I’m generally not a picky eater. Really, I’ll eat just about everything, but there are a few things I just can’t get myself to like. Melons (all variations except watermelons) and beets. I just never liked beets—well, unless they were pickled with turnips. I avoid beet salads, and beets in pretty much any other form. But I decided to give beets another chance. Truth be told, it’s because I had some beets left over from making pickled turnips that I fully intended to give to my mom {an avid beet-lover}, but never got around to, and I just didn’t have the heart to throw them out. I gave them a second life, in dip form. (more…)
Recipes
Roasted Tomato and Goat Cheese Soup
You know what goes perfectly with tomato soup? Cheese. Usually grilled cheese sandwiches. But really, any cheese will do. You know what goes great with roasted tomato soup? Goat cheese.
Believe it or not, there are people out there who don’t like cheese at all! Lactose intolerance I can understand. Dislike of cheese, on the other hand, I just can’t wrap my head around. If I could, I would live on bread and cheese for the rest of my life. My mom used to be one of those people. She’s told me a few times that if it weren’t for my dad (and his love for cheese) she probably wouldn’t be a cheese eater at all. Shocking. (more…)
How to Host a Hot Chocolate Night
Give me a theme and I will plan a party! I hosted my first hot chocolate night last winter. Since it was so much of a hit, I’m continuing on with the tradition this year. How do you host the perfect hot chocolate night? There are a few key elements. (more…)
Winter Pomegranate Spice Cake
There’s nothing more gratifying or satisfying than using seasonal fruits in your baking. I think it goes hand-in-hand with my theme obsession. I think of seasonal fruit like seasonal themes. You enjoy them while they’re ripe and fresh, and then move on to the next new and fun fruit in the next season. That’s why I’m so excited about this Winter Pomegranate Spice Cake. (more…)
Crockpot Lentil Lamb Stew
Turning up the cozy level here with Crockpot Lentil Lamb Stew and a side of couscous. Anyone else trying to hibernate this winter? I sure am. Something about not as many sun hours and cold weather makes me want to cozy up with my favorite blanket and Netflix. Netflix is a blessing and a curse. Why? For one, I love being able to watch shows without commercial interruptions. I’m also the type of person that loses interest in a show if I have to wait an entire week for the next episode. My dreams have come true because now I can watch entire seasons. Yes, I know, welcome to 2018. The negative? I usually watch entire seasons in one sitting. And without commercials, I don’t really do much else, other than binge on whatever latest and greatest series I’ve decided to commit to. I know I’m not the only one who gets the dreaded “Are you still watching?” notice on the screen. Yes, I’m still here, 4pm, in the same PJs I had on since last night snacking and watching. Thanks for the reminder that I’ve accomplished next to nothing today. (more…)