Celebrations: A Holiday Cookbook!

So I continue to be on a dairy and soy free diet for our little babe and her allergy/intolerance. Thankfully, we saw a specialist this past month and he reassured us that she will likely outgrow it within the year and that the benefits of breastfeeding are well worth getting through time as her tummy heals.

In the meantime, I'm always looking for great allergen-free recipes and this time of year is no different. Christmastime has been somewhat challenging because of my great love for Christmas cookies. Thankfully, I've found a few alternatives...and even purchased some coconut milk 'egg nog' at the grocery! ha!

But cookbooks like this not only make me feel less alone in my diet, but they even make me excited about it! Celebrations is a cookbook by Danielle Walker ("Against All Grain") and the subtitle says it all: A year of gluten-free, dairy-free, and paleo recipes for every occasion. The cookbook is a gorgeous hardcover with pictures on every page. A delight to look at for sure. She organized the cookbook by holidays within the year and has menus for each one-- starting with a New Year's Eve Cocktail Party and ending with Christmas Dinner and Treats. The beginning of the cookbook featured some education on allergies and intolerance, alternative ingredients, and just general healthy eating. I really appreciated her insight!

The only thing I wasn't crazy about is that every recipe is gluten-free. While this would be a gold mine for someone with Celiac disease or a gluten sensitivity, it makes it difficult for me to choose certain recipes (like cookies or bread) in this cookbook over a different recipe that would use wheat flour since I just don't generally keep coconut or almond flour on hand.

All in all, I really enjoyed this cookbook and would recommend it. While there were some things that were either too 'fancy' or 'alternative' for me, I loved that I could peruse this cookbook and know that I could make any recipe for me and the baby without having to modify it or worry about allergens. I'd give it a 4 out of 5 stars.

[Thank you to Blogging for Books for my lovely copy at no charge! This review contains my honest and original thoughts.]

Tuesday Talk #49: My Favorite Freezer Recipe

I finally found it!!!

Baby G is napping and I spent much of that time searching for my favorite freezer recipe in my Pinterest boards! I knew what the recipe was but no matter where I looked in my different boards or what I typed in the search bar...I could not find it. Which made a little more sense when Pinterest told me I have over six thousand pins in my account! That's ridiculous!

But victory at last! I found it. You've probably seen the Creamy Italian Chicken or Crockpot Italian Chicken recipe floating around on Pinterest at some time in your browsing. You know, the one where you dump chicken and cream cheese and Italian dressing in the crockpot and it makes this amazing creamy goodness to eat over pasta. Mmmm. There are multiple sites with this recipe, but I was on the hunt for a particular site because I've only seen one recipe where it not only makes your dinner but also a freezer meal for later!!

Here you go. Enjoy this recipe for Crockpot Italian Chicken. This stuff is amazing. Two incredibly easy and delicious dinners in one simple prep. I'd post a picture for you but we ate it already. ;)

Have a gorgeous week, friends!

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A Cookbook for Under the Tree

This book is a feast for your eyes. Seriously. My number one desire for a cookbook is a lot of pictures!! This one does not disappoint!

I'm a huge Food Network fan and their products (and their chef's products) are usually pretty trustworthy when it comes to quality. If you have not heard of Giada De Laurentiis before, she is one of the Food Network chefs, a lovely Italian with an infectious smile. This particular cookbook is a comprehensive one, including all the meals as well as snacks and treats and holiday cooking. It tends to focus on simplicity, enjoyment of cooking, and clean eating. 

I actually just enjoyed looking through and reading this book even when I wasn't in the kitchen! The ideas and pictures are delicious and it's fun to see the different topics. Most of the recipes were fairly healthy yet original and flavorful. I appreciated the variety as well-- casual breakfasts or gourmet dinners, even a section on "gifts from your kitchen." There were quite a few posed pictures of Giada herself throughout the book. At first I thought this seemed a little odd or too Hollywood, but then I also thought it does give a more personal feel to the book, like you're getting to know the chef and seeing her work with the recipes she shares. My other disclaimer would be that many recipes are not for the beginner chef (including myself in this category!). Though she does a great job explaining recipes, some of them just seemed a bit complicated or included ingredients that were above my budget or knowledge. It would be fun to branch out and make these for a special occasion but not for an everyday affair. However, she does have several other recipes that do fit my style, taste, and budget.

All in all, if you're looking for a gift for the chef in your family, this would make a lovely gift under the tree-- and would provide many future gifts on your table!

