I am sure many of you have resolved to eat better this new year.   But, sometimes it can be hard, because you get used to eating the same thing, or can’t think of something new to try.

Have you ever tried pearl couscous?   It is also known as Israeli couscous.  It is a small round, pasta-like grain, and it was once used as a substitute for rice when it was scarce.

It has an amazing texture, and can be added to any salad to add a unique flavor and taste.

This Mediterranean pearl couscous salad would be an a amazing lunch, and it keeps in the refrigerator well, so you can easily make it ahead of time.  So, here’s to resolutions, and eating well!

Continue reading “recipe: mediterranean couscous salad” »

Posted in Caroline, Recipes | No Comments »

Last week, my husband brought home a ham that he was given at work.  I impressed myself by whipping up a ham dinner (without even going to the grocery store!) for dinner that night, but since we are a small family, I found myself with a whole lot of leftover ham.  And as much as I love a good ham sandwich, a girl can only eat so many ham sandwiches!!  In comes soup to the rescue!  This soup is so easy, and fast as well.  And you don’t need a ton of leftover ham to make it – you can easily buy a small ham or a ham steak at the grocery store.  I come across recipes that call for the ham bone a lot, but I wanted a recipe that you can make with just the leftover ham.  I don’t often have a full ham, but am often sent home with leftovers.  So this recipe is great for one of those occasions!
Continue reading “recipe: ham and bean soup” »

Posted in Deborah, Recipes | 2 Comments »

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” »

Posted in Jen, Recipes, Seasonal | No Comments »

Somewhere along the way, I became one of those moms that make their children eat their vegetables at every meal.  I find it very important to eat healthy, and especially my children who are still growing.

We like many vegetables, but lately our favorite has been green beans.  My children ask for seconds, which makes me happy!

Green beans are very low in calories, and are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber and folates.  Our favorite way to eat them is with some toasted garlic slices and pine nuts!  The toasted garlic slices really make this dish tasty, and they are not too strong when you cook them first.  They are a great side to any meal!

Continue reading “recipe: green beans with toasted garlic and pine nuts” »

Posted in Caroline, Recipes | No Comments »

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” »

Posted in Celebrate, Jen, Recipes | No Comments »

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” »

Posted in Jen, Recipes | No Comments »

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” »

Posted in How To, Jen, Recipes | No Comments »

Every New Year’s Eve, my family gets together to bring in the new year. Instead of having a meal that night, we each contribute 1 or 2 appetizers, and we all just graze all night, enjoying the food, the company, and playing games. It’s a great way to bring in the new year!! I have been searching high and low for the appetizers I will be bringing this year, and I’ve been trying out several recipes, trying to find the best.

Continue reading “recipe: mini chickpea cakes” »

Tags: appetizer, celebration, chickpeas, finger food, New Year's Eve, Recipe, vegetarian
Posted in Celebrate, Deborah, Recipes | 3 Comments »

Do you have any Christmas Eve traditions? It’s my mom’s birthday, so we always go out to breakfast for Christmas Eve morning. And then it has stared to become a tradition to all get together for cake that night, followed by going to see the city light display where my parents live. And this year, I just may have to add in having this Hot Buttered Spiced Cider ready for when we get home from the lights. Indulgent? Yes, but it is the holiday season! If you think the butter part is strange, you can definitely leave it out for a delicious spiced cider, but the butter does add a richness that you don’t get otherwise. But either way, it is a great way to warm up – especially if you drink it with family!

Continue reading “recipe: hot buttered spiced cider” »

Posted in Celebrate, Deborah, Recipes | 3 Comments »

We are excited to announce the first annual Zupas Blogger Favorites Cookbook…a collection of some of our favorite recipes all in one tidy book.  It’s a beautiful book featuring delicious recipes, pretty photographs and great tips for the home cook.  The Blogger Favorites cookbook is laid out nicely, the perfect size and reasonably priced.  We are proud to offer it in our shop, in our cafes and even in kiosks in local Utah malls (you can also view a handful of pages here).  Caroline, Jen, Deborah, Kelsey and myself all contributed recipes and we know you’ll love having so many favorites all in one place.  Enjoy!

image via stephmodo

Posted in FYI, Recipes, Steph B, Z Treats | 1 Comment »