It’s that time of year when everyone vows to better themselves. Some want to tighten their budgets and keep an eye on the finances (and for the frugal, check out what to do with your vegetable scraps to make them go the extra mile). Some want to spend more time with friends and family (and what better way than over a hotpot full of sukiyaki?). But most make some sort of resolution about slimming down, eating healthier, and exercising.

So for that last group, I post this recipe from Martha Stewart. It’s one of my favorite weeknight meals, and it’s the meal that changed my mind about tofu, convincing me to try it in the first place, and surprisingly liking it. This meal is vegetarian – vegan even! Soba noodles are one of my favorites, so I’ll take any excuse to gobble them up. This recipe is light, but filling, and nice and warm on a chilly night. (more…)

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Dairy free, Dinner, Gluten free, Vegan, Vegetarian by Courtney

The weekend before Thanksgiving, as I was preparing my shopping lists and getting prepared for the holiday feast, I made a bit of chicken stock to use in my gravy and stuffing. The house filled with the wonderful aroma and had me craving chicken noodle soup. So after I portioned out what I needed for Thanksgiving dinner, I set aside enough to make a pot of chicken noodle soup for my husband and I to enjoy. Not content to only have soup, I used a leftover baguette and some frozen Velveeta cheese to make mini grilled cheeses for us.

Lucky for me, I froze a few bowls of the soup, because I knew they would go to waste in the refrigerator with the impending Thanksgiving feast. This past week, instead of enjoying my vacation, I’ve been in bed with the flu, and I have to say the chicken noodle soup does indeed make you feel better. (more…)

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Comfort food, Dairy free, Lunch, Soups by Courtney

This morning I have a little hair of the dog for your morning brunch. It’s no secret champagne is one of my favorite drinks, but when it comes to brunch, once I had a Mr. Funk mimosas were over for me. The Mr. Funk of New Orleans is a champagne cocktail from Brennan’s (also of New Orleans). My first visit there, I had this with my brunch, and I was hooked not only on Brennan’s, but the cocktail with the funk-y name.

The Mr. Funk is simple to make – it’s a blend of champagne, peach schnapps, and cranberry juice. Mix one up for yourself and ring in the new year right! (more…)

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Brunch, Dairy free, Drink Time, Gluten free, Vegan, Vegetarian by Courtney