Slim Down Vegetable Soup

Happy Sunday, friends! I hope you're well :) So one week ago today, I decided to go sugar-free for the next 28 days. After I got sick a couple of years ago, I cut down my sugar intake considerably, but I never completely cut it out of my diet (partially because I bake so much!).

The truth is, though I DO love sugar, I love healthy food too! If you were to have come to my house last weekend, before I threw out the processed stuff, you'dve seen a counter and fridge full of fruits and vegetables! ...however, if this was a panoramic view of the kitchen, you'd also have seen some iced lemon cookies and some apricot-raspberry thumbprint cookies. Soo.... yeah. Haha! What can I say? I like balance.

Sausage & Apple Stuffed Acorn Squash

I've been trying to venture out and try new food things in the kitchen; particularly as it relates to fall produce. Squash is in season, so it's EXTRA cheap. If there's anything I love more than good food, it's a good deal!! Can I get an Amen??

Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Tostadas with Avocado Lime Crema

Hello, friends! Oh my gosh, it is GORGEOUS outside today! My windows are open and letting the sun in...the wind is blowing and it's warm, but not too warm. It's the perfect day for a picnic or a bike ride or something lovely, spent with pleasant people. (Yet, here I am, behind my computer, blogging. Eh...such is life).

I'm late posting this recipe--I made it a few weeks ago and haven't had time to write it out or edit the photos. I reached a point today of deciding that it doesn't have to be *perfect* in order for me to share, so I'm going to share it anyway!

Crunchy Tilapia Tacos with Red Cabbage Slaw and Fresh Pineapple Salsa

Hi, friends! I hope you're well and enjoying the not-icy weather these days. So here's the deal: I love tacos. I especially love fish tacos. Mmm. A good fish taco just makes the foodie in me so happy!

Roasted Tomato, Tortellini, and Spinach Soup

Let me just go ahead and break the ice: IT'S SNOWING! (<--See what I did there? *Snicker*) Oh, good grief. This has been a crazy week for weather here in north Texas. Rain turned to ice on Sunday evening, effectively shutting down the city for all of Monday and most of Tuesday. Wednesday and Thursday were cold, but not freezing--and then today, Friday, I went to work and the university sent us home at 10:30 this morning due to snow and rapidly worsening driving conditions!

I've had plenty of quality time to myself this week, which is always delightful--and I've also had some great kitchen time! I made the Turkey Chili Taco Soup again, which is a wonderful, hearty soup for cold weather--and today, I'm trying my hand at something new!

Quinoa Veggie "Fried Rice"

Hi, friends! Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you are well, happy, and loved, wherever you are. It's great to take some time to appreciate those who love you--and if you don't have a Valentine this year, it's also a perfect time to enjoy the friends, family, and the other amazing things in your life that have nothing to do with romantic love, like your HEALTH! :)

Breakfast Flatbread with Fried Eggs and Greens

So...tomorrow is December 1, 2014. WHAT?! Time never fails to surprise me in its swift passing. Just like that, another year elapses...and we're on the brink of entering a new one, which will undoubtedly pass just as quickly. Man. I'm too old for this.

Thankfully, a runny fried egg is the perfect fix for existential crises in the morning. Especially a runny fried egg atop a crunchy, crisp flatbread crust with leafy spinach, savory garlic, some extra virgin olive oil, and tons of cheese.

Spinach-Artichoke Angel Hair Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

So...this week, I learned that I've been typecast--in my own life. Apparently, I play the uni-dimensional role of "princess" or "diva" much better than I knew! What's the reason for this revelation? Well, this weekend, I went for an overnight camping and kayaking trip with a good friend, and everyone who learned about our trip responded in one of two ways: either, "Oh my gosh, you're really expanding your horizons this year! I'm so proud of you!" or "Really? YOU are going camping? I mean, don't take this the wrong way...but you just don't seem very...outdoorsy."

