Spiced Chickpea Stew

You may or may not have heard of this recipe that practically broke the internet, most familiarly referred to as "The Stew," but if you haven't...well then LISTEN UP!  Ugh, Siri, you're so bossy.  But really, listen up.  This.  Stew.  Is.  MAGICAL.  I will try to explain why...

It's a warm, comforting dish that leaves you completely satisfied without feeling heavy.  The chickpeas are perfectly seasoned with a spicy kick (I cut the red pepper flakes in half, however, because I'm a wuss).  The fresh ginger is a must, as it brightens up the stew and adds flavor.  And the coconut milk...oh the coconut milk.  Apparently there's a controversy over how many cans to use: 1 or 2.  I followed the recipe and used 2 cans and I wouldn't change a thing.  It smooths out the soup and adds a lovely depth.  Finally, the kale thickens the soup and makes you feel super healthy!  I topped mine with crispy chickpeas and greek yogurt - which I highly recommend.     

Recipe HERE.

Alison Roman, the cookbook author, Bon Appetit contributor and NY Times columnist responsible for the recipe, also went viral with this recipe for her Salted Chocolate Chunk Shortbread Cookies.  Try those as well, you won't be sorry. 

Corn and Avocado Salsa

The lyrics, "back to life, back to reality" have been playing in my head all morning long as I pack up five weeks worth of STUFF we've accumulated in California over the summer.  We've been away from home for a long time.  There has been a lot of sweet family moments mixed with extreme sibling rivalry, large home-cooked dinners mixed with lots of take-out, busy packed days mixed with endless hours of summer boredom.  Now that it's all said and done, I'm ready to get back to routine.

Also, I'm not ready.  I've had moments of sheer panic over the past few weeks.  Moments where I've questioned just about everything in my life.  Is my middle child really ready for kindergarten?  Do they all have "cute enough" back to school clothes?  Did I sign them up for enough activities?  Did I sign them up for too many activities?  Am I volunteering enough?  Am I blogging enough?  Posting enough on Instagram?  Am I keeping up with my cookbook writing?  Am I going to fail?  Am I keeping up with my friends while I'm gone?  Am I planning enough things for September?  Am I planning too many things in September?  Am I neglecting my husband?  

Are you sick of these questions yet?

Then, as if she knew I needed it, a friend sent me this article, titled "What if All I want is a Mediocre Life?"  It's written so beautifully.  She writes, "what if I am most happy in the space of in between, where calm lives?"  I have to remind myself, it's okay to not have the answers to all of those questions above.  It's okay to take baby steps, each and every day, towards a life of balance.  It's okay that this lovely, refreshing, deliciously simple Corn and Avocado Salsa is the only thing I've posted in weeks.  Right?  Tell me it's okay.  (Recipe HERE)  

Now I'm ready to get back to my mediocre life, my mediocre reality. 

(And I'm ready for school to start...)

Buddha Bowls

I'm still not exactly sure what a Buddha Bowl is.  I saw this article on Buzzfeed and became intrigued.  I think they are supposed to be hearty bowls full of raw or roasted veggies and healthy grains that make our bellies so full we end up looking like little buddhas.  Does that sound right?  While I'm not sure I want to look pregnant when I'm not, I am on board with hearty and delicious bowls of goodness, aren't you?  So I made my own with brown wild rice, roasted kale, broccolini and sweet potato, crunchy seasoned garbanzo beans and avocado.  While a lot of these bowls have a tahini-based sauce, for this I simply drizzled some good olive oil and sriracha on top of the finished dish and it, was, sublime.      

To get a nice crunch on the garbanzo beans, it helps to remove there outer skin.  This is tedious, I won't lie.  I'm weird, however, and enjoyed it... but I also enjoy pulling every single last hair out of a hairbrush.  I'd even enjoy it if it was your hairbrush.  Yeah, I'm weird AND disgusting.  Anyway, it helps to rinse the chickpeas (garbanzos, is their a difference?) under water while removing the outer layer with your fingers and discarding in the sink.  Trust me, make a double batch of these for snacking... they are delicious and much healthier than playing with stranger's hairbrushes. 

