Healthy and Delicious Hummus Recipes

There is one staple in my refrigerator that I would be lost without: hummus. I can remember when I first tasted this concoction of garbanzo beans, tahini, and garlic. I hated it. I grew up eating meat, potatoes, and vegetables. Sandwiches consisted of peanut butter and jelly or bologna. Not exactly healthy cuisine. 

Over time, I grew to like it. Now I can't get enough. It's the perfect party dip, snack, and meal. I like to top plain hummus with really good extra virgin olive oil or lemon or spices or a combination, and there isn't a vegetable that doesn't love hummus.

It's super easy to make, but if you're in a jam, I suggest purchasing Classic Hummus from Sabra and doctor at will.  

Roasted Garlic Parmesan

Basil Pesto

Avocado Lime

Lemon Garlic

Spicy Creamy Sriracha

Enjoy!

P.S. You may also enjoy Move Over Fries, It's all About the Ketchup and Slow Cooker Meals. 

Delicious Reads: Delicious!

Ruth Reichl is a lover of food and words—a woman after my own heart. As a former undercover restaurant critic for the New York Times, she's penned several memoirs, including Garlic and Sapphires, an often comic look into the world of food snobbery. Her other critically acclaimed memoirs, Tender at the Bone, Comfort Me with Apples, and For You Mom, Finally, have graced the shelves of every foodie worth their salt.

But it's her first work of fiction that brings in all full circle. Delicious! is NYC's most iconic food magazine, and it is here where Billie Breslin finds an extended family as colorful as the vegetables. A story about family ties, secrets revealed, and the perseverance of a young woman finally ready to embrace her own gifts, Delicious! delivers.

If you haven't read this one, add it to your list!

Blueberry Tartlets

This month is all about the berry. David happens to love blueberries, so this tartlet is sure to win him over. (And it's small enough to treat yourself without feeling guilty.)

Made with a gingersnap cookie base (yum), maple syrup (perfect this time of year since it's maple syrup time here in New England), mascarpone, and blueberries. 

Find this simple and delectable recipe here.

P.S. You may also like Lemon Cake with Raspberry Sauce.

Photo: Michael Stern

8 Delicious Spring Vegetables (and Recipes!)

I can't wait for farmers' markets to open... fresh fruits and vegetables feel like such a treat after a long winter. And although I do love fresh fruits (especially berries) I'm more of a vegetable person. I think it kind of goes along with me preferring savory to sweet. Well, most of the time.

Just the other day, Kate was talking to me about the health benefits of certain foods. I'm still learning what foods will provide me with enough nutrients for healthy living. Then I thought of all of the spring vegetables that are slowing creeping into the markets.

Here's a run-down on why They're good for you, then I'll get to the recipes.

Artichoke: Provides fiber, potassium, calcium, iron, phosphorus and other essential minerals. Helps with liver health, arteriosclerosis, gout, migraine headaches, improves digestion, and lowers blood sugar.

Asparagus: Provides (114%) of vitamin K, folate. Helps with bone health and cardiovascular system.

Avocado: Provides good fat (oleic acid) folate, carotenoids, beta-carotene, and lutein. Contains free-radicals and helps with oral cancer.

Fennel: Provides a blend of phytonutrients such as rutin, quercitin, and kaempferol glycosides (powerful antioxidants). Helps reduce inflammation and the risk of cancer.

Fiddleheads: Provides vitamin A and C, fiber, iron, potassium, niacin, riboflavin, magnesium, and phosphorous. Helps eye health.

Mustard Greens: Provides high content of vitamins K, A, and C, beta-carotene, B6, folic acid, magnesium, and calcium. Helps fight free radicals, supports cardiovascular system, bones, and menopause symptoms.

Peas: Provides fiber, folic acid, vitamins C, K, A, calcium, iron, copper, zinc, and manganese. Helps with inflammation, cholesterol, bone health, Alzheimer's, skin, eyes, and oral cancers.

