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.

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.

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.

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.