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.

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.

Arugula Fennel Hazelnut Soup

It's a long weekend here in the Kale Eats kitchen and we're enjoying every minute of it.  Funny how one extra day makes you feel like you've got more time on your hands.  My winter walks were a little longer, our board game playing have been multiple and a pot of homemade soup for lunch seems reasonable.  Of course when a soup comes together this simply, I have no excuse not to be making it any day of the week.

Polenta with Delicata and Arugula

Luke had a friend over the other day to play some board games and badminton.  At lunch time I called the boys in and presented them with this dish.  The young boy looked at his plate, looked at me and said "what is this?"  I explained it was polenta and while he wasn't obligated to eat it, I hoped he would at least try it.  He said, "well it's better than the green pancakes you served me last time!"  Now to be fair, the pancakes in question were in fact these broccoli fritters, which are mighty tasty, but you can't blame him for being a little nervous about coming to the lunch table.