I want to share my recent obsession: oat bran. Though I’ve been enjoying it for about six months, it feels like a discovery that changed my breakfasts completely. I eat it almost every morning—five to six times a week. It’s become my quick, five-minute go-to breakfast. Surprisingly, I haven’t grown tired of it, and I … Read more

Curried parsnip and apple soup is an ideal winter warmer: simple to prepare, nourishing and silky smooth. The natural sweetness of parsnips pairs beautifully with the tartness of Bramley apples, while a touch of curry powder and fresh ginger adds gentle warmth and depth. The balance of sweet, earthy parsnip and sharp apple makes this … Read more

One of my favorite fall dishes is this roasted quinoa and sweet potato salad. It balances savory and sweet flavors while packing plenty of nutritious ingredients. If you enjoy quinoa and sweet potatoes, this seasonal salad is likely to become a new favorite. This salad is versatile: serve it warm or cold. That flexibility makes … Read more

At this time of year, preserving the harvest often means more freezing and drying and less canning. With gardens winding down, it rarely makes sense to can a single jar of tomatoes. Many remaining fruits are either still green or ripe but lacking sweetness. I didn’t want to waste the last cherry tomatoes in my … Read more

Tonight we enjoyed a comforting bowl of beef and broccoli served with Japanese somen noodles. I added bamboo shoots for extra color and texture, which made the dish more interesting and satisfying on a cold Chicago evening. Somen are thin, round white noodles made from wheat flour, similar in appearance and texture to vermicelli. They … Read more

Hi all! To me, this is the perfect healthy carrot cake: moist, fruity, and at the same time low in fat and sugar. The classic carrot cake is delicious, of course, but if you want a lighter version that still tastes great, try this low-fat moist carrot cake recipe. Taste and Occasion Despite its vegetable … Read more

Rotisserie Chicken Ramen from Lucky Peach: 101 Easy Asian Recipes has become my go-to weeknight comfort meal. The broth needs a couple of hours to simmer, but the hands-on time is minimal and the result is a deeply flavored, satisfying bowl. This year I decided to explore more Asian recipes, and receiving Lucky Peach felt … Read more

Here is the first menu plan of 2011. It feels great to be back into routine, even if I forgot half the items on my grocery list—typical, and a little frustrating. Monday: Mexican chicken lime soup. We’ve had this before, and I’d forgotten how spicy it can be. It’s not suitable for C as-is, so … Read more

Toddlers have endless energy. Keep your little one entertained and content with these fun, low- or no-mess toddler activities that are simple to set up and easy to enjoy. Once toddlers are mobile, they tend to keep everyone on the move. Planning a few activities ahead of time helps channel that energy into safe, engaging … Read more

If you’re looking for a simple, fresh take on a classic Southern side, Copper Penny Carrot Slaw is a quick, no-cook version of the vintage “Copper Penny Carrots.” This easy carrot slaw uses shredded carrots instead of coin-sliced and eliminates boiling, so it’s faster and lighter while keeping the bright, tangy flavor of the original. … Read more