More Info on Happy Cooking (and a coupon code!)

About the Author (she went to cooking school in Paris!)

[This book was provided to me at no cost in exchange for a review. This review contains my honest and original thoughts. Thank you, Blogging for Books!]

Tuesday Talk # 7: Meal Planning and a Pinterest Fail

Good morning and welcome to Tuesday Talk! We're glad you're here! Check out all the fun posts from friends on the link-up and add your own, too!

Any chance you know what you're making for dinner tonight? A few weeks ago I would have answered that question with a sad shrug, painful grimace, or with my head inside the freezer or pantry desperately searching for options. Yet now I'm actually excited to answer that question. 

The miraculous change? Meal planning. I've jumped on the meal planning bandwagon.

I'm still pretty casual about it. I'm not using printables, or systems, or excel charts. I'm must using a cute notepad that is divided into the days of the week on each sheet. On the front of the sheet (with the days of the week), I write out our schedules so that I know which nights P. will be working (which equals simple dinner for one while I watch some episodes!!). Then under each day I write what recipe/meal I plan to make (sometimes "leftovers" gets written in, and that's okay!). I'm usually browsing my Pinterest boards or perusing a cookbook while I'm making out the meal plan so that I can see what ingredients I'll need to buy. Turn the meal plan sheet over and bam! You've got yourself a blank sheet for a grocery list. (I know. Fancy. But it works.)

This small routine has done wonders for me. I feel less pressure on busy work days because I've planned healthy, hearty meals on the previous weekend or my days off so that we'll have leftovers those days. I end up making about 3-4 recipes a week, and the other days we are eating the leftovers or something more simple (hello, frozen pizza). Ideally, I'd like to eventually stock the freezer with meals for those busy days, but hey. It's a journey.

Ready for some winning recipes from the past couple weeks??

Autumn Lasagna -- This baby was amazing. Know that you will be in the kitchen all afternoon, so if you don't love a cooking adventure, this is not the recipe for you. I made it on a Sunday afternoon, pulled up a marriage podcast on my computer to listen to, and thoroughly enjoyed time in the kitchen. Three HEADS of roasted garlic and two butternut squash go into this bad boy. Word of advice: it's so unique I didn't want leftovers over and over, so I froze individual portions for when I'm hungry for it again.

Holy Yum Chicken -- We had dinner guests last Friday night and this was my main dish. I highly recommend it for entertaining! It's elegant yet simple-- and very little last-minute cooking with it. You throw it together, pop it in the oven, and the only thing just before serving is some cornstarch to thicken the sauce. I served it with roasted veggies, multigrain French loaf, and apple-walnut salad. (And the Pinterest fail...more on that later.) 

Kung Pao Chicken -- This is an ideal weeknight dinner. Chicken in the crockpot with your favorite Chinese sauce, add some veggies an hour before serving and cut up the cooked chicken. It was delish. 

Pumpkin Penne -- I made this for myself while my husband was in D.C. for work. I figured he probably wouldn't mind since a few days prior he had asked me, "When is pumpkin cooking season over?" with a hopeful face that it was soon. (I think he had had his fill of that delightful fall bounty.)

What's that you say? Oh. Right. I promised you a Pinterest fail. Alright, friends. No laughing. It can happen to the best of us. (Okay. You can totally laugh. It's hilarious.)

Ever tried making "Cookie Cups" for ice cream using cookie dough and an upside-down muffin tin?

Um. Don't.

 But there's a happy ending. I cut around the mess and they made decent cookie cups and the guests loved them. (And we had some extra laughs.)

Have a great week, friends! I'd love to hear about your favorite recipes lately-- and any Pinterest fails!!

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Jess and Katie - Sweet Little Ones ~ Whitney - Polka Dotty Place
Laura - Life Is Beautiful ~ Elizabeth - All Kinds Of Things
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Dashing Dish: A Book Review

This book is beautiful.

It really is, though, in so many ways. 

What a holistic, well-rounded cookbook. The author is passionate about first finding your identity and value in God and then letting that realization guide you to healthful choices in food. So the goal is to be neither obsessed with food nor ignorant about food. She offers simple yet wise advice on planning, preparing, and purchasing healthy food that honors our bodies as temples of the Holy Spirit.

