Our zucchini production has peaked but you may be lucky enough to have more than you need. Lots left at local/farmer’s markets which I used for the following recipe. I adore lasagne but when made traditionally, it tends to be notoriously high in carbs. While I’m trying to limit my carb consumption, I don’t want…
Dinner
TOUGH TO TOP THIS TOMATO TART!
They are at their peak. Or close to it. Eating ripe, juicy tomatoes is truly a terrific summertime treat, right? Set yourself apart from the pack with this super simple six-ingredient recipe. Tomatoes, Basil. Cheese. Pesto. Store-bought Puff Pastry. Seasoning. Easy enough, right? Assuming you love these ingredients, you cannot go wrong with this recipe….
RATATOUILLE: a Summer Stunner!
RATATOUILLE. Not the popular Pixar picture but the soul-satisfying mix of summer vegetables. And for me, it’s a reminder to possibly pair this fun film with my menu. Ratatouille is a perfect complement to other main courses like chicken, salmon or beef. Or it might star as a Meatless Monday. Critical to the dish is…
Summer Rolls, Streamlined
Summer rolls are surprisingly easy to make once you realize this important fact: There are no rules in the world of Summer/Spring rolls! In this post we’re focusing on rice paper wrappers rolled around fresh crunchy vegetables. If you leave the rolls open-ended and eliminate noodles that are a part of many recipes, you’ve simplified…
DIY Dinners
I’m a huge fan of participatory meals. People either help with the prep, the cooking or simply assembling the meal. AND I found what I think is a brilliant article that addresses just this subject with lots of terrific concrete, easy-to-assemble, kid-friendly ideas. “In our fantasy world, we’d have big, sit-down family dinners that are…
Roasted Chicken with Spicy Herbed Olivada
When your mind, body and soul crave the cozy comfort and the familiar smell of a chicken roasting in the oven, this dish could hit the spot, particularly if you’re a big fan of olives. This one of our family favorites. Super moist and flavorful, I surround the whole chicken with halved potatoes, chunked carrots…
Let’s Celebrate Something!
Let’s celebrate ANYTHING. If Sparkling wine is your go-to beverage on celebratory occasions, you need to know about this gadget. Trust me, I’ve tried them all. NOTHING works as well as this Champagne Opener. Give it as a gift. Or stash several for unexpected celebrations. This stainless steel opener gives a firm grip while uncorking…
Minced in Minutes
If you love garlic as much as I do, your search for speedy dicing is over. This easy-to-use, simple-to-clean device dices peeled garlic into a fine or coarse mince in seconds. All while keeping your counter clean. It’s tough to find in stores but, of course, Amazon can deliver it to your doorstep in just…
Low Carb Shepherd’s Pie
Many of us are in the mood for a savory comfort-food classic. When that’s the case, Shepherd’s Pie can be super satisfying. This shepherd’s pie is a variation on the traditional recipe, with a mashed low carb cauliflower topping instead of potato. It’s a family favorite at our home. I’ve made variations on this recipe…
Meats Delivered to Your Doorstep
Thanks to Mary Heffernan, who helped me set up the original FP BLOG many years ago/then doing web design/she’s now operating a ranch with her former-attorney husband and four daughters in Northern California. You might enjoy following her on Instagram @fivemarysfarms. AND hearing about the meats you can access online while times are tough in…