Hot Cranberry Sage Sipper

Now that the craziness of Christmas has passed, we are settling back into some sort of normal around here.  My heart is full of gratitude for the love and kindness of both family and friends both near and far.  There is no greater gift than knowing you are loved and valued.  Spending time together and creating memories is a wonderful gift that I cherish every year.  Although Skype plays a hand in making some of those memories, it is the time taken to converse, laugh and reminisce that matters most.

Roasted Yellow Pepper Red Lentil Soup

We are stormed in today here in the Kale Eats kitchen.  The roads are covered with ice and our plans for a family Christmas cancelled.  Luke was quite sad that we couldn't make the trip to visit family, stating that he just didn't feel festive without this tradition.  In a spirit of making the best out of a free day at home I suggested we head to the kitchen together.  The kids plan to make some Christmas cookies but I thought we'd start with a healthy soup.

5 Spice Poached Pear and Beet Salad

It's freezing here in Kale Eats country and I wouldn't have it any other way!  Think I've lost my marbles?  Let me explain.  Our backyard is home to a large ice rink, lovingly built and maintained by Don, year after year.  In fact, I think this is our seventh year with a rink of some sort.  While this sounds very quaint and idyllic, the reality is both hard work (done entirely by Don) and a lot of worrying (also done entirely by Don).  Will it be cold enough to freeze?  Is there a leak in the liner?  Is the ground level enough that the water doesn't need to be too deep?  Friends, this is my entire winter.  The weather channel is constantly being checked, with the long range forecast a beholden sight.  Should Mother Nature alter her course, it's possible swearing occurs.

Cranberry Orange Quinoa Loaf

Old friends are the souls that connect us to our past and keep us rooted in the future.  I had the pleasure of lunching with an old pal today for her birthday.  A mother to four busy kids, she is quite the remarkable woman.  I delivered lunch to her home (kale salad and rutuabaga soup) and this loaf for dessert.  We lunched, we caught up and mostly we basked in a quiet hour for two busy moms to reflect on the journey of parenting, marriage and our own happiness.

Beet & Sweet Potato Soup

Going to work everyday is never going to be my favourite thing to do.  I'd happily stay home with my kids and give back to the community in different ways if it were up to me.  Unfortunately for me, the life we have built relies on me bringing home a pay cheque and thus my dreams of baking muffins every morning and feeding the homeless go unrealized.  Truthfully, if I must work, I am exactly where I want to be.  Surrounded by amazing co-workers and a job that both challenges and satisfies me, I have no reason to complain.

Marmalade Loaf

The longer I am away from this space, the harder it is to return.  With no profound reason for my absence it feels difficult to jump back in and start sharing.  There have been plenty of wonderful meals consumed, many that would fit well in this space, but somehow my hands haven't made it to the keyboard to share.  As I pondered how to break this silence, I realized there may never be a good reason to be gone and perhaps it is best to just jump back in.  So welcome back to all of you and I hope we can meet here a little more often in the weeks to come.  There are so many cozy winter recipes to share, not to mention some holiday cheer!

Butternut Squash Apple Soup

When it comes to sharing recipes here, there are certain criteria that must be met.  Firstly, it must taste great.  Secondly, I need to have made it with great success at least two times, most often more.  Thirdly, it needs to be something worth talking about.  Maybe it's a technique that is new to me or using an ingredient that is less common.  Perhaps it's ridiculously good for you and still tastes decadent.  It could be my kids were over the moon about it, making it family friendly without being mainstream.  If we knew eachother in person, these are the recipes I would need to stop you and tell in great detail why you need to make it.

Apple Cake

 The last few weeks have been a bit of a blur with a busy family schedule.  This past weekend I was away at Luke's hockey tournament out of town.  A hotel full of 11yr old boys and their parents for three days, makes for a tiring experience.  I love watching Luke play hockey and seeing the whole team succeed.  That part is easy.  Hanging out in hallways and eating food out is not so fun for me.

Korean Short Rib Sandwich

You're a blog reader.  Me too. It's been a habit of mine for years.  Long before I wrote my own and definitely before most people did the same, I was a die hard. Most of them about food, almost all of them healthy vegetable focused and the majority you probably read too.  I don't need to tell you how great Smitten Kitchen, Sprouted Kitchen or 101cookbooks are; they're wildly popular.  Finding ones that are a bit off the beaten track are often far more entertaining.  I love to unwind at the end of the day with some mindless superficial reading before falling asleep.  Possible menu items are explored and often interwoven between personal stories that let me feel connected to those favourite writers.  Check out the heading "Blogs I Follow" to the right to see what keeps me up at night.

