Flavors of Fall

          As I’ve been preparing to teach my class on cooking fall fruits and vegetables at the Roanoke Natural Foods Co-op this weekend, I can’t help but contemplate: What is it about fall’s flavors that make us swoon so? Is it the brief time they’re in the spotlight? The nostalgia that comes withContinue reading “Flavors of Fall”

Asian Rice Noodle Salad

This is the salad that I’m always ogling when I head to potlucks. But I’ve never tried making it on my own for fear that I couldn’t pull off a real food version that would satisfy. Thankfully, Lisa Leake, author of the 100 Days of Real Food blog and cookbook, has crafted one for me. ThisContinue reading “Asian Rice Noodle Salad”

Morning Glory Muffins

I’m a big muffin maker so I keep my eyes peeled for new and interesting baked goods options, and I’ve recently seen so many takes on this. While I’ve stirred up my share of carrot sheet cake and pumpkin bread, I had never tried a morning glory muffin before. So of course I got right down to recipeContinue reading “Morning Glory Muffins”

Good for the Soul Chicken Noodle Soup

I make my own chicken broth and grow my own vegetables. When I cook chicken for dinner, I begin by roasting a local, whole chicken, so there’s always dark meat and less desirable bits leftover. And yet, for years I did not make my own chicken soup! This winter I’ve remedied that and I’m passing along aContinue reading “Good for the Soul Chicken Noodle Soup”

Minestrone

  When it’s cold out, there’s nothing that feeds the body and soul so well as a good hearty soup. And I’m not sure any soup fits the bill so well as Minestrone, an ancient Italian soup that includes pasta and beans, onions and tomatoes and whatever you’ve managed to put up from your summerContinue reading “Minestrone”

Carrot Top Pesto

Did you know you could make pesto out of just about anything? Like the tops of carrots or kale leaves or even a weed called purslane? I tried making three kinds of pesto this summer and this was my favorite. I liked it even more than basil pesto. It tastes bright and crisp and lemon-y. The perfectContinue reading “Carrot Top Pesto”