When reading Ina Garten’s new cookbook, Barefoot Contessa How Easy Is That?: Fabulous Recipes & Easy Tips, I was saddened to read in the headnote of her Watermelon and Arugula salad recipe (page 65) that she did not like the combination of watermelon and feta. Oh, how sad because I love the combination of watermelon and feta, and I love Ina Garten. But I am going to have to respectfully disagree with her on this one. The first time I tried the sweet and savory combination of juicy red watermelon with the salty soft flavor of the feta, I was hooked. I would never have though to pair these ingredients with each other yet they work harmoniously and not as strange as the Barefoot Contessa would have you to believe.
She has this wonderful salad recipe using watermelon, arugula, lemon juice, olive oil, Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. But my heart is totally devoted to watermelon and feta. And since we’re going with feta, I think adding a few slivers of red onion, a few other types of greens would make this the perfect light lunch for me today, wouldn’t you agree? [click to continue…]
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Cooking with kids in the kitchen is a wonderful way to spend time together. This recipe for almond cranberry granola Eli and I made is not only healthy but simple to prepare, even for young preschool aged children. I love homemade granola for several reasons. Oats are very inexpensive and making granola is a fraction of the the cost than the store bought variety. By making your own granola, you can swap out the fix-ins based on your preferences. And finally, I love the taste of homemade granola. There is a beautiful homeyness to it all which feeds my soul in a comforting way. [click to continue…]
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[donotprint] We’re trying to eat a little healthier around here and today I baked my favorite bran muffins. It’s been awhile since I last baked these lovely muffins but after taking one bite I was instantly reminded why I love them so much. Each muffin is full of healthy goodness without compromising texture or flavor. Filled with oat bran, whole wheat flour, ground flax seed, carrots, raisins, nuts, and apple sauce, these muffins are not only good for you, kids love them! [click to continue…]
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I love days like today when the weather in Seattle is perfectly perfect. Warm temperatures, blue skies, and not a care in the world except for the dilemma of what to eat for dinner. I decided to make a spinach strawberry salad as the main dish. I’ve had a love affair with this salad ever since I had at bridal shower 15 years ago. The combination of sweet and tangy poppy seed dressing on torn spinach is the perfect dish to serve as a light and refreshing meal in itself or for potlucks, showers, and entertaining. This salad always disappears first and is one of my most requested recipes by those who try it. [click to continue…]
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