Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera is a pasta dish that originated as a way to celebrate the earliest spring vegetables. In fact "Primavera" means springtime in Italian. You can choose whatever combination of vegetables that you like. I used asparagus, broccolini, cherry tomatoes, yellow squash, orange bell pepper and ramps. Snow peas, fava beans, fresh peas and carrots are also great additions to Pasta Primavera. (I couldn't find fresh peas so I substituted shelled edamame). This dish is often prepared with a rich creamy sauce, but I prefer to make it with a bright citrusy lemon…
Grain Bowl with White Beans, Vegetables & Avocado Cream

Grain Bowl with White Beans, Vegetables & Avocado Cream

I am sure you have heard of a "Grain Bowl" by now because they are all the rage on instagram and in cooking magazines. But if by chance you haven't, they are a mix of healthy ingredients all in one bowl, with grains being one of the ingredients. The other ingredients should add flavor and texture and also a protein of sort. This can all be pulled together with a dressing or sauce of some kind. The herbs and spices you use can give it an Asian, Latin, Italian or Mediterranean flair.  So…
Pasta Salad with Mint & Parsley Pesto and Spring Vegetables

Pasta Salad with Mint & Parsley Pesto and Spring Vegetables

I really love a salad, and my husband really loves pasta, so this recipe is a nice mix of the two!  For myself, I put more greens under the pasta, and for him it's more of the pasta. This is a great spring or summer recipe when you want something lighter with more veggies. It is served cold or room temperature too which is nice in warmer weather. Ingredients: for the pesto & pasta: 6 cups of cooked pasta (any shape works) 1 cup of fresh flat leaf parsley 1/3 cup of fresh…
Carrot Zucchini Muffins with Oats & Golden Raisins

Carrot Zucchini Muffins with Oats & Golden Raisins

Last week when my daughter and my granddaughter were visiting we decided to make muffins. (My granddaughter, Lyla is a big, big fan of blueberry muffins!) We decided to try a slightly "healthier" muffin by adding carrots, zucchini, yogurt and oats. I must say these were a big hit with Lyla..and it was nice to have these around for us too! Preheat oven to 400 degrees (makes 12 regular or 8 large muffins) Ingredients for Muffins: dry ingredients: 1 cup of all purpose flour 3/4 cup of whole wheat flour 1/4 cup of…
Spring Vegetable & Couscous Salad Over Field Greens

Spring Vegetable & Couscous Salad Over Field Greens

Spring is officially here, and Easter is coming this weekend! Easter is early this year and unfortunately here on the east coast the weather is not quite there yet. The forsythia should just be starting to bloom and the daffodils will be peeking up through the hard, cold ground, but it is still going to be chilly. I am planning some dishes for Easter that include spring vegetables, which should help me and my family feel like spring is here regardless of the weather! I decided to make this big salad with pearl…