I don't know if you are like me, but with all of this cold weather I cannot get enough soup in my belly. Some days it's the only thing other than a hot bath that will warm me up at all! Well this week has been no different in the weather department and as I stood in the fridge trying to decide what to make for lunch one afternoon, all I had was salad stuff...cold salad stuff. Brr...that was clearly not going to work...I needed something warm, but still good for me. Enter easy peasy kale, white bean, and quinoa soup…hearty, healthy, and so delicious!
As I sit here and write, I am seventeen (and a half) days away from looking at my twenties in the rear view mirror. Seventeen (and a half) days from being 30.
And you know what? I feel none of this dread I hear women talking about.
Why do women fear getting older anyway? I am actually looking forward to turning 30!
New challenges to face. New places to go. Old friends and new friends. Experiences I can't imagine. Adventures I won't see coming. New lines appearing on my face as evidence of all of my laughter, tears...life being lived. And a love that will take me to new places I didn't know existed.
My twenties have not been lacking in any of these categories, they have been full of their own surprises and twists and turns.
But the thirties will be different than the twenties...that I am sure of.
You may not know this about me yet, but grilling is my thing. I actually don't let my husband go near the grill. I love it..like really love it. I love the flavor it gives meat and veggies, the sizzle, the smells, and it is a low fat way to cook also!
While living in Texas, I had to go without a grill because we lived in an apartment and sure, I had a grill pan, but it is just not the same! It is a great alternative though as is an iron skillet!
Needless to say, as soon as we moved back to Louisiana one of the first things on the agenda was to go and buy a grill. Next, was to grill something of course. Not just anything, but one of my favorites...pork burgers! I really hold a special place in my heart for burgers in general actually. But where I live there is an amazing farmer's market and there is a farmer who sells the best ground pork, I have missed it so much. Don't worry though you can find ground pork in most grocery stores and meat markets as well!
You have to try these burgers out, they would be great for your Super Bowl party this weekend!
They are juicy and garlicky, and then you top them with the slaw and it's basically like throwing a party for your mouth. Oven fries become the perfect side that keeps this meal on the healthier side while satisfying that good ole burger craving that comes calling on a regular basis (well for me anyway).
You are absolutely going to love these burgers, I have gotten my whole family addicted to pork burgers.
So go out and buy yourself some ground pork and get to grilling!
Easy weeknight dinners are a must at my house. I need dinners that will feed my family and keep their tummies happy. And hey if I get leftovers out of the deal...well even better. This is why I love an easy and quick soup! One pot meals are the best because clean up is easy and let's face it, no one has energy for a bunch of dishes on a weeknight! My recipe for the best chicken tortilla soup is going to become one of your favorite go-to soups all year long!
Have you ever moved back to a place you have lived already?
I haven't.
I have moved six times in my adult life and have managed to move to a different place every time until now.
We made it back to Louisiana this week, and I have to say I am pretty excited to be here and to be basically unpacked and settled (thanks to my mom and mother-in-law, who have superhero unpacking skills). I honestly did not know what it would feel like coming back, but it is almost like I never left. Well except for the part that Canean is still two hours away from me for two more weeks. But hey two weeks...that I can deal with! The countdown is on for both of us.
Sometimes you take for granted a place you live, until you leave and miss it.
I know that is a doozy of a title, but I had to get it all in there for you.
I have been wanting to braise short ribs for a while now. I honestly had no intention of actually photographing this meal and then blogging it...it was more of a tester meal to see how they turned out for maybe a future post.
Well let me tell you that all changed when the ribs were in the oven and the aromas began to waft throughout the house. It smelled so good, that I decided I might photograph the meal in case I needed to share the recipe with you. I wish there was a way for me to have captured the smell and share it on the blog because it smelled of all things homey and cozy and comforting!
I am guessing that you have figured out that it was pretty dang tasty because here I am sharing the recipe with you!
What I love is that this is one of those stick to your ribs kind of meal perfect for January when your body is craving a good ole hearty meal, but without the guilt and calorie overload. A couple of swaps here and there and you will never miss those mashed potatoes full of butter served on the side.
The meat was tender and full of flavor, the cauliflower was roasted to golden perfection along with some garlic and then smashed all together into some yummy goodness and the spinach provided the perfect green balance to this decadent meal!
It would really be the perfect date night cook at home meal or some other special occasion, although I am probably going to make it even if I plan on eating it in my PJ's alone.
I really dug this meal and I think you will too!
