Spicy Ethiopian Fava Beans

Belonging to a book club has been one of the better decisions I have made.  For years I thought I would enjoy this experience, but with young kids and a shift working husband it just wasn't feasible.  In the fall of 2011 I took a leap and sent an email invite to eight women asking if they would consider joining me in a book club.  I thought maybe four would say yes, and we would have a quaint little discussion group. Instead, all women said yes and we haven't looked back since.

Black Bean Rice and Chicken with Apple Salsa

 

 Spring has finally sprung here in Kale Eats kitchen and I couldn't be happier.  We spent much of the weekend outdoors hiking and exploring in glorious sunshine.  I hope wherever you're reading this from, your experience is similar.  With warm weather comes a craving for lighter fare and fresh ingredients.  Unfortunately, there is not much to be found in our neck of the woods. 

Cherry Lemon Scone

We've been helping my mom pack up and move the last few weekends.  Lost in time, we've recovered letters from old boyfriends, VHS tapes of programs we taped, Christmas gifts from 1939 and more than a few things that should have been thrown out 20yrs ago.  It is time for her to move on to new experiences in a smaller home with less of everything.  Less rooms to clean, less empty space to feel, less memories and daily reminders of who was lost from that home.

Chai Cacao Nib Granola

When Jos and Luke were younger they had a babysitter everyday after school.  For years, sweet Sophia walked home with my guys in rain, snow, hail, bitter cold and unbearable heat.  Over time she started to feel like part of our family.  Driving her home each day I would hear about what was going on in her life and most days, that meant talking about food.  Twelve years old when she started as our sitter, but her kitchen skills were far beyond many adults I've known.  We traded recipes and restaurant reviews even if I was more than twice her age.  She'd tell me what she made for dinner the day before and what she hoped to make the next time she cooked.  We'd talk about food magazines or the leftovers she noticed in my fridge.  She loved seeing our gingerbread houses being built every year and tasting any baking left out for snacks.

Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Soup

Our power went out last week during an ice storm.  Fourteen hours without heat or electricity made for an interesting day.  The kids read books and played board games.  We built a fire with very wet wood in our fireplace.  In the winter we take care to have dry wood available for fire building, but that pile was completely used.  Instead there remained an outdoor pile used for summer campfires.  I'm not sure what made me warmer, the fire once built or the sweaty effort of trying to keep the fire going. 

Cauliflower Brocoli Fritters

Trying to nourish this family during hectic days is not without challenges.  We are all so busy, I know I'm not touching on anything new here.  It is in these times that make ahead meals and snacks are what keep me sane; and feeding my family food I can stand behind.  There is no shortage of fritter, croquette and veggie cakes on this site.  Beyond tasting good, they also are fun to eat and so simple to make.  Handheld foods are always a hit with Don who prefers meals on the run throughout the day.  Although I prefer these on a bed of pea shoots with a nice drizzle of yogurt sauce, he's happy to grab a veggie cake cold from the fridge.

Black Bean Taquitos

It's been a long week here in Kale Eats kitchen. The details are boring, so I will spare you those.  Just know this weekend is being welcomed a little more than usual.  We have few plans and I'm keen to curl up with a great book.  I've not been in the kitchen as much lately and our meals have been a little more laid back.  Taquitos are a little like Mexican egg rolls and super easy to pull together.