YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Lemon-Chickpea Soup

I found this recipe recently, and decided to make it for dear friends who were coming to dinner to celebrate the completion of our new kitchen. And was I happy I did! I had no idea how fabulous this soup would turn out to be. So much more than the sum of its humble parts. Yes it looked good on paper, but you never know, do you? Lucky us.

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YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Lemon Asparagus

A really delicious recipe from my friend, Stacia, this is one of those dishes that is way more than the sum of its very simple parts. What you need to know is that the key to making this recipe go from great to unbelievable is to dress the asparagus stalks while they are still steaming hot so the lemon juice and olive oil get very well absorbed. Then, the chilling step makes the flavors so incredibly bright that they practically SING in your mouth! Continue reading


YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Pea Salad with Mint & Lemon

My family is growing like a garden of sweet peas! My own children have met their beloved partners, who have brought us to meet to their own extended families, and we could not be happier.

So this past weekend we found ourselves in attendance at an annual Labor Day party in the middle of Pennsylvania. Lasting late into the night, there was more delicious food than the eye could see, a climbing structure for the kids, a blessedly beautiful bocce court, and an annual tournament for all. We sat happily among everyone on the sidelines, absorbing the rules of the game, enjoying the earnest efforts of the younger players, applauding the antics of the dozen or more toddlers, and feeling very appreciative of the love, warmth, and hospitality. Continue reading


YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Grandma Rosie’s Rhubarb

Last week, I wrote about my Grandma Rosie’s chopped eggplant, and it was a huge hit! So now, this week, with the rhubarb starting to poke up in the garden, I thought I’d write about her rhubarb. But first a few words about the woman. My Grandma Rosie was an extraordinarily good cook. I mean exceptionally good. Continue reading


YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Grilled Tofu & Cucumber Salad

Grilling season—yeah! Here’s something so delicious you’ll probably want to make it even if you aren’t vegan! Of course, if you do want to make something special because your favorite vegan happens to be coming for dinner, then this really yummy recipe is a great choice! And you should plan to make enough for everybody, just in case. The warm and cold; soft and crunchy; sweet, sour and heat all add up to a very pleasing set of contrasts.  Continue reading


YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Spinach & Chickpea Curry

Let this list of spices inspire you! Sure, you can reach for the curry powder in the spice cabinet, but wait! Don’t! You are not going to believe the difference between THAT and THIS. It’s diamonds vs. paste. Top shelf vs. moonshine. Everything you’ve ever wanted vs. anything you’ve ever settled for. You will be so grateful, and your tastebuds will, too. Continue reading


YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Breakfast Blueberry Scones

You may not have realized, but scones don’t need to be made with wheat flour. These gorgeous scones, made from nut flour, are flavorful and sweet, gentle and crumbly on your tongue, and full of nourishing ingredients. Whether you’re wheat-sensitive or simply curious, these scones are the perfect treat if you’re looking for a sweet, nutritious something to enjoy with your morning tea or coffee. Continue reading



YOUR HEALTHY PLATE: Vitamin C Tea

Some days, all you can think about is a little something light to drink. Most of us limit our tea choices to what’s available on the shelf at the grocery store, but the fact of the matter is that you can make tea blends yourself if you ever decide that you would like to try. This particular recipe, with its tart and satisfying combination of Vitamin-C-rich plants and slightly astringent saffron, is from QuitoKeeto, which also displays the most drool-worthy, if pricey, selection of kitchenware and housewares on its site. Check it out and you’ll see what I mean. Continue reading