detox with pancakes !

Happy New Year! I haven't posted anything since August... i know, i know, i know.  

Sooooo, in an effort to be a better blogger, and a healthier body in 2015 ( i know, i know, i know...) I'm starting the year with a recipe for truly healthy PANCAKES.  I don't know about you, but I find it  difficult to swallow a cold, green smoothie on a morning when the windchill factor is 21 BELOW zero.  I need something warm and comforting that pairs well with several cups of very hot (and very strong) coffee.

These pancakes are gluten-free, dairy free, and paleo (w/ the exception of the baking soda which you can omit if need be.)  I promise this recipe will fill your belly and warm your soul as you prepare to face these freezing cold winter days!

paleo brownies, for breakfast.

this morning's breakfast

brought to you by,  last night's dessert

Last night I had a hankering for brownies. You know the "gotta have 'em",..rich, gooey, super-chocolatey brownies.  Since I don't have a "go-to" recipe for brownies, I'm always willing to try something new in this department.  This time I followed a recipe from a recently discovered Paleo blog, Paleo Newbie.  I am not strictly "paleo" by any stretch of the imagination, but I'm always happy to forgo processed ingredients, and this recipe does just that.  These Mudflat Brownies are so easy to make, and they are absolutely delicious.  I'm sorry I don't have more pictures, but hadn't planned on blogging about these,  until I tasted how good they were! 

dreaming of spring - a salad to get you through February

We just returned from a brief trip to southern Florida, and I'm craving food reminiscent of warmer weather.  This salad seems to do the trick - it combines the fresh flavors of a southern climate, with a cozy creaminess that February demands.  It's a simple recipe, sure to keep you content while you're dreaming of spring.  As a bonus,  it's completely paleo friendly )Gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free).

banana bread, and cooking for a cause - the Central Missouri Food Bank

banana bread

give me a slice already! 

This morning I'm fueling up on good strong coffee and homemade banana bread.  I made this bread last night, after our pizza feast.  It is one of the easiest recipes in the world, absolutely DELICIOUS - and here's the best part,  it's good for you!  This recipe from Elena's Pantry  is gluten, dairy, and soy free.  I added chocolate chips, because I can't be THAT good all the time,  but without the chips this would actually be defined as "paleo bread".  I don't have time this morning to delve into the paleo philosophy of eating, but I will say, I think it makes a lot of sense.  That being said, I can't imagine ever completely eliminating butter from my repertoire!  And, before I forget, these little candy stripe loaf pans are a brilliant find by the girls at Tallulah's! They are darling paper loaf  pans that you can put in the oven (no need to pre-grease!). Perfect for gifting baked goods.  If you can't visit the store, you can find them online here.

mise en place

Now, to more serious matters....this morning I've prepping for an exciting photo shoot that will take place in my kitchen later today. 

Before the holidays, I was asked to contribute to a cookbook that will be published to benefit the Central Missouri Food Bank! The book will be filled wonderful recipes and stories, from individuals who possess much more kitchen prowess than me! The best part is that 100% of the proceeds will go to the Food Bank.  I'll be sure to let you know when they are available for purchase! I am so excited to be a part of such an important cause, which will make such difference here in my own community.

When I lived in Boston,  I volunteered at one of the soup kitchens in the city.  Hosted each week by the Church of the Advent, on Beacon Hill, it was aptly called a "community supper.  They have a legacy of serving a seated dinner, to those in need, every Tuesday evening for over 25 years - including Christmas day if the calendar so dictated!  I was so fortunate to be able to serve in that capacity, and the experience helped to shape my own understandings of the importance of sharing a meal around the table.

photo courtesy of Happy Cloud