Hi there! I'm a day late in posting this, but in honor of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day being yesterday, here are a couple of my favorite of his quotes: Ever have days that you feel like are just off? Today was definitely one of those days. I was having an issue with my Mac where 2 of the keys weren't working right, so I had to drop my computer off at the Apple store for a repair yesterday. Because of this, I had to work on my iPad and hubby's PC today, neither of which I know how to use that well, without any of my files or previous emails on hand. It was a pain in the butt but I worked through it without getting too frustrated, and luckily my computer was ready to pick up later on today. My off work day rubbed off on me when coming up with what to make for dinner. I had just come home ... [Read More]
breakfast recipes
Apple Dapple Pancakes & My Favorite Breakfast Recipes
I think that one of the reasons why I'm always cooking and creating recipes is because I had my mom and grandma as cook role models growing up. Both of them have always enjoyed spending time in the kitchen making meals for the family to enjoy. To us, food is love. You still can frequently find my 80-year old grandma in her massive kitchen, complete with 3 ovens, 6 burners, and plenty of counter space to work, cooking up a storm. Her first questions when you walk into her house are always, "Are you hungry? Do you want something to eat?" We've learned to never go to her house already full. She's a persistent little lady, and even if you initially say no, it's almost guaranteed that you'll somehow wind up with a plate in front of you. Today I'm guest posting on My Own Balance (a blog I ... [Read More]
Honey Baked Pear with an Oat, Date and Almond Topping
Guess whose a happy girl? After a week of wearing the dreaded cone, Harley's rash has healed and I was able to take the cone off of her. In true Harley style, having the cone on was anything but easy. Besides her being generally miserable and refusing to eat for the first couple of days, there were 2 particularly annoying parts of the cone: 1.) The first night she had it on, Harley walked around whining and pacing my bedroom the entire night. You'd think she would tire herself out, which she would for 20-30 minutes at at time, but then she'd be back at it. It.sucked. 2.) While driving with her in my backseat, I had the window cracked for her. Harley took it upon herself to put it all the way down (yes, she just pushes the button), and just as I was telling her to get her head back in the ... [Read More]
Honey Almond Ricotta Fruit Parfait
Hi friends! What a lovely Thursday night it is -- despite the New York Giants losing tonight's football game and going 0-6 of the season. Whomp. After a hard workout at the gym, I came home to whip up dinner and watch the game in hopes of a first win. With a pumpkin pie candle burning, the game on my TV, and my favorite grilled cheese for dinner - cheddar & gruyere with avocado, fried zucchini & horseradish mustard - I couldn't help but think what a relaxing autumn evening it has been. Ya know, despite my having a slight heart attack and yelling at my TV in between bites of deliciousness. The focus of today's post is a breakfast or lunch combo that was born out my need to break out the new mason jar I bought in Amsterdam and start my day off in a fancy schmancy way. I started off ... [Read More]
Banana Peanut Butter Pancakes
First thing this morning, Harley and I ventured out for a long walk around our neighborhood trail. As my stomach growled, I started to think about breakfast. Most days, I eat Greek yogurt with fruit, cereal with protein powder and fruit, or a smoothie for breakfast. But every couple of weeks, I get a craving for pancakes. Today was one of those days, and as we got some exercise in, I concocted a breakfast recipe in my head. Despite my love for pancakes, you won't find pancake mix in my kitchen cabinets. I've become accustomed to mixing a bunch of ingredients together to make up my own recipe when I have pancake yen. Here is today's creation: These light and fluffy banana pancakes have a subtle hint of peanut butter, and are the perfect portion to serve breakfast for one. I used ... [Read More]