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Chicken Curry in a Hurry

May 30, 2013 • 5 Comments

The wonderful thing about ordering Thai take-out is that you can get delicious, ethnic food prepared and delivered in just a few minutes.

There’s no fuss. No mess. Just happy noses, and full bellies.

While you might make a mess (who am I kidding, I always make a mess) with this recipe, you, too, can whip up an order of chicken curry in quite a hurry. Don’t be intimidated by the fact you are cooking something you would normally order at a specialized restaurant. You can cook something that will taste just as good — and for half the price!Read More

What It Means to Be a Joy Forever

May 6, 2013 • 1 Comment

Some things never grow old. Like singing a favorite song while driving with the windows down; watching spring’s first flowers bloom; or taking a bite of any sweet dessert. As John Keat’s once wrote: “A thing of beauty is a joy forever.”

If we believe we were beautifully and wonderfully made, why, then, as we grow older on the outside, do we let time steal our joy? As if age were something to extinguish joy — as if wrinkles and sagging skin were something to hide away?

Last week, I grabbed lunch with my gramma, who had received a hair cut earlier that day. Her hair looked fantastic, but it’s not what I love most about her. You see, my gramma is beautiful for many reasons; what captivates me most is her spirit, the way she lights up when she smiles, and the stories we share. Her spirit is full of so much joy, and for that she is eternally beautiful.

The same is true for all of us, regardless of age, appearance, or social class.
An uplifting, remarkable spirit is a joy to be surrounded by forever.

It’s guaranteed that our bodies will change over time, but our spirits will only grow old if we let them.Read More

Make Ahead Cinnamon Rolls

April 3, 2013 • Leave a Comment

First, I am aware that you could just go to Walmart and get a sleeve of Pillsbury cinnamon rolls and everyone would still be happy … But people! Seriously, there are no words for this recipe.

This was actually my first time making cinnamon rolls from scratch. I love to bake, but usually stick with cookies, cakes, muffins and bars. However, after baking these make ahead homemade cinnamon rolls for Easter morning this year, I think I’m going to have to add “rolls” to the list.Read More

Artichoke + Asparagus Thin Crust Pizza

March 27, 2013 • 1 Comment

The sky may have dropped 12 inches of snow in Central Indiana on Sunday night, but according to my weather app, 54˚ weather is only a few days away. Finally, spring is upon us!

Asparagus is my favorite spring vegetable. I don’t think I’ve ever had anything with asparagus on it that I didn’t like. Beer-battered asparagus, oven roasted asparagus, asparagus frittatas, asparagus soup — all are fantastic. This pizza is no different. This Artichoke Asparagus Pizza was yet another “what’s left in my fridge?” creation, but because it turned out so well and is budget-friendly and healthy, I knew it was perfect for sharing with all of you.Read More

House by the Sea

March 26, 2013 • Leave a Comment

If it were up to me
I’d have a house by the sea
Cloaked in sunshine and grace
It would be an always happy kind of place
But because this dream is not a reality
I will instead find somehow to agree
That beauty, joy and love can be found anywhere
If I truly take the time to care.

palm trees — Photo | Jackson Wes, Creative Commons

Mushroom Ragu Lasagna + A Smashing Birthday

March 21, 2013 • 3 Comments

The only thing better than a birthday party is a surprise birthday party … with really good food.

When one of my best friends, Devon Aragona, called to ask me if I would create an Italian menu for her mom, Tracy’s 50th birthday celebration, I immediately created three, four-course options for her to choose from.

There are many great lasagna recipes out there, but this Mushroom Ragu variation, adapted from Food Network, is the one we went with for the main course.

On the day of the event, Devon and I were busy in the kitchen all afternoon (she is a wonderful kitchen assistant and photographer — she gets all the credit for this post’s photos!). This Mushroom Ragu Lasagna involves a lot of prep time, but if you’re willing and have the time, I promise it is worth the hard work.