Zoodles with Roasted Tomatoes, Peppers, Edamame, Ricotta & Pesto

Zoodles with Roasted Tomatoes, Peppers, Edamame, Ricotta & Pesto

It has been awhile since I posted on my blog! I was so busy with the Christmas holidays and New Year's and my family visiting, that I hardly had time to even post an instagram. Don't get me wrong, there was plenty of cooking and baking going on all week because all of my children love to cook. (including my grandchildren!) But I personally feel it is important to be in the moment when I spend time with my family. I don't want to take the time to get the "perfect photo" of…
Light & refreshing Yogurt Dip with Crudites

Light & refreshing Yogurt Dip with Crudites

I always like to have appetizers available for hungry family and guests to munch on as we are preparing Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner.  I usually put out the traditional cheese and crackers to graze on as we are sipping wine and preparing the meal. But I find it is nice to offer a lighter, fresher option as well.  Most people want to save room for the big meal, but they need a little something to take the edge off..especially if it is an early dinner and they didn't have lunch. I made this…
A Citrusy & Refreshing Thanksgiving Salad

A Citrusy & Refreshing Thanksgiving Salad

My family loves a salad at Thanksgiving and this one is our "tried and true" favorite!  (it works equally well at Christmastime). It is crisp and refreshing and pairs well with all of the other flavors of Thanksgiving!  It is the perfect compliment to the rich & delicious dishes that are traditionally on a Thanksgiving table. It doesn't have squash in it (which is most likely already on the table in some form), or tomatoes  (which don't really work with this meal). This salad adds a new flavor sensation...."tart & juicy citrus", spicy…
Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Toppings

Creamy Sweet Potato Casserole with Toppings

I made this for dinner one night this past week and I was just planning on posting it on instagram.  But when I did, I got a lot of requests for the recipe. I guess people are  looking for Thanksgiving recipes they can bring to a pot luck that will look attractive and work well with the other dishes. This casserole can be made ahead of time and then warmed up right before serving. It is easy to prepare and is a nice way to add sweet potatoes to your Thanksgiving table! A…
Spicy Two Bean Vegetable Chili with Polenta Dumplings

Spicy Two Bean Vegetable Chili with Polenta Dumplings

The weather is getting nippy out and warming meals are exactly what I am craving these days.  Chili is one of the best dishes for this kind of weather that I can think of.  It is warm, spicy and so delicious. If you add lots of beans & vegetables to it, it is a healthy one-dish meal.  It is also one of my husband's favorites! You cannot lose with warming bowls filled with spicy, vegetable & bean chili on a cold day! Here is what you need: (makes 4 servings) 2 cans of…