Buddha Bowls 

Makes 2 bowls

Printable Recipe

1 bunch kale (I used black kale), stems removed and chopped

2 cups diced sweet potato

1 bunch broccolini, stems removed

Extra virgin olive oil

Salt and pepper

1 can garbanzo beans, drained, rinsed and outer skins removed

1/2 tsp cumin

1/2 tsp chili powder

1/4 tsp salt

1 clove garlic, minced

1 Tbsp vegetable oil

2 cups cooked wild rice or brown rice

1 avocado, halved and sliced

Olive oil and hot sauce for drizzling (optional)

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  On a large rimmed baking sheet, place sweet potatoes, kale and broccolini.  Drizzle everything with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.  Roast in oven for 20 minutes, flipping veggies halfway through.  Remove, cover with foil and set aside.  In the meantime, place garbanzo beans in a bowl and add cumin, chili powder, salt and minced garlic.  Toss to coat.  In a skillet, heat vegetable oil over medium heat.  Add beans and sauté for 10-15 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes, until beans have a nice crunch.  To assemble bowls, add rice first, then roasted veggies, beans and avocado.  Sprinkle with olive oil, hot sauce and season to taste with salt and pepper.  

Silky Zucchini Soup

Remember that one time I was on the Today Show making soup, and I used my favorite tool (the immersion blender), and I sprayed soup all over the cameras and Matt Lauer?  It feels just like yesterday, oh, because it was (you can view the recipes and segment here).  You might not believe me, but I really DO know how to use that thing... I just like to give the national TV people something to slo-mo once in awhile.  Anyway, this silky smooth zucchini soup was a result of my PROFESSIONAL immersion blending, and it was delicious.  Dairy-free, vegan (if you don't use the butter... I used the butter) and superb.  

Recipe here.

Edamame & Sugar Snap Pea Salad

When I travel, I pretty much plan out exactly where I'm going to eat for every meal of the day, oh I don't know, months in advance.  The reason for this is simple.  If you were to crack open my brain, you would see little thought bubbles with images of food inside, menus from various restaurants (that I've memorized), a little fat man (I'm convinced) that controls my lack of willpower, etc.  No really, I'm a scientist, you would actually find all of that.  The point is, I love food, and I know exactly where I want to eat when we land in LA... one of those places being Lemonade.  It's funny what you end up missing when you move, and the market-fresh, seasonal salads at Lemonade is right up there with the sunny weather.  Luckily for me, I own their cookbook!  So I can make the dishes I love in the comfort of my own kitchen (I swear this isn't a commercial).  Like this fresh, vibrant, crunchy Edamame and Sugar Snap Pea Salad with a Sesame Vinaigrette.  Perfect for your next summer BBQ.

You can find the recipe here and purchase the cookbook here!

Baked Zucchini Chips

After making these Brussels Sprout Chips the other day, I've been craving other healthy snack options (don't worry, friends, my next post later today is about BUTTER).  I've fried veggie chips before but I wanted to see how baking them would work, so I followed this tutorial and made some Baked Zucchini Chips.  They were deliciously light and crispy, however, one large zucchini does not yield very many chips, so I would make more next time.  I also think I set my mandolin setting too thin - on '2', next time I'll go up to '3' because I'm crazy like that.  Mmm, just looking at this picture makes me want more.  Also I want to dip them in tzatziki sauce (just try spelling that word without Google).   

Also, Homemade Potato Chips, Kale Chips, Eggplant Chips and Baked Tortilla Chips.

Brussels Sprout Chips

Do you know what I consistently want?  Honey BBQ Fritos Twists.  Like, I want them all of the time.  If I could eat a bag every day without feeling guilty or disgusting (or gaining a thousand pounds)... I would.  And because of this, I don't think I've opened a bag since college.  I'm too afraid of what might happen once I taste that sweet and spicy crunch.  WHY IS IT THE PERFECT CRUNCH?  Nope, no... I must not go there.  Instead, I will make things like Brussels Sprout Chips, which are delightful and flavorful AND nutritious.  It is somewhat tedious, I admit, to rip off the outer leaves, but you can also slice them thinly with a knife for a similar effect and texture.  Check out this recipe if you would like to avoid Honey BBQ Fritos Twists taking over your life as well.  

