Thai Lentil Soup - Vegan and Cholesterol Free

After a wonderful Thanksgiving feast, surrounded by my loved ones, on Thursday. And a repeat on Friday with all the delicious leftovers repurposed into new yummy treats. And again on Saturday. Tonight called for a very different kind of meal.

I had a stray bag of red lentils hiding out in the pantry that I'd purchased randomly a few months ago and never got around to using. So I hopped onto the trusty ole Pinterest and a few recipes looked decent but I ended up combining a couple different things to create this.

Sorry for the crappy picture but I lacked anything nice for garnish and wasn't about to run to the store just for the sake of a picture.

Cranberry Martini

Congratulations! We have survived Thanksgiving and Black Friday! Tons of delicious turkey, stuffing, pies, and countless calories later I am now stressing about preparing for Christmas.

I get the honor of preparing that massive quantity of cookies that my Grandmother used to make. I went to the grocery and after an hour of battling the crowds, I reappeared with 25 pounds of flour, 25 pounds of sugar, an assortment of nuts, sprinkles, baking chocolate and 10 pounds of butter. We won't discuss the eggs. That was a nightmare. A very distracted mother was allowing her young child WALK on the eggs. I'll go back for eggs another day. Once I've got my cooking baking game plan figured out. Look out for all the delicious recipes that will follow!

While I work on that game plan, I will be sipping on one of my favorite holiday drinks. A delicious Cranberry Martini.

TGIF! Let's Celebrate!

Happy Friday my friends! Here in America, it's Black Friday. Most Americans are either still nursing their turkey comas from yesterday or out facing the masses at the sales. Me? I'm curled up on the couch with some hot cocoa & marshmallows, and the never ending stream of Hallmark Channel Christmas movies. I am not a fan of crowds. I am much happier tucked away in my corner of the world, avoiding the insanity that is Black Friday.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I have never been one to participate in the "thankful posts" on Facebook because I am thankful for the things in my life every day, but today I am thankful for all my readers and hoping that you are all able to spend the day with those you love and hold dear! I am enjoying the first Thanksgiving in several years that I have the opportunity to travel to see my family.

Crustless Cranberry Pie

I'm not sure what is up with the weather, but it was very nice to be able to have my windows open all day and enjoy the wonderful 75 degree temperatures here in NC. Apparently nobody told the weather that it's the end of November, but I'm not complaining. It was magnificent!

It was also the perfect day to try out a new recipe, perfect for a Thanksgiving dessert. A simple "pie" that requires less than 5 minutes of effort. This isn't really a pie, but a cake in the share of a pie. But whatever you call it, it is delicious! Try it out this holiday season!

TGIF! Let's Celebrate!

Another Friday is upon us. The end to a beautiful week. Let's dive into the wonderful world of the Internet and see what has been happening around us.

Vanilla Bean Latte, a great copycat of Starbucks Vanilla Latte, and healthier for you too!

I spent my day walking around a gigantic mall, attempting to finish up my holiday shopping before the masses get turned loose into the public. One thing about gigantic malls is that they are filled with multiple Starbucks and a Teavana thrown in for good measure. While not a fan of over-priced, high calorie drinks, I ♥LOVE♥ the smell of coffee. It's just magical.

I resisted the urge to stop in and buy one of those crazy expensive drinks, but now that I am home and am breaking out the Starbucks coffee grounds (reserved around here for limited occasions as I am not a fan but once in a while you need that super strong coffee to make a perfect drink!)

Apple Cider Oatmeal

A beautiful Saturday here in my house. Yesterday I couldn't resist getting some apple cider while I was out and about. I was craving this wonderful Mulled Apple Cider. It embodies everything that is fall from my childhood.

This morning I decided to add a little of that cider into my breakfast oatmeal for a little change. It was delicious. A perfect fall breakfast. (And it takes less than 10 minutes to make!)

TGIF! Let's Celebrate

Here in NC, the fall weather has finally decided to come and stay. This week was the end of the 70 degree temperatures, and I am excited to break out my winter coats, fuzzy-lined gloves, and beautiful scarves.

My parents have experienced their first snowfall of the season and I must admit that I am a little anxious to return to Ohio. I recently purchased over 60 acres of land and am currently waiting (rather impatiently I might add) until spring so that I can begin building my dream home, complete with huge kitchen.

Cajun Shrimp and Quinoa Bake

It is definitely November. Facebook is flooded with the daily thankful posts. The major stores took down the Halloween items and replaced them with Christmas. Somewhere, I think, they are hiding the Thanksgiving items. Maybe. Or did I just miss an entire holiday? 

I just find it sad that the entire Thanksgiving holiday is being pushed to the side so that people can make even more money. But I digress... 

I want to tell you about this delicious dinner that I made. Simple. Quick. Flavorful. All wonderful things to be thankful. 

TGIF! Let's Celebrate!

The holiday season is officially upon us. Tuesday was election day and now there are just a few short weeks until Thanksgiving. I have been busily planning my Thanksgiving Dinner menu, finding so many delicious recipes that I cannot wait to try and share with you!

Chicken & Dumplings

The unpredictable weather, that is refusing to say good bye to summer, has taken a plunge today. For me it's the perfect excuse to stand over the stove, watching the windows and patio doors in the kitchen steaming up as I cook a delicious, old fashioned comfort meal.

Dumplings can mean different things to different parts of the country. For me, the "dumplings" are little balls of dough, steamed on the top of a thick soup. For others dumplings refer to thick noodles cooked in the broth. For me those are just noodles. If you prefer the noodle version, simply add them instead of my version of dumplings.

Caramel French Toast

I am a firm believer in starting every day with a hot, filling breakfast. While my pantry does have a collection of cereal, in my world, it serves the purpose of a late night snack. There is something so satisfying about getting up, frying up some breakfast meats, and cooking. It makes me feel accomplished when I've made a delicious breakfast and enjoyed it sitting at the table reading the news or a new book. Starting the day with that type of accomplishment just seems to set the mood for a productive day.

You should start your day with this delicious Caramel French Toast and tell me that you don't feel amazing afterwards!