Perfect brown rice takes work, and it’s achieved by following the package directions. To help it, we found that you need less liquid than than you think. Perfect Brown Rice 2 c. brown rice, rinsed 1 small yellow onion, minced 1 Tbsp. olive oil 3-1/4 c chicken stock In a heavy bottomed pan over…
Hummus
There are a million hummus recipes out there. Here’s the one I prefer. Basic Hummus 2 cans chickpeas, drained and rinsed 1/2 c. tahini paste (mix well before measuring) 1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil 2 cloves garlic 1 lemon, juiced 1/2 tsp. ground black pepper water (if necessary) Add all of the ingredients (except…
Whole Wheat Banana Flax Bread
WAIT – don’t judge this as bland tasteless bread just from the name. This bread is packed with delicious flavor and nutrition to stick with you all morning. Bake a loaf on Sunday, slice it, store it in the fridge, and toast a slice each morning. Top it with peanut butter, and you’ve really got…
Better Minestrone
Minestrone soup was one of the first recipes from the early days of this blog. After forgetting about minestrone for a long time, I wanted to bring it back into rotation but with more satisfying flavor. This version has more depth of flavor and less ingredients, because, let’s be honest, not every dish on a…
Beans & Greens
This dish doesn’t sound like much, but the combination makes it perfect: savory, substantial, and flavorful. It’s so versatile that you can substitute whatever green or bean you have on hand. On top of that, it’s so easy that it’s a no-brainer on a weeknight – we make it at least once a week as a…
Herb Spiced Nuts
Once September hits, I start craving beets. How does that have anything to do with herb spiced nuts? My salad needed something crunchy, and it was about time I made some fancy nuts. After not finding what I wanted online, I combined about three recipes to get this. It’s great. 2 egg whites 1 Tbsp…
Lemon, Shallot & Dijon Dressing
This dressing is so creamy that you’d think it was full of mayonnaise, but it’s not. It’s perfectly balanced and amazing with beets. 1 small shallot, minced 1 lemon, juiced 2 tsp. Dijon mustard 1 tsp. honey 1/2 c. olive oil Salt Pepper Add all ingredients to the blender, and run until dressing is creamy…
Caramelized onion, cheddar, and pretzel bun burgers
These are the best burgers by far. When Todd ate one he said, “I’m having a food moment.” That’s the best compliment ever. This recipe makes 4 quarter-pound burgers. 1 lb. ground beef (80/20) 2 Tbsp Worsteshire 1/4 tsp Beefer Upper (beef stock base). If you don’t have this, just skip it. 1 tsp. Sirracha…
Brined Chicken
Brining chicken before you grill it – especially on a charcoal grill – makes all the difference in the world. It makes so much of a difference that my 5 year old niece declared it the best chicken ever, and that she would eat it all herself. To her credit, she had thirds, and she…
Winter Vegetable Chili
This chili has morphed over the years from a Food & Wine recipe to an undeniable tradition at our house. The original had less spice, less veg, and less oomph. This recipe stands on its own, in your face with more of everything. It’s a great option when you want chili, but not the heavy…