I was delighted to find pictures on every page in this cookbook-- a definite plus for me. :) The recipes are also unique without being full of ingredients I've never heard of. And the cookbook is divided into breakfast, lunch, dinner, sides, snacks, and dessert (which adds to the ease and simplicity of use). Before the recipes, there are several pages with tips on clean eating, meal planning, and budgeting. 

Even though Pinterest has certainly changed the way we collect recipes, this cookbook rivals Pinterest with its appealing pictures, real-life recipes, and simple clean eating explanations and tips. 

I'm excited to have it on my shelf-- and its tasty recipes in my tummy.

[This book was provided to me at no cost from Book Look Bloggers in exchange for a review. These are my honest and original comments. Thank you, Book Look Bloggers!]

A Little Bit O' Homesteading {my successful attempt at baking pumpkins and squash}

We had a Thanksgiving potluck at work last week and as most of the meal dishes already had cooks signed up for them, I decided to snazzy up our coffee in the morning by bringing Copycat Starbucks Pumpkin Scones.

But alas! The day I was to make them, I opened up the cupboard, dug through the, uh, perfectly organized cans of course...but no pumpkin was to be found. What's a girl to do? Call her sister, of course...who had no canned pumpkin either!

Desperate times call for desperate measures. She suggested sacrificing my Fall decorations. The prairie woman within was awakened.

So I solemnly took my cute little pie pumpkin near the candle and potpourri and brought it to the kitchen, adding a butternut squash for company.

Want to try your hand at making real pumpkin puree and butternut squash? Follow along...

Here are my cute little guys.

First, slice off the tops and bottoms.

Cut each in half so you can then see the seeds to scoop out.

For the butternut squash, you will want to cut the sides off like you would a pineapple.

Scoop out the seeds and pulpy stuff of each. Remember to save your pumpkin seeds for roasting!

I chopped the butternut squash in chunks but the pumpkin I left in fourths, with the outer skin on.

I baked them in a 350 degree oven for about 45 minutes. No oil on them or the pumpkin will not make a good puree.
This is how it looked when I removed it from the oven.

As you can tell, I will never be a food blogger. First, because my pictures are sadly inadequate. Secondly, because I forgot to take a picture at the very end!! I packaged the butternut squash chunks in a freezer bag and froze them until I decide to make a soup or pasta recipe with them. The pumpkin I mashed in a bowl until it resembled puree (a food processor would do the job really well if you have one!).

And there you have it. My fairly successful attempt at homemade pumpkin puree (with some tips on butternut squash just for fun, too).

Many thanks to the real Pioneer Woman for helpful hints along the way.

Happy Thanksgiving week, friends! Did you know I'm thankful for you?!

Snack Girl to the Rescue: A Book Review

Snack Girl to the Rescue! was a fun, informative cookbook. Although I'm not trying to loose weight, I'm always looking for health-conscious recipes and ideas for healthier living. I love fresh, local food and I do get on the organic bandwagon occasionally, but at this time in my life I'm not a Paleo diet enthusiast or boycotting any processed food or stuff like that. I just want to be aware of what I'm eating, why I'm eating it, and where my food comes from. From there, I hope to make wise and balanced choices.

And there's the word that describes this cookbook: balanced. Author Lisa Cain realizes we don't always have the time, money, or energy to follow a strict diet or exercise plan, but that should not stop us from taking the steps (literally and figuratively!) that we can when it comes to healthy living.

The beginning chapters of the cookbook describe her story to weight loss and health, resources for more learning, basic principles and steps to guide you, as well as encouragement and inspiration. I loved her down-to-earth simplicity. The rest of the book has fun, fairly easy recipes for meals and snacks, my favorites being Pumpkin Overnight Pancakes, Baked Eggs and Cheese in Toast Cups, Stovetop Tuna Casserole, and Pumpkin Pie Smoothie (can you tell I'm excited about Autumn recipes??).

The only cons to the cookbook were that I didn't agree with all her principles (she was less concerned about organic, non-GMO, pesticide-free produce than I am) and there were NO pictures in the cookbook (it's just more fun to see the picture of the recipe before you make it, you know?).

Overall, I give it a thumbs-up. It's a family-friend, health-friendly, budget-friendly cookbook by a friendly, relatable author.

Check out the press release for the book for more information!

Or visit the author's website!

[Thanks so much to Blogging for Books for a copy of the cookbook at no cost in exchange for my original and honest review.]

Happy reading and happy cooking!

