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.

Hot Lavender Mulled Cider

Like many other Boston locals, I am so excited about the city's recent food truck craze. Now, every time I walk downtown or on campus I pass by trucks with enticing aromas selling anything from Vietnamese sandwiches to coffee. It was actually a food truck that indirectly inspired me with today's recipe.

I happened upon a truck that made fresh lavender lemonade. It was refreshing and just a little bit floral. I loved the idea of using lavender leaves to make a more refined, unique drink out of lemonade. Also, I happen to have a little jar of dried lavender in my cabinet and I am always trying to think of ways to use it. While I very much enjoyed the lemonade, I wanted something that would really represent the fall season and fall produce. Immediately, I thought of apple cider, which my family used to heat up after we went apple picking for a delicious, warm pick-me-up. The lavender adds that extra floral 'je ne sais quoi'. Give it a try and let me know what you think!