Category: cooking

No Real Recipe Vegetarian Tortellini Soup

It rained, briefly, almost imperceptibly, because Hurricane Hilary “hit” the West Coast of California. The sky has been gray & breezy all day, humid, but from where I sat with a fan blowing (no AC), it almost looked like fall. So I made soup. This is a good clean-out-the-fridge non-recipe. Throw in all the veg, … Continue reading No Real Recipe Vegetarian Tortellini Soup

Keeping Things Simple & Sunday Soups

We’re keeping things simple this season. It’s December 15 and we haven’t yet finished decorating our house for Christmas. The tree is up and lit, as it has been for about two weeks, but no decorations. We’ve hung wreaths outdoors and in. Our year-round home decor is green, and with candles burning in the kitchen … Continue reading Keeping Things Simple & Sunday Soups

Meatless Monday: 5 Recipes on Repeat During Quarantine

One of the benefits of shelter-in-place for those of us who enjoy cooking has been more time to indulge. It has also forced creativity, since we can’t hit up the grocery store whenever, especially for that one odd ingredient. My gracious husband has done all our shopping (so grateful!), which means I’ve written careful lists … Continue reading Meatless Monday: 5 Recipes on Repeat During Quarantine

Meatless Monday: IP Tortilla Soup (vegan)

We had a zoom call scheduled for 5 pm on a Sunday evening. I checked the clock and was surprised to see that it was already 4:40 pm. I had hoped to get dinner in the Instant Pot so that it would cook while we enjoyed our call. Could I do it? This recipe was … Continue reading Meatless Monday: IP Tortilla Soup (vegan)

More NYC

We crammed so much fun into just a few days that my heart and head are full of NYC... Since we returned, I've been posting pictures and reflections (art, architecture, history, public spaces, etc) over on Instagram. Follow me there for more: @sivricketts. And meanwhile, settle into fall with a delicious, healthy, and oh-so-easy Cauliflower … Continue reading More NYC

Meatless Monday: Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli Soup (vegan!)

It cooled off just enough last week to eat soup again. Notice I didn't say "to cook soup," because IP cooking means I don't have to stand and stir a hot pot. It's one of my favorite things about the IP: I can quickly make yummy veggies and soups that would require more time on … Continue reading Meatless Monday: Instant Pot Pasta e Fagioli Soup (vegan!)

Ginger for Breakfast: 3 Recipes Fueling My Mornings

I <3 ginger! Fan-fave cinnamon is great, but ginger is my jam. It’s peppery-delicious, versatile all day long, and so good for you. Here are three breakfast-inspired ginger-infused recipes I’ve been making on repeat. Ginger-Lemon Shots Yes, you can buy ginger shots at Jamba Juice, Whole Foods, even at farmer’s markets (which is where I … Continue reading Ginger for Breakfast: 3 Recipes Fueling My Mornings

Meatless Monday – Berry Muffins

Once a month I teach the preschool Sunday school class. Yesterday's lesson was about being fearfully and wonderfully made in God's image, which means we are smart, and helpful, and creative (among other things). We focused on the "creative" part and gave the kids lots of time to paint with watercolors, or color, or make … Continue reading Meatless Monday – Berry Muffins

Meatless Monday: Plant-Based Challenge Wk3

When you come to appreciate the wisdom of planning ahead because a) you get sick and b) you hadn't planned adequately enough... I enjoy meal planning and prepping on Sundays. But last Sunday would be followed by a day-off Monday, so less need. Plus, I felt slightly under the weather, so napping took priority. Hence … Continue reading Meatless Monday: Plant-Based Challenge Wk3

Meatless Monday – Plant-Based Challenge Wk2

Set it and forget it. In other words, plan ahead. Week 2 started with a bang. I gave myself the twin gifts of time and money by skipping the store and meal planning with what I already had. The week's theme foods included  wheat, chickpeas and squash, so I landed on pumpkin; I spent Sunday … Continue reading Meatless Monday – Plant-Based Challenge Wk2