HYMNS IN THE KITCHEN

Sometimes my afternoon consists of nothing much other than preparing a meal, and perhaps snapping a photo of it. Sounds simple, yes, but the pickings of the perfect ingredients, the tastings and the recording of the recipe is more than that. I think, what else can I add? What would heighten these flavors? Perhaps, one ingredient is not a good fit, and I try again. And again. Today was not a day like that. Today, I added all the ingredients on my board to my salad bowl, I driz

Happy Monday friends! I have a recipe that requires a little patience but not a lot of effort. The chicken breast is "ground" in the food processor and spread thinly onto the pasta sheets, followed by a delicious tangy goat cheese mixture. This is topped with purple onion and lots of Parmesan for good measure. A little fresh parsley is never a bad idea and this is a delicious meal! If you are not a fan of the acquired taste of goat cheese, you can substitute it for the equall

These were by far the best cookies I've made in my kitchen. The fact that you get 2 cookies in one serving makes them a winner as far I'm concerned. The tartness of the cranberries goes so well with the sweetness of the coconut and brown sugar, and all is made even better with the almond flavored filling. These are surely a special treat, so make a hot pot of tea, invite over some of your favorite people, and enjoy! Cranberry Cookie Sandwiches Makes 12-14 cookie sandwiches In

A gut-health recipe share today, featuring my tiny helper (with some Play-Doh under her fingernail). Smoothies are usually the only way I can get my littles to take vegetables; I mask the flavor of some spirulina powder or spinach with wild local honey, lots of berries and tart, freshly squeezed lemon juice. I always add a bit of chia seeds and flax seeds, but I first grind them as ground flax seeds are easier to digest (especially for the littles). Ground flax seeds are a hu

What do I get when I combine my favorite cake flavor with oatmeal? A most delicious breakfast, is what! Feel free to add different kinds of nuts or raisins if that's what you like in your carrot cake, and perhaps use all honey instead of the brown sugar. Make it your own. The frosting on top is, of course, optional and can be omitted for a healthier oatmeal; however, life is short, so why not have frosting for breakfast? Enjoy the little things, friends. Happy Thursday! Carr

Seeing as fall is just around the corner, I thought it only appropriate to share one of fall's star guests: salted caramel. This recipe is from one of my all-time favorite chefs to learn from, someone I've been following on Youtube for years now and have learned an endless abundance of cooking tips from. Chef John's Salted Caramel Sauce recipe is so good, I now always make sure to have some on hand. I put it in my coffee, enjoy it with ice cream, make buttercream for cakes an

I've been loving these quick mixes of grain, protein and vegetables, served with a quick dressing. This can last in the refrigerator 3 or 4 days so it's great to have ready on hand to take to work or serve up as a quick lunch/dinner. It's also packed full of nutrients, the quinoa providing nine essentials amino acids as well as a good amount of fiber. I hope you give this recipe a try, and enjoy! Asian Red Quinoa Chicken Salad Serves 6-8 Ingredients: 1 1/2 cup red quinoa 3 c

I hope everyone's had a nice Labor Day weekend. We went camping, unplugged and enjoyed a little outdoor time. Coming home to an endless pile of camping laundry is not the time I want to start a big meal, so a simple pasta salad like this one is perfect. Frying up the skirt steak is the only thing that requires any effort, really; everything else is just chop, dice, mix and serve. Perfect for a night when you have other priorities. Enjoy! Steak and Arugula Pasta Salad Serves 8