Food
-
Pumpkin Granola
Autumn makes me think of hot mulled cider, cozy evenings, and baking with pumpkin. If you’re craving everything that tastes like the season, this pumpkin granola recipe will be on rotation in your kitchen as it is in mine. With pumpkin puree, seeds, and pie spices, it’s the perfect snack or breakfast. Mostly, I grab handfuls of it whenever I’m in the mood for something toasty, and lightly sweetened with maple syrup, during the day. As the perfect morning treat, this pumpkin granola recipe makes a great yogurt topping, and in the evening, it’s delicious over ice cream – think vanilla, caramel, or pumpkin itself! Also try it over baked…
-
Potato Leek Soup
Simple goodness in a soup bowl – what could be more comforting in any season? I love this velvety potato leek soup for lunch, but it’s also the perfect starter for your evening meal. Rich, buttery Yukon Golds lend exceptional flavor and cook up rather quickly. Once tender, there are a couple of options for turning them into your desired level of smoothness. Fresh herbs and edible flower petals along with a drizzle of heavy cream turns this soup into a classic spring dish. During fall and winter, consider topping with frizzled shallots or deeply roasted mushrooms. Whenever you make this potato leek soup recipe, let your garnishes reflect the…
-
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…
-
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…