Radishes: Provides vitamin C and potassium. Works as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory, and helps with kidney and blood health.

Other spring vegetables include: arugula (rocket), beets, carrots, chard, garlic, green onion, leeks, new potatoes, and turnips.

Fresh Spring Pasta

1 lb. pasta
1 lb. asparagus with bitter ends removed
1 pint cherry tomatoes
3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon fresh garlic, minced
Salt to taste

1. Cook pasta and set aside. I prefer to use thin spaghetti. Any variety will do.
2. Roast, grill, or steam the asparagus until tender but firm. Once cooled, cut into 2"-3" pieces. Set aside.
3. Add 2-3 tablespoons of EVOO to a sauté pan over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Do not brown.
4. Immediately add the cherry tomatoes and salt, and cook until tender (the skin will start to pucker). You may even want some to burst.
5. Plate pasta and add asparagus and the tomatoes, garlic and oil over top.
6. Toss and serve. May be served warm or at room temperature.

Note: You may wish to add more oil and/or garlic to taste.

More recipes to enjoy...

Steamed Spring Vegetable with Garlic-Herb Aioli, Fresh Pea and Ricotta Tartines with Spring Vegetables, Roasted Spring Vegetables, and more here.
 
Photo: Jean Gazis

Delicious Reads

If you love to travel, and you love to eat, this is the book for you. I'm kicking off a new series about books dedicated (mostly) to food that will cleanse your palate with fresh words and new ideas.

Where Chefs Eat is the updated printing of its original. 600 of the world's best chefs recommend 3000 restaurants in 70 different countries. Now you'll know exactly where to find the best burger in San Francisco or Paris.

P.S. You may also enjoy These Are Just Two of My Favorite Things, The Luck of the Irish, and Irish Beef Stew.

I'll Have Dessert First

Lately, I've been craving sweets like crazy. It's not exactly good for the waistline and (I think) I've finally got a handle on it. But that didn't stop me from enjoying this delicious chocolate mousse cake and cappuccino from Café Vittoria on Saturday. The girls spent the weekend together in Boston and David and I came down to take them to the North End. Can you tell we're a chocolate family? David had a mocha, Kate had hot chocolate, and Amanda indulged in the gelato—chocolate, of course.

If that wasn't enough, we went up the street to Mike's Pastry to get the girls a few snacks for the rest of the weekend. Known for their cannoli and other Italian pastries, the girls opted for the whoopie pies—a New England classic that consists of two rounded chocolate cakes sandwiched together with thick, sweet cream. If you can't get to the North End, make them yourself from a couple of recipes found here and here.

It's not unusual for the line to stretch down the block, so when we arrived, we we're happy we didn't have to wait too long.

Things go fast! Especially the cannoli. When you walk up to the counter you'd better know what you want, because if you don't speak up, the person behind you will. Balls of string hang from the ceiling so once you're goodies are boxed, the servers can tie them up in a flash. It's pretty amazing to watch.

You must come visit. Here are a few more reasons why you should.

P.S. You may also like Yes, I'll Have a Bowl of Chocolate Please! and Lemon Cake with Raspberry Sauce.

Move Over Fries, It's All About the Ketchup

I haven't met a French fry I didn't like, unfortunately. And unlike my mother who loves to douse hers with vinegar, I am a purist. Ketchup is to French fries what peanut butter is to jelly; it just works.

If you're more of a pomme frites kind of person who likes to dip their salted potatoes into a more elegant sauce, let me temp you with these gourmet ketchup recipes and bring you over to the other side...

Indian Spiced
1/2 teaspoon curry powder
1/4 cup sauted onions (finely chopped)
1/2 cup ketchup

Bloody Mary
1/4 teaspoon celery salt
1 teaspoon horseradish
1 teaspoon tabasco sauce
1/2 cup ketchup

Mexican
2 tablespoons Cholula hot sauce
1/2 cup ketchup

Chipotle Lime
1/4 teaspoon freshly squeezed lime juice
1 can chipotles in adobe sauce
1/2 cup ketchup

Truffled
2 tablespoons black truffle oil
1/2 cup ketchup

Southern
1 teaspoon liquid smoke
2 teaspoons brown sugar
1/2 cup sautéed onion (finely chopped)
1/2 cup ketchup

Sweet and Sour
1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
1/2 cup ketchup

Mix well and cool when necessary.

