HOW TO BROIL GRAPEFRUIT

I have been on a huge grapefruit kick lately. An in-season, bright and tangy treat. I shared on Instagram how I sometimes broil my grapefruit, and got a few questions asking for more details. Sharing them here in case in helps somebody else wanting to try this method.

It's simple: 

1. Slice your grapefruit in half and sprinkle with desired amount of sugar.

2. Place on a foil-lined baking tray.

3. Broil in the oven on high for a few minutes. Watch it, when it starts to caramelize and burn slightly, then you know it's done.

4. Remove and enjoy!

If you grab your grapefruit straight from the fridge, it becomes both hot on the outside while still cold on the inside, as well as both sweet and sour, and the combination of all the tastes is amazing. A winter favorite for me.

QUINOA SCRAMBLE

Introducing the easiest and healthiest weeknight dinner, the quinoa scramble. 

I love this recipe because it requires no measuring, and nothing is exact. Just start with the framework and use whatever you have on hand. And, if you cook your quinoa in advance, it comes together in just minutes. It's also the most superfoodie you can get, by using both quinoa and kale, two of the trendiest superfoods around. 

LOOSE "RECIPE":

quinoa // kale // eggs // goat cheese // feta cheese // chopped veggies

Start by cooking your quinoa, I like to make a big batch and use it all throughout the week. I use one cup quinoa to two cups chicken broth, and it's ready in 20 minutes.

Put your oil of choice in a large, hot skillet. Add whatever you want, in whatever order you want. The recipe is really that simple. I usually throw the kale in first, then the quinoa, then a handful of cheese or two (feta and goat are both wonderful, so is parmesan), then whatever other veggies I have on hand, this time it was just green onions, by anything works. Let it cook for a minute or two, then add 2-3 eggs and fry them into the scramble. It's that easy!

We like hot sauce on ours, you can also use fresh salsa and/or greek yogurt.

An amazingly quick, easy, healthy, and flavorful weeknight dinner. Enjoy!

UPDATED MAC & CHEESE

Last night was an especially chilly evening for us in the pacific northwest, and I wanted something warm and comforting for dinner. I made this adult version of mac and cheese and it was so good. If you need some wintertime dinner inspiration, this is an easy one!

Note: I am a "inexact" cook, meaning most of my recipes are more like loose, general guides and less like an exact science. Cooking is all about how you want to make it. Use this as a starting place, and substitute whatever you have on hand.

Ingredients:

pasta (we love the gluten-free quinoa pasta from Trader Joe's but any works)

feta or goat cheese (really any white cheese you have on hand)

greek yogurt 

pancetta (a type of Italian bacon, can totally use regular bacon or sub another meat, or non at all)

chicken sausage

arugula (kale would also be excellent)

onions (I love the pre-cut bag at Trader Joe's. Chopping onions always makes me cry so this eliminates that)

oil of choice (we use olive oil)

Directions:

Cook pasta according to directions.

Saute the pancetta and chicken sausage. Cut the pancetta into small bite sized pieces and the sausage into rounds.

Saute a generous amount of onions in olive oil for a few minutes until translucent. 

Add the arugula, cook until it starts to wilt. (note, arugula wilts much faster than kale, kale will soften but hold it's shape. I like to cook arugula for a short amount of time so that it barely wilts; cook to your preferred style of "doneness")

Add about half a cup of greek yogurt and half a cup of feta cheese to the onions and greens. 

Add the pancetta, sausage, and pasta. Stir to combine.

Add salt and pepper if desired, but taste first! This dish has so much flavor and saltiness from the feta that it doesn't need much else. You could add a little cayenne or red pepper flakes if you're cooking for someone (ahem, my husband) who likes things a little spicy.

Enjoy! This is a cozy, warm, comforting meal perfect for chilly winter nights.