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Honey Oat + Coconut Granola Bars

June 27, 2014 • 1 Comment

Who says making granola bars has to be difficult and time-consuming?

If you’ve ever wanted to start baking homemade granola bars but were too daunted by the task — this post is for you.

I cannot tell you how many times I’ve walked past Nature Valley bars and told myself, “You should really try making those yourself sometime,” but then never took the initiative because I feared it would be difficult. Until today. One day last week, I woke up and just told myself I was going to try it, whether it was a success or flop. Now, I have learned that making granola bars from scratch is probably one of the easiest things to do in the kitchen, aside from cooking noodles and sauteing vegetables, or things of that nature.

What I love about these granola bars is that they are the perfect fix for when hunger strikes. Along with the usual dried fruit and nuts, I carry one or two of these around with me all day in case I have a snack attack. Another plus? Though many baked goods spoil within a few days, these bars still tasted the same after an entire week of being in a sealed container. Not too shabby …

Strawberry, Caramelized Onion + Balsamic Pizza

May 14, 2014 • Leave a Comment

“We are of many colors, but all of one heart,” I overheard a parent say at a recent PTO meeting that I attended as part of my job as Communications Specialist for Edina Public Schools.

The group was talking about the importance of embracing diversity and creating educational opportunities for students to authentically bond with peers different from themselves. I nodded my head in agreement as the parents took turns discussing why it’s necessary to branch out and interact with people regardless of race, skin color, religion or gender.

Diversity opens the door to share perspectives through storytelling. And as a storyteller, I truly believe these perspectives have the power to forever change a life. Certainly, not every person we come in contact with is going to leave a lifelong impression on us, but it’s incredible how even one social exchange can alter a worldview, however slight the change may be.

So where does pizza tie in? Unfortunately, I don’t think this Strawberry, Basil + Balsamic Pizza is going to change someone’s life…unless you’ve never had goat cheese before, and then, in that case, this pizza could be rock-your-world life changing.Read More

Cheesy French Bread with Artichoke + Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

April 3, 2014 • Leave a Comment

Ladies and gentlemen, I give you one of the messiest, but most delicious and satisfying appetizers you will ever taste. It’s so good, my fiance and I frequently make a meal out of it by eating several with a side salad.

Cheese. Garlic. Bread. Pesto. Artichoke. And more cheese.

Probably a good idea to grab the napkins for this one, folks.

Though simple by design, this appetizer is bold in flavor. I originally developed this recipe for Pillsbury.com, which is why the first ingredient is their crusty French loaf bread dough—feel free to use fresh French bread if that is what you prefer. Either way, you’ll hardly be able to wait for these piping hot cheesy breads to cool off before digging in.Read More

Kale Quinoa Avocado Salad

March 12, 2014 • Leave a Comment

This Kale Quinoa Avocado Salad is packed with colorful nutrients and perfect as a main dish or side.

There are few things I enjoy more than cooking a meal for someone. It’s the reason why I’ve contemplated becoming a personal chef someday – I love being able to fill hungry bellies with a high-quality meal. But sharing meals goes beyond the simple act of cooking. What happens in the kitchen can be exciting, but what’s more important are the memories made at the dinner table (whether you’re dinner out or in).

While writing a story for Woodbury Magazine last month, I got to talk to a business owner who was opening up his second olive oil shop in the Minneapolis suburb-area. When asked what made him pursue this kind of business, he referenced his love affair with the Mediterranean lifestyle, and their attitude toward mealtimes. In Europe, sharing meals together is all about enjoyment. They don’t rush; they take their time – savoring every bite and every twist and turn of conversation. I, too, deeply revere and long for those kind of meals every day. And I try my hardest to make them happen whenever possible.Read More

Roasted Tomato Caprese Grilled Cheese

February 12, 2014 • Leave a Comment

It will be months before we see tomatoes growing on vines in the Midwest, but I’m already dreaming about local heirlooms, and colorful, bright red, yellow, purple and green tomatoes.

My new home in Minnesota has a small space for a box garden, so I think I’ll even be able to plant some of my own this season. Whether or not those tomatoes will be as juicy and delicious as the plump ones at the Farmers Market, I do not know. But I will make an attempt!

Tomatoes are the star of this simple grilled cheese recipe, which comes from the kitchen of How Sweet It Is blogger Jessica. Roasting the tomatoes brings out a sweet flavor that pairs perfectly with the mozzarella cheese, basil and balsamic reduction.

My fiancé and I enjoyed the whopping sandwich with a large bowl of Trader Joe’s Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Soup (my go-to box soup). For those of you who do not live near a Trader Joe’s, I am sorry… If I had the time to mail a box to you, I would! Yes. It is THAT good. Of course, you can’t go wrong with substituting for a bowl of classic tomato soup. Unless, you’re like me and suffer from tomato-overload-induced acid reflux…which in that case, I’d suggest buying another roll of Tums for that courageous combination.

Spicy Peanut Sweet Potato Soup

January 27, 2014 • Leave a Comment

This winter has been tough for a lot of us.

Subzero temperatures, bone-chilling winds and sheets of drifting snow have forced most into hibernation mode. Even my fiance, Alex, and I, who love to be outdoors at any chance, must stay inside, because it would be dangerous not too.

While we frequently dream of skating on ice, going for long walks or cross country skiing through parks, we are thankful for shelter amid our cabin fever feelings. We are also thankful for the ability to make hot meals: casseroles, pizza, spaghetti, steaming soups, etc. They are a comfort in this season and something I always crave.Read More