Zucchini Linguine with Pesto

Good Morning, friends!  I'm still here, waiting on baby, who is officially due in less than 2 weeks!  I feel like a walking, ticking time bomb!  (Remember this labor-inducing salad dressing?  Carson had it shipped here, and I will be drinking it out of the bottle tonight.)  But no complaints here (hahahahahaha funny) - I'm feeling good and only slightly upset that I gained 3 pounds in one week due to this chocolate cake, most likely.  So in an effort to eat more green things and less butter, I made this Zucchini Pasta the other day and it was delicious.  

  

There's a quaint little market in my town that actually sells this zucchini pre-sliced in noodle form.  But if you can't find them pre-made, here's an article on how to make them yourself.  It seems pretty easy!  And turning the vegetable into a delicious dish is even easier, and takes only minutes.  I served mine lightly sautéed in a pesto sauce, but a marinara would be great or even just olive oil, salt and pepper.  I'm not claiming this tricks your taste buds into thinking you're devouring pasta, but it might trick your children's eyes?  And regardless, it was a perfect, yummy side.      

Zucchini Linguine with Pesto

Serves 4

Printable Recipe

1 lb. zucchini noodles

1/3 cup pesto sauce

Salt and pepper

Parmesan (optional)

Heat up the pesto sauce in a large skillet over medium heat until warmed.  Add zucchini and toss, sautéing for 3-4 minutes.  Season with salt and pepper, and serve with sprinkled Parmesan cheese.

Healthy V-Day Treats

I've already introduced you to my sister-in-law Jessica's blog, One Hungry Yogi, but now let me introduce you to my sister Georgia's new blog, Inspired Spoons (you've met her before, by the way). Georgia is a junior at Syracuse studying Nutrition and Dietetics.  I had no idea how to spell that word, by the way, but I SWEAR we're related.  She is my youngest sister, and probably a thousand times smarter (and healthier) than me.  Check out her blog, like her on Facebook and follow her on Instagram - her food is truly beautiful and inspiring!  In case you're not convinced, here are some Valentine's Day treats from both Jessica and Georgia... you're welcome. 

Raw Strawberry Tart ~ One Hungry Yogi

Strawberry Banana Cashew "Nice Cream" ~ Inspired Spoons

Review: Dr. Praeger's

I was recently sent some products from Dr. Praeger's, a line of nutritious, all-natural frozen foods that the whole family will enjoy!  It sounds like they told me to write that but they didn't, honestly.  My whole family has become addicted to their broccoli, sweet potato and spinach nuggets.  Which is not an easy feat, by the way, considering my son won't touch a green vegetable (other than frozen peas).  The other night he asked for 15 broccoli nuggets.  And, like I said, you will enjoy them too.  You can tell that they're fresh, almost like you made them yourself.  Look for them the next time you're out!

And stay tuned for a homemade meal later on today...    

**Quick note: earth to Julie who won the Cake Stand Giveaway, if I don't hear from you over the weekend I am going to pick another winner so please email me soon : )

One Hungry Yogi

You don't read words like "raw" or "vegan" or "gluten-free" on this blog very often because, well, I don't type those words very often.  It's not that I don't enjoy following a (somewhat) healthy lifestyle (moderation people) it's just that I really enjoy butter and bacon.  That said, I've had readers contact me, asking for vegan ideas or gluten-free ideas and while I do that from time to time, I want to point you in the direction of someone that does that ALL the time.  My future sister-in-law!  She just launched a blog called One Hungry Yogi that chronicles her experiences as a yoga instructor and lover of creating healthy food.  That ice cream above?  RAW.  Frozen banana, cocoa powder and coconut milk.  She even made a chocolate tart the other day out of avocado and sweet potato.  Genius!  Check out the site.

I am so excited for my brother to marry this woman : )  

Whole Wheat Soft Pretzel Bites

You would think after the debacle I experienced last time I volunteered to bake snacks for Jack's preschool, I'd be over doing it again.  But you can fool me once, or twice, and never again, as George W said, I think.  What I'm trying to say is... I don't learn from my mistakes!  No, I kid, this time it was actually a leisurely, enjoyable experience.  And I found a new recipe that I will absolutely try again!  Very healthy (I subbed whole wheat flour for all-purpose) and allergy friendly (dairy-free).  Great dipped in peanut butter (or soy butter if you have a nut allergy).  I doubled the recipe and it made A TON.  Plenty to feed a schoolyard of crazy kids.  I'm never there when the kids enjoy snack time, but I'd like to imagine the table chatter goes something like this:

Kid:  What a delicious and healthy snack for my tummy.  Who MADE these?
Jack:  MY MOM.  The BEST mom in the whole wide world.
Kid:  Wow.  You should totally bring her home a medal or at least a candy bar or some new shoes.      

