Fresh, uncomplicated recipes to nourish the body while feeding the soul
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.
Perfect for cool weather baking, the chopped pears add a little twist to these classic pumpkin, spiced muffins which are super simple to make. No electric mixer required!! Bake them for a relaxed weekend breakfast or a casual brunch with friends. Leftovers (if there are any!) will be welcomed for a grab-and-go on Monday morning! …
I made this dish on a weeknight when I was determined not to go to the grocery store. I used leftover bacon (see note in recipe) and chopped up whatever vegetables I had on hand. Making it all in one pan is my goal whenever possible and the little bit of cream adds just a …
I found this stunning pumpkin at the farmers market a few days ago, its coral orange streaks against its not-quite-round, creamy white belly. What really made it stand out, though, was the still-attached vine, its leaves gracefully reaching out to display the shyly drooping blossom which had closed up, no doubt sensing the move from …
Even if you’re convinced you don’t like beets, try this salad!! Trust me, I used to think I did not like beets until I roasted them and discovered the earthy sweetness and seductive colors that bring life to any salad or side dish. Check out How to Roast Beets in the Tips and Techniques section …
Following these simple steps for roasting beets makes it easy to introduce this earthy, sweet root vegetables into your everyday meals. Preheat oven to 375ºF. Wash beets and place each (or two small together) on a piece of foil large enough to enclose. Drizzle a little water onto the beet and wrap in the foil, …
Reminiscent of cassoulet, the traditional French country dish made with white beans, pork sausage and often duck confit that simmers for hours (sometimes days!), this simpler one-dish stew comes together in no time, but is still soul-satisfying! Grace Good and gracious God, you call us to serve each other with a humble and joyful spirit. …
This galette recipe kinda happened by accident as we were hosting some of my son’s college friends who ventured out of the city to join us for a summer dinner on the deck. Not knowing about appetites, I thought it best to prepare an extra galette. I had to improvise on the original nectarine-raspberry version …
TIP: Take the bite out of uncooked garlic by chopping it with coarse salt. Years ago when I was on vacation in Georgia and needed to escape the midday sun, I headed over to the hotel where the chef was offering an afternoon demo. My husband tagged along as he prefers snacking to sunning any …
Perfect for a relaxed summer meal, the fresh lime and cilantro does not take long to impart plenty of flavor to simple grilled chicken breasts. This is my go-to, warm weather dinner and be sure to use leftovers for Mexican Grilled Chicken Salad. Grace Thank you God for the great outdoors, for the warmth of …
This salad is inspired by the efficiency of cooking once and dining twice, basically giving leftovers a new look with minimal effort to create an easy weeknight meal. Toss almost any grilled or roasted vegetables with leftover Cilantro-Lime Chicken and buzz up refreshing Avocado Citrus Dressing for a simple, but satisfying main dish salad. Just …
