With travel adventures a distant memory right now, I often find myself cooking food that reminds me of some of the wonderful places we’ve been. One of those special places was Vancouver, Canada. While on a much needed date night in the middle of a multi-leg family vacation, my husband and I stumbled on the…
Almond Butter, Banana and Chia Seed Toast
This is a “no recipe” recipe… but writing it down is a good way for me to remind myself about a great dish or send to a friend! Some time ago we were in Coeur d’ Alene, Idaho and found ourselves at this darling coffee shop called Vault Coffee. They had a great toast menu…
Quinoa Salad with Arugula, Roasted Carrots and Fennel
I had the pleasure of sharing this recipe in the January issue of our sweet local magazine, Hillsborough Living. This quinoa salad is not only perfect for anyone trying to “reset” after the holidays, but it’s also one of my favorite salads to enjoy year-round. Refreshing, flavorful, and satisfying as a main entrée, this salad…
Candy Cane Crisps
Many years ago when I was away at college, I received the most delicious care package – these cookies! My brother’s girlfriend, now wife of over 20 years, sent me a box of these for a Valentine’s treat. How sweet is that? As delicate as these cookies seem, I can personally attest that they hold…
Sugar Cookie Cut Outs
The Christmas season would not be the same without these cookies! I’ve been making them since my kids were little and it’s always a fun project to look forward to. One year, as a new teacher, (my OG kids!) I made this recipe and baked trays and trays of these holiday, winter-themed cookies. We drank…
Maple Oat Nut Scones
Waaay back in the day, I sold these scones through my eBay store called Coffee Companions. Cute name, huh? During the hours I wasn’t teaching 3rd grade or hanging out with my new husband, I spent lots of time in the kitchen making scones and biscotti. I sold them to my school for staff meetings…
Mixed Greens with Pecans, Gorgonzola and Apricot Jam Vinaigrette
A perfect salad to begin a meal with or piled on a dinner sized plate next to a crusty baguette or hot cup of creamy soup. This salad is perfect year round and lends itself to many variations. All butter lettuce makes for a wonderful delicate salad, but peppery arugula also works well with this…
Baked Turkey Meatball Sub Sandwich
If this isn’t a way to change up the work and school week, I don’t know what is! I recently made these turkey meatballs in the morning to prep ahead for dinner, and, well… let’s say they just didn’t make it that far. We were on day #527 of the pandemic, or something like that,…
Pumpkin Pancakes
It seems Starbucks and Trader Joe’s have done a good job of creating pumpkin season. Pumpkin flavoring in everything from coffee to cereal, pasta to popcorn, even when the food item or beverage doesn’t have any real pumpkin as an ingredient. I get it though! The famed Pumpkin Spice Latte (PSL for people in the…
Maple Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
Maple Butternut Squash Soup: A Recipe Full of Memories Many years ago, my husband and I had a favorite date night spot, California Cafe in Los Gatos. One dish I couldn’t resist was their seasonal soup, which always impressed me. One memorable evening, while very pregnant with our second child, I may have enjoyed my…