Coconut Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Coconut Chocolate Chip Banana Bread

Do you like cooking with your kids?  This isn’t a trick question. I can see why some people love it. I can also see why some people hate it.  Kids have a tendency to make things either a lot more fun or a lot more 

Peanut Butter Granola Bars

You know all those “10 things I wish I knew before I had kids” Or 5 things I wish I’d been told before I became a mom” lists that are always floating around Facebook and such?  They bug me.  Because I would have found nothing 

Paprika Parsnip Fries

You know how I know it’s fall?

Fromage Fort

I’ve always loved the idea of turning leftovers into something new: stock from vegetable scraps and the remains of a roasted chicken, casseroles with extra Thanksgiving turkey, breakfast hash from last night’s roasted potatoes.  It’s not just because I’m thrifty, but also because sometimes the 

Fruit and Nut Granola Bars

Over two years ago, soon after I had my first little peanut, I wrote a post for chicken lettuce wraps that were quick and easy and could basically be eaten with one hand.  That’s what was necessary in my house at the time.  Now I 

Guinness and Cheddar Dip

Guinness and Cheddar Dip

It’s that time of year again… St. Patrick’s Day is rolling around pretty soon. I regret  to tell you that over the years our celebrations have become more and more tame.  Which, truly, is ok by me.  As a person of Irish heritage, I would 

Cannellini Dip with Lemon and Thyme

Cannellini Dip with Lemon and Thyme

Like any born-and-bred Chicago girl, I think I handle winters pretty well.  I expect cold, and I’m rarely disappointed.  I even try to revel in the beautiful snowy landscapes and the wind whipping across the prairie behind our house.  Overall, I think I keep a 

Rosemary Chipotle Roasted Nuts

Rosemary Chipotle Roasted Nuts

You didn’t think I could sneak in another little tidbit before Thanksgiving, did you?  Well I wouldn’t offer up anything that would mess with your probably already-set menus at this point, but this is just a little add-on.  I couldn’t help myself.  They are so 

Truffle Garlic Oven Fries

Truffle Garlic Oven Fries

I know I’ve harped on this before, but this time of year always drags on for me, food-wise.  Grocery store produce sections look unbearably pathetic, and the farmers’ market (which I know I’m lucky to have this early) has barely anything better.  Potatoes.  Some limp 

Whole Wheat Cheddar Crackers

Whole Wheat Cheddar Crackers

As I’m writing this, I’m sitting in a coffee shop, organizing photos, sipping a decaf coffee (hey’s it’s after 3 pm and I’m not as young as I used to be), and taking a break every once in a while to just sit and savor