Roasted Yellow Pepper Red Lentil Soup

We are stormed in today here in the Kale Eats kitchen.  The roads are covered with ice and our plans for a family Christmas cancelled.  Luke was quite sad that we couldn't make the trip to visit family, stating that he just didn't feel festive without this tradition.  In a spirit of making the best out of a free day at home I suggested we head to the kitchen together.  The kids plan to make some Christmas cookies but I thought we'd start with a healthy soup.

Poblanos stuffed with Romano Beans, Red Quinoa & Queso Fresco

 It's been a weird summer of weather for us, but this last week has been fantastic.  Warm sunny days and cool evenings for sleeping.  We've been dining outside as much as possible.  Jos is away at camp for the week with her best friend and I can't think of a better spot to be.  I was a die-hard camp goer as a kid.  It was the best week of the summer for me and eventually, my first job.  Working as a camp counsellor is a dream gig.  Sunshine, peers and little people who look up to you all day long- what's not to love?  It took a long time to get over the camp life, when I finally got a real job in my late teens.  If only life was as easy as summer camp.

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.

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.

Potato Turkey Salad

Living in a century old home has its perks.  The baseboards are high and the ceilings are higher.  The windows are large, many with stained glass and come in shapes and sizes no longer made.  The floors creak and our doors squeak, making any attempts to sneak up on someone impossible.  We have character in every room which is necessary given the lack of decorating skills I posses. Our yard is large, as they were back in time and the trees in the neighbourhood are very mature.  Air conditioning, however, is not standard issue in these old homes.  Yes, it could be added, but in a home that has needed a new roof, new porch and many other minor renovations, the AC has been ignored.

Jerusalem Parsley and Barley Salad

Every once in awhile a cookbook comes along that can truly change your perspective on food.  For me, that cookbook was Plenty by Yotam Ottolenghi.  Not that this is an original or even surprising idea.  His take on vegetables pretty much took the culinary world by storm, with multiple accolades and awards.  When I heard that he had teamed up with Sami Tamimi to create a new book I crossed my fingers that it would be just as amazing.  Folks: these men do not disappoint.

Roasted Zucchini Sandwich with Lemongrass Aioli

Dog days of summer of here.  Hot days, hot nights and lots of zucchini growing in the garden.  This sandwich might just be my new favourite use.  Fairly quick to assemble, you'll have this one from garden to plate in under twenty minutes.  Don's favourite food is sandwiches and lucky for me, he is game to try almost any combination.

Bell Pepper & Sweet Potato Soup

I have had a few requests for more soup recipes on this site, but I've not been too keen to oblige.  Don't get me wrong, I think I eat more soup than the average person.  With the unseasonably warm spring we've had, it's been tempting to eat a lot more salads.

shakshuka

Ever had shakshuka?  A dish that can be pulled together quickly and economically and tastes great too.  It's been a standby supper, lunch, brunch and breakfast menu for some time in our family.  Essentially it is eggs poached in tomato sauce but once you taste it, you realize it is so much more.  I have seen a lot of variations of this recipe, some with feta, with jalapenos, with chickpeas... the list goes on.  I've tried a lot of versions but this is my current favourite.

Tri Colour Pepper Farro Salad

 Where do you find your food inspiration from?  Sometimes all it takes is a good sale to help me decide what ingredients I want to use. I am that lady who scours the reduced produce shelf or anything marked down for clearance. I am amazed at the perfectly good produce that grocery stores will put on clearance.