Kale Avocado Salad

Kale has become quite trendy lately, turning up in various forms everywhere from supermarkets to farmer's markets to restaurant menus. This new surge in kale popularity is something I am quite excited about because I have always loved kale. Usually, I will saute or steam kale and have as a side dish for dinner. Sometimes I like to bake it into lovely little crispy kale chips. However, my new favorite use for kale is to prepare it raw in a salad. It's super easy to prepare and so delicious.

Broccoli and Ham Quiche

Quiche is one of those quintessential dishes that pops up just about everywhere. What's wonderful is that it is so beautifully versatile. Once you have your basic mixture of eggs, milk, and cream, you can add whatever your heart desires..or whatever you have leftover in your fridge. In this recipe I use fresh steamed broccoli, cooked just until it begins to get tender, and slices of maple glazed ham. A little cheddar cheese adds a savory, salty bite.

Party Bites 2: Cucumber Snacks

The recipe that I am sharing with you today is refreshingly simple and ..well..refreshing. Nice cool cucumbers with a dollop of your favorite hummus and a touch of roasted red peppers provide a simple and satisfying snack on a hot summer day. The preparation couldn't be simpler but the dish remains elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.

Party Bites, Part 1: Spiced Sweet Potato Fries

Ahhh it's good to be back. Please excuse the long absence- I promise I've been spending a large part of it daydreaming about the recipes I want to make and showcase on The Tasting Table. With Memorial Day weekend and graduation season looming, you may be wondering how you can stay healthy and prevent putting on the 'party pounds'. Well, have no fear, I have a few great recipes for healthy and delicious "Party Bites".

The first recipe in our "Party Bites" series is Spiced Sweet Potato Fries.

BBQ Pulled Chicken

Time passes by so quickly but good, home-cooked food has a way of slowing it down. There is nothing quite like sitting down to a delicious hot meal with a couple of your friends, family, neighbors, and whoever else was drawn in by the wonderful aromas wafting from your kitchen. Today's recipe is a hearty BBQ pulled chicken that will be sure to draw in the crowds. The best part is that it takes so little time to make  that you can spend all of your time enjoying it with your friends and family.

I like to serve this BBQ Pulled Chicken on a whole wheat bun with some broccoli slaw. Baked sweet potato fries can be a great addition as well. Using chicken breast instead of pork or even chicken thighs helps to reduce the overall fat and calories in this dish. The slow cooker keeps all of the chicken deliciously moist. 

Slow-Cooker Chickpea Stew

For the past few weeks, I've been so busy with school and work that I've barely had time to think. Luckily for me, I have a slow-cooker (or "crockpot") in my cabinet that I was able to whip out for today's delicious and nutritious meal. I just prepared the ingredients for the slow-cooker, combined them, and turned on the machine. While I was at work, the slow-cooker did its magic and a warm, hearty meal was waiting for me when I returned.

Acorn Squash with Ginger Honey and Cinnamon

Feast your eyes on this: Acorn Squash roasted with olive oil, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon, and topped off with a drizzle of honey. Are we talking about dinner or dessert? Either way, as far as I'm concerned.