Carmelized Vichyssoise and Pecan Gruyure Scones

There has been an absence of posts here lately.  I've got no great excuse for the lull.  We are a busy family (as usual), but that doesn't generally stop me from finding time to write here.  I suppose the full schedule has led to a little less creativity in the kitchen.  We've had more meals that would satisfy the kids than most readers here.  Sometimes catering to their carb loving ways allows my energy to be focused elsewhere in the organization of family life.

Quinoa Brownies

It's one of my last CSA veggie pick ups today.  It's been a great season of growing and I'm thrilled to continue supporting a local farmer in her quest to provide us with organic local produce.  Stopping by each week to select veggies for our family is a highlight.  It's never easy choosing what produce we want to bring home and planning meals around them.  I'm lucky that our CSA allows for choice as I know so many simply provide you with your standard box and off you go.  There are always some items we have no choice about, but for the most part I have the option to choose.  Don recently asked that I quit choosing kale (can you believe it?), but I suppose after 14 weeks straight of the green in the fridge, he might have had a point.

Pear & Cinnamon Muffins

On any given day I would tell you how thankful I am to have good friends.  I would tell you what a great community I live in and how supported our family is each and everyday.  This week in particular my gratitude has been struck deeply.  In a moment when I needed to be two places at once, I made a call.  Twice in one week this happened and on both occasions I was met with a receptive friend willing to step in and be "me" when I couldn't be there.  Picking up a sick child from school so they wouldn't have to linger in the school office might seem like a small favour, but for the mom racing to get to her child, it is like moving the earth.

Chicken Thighs with Potato, Tomato and Lemon

Josilin loved this chicken.  Her words after the first bite were, "that is amazing chicken."  Followed by, "I call all leftovers to be sent on my lunch.  No seriously, no one is eating this but me.  This is like, serve it on my birthday good."  Not bad for a meal that was made almost entirely with ingredients laying around the kitchen.  In fact, I never would have predicted this would be made multiple times or grace the blog.

Roasted Beet & Spinach Pesto Cheesy Melt

For someone who doesn't love them, there are quite a few sandwiches on this site.  Don's favourite food in the world is a sandwich and I try to keep things interesting with various veggie combinations.  Previously I would have told you my favourite is the Roasted Zucchini with Lemongrass Aioli.  He would have said his favourite is the Southwest Sandwich .  My friend Lori still talks about the time we carpooled to hockey and I brought along my Beet and Grapefruit Sandwich to enjoy.  As their family enjoyed subs from a drive thru, she threatened that she might just rip that sandwich right out of my hands!  All this to say, I thought I had peaked in my sandwich creations.  I mean, could I really find a better sandwich than those we already loved?

Blueberry Whole Wheat Muffin

It's just the kids and I home this week in Kale Eats kitchen.  Don is off visiting relatives in another province for a much needed family reunion.  We would have loved to all go on this trip, but between a full calendar and the cost of a family of four to travel, it was the best decision at the time.

Thai Charred Corn & Coconut Soup

We've had this soup three times in the last few weeks.  The fresh local corn screams summer time while the warm soup leans us toward fall.  Jos has been packing it on her lunch at school too.  Since it's only the second week of school, I'm going to do my best not to complain about packing kids lunches here.  Honestly, although I love all things food, even I tire of creating food that will survive a school day and be quickly consumed.

Eggplant, Harissa & Herb Gremolata Sandwich

It's back to the grind this week in Kale Eats kitchen.  Back to school, work and the rink means a lot of busy days.  Was it a busy in your home too? Did you survive it?  No matter how prepared I am, the hectic nature of September always catches me off guard.  Suddenly we are up earlier, filling out forms, sharpening skates and meeting teachers.  It will be a challenge to make quiet moments in our schedule this fall but I am committed to making it happen.

Yellow Plum Chia Seed Muffins

 

Today marks the fourth anniversary since my dad passed away.   It's hard to believe it's been four years since that call in the middle of the night.  In those first days when we were all in shock a dear friend stopped by for support.  She had lost her mom years before to cancer and the look in her eyes told me she knew what I was experiencing.  The loss of a parent is the club no one wants to join.  Meeting anyone who has lost their parent means skipping a whole bunch of small talk and a joining that only pain can create.  What my friend said in those early days still rings true for me.  In an effort to improve my mood she told me things would get better.  She said the instensity of loss wouldn't lessen, but the frequency that it occurred would.  Four years on, I couldn't agree more.

