Cheesy Pretzel Bites

We're gearing up for Superbowl Sunday, how about you?  Three of us are big football fans, so the game itself is almost as exciting as the food being served.  I almost didn't get to host a party this year, if Luke had his way.  We offered to let him have some friends over for the big game, but I could sense some reluctance on his part.  After some further questioning he admitted his concern, "mom, you don't know how to cook food for a Superbowl.  It's too healthy."

Date, Carrot, Apple & Pecan Muffin

I'm kinda obsessed with this muffin.  I've made these three times in the last two weeks and shared them with almost everyone I know.  The ingredient list is longer than your average muffin, but worth the extra time and effort.  Sweetened with maple syrup, full of whole grains, fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds, it's a healthy one too.  The original recipe used double the sugar and while I have made that version, I prefer them more wholesome and less dessert category.

Rhubarb Cornmeal Lime Muffins

It's spring, there's rhubarb in the garden and not much else.  The heat this week is making me crave all kinds of summer fresh food but Mother Nature isn't quite ready to provide for us.  Don, Jos and I all love rhubarb.  We recently remodelled the back yard, moving gardens and sodding over the shady areas that never really grew much.  The one holdout in this yard of green grass?  Yep, the rhubarb plant.  Left untouched to keep providing us with yummy snacks all spring long.

Chai Cacao Nib Granola

When Jos and Luke were younger they had a babysitter everyday after school.  For years, sweet Sophia walked home with my guys in rain, snow, hail, bitter cold and unbearable heat.  Over time she started to feel like part of our family.  Driving her home each day I would hear about what was going on in her life and most days, that meant talking about food.  Twelve years old when she started as our sitter, but her kitchen skills were far beyond many adults I've known.  We traded recipes and restaurant reviews even if I was more than twice her age.  She'd tell me what she made for dinner the day before and what she hoped to make the next time she cooked.  We'd talk about food magazines or the leftovers she noticed in my fridge.  She loved seeing our gingerbread houses being built every year and tasting any baking left out for snacks.

Cauliflower Brocoli Fritters

Trying to nourish this family during hectic days is not without challenges.  We are all so busy, I know I'm not touching on anything new here.  It is in these times that make ahead meals and snacks are what keep me sane; and feeding my family food I can stand behind.  There is no shortage of fritter, croquette and veggie cakes on this site.  Beyond tasting good, they also are fun to eat and so simple to make.  Handheld foods are always a hit with Don who prefers meals on the run throughout the day.  Although I prefer these on a bed of pea shoots with a nice drizzle of yogurt sauce, he's happy to grab a veggie cake cold from the fridge.

Black Bean Taquitos

It's been a long week here in Kale Eats kitchen. The details are boring, so I will spare you those.  Just know this weekend is being welcomed a little more than usual.  We have few plans and I'm keen to curl up with a great book.  I've not been in the kitchen as much lately and our meals have been a little more laid back.  Taquitos are a little like Mexican egg rolls and super easy to pull together.

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.

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.

Sweet Potato "Crostini" topped with Black Beans

What do you take as an appetizer to a party the first week of January?  No one wants your cheese topped crostini or decadent brownies.  NO, they want tasty food without a lot of calories. Suddenly everyone is watching what they eat, when just a week ago, the thought didn't even cross their mind.

Banana Muffins sweetened with Dates

The kids are heading back to school on Monday.  What a wonderful break they have had; skating on our backyard rink, visiting friends and family, sleeping in and playing board games.  Although I have not enjoyed all the time off with them, I have certainly enjoyed the break from packing lunches.

Savoury Curry Granola

We all have recipes we are famous for.  The one that family and friends routinely ask us for the recipe or servings of.  In my case, that is hands down granola.  It is somewhat of a shock to me that I don't have a granola recipe on this site yet, given the multitude of granola I have made in this lifetime.  A couple years ago I made several creations for a friend's wedding favours.  All of them were sweet concoctions with a small twist.  Think spicy chocolate cherry, pina colada and apple caramel.

Speculoos Granola Bar

Today is the first day of school for Jos and Luke.  Last Friday we were able to learn the class assignments for the kids.  Each school posts the class lists, which provides a full long weekend to either celebrate your placement or come to terms with disappointment.  For Luke, it was almost all celebration.  He is with the majority of his friends, but didn't get the teacher he had hoped for.  For Josilin, there was pure disappointment.  She is separated from her best friend and many of the other girls she had hoped to be with.  We talked a lot about making new friends and the opportunities this presented.  Well, rather I talked about these things while I was met with a lot of eye rolling and door slamming. 

Blueberry Lime Cornmeal Muffin

Today we hosted a young girl from out of town for a few hours.  She was participating in a national camp and needed a home stay for 4 hours before being driven to the airport.  When I picked her up I offered to spend the afternoon however she wished. She shared that she lives in a very small town in Saskatchewan, several hours from any city centre.  With an invitation to do anything, I expected her to say: can I go to the mall?  Instead, she asked "are there any museums or art galleries in this town?"  Wow.  Never underestimate youth.  They will surprise you every time.

Zucchini Coconut Muffin

The zucchini parade continues. At some point in the summer, my competitive juices start to flow and I become driven to find the best use of the over-producing vegetable.  I’m calling these a muffin with a glaze, but I suppose it could be argued they are more of a cupcake once frosting is introduced.

Spicy Maple Almonds

This past weekend we marked the end of Luke's hockey season with a team party.  It was time to celebrate the success, the fun, the hard work and time spent together.  Being a hockey parent is no small commitment.  Tryouts begin the first day of school in September and the season continues until the first of April.  Being a hockey coach is an even bigger commitment.

Hand Pies for Haiti

As word spread that my Recipe to Riches journey had landed me in the top 5 in my category, so did the requests to try the product.  Many offers were made from people to purchase the pies, but I really had no interest in making a profit from these.  Creating dishes has always been about the exploring and the first taste - not mass production!  For one time only, I decided to make the hand pies to give away, while asking friends to make a donation to a worthy cause.