Mini Vegan Banana Muffins

Do you believe in the universe trying to tell you something?  Listen to my story...

Once Upon A Time, I agreed to bake 100 mini muffins for Jack's preschool snack.  There are roughly 80 kids, and some like seconds.  In true Siri fashion, I left this project to the very last minute (like every term paper in college), and had planned to bake after my kids fell asleep last night.  Promptly, at bedtime, the power went out.  Carson was at work, Jack was freaking out, and I looked like this...

  

What, you don't keep a headband flashlight on your nightstand like Carson does?  p.s. What are those four freaky dots coming out of my neck???  I look like I'm waiting for my spaceship.  Anyway, I wake up at 2am to a screaming baby I'm attempting to sleep train, and it's still black outside.  I start to panic.  I begin to imagine 80 kids coming at me like walking zombies, begging for their snack.  I cannot let this happen.  And then, at 3am, the power comes back on!  I dance in bed!  I set my alarm for 5am.  Oh, and the baby wakes up two more times.  

So it's early, and I'm drinking a pot of coffee.  I start to make Mini Vegan Banana Muffins using this bread recipe (which I doubled, cooking the muffins for 13 minutes) because a few of the kids are allergic to dairy and nuts.  I decide to look at the allergy list one more time and I see one little girl who is allergic to cinnamon.  I have already put cinnamon in the batter.  I THROW THE BATTER AWAY and thoroughly scrub everything to remove any cinnamon residue.  I curse cinnamon allergies.  I drink more coffee.  I begin again.  I'm about to pour the soy milk in only I look, and I see that I didn't buy soy milk - I bought almond milk.  Almond milk, for kids with severe nut allergies.  CURSE EVERYTHING!!!!!!  I google "alternatives to almond milk" and google tells me "soy milk" thanks for NOTHING GOOGLE.  So I use water in place of milk.  I think these muffins are going to taste like rat poison and all the kids will make up mean songs about Jack D's Mommy.  I plug along anyway...

Guess what?  They were freaking delicious.  Like, really, really good.  Oh and I added dairy free chocolate chips because I want all the kids to make up nice songs about Jack D's Mommy.  

I think the lesson here, that the Universe is trying to teach me, is to quit trying to be Super Mom.  It's okay that I shower rarely and brush my hair even less and drop off my son at school wearing the same outfit everyday and eat chocolate chips every night by the handful.  It's okay!  It's okay.  It's okay? 

Vegan Pumpkin Muffins

Today, my son's class took a field trip to a pumpkin patch...

Oooo, spoooooooky.

I volunteered to make 80 mini pumpkin muffins.  I know, spooky.  Carson always tells me I overbook myself but in MY defense, my mom was in town and helped watch the kiddos while I worked.  And have you ever known me to turn down a reason to bake??

Also, this recipe was extremely easy and extremely delicious.  Because of various allergies at the school, they are vegan (consisting of soy milk, soy yogurt and no eggs).  PACKED with spices and a hint of molasses flavor, ridiculously moist and perfectly pumpkin-y.  Recipe HERE.

The kids (and parents) ate them up.  My Jack had 3 (I say "my Jack" because there were four others).

*I doubled the recipe and it made 80 mini muffins.

Broccoli Soup

This is almost a vegan creation. Minus the dab of cream, and handful of cheese. Is olive oil vegan? I obviously don't know these things because I practically eat human beings I love meat so much. Um. Should I delete that?

Broccoli Soup - so simple, so healthy (if you avoid the temptation to throw a brick of cheddar cheese in it), and a way to get my son to eat something green! (In full disclosure, he only had a few spoonfuls... but I am under the impression that even small amounts will turn him into Popeye.) I found this soup on my friend's blog... a working mom who cooks for her twin boys every night! I altered it slightly because I didn't have brown rice, I used vegetable stock instead of chicken, and I didn't want to deplete my son's milk so I used a dab of cream instead. I SAID DAB.