Sprout & Pea

There’s no telling what is in store for 2012 and frankly I find that exciting. I do know that my last days of 2011 and first days of the new year were spent in sunshine with loved ones and good food, and if that’s any indication for the direction this year is headed, I’ll take it. I flew down to Miami to ring in the new year with my best friend Farah, her new hubby and their gorgeous new house. When Farah started talking about menu planning, I immediately took the reins and tossed out dishes that I was itching to contribute. She wanted to make an orzo pasta salad and I took that as an opportunity to give myself a little creative challenge. Continue reading “New Year’s Orzo Salad” »

It happened again. Another supper club left me with a plethora of goat cheese in my refrigerator. One would think that I would learn to stop overestimating by now, but I can’t help but always air on the side of safe rather than cheeseless. So I once again found myself staring at the ingredients in my kitchen, trying to come up with a meal to toss the rest of this tangy delicious fromage into. Continue reading “Quinoa Pasta With Roasted Red Beets, Shallots, Goat Cheese & Toasted Pine Nuts” »

Growing up, my mom always made incredible rugelach for Hanukkah, but I’ve never attempted the traditional dessert myself. Our extended family invited us to a holiday lunch this weekend and my parents just so happened to be in town from Miami, so we were all able to be together for the first time in quite a while. Since this was a special occasion and my mom was here to taste test, I decided to attempt the delicious dessert that I grew up with – but with my own little twist. After all, mom’s approval is the one that counts.
Continue reading “Gluten Free Rugelach With Strawberry Rhubarb Jam & Pine Nuts” »

Since I got back from Vermont, I’ve been picking my brain about what to do with the pickled garlic I purchased at Grafton Village Cheese Farm (aside from eating it straight out of the jar).  After a weekend of heavy food (including decadent Where The Wild Things Are themed red velvet cake at a first birthday party), I needed something light and refreshing.
Continue reading “Root Vegetable Salad With Pickled Garlic” »

I’ve had a lull in cooking inspiration the past few days, perhaps because I was distracted by all of the Halloween festivities going on around me.  I didn’t even cook anything with pumpkin this weekend (but I did put together a great costume)! Tonight, however, my cooking fever came back and along with it came my new favorite dish.
Continue reading “Black Quinoa, Toasted Pine Nuts, Onion & Parmesan” »

One of my favorite pasta dishes is spaghetti limone and one of my favorite places to order it is Lil’ Frankies.  Being a lemon and cheese addict, this dish hits the spot every time.  Yesterday was a cold, rainy Sunday and I was craving a warm, satisfying meal but as usual I wanted to make something  healthy.
Continue reading “Spaghetti Limone With Toasted Pine Nuts” »