Raspberries are one of our favorite fruits, my toddler especially loves their sweet and tart flavor. They are harvested in Utah during the autumn months, and our family has a tradition of driving out to a pick your own farm to pick baskets and heaps of raspberries to make jam, sometimes syrup, to freeze, and to eat fresh until our tongues hurt. I don’t usually buy things out of season, but had to buy some California raspberries for Valentine’s Day next week.

Did you know raspberries are said to be dated back to prehistoric times? That’s a berry that can hold its own. Keep reading to find out more fun facts about raspberries. Continue reading “fyi: raspberries” »

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Ready for another lemon flavored dish? Meyer lemons are in season and I love that they can be used in sweet dishes as well as savory. This pasta dish is filling and bright, which is always a welcome thing at our winter table. I also love that it comes together in minutes.

What’s your favorite way to use up lemons?

Continue reading “recipe: meyer lemon and greek yogurt pasta” »

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Chinese New Year is on Monday, January 23rd, and although we will be celebrating with extended family this weekend, we are planning our own little party with delicious and lucky foods, and a few fun (and easy) crafts. This upcoming lunar year is the year of the dragon, a very lucky year that is said to bring prosperity and good fortune. Keep reading to see all the ideas to throw your own celebration to bring in the new lunar year. Continue reading “how to: throw a chinese new year party” »

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These little bright red fruits may be found dotting your neighborhood these days, one of the only signs of life during the winter, and did you know they are edible? You may have heard of rose hip tea, but do you even know what a rose hip is? Do you know their health benefits? Or what they taste like? Keep reading to learn more about these little fruits. Continue reading “fyi: rosehips” »

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In the winter I love hearty meals that fill you up, but don’t weigh you down. I especially love making creamy polenta and topping it with savory roasted vegetables, depending on what is available. Roasted summer tomatoes, sauteed mushrooms, caramelized broccoli and root vegetables, and in this case, hearty greens and sun dried tomatoes.

After our first time eating this meal, it was on repeat all year long. Try it tonight!

Continue reading “recipe: creamy polenta with braised hearty greens” »

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Need a fun drink to serve at your new years eve party tonight? This non-alcoholic bubbly drink recipe is not only delicious but also concludes my apple series. Serve it for your alcohol free and boozing friends alike, everyone is sure to enjoy. The best part is that you don’t have to use only apple juice, you can use any juice you like to make it your favorite drink to share.

Happy New Year! Continue reading “New Year’s Cider- Part 1- Apple” »

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Although we traditionally call this family favorite recipe a “christmas cake”, we make it at varying times throughout the holidays and winter months, not secluding it to only Christmastime. I especially love it’s moistness and the spices that fill the house with the smell of winter. Continue reading “recipe: holiday cake” »

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Technological problems that I’ve been facing the last month made it impossible for me to share my favorite holiday recipes with you, and I didn’t even get to finish the apple series I was near finishing right before Thanksgiving! I will now be back to sharing weekly posts, and this week I am sharing three recipes, one for homemade applesauce, another for a cake that you can use that homemade applesauce in, and a third post (that will be published tomorrow) for an apple drink perfect for bringing in the New Year; so come back tomorrow!

Although apples may not be harvestable from the trees in your neighborhood anymore, they can still be purchased from local orchards and farms. Usually orchards will keep apples in cold storage after the season ends. If you’ve never made applesauce on your own before, it’s actually quite easy to make. You could even use your slow cooker if you want.

Keep reading to learn how.. Continue reading “how to make homemade applesauce” »

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I have a couple more apple recipes to share for my never ending apple series, but since Thanksgiving is next week I decided to take a small break and share something specific for the holiday.

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, because it’s so simple and unpretentious, the main focus of the holiday is being grateful for what you have, and of course, the food. I think it’s pretty obvious how much I love food. Today I am sharing a turkey recipe with you. One that is simple enough for those roasting a turkey for the first time, and delicious enough to repeat year after year. Continue reading “celebrate: Thanksgiving Turkey” »

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Now that it’s November, it’s time to start planning your Thanksgiving feast (anyone else already started?) This root vegetable puree is a good alternative to the traditional mashed potato. The turnips and apple give this mash a sweeter and slightly earthier taste. I love my buttery garlicky mashed tots as well as the next person, but this mash is a lighter version that I have come to love. Continue reading “recipe: turnip, yukon gold, and apple puree” »

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