A Brief Vacation

I'll be taking a brief vacation from our vacation home in Miami.

We are joining friends for a week long cruise on the Celebrity Apex Cruise Ship. We are four couples all from the neighborhood back home in Pennsylvania originally. 

We raised our kids together and this is our 3rd year meeting on a cruise in mid December for reunion together ( 2 of the couples now live in Florida). 

Where are we going? The Caribbean. We have three stops:

Tortuga Island- always wanted to go there but it is very difficult to get to unless you come in by boat.

St. Kitts- Been there before and it is a lovely island

Puerto Plata in Dominican Republic-  

It'a only for a week. I left last Saturday, So I'll be home this Saturday Dec 21and will be back commenting on your blogs. 

Have a great week... 

I made this green bean dish yesterday. It's blanched green beans (which really keep their color) , tomatoes, nuts/seeds etc with a balsamic reduction dressing.  Green Beans (link to recipe and dressing) 

The Secret To My 4 easiest Homemade Soups: Use Salsa as Your Base

It's soup season 🍅🥕🥔🍠 and a hot nourishing bowl of homemade soup may be just what you are craving to warm up and get cozy on a cold winter night. 

I'm reposting 4 of my easiest homemade soup recipes which use a jar of salsa as my soup base. Using salsa as a soup base is a great kitchen hack. 

There are quite a few reasons that I use salsa for making soups

• Salsa is a time-saving, healthy, and flavorful idea that can elevate your cooking game with minimal effort. Salsa, packed with fresh vegetables such as tomatoes, onions, and peppers, and provides a natural, low-calorie, low-fat foundation for soups, eliminating the need for lengthy chopping and simmering of ingredients.
•  It has a zesty kick brings immediate depth to your dish, while offering a variety of essential vitamins and antioxidants, thanks to its veggie-packed content.

• It saves time without sacrificing taste or nutrition. Plus, it’s a versatile base that can be customized to suit any flavor profile, making it a go-to shortcut for busy weeknights when you want a healthy, delicious meal in no time.

• Onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, hot peppers, spices - all of the ingredients that make a good base for many soup recipes. You choose from mild, medium, or hot salsa.

•  I always use organic salsa which contains all organic vegetables. Organic vegetables may otherwise be hard to find, may be expensive, or difficult to always have on hand. This is a game changer.  

If you are busy, don't like to cook, or just want a fast and easy recipe, you may yourself falling in love with my four easiest ever soup recipes using my simple "salsa" method. 

Choose from any or all of these healthy soups:

• Easiest Black Bean Soup  
• Spicy Cabbage Soup
• Sweet Potato (or butternut squash) Spicy Soup
• Red Lentil Vegetable Soup 

All four soup recipes start with the same base- a jar of organic salsa. 

My Fast and Easy Method: 

1. Open the jar of salsa and pour into Instant Pot liner.

2. Add remainder of ingredients to the liner and close lid. Set timer. When done, in under a half hour, enjoy a bowl of homemade, healthy, fiber rich, soup!!

Easiest Black Bean Soup  link to recipe)

Sweet Potato (or butternut squash) Spicy Soup-link to recipe)

Red 

Spicy Cabbage Soup - a staple and favorite in our home. 

Red Lentil Vegetable Soup  (link to recipe)

My Notes: 

1. All of these soup recipes meet gluten-free, dairy-free, kosher-parve, and vegan standards. All can be made oil-free as well. 

2.We love cabbage and use cabbage in the following delicious  recipes: 

• unstuffed easy cabbage rolls
• red and orange coleslaw 
•  red cabbage potato salad, 
•  my flu fighting winter soup  
•  Asian Quinoa Slaw  
• red lentil golden borsht. 
• Follow the links for the recipes. 

3 Simple Healthy Holiday Recipes to Impress Without the Stress

Although the holiday season is frequently laden with sweet and rich indulgences, it doesn’t mean we can't find snacks and sides that are light, healthy, or uncomplicated. 

On this post today, I'm sharing 3 interesting recipes that I found on other blogs that I thought were perfect for entertaining now and during the holidays. 

I had a dinner party last night with 15 guests. I tried two different recipes that I found on Pattie's blog ( A blog that I follow) called Olla-Podrida.  Both recipes were well received.

Cannellini Bean Dip with Black Olive (vegan) calls for just a handful of healthy ingredients. The dip is savory and creamy with the delicious taste of olives. It's perfect for scooping with crisp veggies or your favorite chips or crackers (all gluten-free of course). It's an easy recipe to keep on hand. Follow the link to find her recipe. Cannellini Bean Dip with Black Olive

Next, an interesting Artichoke Salad with Hearts of Palm features hearts of palm, marinated artichokes, a variety of olives, and cherry tomatoes- a delightful mix of textures and delicious flavors. Light, refreshing, and festive, it’s perfect for balancing out all those rich holiday meals. Follow the link to see her recipe. I did make some personal taste changes. See my notes at the bottom of the post for my personal changes.Artichoke Salad with Hearts of Palm

The third recipe I found on another blog that I follow, Jeff the Chef's blog - Make it Like a Man. I have not made this incredible looking food design recipe yet, so I don't have a photo to share with you - but click over to his blog to see this beautiful Caprese holiday wreath made of cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls,  (vegans can substitute vegan feta cheese) and edible greens. So creative, and definitely is cheerful, festive, and makes a great presentation during the holidays. I think it's a show stopper!! 

