Beef & Kale Stroganoff

I just… really love kale. I know a lot of people don’t- they think that it’s old news, yesterday’s vegetable, yadda yadda. I whole-heartedly disagree. Kale is awesome and I put it in all the things. Not only because it tastes good, but because it is loaded with nutrients! Case in point: Beef & Kale Stroganoff. Supporting evidence also includes: Kale and Mushroom Rice Salad, Bacon, Sausage …

Chocolate-Dipped Mint Leaves… or, Chocolate After Dinner Mints Au Naturel

(gluten-free, dairy-free, paleo, grain-free, healthy, vegetarian)  When we moved onto our homestead last year, I knew that one of the things high on my garden priorities list was to establish a mint patch. People are usually quick to warn you about mint: not to plant it in a garden or flower bed, because it will take over everything. Which is precisely what I wanted! I …

Basil Butter Roasted Potatoes

I’m pretty sure I won Karl’s heart with potatoes: his favorite thing in the whole wide world. I learned early on in our relationship that I needed to become a potato-master, which I now proclaim to be. These are the best potatoes ever- crispy, salty, easy to prepare, and no special equipment needed- no deep fryer, just a pan. Plus, they are a great vehicle …

Roasted Maple Seeds

Roasted what?! Maple trees already provide us with pretty much the greatest substance ever created– could their seeds taste phenomenal too? While they don’t taste exactly like maple syrup, they are nutty and abundant and best of all: free. We have two big beautiful Autumn Blaze Maples in our yard, one right next to our house overhanging the patio and covering the cement every year …

Side Dish Series: Kale & Mushroom Rice Salad

(gluten-free, easily dairy-free, vegetarian) I was eating kale before it was cool. I even have three different varieties of kale planned for this year’s garden! I also tuck my pants into my socks… I’m kind of a trend-setter. My grandma grew kale in her garden 50+ years ago, and my parents grew it in theirs when I was a young girl, so I’ve been a kale-lover my whole …

Side Dish Series: Garlic & Onion Green Beans

(gluten-free, grain-free, vegetarian, paleo) A frozen and thawed green bean will never be as good as a green bean just plucked from the garden, still warm from the sun. So finding new ways to use and elevate our preserved garden produce throughout the year is a necessity. Especially since Karl and I love flavor. We NEED flavor. Rarely will you find us eating just plain …

Simple Salmon Patties with Dill Pickle Sauce

(gluten-free, grain-free, dairy-free, paleo) Do you have a favorite food that brings back fond memories? For Karl, one of those is salmon patties. Grandma’s salmon patties with cornbread and homemade strawberry jam, to be exact. It’s what she’d always make whenever he and his siblings would visit. Dinner was followed by BINGO, where Grandpa would call the numbers, and the prizes were little candies or coins all …

Rustic, Buttered-Onion Deviled Eggs

(gluten-free, paleo, grain-free, vegetarian) I think deviled eggs should always be described as rustic. Is there a food that is more homespun, wholesome, and natural than the egg? I think it would go against my morals to create fancy swirled deviled egg filling with a piping bag. Plus, that just takes too much time. Deviled eggs are already a labor of love, especially when you have to peel farm …

Bacon, Sausage & Ham Omelette Rollup with Kale

(gluten-free, grain-free, paleo) Yes, all three meats! Because, why not? This is something you’d like to make on a Sunday afternoon for brunch. When you have highfalutin company coming over. For dinner, served with a fresh, crisp and slightly sweet salad. Or even just to keep in the fridge for easy re-heatable breakfasts for a few days. I sent this to work with Karl for lunch …

Raspberry Maple Butter Sauce… for Pancakes, Waffles, and Ice cream!

(paleo-friendly, vegetarian, grain-free, gluten-free) Maple butter sauce is pretty much what it sounds like… maple syrup and butter married together to form something greater than themselves. Smooth, sweet, buttery warm maple syrup. And adding a touch of raspberry makes it near impossible to not eat by the spoonful! We make our own maple syrup every year, by the way. It’s a lot of work, but …