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.