Want to get crazy? Make your own ketchup. Recipes here and here.

P.S. You may also like Comfort Food and Eating Out - Eating In.

Photo: Amy Evans

What's for Supper?

When I started to write about food, I tagged my posts "What's for Supper". And you know what? it's a question I've been asking myself more and more lately. Since we're now empty-nesters (most of the time), I don't have to cook much in order to be fed well. David isn't fussy and we'll both eat leftovers. In fact, he won't even be home tonight so it's dinner for one.

I think this happens every time a change of seasons draws closer... I get restless and don't know what to cook. So if you're like me, and you need a little motivation to get in the kitchen (but not be a slave to it), here are some recipes you may enjoy.

Dinner for One: Pasta with Olive Oil & Garlic, 10 Simple Recipes

Crock Pot: Balsamic Roast, Honey Garlic Chicken, Chicken Fajitas

Soup: Tortellini Tomato Soup, Asian Chicken Noodle, Cabbage Roll

Heart Healthy, 50 Healthy Dinners

And to round things off nicely, Pizza and Chocolate! (In case you didn't get your fix on Valentine's Day.)

P.S. You might also like Cork & Capsule and Do You Read About Food?

Photo: Moyan Brenn

Date Nights That Will Make You Giddy... (And lots of recipes too)

What do you consider the perfect date night? Is it dinner and a movie? What do you wear? Where do you go?

As I mentioned in my previous post, date night can mean so many things, especially when it comes to special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, and Valentine's Day. But let's shake things up just a bit.

Going out to a romantic restaurant can be... romantic. But oftentimes a little over the top (cut to the scene where Carrie and Miranda are surrounded by floating pink balloons). So forget the usual date-night places and hit the local pub instead. Play a game of pool; drink pints, not martinis; order a big, juicy burger; and hit up your date for jukebox money. Big hair and red lipstick are a requirement.

Staying in can be incredibly romantic, but don't get sloppy. I'm all for a pizza and Netflix night, but I think we can do better than that. Cook together. This would be a tough one for me because I'm a little manic about having anyone in the kitchen while I cook. However, if you plan it well, and you are like me, it will be okay. Don't worry about your culinary skills, anyone can chop vegetables for a quick stir fry or salad. Make chocolate fondue and feed one another. Or forget dinner and make cookies, ice cream sundaes, or some s'mores in the fireplace. (And if you're going to watch a movie, make it a scary one so you can inch closer and closer as you figure out who done it.)

Here is the (very) ambitious Valentine's Day menu couples will cook together at the Cambridge School of Culinary Arts this Sunday. If you're game, go for it! (Couples cooking classes make a great gift.)

• Oysters Rockefeller
• Goat Cheese and Arugula Salad with Figs and Spiced Pepitas
• Heart-Shaped Polenta Crostini with Wild Mushroom Ragout
• Ravioli Stuffed with Cheese and Herbs
• Individual Beef Wellington
• Asparagus Almondine
• Roasted Fingerling Potatoes
• Chocolate Cake with Raspberry Mousse

Let him bring home take-out while you get dressed in your sexiest PJs, or go all out and dress for a date on the town—high heals, perfume—the works. Here are the rules: you set the table and get dressed. He brings home the food and jumps into the shower. Meet in whatever room you're dining in at a pre-determined time. Let the evening unfold.

Game night anyone? If he's a gamer, put on your best game face and join in. If you love cards, start a tournament where you can keep a running tally going and make this a date night ritual. Maybe you're into puzzles, trivia games, hide and seek. Whatever you love to do, do it together. (Super competitive people lay down ground rules first.)

