While my Valentine’s Day menus often include decadent favorites like lobster, steak, and truffles, this year I wanted to put together a healthier menu that would still feel decadent.
I’m happy to report that in January I stuck with my 2010 culinary resolution to learn how to bake bread. My baking group has moved on to its second assignment: soft whole wheat sandwich bread.
Citrus is a bright spot in the cold of winter, giving us a sneak peak of the fresh fruits and vegetables waiting for us in spring and summer.
I created a hearty pasta recipe that uses four different kinds of vegetables, including one that’s somewhat new to me – bok choy. It’s based on a recipe for BBQ lamb chops with a soba noodle salad that I first had in a cooking class with Terry Conolan, the executive chef at the renowned Lake Austin Spa and Resort.
One of my 2010 culinary resolutions is to learn how to bake bread. While I’m lucky enough to have access to some great local bakeries, there’s just something extra-special about homemade bread that is comforting to the soul of both the maker and the diner. And of course, anytime I make something at home I [...]
[Jump right to the recipes:
Lemon-Blueberry Muffins & Make-Ahead Whole Wheat Waffles]
Breakfast is a great conundrum for the busy family. As a mom I know that it’s critical that we all start the day with a nutritious boost, but adding a healthy breakfast into a crazy morning routine can be daunting. Over the years I’ve worked [...]
[Jump right to the recipe: Texas-Style Buffalo Meatloaf]
It’s January. It’s a new year in a new decade (depending on how you choose to count such things), and a chance to start anew. While it doesn’t have to say January 1 on the calendar to make a commitment to make a change in my life, for [...]
Sausage and broccolini come together quickly in a healthy and delicious dinner you can make on a weeknight.
[Jump right to the recipe: Tuna Tartare]
A year or so ago, I had a wild hair that it would be cool to take my favorite sushi rolls and created deconstructed versions of them to serve as an appetizer before an Asian-inspired dinner or as a refreshing nibble at a spring or summer party. The idea [...]
[Jump right to the recipe: Stuffed Squash]
When I was a youngin’ growing up, my family always had a garden. My grandmother was an amazing gardener, having been the daughter of a farmer and a child of the depression, and really had a great knack for growing just about anything she put her mind to. I’m [...]
This dish showcases fresh seafood and vegetables in a quick and healthy dinner just perfect for al-fresco dining.
[Jump right to the recipes: Honey-Cheese Spread, Prosciutto-Wrapped Dates, & Spring Pasta Salad]
Last weekend a bunch of Austin food bloggers got together to share great food and to make real world connections. A wonderful time was had by all at Penny De Los Santos’ beautiful home as we tasted the most amazing range of food [...]
[Jump right to the recipe: Buffalo Sliders]
I’ve become a big fan of buffalo because it is leaner than beef but has more protein and iron so it is a great option when I’m up for some good ol’ red meat. Most buffalo are grass-fed and free of antibiotics or hormones, so I feel better in [...]
[Jump right to the recipe: Pepita-Crusted Trout with Citrus and Avocado Salsa]
Continuing with this year’s commitment to eat more fish in more interesting ways, I put together a crusted trout recipe that can easily work for any filet of fish. After much tasting research and further contemplating my own preferences, I’ve found that I like [...]
[Jump right to the recipe: Ham, Egg, and Cheese Sandwiches]
Breakfast on the weekends can be a challenge because part of me wants to take the time to whip up a huge meal with eggs, breakfast meat galore, pancakes or biscuits, and any other morning dish I can come up with. After all, it’s not like [...]
One of the commitments I made to myself at the beginning of the year was to cook more seafood. All of the reports can’t be denied – it’s better for me (and you) all around. Even so, I’ll ruefully admit that I’m not the biggest fan of fish. I love scallops and mussels, but straight-up [...]
Tonight I made a recipe from the Passionate Cook blog that I’ve wanted to try for a couple of weeks now – Grilled Scallops with Thyme Butter, Red Chili, and Parmesan. I’m a big fan of scallops and wanted a different kind of “turf” to go with our surf and turf dinner. I enjoyed this [...]
Terry Conlan, the chef at the Lake Austin Spa, turned me onto a new way to make pizza that is not only quick and easy, but better for you than traditional pizza. It’s also family friendly because everyone can have their own personal pizza with their favorite toppings.
Terry’s secret is to use thin pita bread [...]
