Simple Beet and Shallot Salad

I love beets and I love even more when I buy them at the local farmer's market. There is something special about those markets. First of all it's great to support local farmers and second, going there is a treat to the senses as you get immersed in fabulous colors, shapes, textures and smells.

Rice a Roni College Style

Rice a Roni with chicken and veggies

When you talk college food you immediately think Ramen or Rice a Roni and zero nutrition. But don't despair. Add chicken and veggies and you'll have a way healthier meal.  

Homemade Apple Sauce - Three Versions

Homemade Applesauce

Homemade anything is better than store bought and apple sauce is no different. 

I am posting here three different recipes to please different tastes.

Pan Roasted Pork with Mushrooms

This recipe is a slight variation of Eric Rupert's Roasted Pork Loin with Wild Mushrooms, Garlic & Sage Pan Jus. Eric has a great website where you can find amazing recipes and watch the episodes from his show Avec Eric. Click HERE to go to his website and have fun exploring it. 

Banana Strawberry Smoothie

Strawberries and Banana Smoothies are one of the most popular kinds of smoothies and it's also one of my favorites. I usually don't put ice cubes or frozen fruits. However now that it's hot in Portland I am freezing bananas and strawberries to make this smoothie.

Mini German Pancakes

Mini German Pancake with Homemade Applesauce and Vanilla Ice Cream

I love German Pancakes and making them in ramekins adds a lot of charm to them. If you are not familiar with German pancakes then this is the best way I can describe it: a cross between an omelette and a soufle that did not work well. Sounds a little weird I know, so give it a try, and maybe you will like German pancakes the way I do.

Mushroom Spinach Frittata

Who doesn't like a tasty brunch with some sparkling wine? Better yet if it's something nutritious and easy to make. Frittata is one of those options.


Frittata is the Italian version of omelette. The difference is that you fold the omelette over the filling and in a frittata the filling is mixed with the eggs. Actually usually you saute or cook the fillings and then put the eggs on top.



There are so many frittata variations but this one is so far my favorite, as I really like mushrooms and spinach. You can make ham and cheese or mixed vegetable frittata using the same principle. First saute the shallots or onions, then add whatever you want in your frittata and finally add the eggs. It's that easy.