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.

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.

Braised Chicken with Steel Cut Oats and Chard

We attended a friend's wedding earlier this year.  It was a beautiful evening of celebrating the gorgeous couple and their union.  The venue was fantastic, the views of the city incredible and the food memorable.  I'm still thinking about the savoury steel cut oats served with my meal that night.  Funny how one of the most economical ingredients is what stuck with me.  I think it was the unexpected use that lingers.

Fennel, Chard & Lentil Wrap

Don's out of town and took our camera with him.  I had resigned myself to no food blogging while he was gone, but this sandwich changed that idea pretty quick.  I dug out Josilin's camera to give you a small peak of the finished product.  The quality of the pictures might not be as good, but the  quality of this wrap is high!