Meatless Monday: Gardein 'Chicken' & Bleu Sweet Potato Mash

I couldn't be happier that the concept of Meatless Monday is taking hold across the country!  When we take a moment to think about it, each animal we consume eats thousands of plants and drinks thousands of gallons of water over its lifespan.  If we take a step up in the food chain and go  meatless, even if its only occasionally, it has a huge impact on the planet!  Every little bit counts.

Eggplant Parmesan Gratin

I love eggplant season!  The plump purple veggies are so versatile and with a tiny bit of effort the results can be amazing.  Sure, they're now available year-round, but there is something special about enjoying them during the late summer / early fall when its their time to shine.

This recipe for Eggplant Parmesan Gratin is a huge favorite in our house and presents beautifully.  Its a hybrid between an Italian Eggplant Parmesan and a French Gratin, and is a knock-out served with spaghetti.  Its a great way to make a simple spaghetti dinner into a dish to entertain with.

Arepa Sandwich Sliders

Over the past few weeks I've been experimenting with P.A.N. Cornmeal, a popular ingredient in South American kitchens, and having fun making new recipes along the way! 

This week I've used the cornmeal in its traditional role - to make traditional flatbread known as Arepas.  Here's how I did it!

Roasted Red Pepper Tartine

Sometimes, amid all the hustle and bustle, its nice to just stay at home and relax.  Sure, a summer trip to Italy is wonderful, but there is something to be said about enjoying the simplicity of a relaxing afternoon or weekend in the backyard.

This Roasted Red Pepper Tartine is for just that:  A culinary trip to Italy, that takes just seconds to make at home.  The flavors carry me back to Tuscany, and the preparation is so simple that I get to unwind on the back porch a bit and rediscover how relaxing a summer staycation can be.  So bring on the heat, we're ready!

Hearty Vegetarian Chili

This delicious Fall chili is so hearty that nobody even notices that it is meatless!  Perfect for football season, crisp fall days, or a warm meal after a long afternoon of playing in the leaves.

Cheesy French Dill Omelette

The Holiday season is filled with occasions to come together, for long weekends and vacations with friends and family.  We were excited to host a French friend who came to stay with us this past weekend, and each morning we all came together at the table to share breakfast and start the day.

Farm to Table Organic Cheese

I'm always looking to learn more about what we eat.  What are the ingredients?  What vitamins are in it?  Where is it grown?  How is it made?  What are the health benefits...or side-effects...to it?

I have visited a LOT of Dairies and Cheese Producers across the country for exactly that reason.  It is so interesting to learn how all our dairy products are made!  I especially love to learn about the families and farms that are behind the products in our refrigerators and pantries -- One glance at my humble little vegetable garden reminds me just how much work family farmers invest into stocking our shelves every day.

Amazingly Simple Homemade Ricotta

I absolutely love making foods from scratch in the kitchen that I'd previously thought could only be bought at the store.  Especially when it is ridiculously easy, like this Ricotta, and amazingly tasty. 

People are always so impressed when they find out it is not from the gourmet grocery, but is actually DIY...I get such a thrill out of the inevitable, "Wait, you MADE this??"