Muffins that are healthy enough to eat for breakfast yet decadent enough for dessert – Flourless Chocolate Zucchini Muffins fit the bill. Plus they’re naturally gluten- and grain-free, use minimal sweetener, and freeze well! A recent train ride to New York City seemed like an ideal opportunity to write about the merits of today’s…
Looking for some immunity boosting magic? If you’ve skimmed a newspaper or tuned into the morning news (anyone else a Hoda fan?) even once or twice over the past few weeks, you likely know this is the worst flu season in years. As if that’s not enough, there’s a severe upper respiratory infection and a…
Easy to make and deeply satisfying, a simple adjustment makes this soul-warming soup vegan-friendly. A few weeks into my son John’s first semester at college, a friend asked him to sign a Meatless Monday pledge. He figured one day a week without meat wouldn’t be too hard, so he put pen to paper. Several…
A dear friend called this delicious appetizer easy but “showy,” and it’s a perfect description! As the New Year approaches, it’s natural to ponder our hopes and dreams and to consider the multitude of resolutions we could make (and possibly break) in the months ahead. It’s also a good time to look back…
The holidays are full of family, friends, and good cheer. All the fun and festivities, however, seem to go hand-in-hand with a present none of us want—the common cold. There’s no joy to be found in the common cold, and I’ve long been intrigued by any home remedy that claims to alleviate its symptoms. Several…
This unique salad offers a little something smoky/salty/tangy plus a hint of crunch to balance the creaminess of the roasted eggplant. For a heartier meal option, stir cooked pasta into the eggplant mixture…or add the cold leftovers to a bowl of baby spinach for a filling green salad. My friend Dan’s two favorite foods are eggplant…
As a boy, my Dad was required to take a spoonful of cod liver oil every morning before breakfast. It was one of those oft-repeated stories we heard if we voiced displeasure with what was on our plate. I still have this mental picture of my maternal grandmother hovering over my dad as a young…
Quick and easy to make, full of fresh flavor, and tossed with a simple poppyseed dressing – a side of grilled chicken or salmon is all that’s needed for a light and satisfying summer meal. As I glance back on the last few posts, things are looking rather fruity and salad-y. Tis the season,…
Nothing screams “Summer is almost here!” like red, ripe, juicy strawberries. (Side note: This reminds me of one of my sons’ favorite childhood storybooks, The Little Mouse, the Red Ripe Strawberry, and the Big Hungry Bear. If you have toddlers in your life and like to read aloud to them, this is a fun one!) But…
Sometimes it doesn’t hurt to combine a little naughty with your nice. And when the naughty (i.e., the candy) happens to have less sugar and nothing artificial, all the better! Midway through the afternoon, I frequently get a sensation of hunger that no carrot or celery stick will satisfy. I like vegetables a lot, but…
Saucy and bursting with crowd-pleasing Asian flavors, this recipe requires a short list of ingredients and cooks quickly! Mother always knows best. Just because I’m in my forties with children of my own doesn’t mean my mom doesn’t occasionally offer some helpful advice. Like most kids, I didn’t exactly relish constructive criticism when I…
Naturally sweetened and grain-free, these tasty muffins are easy to whip up and perfect for grab-and-go breakfasts and snacks. (Dessert-worthy too!) It all began with this recipe for Pumpkin Peanut Butter Skillet Cookie. Until that point, I had frequently used peanut and almonds butter in savory soups, smoothies, sauces, and more (love these sesame peanut…