I’m not the super mom of my dreams. The mom who both stays at home with the babe and effortlessly works a full time job in her free time. (Free time? Ha.) The mom who has dinner thought out a week in advance. The mom who has clean sinks and clean, folded laundry too. The mom who is well dressed with makeup to accompany. No, no. I’m not the super mom of my dreams. Read more
At best, I tolerate warm oatmeal in the winter (although baked oatmeal is a different story). No matter how I make it, it turns into a thick gummy paste better suited as an adhesive agent than an edible meal. It absorbs brown sugar faster than the leading paper towel. And its curb appeal is far from slam-on-your-breaks. I hate the last bite or every bite for that matter. It’s only out of obligation to my heart and hips that I eat it. Read more
I made a similar Pear Almond Galette for Thanksgiving. Or should I call it Almond Pear Galette? I can’t decide. Either way it was simple yet beautiful, nearly elegant, with only a couple ingredients. (Simplicity is prime these days.) By the cover, it was a sure winner. But you know what they say—don’t judge a book by its … they were right. Read more
You may remember Christmas in a Bowl or Christmas in a Cookie from years past. This year I give you Christmas in a Tart—chocolate crust, a layer of dark chocolate pudding, topped with a layer of white chocolate peppermint mousse. It’s rich, decadent, chocolately, and minty. And happens to taste just like Christmas. Read more
This post is sponsored by Grains for your Brain, a resource provided by the Grain Foods Foundation. Did you know, consuming whole grains helps to reduce blood pressure, vascular disease, obesity, cholesterol, and type 2 diabetes (source). Bring on the scones. As always, all opinions are my own. Sponsored posts such as this help to fund grocery trips, sweet new recipes, and ongoing site maintenance.
We’ve been talking a lot about traditions lately—traditions we want to start in our family. Up until now, the conversation never crossed our mind. Apart from decorating the tree the day after Thanksgiving, we don’t have many. Usually we head home for Christmas (either my house or his) and pick up the traditions we left off with there. They’re ours but not ours. Read more
These are a few of my favorite things from 2013:
1. ROK Manual Espresso Maker 2. GIR Spatula 3. Wilton Donut Hole Pan 4. Oh Ladycakes Real Deal Vanilla Extract 5. OXO Salad Dressing Shaker/Container 6. West Elm Gold Flatware 7. Marge Hazelnut Cacao Nib Granola 8. West Elm Enamel Loaf Pan 9. The New Artisan Bread in Five Minutes a Day
Last week I was honored to share my Quick Pasta + Roasted Veggie recipe over at A Cup of Joe for her Quick Fall Pasta series. This was the first post I made and shot post-babe. It was also our first day alone. Just me and Hal. Kev was back at work for the first time in three weeks. I was nervous. Extremely nervous. We didn’t understand each other quite yet. Somehow I was able to make and shoot this before the screaming sirens went off. I’m not sure I could reproduce the same results again with her. I think she knew I needed a little boost of confidence that day. I still haven’t quite figured out the work from home and take care of the babe yet. Hallie usually wins. It’s a good thing she hands out smiles like they are going out of style. With that said, I’m off to read Joanna’s Work/Life/Balance posts. Joanna—you are my hero. Thanks for having me! Read more
You may remember this no-rise pizza crust or this make-ahead Neapolitan-style dough. Here’s the simple, pantry pizza sauce I use to top most every pizza, unless we’re going pesto (which is equally awesome). If I had to guess, you probably have everything sitting in your pantry—tomato paste + water + a couple seasonings. Don’t let the ease deter you. A couple light swirls of a pastey tomato sauce is perfection beneath fresh mozzarella. A little goes a long way in my pizza-loving opinion.