(Gluten, dairy, egg, soy, corn, and sugar free) Qu...

Honestly, I’m sitting here at the computer feeling a little shell-shocked right now. It’s been one of those strange weekends. I felt resigned to a certain busy quietude–we had plenty to do, but it was mostly of the “get it done” variety, productive rather than jubilant, but still conceivably fun. Then, this morning, I had a phone call posing a question that just blew my mind; and, while nothing...

Jen’s Cleanse Bars (quinoa, pumpkin, flax, m...

Does it mean anything significant, Freudian or profound, when you find yourself creating recipes based on dog treats you once made? Because that’s what these bars were originally inspired by,  though in reality, they only share two ingredients with one another. And in all honesty, anyone who understands people and their pets knows, it’s not uncommon to prioritize clean, healthy, organic food for our little fur...

Light gingerbread pancakes with pomegranate syrup

One week of journal drought, then two posts in one day! I know!  In case this appears on the surface to be a classic case of new year hyper-drive on the road to burnout, let me just say, this year I have decided to create  a few SMART goals (an educator’s guide to projected progress that is specific, measurable, attainable, realistic and timely) for myself . They are also going to be simple, and rather practical. My...

Cooking Up A Canine Christmas

Have I shared the details of how crossing lives with our little rescue dog, Riley, was kismet? I’m about to, anyway. Warning: when I get going in “dog Mom” mode, I’m sappy at best. Saccharine even, if you’re being a grump. Growing up, our family dog, a terrier cross, was a key factor behind improved allergies, I believe. I loved her so much, I think my brain actually managed to talk my body out...

Kitchen Mishap Made Good (sweet potato pie with a ...

I’ve logged many compliments to my Mom throughout the course of this blog’s progression, not least her language of food, creativity, and the time, care, and effort she put into homespun creations that overcame financial restrictions beset on a young family growing up. And so, I’ve decided I can mention an inherited neuroses or two with no compunction. For one thing, for someone with a nail-hard practicality,...

Easy pear and goat cheese phyllo tartlets

We’re in full-fledged autumn, but not for long. It always surprises me how such a robust season, parading blazing hues of red and gold, can be so fleeting, especially out here in splendid but mercurial Colorado. Today, it’s 80 degrees F; on Wednesday, we’re expecting snow. Outside, the leaves are already starting to crisp, falling to the ground and crackling underfoot. In the kitchen, the change is echoed....