Tomato Red Lentil Soup with Dill

Great recipe for Tomato Red Lentil Soup with Dill. I used half water and half chicken stock. Definitely used more than called for and next time I will use even more. I like it a little more brothy than thick. Loved the flavor of this soup, especially all the dill.

Kale & Quinoa Salad with Ricotta Salata

I have never made this Kale & Quinoa Salad with Ricotta Salata but my friends Marly and Jen have both made it and I can never get enough. It's on my list to make this month. Lots of steps but so worth it in the end and it stays for days. I think Jen subbed feta or goat cheese instead of ricotta salata. I think mizithra would work too. Enjoy!

Northern Spy Kale Salad

The Northern Sky Kale Salad is another great one to have in your files. Great fall or winter salad. It can also be found in the Genius Recipes cookbook which I really enjoy. Lots of good recipes in there. 

Kale Salad with Dates, Parmesan & Almonds

Kale Salad with Dates, Parmesan & Almonds from Epicurious

My friend Molly brought this salad to a baseball potluck and I was instantly obsessed. I've made it countless times since, for myself and for friends on many occasions. It's always a hit. Sometimes I add Dubliner cheddar and/or little chunks of crisp red apple. As with most kale salads you can dress it ahead of time. One of my favorite kale salads of all time!

This dressing is also great leftover and thrown on some baby arugula leaves with shaved parmesan. Been eating that as a side for days.

Baked Garlic & Ginger Chicken Drumsticks

We are all loving this recipe for Baked Garlic & Ginger Chicken Drumsticks. I made it for the first time a few weeks ago and my son, who isn't a big meat eater, took one bite and said, "I think I am going to have to have seconds." It's such a big win when kids and adults all love the same main course. By the end of dinner we were all fighting over who would get the leftovers the next day. It was so good. 

The second time I made it, I timed myself and it took less than 10 minutes to prep. I used a Vitamix blender to prep the sauce, then marinated the chicken for a few hours in a Ziploc. Throw in a baking dish and cook while you prep the rest of dinner. So easy.

Since I took the meat off the bones for my kids, I used the bones for a great chicken stock. Great recipe all around.

New Favorite Snack: Chia Pudding Yogurt Bowl

I am obsessed with this as part of my lunch or as an afternoon snack. It's just a little bit sweet and hits the spot while also being healthy and filling. Chia seeds are so good for you and are said to be higher in antioxidant activity than blueberries. A great snack that is also great for you.

Chia Pudding Yogurt Bowl

Vanilla yogurt 

Chia seeds

Almond milk (I use regular or vanilla rather than unsweetened)

Slivered almonds, toasted

To make the chia pudding, combine chia seeds and almond milk. Stir to combine, then refrigerate to set for a few minutes. Layer yogurt, chia pudding and nuts. Enjoy!

You could also add toasted coconut, berries or cinnamon. 

Garlic Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

I am obsessed with this chicken. I have probably made it more than anything else in the last 2 years. It's fast, easy, delicious and the kids love it as much as me.

When I make this for the kids, I will serve with brown rice and a vegetable. For me, I roast broccoli and make a kale caesar. Great dinner.

Garlic Terikayaki Chicken Thights

boneless skinless chicken thighs
salt & pepper
Coconut Aminos Garlic Sauce
Coconut Aminos Teriyaki Sauce

Sausage Spinach Rice Bowl

I loved this recipe for Sausage Spinach Rice Bowls from Cooking Light. Made with pork sausage instead of turkey sausage for more flavor. Will make again and again. So easy and very good.