Cauliflower, Carrot, Celery & Quinoa Salad

This week kind of got ahead of me. The weekend was busy with soccer and dance and a lovely visit from my oldest friend and her kids, which was way overdue and just so lovely. There is nothing like a friend who has known you your whole life. Literally, my whole life. So, she … Continue reading Cauliflower, Carrot, Celery & Quinoa Salad

Cinco de Mayo: Tacos 3 Ways

Last year, when Cooking for Friends was just starting up, a dear friend in town suggested getting together for Cinco de Mayo, and I requested using it as a Cooking for Friends launch party. She said, if I would cook, they would make the drinks. She and her husband make some mean margaritas, so our … Continue reading Cinco de Mayo: Tacos 3 Ways

3 Backyard BBQ Salads

It's been a long winter. And, as much as I love hunkering down in the house and making homemade chicken soup or braising a brisket, the cold and the snow eventually lose their charm and I long for warmer weather, more daylight, and easy meals thrown on the grill. So this past weekend, when the … Continue reading 3 Backyard BBQ Salads

Hungry Lady Snack Bars

So, these snack bars came about eight years ago, when I was a brand new mom to twins. I was nursing them around the clock, and if you're a mom who has nursed, you know there is nothing like nursing hunger (it's a thing!)! And if you're a mom who has nursed twins, well, that … Continue reading Hungry Lady Snack Bars

Seared Scallops Over Lemon Risotto

Scallops are one of my favorite special occasion meals. For one thing, if you get quality scallops, they're pretty hard to mess up (just don't over cook them!). And, if you have a bit of patience, you can whip up a simple lemon parsley risotto, and the combined result is pretty impressive. So, when one … Continue reading Seared Scallops Over Lemon Risotto

Valentine’s Day Dinner: Braised Short Ribs Over Butternut Squash Pasta

On Valentine's Day, before children, when my husband and I had more time, more money, and more energy to go out on a weeknight, we'd often secure reservations at one of favorite local Brooklyn restaurants where we'd willingly pay marked up prices for a prefixed meal. And, honestly, we didn't mind the expense, because our … Continue reading Valentine’s Day Dinner: Braised Short Ribs Over Butternut Squash Pasta

Roasted Carrot Soup

I'm a soup kinda gal. When people ask how I stay fit for running, I tell them that my summer/spring salad lunches and my autumn/winter soup lunches are partly my secret. In the summer months, I make mason jar salads with layers of veggies, beans, and grains. I can pop them in the fridge on … Continue reading Roasted Carrot Soup

Pasta A La Norma but Better

I love eggplant. Eggplant parmigiana is about my favorite comfort food. But, quite frankly, all of that breading and frying and layering and baking is more effort than I am willing to put into dinner on a busy weeknight or even a stressful Sunday, when we're gearing up for the week ahead of us. Part … Continue reading Pasta A La Norma but Better

Go-to Date Night In: Summer Edition

My husband and I got married in July. We used to celebrate our anniversary by going out for a fancy meal in New York City or maybe even getting away for the weekend. But three kids later, and romantic weekends have given way to family vacations. For the past nine summers, we're away with our … Continue reading Go-to Date Night In: Summer Edition

Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce

I've learned that my kids will eat almost anything that I put on a stick. Fruit kebabs are a favorite around here, and we make them year round just varying the fruit by what's in season. But, my kids also find meat and vegetables way more palatable, if I put them on a stick and … Continue reading Grilled Chicken Kebabs with Yogurt Dipping Sauce