Greek Style Vegetable & Bean Stew

If you've stuck with me for awhile, you've probably seen many globally-influenced vegetable stews here. Affordable, transportable and wholesome, they're often taken to work with a side of rice or a piece of crusty bread. I work in a busy crisis center. My dinners are eaten at my desk, while doing lots of other things. It's not an ideal situation. I make the best of it by cooking stews like this reliable standby. A healthy source of protein, nourishment and comfort, I just reheat and eat.

All Natural Instant Chocolate Pudding

I love chocolate pudding. It's a childhood favorite that makes me think of sitcom TV and Bill Cosby.  But, I never make it from scratch because of my impatience. When I want pudding, it has to be hassle-free and relatively fast. With all-natural ingredients, a luxurious texture and rich chocolate flavor, this foolproof recipe solves my dilemma. The pudding is made in the microwave in minutes. It can be chilled in the fridge and served cold or cooled on the counter and served warm.  It's super easy and super good. It tastes like a ultra-creamy fudgesicle.

Thai-Style Broccoli with Ginger, Coconut Milk & Lime ~ Light and Flavorful

Tom, Ellie and I are in the process of moving to another apartment. The move came upon us very suddenly. We're downsizing to a one bedroom space, giving some of our things away and clearing out the clutter. It always feels good to give away items we don't use. I don't hoard things, unless we're talking curry powder. I've recently discovered I'm a spice hoarder, especially when it comes to Indian spices. But that's another story. When it comes to stuff, I give things away freely, without reservation. If we haven't used it in over a year or two, whether I like it or not, it goes to a new home. I follow Rachel Ashwell's decorating principles of beauty and function. My decorating mantra is less is more. Living with just what we need is liberating. Moving three times in six years has taught us these valuable lessons.  

Sausage & Peppers Pasta Bowl ~ Light, Fresh & Flavorful

My heart is heavy from the events that took place in my home city last week. Every morning, I get up and think of the victims and their families. I pray for them and for beautiful Boston, for healing and for peace.

Light, Lemony & Garlicky Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes & Fresh Herbs

On the first, warm spring day we rode the bus to Harvard Square. I loved seeing all the bookworn students milling about in the open air cafes and restaurants. They were smiling, in need of a day outside, away from their studies.

After shopping at this wonderful chocolate store and having lunch at one of the bustling outdoor cafes, we came home for dinner. Whipping up this shrimp dish was very easy and fast. We went to bed that night happy and content. The sunshine, shopping and good food cured our cabin fever blues too.

Caribbean Curried Lentils

More than a decade ago, my husband and I honeymooned on the beautiful island of Saint Martin. Twelve years later, we threw caution to the wind and went back for a second honeymoon. It was just like we remembered. It's one of our favorite places on earth. 

We stayed in a secluded area on the French side, not far from the little fishing village of Grand Case. We had no TV, no computer nor reliable cell phone service. It was just what we needed to shake off the excess stress of living and working in Boston.  

Persian Chicken Meatball Poppers with Fresh Lime & Chili

These meatball poppers will take you out of a boring-turkey-meatball-rut. I  make them with either ground turkey or ground chicken, depending on my mood. Sometimes, I use a mixture of regular ground chicken and extra lean ground chicken. I prefer the milder taste of ground chicken to ground turkey, but either one will work. They're easily adaptable to your favorite light protein. Lean ground beef would be fine too.