Often with the new year comes a change in your eating habits. Whether it is part of your resolution for the next year or you are just trying to cleanse your body of all the sugar you enjoyed over the holidays, a healthier menu finds its way into most homes. The best way to make this healthier eating habit stick is by finding recipes that are healthy, delicious and easy. You need foods around the house that are easy to make and store so when your tummy grumbles you can make th

Ever since I lived in Italy for the summer I have been in love with bruschetta. Now maybe it had to do with the fact that tomatoes in Italy taste truly amazing even when eaten plain, but there is something about this blend of flavors that I truly enjoy. It isn't just me. Every time I make this bruschetta people ask for the recipes and it’s so simple. There are very few ingredients in it, but each one packs so much flavor. This is obviously best when tomatoes are in season

The first time I created this recipe I used shaved asparagus in it. While shaving the asparagus can be time consuming, you don't need to even blanch it because the shavings are so tender. You just shave it, mix together the rest of the ingredients and you are done. I recently had a client ask if I could use a different vegetable in the salad instead so I tried the broccoli rabe. I have to admit, I generally don't like broccoli rabe. It is too bitter for me. But I loved it in

I love roasting vegetables both at home and for my clients throughout the year, although I do it a little less in the summer. During the warm months I prefer the grill if I can get it. Roasting helps to bring out all the delicious flavors in the vegetables while with ruining the texture and making them mushy. Roasted vegetables also keep well, which is important when I am cooking for clients. I suggest you roast up a big batch of this cauliflower when you have time and then y

While researching fresh spring vegetables, you most likely recognize the usual suspects. Asparagus, arugula, artichokes, and peas just to name a few. But what about fiddlehead ferns. You may have read about them, but have you ever tried them? Fiddlehead ferns are forged and not grown just like another popular spring vegetable, ramps. And just like ramps, they can be really hard to find in the grocery store. I have been hearing more and more about fiddlehead ferns in recent ye

There are so many wonderful things about spring. The smell of the thawing ground and blooming flowers, those bright colors, the warming weather and of course getting to enjoy fresh vegetables for the first time in months. Gone are the days of winter squashes and potatoes. Instead we get to start cooking with fresh, flavor packed vegetables and fruits that bring brightness even to a simple dish. Let's take a look at what vegetables and fruits are in season right now. There are

We have all been there. You find out last minute that a friend is coming by to catch up or maybe you had something scheduled for weeks and you just completely forgot about it. Whatever the case may be, the situation leaves you scrambling for something that your guest(s) can munch on. After all, you don't want to drink that wine on an empty stomach. Here are two of my favorite go to dips. They both involve ingredients that you most likely already have around your home and they

Most people's view of lentils is not a positive one. Maybe it's because they had a bad experience as a kid or it could be that they are just not familiar with them. When you think about it, there aren't many places that serve lentils. I encourage every one to give lentils another chance or maybe even a fist chance. There are so many reasons to enjoy lentils. They are good for you and they make a wonderful winter dish that will warm you from the inside out. Lentils also provi

I know in many households in the country families have gotten on board with meatless Monday or at least a meatless dinner every week. We do this in my house. It isn't always Monday, but we do aim to remove meat one dinner a week. Just because you are eating meatless though doesn't mean you shouldn't be getting your needed protein. So many times a meatless meal turns into a pasta dish because it is easy, quick and versatile. The problem is you probably end up eating less healt