Poblanos stuffed with Romano Beans, Red Quinoa & Queso Fresco

 It's been a weird summer of weather for us, but this last week has been fantastic.  Warm sunny days and cool evenings for sleeping.  We've been dining outside as much as possible.  Jos is away at camp for the week with her best friend and I can't think of a better spot to be.  I was a die-hard camp goer as a kid.  It was the best week of the summer for me and eventually, my first job.  Working as a camp counsellor is a dream gig.  Sunshine, peers and little people who look up to you all day long- what's not to love?  It took a long time to get over the camp life, when I finally got a real job in my late teens.  If only life was as easy as summer camp.

Blueberry Chutney

Well, they did it. The four kids paddled, portaged and hiked their way through Killarney Park. I had my doubts whether they'd be able to do the whole trip without parent intervention, but they proved me wrong. On portages almost a kilometre long, they happily walked with heavy sacks and paddles in hand. On long stretches of lake, they sang, laughed and told stories to paddle their way to the next destination. Despite some cold temperatures and high winds on a couple days, the trip was a great success. We hiked to the summit of Silver Peak on an off day and the kids just marched on without complaint. It reminded me once again to never underestimate what any person can do.

Carrot Kohlrabi Asian Slaw

We're back from the wilderness and I'm craving raw fresh food.  Backpacking our food in was a lot of fun, but by day five, the fresh options are gone.  Dried fruits and veggies just can't shine a light to the taste of locally grown produce.  Coming home to a hot shower and a crisp salad was pure bliss.  A slaw of kohlrabi and carrots might sound a little dull, but this salad is anything but.  Crunchy and filling, it makes a perfect lunch for home or on the road.  Don likes his on a bed of lentils, to up the protein while I prefer it on it's own. 

Peach Zucchini High Fibre Muffins

We are heading out to the wilderness this week. Back to one of my favourite spots, we can hardly wait to unwind and enjoy the natural beauty Ontario has to offer. We have another family of four joining us and the kids will have their own canoe for the first time. I'm excited to see the four of them sorting out roles and responsibilities. It will be tough to bite my tongue but I'm aiming to let them work it out alone. Portaging the canoe will fall to the adults, but the rest of it will be theirs to facilitate.  I'm sure they will amaze me with their will power, strength and ability to have a good time.

Key Lime Cocoa Ice Cream Cupcakes~ Gluten Free

Not too often does life give us second chances.  So many nights I have spent replaying a conversation or interaction and wishing I could go back in time to change the outcome.  It drives Don nuts, listening to me process what could have been done differently or how to make those changes now.  In February 2012 I auditioned for the tv show Recipe to Riches.  Not long after that experience I started this blog.  It ignited a desire to communicate about my love of food and desire to share it with others.  Writing and maintaining this space is both fun and satisfying for me.  I am grateful to Recipe to Riches for sparking this journey and prompting me to explore my creativity both in writing and cooking.  My one regret since that audition?  Not being myself.  The hand pie I took was tasty, there is no doubt about that.  The problem was it never represented me or how I cook.  It was designed solely to be made into food in a box and to win a contest. It came dangerously close to being on supermarket shelves. I think I would have been apologizing for the rest of my life if that had happened.  That's not really how I cook.. read my blog for some great side salads to go with that...

Turkey Mango Salad

Home alone, I started watching old home videos the other night.  I think we both know, if you're missing someone like crazy, the worst thing you can do is immerse yourself in their image.  Or maybe not?  I had a lot of good laughs and a few tears watching them grow up on the screen. One particular gem was of Luke's 4th birthday.  He happily opens a present from big sister Josilin.  When Luke was younger, he desperately wanted video games.  I was adamant that he would not own one unless he bought it himself.  Hindsight sure makes me sound like a mean mom, but it made sense at the time.  Josilin has always loved Luke to death and even then she knew is deep want of video games.  So much so, when we had been at a garage sale a few weeks before, she purchased a PS1 for him, at cost of $1.

