This week I managed to take my child to school on a day that he didn't in fact have school (I may have almost cried), on top of that Parks has woken up at 5am or somewhere in that time frame every single day leaving me feeling more tired than usual, and it seems like I can't get into my routine this week! Do you ever have weeks like that where you just feel off? (Please tell me I'm not alone here.) Thank goodness for easy recipes that save the day when my brain clearly isn't working so I don't have to put much effort into creating a delicious recipe that the whole family loves. My sumac roasted chickpea Caesar salad is just the kind of meal that nourishes your body, tastes delicious, and is easy peasy too!
I cannot believe August has arrived and back to school has already started! Where did the summer go? But let's be honest, summer actually isn't over yet is it? The heat is still sticking around and we still have a good month or two left of some of my favorite summer produce! Last week I made a random salad based upon what I had in the fridge, and omg guys...it was one of the best salads I have made in a long time! I knew that I was going to have to make it again, and that I needed to let you guys in on this amazing salad combination too! My grilled bbq chicken and peach salad is the quintessential summer salad and it needs to be on your dinner table asap while the gettin' is good!
Summer is right around the corner and it's my favorite time of year for produce! Tomatoes in particular are at their peak and can most definitely shine on their own during this time. I love creating simple dishes when ingredients are so good that they just don't need that much more added to them! When BBQ season and outdoor entertaining are in full swing, I love bringing lighter and healthier dishes to the table to balance out the rest of the spread. My new favorite dish that I will be making all summer long is my garlic and dill tomato salad with cornbread croutons!
Yesterday I read a review from a mom on Amazon about my First Bites cookbook being "too healthy" and let it get me down. I mean I am happy that her complaint was that the food was too healthy (she even admits that the recipes are not hard to make), but it bugged the heck out of me that she gave it two stars and messed up my ratings based upon the fact that it was healthy, which is what I wanted the book to be by the way. I just didn't/don't understand who would take the time to write that when it doesn't help anyone involved, especially because most of my cookbook purchases are bought by moms who in fact want to cook healthy food for their kiddos! Needless to say, I am waking up with a clear head this morning and that woman's review has only added fuel to my fire to keep doing what I am doing. She actually just re-confirmed that what I am doing is helping people. There is an unhealthy food epidemic in our country so if I can add a little healthy back into the mix then I am going to do it! My healthy blackened salmon cobb salad is just the kind of salad that is full of healthy ingredients, but tastes amazing too!
It's official we are in countdown mode until Thanksgiving and I am planning the last of my menu as we speak! Of course there will be turkey, sweet potatoes, and other indulgent foods so I always like to balance those dishes out with a few lighter sides as well! I'm all about a little balance at the table so I can feel good about indulging on a few of my favorites! My apple, kale, and pomegranate salad with apple cider vinaigrette is the perfect salad to add to your Thanksgiving menu this year and everyone will love it!
Happy Monday friends! How was your weekend? Our was really good, but it went by so so fast! We did however celebrate the Astros heading to the World Series, which my dad and hubby are headed to today! I am not a huge "watch on tv" sports girl, but I love going to games, so I'm slightly jealous! I think it's partly due to the fact that I use it as an excuse to eat hot dogs and nachos and justify that it is a mandatory thing when one is at any type of sporting event! I will say though, on the opposite end of the spectrum, that anytime Canean is out of town, I love getting to fix girly meals that he wouldn't be thrilled about! I tend to eat way lighter than when he is home for this reason! Recipes like my brussel sprout, apple, and fennel salad with toasted walnuts and parmesan is one that I usually serve as a side, but tonight it's going to be the main meal for me!
