Life With a Little Spice

When we’re feeling down, we often reach for chocolate, salty snacks, or a greasy cheeseburger. There are scientific reasons for why we do this. But when it comes to soothing the soul, nothing comes close to a hot meal cooked with care. In fact, the very definition of comfort food is “food prepared in a […]

Now that it’s November, the countdown to Thanksgiving has begun and it’s time to perfect those holiday dishes. Pumpkin pie is a staple in any Thanksgiving spread but, to be honest, it has got to be my least favorite Thanksgiving tradition. However, I had never attempted to make the much-beloved dessert myself and, well, I relish […]

Slow-cooker recipes are fantastic for when you’re cooking for many and you don’t want to spend your time slaving away in the kitchen. This pulled pork recipe is perfect for football Sunday, a casual dinner party, or holiday gathering – hey, it is Halloween today! Just throw (not literally) together your ingredients and let the […]

Pumpkin season is upon us. With Halloween lurking right around the corner and Thanksgiving plans being finalized, grocery stores are stocked full of both fresh and canned pumpkin – and it’s on sale! Pumpkin pie is an obvious and beloved choice for this fall vegetable. Despite loving this carrot colored globe in most forms, pie […]

The first snow calls for hot food to soothe the soul. As the flakes gently fall and my puppy disrupts the pristine blanket with crazed snow angels, my chuckles are interrupted by my taste buds watering for a bowl of something hearty and slightly spicy. There’s nothing that warms better from the inside out on […]

At some point in everyone’s life, they will hear, “Not until you finish your vegetables.” But why would you even start your vegetables if what was in front of you was a pile of mushy, watery boiled Brussels sprouts? These improperly prepared orbs are largely responsible for the abundant population of meat n’ potatoes lovers […]

The garden is plucked of its lush summer abundance, but oh it is not barren – I watch as yet another parade of golden leaves floats through the crisp autumn air, adding to the persimmon cornucopia dripping from my planter boxes. The fall chill makes my mouth water for warm, savory flavors like crisp apples, […]

In honor of my dad’s 60th birthday today, October 2nd, I decided to make one of his favorite dishes: Eggplant Parmesan. In fact, he was the first person who ever made me this melt-in-your mouth epitome of comfort food. So, here’s to you Poo Bear! Yesterday, in preparation for this meal, I donned my sweater, […]

Chicken piccata is one of my favorite Italian dishes, but all too often the breading is either too oily or too crumbly and the salty capers overwhelm the refreshing lemon flavor. This spin on the classic is lower in fat as the chicken is trimmed, pounded, then lightly-breaded, and leaves out the capers to reduce […]

This dish is baked making it low-fat and healthier than its fried counterpart, but not lacking any of the flavor. Succulent shrimp are coated with a light batter and topped with a sweet crunch of coconut. Choose from a sweet chutney-style dipping sauce or a smokey chipotle mayo to give your taste buds a kick. […]