February 1, 2011

Vegan Thumbprint Cookies

These Vegan Thumbprint Cookies pair ridiculously well with my morning cappuccino & make a fantastic snack in the afternoon with some tea. They are like an energy bar in cookie form!

They’re a little dense, crunchy, and kinda buttery with all of the almonds in them. They’re a snap to make, totally kid-friendly (as long as there are no nut allergies in your household) and the recipe makes a ton! I definitely think I’ll make this WITH Cooper when he’s not prone to dumping flour all over the place (that may take a while). It’s no big deal if he eats the batter! The only problem I encountered was figuring out which one of the jams I liked most. I used blueberry jam (I made from scratch) as well as apricot & raspberry jam (from Trader Joe’s). I really liked the seedy raspberry ones; they were the prettiest. I did love the tang of the apricot too! I dunno! I can’t decide. Let me just take another sample…
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around the home, Uncategorized

January 30, 2011

Valentine’s Day Decor 2011

It’s raining today & we’re stuck indoors so I declared today CRAFT DAY! I finally cleared off my Winter mantle decoration. I liked how it didn’t SCREAM Christmas, so I kept it up longer than usual. While Casey & Cooper were playing with trains downstairs, I started cutting up a few hearts out of cute craft paper. I forgot how fun it was to make them when I was a kid! Totally brought me back!

recipes, Uncategorized

January 28, 2011

Kale Walnut Pesto Pasta

Sometimes I wonder if I would have liked kale when I was a kid. My mom made us spinach regularly and Swiss Chard on occasions but never kale. If I had kale chips, I’d have to assume I’d be into them. I have always been a sucker for crunchy things and I don’t think my kid palette would have discriminated. But then again I think I might have been horrified with the kale chip-in- teeth- situation. Oh god, imagine if that happened in high school! If I loved them as much as I do now, I’d be Tracy– that chick with the swamp teeth! I’d be standing alone at the school dance, the Cranberries would be playing and I’d be picking at my teeth waiting for some boy to ask me to dance. Gross…

I digress…So kale AS pesto. Sounds pretty neat huh? It is. With a little bit of lemon it’s bright green & lovely. With some toasted walnuts it’s smokey and nutty. With some olive oil and Parmesan cheese, it’s smooth and creamy. I fantasize about dipping some of my Killer Garlic Bread in some. I bet it would be an amazing sauce/base for a pizza… fantastic on a baked potato or in a bruschetta concoction. Don’t feel like going through the whole process of making pesto? Try this Pasta with Braised Kale recipe instead. But really, come on! It’s super easy.

Photography, Uncategorized

January 28, 2011

365- Week 4

A food related photo every day til 2012. Here’s week 4:

28/365 Friday lunches with my Dad make me happy

Uncategorized

January 27, 2011

SNACK TIME for kiddos at Modern Kiddo!

I’m talking SNACKS over at Modern Kiddo today!

Come take a look!!

recipes, Uncategorized

January 25, 2011

Peanut Butter Granola Balls

When you’re searching for a healthy snack for a toddler, it’s important to find one that YOU will enjoy yourself. Why? Because there’s a good chance it won’t get eaten. Trust me. When I spied this recipe in one of my Everyday Food magazines during the great Magazine Hoard Organizing Marathon, I was totally intrigued. The recipe was simple and the ingredients were easily found in my pantry & fridge. I always appreciate not having to make a special trip to the market–another great ordeal with an active 2 year old.

I quickly whipped up these granola balls while Cooper ate his breakfast this morning and caught myself digging into a few of them. They aren’t overwhelmingly peanut buttery; they have a nice little crunch from the crispy rice cereal & the perfect amount of sweetness. I also love the tang of the dried cranberries and raisins. They’re a nice little snack for Cooper and I to share. He loved picking out the dried fruit and playing with the wrapper while he ate one for his mid-morning snack. I like to think they help improve his motor skills! They’re definitely going in the Toddler/Parent food rotation because after all, I do love my snack time too.
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around the home, out & about, Uncategorized

January 24, 2011

Girls Weekend!

This past weekend, one of my best friends flew down from Portland, Oregon for a visit. The second Jessica got off the plane, we figured out our food plans for the next few days. Our get-togethers always revolve around food, which is why I love her so much! We are really good eating buddies.