Taking time to dream and to imagine…

So often when I have some time off I begin to think about what I need to do or should do. Funny thing, sometimes even the things I do for enjoyment can begin to feel like a chore, or something that I must check off the list. Today I decided to take some quiet time …

Creamy leek and potato chowder

1 1/2 lb potatoes1 1/2 large leeks4 Tbsp butter1 onion1 clove garlic3 1/2 -4 cups chicken broth2 3/4 cup whole milksalt and black pepper, to taste1/4 cup + 1 Tbsp flour* Dice the onion, slice the leeks into half rounds, and dice the garlic clove. Sautee the vegetables in the butter for a minute or …

Pasta asciutta with fresh tomatoes, garlic, and parsley

This pasta recipe is incredibly easy and very flavorful. If you'd like to switch things up a little, this is a light and fresh take on tomato pasta. Pasta of choice (enough for about 4 people)2 cups fresh tomato, 4 or 5 fresh parsley sprigs, chopped2 or 3 cloves garlic, dicedolive oil (2 Tbsp or …

Broccoli rabe frittata with garlic butter

Anyone else really like broccoli rabe? It makes a great addition to an omelette or frittata. Here's an easy broccoli rabe frittata recipe: enjoy! 4 cups chopped broccoli rabe1 clove garlic2-3 Tbsp buttersalt, to taste1/4 tsp ground black peppersplash of water or broth4 jumbo or 5 large eggs Stove temp: medium / medium-low Wash the …

Simple Florence fennel and tomato salad

Fennel has a delicate, aromatic flavor that works really well with tart tomatoes and apple cider vinegar. This recipe is incredibly easy to put together. But, don't let its simplicity deceive you: it's a truly special dish and makes a light, healthy, and flavorful side. Equal parts: Florence fennel (finocchio) Equal parts: tomato (I used …

Spiced orange carrots with reduced balsamic drizzle

Carrots are good. Can't they feel a bit ordinary at times, though? Here's a fun carrot recipe to spice things up a little. 3 medium carrots2 Tbsp butter1/2 cup + 3 Tbsp fresh orange juice1/8 tsp cinnamondash clovessalt, to taste1/8 cup balsamic vinegar"glug" maple syrup (about 2 tsp, or so) Cut the carrots into batonnet …

Chicken drumsticks with warm spice – mandarin orange sauce

6 chicken legs (drumsticks)2 cloves garlic2 shallots1 to 2 Tbsp olive oil1 Tbsp butter1/2 tsp cinnamon1/4 tsp nutmeg (freshly grated)1/4 tsp allspice about 1/2 cup watersalt, to tastejuice from 1-2 mandarin orangesparsley garnish Cut the shallots into small sections, and slice the garlic cloves in half. Place them in a skillet or frying pan together …

Sauteed beet greens with lemon: Super good, super easy, super food

Beets are a vegetable that seem to either be loved or hated. I happen to love them, but I don't think you need to be a beet lover to like beet greens. They are great as tender shoots in a salad, or delicious sauteed as a cooked vegetable. Here's my take on an easy, healthy, …

Melt-in-your-mouth meatballs seasoned with garlic, lemon, and parsley

These meatballs are amazing! This is an adaptation of a recipe I learned from a French lady years ago. I hope you enjoy it. Ingredients 1 1/4 lb ground beef1/2 cup oatmeal ("quick oats")1/3 cup milk (of choice, I used unsweetened almond)1/2 medium onion, diced small2 large cloves garlic, diced small5-6 sprigs fresh parsley, chopped1/2 …

Roasted cauliflower with lemon, garlic, and fresh dill

We had a head of cauliflower in the house that was just calling out to me to be cooked. It lent itself perfectly to this nice roasted cauliflower recipe that I put together. The garlic gives it tons of flavor and the lemon adds a nice, tangy zing. The fresh dill builds the flavor even …