Why helllooo there

Okay, so it has been some time, but not without reason.  In the last year, I found out I was pregnant, nurtured myself and my growing baby, and gave birth to a beautiful baby, now almost 5 months old.  A lot has happened, to say the least.  While living through this incredible journey, never had the importance of what we consume been so apparent.  Through nutrition, I not only sustained my body, but cared for and gave life to another.  Amazing to think each bite off my fork helped shape another.  Nutrition has always been important to me, and this process really brought it to the forefront.  That's not to say, however, that the little babe didn't inherit a sweet tooth : )

Snack Attack

Often, when I am eating, I look down to see two sets of big brown eyes staring at me longingly. Their stares are not dependent upon cuisine. Whether eating brussel sprouts or chocolate cake, they follow me. I was raised to share, so I feel bad leaving my dogs out. Not everything I eat is safe for them, but on occasion, we can both enjoy a treat together. Once, on an evening alone, I decided we deserved something special and bought three t-bone steaks. I gave one to each of them fresh from the butcher block (although I did cook my own) and I think from that day forward they loved me more than ever. Not every treat has to be an extravagance though. This video shows how you can make an easy and heathy snack that will leave both you and your dog satisfied. You can also access the video on YouTube.

An Un-Indulgence

I love chocolate the way I love long weekends, although similarly neither last long enough. As much as fudgey brownies, oozing cookies, and crunchy candy send signals of elation to my brain, the rest of my body sometimes takes issue with overindulgence. I have learned, however, that dessert doesn't always have to be decadent. While a bowl of grapes doesn't quite cut it for me, certain fruit desserts can provide the type of satisfaction I crave. Grilled peaches or roasted pineapple are great examples. The heat transforms the flesh to transcend the boundaries of the food group.  Add a little fro-yo on top and you've got yourself an amazing un-indulgence.  Listen here.

When Inspiration Moves

You know the feeling when you are sitting at a computer trying to focus on some work, but all you get is nothing? Yet other times, ideas are rolling, work is engaging, and it is as if the planet Saturn is in whatever house it is supposed to be in for creative energy to flow. I try my best to take advantage of inspiration, and practice it in all areas of my life from work, to house cleaning, shopping, and even cooking. This ebb and flow is not to be confused with temporary dissatisfaction or lack of passion. Our lives are full of so many components that at various times, one or another piece needs to take center stage, and sometimes we just need to rest. When I hit a dull moment in the kitchen, I opt for easy meals that have some shelf life, like a bean salad that I can eat for a few days, make something classic, like tuna on wheat or a PB&J, or I pull something out of the freezer and reheat, like a soup that I made a few weeks back. After all, that soup is probably a remnant of when inspiration moved me.

Fan Favorites

I was recently at a barbecue and brought an easy pasta salad with white beans and artichokes. It was tasty for sure, but also a cinch to make. I noticed a few people talking about it, asking, "Who made the pasta salad? Are those artichokes? This is delicious." It occurred to me just how much food can prop you up. I am not talking about depressed moments in which comfort food is sought to sooth, but genuine confidence boosters from its creation. I left the party feeling great, wine intake aside. It was like leaving a salon with your hair bouncing from a fresh blow-out. Those few whispers made me glow from within. With little effort, I had created a real crowd-pleaser, and that pleased me. Go ahead and try it. Cook something spectacular and let the crowd move you.

The Mighty Mid-Day Meal

Breakfast is for champions and dinner is historically the meal that brings families together. What then is lunch? It is often an afterthought that comes along around 11A.M. as the stomach starts to growl. Yet it is the fuel that gets us through what can arguably be the most demanding part of the day. In the U.S., bagged lunches typically consist of turkey and cheese or a scoop of tuna salad (neither of which I am necessarily opposed to). Travel abroad and you will see the day meal savored and prolonged. Is there a happy compromise? We think so. What are your thoughts?

A Helping Hand

Help in the kitchen is a great thing, wouldn't you agree? Sharing the act of cooking builds relationships and collaboration. Recently, I enlisted my husband's help to make an easy meal ...tacos. Nothing fancy other than perhaps a few interesting toppings. As far as food is concerned, my husband's core competency is tasting it, so I gave him some simple tasks: set the table, dice up some avocado, and toast the shells. Little did I know this seemingly uncomplicated task would take a turn for the worse as the shells went on fire, setting our toaster oven into a raging blaze. Fortunately, we had an emergency fire extinguisher under the sink that saved more than just our dinner. Next time, I think he can just do the clean up.