Roasted Carrots with Cardamom Butter

This is a healthy change from what I usually post about on my blog.  It is good to switch it up every once in a while.

I don't know if these are the healthiest carrots because the recipe does call for butter and oil.  All things in moderation, right?

Creamy Bacon Pea Pecan Salad

Another week has just flown by.  The weather where I live has been so incredible the last few days.  It feels like Fall.  It isn't here for good though.  Next week it is supposed to heat up again.

I have just started a certificate program.  It meets all day most Saturdays until the end of the year.  It has been a good experience so far, but it makes my weekends much less relaxing.  I actually had class three hours on Friday evening and then again on Saturday from 9 am to 4:30 pm.  

Risotto Milanese

I just got back from a short trip to Chicago.  I have been before but had not spent much time in the city.

We were not there for very long, but we made good use of the time we were there.  We went to the Art Institute, the Field Museum, top of the Willis skyscraper, and the zoo.  We also went on architecture tour on the river and a boat ride on Lake Michigan.  We road bikes along the river and explored a couple of neighborhoods.

Brussels Sprout Salad with Bacon, Pecans, and Raisins

It's Friday! Fortunately, I don't work today.  I had an alternative work schedule and have every other Friday off.

I think I am going to go see an new exhibit at an art museum and see the movie Ready Player One. I read the book a couple of years ago and really enjoyed it.

Caramelized Brussel Sprouts with Apples and Pecans

I hope you had a wonderful Easter weekend.  Brussel sprouts are my favorite vegetable.  I think they are so yummy.

I have made and posted several Brussel spout recipes.  Last May I made honey sriracha roasted Brussels sprouts with bacon.  Over a year ago I made butternut squash, Brussels sprouts, apple, and sausage salad with blue cheese, cranberries, and pecans.

Roasted Sweet Potato Salad with Black Beans and Chili Dressing

Happy New Year! The last year went by quickly.  I guess I'm ready for 2018.  I hope 2018 brings change and a little adventure.

I haven't returned to work yet.  I am still at home visiting family.  I fly back tomorrow.  I had a great vacation.

Curry-Roasted Butternut Squash and Chickpeas

Christmas is just around the corner.  We are a little over a week away from the big day.  

This week I saw The Christmas Carol at Ford's Theater.  The last time I saw The Christmas Carol I was in high school.  My dad often reads it to us at Christmas time.  He even read it to my mom and I last year. 

Roasted Parmesan Herb Butternut Squash

This is a Fall appropriate side dish.  Butternut squash are one of my favorite vegetables.  I like there soft and creamy texture.

My grandmother would often serve baked butternut squash with caramelized brown sugar on top.  I haven't eaten butternut squash that way for many years, probably since I ate it with her.  I am becoming nostalgic just thinking about it.

Orange Jello Salad

I am originally from Utah.  I have heard that Utahans eat more than their share of Jello and Jello salads.  I don't believe I ate much Jello growing up, and I don't eat it often now.

I do remember my mom making a Jello salad like this a few times of picnics, but it wasn't a regular occurrence.  Before making this salad, I don't believe I had eaten a Jello salad or Jello in over a decade.  

Green Beans with Tomatoes, Olives, and Eggs

I hope you had a wonderful and relaxing Fourth of July.  I went to a beach in a neighboring state.  The temperature was prefect, but it was a little too humid in my opinion.

I didn't end up watching any fireworks.  We left the beach too early, and by the time we got back to the city, I didn't feel like making another trek to see the closest firework display.  I'm a little lazy.

Corn, Zucchini, and Tomato Skillet Sauté

I went on a vacation to Switzerland almost two weeks ago.  I ate very while while there.  We had chocolate, gelato, cheese, and loads of other delicious things.

I have been trying to eat extra healthy in the two weeks since I have returned to counteract all the delicious yet unhealthy food I ate in Switzerland.  I have only been marginally successful in this endeavor.  For example, yesterday I topped each meal off with a cookie.

Balsamic Glazed Asparagus with Bacon

I like my vegetables with bacon.  I recently posted a recipe for Brussels sprouts and bacon.  When I was growing up, I would eat asparagus with Miracle Whip.  I remember it was tasty.

I haven't posted many recipes with asparagus.  I have an asparagus and sugar snap pea recipe with chili orange oil.  Over two years ago I made roasted asparagus and Brussels spouts in an orange vinaigrette.   I made a steak and asparagus salad, which was wonderful.

Honey Sriracha Roasted Brussels Spouts with Bacon

Another Brussels spouts recipe! I'm clearly a fan.

Brussels sprouts are the bud of the flower.  The precursor to Brussels sprouts first appeared in northern Europe during the 5th century.  The modern Brussels sprouts could have begun being grown as early as the 13th century in Brussels.

Beet and Berry Salad

In February, I went to Ocean City, Maryland with some friends for a short weekend getaway.  While we were there we ate at this delicious restaurant.  I ordered salad that consisted of beets, berries, and roasted shrimp.

It may sound like I was trying to be healthy, but it was a delicious salad.  It was beautiful too.  I knew then that I would try and recreate the salad at home.  

Roasted Brussels Spouts in Mango Nectar Glaze

This week week just flew by.  I'm happy it's Friday; it was a busy week, but I'm a little surprised it is the weekend already.  

I'm a big fan of Brussels sprouts.  They are probably my favorite vegetable.   I'm a fan of vegetables, so that is true praise.

Tomato, Basil, and Feta Salad

I think I'm still trying to hold onto summer with this recipe.  Tomato season is over, but I still don't want to let it go.

The weather this week is supposed to get up to 80 degrees, which doesn't help my body transition into fall.

Tomato, Black Bean, and Corn Salad

Fall is in the air.  It is my favorite season.  I like the crisp weather and the colorful leaves.  I even think the barren leaves at the end of the season are beautiful.  Fall starts getting me excited for my two favorite holidays, Christmas and Thanksgiving.

I'm not crazy about winter, but I can survive it.  I have a electric heating pad I put on my bed and warm winter books.