Fresh, uncomplicated recipes to nourish the body while feeding the soul
I have always love the combo of sharp cheddar and sweet-tart apple. In fact, my husband often asks for a slice of cheddar cheese to go with apple pie in place of the more traditional scoop of vanilla ice cream. These scones are just the right balance of savory cheese and rosemary with a hint …
Seasonal spices, red cranberries and green pepitas carry out the Christmas theme, but my family loves this granola all year long. It is so easy to mix up and quick to bake that I keep a supply on hand for my crew to sprinkle on yogurt, mix into oatmeal or for a desk-side snack any …
My favorite part of cooking in a slow cooker is coming home from a busy day to the aroma of dinner just about ready to go! Or if it’s a work-at-home day, I love the savory scents that build hour by hour. I oftentimes have to talk myself in to chopping onions and dicing veggies …
Crisp, tart Granny Smith apples, tossed with a bit of brown sugar and cinnamon, get wrapped up in flaky whole wheat pastry for a simple, rustic open-faced pie. I use this recipe to teach beginning bakers as well as anyone who struggles with making pastry at home how just a few easy steps and a …
A recent trip to Boston and Cape Cod inspired this chowder. No seafood in this one, but chunky potatoes and rich roasted butternut squash are the perfect combo for this autumn soup. The prep work can be done while the squash is roasting, which makes this a great Sunday supper and you’ll love the leftovers …
This loaf makes use of the bumper crop of autumn apples and the fresh cider that salutes the transition from summer to fall. Luckily both are available all year long so keep this simple, but yummy loaf on hand in any season. Grace God of abundant blessings, thank you for the fruits of the earth …
This grilled salad is super quick and best during the abundant corn harvest at the end of the summer or early fall. But check out the NOTE for shortcuts which can help bring a bit of summer to the dinner table all year long! Grace Good and gracious God, thank you for seasons, both those …
Keep the grilling season going with these super simple turkey burgers. I love the pronounced flavor of the shredded Asiago cheese, but everyday sharp cheddar works just as well. The chopped parsley and green onion brighten up an ordinary burger and what doesn’t taste better with a bit of smashed avocado? Grace Thank you God …
A quick, healthy side salad to round out a family barbecue or take to a potluck gathering. Feel free to experiment with the many varieties of cabbages, greens and shredded slaw mixes in your market to create your own favorite combo. The crunch of the apple and sweetness of the dried fruit adds a little …
Inspired by a girls’ trip to Florida where I discovered a surprisingly good combo of grilled salmon and cantaloupe, I decided to bring the concept back home and came up with this latest family favorite bowl recipe! Feel free to embellish with your favorite seasonal ingredients. Grace Thank you Lord for new opportunities to explore …
Begin the day with these yummy pancakes that have one foot in the healthy camp and another in the sweet treat category. Thanks to the perfectly pink strawberry butter, there’s hardly any need for extra maple syrup! Grace Thank you God for fresh starts, for renewed energy, and for the loving hands that prepared this …
This cake is super easy to make–no electric mixer needed! Adding the sweet, barely pink glaze and some show-stopping strawberries, turns this simple, one-layer cake into a dessert worthy of any celebration! I like to use avocado oil whenever I can as it is one of the healthier oils, but you can also use regular …
I like to sample the many citrus varieties that flood the produce section from late winter to early spring months—juicy, tart tangelos to vibrant blood oranges and tart, blush-colored Cara Cara oranges. Of course, everyday oranges will work fine in this recipe, but consider switching up the menu with some of these new citrus flavors. …
My favorite part of the traditional St. Patrick’s Day corned beef and cabbage menu is the Irish soda bread. Enjoy this version with a little whole wheat flour and dried berry mix which gives a healthy update to the classic version. Grace A little Irish blessing to offer before a smear of butter on this …
This little pasta dish is a classic, simple recipe, relying on the bedrock of Mediterranean flavors, good olive oil, garlic, parsley, and Parmesan tossed with your pasta of choice. I love bucatini, a hollow spaghetti that has a bit more texture and interest in my opinion than regular spaghetti, but feel free to use whatever …
“Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.” Those words were uttered each Ash Wednesday of my childhood as we would line up for the distribution of ashes at our Catholic grade school. I remember blinking as the bits of ash were rubbed into my forehead, trying nonchalantly to blow away the few …
After making chili on the fly over the years, adding whatever I had on hand without stopping to measure ingredients, I decided one day to slow down and record my method. My note-taking paid off when my youngest daughter (most sensitive to spicy foods) announced that it was perfect. I have been making it ever …
Slow cooking soup simmering on the stove on a chilly winter afternoon is just the kind of comfort I crave during these winter months. While the bacon is optional, it adds a smoky, saltiness that really adds to the delightfully mellow great northern beans and sweet potatoes. But certainly feel free to make a vegetarian …
An impressive, rustic tart that combines sweet pears and caramelized onions with the rich flavors of prosciutto and sharp cheeses, all wrapped in a whole wheat pastry! Bring this show-stopping appetizer to your next gathering or serve with a simple green salad for a cozy mid-winter supper. Grace Dear Lord, thank you for your steadfast …
No need to spend all day making soup! This recipe has a little something for everyone–the tortellini make this soup a meal, plenty of veggies and a bit of kale pleases the health-minded and some lean spicy sausage adds a little protein kick!! It all comes together in less than an hour (my favorite ingredient)! …
The combination of chewy farro, crunchy pecans and juicy pomegranate seeds is perfect for a variety of sweet, soft baked squash. I love that the skin of the Delicata squash is tender enough to eat, and I couldn’t resist the Honeynut squash from our local farmers market; they are like mini Butternut squash only a …
Children’s Advent Prayer Today is December 1st and I’m calling it Winter Wednesday. The feasting of Thanksgiving is behind us (although my mom just gave me more leftover turkey yesterday!), Black Friday sales are over, Small Business Saturday gave way to Cyber Monday online shopping and on to Giving Tuesday. In the midst of all …
The warm flavors of chilies and healthy squash, beans and brown rice combine for a welcomed side dish or meatless center-of-the-plate dinner on a chilly evening. Leftovers make a great lunch to eat desk-side the next day. Grace Good and gracious God, thank you for the many opportunities we have to enjoy the foods of …
Grace Thank you dear Lord for fun and laughter, for traditions and customs that unite young and old, and for the opportunity to pause our daily work to celebrate life with one another.
