-
Feeding the Soul | The Link Between Cooking and Mindfulness
As a child I was fascinated by the beautiful hands of the women in my family as they kneaded dough, arranged chicken in a vegetable-laden stock pot, and offered plates of their latest delicious experiment. Once I began cooking, I realized the immense pleasure to be found in sinking into each moment in the kitchen. Far from focusing on the final dishes, I have always enjoyed the transformation of ingredients each step of the way. Often I’ll light a few tapers while I cook, a pre-event to the meal I’m about to serve. Now being a teacher of meditation and cooking, the link between these two areas is a realm…
-
Chocolate Balsamic Vinaigrette
While this chocolate balsamic vinaigrette is enjoyable all year, I’m sharing it in the days leading up to Valentine’s Day since I consider this chocolate season. Make it as a decadent touch to greens with berries, pecans, cherries and any ingredient you think could use a kiss of chocolate. Pretty much any fruit plays well as do toasted nuts, seeds, brioche croutons, and a variety of cheeses. With a Valentine’s menu that doesn’t include salad, drizzle it over roasted carrots or winter squash. Serve this chocolate tart or truffle-like brownies for dessert. Over the next couple of weeks, I will be anticipating the sweetness of Valentine’s Day along with the…
-
Cranberry Sparkle Shortbread Cookies
In my holiday baking classes, we have a tradition of making these cranberry sparkle shortbread cookies. They’re the perfect sweets to get you in the spirit early in the season and can easily be scaled up to bake for a crowd. With raw sugar as the gold topping and flaky sea salt for a touch of silver, you will feel good about using natural ingredients without sacrificing that festive holiday touch. I find them nice and sparkly for New Year’s celebrations! Shortbread has a tender, almost melt-in-your-mouth texture, here with bright pops of chopped dried cranberries. For more holiday flavor and cheer, additions such as finely chopped candied ginger can…
-
Brandied Cranberry Sauce
When I think of decadent holiday cooking and cocktails, brandy always comes to mind. A generous amount transforms cranberry sauce into the most delicious accompaniment to turkey or your choice of roast. Holiday spices, cranberries, and dried fruit, which plumps while cooking, lend even more festive flavor. A touch of orange lends bright citrus that cranberries just seem to crave. Thanksgiving happens to be my favorite feast of the year, and I’m always looking for new ways to serve up something that will make loved ones feel joyful. Special ingredients and little touches always seem to do the trick. While you could omit the dried fruit, I recommend a combination…
-
Chocolate Peanut Butter & Jelly Cups | Halloween Inspiration
Homemade peanut butter and jelly cups are year-round sweets, but it happens to be nearing Halloween as I write this. That means I’m also sharing a playlist of my favorite seasonal songs to get you in the spirit. If there is anything better than melting chocolate for a new recipe, it’s playing some good music while you do it. Whether you celebrate spooky season or tend toward the cuter side of the holiday, now is the time to think about festive dishes to enjoy on Halloween in between popping these chocolates. I personally love this pumpkin tomato soup served in a whole pumpkin. If you already have a main dish…
cooking classes + wholesome recipes + mindful living
