Curried Asparagus Crostini

Have I persuaded you to start a book club yet?  This remains a rare treasure on our busy calendar of activities: a night just for moms.  Our most recent meeting was to discuss the wonderful book Bel Canto.  Set in South America, it brings together citizens of multiple countries to endure a hostage situation.  I won't reveal any more of the plot, just trust me that it is well worth the read.  I loved how the book drew me in and made me feel as though I was a hostage myself.  Hearing what the other ladies thought of the characters and the ending made for some lively discussion when we met.

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." 

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.

Persian Chickpea Rhubarb Curry

How utterly Canadian of me to talk about the weather, but it's hard to think of little else these days.  Although the calendar is creeping toward the end of May, the weather feels nothing like summer.   Josilin played soccer in the pouring rain and temperatures close to 3 degrees Celsius last week.  Prior to heading out she packed herself a little bag of essentials.  Two sweaters, a coat, a head warmer and her favourite blanket. 

Vegetarian Dolmades

Sharing an office at work is a little like living with someone. We share a space that's often where one goes to retreat from others.  It's been over five years that I've been shacking up with my sweet friend Norma at work and I wouldn't change a thing. Happily for me, we have a lot in common.  She loves food, children and a good laugh.  That's probably all I needed, but she's got even more going for her!  Generous to a fault, she gives her time, her ideas and compassion with me and all the clients we work with.  Every morning she greets me with a smile, asks how the kids are this morning and often, what is that beautiful lunch you just pulled out?  A grandma who has raised her own, I love to hear the wisdom she shares when I complain about my kids or hubby.

Spicy Ethiopian Fava Beans

Belonging to a book club has been one of the better decisions I have made.  For years I thought I would enjoy this experience, but with young kids and a shift working husband it just wasn't feasible.  In the fall of 2011 I took a leap and sent an email invite to eight women asking if they would consider joining me in a book club.  I thought maybe four would say yes, and we would have a quaint little discussion group. Instead, all women said yes and we haven't looked back since.

Black Bean Rice and Chicken with Apple Salsa

 Spring has finally sprung here in Kale Eats kitchen and I couldn't be happier.  We spent much of the weekend outdoors hiking and exploring in glorious sunshine.  I hope wherever you're reading this from, your experience is similar.  With warm weather comes a craving for lighter fare and fresh ingredients.  Unfortunately, there is not much to be found in our neck of the woods.