Make a day date. Hike, bike in the park (and take a picnic), go out for ice cream, catch an afternoon movie (good for cold or rainy days), get lost in a bookstore and share your favorites, shop for that evening's dinner (only fun foods allowed), hit the local arcade, go roller-blading, surf, or ski. Go bowling. Yes, bowling. Get lost in a museum while holding hands.

Did I mention you don't have to do these things with a man? Show your girlfriends some love and celebrate with them instead!

So what will I be doing this Valentine's Day? Oh, it's very romantic. David and I will be driving our two daughters back to school. Maybe I should make a thermos of hot chocolate for the ride...

Yes, I'll Have a Bowl of Chocolate Please!

If dessert hasn't been on your mind, it will be soon enough since February 14th is just around the corner. If Valentine's Day means nothing to you but getting a box full of chocolates, making chocolaty treats, or basically consuming as much chocolate as you can, I'm here for you.

So why do we love chocolate so much? After all, this love drug contains compounds similar to those found in ecstasy, morphine and marijuana(!), so it really should be illegal. These compounds act on receptors in the brain that release pleasure-generating neo-transmitters like dopamine. That's the euphoria you feel when eating it... like falling in love. It bestows heightened feelings of sexuality; an aphrodisiac that many people throughout history have believed a truth. (I'm willing to research this further. Just to be sure I've got the facts straight.) (Dark) chocolate might even be good for your heath. In moderation, of course.

Regardless of how it makes you feel, it certainly tastes good!

Here are a few recipes you may enjoy...

Sweets for the Sweet ( recipes for mousse, truffles, Mexican hot chocolate, and a chocolate martini)

Chocolate Truffles

Famous Brick Street Chocolate Cake

Death by Chocolate Cupcakes

Drinking Chocolate - Oh boy!

P.S. You may also like Chocolate! and Happy Birthday! (My favorite chocolate cake recipe.)

Photo: Luisa Contreras

Butterbeer Recipes... and What the Heck is Gillywater?

Kate (at almost 21 years of age) finally received her Hogwarts letter! As an early college graduation gift, we decided to head to Florida just after the New Year. Kate—and our whole family—are huge Harry Potter fans. It was everything we had hoped and more. The helpful people at Universal were always ready to tell a HP story or two and let us know that J.K. Rowling herself approved every last detail. To this day, if the park decides to move or change anything, they must get her signature first.

Once we were inside the famed Diagon Alley, Kate had to have a Butterbeer. Some of us tried the Pumpkin Juice—a very sweet drink that tasted like sweet tea mixed with pumpkin, it wasn't too bad. David had Fishy Green Ale, which is basically gingerale with exploding blueberries. It's greenish color and fizz would make an excellent drink to serve on Halloween. Gillywater was my drink of choice (because it's just water but with a cool label). And finally the aforementioned Butterbeer. A butterscotch-flavored drink with a sweet foam I can't quite describe, you can have it cold, frozen, hot, or even as an ice cream flavor. Frozen and hot Butterbeer were our favorites and we recommend it over the regular cold version. Would you believe no one had a Butterbeer ice cream? (This family lives for ice cream, but the diehards chose chocolate (boring) while I indulged in Earl Grey and Lavender. It. Was. Delicious.)

I don't think you can really replicate the recipe, but there are many people who have tried. You can find recipes here, here, and here. And when you visit your favorite Starbucks, they can make you one too. (Try this and this.)

Better yet, grab a broomstick and go try it yourself.

The Benefits of Coffee

I gave up drinking caffeinated coffee three years ago. My over-stimulated nervous system didn't need any more stimulation. Luckily, I never went through any withdrawals because I only drank about a cup or so each morning. However, I do love the taste of coffee, so when I go out for breakfast or a treat, I'll order decaf.

My husband, on the other hand, can't even function without at least two cups every morning. He's come a long way from guzzling his 6 jumbo-sized-coffee-laden-with-sugar habit when I met him.