The Chopped Cookbook: A Review

It's been a great summer for cooking. I have more time at home due to fewer work hours now, and I've been able to plan and prepare meals more often. I also love the fresh, local food available in the summertime from friends with gardens or the farmers' market.

So this cookbook arrived in the mail at the perfect time.

I was ridiculously excited to crack open the cover of The Chopped Cookbook. The Food Network never fails to deliver when it comes to both quality and creativity. While I haven't watched the show Chopped, the description on the cookbook cover told me what I wanted to hear: "Use What You've Got to Cook Something Great."

I don't know about you, but I have often opened the refrigerator to see a hodge podge of produce or my cupboards to see some pasta noodles and spices...and haven't the slightest idea how to put it all together. The Chopped Cookbook teaches you how to think like a chef. I'm not only impressed with the fun (and tasty) recipes, but also the education. It teaches you how to substitute in recipes by knowing the ingredient's role (starch, sweetener, crunch, richness, etc.) and to even come up with your own recipe by knowing those same roles and which are essential.

At the end of each chapter, they take a basic recipe (spaghetti or frittata, for example) and show you ways to change it up. While I can certainly whip up more than a box of macaroni, I'm also fairly dependent on recipes and rarely venture out on my own with creativity. I think that's why I'm so excited about this cookbook; it's the perfect skill level for me, with just enough new ideas and ingredients to challenge my status quo yet not so advanced to feel like it's a Julia Child cookbook in French!

And the final perk to my new favorite cookbook (honestly, guys, I love it that much!)? Pictures!! Lots and lots of pictures!

Here's the book on the publisher's website for more info and a sneak peak at the pages--so colorful!

[Thank you to Blogging for Books for my complimentary copy of this cookbook in exchange for a review. These are my honest and original comments.]

Crazy Crust Pizza...mmm!

I love pizza. I could definitely eat it once a week. Possibly once a day.

Most of the time I enjoy making it from scratch. I use the dough setting on my bread machine and it turns out quite tasty. However, I do have to admit I act like a little kid when I get to order pizza at my apartment. When I was growing up we lived out in the country--too far away for pizza delivery--so I really get a kick out of having hot pizza delivered to my door.

Homemade pizza is yummy and healthy. Delivered pizza is convenient and simple.

If they got married, their child would be Crazy Crust Pizza. Easy, delicious, and healthy. No kneading, no rising, no waiting.

I know. You're curious. Ready for the recipe?

Crazy Crust Pizza

½ cup flourDash of salt and pepper¼ tsp Italian herb seasoning1 egg1/3 c milkPizza toppings (I used onion and mushroom)1 cup pizza sauce (I used can of tomato sauce and mixed Penzey seasoning)1 cup shredded mozza

Mix flour, salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, egg, and milk. Pour into a 9-inch greased pie pan. Spread with toppings (but not sauce or cheese yet!). Bake at 350 for 25 minutes. Remove from oven and top with sauce and cheese. Return to oven. Bake another 10-15 minutes at 350 degrees.

Not Your Typical Lasagna

I'm a self-proclaimed and (roommate-proclaimed) Rachael Ray fan. I love her bubbly, energetic personality and her fun, casual demeanor in the kitchen. This particular recipe aired on her show earlier this month at the perfect time-- a couple days before I was having two girlfriends over for supper. Intrigued by the flavors, I gathered the ingredients and tested it out on my obliging friends. It was delicious! I can't say I agree with the 'lazy' part as the many pots on the stove kept me on my toes, but I loved this unique spin on one of my favorite meals. Enjoy!

*Note: I used spinach instead of escarole.

Lazy Lasagna with Butternut Squash and Escarole

Ingredients

• 1 medium butternut squash, peeled and chopped into 1-inch pieces
• EVOO – Extra Virgin Olive Oil, for drizzling plus 2 tablespoons
• Salt and pepper
• 1 pound ruffle-edge lasagna noodles, broken into irregular shapes
• 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 medium head escarole, chopped
• About 1 cup chicken or vegetable stock
• 1 1/2 cups fresh ricotta cheese
• A small handful of sage leaves, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano, a couple of handfuls
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons flour
• 2 cups whole milk
• Freshly grated nutmeg, to taste
• 1/3 pound Italian Fontina or Gruyère cheese, shredded (about 1 1/2 cups)


Preparation

Preheat oven to 400°F. Arrange the squash on a baking sheet and lightly dress with a drizzle of EVOO, salt and pepper. Roast for 35-45 minutes, until golden at edges and tender.
Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and under-cook pasta by about 2 minutes, a little shy of al dente.
While the water comes to a boil, heat about 2 tablespoons EVOO, a couple of turns of the pan, over medium heat in sauté pan. Add garlic and stir a minute then add escarole and wilt. Season with a little salt and pepper, and add stock, simmer gently until ready to use.
In a small bowl, stir together ricotta, sage, salt, pepper and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese.
In a saucepot, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour, cook a minute or so then whisk in milk. Raise heat a bit and season sauce with salt, pepper and a little freshly grated nutmeg. Let sauce thicken to coat the back of a spoon then taste to adjust seasonings.

