Cheater’s Shrimp and Scallop Paella

This easy paella recipe is from the book, 400 Calorie Fix by Liz Vaccariello (I believe it is out of print, but you can find used copies at that link.) Since it is a diet book, it uses a small amount turkey kielbasa for flavor. If you’re not concerned about calories, you can sub regular...

Grilled Spring Salad with New Potatoes

My mom makes a great traditional potato salad.  (The secret is using pickle brine in the sauce!) But I’m always on the lookout for exciting new variations. My dear friend Butter puts purslane in hers, which is crispy and tasty (and an abundant volunteer in my garden later in the summer).  Emily shared a watercress...

Carrot Top Tabbouli (Grain-Free)

Carrot Top Tabbouli (Grain-Free)

I’m in a hustle season right now. Several years ago, when I had a tiny baby and was lamenting the fact that some days my biggest accomplishment was getting us both clean and dressed, a mom a bit further along in the journy reassured me that this was just one season of life, and...

Making Room for Cupcakes

For years, I thought restriction was the answer. I couldn’t be trusted around food. I was afraid that, given the opportunity, I would eat myself into oblivion. Or, at least into obesity. Cookies were the enemy (especially chocolate chip cookies — especially my homemade chocolate chip cookies). Desserts of all kinds were verboten. And don’t get...

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

Grilled Brussels Sprouts

I’m always looking for new ways to do veggies on the grill, and this one was a big success! The vinegar and high heat bring out the sweetness of the sprouts. Even avowed sprout-haters will want to give this tasty recipe a try! I used wooden skewers and found it easiest not to try...

Ratatouille Crostini with Goat Cheese

Ratatouille Crostini with Goat Cheese

I seriously considered calling this “Garden Ratatouille” because I have almost every single ingredient growing in my garden (I’m only missing shallots, garlic, and bay leaves). But whatever you call it, ratatouille just tastes like summer, and it’s a wonderful way to use up the abundance of summer veg you may have in your garden...

Rum Currant Scones with Rummy Icing

Rum Currant Scones with Rummy Icing

This is an alternative to Rum Raisin Scones. For me personally, raisins are too big and squishy for baked goods. I liked this currant version of the Rum Raisin idea best – the currants didn’t absorb as much rum so the scones were merely suggestive of rum in a very pleasant way. Plus the...