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Spaghetti Squash w/ Parmesan & Fresh Herbs

spaghetti squash with parmesan and fresh herbs - plated

I can’t say enough about this humble vegetable. I love pasta, but this squash is a delicious {and nutritious} substitute for noodles in a lot of dishes – including spaghetti and meatballs. And, it easily stands alone as a side dish with little more than some sautéed shallots and seasoning. This Spaghetti Squash with Parmesan and Fresh Herbs is a great example.

If you’re trying to cut back on carbs, or if you just want to have some healthy alternatives to your typical side dishes, you won’t find a more versatile vegetable. Continue Reading →

Baked Zucchini Fries

baked zucchini fries

I love the generosity of gardeners!

Take, for example, my new friend Peggy. Besides being an all-around wonderful gal, she’s a fabulous artist and a horse lover… she’s also a terrific gardener. In the short time we’ve been in Idaho, she’s delivered gorgeous onions, cucumbers, beets, purple potatoes and state-fair-worthy zucchini. {I’m not kidding, you could use them for batting practice, they’re so big!} Continue Reading →

Summer Squash & Red Quinoa Salad :: Picnic Perfect!

summer squash & red quinoa salad - on Platter

When my friend Kasey served this Summer Squash & Red Quinoa Salad, it was a “get out the cell phone and take a picture” moment.  Besides that, it was delicious!

I don’t know about you, but by this time in the summer, I’ve had enough potato- or 7-layer salad to last me awhile. I want something different! Mix it up a little! And how about something that’s healthy, fairly simple to throw together, and gorgeous? Is that too much to ask?

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Bulgur Salad

bulgur salad with edamame

This  bulgur salad is a great addition to your summer repertoire! I’ll make it on Monday morning, and enjoy it throughout the week for lunch, or as a great salad/side dish for dinner. And it travels well – say, to the office or a picnic. Continue Reading →

Grilled Vegetables {and 10 ways to enjoy ’em…}

veggies - platter c

My favorite farmers’ market is finally in full swing, and there’s nothing better than spending a weekend morning, coffee in hand, strolling from booth to booth.

Sometimes I go with a plan, other times I go looking for inspiration.  I always come home with what looks good that day – and it’s fun to see how the offerings change as the season progresses.  No matter what I pick up, there’s a good chance it’s going on the grill!

Grilling vegetables brings out their natural sweetness.  Other than a bit of olive oil and salt and pepper, they don’t need anything else.  One of the great things about a platter of grilled veggies is that it’s an easy make-ahead buffet item or side dish that is wonderful served at room temperature.  If I’m asked to bring a dish to a picnic or summer dinner with friends, this is it — I’m not taking up their oven space, and it’s ready when they are!  And isn’t it gorgeous?!

The grilling can be done a few hours before, leaving the grill free for burgers, and you free to enjoy your guests.

Added bonus:  a big batch of grilled veggies can be used in a number of other simple summer dishes.

Continue Reading →

Roasted Cauliflower

roasted cauliflower

I can eat this like it’s popcorn.

If you’re not a raw cauliflower fan, I understand.  Raw “cruciferous” vegetables, as they’re called, can be a little off-putting.  (For you, and those around you, if you get my drift.)

But just like with onions, roasting or caramelizing them changes some of their chemical properties, producing a wonderfully rich, almost sweet flavor.

But enough from “Bill Nye the Science Guy.”

Are you trying to get more vitamin C and fiber into your day?  This is a good option.  Preparing it is fast and easy, and makes a great substitute for a higher carb side dish.  It’s versatile too –  like a perfect pair of black pants, you can “dress it up, or dress it down.”

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{Trick Your Children!} Healthier Macaroni & Cheese

macaroni - plated

Moms the world over have devised some very creative ways to get their kids (or husbands) to eat more vegetables.  Today’s adaptation is one of my all-time favorites.

Years ago I discovered a couple of Diane Seed’s wonderful cookbooks.  The recipes are simple and straightforward, but unique.  And the illustrations are delightful.  When I got rid of my cookbook collection this is one I couldn’t part with. One of the first recipes I tried was her “Tagliolini with Creamed Carrots.”  Besides being delicious (and a little bit naughty) it struck me how much this tasted like homemade mac and cheese, and had that out-of-the-box orange color.  Hmmm, what if I used elbow macaroni instead of tagliolini?  Might kids fall for this sneaky way of eating more vegetables?!

Since I forgot to have children (where did those years GO!?) I needed to borrow my “victims.”  So I experimented on my niece and nephew.  While they didn’t believe for one minute that this was mac n’ cheese out-of-a-box, they loved it.  Continue Reading →

{Meatless Monday} Grilled Vegetable Sformato

sformato edited

For my sister’s birthday a few years ago, I gave her a gift certificate to a cooking class that we could do together. Since she’s not a big meat eater, I chose one that focused on great vegetarian dishes. With more and more “experts” talking about the health benefits of cutting back on meat, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to add to my repertoire either.

The class was taught by the wonderful Robin Asbell and held at Cooks of Crocus Hill.   We had a great time, and  over a few glasses of wine, learned to make a bunch of new dishes.  Robin’s “Grilled Vegetable Sformato” was our favorite.

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{Meatless Monday} Roasted Portobellos with Kale

roasted portobellos with kale

This is tonight’s experiment (Husband is SUCH a great guinea pig!).

We’re trying to add more “meatless mains” to our repertoire, and this looks like it might have potential.

The recipe is part of the Whole Living Action Plan for 2013 that I mentioned in an earlier post.  While we’re not following the plan exactly, I’m going to try as many of the recipes I can over the next few weeks. Continue Reading →

Super easy and healthy(er!) potato chips…

 

So these happened today!

If you had told me that I could have fabulous, crunchy, salty chips without frying them… and from the MICROWAVE no less… I would have accused you of having what Diane Sawyer had on election night.

Anyway…

While I’m far from perfecting them, here’s the recipe, and a few lessons learned! Continue Reading →