A simple salad for the last days of summer with an Asian-inspired honey sesame dressing and marinade. Every year I feel as though I’m hanging on to the last bits of summer, wishing the sun’s rays to remain warm and strong just a bit longer so as to delay the inevitable winter, the graying of the plants and the whiteness that will eventually come and blanket my little piece of the earth. I appreciate the seasons. I suppose any true Minnesotan must, lest you drive yourself crazy. There’s... more

Togarashi is a spice blend often seen in Japanese cooking, dating back many centuries. Borrowing some traditional seasonings there and adding in the element of wasabi, these spicy orange wasabi fries are a perfect mix of East meets West, giving you a fry worthy of standing next to a sushi night or bowl of ramen, but just as easily finding a place on a plate next to a burger. There was a green bush in the garden last year that sparked several conversations between Ole and I. What was it? How did... more

Today I’m participating in the Ultimate Blog Swap. You’ll find me posting over at GoodLife Eats this morning about a certain Roasted Potato and Spinach Frittata and striving for grace during moments of stress, and I’m excited to welcome Tara from Unsophisticook to Food For My Family where she shares one of her go-to grilled vegetable recipes in easy foil packets : Much like Shaina, I place a high priority on feeding my family wholesome and healthful meals. This can be challenging with five... more

This orzo pasta salad is loaded full of spring asparagus and artichokes. A bit of white wine vinegar and lemon juice make this the perfect salad for an early season picnic or a a springy Easter dinner. Easter is less than two weeks away. It seems like it’s been coming forever, though, as it is so late this year. I’m not complaining, though. Too often there is still snow on the ground when Easter rolls around here in Minnesota, and a snow-covered yard does not make for good Easter... more

A creamy macaroni and cheese recipe that will satisfy both young and old made with Kerrygold cheese and butter from grass-fed cows. This mac and cheese reheats beautifully the next day with just a bit of milk or cream stirred in. Ole pointed out a few weeks ago that our children were growing up with a different food experience than either one of us had. Things like peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, mac and cheese lunches and daily desserts are not the norm over here. Rather than growing up... more

Colcannon is a classic potato dish in Ireland and perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day on Thursday. Made with potatoes, sautéed kale and/or cabbage, a few green onions, butter and cream, this is definitely a stick-to-your-ribs dish that is perfect for serving alongside an Irish beef stew. Last week was a laughable mess. I definitely had my fair share of life going on with identity theft, a 36-hour trip to Chicago, what ended up as a 4-hour appointment to Children’s Hospital for... more

This grilled romaine salad with blue cheese vinaigrette is perfect for a romantic Valentine’s Day meal or any day of the week. It’s easy to do both on a grill pan over a range or on a grill outside if you’re up to braving the cold. Grilled lettuce is a bit of an odd concept I suppose. What we traditionally serve as cold and crisp is getting thrown on the grill, which is great fun if you love the grill like a certain someone around here. Personally, I love the grill plenty,... more