Bok Choy Black Bean Bowl

I never guessed being kid-free would be so hard.  Two weeks without running to soccer, making snacks, arguing about bedtimes or cleaning up messes sounded like a good idea.  Two weeks to eat out, go for long walks and meet up with old friends was going to be so much fun.  The theory of it all makes perfect sense, but my heart is aching for something different.  Maybe it was being around kids all weekend that started this angst in the pit of my stomach.  Seeing Josilin and Luke's closest friends was a bittersweet reminder that they are not here with us.  I'm certain they are off having the time of their lives, but until I see the whites of their eyes, I worry.

Gluten Free Crostini with Arugula Pesto

It's an empty nest here at the Kale Eats kitchen.  Both kids are off on amazing adventures on different continents and Don and I are left behind.  Luke has been gone a week already and Josilin a mere 3 days, but it feels much longer.  How we will fill our days while they are gone is an ever evolving plan, but I can guarantee we will eat well in their absence.  Walking through the grocery store this week, my cart was surprisingly empty and lacked any "convenience" foods.  It was a good eye opener of the products that have crept into our life, despite my great intentions to always eat whole food.  I'm looking forward to trying out some new recipes while they are gone and hope I won't miss them too much.

Potato Turkey Salad

Living in a century old home has its perks.  The baseboards are high and the ceilings are higher.  The windows are large, many with stained glass and come in shapes and sizes no longer made.  The floors creak and our doors squeak, making any attempts to sneak up on someone impossible.  We have character in every room which is necessary given the lack of decorating skills I posses. Our yard is large, as they were back in time and the trees in the neighbourhood are very mature.  Air conditioning, however, is not standard issue in these old homes.  Yes, it could be added, but in a home that has needed a new roof, new porch and many other minor renovations, the AC has been ignored.

Baked Breakfast Clafoutis

Life. Is. Too. Busy.  I know this and yet our schedule continues to be full.  I can't change what is on the calendar already, but it is my hope that things will slow down soon.  Purposefully doing nothing will be difficult but the rewards will be great.  Pausing to enjoy the quietness of the morning or the laughter of my kids in the backyard are number one on my list.

Banana Strawberry Scone

This summer Luke is packing up for a month and heading to South America.  My soon to be 11yr old boy is about to take on the adventure of a lifetime and I'm ready to throw up.  When Josilin was his age she participated in the same program and spent a month in  Denmark.  Somehow we always knew she would get on a plane and head to far off places.  She was born to travel, including her first trip under the age of two when she proudly boarded a plane with Don and didn't even look back at her teary mom left behind.  But Luke?  He's my home body.  My mama's boy. The one who watched Josilin board that plane to Denmark just two short years ago and stated, "don't ever think about signing me up to do something like that!"

Curried Asparagus Crostini

Have I persuaded you to start a book club yet?  This remains a rare treasure on our busy calendar of activities: a night just for moms.  Our most recent meeting was to discuss the wonderful book Bel Canto.  Set in South America, it brings together citizens of multiple countries to endure a hostage situation.  I won't reveal any more of the plot, just trust me that it is well worth the read.  I loved how the book drew me in and made me feel as though I was a hostage myself.  Hearing what the other ladies thought of the characters and the ending made for some lively discussion when we met.

Asparagus Cashew Soup

It's been a quiet weekend here in Kale Eats kitchen.  Jos was off camping with a youth group and Don was working.  That left just Luke and I to fend for ourselves.  We spent some time bickering about what to do.  He was happy to lay on the couch and play video games.  I thought we should go outside and enjoy the weather.  Eventually he decided he wanted to go across town and play tennis with some friends.  I said, "sure, let's go!"  Excited to get outdoors I was already putting my shoes on when he dropped the next sentences: "I think I can go without you mom. Just the kids can go. Not to worry, you don't need to get over protective." 

Rhubarb Cornmeal Lime Muffins

It's spring, there's rhubarb in the garden and not much else.  The heat this week is making me crave all kinds of summer fresh food but Mother Nature isn't quite ready to provide for us.  Don, Jos and I all love rhubarb.  We recently remodelled the back yard, moving gardens and sodding over the shady areas that never really grew much.  The one holdout in this yard of green grass?  Yep, the rhubarb plant.  Left untouched to keep providing us with yummy snacks all spring long.

Persian Chickpea Rhubarb Curry

How utterly Canadian of me to talk about the weather, but it's hard to think of little else these days.  Although the calendar is creeping toward the end of May, the weather feels nothing like summer.   Josilin played soccer in the pouring rain and temperatures close to 3 degrees Celsius last week.  Prior to heading out she packed herself a little bag of essentials.  Two sweaters, a coat, a head warmer and her favourite blanket. 

