One day recently I had an intense craving for a summer fruit cobbler. An abundance of figs in my fridge proved the inspiration for the base I created for this easy-going dessert. This time of year, fig trees are going bonkers, producing buckets of...

Say the word “cupcake” to my 4-year-old daughter and a joyful squeal will immediately follow. Include some fruit and her oh-so-favorite dark chocolate and you have sealed the deal. While I love the textured almonds on the bottom, she asked me to remove the...

Slow cookers offer so much more than hearty winter stews, and in the summer any way to escape the heat of the kitchen is welcome. How about a summertime sandwich of lentil sloppy joes? The inspiration for this recipe stems from a stovetop version by Heather McDougall,...

  Sponsored post Each week I hard-boil a batch of eggs for a weekday morning quick source of high-quality protein for my husband, 3-year-old and myself. Typically I season my quartered egg with olive oil, salt and pepper, and enjoy it with a side of toast...

 You can’t beat beet salad Beets are one of those love or “no, thank you” vegetables. If you’ve only experienced canned beets, freshly roasted beets will expose your taste buds to a whole new texture and natural, concentrated sweetness. And oh, the colors. Beets can...

You are going to thank me for this salad, since it’s the perfect all-in-one gluten-free dish for lunch, offering protein and fiber, whole grains, vegetables and fruits, and loads of flavor. I love that you can make it in advance and have meals ready...

 Start the day the healthy way with breakfast casserole When it comes to breakfast, I rely on a multitude of mix-and-match quick-fix basics, including hard-boiled eggs, fruit, oatmeal, smoothies, yogurt, toast, frozen waffles, or perhaps even one of my make-ahead breakfast cookies. But for holidays,...

Steel-cut oats give morning a healthy start  Happy New Year, my friends! I’m sure many of you have grand plans to eat healthier and stay fit during 2013. Starting the day with a satisfying, nutritious breakfast to stay fueled all morning long will also help...

Sponsored post One of the best things about the holiday season is the food, of course. Sipping lowfat eggnog lattes while shopping and nibbling fresh roasted chestnuts while dressing the tree and singing along with Christmas music are a couple of my favorites. Feeding hungry...

Fried or boiled? That is the question. While pan-frying meatballs yields a deliciously caramelized crust, the final product is likely to be in the shape of a pyramid, rather than round, because the heavier sides may sag while cooking. A simmered meatball, however, will...