Persimmon Vanilla Cobbler

Oh Persimmons!

We had a rough start, you and me.

But after a few years, playing under your tree,

I've come to love thee!

Really though... when we first moved in, we had no idea what kind of tree it was that provided such beautiful shade and stood as the figure piece for our backyard, that was not yet a yard at all.  After a season, we learned it was a persimmon tree!  So fun!  After doing some poor research, and giving it an undeserving hack job, it went through a bit of a rough season.  But this year... THIS YEAR... I fell in love with our little tree and the harvest was plenty.  Maybe trees just need to be loved to produce well (and we added it to the drip system this year... poor thing).  And by loved, I mean embraced as a part of our yard: yoga under the tree, using it as a "secret look out," and it acting as a "fielder" to our son's line-drives.  It's a part of our yard now, which is a part of our family space.

Roasted Poblano, Corn and Potato Chowder

Well it's not cold yet here, but I figured I could start practicing for when this supposed "El Nino" hits.  But whether the rain is pouring, or you're just praying for the rain, this chowder will make all things better.

Roasted Poblano, Corn and Potato Chowder

adapted from Iowa Girl Eats (easily serves 8 people)

2-3 poblano peppers, 

2 tbls olive oil

6-8 slices of bacon, chopped

4 leaks, white and light green parts, cleaned and chopped into half moons

4 cloves garlic, minced

2 medium potatoes, peeled and diced into 1/2" cubes

4 cups chicken broth

4 cups whole or 2% milk, separate out 1 cup for mixing the roux

2 cups sweet corn, frozen or fresh

4 tbls flour

3/4 cup shredded cheese (I used a combo of cheddar and jack)

cilantro for a cooling garnish

Salt and pepper throughout to layer the seasoning

Crostini with Blue Cheese Butter and Roasted Balsamic Grapes

Can we talk appetizers?

I'm a huge fan of them.  It's always a party when dad gets home for the day, so why not pair his homecoming with a fabulous snack to kick off dinner?  Toasted bread with fine toppings is usually a hit with most folks.  But this crostini is a home-run.  Wowsa.

Blackberry Cupcakes with Yogurt Cake and Berry Butter Cream

Oh hey there blackberry season!  Here it comes, and there it goes.  

My girlfriend and I went to a U-pick blackberry farm this year.  It was Colton's first experience.  I loved watching him study each one to see if they were "black enough" and then the inner struggle of where to put the chosen berry: in your basket or in your mouth.  The kid must have consumed a pint by the time we left.

Broccoli Pesto on Grilled Naan with Melted Manchego

A client of mine loves talking food with me.  We actually probably have too much fun tossing around ideas and telling stories of things we've tried.  She told me how she made a broccoli pesto once, and being the pesto lover I am, I couldn't believe I hadn't tried that?!  Pesto claims no rules right? Anything green with garlic and olive oil?  I sought out to try it.

Lentil Salad with Kale and Almond Pesto

In the history of this blog, I've posted two lentil salads.  I am obsessed with lentils, and am still in search for a shirt that says "I heart lentils."  Both salads are fabulous... check them out here and here.  But today, my legume loving friends, I present a third lentil salad that will not only rock your healthy socks off, but it's flavors are unbelievable.  Just ask my meat eating husband.  He even loves it!  Trust me, I would NOT bother posting a third unless I found one comparable to my other two loves.

So without further story, I'll get on with it.  So you can get munching!

Chocolate Avocado Cookies with Peanut Butter Chips

These cookies.  They include all my favorite food items.  Avocado.  Coconut oil.  Peanut Butter Chips!  And, in cookie form?  And their are relatively healthy?!  You're waiting for the catch... but there just isn't one this time.

My sweet friend who was over last night sharing a meal, grabbed my arm, and with chocolate on the sides of her mouth, looked into my eyes and said "Noelle, I'm not saying this lightly, but these might be my favorite cookies of all time."  

Kale, Brussels Sprout, Quinoa Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette

Food prep and construction toys.  Yep, that pretty much sums up my afternoons lately.

Also, as a busy mother, wife, woman and whatever other roles I am called into for the day- making a dish that does well as leftovers wins in my book.  And, for the most part- salads are usually excluded from that list.  Except THIS ONE!  I would venture to say, it is even better day after!  Go ahead and make this 1-12 hours in advance, let it sit and marry up.  The "massaged kale" thing was not a fad because people like massages, it's because time is beauty people!  Work that dressing, then walk away and take a nap!

Citrus Salad with Mint and Tarragon Vinaigrette

Hello dear citrus lovers out there.  I know we could debate the best way to cut an orange, but I'll just make this easy for you: have you ever tried this?

Chop off north and south poles so it stands up nicely.  Then slice off the outer skin and pith, starting at the top and working to the bottom, leaving as much fruit on as possible.  Now with your perfectly sitting ball of juice, turn it on it's side and slice through the center and out come little sunshines, perfect flowers, citrus gems!  About 5-6 per fruit.

Salad with Citrus Almond Butter Dressing

A salad should never be "just" a salad.  It deserves a little more love than that.  

I spotted a dressing online and before I could even try it, my girlfriend made it FOR us while we were visiting.  It was as good as I had hoped.  I've been varying a few ingredients, to make my own version.

Venison "Back Strap" Medallions

Dinner looks different these days.  Cooking is beyond strategic.  Sautéing anything includes tossing scraps down to my toddler who inevitably thinks he is going to die of hunger 30 minutes before dinner, no matter what time we eat.  Moms, you know how it is, right?

Believe it or not, I still love nothing more than to cook food for my family.  Even cooler is when I know exactly where the food came from!  My buddy Keith brought home a deer this year, and real friends give you meat for Christmas.