This is the perfect "make-ahead" brekky that works well for a holiday brunch. Use this recipe to impress your visiting in-laws or to simply set yourself up for a breakfast time success story.
Read moreSuper Simple Soup
Tomatoes can be fickle, sometimes emanating pure summer in a mouthful, while at other times promises of juiciness and the pristine balance of acid and sweet turn out to be mealy and bland. A surefire way to elevate your tomato game is a slow and leisurely roast. Slow roasted tomatoes have endless possibilities- tossed with brown rice pasta, pureed into tomato sauce, submerged in a grain bowl, or blended for a simple and flavorful soup. Here is my super simple slow roasted tomato soup.
Read moreIs This The New Hummus?
Squash can be utilized in many ways. For this recipe, I took roasted butternut squash and garlic and blended them together to create a simple, nutritious, and delicious spread. The ingredients and process are minimal, but the end result is quite robust. The squash is simply served-spread on toasted whole grain nut and seed bread, garnished with chives or pomegranate seeds. Use it as a dip with baked whole grain or corn tortilla chips and vegetables or in place of mayo or hummus on your next sandwich.
Read moreSoup Session
Like a moto boot or a classic camel coat, squash is the “must have” item for fall. It comes in various shapes and sizes and can work well when paired with accessories like paprika or caramelized onion. For a warming fall soup, I melded roasted vitamin A and C rich squash with caramelized onion and pear for a nutrient rich and colorful dish - the perfect way to continue to embrace fall essentials. The soup pairs well with a simple green salad or is hearty enough to enjoy alone. Play up the garnishes with some fresh dill, spiced yogurt, or toasted nuts.
Read moreFalling for Farro
The first time I visited Charlie Bird and had their delicious farro salad, I was blown away. The second time I had it, I was able to pin point the touches that made this dish so great- the balance of toasted pistachios, the mint-laced perfectly cooked grains gently tossed with grassy olive oil, and the salty flecks of parmesan cheese. All of these components truly brought this delicious dish together. By the third time, I was kicking myself for not attempting to recreate this grain dish at home. Although I have a feeling that Charlie Bird likely uses a tad more cheese and oil than I did, this dish is a stand out side or main to make at home.
Read moreAutumn Essentials
Autumn is my most favorite season of all. Chunky sweaters and boots replace denim shorts and bierks, warm spiced teas exchange hands with cold brew, and fall produce rich in winter squash, pears, apples, and sweet potatoes-show up in heaps at the local green market. I love the crisp air, fall foliage, and the tinglings of new beginnings.
Read moreAutumn Chili with a Twist
Chili is always an autumn staple in my kitchen, mainly because of its accessibility and versatility. It can really be as basic or as complex as you want but, regardless of your chili style, it can serve as a great platform for a complex carbohydrate, fiber, and vegetable protein-dense meal.
I'm always one who gets excited over the prospect of garnishes, and chili is the perfect way to provide yourself and your dining companions with options to add their flavor specific flare. For the chili, I made a little pico, some lime tinged "crema", toasted organic corn tortillas, and, of course the obligatory avocado.
Urban flame roasted poblanos, coffee, raw cacao nibs, and aged balsamic vinegar all played their parts in adding depth of flavor to an autumn kitchen staple.
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