Last week students were tasked with creating a crudite platter consisting of four different veggies and a house-made dip. Below are photos from some pretty happy kids (eating vegetables!!). *And pay special attention to the colors on the veggie platters. The more attractive you can make food, the more likely they will eat it!

During the week leading up to our 14th annual cookie contest I made three new-to-me cookies. All winners too! I LOVE anything with lemon and these lemon shortbread cookies are so tangy and delicious. The linzer cookies have a hint of cinnamon and can be filled with your choice of preserves. Lastly, the fresh orange cookies were super soft and moist - almost cake-like. Find these recipes in the recipe collection page. Enjoy!

So it cooled down for a hot minute and I couldn't wait to make soup. This steak soup was super easy as I had all the ingredients on hand (thanks to always keeping lean cut of sirloin in the freezer, dried beans and crushed tomatoes in the pantry). It was also super flavorful!

Two of my favorite pasta salads - Tuna and garbanzos and Asian noodle salad. Yum! So vibrant and colorful. easting vegetables can be exciting!

Sophia made these tuna tostadas with Ahi poke and crispy rice paddies. Delish!

Summer cooking should be low maintenance and stress-free. Like everything else, it's all about the right prep. I like to prep for multiple meals at once by cutting vegetables, herbs and proteins so they are ready when I am. The one-pan shrimp broil is family favorite and doesn't require the oven to be on too long. It's also easy clean-up!
I am SUPER excited about this chicken shawarma. I have never made it before so I wasn't too sure about the flavor combinations and I had to use the spices that I had on hand. I loved the way it came out and that, once cut, it actually looks like the shawarma you get in a Middle Eastern restaurant.

Super healthy and VERY economical when purchased raw, beans make for wonderful dinner option - especially if you have a slow-cooker or pressure cooker. Here are some new recipes I've worked on the past few weeks. Enjoy!

Easy, delicious and wonderful with a cup of tea!

May the 4th be with you!!! (Sorry, I had to do that as a HUGE Star Wars fan). This week's culinary and exploring foods students are tasked with making a pasta dish. Below is my recipe for meat sauce and manicotti. The meat sauce can be served over any pasta (noodle) and with some parmesan cheese on top it's sublime! You could easily use marinara sauce with the manicotti instead of meat sauce. Enjoy!!