There are a number of things I could have titled this post. The most appropriate one being “The week my computer decided it was just as tired as I am and quit working.” Or perhaps “That time I walked out of the mall crying, with my mascara running all over my face while I had a wedding meltdown.” Both would be true, but neither very fun to talk about. Thank goodness I had a batch of these in the freezer … Read More
Heathier Recipe 1: Banana Muffins
Since I had three very ripe bananas sitting atop my fridge, I decided to jump right in on this request to make banana muffins healthier. Banana bread is one of my favorite breakfast treats and an extremely easy food to make healthier because the ripe bananas naturally provide moisture and sweetness to the recipe. Upon first looking at the original recipe, I noticed a few things. First, it contained sour cream; great for adding moisture and flavor but not … Read More
Unda-Style Avocado Quesadillas
Thank you all so much for your enthusiastic response to the ‘healthified’ recipe project! Between your comments and e-mails, I now have a full list of recipes to choose from. My plan is to slowly work through the recipes over the next couple months, but bear with me if I’m a little slow at getting to your recipe or suggestion. Things are a little crazy over here. While I’m 100% over the moon about getting married, I’ve started to … Read More
Send Me Your Family Faves
Family-favorite recipes. We’ve all got them, some healthier than others. These biscuits, pictured above, were a staple of my childhood. Warm, flakey, buttery, and typically served with a piping hot bowl of beef stew. My mother is a fabulous cook. When I first started seriously reading food magazines in high school, one of my favorite columns was the section in Cooking Light where they take a classic recipe and make it healthier with a few small tweaks and substitutions. Mac … Read More
Belgian Spice Cookies
I realize that it makes absolutely no sense for me to be posting a recipe for spice cookies in June. But sometimes thinking, cooking and eating seasonally-appropriate foods is just so daunting. And sometimes you just want a hearty, soft, spice-filled cookie. Last week during a particularly strong heat wave I had split pea soup from Trader Joe’s, a piece of whole grain baguette and a spice cookie for dinner. It was delicious and I enjoyed it with a … Read More
Vegan Strawberry Streusel Bread
If I’m completely honest with myself, the reason I’ve avoided vegan baking is because it seems scary and unknown. Butter and eggs I understand. I know that when you add them to recipes they produce soft, rich, fluffy baked goods that make people oooh and ahhh. Vegan baking, on the other hand, is another world full of words like flax eggs, vegan margarine and the likes. So to help you all, and myself, out I stopped by Mama Pea’s site, … Read More
1 Month!
In exactly 30 days from today, I will be walking down the isle to marry this man. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the planning, details and little stressors leading up to the big day, at the heart of it all is Joey, who is not only my best friend but an amazing man all around. Thank you, Joey, for making me the happiest I’ve ever been and for loving me unconditionally.
Tropical Coconut Smoothie
Thanks to everyone who entered the Larabar giveaway. The winner is Roxy who said: E-mail me at madisonjanemayberry@gmail.com and I will get your Larabars in the mail! On Tuesday I had the pleasure of visiting the dentist and having four fillings done. It was, as you can imagine, about as fun as it sounds. Two new cavities and two old repairs makes for one awfully sore mouth and some pretty numb lips. I really should do a better job … Read More
Favorite Nutrition Bars and Larabar Giveaway
The two questions I get asked most frequently about food revolve around my favorite nutrition bars and protein powders. I’ll save protein powder for another day because it deserves its own post. For now, let’s hit the bars. I should start off by saying that protein and nutrition bars are a highly personal thing and that what is right for me might not be what suits your needs and dietary restrictions. I’ve done my best to highlight a variety of … Read More
Raw Corn and Tomato Salad with Basil-Lime Dressing
I loved being in Austin over the past four days, but there is nothing quite like coming home and getting back into the groove of a schedule and routine. Don’t get me wrong, the food in Austin was amazing, but at the end of the day I would rather just eat at home. The process of cooking my own food and preparing meals with ingredients from my kitchen is such a safe, soothing and relaxing process. I think that has … Read More
IACP: Day 2
With day two of IACP under my belt, I think it’s safe to say it was a success. The morning was filled with classes, including a chat with super-talented photographer Penny De Los Santos and New York Times food journalist Kim Severson. And although I could go on for hours about the amazing things I learned and digested from the classes, let’s cut to the really good stuff, shall we? Meet my friend Dorie Greenspan. I suppose calling us ‘friends’ … Read More
Greetings from Austin!
This week marks my first-ever trip to Austin, Texas, and my first time attending the International Association of Culinary Professionals (IACP) annual conference. I only have a day under my belt, but already this experience has been rewarding, challenging and incredibly educational. Although most who meet me wouldn’t guess it, I am incredibly shy at times. I think it must have something to do with the fact that I grew up for much of my life as an only … Read More