Drain lasagna noodles and add them back to hot pot. Stir in ricotta cheese mixture, combine evenly, then fold in roasted squash and escarole. Transfer to a casserole dish and pour the milk sauce evenly over the top. Cover with scant layer of Fontina or Gruyère cheese and place in the hot oven on center rack.
Switch oven to broil and leave casserole in oven until lasagna is brown and bubbly all over, about 4 minutes.

Fall Flavors

My friend Evangeline loves to tease me about my delight for the seasons.

I absolutely love the changing of seasons. And I love the colors, the activities, the decorations, and the food that go along with them.

Especially the food.

Fall has some of my favorite flavors-- apples, pumpkin, and cinnamon. I've been baking and cooking with these items a lot the past month (even pretending to be a pioneer woman and getting pumpkin puree and roasted pumpkin seeds from what used to be the decoration on my table!). I realized I haven't shared a recipe in the two years this blog has been going. So to remedy that...

Andrea and I put together this Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili last weekend. It was wonderful to come back from an afternoon out to a delicious aroma and warm comfort food. Mmmmm.

Black Bean 'n' Pumpkin Chili
From Deborah Vliet/Taste of Home.com

1 medium onion, chopped
1 medium sweet yellow pepper, chopped
2 TBS olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
3 cups chicken broth
2 cans (15 oz. each) black beans, rinsed and drained
2 1/2 cups cubed cooked turkey
1 can (15 oz.) solid-pack pumpkin
1 can (14 1/2 oz.) diced tomatoes, undrained
2 tsp dried parsley flakes
2 tsp chili powder
1 1/2 tsp oregano
1 1/2 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp salt

In a large skillet, saute the onion and yellow pepper in oil until tender. Add garlic; cook a little longer. Transfer to a 5 quart slow cooker; stir in the remaining ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 4-5 hours or until heated through. Yield: 10 servings.

Ordinary Day, I'm glad to see you again

My poor little blog, I've neglected you so this month. But good news: the play is over. Now the sad news: the play is over. Looking back on the past two months, I see a lot of hard work. A lot of late nights. That crazy day I went to work with tightly-curled hair because that night I had to have my hair done for my character Elaine... Then I see the four shows this past weekend. I hear the laughter from the fantastic audiences. I remember the friendships formed as we actors worked towards a common goal. And the crazy-busy memories fade into the background as the sweet, special memories surface.
What am I going to do now that the play is over? Welllll, it doesn't take much time for me to answer that question. I'm so excited to have my weeknights back. Today was my day off work and what a delicious day it was. No commitments, nowhere to be all the delightful day. So-- I cooked and baked most of the afternoon. It looked like a tornado went through the kitchen, but I was a good girl and wiped counters and washed oodles and oodles of dishes. My bounty from all this effort, you ask? Apple butter, apple scones, coconut granola, and homemade deep-dish pizzas. The pizzas were from a Rachael Ray episode. The other three recipes are from the cutest cookbook ever, Fall, Family, & Friends-- it's one from the Gooseberry Patch series. I love those cookbooks. They are so cozy and homey and country-ish (I'm exhausted, so let me make up words if I want to, please).
Micah is hyper and happy as always, but I think he missed his walk with me this morning. If I can muster the energy, I'll take him out for an evening stroll. The colors are so beautiful, it will be worth it.
Last little tidbit before I become dutiful puppy-owner: I'm going to Kentucky!! Yay me! Three friends and I are going for a special horse farm tour going on this weekend. The tour will start out in Louisville and continue to Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington. I'm really looking forward to a relaxing, enjoyable time with friends. Alright, it's 'mommy and Micah' time because I need to get back before dark.
Sorry this is rather boring and journalish (yeah, I know that's not a word either), but I'm feeling rather laid-back and lazy after my baking bonanza. Until next time...