Michael and Ely (my twin boys) started school today (5th grade already!), Mr. teenager started high school (yikes!) last week. With all three in school now I decided to take a breather for a minute to enjoy some quiet time sitting outside, slowly sipping my americano and letting the sounds of nature consume me.
Easy Green Enchiladas
Shrimp ’n Slaw Sandwich + Onion Rings
Hellooooo everyone, so thrilled to be back cooking for you guys again!! That maintenance mode page was so annoying – sorry and thank you for your patience!
I can’t believe Memorial Day is just about here. I know I say this all the time, but time just goes way too fast for me! If you happen to be cooking this weekend and want to kick off the unofficial let’s pretend start of summer in true casual, kick-back style then have I got a sandwich and side for you!
Light and Easy Spaghetti with Lemon, Fennel, Basil, and Langoustine
When I think of pasta I think big bowls smothered in sauce. And although most pasta dishes kind of make you wish you had those big, stretchy sweatpants on … not today. Light and easy is on my mind.
Can you believe this is Los Angeles? Need a pick-me-up.
In need of some of mother nature’s sunshine: lemons. Pasta, sans sauce, full of lemon and fennel with langoustine is dinner tonight. A light pasta perfectly suited for my slow and aging metabolism.
Leg of Lamb with roasted fennel, onions, and carrots {gluten free, dairy free, soy free}
Artichoke with pesto bread crumbs
Spring is here. I wish I can say the same for everyone, but according to my Mom who lives in Queens, NY it doesn’t feel like spring yet with the remainder of a blizzard that hit on the official day.
Though it may not feel like spring outside for some, this artichoke with pesto bread crumbs will give you the impression of warm sunshine. At least, I hope it does. Sweet artichoke with heaping spoons of bright, fragrant spring herbs and citrus fruit (lemon is the shining fruit in here) is something we need to welcome some spring in.
Tomato Free Barbecue Sauce Beef Bolognese (gluten free, dairy free, soy free)
My teenage son and twin boys’ have developed a strong sensitivity to tomatoes a couple of years ago. So much so that they develop a rash on their torso and have trouble sleeping. I never realized how much tomato, and tomato-based products we eat until I had to remove it from the kitchen. One of the condiments that we sorely missed was barbecue sauce (tomato being the main ingredient in most), but now we don’t have to!
Braised Beef Short Ribs + Parsnip Puree, an adapted Ad Hoc recipe
Please excuse my slightly obsessive chatter on Thomas Keller for a minute, or two. His passion, dedication and attention to detail is something I admire deeply.
He is an acclaimed chef behind the world renowned French Laundry, Per Se, Bouchon, and Ad Hoc restaurants and beautifully represents the art of intuitive cooking. In his cookbooks (yes, have them all) he shares his (simplified) techniques for us home cooks to apply to some fabulous recipes. Specifically, this gluten free and dairy free braised beef short ribs and parsnip puree recipe.
Hearty Vegetable and Bean Soup
I’m sure you’re feeling the winter chill (who isn’t? — especially the east-coasters who have been hit with lots of snow), and could use a big bowl of some hot soup filled with tons of filling veggies, if so, then this recipe is for you.
I made this for my three younger boys who got the flu, one after the other. First my thirteen year old, then my youngest twin (who decided to eat his brothers’ half-eaten toast that was sitting in his room), and eventually his twin who wanted to comfort with kisses – when I saw him laying next to his brother watching TV and hugging him I knew we were not done with this just yet. It breaks my heart when my kids are sick.
Game Day Pulled Pork Sandwiches
A day of watching football requires some good game day food like these pulled pork sandwiches, on a sesame seed bun. Yay for sesame seed buns! The layers of flavor packed into this sandwich will quickly make this a crowd pleaser. Make sure to have extra napkins on hands, it’s a messy one, but in a good dripping-down-your-chin kind of way. I love how the pickles and pickled onion give it a bright, tanginess and the acidity in the cabbage slaw compliments the pork. A super satisfying sandwich that I hope you enjoy as much as we do on game day (or any day!). Who are you rooting for this weekend? Colts or Patriots? Packers or Seahawks?