Easy Dal Dinner

Lentils are (surprisingly) a favorite in our house, finding their way into all manner of weeknight dinners, salads, and soups. As grain bowls make regular appearances at the table these days, lentils show up there, too. In a recent quest to find more ways to serve this versatile, inexpensive, plant-based protein, I began digging intoContinue reading “Easy Dal Dinner”

Kale Smoothie

One of kale’s super powers is that it’s pretty easy to grow. Another is that once you’ve got a stand, it’s not going anywhere. Kale can survive freeze, drought, even some hot stretches. Which means you’ve sometimes got to get creative at finding ways to eat it. Kale chips are good. Kale is great inContinue reading “Kale Smoothie”

Grilled Pork Tenderloin With Cherries

When you order local meat from nearby farmers, the cuts aren’t always the same as you’d find in the grocery store. But our latest delivery included a prized pork tenderloin. We knew we wanted to cook it in a way that would let its tenderness and flavor shine — and this recipe rose to theContinue reading “Grilled Pork Tenderloin With Cherries”

Creamy Potato Salad With Fresh Herbs

Late June/early July is dig-the-potatoes season (or find freshly dug potatoes at your favorite farmers market). It’s also the season for picnics and potlucks and backyard eating. This recipe makes the most of fresh potatoes and fresh herbs with just a bit of mayonnaise (or a vegan substitute) to hold it all together. You’ll beContinue reading “Creamy Potato Salad With Fresh Herbs”

Asparagus and Greens Soup

As I write this in late spring/early summer, we have spring onions growing tall in one corner of the garden, our second planting of spinach is thriving, and our stand of kale is pretty as a picture. The asparagus is long-gone, but I can find some at my farmers market. I have a few jarsContinue reading “Asparagus and Greens Soup”

Savory Spring Dutch Baby

I was reminded recently of a certain airy, eggy deliciousness called a Dutch baby or German pancake. When I realized it could be the start of a dinner that featured eggs and leafy greens, I knew this was the meal for this height-of-spring moment. I’ve made it several times lately — with arugula, kale, spinachContinue reading “Savory Spring Dutch Baby”

Scalloped Potatoes

We plant our seed potatoes in March and harvest them in July. We store a big box of local potatoes through the winter and can usually find baby potatoes at the farmers market by early summer. To say potatoes are a staple on our family’s table year ’round is an understatement. But this dish ofContinue reading “Scalloped Potatoes”

Harvest Vegetable Soup

In times of struggle, anxiety, illness, there is no better balm than soup. It is literally a healing food. It’s also a comfort. It’s unfussy. It can be made quickly, easily, cheaply. This soup, in particular, lends itself to adaptation. Toss in a little of this. Add a little of that. Which makes it well-suitedContinue reading “Harvest Vegetable Soup”

Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting

We’re not big dessert eaters at our house. Maybe some ice cream or good chocolate. A lot of muffins get made and devoured. But if there’s cake in the oven, there’s a good chance a celebration will be following. My youngest asked for carrot cake for her birthday last fall. When my February birthday winkedContinue reading “Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting”

Whole Wheat Oatmeal Honey Bread

My husband is the bread baker in our home. On a good week, he makes two to three loaves (we do feed a teenage boy, after all) that become breakfast toast, lunch sandwiches, afternoon snacks, dinner sides, and even, on occasion, dessert. (As in, “I’m still hungry. Is there anything else to eat?” “Oh yes,Continue reading “Whole Wheat Oatmeal Honey Bread”