caticonslite_bm_altHealthyStrawberry Rhubarb Crumble Muffins

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Muffins | The Fauxmartha

Five years ago, I married my best friend. We left our homes and moved to Chicago where he began graduate school. A couple months in to the journey, I started this space. He was working and studying all the time. I quickly learned a weekend outlet was necessary for me to survive blips of boredom, and cleaning the condo wasn’t cutting it.  Read More

41 comments  |  Categories (recipe),Baking,Bread,Breakfast,Healthy

caticonslite_bm_altTip of the WeekTip of the Week

It’s that time of year when fresh produce is in abundance. I often buy far more than we can possibly use before going bad. Solution? Freeze it. Wash and completely dry your fresh produce. Chop if necessary. Place produce in an even layer on a baking sheet, being sure not to overlap. Allow to freeze completely, about three hours. Once individual pieces are frozen through, combine in a freezer safe bag or container and store until ready to use, removing as much air as possible. This process keeps your produce from freezing together in a massive clumps. I also use this technique for making scones and muffins. 
10 comments  |  Categories (tip),Tip of the Week

caticonslite_bm_altHealthyRamp Pesto and Ravioli

Ramp Ravioli | The Fauxmartha

I’ve never cooked with ramps until now. A year ago, we splurged and ate at Table 52 as we crossed off the final Chicago bucket list items before moving. I can’t remember exactly what we ordered, but I’ll never forget the ramp ravioli served with our dish, that and the hummingbird cake. I should mention, I’m not a fancy eater. Quite boring actually. Take me to a bakery, and I’ll take anything on the menu. But take me to a nice restaurant, and I’ll probably turn my picky nose up at half the menu items. It’s embarrassing. And I call myself a food blogger.  Read More

14 comments  |  Categories (recipe),Dinner,Healthy

caticonslite_bm_altTip of the WeekTip of the Week

I learned this tip from my friend Kimi a couple years ago—to quickly thaw frozen peas, skip the pan and boiling water and add peas to a strainer running hot water over until thawed.  Take those peas and toss them in a salad or garnish your favorite risotto, etc.
6 comments  |  Categories (tip),Tip of the Week

caticonslite_bm_altHealthySweet Pea Risotto

Sweet Pea Risotto | The Fauxmartha

It’s much harder to get things done these days. More often than not, I find myself one handed. My other arm is stuck in a new posture—curved and wrapped tightly around my growing belly. Ever since the kicks started, I havent been able to let go. Even as I type, my computer makes the tiniest of hops. She’s kicking it too. Read More

15 comments  |  Categories (recipe),Contributor: Mint,Dinner,Healthy

caticonslite_bm_altPersonalRecipeless but not Wordless

Kid Pres

The recent events and happenings of life have left me recipeless but not wordless. I had to get this out. I think it’s just as important, or more, as a good recipe.

We watch the news and shudder, once again. Our bellies tighten and we hope that the breaking news won’t be followed by more breaking news. We hope it’s an accident—an insignificant accident with no casualties and only minor injuries, if that. We hope, until more breaking news flashes across our screens. The scene is grim, in fact, horrific. It’s not an accident but premeditated—by a person, not a malfunctioning machine. It’s significant. Our mind quickly files through the catalog of friends and family we know in the area. We account for our people. And then comes the anger, the questions, the tears and the like. We hold our people tighter, thankful that it wasn’t us. This time. We seek answers. We try to explain to our children what happened. Or like me, we question why we’ve brought kids into the world. This isn’t the world I want to give them. We seek solutions. What went wrong this time? What can we do to prevent it next time? What laws can we pass in the meantime? All good questions. All appropriate questions.   Read More

17 comments  |  Categories (recipe),Personal

caticonslite_bm_altTip of the WeekTip of the Week

I’m a huge fan of the Misto, an oil dispenser with a spray nozzle. It’s just like Pam only it’s refillable and you can control the type of oil used. These days I’ve been using grapeseed oil for its neutral flavor and high smoke point. I use it for everything—whether preparing sweet or savory.  However, from time to time, it will get clogged. Unscrew the device and place the nozzle in hot water to soak. Rinse and dry and you should be back in working order.
6 comments  |  Categories (tip),Tip of the Week

caticonslite_bm_altDessertsCookies and Cream Milkshake + Giveaway

Cookies and Cream Milkshake | The Fauxmartha

It feels like spring! Even if only for a couple days. The first batch of ice cream of the season has been churned. And since been blended into a cookies and cream milkshake. My skin is wrinkling at the corner of my eyes and my lips are stretched far across my face. Ahhh, it’s getting warmer outside! I’m all smiles. Since things are heating up around here, it’s time to do some celebrating with a giveaway. Read More

105 comments  |  Categories (recipe),Desserts