HYMNS IN THE KITCHEN

These delightful baked ricotta custards were created with things I usually have on hand (besides the ricotta). When I buy a tub of ricotta for pancakes or lasagna soup, I know that I won't be using the whole tub and will be looking for ways to use it up later. The ricotta must be drained overnight to prevent a soggy custard, but that would be the hardest part of the recipe. The rest is a matter of mixing the ingredients and baking, then topping as desired. I hope you give the

Well, the trees have started to bloom. The air is softening and the birds are chirping a note louder. Spring has opened up it's palm and is feeding us sweet air and sunshine. Somehow, this year spring truly feels like a new chapter, more so than I've ever felt before. We have exciting new plans awaiting on the horizon that will require a lot of work, but I feel renewed and emboldened as the season turns, and ready for a challenge. I've been on the lookout for great picnic foo

What a delicious early dinner we had using leftover corn and a can of white beans, and a few simple pantry staples. I had a package of smoked sausage as well, which I thought would be a delicious addition to this hearty chowder, but feel free to leave that out and keep this vegetarian. I served this chowder with my Crispy Baked Potato Wedges (recipe found here). This just proves that we don't need a run to the grocery store or a fancy ingredient list to have a good meal. I ho

Harissa is hot chili paste made with peppers, spices and herbs and is of North African origin. Because of the wide variety of harissa paste that can be found at the market nowadays, this recipe is more of a method than a recipe. I urge you to taste your harissa chickpea "stew" every step of the way, adding lemon juice if you want more acidity, salt if the paste lacks in saltiness, and pasta water if it's too thick for your liking. I added leftover baked salmon to my bowl and

This recipe might have more prep then what you'd wish for a weeknight, so leave it for Sunday afternoon when you have your family or friends with you to help form the meatballs and grate the zucchini. This sauce cooks on low for 1 hour and smells divine. The grated zucchini becomes one with the tomato sauce, so this is a perfect way to sneak zucchini into your diet if you have picky eaters. I hope you give this a try, and enjoy! Chicken Meatballs in Zucchini Tomato Sauce Serv

I promised healthier recipes this month, and I'm delivering! Sort of.. I doused my half with more ranch and buffalo sauce then I'd like to admit, after the pictures have been taken. Let me tell you friends- this was such a treat of a dinner and really much easier then you might think. The squash roasts and fluffs so easily, the filling comes together easily and is hard to get wrong! I hope you'll enjoy this recipe as much as I've enjoyed it, which is a ton! This one is sure

Happy January friends! I've been a little MIA as the holiday season was wrapping up and there was so much happening, but I'm back and I'm baking! These delicious hazelnutty orange-zesty cookies are the perfect crispy bite to my morning tea, on the slow winter mornings. My favorite kind of morning, with fog and cold air and warm socks on my feet and my littles learning their letters and playing on the rug. I am a cold-weather lover and thus, tea time is my jam! I hope you enjo

An easy, yet very merry recipe for you all today! I made this tea a few times now and every time my house smells like Christmas cheer. Not only is this tea delicious, it is also filled with immune boosting vitamins, just in time for flu season! I hope you try this and serve it up for all to enjoy! Spiced Cranberry Orange Tea Makes 8 cups of tea 5 cinnamon sticks 12 oz bag fresh (or frozen) cranberries 10 cloves, whole 1/2 Tablespoon ground (or fresh) ginger 1/4 cup loose blac

Everyone having a happy holiday season? How about something that's festive and comforting, yet requires very little prep? These buttermilk chicken tenderloins can be made with whatever seasoning mix you like, but I always like to use a no-salt seasoning mix so I can control the amount of salt. I hope you give these a try, and enjoy! Buttermilk Chicken Tenderloins Ingredients: 2.2 - 2.3 lbs chicken tenderloins 1 cup buttermilk 4 tablespoons seasoning mix (unsalted; such as Mrs

Looking for ways to creatively use up your leftover Thanksgiving dinner turkey? How about a Babka bread, using said turkey (or just sliced deli turkey) and lots of Parmesan cheese? Really, any savory filling would be delicious here. Marinara with lots of mozzarella and basil, pesto and roasted chicken. The possibilities are endless! Hope you give this one a try. Enjoy! Turkey and Cheese Babka Serves 8-10 Ingredients for the Dough: 1 cup whole milk, warmed to 110-115 degrees F