Caffeine, like so many other chemicals, is a drug that you can live without. But you have to weigh the pros and cons of caffeine consumption with the natural benefits coffee can provide. Caffeine—as we all know—gives you that boost of energy, but it also may help you stay sharp. It is loaded with antioxidants and beneficial nutrients (vitamins B2, B3, B5, magnesium, manganese, and potassium) that can improve your health.

Studies have shown that coffee may actually help reduce your risk of cancer, including prostate, liver, and skin cancers, as well as lessening the effects of depression by up to 20%. "Drinking a few cups of coffee a day could lower the risk of developing Parkinson's disease by as much as 25 percent, according to a study published in the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease." 

"Coffee may be protective against type 2 diabetes. Researchers at UCLA identified that drinking coffee increases plasma levels of the protein sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). SHBG controls the biological activity of the body's sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen) which play a role in the development of type 2 diabetes."

"Researchers at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) and Harvard School of Public Health, concluded that drinking coffee in moderation protects against heart failure. They defined 'in moderation' as 2 European cups (equivalent to two 8-ounce American servings) per day."

So... for those of you who can handle the jitters, coffee, in moderation, may be a good thing after all.

P.S. You may also like My Favorite Starbucks and Natural Beauty.

Totally Crushing Over

Deliciousness! Whether you can actually eat it or not, I'm all over smells, tastes, and the visual vibrancy of the season. No wonder most of us gain weight this time of year. I put on 5 lbs. just writing this post. Check out some of my favorites.

Winston Flowers is always a feast for the senses. Our annual Christmas in the City trip is coming up soon, and I always make a point to stop into their Newbury Street store. It's beautiful inside and out. (And they have edible goodies, too.)

Do you have a hot chocolate station in your home? If not, be inspired and add one. And then make these adorable mini gingerbread houses. (Mugs: Anthropologie.)

I used to be a Grinch about Starbucks, but I've become a total convert. Although I prefer a nice real Italian cappuccino from Café Vittoria, I adore the vanilla lattes from Starbucks. I'm headed into Boston tomorrow and I think I'll stop by my favorite SBs on Charles Street.

Do you want your home to smell scrumptious this holiday season? Domino has some ideas. Combine cranberries, pine, orange peel, cinnamon, clove, or whatever else you have on hand, and simmer in a pot of water all day long. Bonus: it looks beautiful too!

Heart Healthy Desserts!

The holidays make it tough to eat healthy, never mind heart healthy. My mother modified her Thanksgiving dinner for my dad knowing what she was allowed to sneak in with his dietitians's consent. A little dessert is okay every now and then, provided the ingredients stay within a few guidelines.

I know he likes his sweets and I know he likes oatmeal. Let's see what he thinks of these two recipes.

Banana Oatmeal Cookies

These cookies use canola oil and soymilk in place of butter and whole milk. Carb lovers will also enjoy them simply because of the addition of bananas (they contain resistant starch). You can also use an organic sugar substitute and make them with raisins instead of chocolate chips. Get the recipe here.

And because oats are an excellent heart-healthy food, try this recipe for Baked Pears too.

P.S. Here are a few more heart healthy recipes.

Photo: Janet Hudson

Heart Healthy Mashed Potatoes and Gravy!?

Yes! Let's talk potatoes. I realize that mashed potatoes might not be the first thing you think of when talking food and heart health, but it's really the butter and cream (and the tasty gravy you add afterwards) that's the culprit. So here is an easy way to make delicious, and yes, heart healthy, mashed potatoes AND gravy.

Mashed Potatoes

The trick to mashing potatoes starts with selecting the potato itself. It needs to be a starchy (versus waxy) potato, one that will break down easily. Russets are a good choice and the preferred variety I use every time I make mashed potatoes.

