Rutabaga Apple Soup

I am a fan of the underdog.  Whether you're the formerly homeless NFL player, the first openly gay premier or a visible minority on a reality show- I've got your back.  I'm not sure when this fascination started, but it's been a long standing part of my personality.  In my twenties it was actually a friend who pointed it out to me.  We were watching Survivor and she said, "don't tell me who you're cheering for.  I know already.. it's the African American girl."  (It was).   Most days my hopes and dreams for the little guy comes in handy in my line of work.  I worry about people's lives and advocate when I think they can't do it for themselves. 

Almond, Sweet Potato, Chickpea and Greens Soup

Every winter I host a soup party.  Much like a cookie exchange, the women invited bring containers of soup to send home with participants.  We spend the night sampling all the soups over wine and laughter.  At the end of the night, each lady leaves with a basket full of soup to fill her freezer and hopefully, keep her warm til winter ends.

Saffron Orange Chicken Salad

 

What do you think of the new header on Kale Eats?  It seemed time to remove those juicy heirloom tomatoes from summer.  Although every time I saw the homepage they were there smiling back at me.  Like a promise that fresh, seasonal vegetables will be within my grasp sometime soon and this long winter won't last forever.

Warm Rice Salad with Chicken, Carmelized Onions and Chicken



Comfort food that is still healthy is a tricky task.  What each person describes as comfort varies and for that matter, so does what is healthy.  Jos and Luke will always love their mom's mac and cheese, but we can't eat that every night.  I don't even want to eat it every week!  (confession: I never eat it.  I only make it when Don and the kids are home eating without me.  And even then, there is sweet potato pureed in).

Nut and Seed Biscotti

 

Giving food away to people is a favourite activity of mine.  If you know me personally, you have likely received some unsolicited jam, cookies or pies in our time together.  Once I've established you like to receive food, I'm even more likely to bring you something tasty.  The first time I show up with an edible gift is always a little awkward for me.  Reactions range from elation to surprise to panic (oh no!  you made me food, now I have to make you food).  Hockey teams, neighbours, friends and family - they all know sharing food is a habit I just can't break.

Sweet Potato "Crostini" topped with Black Beans

What do you take as an appetizer to a party the first week of January?  No one wants your cheese topped crostini or decadent brownies.  NO, they want tasty food without a lot of calories. Suddenly everyone is watching what they eat, when just a week ago, the thought didn't even cross their mind.

Banana Muffins sweetened with Dates

The kids are heading back to school on Monday.  What a wonderful break they have had; skating on our backyard rink, visiting friends and family, sleeping in and playing board games.  Although I have not enjoyed all the time off with them, I have certainly enjoyed the break from packing lunches.

Fennel & Celeriac Salad with Hazelnuts

We're deep in healthy eating here at Kale Eats.  Recovering from a season of decadence, this is the food our bodies are craving.  I love a good crunchy raw salad and fennel and celeriac meet that need.  I've included a photo of the two vegetables below, so if you're not sure what they look like prior to chopping~ now you do!  Put them in your grocery cart some time soon.

The Best of 2012

2012 has been a wild ride here at the Kale Eats household.  I can hardly wait to see what 2013 will bring!  Both our kids have travelling plans this summer and we are excited to see what other opportunities may present itself.  One last look back at 2012 with the top ten posts on this site.  Some surprises along the way, but interesting to see what all of you like to see here on the site.  The one that didn't make the list is my Sweet Potato Muffins.  The online world may not have loved these, but I can tell you it's the one recipe I know my friends make the most.  It is often a snack served at work during coffee break and I never bake them myself.  The recipe is at the bottom.