 Whether you're wanting a festive appetizer or a light, colorful salad, these simple dishes are the perfect balance of healthful ingredients and holiday cheer.

My Notes: 

Re: Artichoke Salad with Hearts of Palm. 

I made a few changes when I made the recipe. 

First, I used a jar of marinated artichoke quarters. I used some of the marinade from the jar in place of the suggested dressing for the recipe.

Re;Cannellini Bean Dip with Black Olive . I left out the oil and I thought it was still very creamy. Next time, I might try using green olives or Kalamata olives in this easy bean dip recipe. 

No Fuss Red Lentil Patties : Quick, Easy, and Protein-Rich

 

If your cholesterol is high and your doctor has suggested cutting back on meat, including more high fiber plant-based foods in your diet, such as these easy red lentil patties, may be something you and your doctor may like. 

Home For Thanksgiving - and Back

We flew home from Florida to Philadelphia for Thanksgiving to be with our kids, grandkids, and family.  The weather was relatively mild (40' and 50's) until the last day when it was 28 degrees in the morning.

My husband took a picture with the Eagles display at the
Philly airport

I loved the crisper weather ( for the week) but most of all I enjoyed the lights and festive decorations on all the houses. In South Florida, there are mostly condos where I live and the personal decorating is at a minimum. However, the streets and condo building are highly decorated. Maybe it just doesn't feel like the holiday season in South Florida because it' still so warm (70's and 80's). 

Vegan Sushi Bake In A Pan- No Rolling

Do you like sushi? I tried this recipe for a simple easy sushi pie bake in a spring form or pie pan. It is interesting, easy to make, versatile and makes a beautiful interesting presentation-especially for company. 

Healthy For The Hollidays: Cut Down The Oil !

With the holidays around the corner, we know we will be eating many rich holiday foods before we know it. I'm beginning to think of ways I can start cutting down on calories now. 

One of the simplest ways to reduce calories is to start being aware of how much oil you are consuming. 

Is There Lead in Your Spices? What You Need to Know and How to Avoid It"

Is there lead in your spices? Most store bought spices contain levels of lead which is very scary.

Last week I posted a photo of my cinnamon container in my jasmine rice and almond post. One of my readers pointed out that the brand I posted has been recalled for unsafe quantities of lead. I was shocked and decided to do some research. It is frightful how many other brands of spices test very high for lead as well. I hope this post is helpful. 

Aromatic (Brown) Jasmine Rice Almandine

This is a simple jasmine rice recipe that makes a delicious tasty side dish that will elevate your rice eating experience. 

Quick Hot & Spicy Cabbage Soup with Rice

Are you ready for soup? Soups on in my house - and I'm sharing a quick and easy, yet hearty, hot and spicy cabbage soup recipe. Cabbage is one of my favorite vegetables. I find that it is versatile, easily available, tasty and healthy- AND it makes the best soup ever!!

Halloween in North Miami Beach

Tonight is Halloween, but it feels so different than the Halloweens back in Pennsylvania. Here in Florida we live in a high rise on a street that is all high-rises. There are no Halloween decorations, and it seems like life as usual. 

In Pennsylvania, everyone is abuzz with Halloween parties, preparation, and decorations in the stores and in front of homes. I took some shots of a few decorations before we left to spend the winter in Florida. I'll share my favorite photos. All the photos were taken in Pennsylvania except one in New York. 

“Simple Asian Cucumber and Edamame Salad: A No-Fuss Recipe”

If you enjoy starting your meal with a salad, but are looking for something a little different, you may enjoy this simple Asian  cucumber and edamame salad using English cucumbers.

Dressed with rice vinegar, tamari sauce, and a hint of maple syrup, this salad is not only delicious but also packed with specific health benefits.

"Diwali 101 for Americans: Understanding the Holiday + Recipe

I shop at T.J Max, Marshalls, and Home Good's . In the past few years, I've noticed beautiful festive items being sold for the holiday of Diwali (pronounced Dee -Val -Lee) this time of the year. 

Crustless Sweet Potato Pumpkin Pie -vegan and gluten-free

Nothing welcomes the spirit of fall quite like a slice of homemade (sweet potato) pumpkin pie. Do you agree?

This creamy flourless recipe combines the earthy sweetness of sweet potatoes, with the warm spiced flavors of pumpkin, creating a harmonious blend that’s both comforting and satisfying. 

Florida- Here We Come

It’s Time!

The leaves are now crimson and amber bright,
And pumpkins are visible in the autumn’s light.
With crisper air and cooler days,
We feel the pull of warmer ways.