1. Soak potatoes in cold water for at least two hours. Overnight is even better.
2. Once potatoes are cooked through (I peel the skins, then cut them into quarters and add to boiling water), about 30-40 minutes, push them through a ricer instead of mashing with a spoon, potato masher, or blender. This will give the potato a nice consistency.
3. Quickly add milk, about 1/4 cup for 5 lbs. of potato (I use 2% and you can even use non-fat, or you could use 1-2 cups low sodium chicken or vegetable stock), and fold the milk or broth into the riced potatoes. Don't over mix. They may look different, but they'll melt in your mouth.

Forget the cream and butter. And if you don't like gravy, use a little fresh pepper for added flavor.

Gravy

Now for the gravy. These two recipes are good for all food eaters—vegans, vegetarians, and carnivores alike. Click here for recipe #1 and recipe #2. (Number two is a bit easier to prepare.)

Now go and feast on Thanksgiving dinner next week without having to count extra calories and knowing you're eating heart healthy!

Photo: Chotda

Heart Healthy Tomato Basil Pasta

Honestly, I'd probably eat this right out of the pot before it's even cooked! Pasta gets a bad rep when it comes to heart health. My dad's dietician says that he can eat many foods that were thought to be taboo every now and again. And although I'll defer to a licensed dietician, I'm still a bit skeptical when it comes to certain foods. However, with all of these fresh vegetables and herbs, the pasta in this recipe takes a back seat. If you're still a bit cautious, try one of the many pasta products available like Barilla Whole Grain and Barilla Plus products that contain protein, fiber, and Omega-3s. In fact, they have yummy pastas for almost every dietary need. I just picked one up made with pureed asparagus and spinach for tonight's supper.

This delicious recipe comes from Donna over at Apron Strings and includes fresh oregano, basil, and red pepper. Not to mention a good dose of garlic!

Enjoy!

Heart Healthy Waffles

I'm on the hunt for some heart healthy recipes for my father who just underwent a 5-way bypass a couple of weeks ago. He's a picky eater, and he likes food... just like me. They say the apple doesn't fall from the tree and in this particular case, it's spot on. Food is supposed to taste good, and unfortunately a lot of bad-for-you foods taste very good. He'd rather eat nothing than something that resembles sawdust on a plate (to him, anyway).

However, since I've changed my diet, I know that there are a lot of healthy foods that taste equally as good if not better than anything you can find in a bag or a box. So in my attempt to get him heart healthy, and keep my mother from going crazy in the kitchen, I'm starting with breakfast and a new series.

So how can waffles possibly be a heart-healthy food you ask? You replace all-purpose flour with a combination of whole wheat flour and all-purpose and replace butter with non-fat buttermilk to start.

Heart Healthy Waffles

1 cup whole wheat flour
1 cup all-purpose flour

1-1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 cups nonfat buttermilk

1 large EB egg, separated (Eggland's Best)

1 tablespoon canola oil

1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 large EB egg whites

1-2 tablespoons sugar

Combine dry ingredients (minus the sugar) in a large bowl. In a separate bowl, whisk buttermilk, egg yolk, oil and vanilla together. Pour wet ingredients into the bowl with dry ingredients and stir gently until moistened.

In another bowl, beat the three egg whites with an electric mixer until soft peaks form. Add sugar and continue to beat until stiff and glossy. Gently fold one quarter of the beaten egg whites into your batter. Fold remaining egg whites using a rubber spatula.

Preheat your waffle iron and brush the surface lightly with oil (you can also use a non-fat oil spray if desired). Fill the waffle iron 2/3 full. Cook until waffles are golden, approximately 5-6 minutes. Repeat for each additional waffle.

Top with fresh fruit. (Blackberry (or other berry) Syrup: 1-1/2 cups fresh or frozen berries, 1/2 cup maple syrup, and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon. Combine all in a small pan and cook over medium heat until thoroughly heated.)

I'm bringing him some vegetarian chili this week from our local pub. They make it with vegan meat crumbles and lots a great veggies. Shhh... he won't know the difference.

