• whole roasted carrots
    Food

    Roasted Whole Carrots

    One of my grandmother’s favorite sides was a simple carrot salad. Ahead of her time in many ways, she always favored vegetable-rich eating and whole grains – not a common choice for a butcher’s daughter. Whenever I see bunches of carrots with their festive green tops, I think of the lunches we shared and her vibrant, feisty personality. Standout ingredients like sweet, tender carrots can be left whole and roasted with a simple dressing for a delicious side dish. Leave a little of the green top showing for a rustic touch. Ingredients 1 bunch small carrots 2 tablespoons maple syrup 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon apple cider…

  • Maple pecan granola
    Baking,  Food

    Maple Granola

    As a child, breakfast was not my favorite meal. Some kids prefer mounds of pancakes, but my go-to breakfast was a tiny package of granola clusters. Simple and enjoyable to make, homemade maple granola reminds me of those school day breakfasts while having all the flavors that satisfy my adult cravings. When you are in the mood for a crunchy, flavorful treat in the morning or just need a fast, healthy breakfast or snack, granola is a great option. With plenty of pure maple syrup and the perfect blend of salty and sweet, this recipe makes a complete breakfast all on its own, but it also works well as a…

  • red cabbage with blue cheese
    Food

    Roasted Red Cabbage with Blue Cheese

    Around here a couple of cooler days briefly interrupted the late summer heat and jolted my appetite for fall food. While it may not be time for sauerbraten just yet, some fall-inspired side dishes are the perfect way to preview the upcoming season and squash the end of summer blues. After finding some beautiful red cabbage at the market, I decided to pair it with vidalia onion and some incredible, creamy blue cheese as my own personal welcome to the coming autumn.

  • apple cider streusel muffins
    Baking,  Food

    Apple Cider Streusel Muffins with Glazed Pecans

    The scent of apple cider signals the coming of crisp fall days and cozy nights. Apple picking is fine, but when we head to a local orchard, the true pleasure for me is returning home with gallons of apple cider and way too many doughnuts. Experimenting with some of this cider led to delicious muffins that feature a middle layer of cider glazed pecans and a cinnamon streusel topping. With cider incorporated into the buttermilk batter, they smell so good that we always eat them while still freshly-baked and warm.