Warm Up With Miso-Ginger Vegetable Soup

It's 9:00 AM and it's a chilly 45 degrees outside (it will warm up to 75 degrees by noon). We have not turned the heat on yet, so I'm warming up with a nourishing bowl of miso-ginger vegetable soup. 

I just made it this morning in less than 15 minutes. It took no more time than making a bowl of steel cut oatmeal.

Who eats soup for breakfast? 

Growing Greens In the Fall

You may remember that I shared this photo of the garden that my son built. It was a big project, and he didn't finish it until the end of the summer. Although he has never gardened before, he was pleased to find out that he could actually still attempt to grow some fall crops before closing shop for the winter.

Someone gifted him the sign 

Although the days are shorter and the air is crisper, fall offers a wonderful opportunity to plant a garden. While many think of spring as the prime planting season, autumn is perfect for growing a variety of hardy crops, especially leafy greens.

My son was a little too late to start his fall crops from seed, so he found a farm selling tiny starter plants which included lettuce, Swiss chard, carrots, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, dandelion greens, and some herbs - all fall crops.

Vegetable Garden Now in Bloom 

It has now been 6 weeks since I first shared his plantings, and the garden is now flourishing. I went over this morning to pick lettuce, kale, dandelion greens, and Swiss chard. 

Unfortunately, his radishes and cauliflower didn't seem to want to develop: there were plants but no bulbs. It is something he will have to figure out for next growing season. 

Swiss Chard

I looked it up and the reason the radishes bulbs never developed, and it may be that they were planted too close together, the soil many be too acidic, or since it is a first time garden, the soil may not be loose enough. 

He still has a lot to learn for his spring planting, but he is enjoying the abundance of greens!

Why Plant Leafy Greens in Fall?

Leafy greens such as spinach, kale, arugula, lettuces, dandelion, and Swiss chard thrive in cooler temperatures.

Leafy greens provide important health benefits: 

Nutrient-Rich Powerhouses: 

• Leafy greens are packed with essential vitamins and minerals. Spinach is rich in iron, kale boasts high levels of vitamins A, C, and K, while Swiss chard provides magnesium and potassium.  
• Greens such as kale and collard greens are rich in calcium and vitamin K, important for maintaining strong bones as we age.
•  Incorporating these greens into your diet may help boost your immune system as winter approaches.

1. Quick Harvest: Many leafy greens are quick to mature, allowing you to enjoy fresh produce in just a few weeks. This is especially rewarding in the fall, when the first frost can sweeten the leaves, enhancing their flavor.

Storing My Pickings

Since I only go to his garden once a week, I needed to know how long the greens would stay fresh in the refrigerator. This is what I found to help them maintain their freshness: 

• Lettuce: up to 1 week. Store in a plastic bag or container to retain moisture.
• Swiss Chard: up to 1 week. Wrap loosely in a damp paper towel and place in a plastic bag.
• Spinach:up to  5-7 days. Keep it in a breathable bag in the vegetable drawer.
• Dandelion Greens: up to 3-5 days. Store similarly to spinach for best results.
• Kale: up to 5-7 days. Use a perforated bag to maintain humidity without causing rot.

Kale 

Anti- Inflammatory Salad - this is a wonderful fall salad made with lettuce, kale, chickpeas, celery, red cabbage, roasted butternut squash and some other vegetables. Why not try it? It's a powerhouse of nutrients and tastes delicious.  It goes great with a bowl of quick and easy carrot ginger soup.

Do you plant a garden? Do you re-plant crops for the fall? Any suggestions on the radishes? 

Crunchy Tofu Bites: A Delicious Way To Eat Tofu

If you wonder what to do with tofu, you may want to try this quick recipe for simple "tofu bites" which are easy to make, come out crunchy, and are quite tasty.

Carrot Ginger Soup Made Easy

If you love fall soups, you will love this super quick and easy carrot ginger soup that I make I my Instant Pot in literally minutes (of course it is totally adaptable for the stove top too). 

Got carrots? Make soup!!!

Rosh Hashanah October 2024

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated with thanksgiving, prayer, synagogue services, and family meals. Unlike New Years Eve and Day in the secular calendar, this is a 2 day religious holiday. You may like the recipes I'm sharing.

In My Kitchen - October 2024 Post

I'm joining Sherry and many others bloggers at Sherry's Pickings for her monthly In My Kitchen Share (link). Really? It's October already?? Where has the time gone? 

Discover Kasha: A Delicious Alternative to Quinoa

I've rediscovered kasha. Have you ever tasted it? 

I remember my mom making kasha when I was younger, but somewhere along the way, I have forgotten all about it in the last few years. This week however, as I prepared one of my grandmother's family recipes for an upcoming Jewish holiday, the recipe called for kasha and I rediscovered it!

Blueberry Lemon Muffins

Do you know the last time I made muffins? 

Either do I!!  It's been that long. 

Lately, I've been craving something sweet. Since I want to keep my treats on the healthier side, I decided to make blueberry lemon muffins! Yum!