Photo: Emily Carlin

Devilishly Delicious Delights

I've had this picture pinned to my Halloween Pinterest board for a while now, but I've never made them. Even if they didn't taste good (which I'm sure they do), they're just beautiful. I love the color contrast, but I bet a brilliant red would also work. Get the recipe for Poison Toffee Apples from Simply Delicious.

Treat your little (or not so little) ones to these Halloween Pancakes. They're made with pumpkin, and the syrup is simply dyed with food coloring much like the poison apples. This is a fun treat that won't creep anyone out. You can find the recipe over on Girl Versus Dough.

Enjoy!

Eating Out - Eating In

Last Friday, David, Kate, and I went to one of our favorite Italian cafes in the North End for a treat. I normally don't eat sweets, but it's really hard to resist sharing a piece of chocolate mouse cake with your husband, especially if you're drinking a delicious cappuccino. Kate boxed the rest of her cake and then we went and got her some more goodies at Mike's Pastry a few doors down. She was psyched!

Eating out, bringing food in, it's not something we do very often. But when we do, we try to stay within our dietary restrictions the best we can (cake and coffee aside). That means visiting restaurants that offer humanely raised options like b.good and Tasty Burger when I need my burger fix. It also means staying clear of ordering meat options when we decide to bring food in like Vegetarian Chili from our local pub and a wonderful Puttanesca sauce from another great Italian place a bit closer to home, Filho's Cucina.

Bringing food in can actually be the start of a wonderful meal without all the fuss. I ordered the Puttanesca sauce, made my own pasta and salad, and voila! A delicious meal without over-thinking what's-for-supper. In fact, I doctor a lot of ready-made foods and give myself a break when entertaining by buying dessert, an appetizer, or even part of the main meal.

However, there's nothing quite like making a big pot of something, especially this time of year. I know I'll make some soup (maybe this weekend) and chili soon enough, but the girls want apple pie and pumpkin bread, so I will happily start baking away before the weekend begins. In the meantime, here is a yummy recipe for that delicious sauce.

Puttanesca Sauce

This happens to be one of my favorite sauces to eat. Have you tried it? Tomatoes, capers, olives, anchovies, onions and peppers in a wine infused marinara sauce ready to be sopped up by a crusty loaf of bread, is real comfort food. You probably have most of the ingredients in your pantry. (Look up the origins of Puttanesca. It may surprise you!)

1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
1 red pepper, chopped
4-5 cloves of garlic, minced
4-5 anchovy filets, minced 

1 large (28 oz) can Roma plum whole tomatoes in juice, broken up 

3/4 cup Kalamata olives, roughly chopped
3 Tablespoons capers, drained
1/2 teaspoon dried red pepper flakes

1/4 cup red wine like Sangiovese or Chianti (optional)
Salt, to taste

In a large pot heat the olive oil over medium high heat. Add the onion and saute until soft and lightly caramelized, about 6 minutes. Add the garlic and cook an additional 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes and the remaining ingredients and simmer until the sauce is thickened and slightly reduced, about 40 minutes. Add the wine and stir and drizzle with a bit more extra virgin olive oil.

Serve over your favorite pasta.

P.S. You may also enjoy Comfort Food and Pizza!

It's Apple Time!

This past Saturday, we went apple picking. The trees were bursting with apples, which surprised me a bit because we haven't had much rain here this summer in New England. We ended up with almost a bushel of apples that are now sitting in my pantry waiting for me to make into pies. I packed bags for the girls to take back to school and today, I thought I'd bring some to my students. There's nothing like a freshly picked apple!

Here are some new recipes you might like to try to break out of that traditional apple pie (ala) mode!

Apple Pancakes
Apple Pizza
Apple Fries
Apple Pie Jam
Apple Scones
Apple Pie Cookies
Bourbon Apple Pie Ice Cream!
Apple Cupcakes
Salted Caramel Apply Pie Bars
Apple Pie Cake

P.S. You may also like more recipes featured here.