Why I Am No Longer Vegan

February 15, 2017 By Staci

In the last year, I took some away from my blog. Sometimes, blogs can be a wondrous soul-infuser. They are always a labor of love (at least the good ones). Other times, they can just be labor. For me, I took some time off as I dove into a full-time career and focused my labor of love elsewhere.

Now I am back from hiatus, with fresh eyes and a new perspective.

One thing that has changed for me is that I now care about my health more than I do about labels. You will see this shift reflected in my tone and intention for this blog.

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Herbed Spinach Quinoa

September 11, 2015 By Staci

Quinoa is my lunch buddy. Seriously. I LOVE to have quinoa for lunch since it is such a handy combination of carbohydrates and protein. But that isn't the only reason I love quinoa. It's just so damn versatile. I can put some quinoa in a pan cook it up with whatever herbs and veggies I have on hand and BAM! Delish!

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One Pot Étouffée Rice

September 8, 2015 By Staci

The other weekend we were busy buzzing around the house and working in the yard, which is a standard weekend ritual. Another weekend tendency of mine is to cook a little low maintenance food for us so that when we come inside, all hot and sweaty, the wafting aroma of a welcoming meal is already waiting. There aren't many better things in my book.

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Polenta with Beets, Chard and Mushrooms in a Cabernet Broth

September 3, 2015 By Staci

Polenta with Beets and greens

The simplest food can be savored in the most stunning ways.

This little recipe looks like a showstopper but is actually a simple weekday meal. Taking an extra second to plate the food in an unexpected way makes all the difference.

There is nothing crazy fancy going on here. Just a little ordinary polenta, some roasted beets and a quick mushroom and swiss chard sauté. The magic happens in the plating....

Kitchen (and Blog) Siesta: A Summer Vacation

August 25, 2015 By Staci

Hello Lovlies!

Today I find myself days away from September, waking up from what seems like a long summer's nap.

I blame my awakening on the weather. Texas' usual blistering August swelter has given pause for a welcomed overcast and markedly cooler day. The thrill of peekaboo rain clouds rouses an energy in all of us that have spent the summer hunkered down in our dog day hibernations. A chance of rain and a cooler, cloudier day is downright stirring to this Texas girls soul!

Time to get out of this vacation mentality and get busy pumping out some yummy recipes!...