Vegetarian Dolmades

Sharing an office at work is a little like living with someone. We share a space that's often where one goes to retreat from others.  It's been over five years that I've been shacking up with my sweet friend Norma at work and I wouldn't change a thing. Happily for me, we have a lot in common.  She loves food, children and a good laugh.  That's probably all I needed, but she's got even more going for her!  Generous to a fault, she gives her time, her ideas and compassion with me and all the clients we work with.  Every morning she greets me with a smile, asks how the kids are this morning and often, what is that beautiful lunch you just pulled out?  A grandma who has raised her own, I love to hear the wisdom she shares when I complain about my kids or hubby.

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.

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Clusters

Simplicity is so often desired and yet so difficult to achieve.  A quick peak at our calendar and you will see far too many days with events scribbled in.  Worse yet, are the days with multiple entries.  While I profess the importance of downtime with our family, I struggle to live by those words. 

Buttercup Squash Tomato Soup

It's the end of the hockey season for Luke today and that can only mean one thing: spring is on it's way!  Except, this year it really hasn't made much of a showing in these parts.  Oh well, that just means more warm soup on lazy Saturdays at home.  One of my favourite soups, this buttercup squash tomato is made in such a short time with so few ingredients, I feel a little magical pulling it together. 

Lemon Speculoos Ice Cream

Being in the kitchen with Josilin has become one of my favourite activities.  When both kids were young we baked a lot of cookies, muffins and scones together.  Inevitably they would start licking spoons, bowls and beaters.  Every bit of me struggled with this behaviour and I regret to say, we stopped baking for awhile because of it.  Most times we were baking for other people and I couldn't in good conscience give away food that had my kids' goobers in it.  It quit being fun when I spent most of the time being "mean mommy." 

Orange Whole Wheat Muffin

It's the winter that just won't leave here in Kale Eats country.  Any excuse to turn on the oven and heat up the kitchen is welcomed these days.  When it comes to making muffins, I usually count on everything being thrown into one bowl and quickly making its way into the oven.  Not so with these orange babies.  The egg whites are whipped separately, creating a few more dirty dishes than usual.  Is it worth the extra effort and dish washing?  I'd say, yes!  (I wouldn't be sharing it here with you if I didn't think so).  If it's possible for a muffin to be both light and dense at once, these are them. 

Vietnamese Meatball Soup

While vacationing in Arizona Josilin wrote a blog of our daily adventures.  Her best friend also wrote one while visiting San Francisco at the same time.  At the end of our day it was fun to choose what Jos wanted to upload and share with her friend; and even more fun to see what she had to share with us.  I am amazed at how social media savvy these young girls are and can't help but wonder what their futures will hold.

Cauliflower Farrotto

It's been awhile since I've been able to update here.  Between a fantastic vacation away, followed by a week of illness and mountains of laundry there's been little time for great meals.  I made this farrotto before we went away with great intentions of sharing it with you all upon our return.  Similar to risotto but made with the healthier and chewier farro, it's both nourishing and comforting at once.

Lemon Cranberry Granola

And we're off!  It's March break for the kids and we're taking full advantage with a trip to the sunny Southwest.  Landing in Phoenix, we plan to explore some of Arizona and make our way to Las Vegas later in the week.  In true Kale Eats fashion, we'll be packing some food to take along for the journey.

Arugula, Rutabaga Barley Salad with Hazelnuts

Congratulations to Sarah on winning the giveaway for my 100th post!  Please be in touch with an address for me to mail the cookbook to you.  (random.org did the selecting)  Thanks to those of you who left a message and to the many who visited, but didn't comment.  I can't wait to see what the next 100 posts will bring.  Something tells me it will continue to include lots of salads like this one.  Rutabaga might not be your first choice for a salad topper, but you'd be surprised just how good it is.  Tossed with a little maple syrup the sweetness plays nicely against the peppery arugula.  The second go around I put some salty feta on top.  Although not pictured it was the perfect addition.

Sweet Potato Salad Wrap

Have you entered the 100th post giveaway yet?  You still have a few days to leave a comment and win an amazing cookbook.  In the meantime, let's talk sweet potato salad wraps.  When it comes to trying new foods, I like to think I have a good eye for what makes a tasty recipe.  Even without a picture, I like to believe I know whether something is worth making or how it might need to be tweaked for success.  Sometimes, I am wrong.