Back to School - The perfect instant snack

Back to school!  This was always one of the most exciting times of the year when I was a kid.  The smell of new crayons, picking out new shoes, and watching as Mom carefully wrote my name onto each brand new school supply.

The first day of school was always so exhilarating.  A new teacher and a class full of new friends-to-be, with so much anticipation building up into that day.  Its a lot for a kid to take in. After running in the sunshine and playing barefoot all summer, the classroom is an intense experience.  Sitting still, listening patiently, and making a good first impression take energy and concentration.

Meatless Mondays with Gardein

Every day is a great day to go meatless...and Meatless Monday is a fun way to build meat-free options into our weekly routines.  Meatless habits we make on Mondays carry through the week, and before long our whole dining style evolves into something much more healthy - all week long!

Homemade Olive Crackers

One of the best parts of the holidays is having everyone come together, eating and sharing stories.  

I love putting together an 'Apero-Dineatoire' - a French concept that is perfect for bringing everyone together and enjoying each others company.  The idea behind Apero-Dineatoire is that there is plenty to eat, all in small finger-food portions casually served in the living room.  Everyone relaxes and explores the array, grazing throughout the evening over stories and music.  Its the best!

Snacks on the Go with Perfectly Simple.

Life gets busy, and that's all part of the fun!  Keeping the garden growing, the family fed with healthy foods, jetting to and from events and activities...

We've been taking advantage of the cooler days and getting the garden spruced back up for the fall growing season.  Which means pulling out all the summer growth that's past its prime, pruning back the excess summer growth, and working all our compost into the soil before the next planting.  Its hard work, but such a productively relaxing way to spend time.

Chili Cornbread Cups

I'm on the road quite often, visiting new cities and corners of the world.  One of my favorite activities on a trip to a new country, or even an unfamiliar part of the US, is to explore a local grocer.  As simple and uneventful as it sounds, the food people buy and the way they shop gives such great insight into a local culture!  Culinary exploration.

Whole Grain Apple Oatmeal Muffins

You would never guess these muffins are so healthy!  

The freshly shredded apple makes them incredibly moist and gives a gentle, sweet flavor that is perfect for breakfast, brunch, or a mid-day snack.  Plus, serving them in cupcake liners makes them feel like dessert!

Nutty Homemade Granola

This granola is amazing sprinkled over yogurt.  We eat it for dessert!  Or, put a ribbon around the mason jar and it makes an adorable hostess, teacher, or DIY holiday gift.

French Peach Compote

When peaches are ripe and in abundance, there is nothing easier that a fresh peach compote to turn them into a healthy dessert!  This is a classic French recipe that is perfect for warm summer evenings.