.  What I will tell you?  This is the way I like itContinue reading “Chicken Salad with Grapes, Almonds, and Tarragon Dressing”