Sweet Potato Breakfast Hash with Poached Eggs

As I've mentioned before, my favorite cooking show is Chopped. I eagerly anticipate the baskets of mystery ingredients, and groan alongside the chefs as they try to create something delicious, beautiful, and creative before time runs out! :) I don't move very quickly in the kitchen, so I know that the clock would be my ultimate nemesis in the Chopped Kitchen, without a doubt.

One of the dishes I see quite frequently on Chopped is hash, a dish made with cubed potatoes, meat (sometimes), and cooked with additional veggies and spices. Sweet potato hash, purple potato hash, new potato hash, corned beef hash...HASH FOR EVERYBODY! I decided to give it a go in my own kitchen--a Foodie & Fabulous first!

Three-Cheese Beef Lasagna and West Coast Vacation :)

Friends. We've nearly reached the middle of August. DEAR. LORD. Time just keeps flying by so much faster than I can keep up with it! Is that how it feels to you, too? I was out of town last week--I went to visit my brother and sister-in-law in Spokane and made a brief stop in San Francisco to see my uncle on my way back. Obviously, I couldn't travel without making SOMETHING delicious...

Grilled Greek Turkey Burgers with Crispy Sweet Potato Fries

Friends! SUMMER IS HERE. And while I do NOT love summer heat, I DO love summer food! I also love grilling, ice cream, and conversations that last late into warm nights after alfresco dining with friends. It just...feels so good to the soul :)

Tonight is just such a night. I'm house-sitting for some friends who have a beautiful backyard with a grill, swimming pool, and hot tub, all at my disposal for the rest of the month. Glorious. Other than the mosquitoes (who are in CONSTANT attack mode, apparently), I've loved every minute of it! I invited a friend over tonight with whom to enjoy a lovely summer evening, and I'm so excited :)

Slow Cooker Beef and Potato Soup

*Note: I actually wrote this recipe and this post in January, but haven't had time to take photos until today! Keep that in mind while reading. Sorry for the delay :(

Guys. It's 2014. Oh my goodness! And it's almost the end of the month! How did this happen?! Well, I wish you a VERY belated Happy New Year!! This has been an extremely busy month so far; largely work-related--so I haven't had the chance to get into the kitchen at all, and as usual, I miss it so much!

Sausage Breakfast Strata

It's "Icepocalypse 2013" here in North Texas--or "Icemaggedon", as others are calling it. On Thursday, the 5th, an "Arctic Cold Front" blew into our region, causing cold, windy, damp weather to become icy rain and snow, which has frozen several inches thick and has completely covered every surface of the DFW area, rendering everyone housebound and mostly useless. There have, sadly, been multiple fatalities and some unthinkable traffic troubles (there were some people stuck on the highway for more than twelve hours one night!)

During this unexpected mini vacation, I'm here in the apartment by myself, and I'm loving every minute of it! I really enjoy my time alone, though (fully embracing my status as an introvert), so I don't really experience cabin fever or stir-craziness, (I've been fortunate); however, my Facebook news feed bears witness to the distaste people have for being restrained to the indoors for longer than several hours at a time.

Turkey, Spinach, and Bacon Meatballs

Okay, guys. These meatballs are...well, first--HI. How are you? I hope things are well. I can't believe that Thanksgiving is so close! Where did the year go? Do you have anything fabulous planned? I hope some quality time with your family and loved ones is "on the menu."

Alright--back to the meatballs: I think this is the first time I've ever made meatballs from scratch. Seriously. I've made hamburgers and meatloaves, but meatballs--this was a first, and I have no idea why I waited so long! These were so easy and stinkin' delicious! 

Sweet Italian Turkey Sausage & Peppers

It's a damp, gray night here in north Texas, with  a 70% chance of rain tomorrow (you're welcome for the forecast. I bet you didn't know I'm also a meteorologist in my spare time. HA!). Weather like this always makes me want to eat comfort food, take a nap, or watch a movie in my sweats and socks.