Now that COVID is in the rearview mirror for me, I want to share some of the foods that were so nourishing when my smell/taste was gone. Eating was a chore that had no joy in it. However, I still craved nourishing meals and drinks. These are some of the recipes I enjoyed: Chicken Tikka Masala I first found a recipe for Tikka Masala when I was suffering from a head cold and craving an anti-inflammatory meal that contained garlic, turmeric and ginger–both of which are great for opening up sinus congestion. I really didn’t expect the raving review from every

What do you make with leftover Holiday ham? Casserole, of course! After all the heavy Holiday foods, this broccoli, ham and cheese quinoa bake is a welcome change of pace. It is a great way to use up leftover ham, but you could also use turkey, beef, or chicken as well. Enjoy! Broccoli, Ham and Cheese Quinoa Bake leftover ham, turkey or chicken baked in a healthy casserole 3 cups Quinoa (cooked)1 cup Ham. cooked3 cups Broccoli (frozen)1 cup Sharp Cheddar Cheese (shredded)Homemade Cream of Chicken Soup1/4 cup onion minced2 tablespoons butter1/3 cup flour11/4 cup milk (2% milkfat)11/2 teaspoon “Better

Writing this almost one year after the fact, I can still remember what Neil said about this stuffing. And I quote, "Wow. I actually like this stuffing." That means a LOT coming from a guy who never really ate nor enjoyed stuffing as a kid. So, this one better go on the bloggety-blog. Enjoy! Thanksgiving Stuffing Savory stuffing 6 tablespoons butter (divided)1 3/4 loaf white bread5 stalks celery (diced small)2 cups carrots (shredded)2 cups zucchini (shredded)1 large onion (diced small)3 cloves garlic (minced)3/4 cup chicken broth2 teaspoons salt1 teaspoon ground pepper2 tablespoons dried parsley (4 Tablespoons fresh)2 teaspoons sage2 teaspoons

In an effort to expand my family's taste for different foods, I am working on new Indian dishes. We have a few main dishes we love like Tikka Masala and Red Lentil Dal. We don't have many side dishes to go with them. This is my best stab at Aloo Gobi-- Potatoes and Cauliflower seasoned with Indian spices. Enjoy! Aloo Gobi Indian Sweet Potatoes and Cauliflower Indian Spiced warm vegetable 3 cups Sweet Potatoes (peeled and sliced)4 cups Cauliflower Florets1 Tablespoon Canola Oil (1/2)1/2 cup Tomatoes (diced)1 teaspoon ground cumin1 teaspoon salt1 teaspoon garam masala1/2 teaspoon turmeric1/2 teaspoon ground coriander1/4

This has been a soup-on-repeat kind of week at our house. The COVID-19 virus hit Neil and me pretty hard. Luckily, the kids have showed no symptoms thus far (day 8). This virus feels a little different than the common cold. On day 1, I felt like I had slipped a disc in my back, but I finally realized it was the textbook symptom of body aches. On day 2 my sense of smell and taste were completely gone. I have had next to no congestion, but, alas, I can't taste a thing! All I have wanted to eat this

This year I planted a few butternut squash in my garden and they produced about a bajillion delicious squash. Here is one of the new ways I am serving it up this Fall. Enjoy! Sweet Roasted Butternut and Spring Mix Salad Roasted Butternut, sweet balsamic dressing, pecans, cranberries, apples 1 medium butternut squash (peeled, chopped)5 cups spring mix1 large gala apple (cored, chopped)1/2 cup dried cranberriesCandied Spiced Pecans1/4 cup granulated sugar1/2 teaspoon salt1 dash cayenne pepper1/2 cup pecansSweet Red Balsamic Viniagrette1/4 cup Red Wine Vinegar 1/2 cup Olive Oil1 teaspoon Dijon Mustard1 clove Garlic (minced fine)1 teaspoon honey1/2 teaspoon salt1/4 teaspoon

Here is the Instant Pot version of Neil's favorite way to eat chicken. Enjoy! Instant Pot Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken homemade barbecue sauce 1.5 pounds chicken breast boneless (skinless)1 medium onion chopped3 tablespoons brown sugar1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 cup ketchup8 ounces crushed pineapple canned1/2 cup chicken broth2 tablespoons soy sauce2 tablespoons white vinegar2 tablespoons cornstarch1/4 cup water Before turning on the Instant Pot, mix together sugar, salt, ketchup, pineapple, soysauce, vinegar and water. Place frozen chicken breasts in the Instant Pot. Add chopped onions, and stir to coat the chicken.Change the Instant Pot setting to or at the high setting. Set the

When I asked my mother-in-law 13 years ago what her son's favorite dinner was, this was her reply. This chicken is pretty amazing. The simple homemade barbecue sauce is key. I like to serve it with rice or mashed potatoes and a green salad. Enjoy! Baked Hawaiian Barbecue Chicken homemade barbecue sauce 1.5 pounds chicken breast (boneless, skinless)1 medium onion (chopped)3 tablespoons brown sugar1/4 teaspoon salt1/2 cup ketchup8 ounces crushed pineapple (canned)2 tablespoons soy sauce (Braggs Liquid Aminos (for Gluten-Free))2 tablespoons white vinegar2 tablespoons cornstarch OvenPre-heat the oven to 325 degrees. Before turning on the stove, mix together sugar, salt,

Soup night is our favorite dinner during chilly Fall months. This hearty stew is one of my boy's favorites. Pair it with a slice of warm, homemade bread slathered with honey butter, and we have the ultimate comfort meal. Enjoy! Italian Sausage and Lentil Stew Sausage, potato, lentil, and vegetable stew 1 pound Ground Italian Sausage (mild)1 cup Carrots (sliced)1 cup onions (chopped)2 cloves garlic (minced)1 1/2 cups zucchini (chopped)4 cups vegetable broth2 teaspoons dried oregano1 bay leaf2 cups potatoes (cubed)1/2 cup dried lentils (rinsed)4 cups kale (loose packed, chopped) In a large stockpot over medium-high heat, cook sausage until

This recipe is a spin-off of my very favorite meal, Spinach and Feta Quinoa Cakes with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce. Unfortunately, my entire family HATES those quinoa cakes. How can something I love SO much be hated by everyone else in my family?! It's sad. However, I made a few swaps to make a more savory, homestyle version of the same quinoa cakes, and the kids LOVED them. It's a keeper! Enjoy! Ham and Cheese Quinoa Cakes with Ranch Dipping Sauce Savory homestyle quinoa fritters 3 Cups Quinoa (cooked)4 large Eggs4 Cups Fresh Spinach (chopped and stems removed)1 Cup Ham