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.

Asparagus Cashew Soup

It's been a quiet weekend here in Kale Eats kitchen.  Jos was off camping with a youth group and Don was working.  That left just Luke and I to fend for ourselves.  We spent some time bickering about what to do.  He was happy to lay on the couch and play video games.  I thought we should go outside and enjoy the weather.  Eventually he decided he wanted to go across town and play tennis with some friends.  I said, "sure, let's go!"  Excited to get outdoors I was already putting my shoes on when he dropped the next sentences: "I think I can go without you mom. Just the kids can go. Not to worry, you don't need to get over protective." 

Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Clusters

Simplicity is so often desired and yet so difficult to achieve.  A quick peak at our calendar and you will see far too many days with events scribbled in.  Worse yet, are the days with multiple entries.  While I profess the importance of downtime with our family, I struggle to live by those words. 

Cauliflower Farrotto

It's been awhile since I've been able to update here.  Between a fantastic vacation away, followed by a week of illness and mountains of laundry there's been little time for great meals.  I made this farrotto before we went away with great intentions of sharing it with you all upon our return.  Similar to risotto but made with the healthier and chewier farro, it's both nourishing and comforting at once.

Lemon Cranberry Granola

And we're off!  It's March break for the kids and we're taking full advantage with a trip to the sunny Southwest.  Landing in Phoenix, we plan to explore some of Arizona and make our way to Las Vegas later in the week.  In true Kale Eats fashion, we'll be packing some food to take along for the journey.

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?

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.