Friday, September 23, 2011

Been too long

Ok, I have still been cooking, of course. The hardest part for me is taking pictures and uploading them. I don't like posting without pictures because like most people, I want to see the final product. The fruits of my labor. But, alas, I shall post with no pictures because I want to share with you a couple awesome recipes I have made lately that I am really excited about.

Yesterday I made the most amazing salad. I mean, I want to make this weekly and have it be a regular park of my eating schedule. It's that good. I don't remember how I found this but it's from Vegetarian Times. Yummy. I know you will enjoy it and it's super healthy. It's called Sweet Potato and Apple Salad with Avocado. Lucy actually really liked it and I accidentally put a red onion in instead of a white onion. I must say it was really good.

Jason has been really busy with homecoming at his school and also made a trip back to Iowa for some high school visits so it gave me a chance to make some things he usually wouldn't eat. The kids enjoyed it a little I think but really I made them for me :). This one I found sounded really like fall to me so I had to give it a try. Plus, gnocchi, hello, is so good. The kids are a fan of that, especially Lucy. So give this one a try. It's a little more unique. Gnocchi with squash and kale. I must say one of my favorite things about fall is butternut squash. The sage in this one was a little strong for me so I would omit some of that, otherwise it was heaven.

Soon I am going to be making a soup I love. It's a midwinter minestrone from Rachael Ray Look and Cook. I remember making this one soon after Miles was born for me and my friend Susie. The porcini mushrooms and sun dried tomatoes in it lend an earthiness to the soup that is so beautiful. I use bacon instead of pancetta because I can never find that at my market. It works just fine and costs a lot less. I like to buy a package of bacon, portion it out in about three strips per bag and freeze them. I always have it on hand when I need it and I never need more than that amount.

I am also really loving kale. A yummy snack I like to make is to tear up pieces of kale (minus the firm stem running down the center which I remove) drizzle with evoo and a sprinkling of salt and bake at 350 for 12 minutes or so. Kale chips; so yummy and healthy. I am still trying to convince Lucy they are good. Oh well, it is green after all.

I just made another amazing soup last weekend from Rachael Rays Look and Cook. That is one of my favorite books I own. I bought it after making five things from it while checked out from the library. It's amazing. I have made at least a dozen recipes from it and all have been tasty. This is the soup I made which is really yummy. Ancho Chicken Tortilla Soup!