breakfast sausage from scratch

Without a doubt there is a difference between something you buy in the grocery store and something you make from scratch with fresh ingredients. Ingredients that you know are in their purest form with no preservatives or additives that cannot even be pronounced.

This is by far one of the best and tastiest things I've ever made. And it was easy. I made a big batch for freezing and the flavor is amazing. I'd be here for a long time if I had to think of all the wonderful adjectives to describe it. I will be making these again... probably for Christmas and Easter and Thanksgiving and anytime whatsoever.

Fresh garlic, thyme and sage

If you ever wonder if fresh herbs are worth buying over ground dried herbs in a jar ... use fresh if possible... It really makes a difference.

ground turkey and ground pork and pure maple syrup

The recipe is HERE ......  and HERE. 

Not sure I could ever enjoy store-bought sausage again. 

V-Day

I remember not being that crazy about Valentine's Day before meeting Edd.  It was always a nice day, but not especially memorable.  As the kids came along I guess I made it all about them.  

The first Valentine's Day after meeting Edd took my breath away.  We couldn't be together on that day but a huge bouquet of red roses was delivered to my home.  I was completely surprised.  He topped it off with a diamond heart necklace the next weekend we were together.  

Every Valentine's Day after that he also made special.  The memories are numerous and each year the cards from him got mushier.  He told me every year not to get him anything.... said Valentine's Day is for girls, but I'd always get him a card.  I think my delight and appreciation for his kindness was the greatest gift I could give him.  It was what he loved the most.  Feeling loved and special and appreciated.

It's funny.  I still feel so much love.  I think we loved each other a lifetime's worth.  I can't think of anything else I wish I received from his heart that I didn't.  I only need to reread the cards and pull out the thoughtful gifts and .... remember.  My heart is full.  Still. 

So.  Today was nice.  I made some healthy dishes like Lentils Dal... a spicy dish made with ginger, garlic, cauliflower, and other aromatic spices.  Had some good talks with friends.  And I received the prettiest flowers delivered to my home from my brother and his sweet wife.  They are happily blooming now on the coffee table.  I feel blessed and content.

productive day

There is something very satisfying about chopping up lots of fresh ingredients and throwing it all together with savory spices to create a wonderfully healthy meal.  I rarely eat store-bought meals already prepared anymore.   Even though I mostly cook for just myself I can still make a great recipe and either freeze some …. or have it for a few meals.  Leftovers are great.   Often I'll only make half of a recipe and then wish I had made the whole thing so I could either have more for later or share it.  

You can't beat a good curry and this one was just soooo good!  Recipe is below.

It was a productive day.

I finally was able to turn the electric off in my bedroom so I could add a light fixture to the ceiling fan.   I spent two days looking for the breaker to my room.  The fusebox in the garage had electrical cutoffs for everything in the house except the bedroom receptacles and lights.  Who knew there was a separate box outside?  

Proud of me.  It was an easy project after that.  Mostly.

Except now I can see all the dust more clearly!

Butternut Squash & Chickpea Coconut Curry (my own variation)
serves 8  (slow cooker recipe)

2 1/2 cups diced butternut squash
1 can organic chick peas
1 small onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can 13.5 ounce organic coconut milk (I used light)
1 bunch of fresh spinach, rinsed and roughly chopped (you could also use kale here)
1 1/2 cups peas
1-2 large tomatoes, diced
2 cups vegetable or chicken broth
3 tablespoons yellow curry powder (you can use your own blend of spices here, I just happen to have a premixed curry powder from a local indian grocery store that I love)
1 teaspoon kosher salt
handful of fresh cilantro, roughly chopped (save some for serving)

Cut the skin off the squash, remove seeds and cut into 1 inch square cubes. Add all of the ingredients to your slow cooker besides the peas and spinach. Cook on high for 6 hours. About 20-30 minutes before serving add in the peas and spinach, and give it a stir. If your sauce seems to be a bit too thin or watery when it is done cooking, you could make a quick mix of cornstarch and hot water and pour a tablespoon or two of the mixture into the crock pot, allow it to simmer a bit longer. This will thicken it right up.

Serve over brown basmati or jasmine rice topped with fresh cilantro, mint or basil and maybe even some shredded coconut.

recipe of the week

One of my goals is to make at least one new recipe every week.   There are so many wonderful foods and with just a little bit of effort and forthought we can eat so much better and more healthy than we do.  The one I made tonight is full of nutritiously dense ingredients and flavor.

Boneless chicken breast, asparagus, fresh ginger, garlic and lemon juice.   Just perfect.

Try it!  Chicken and Lemon Asparagus Stir Fry

crispy quinoa and bean cakes

Today I had fun with a recipe I've wanted to try.  I like to make and try healthy recipes and this one was a winner.  It gave me a bit of a workout too dicing the sweet potato and mashing the kidney beans. 

I actually never cooked with quinoa before but definitely will again.  It's rich in fiber and I love the taste and texture.

The sweet potato is cooked with some olive oil and red onion ... and then kale is added to the pot.

All is mixed together adding parmesan cheese, egg and kidney beans...  and formed into patties that are browned in a skillet. 

There is one in the plate, but I must confess I actually had two!!  (with some white merlot)

 Here is the recipe....   Or pick up the latest copy of Real Simple magazine.  Worth the effort for a delicious and healthy meal.  Leftovers can be reheated... I'm hoping!