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.

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.

Fennel Blood Orange Pistachio Kale Salad



 

It's a beautiful winter day here in the Kale Eats kitchen.  Freshly fallen snow and a good blast of sunshine streaming in the window.  I can't decide if it's a good day to snuggle up in doors or better to brave all that snow and get a dose of Vitamin D.  Luke was so excited to see the snow this morning.  It's hard not to join in a child's enthusiasm.  Of course all that snow meant shovelling for me and sledding for him.  Who wouldn't want to go sliding down a hill right about now?

Rice with Delicata Squash and Kale

With fall activities in full swing our calendar is becoming increasingly full.  Between swimming lessons, hockey and youth group commitments we are often eating in short windows of time before heading off to an activity.  It is during these busy times that I will try to have quick meals at the ready so there is no stress attached to meal times.  I really believe in nourishing the little athletes as much as possible. Don accuses me of being a little fanatical about this topic, but I figure there is no harm in trying to give our kids whatever advantage may come from a well fueled body.  I can't stand the thought of them being in the water or on the ice and wanting to perform but having their body fail them. 

Quinoa Roasted Beet, Kale & Hazelnut Salad

Once a  week this summer, I've tried to make a new salad using grains and veggies.  Making it on Sunday afternoon, it provides several days of lunches for Don and I through the week at work.  My goal has been to not repeat a recipe, and so far, so good.  It certainly helps that there are so many vegetables in season right now!  I'm not sure how much longer I can keep this challenge up, but it's 12 weeks so far and I don't see an end in sight.

Grilled Kale, Plum & Ricotta Salad

Coming up with a name for a blog is no small decision.  Forever linked to whatever I may choose to post and share, the title of your blog cannot be changed or removed.  I’ve had a few people ask me “why Kale Eats?”  I wish the answer was an exciting one, but I’m afraid it’s pretty tame.  I originally had a few other ideas that included the word kale, but the domains were already taken.  When setting up on the host site it gave suggestions as possible alternatives and Kale Eats came up.

Carmelized Onion, Sun dried Tomato BBQ Pizza

I have figured out the secret to a happy marriage: agreeing on pizza toppings.  Think about it.  What meal do you eat more in your adult life than any other?  Pizza.  Loving the same one makes for far less arguments about what the pizza will have on it this time.  Both Don and I love our crust super thin and crunchy off the grill. Thankfully, he has also come to appreciate a good veggie version when it comes to toppings.   Pizza on the BBQ is one of our family's summertime favourites.  The kids love to make the dough and open "pizza store" where each person chooses their own toppings. 

Pesto Quinoa Salad

I don't like to repeat meals too much at home.  Whenever I am asked, "what is your favourite meal?" my answer is, "the next one!"  While I love to try new things, inevitably there are some meals that are repeated.  This quinoa dish is one that I've had a lot of requests to bring to potlucks, cottages and lunch dates.  One particular potluck involved a group of hockey coaches standing by the dish stating, "what is that?" followed by "looks kind of weird?".  Imagine my satisfaction when not only did they go back for seconds, they asked for the recipe.

White Bean Cakes topped with Kale and Tomato

Don ate this meal and exclaimed: "seriously, just open a restaurant already!"  I was most thrilled with this enthusiasm because my primary purpose for the meal was nourishment.  The endless pursuit of healthy eating has been ramped up this spring at our home.  Maybe it's the looming swimsuit season or a couple road races we've signed up to participate in.  Regardless, I'm thrilled to have hubby's commitment to making healthy food choices.

Lemongrass Kale Salad

 I'm feeling a little under the weather today.  Whenever I'm feeling ill I inevitably try to think of the food that will heal me.  I'm not sure if it's the healing properties of fresh food that makes me feel better or just the placebo effect of believing it will.  Either way, this is a fine tasting salad that is quickly pulled together.

Kale and Black Bean Enchiladas

Many a guest has sat at our table following a meal and looked at Don with envy.  The assumptions being that he eats that well every night and that he cares.  It's not really true on either account.  I won't lie, most nights we eat very well, but we too eat leftovers and order in.  The reason we eat so well is because I find it exciting and enjoyable to make new things.  It matters a lot to me what I consume!  For Don... not so much.