this … April in Minnesota can be quite unpredictable. Sunny and 70 degrees one day, snowing and gusty winds the next. Like the day we left for Aruba and it snowed 8 inches. Talk about perfect timing. But either way, we know warmer, brighter days are ahead, believing in the promises of asparagus, ramps, pea […]
April 15, 2014
this … You know those things you grew up believing you didn’t like because your mother and father didn’t like them? That’s really the only way I can make the connection here between black cats and this Whipped Ricotta with Smoked Paprika & Honey. There was never an option to have a cat, as my […]

April 1, 2014
For the most part, I haven’t missed many foods since I went gluten free years ago. Usually I can adapt whatever I’m craving into a gluten free version without much difference, like pizza, casseroles, gluten-free gnocchi, and even donuts. But there’s one thing I’ve been longing for: the silky handmade tagliatelle from Cossetta’s, made by […]

March 23, 2014
Luck of the Irish Skewers are an easy, festive St. Patrick’s Day appetizer with pickled brussels sprouts, pastrami, and cheese. The best of Irish food on a stick! These might just be the easiest St. Patrick’s Day appetizer ever. No baking, brining, or boiling required. These Luck of the Irish Skewers are inspired by traditional […]

Tags: Cheese
March 12, 2014
Looking to celebrate Valentine’s Day with a beautiful gluten-free dessert? This Gluten-Free Chocolate Beet Cake with naturally dyed pink buttercream frosting is absolutely everything you’d want in a chocolate cake, with a little something extra. A chocolate beet cake: My inspiration to make this cake was not because I wanted to secretly incorporate beets to […]

Tags: Chocolate
February 13, 2014
this … Pretty soon the shape of my tush is going to be grooved in my favorite perching spot to write – way in the back corner of our quaint, but perfect neighborhood coffee shop, Nina’s Cafe. I’ve spent countless hours there scribbling, backspacing, deleting, editing photos, brainstorming………….. all for my book, “Smitten with Squash”. […]
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Tags: Chocolate
February 5, 2014
It’s been cold…. and unfortunately another round of this “polar vortex” is sweeping across the Midwest as I write this post. 30 years of living in this tundra and yet I had never experienced air temperature of -22 degrees F, a chill that’s hard to describe in words except absurd. But then again we’ve talked […]

January 21, 2014
this … Happy 2014 friends! During this time of year there’s a lot of talk about making better food choices and I want you to know that doesn’t mean you have to eat boring, tasteless food. You don’t have to embark on a juice cleanse. You don’t have to give up meat. You don’t have […]

Tags: Chickpeas
January 8, 2014
this … Move over Baked Brie, you’ve got competition. This easy appetizer, a Pistachio Crusted Cheese Log, studded with ruby red pomegranate seeds naturally says “Happy Holidays” with just a few ingredients. It’s a bit creamy, fruity, and a delightful play on textures. Make it a day ahead and you’ll be as relaxed as can be when party […]

December 28, 2013
Raise your hand if you’re scared of the candy thermometer….. Hand raised HIGH here. The vanilla bean caramels I tried to make once? Fail. But Homemade Espresso Marshmallows? Major win. So much easier to make than I thought. I really wanted to try making my own fluffy, homemade marshmallows. Besides my fear of the candy […]

Tags: Chocolate
December 18, 2013
this … On the 4th Day of December my Sweet Tooth Gave to Me……. Flourless Chocolate Peppermint Blossoms! With just 6 ingredients, these pretty holiday cookies starring chocolate and peppermint bark are rich, fudgey, and naturally gluten free. That’s reason for an all out kitchen happy dance. Normally I’m a peanut butter blossom or frosted […]

Tags: Chocolate
December 4, 2013
this … When fresh Wisconsin cranberries begin to appear in early November at the farmer’s market it’s like nature signaling the holidays are here. With their scarlet red hue matching the universal color of the season, they brighten many Thanksgiving tables in the form of relish or a smooth sauce, but this Cranberry Orange Salsa […]

November 24, 2013