Tortellini Primavera

Tortellini Primavera

Who says frozen, quick and easy can't be nutritious too?! "Frozen Food" can be great if it's assembled at home. Rather than buying the over-priced boxed versions on the freezer shelf, just buy the frozen veggies, pasta, whatever, and add your own sauces and seasonings. Not only tastier but healthier too...and just as easy!

Oven "Frites"

Just like traditional pommes frites when served with homemade mayo - especially the basil mayo I just made!

Oven "Frites"
potatoes, cut to desired size
canola oil, about 1 t per potato
salt

-Soak cut potatoes in hot tap water for 15 minutes.
-Thoroughly pat dry potatoes.
-Toss with oil and place in a single layer, ready for the oven.
-Bake at 425 for 40 minutes, flipping fries halfway.

Homemade Mayo

I've always known that mayonnaise was easy to make, but I had no idea that it was this easy! I have no reason to ever have store-bought mayo in my house again. I also recommend that you experiment with your own favorite herbs and seasonings - I added 1 cup of chopped fresh basil to make this batch into basil mayo. Lemon zest, sundried tomato, or even bacon mayo...get creative!

Homemade Mayo
4 egg yolks, at room temperature
6 T fresh lemon juice
1 clove garlic, minced
2 t salt
1 t pepper
2 c canola oil
1 c olive oil

-Place the egg yolks, lemon juice, garlic, salt and pepper in a food processor and blend.
-Slowly add the oil to the mixture while blending, allowing it to emulsify to the consistency of mayonnaise.
-Add any seasonings (if desired), blend until incorporated.
-Store in a glass jar in the fridge.

Cream of Asparagus Soup

This light and fresh soup is perfect for early spring, when asparagus abounds.

Cream of Asparagus Soup
3 c vegetable broth
3 c cut asparagus pieces
2 T butter
2 T flour
1 c milk
1/2 c half and half
salt and pepper

-Bring broth to a boil over high heat, add asparagus and return to a boil.
-Reduce heat and simmer, uncovered, until the asparagus are very tender - about 15 minutes.
-Puree.
-Melt butter over medium-high heat.
-Stir in the flour until absorbed.
-Stir in milk, half and half and asparagus puree.
-Cook, stirring, until mixture comes to a boil.
-Add salt and pepper.

Rice Pudding

I've always been a fan of rice pudding, so why not make it with whole grains?! I use a brown and wild rice blend because I love wild rice (and that's usually what I have on hand), but it's a great recipe for white rice too.

Rice Pudding
2 egg whites
1 egg
2 c milk
2 c cooked rice
1/2 c sugar
1/2 t vanilla
1/4 t cinnamon

-Beat together all ingredients, then bring to a slow boil over medium-low heat.
-Cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
-Remove from heat and let cool; chill before serving.

Italian Egg-Drop Soup

Italian Egg-Drop Soup

When I want simple, brothy goodness that's healthier than ramen noodles but just as easy to prepare, this is one of my favorite soups.

Orzo with Garbanzo Beans, Goat Cheese and Oregano

When I'm craving mac and cheese but know that I want something healthier, yet still really easy, this is my go to recipe.

Orzo with Garbanzo Beans, Goat Cheese and Oregano

1 1/2 c orzo (about 9 oz)
1/4 c olive oil
3 T lemon juice
1 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
15 oz garbanzo beans, drained and rinsed
2 T fresh oregano, chopped
salt
pepper
5 oz goat cheese, crumbled

-Bring a pot of water to boil, cook orzo for 8 minutes.
-In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice and garlic.
-Add garbanzos, orzo and oregano, toss together.
-Stir in salt, pepper and goat cheese.