Not Without Salt's Roasted Sweet Potatoes . Sprouted Kitchen

When it was just the two of us, a "date night" didn't seem all that imperative. Yes, of course for the reasons of continuing courtship and chivalry, but as for conversation and quality time, I didn't feel we were lacking that. Hugh's office is at home, we work together part-time, and we were both happy spending evenings in or grabbing something easy out. I never really felt like I missed him, for lack of better or longer explanation, until we had a baby. We have this spunky little fellow that while ridiculously cute, consumes time, attention, conversation and energy that we had more of to give to each other previously. And he doesn't even speak! Or walk! I wouldn't change a thing. Time simply becomes rearranged given the same amount of hours in a day, and I do miss Hugh. I see him most of my day, but I miss how easy and effortless our time felt before we had a 7 month old to fend for and figure out. You can adore having a child and pine for the days you could come and go without a second thought. I think that's healthy and normal. Especially for an introvert. So, one of my resolutions for this year, which I hope to make habit of, is to savor the hours we share between when Curran goes to bed and when we do. So starting now, I resolve to date my husband.

Inspired by Ashley's series on her blog, Dating My Husband, her new cookbook is a collection of genuine short essays about her story and relationship with her husband, Gabe, met with gorgeously photographed recipes that set up an entire menu for you. They may be good friends of ours, but bias aside, I am so touched by the humility and intention on each page. The story and purpose of the book are personal and truly, that is what sets a cookbook apart these days. Ashley cooks the kind of food Hugh wishes I made :) A nudge towards decadent while still being fresh and colorful. He has bookmarked the burgers and peanut butter frosted brownies and last night I made the raddichio and apple slaw and these roasted potatoes. I've made my share of roasted vegetables, but these, with their crust of parmesan and fragrant thyme, tinker to be described like a top notch french fry with a crispy outside and creamy center. They were super quick to throw together and such a fabulous texture. So here's to a fresh start - the best of intentions for time well spent with people who fill us up. Grateful I can always start over again in months besides January if I don't get it right this time around.

THYME + PARMESAN ROASTED SWEET POTATOES // Serves 2

Recipe from Date Night In by Ashley Rodriguez

All I tweaked here was the salt for our taste. I used two medium-smallish sized sweet potatoes and found 1/2 tsp. to be plenty, could maybe even go for less. Personal taste. Adjust to your preference.

1 1/2 Tbsp. cornstarch
2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1/4" coins
2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
1/2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 cup grated parmesan
fresh ground pepper
Preheat the oven to 450'. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
In a large plastic bag, toss the sweet potato coins in the corn starch to coat. Transfer them to a large mixing bowl, drizzle the olive oil and toss to coat. Add the thyme, salt, parmesan and a few grinds of pepper and give it a couple more stirs to coat.
Transfer the coins to the parchment lined tray and bake for 30-45 minutes, flipping halfway through so both sides get nice and crisp.
Serve with bbq sauce, ranch dressing or dip of choice.

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Entrée, Gluten Free, Summer

SUMMER SQUASH PASTA WITH GREEN GODDESS DRESSING

Sara Forte · July 1, 2014

I remember exchanging emails with Kimberly a ways back about the book writing process. I was humbled she asked me, as I've known that Kimberly would create a beautiful and inspired book by echoing the same style she shares on her blog. There seems to be a common thread between those who set out to create and photograph their own cookbooks - an equal measure of uncertainty, fear, excitement and determination. Truth is, I am not exactly sure what I am doing either and I stumble over how to guide someone else. We sing a "learn by doing" tune over here. How I respond to those emails asking advice for books or starting a blog, friend or stranger alike, is less with direction and more with encouragement to be more deliberate in doing what you already know. Authenticity is of greater value than you expect. Thankfully... or at least I like to think. I don't believe there is a formula for success with creative work. There are people who have done extremely well, make a nice living off blogs and books, but they cannot tell you how to do the same. The theme I see throughout the books and blogs I am attracted to is they are real people simply sharing an extension of something they are passionate about. Start a blog because you have something to share or make a book because there is a story you need to tell about food. Clearly it's not the end goal, but you should want to create despite how many people read your blog or book. It should begin because YOU need it to. When you hit a wall or get negative reviews, that's what you'll have, a project that nourished you first, and it makes you want to keep going. Sure it takes time and intention to design a beautiful space or a compilation of recipes but I think a desire and hope to create said things is a majority of the key to success. And ok, reading this over I may sound a little hippy dippy but my kumbaya message can apply to a lot of things - just find something that fills you up.

That said, Kimberly's book is a job well done - a real treat for anyone who cooks with a lot of produce. It's colorful and seasonal and delicately assertive if I may use such a juxtaposition. Hats off to you, my friend. These summer squash noodles are simple, quick and super light for how warm it's been. I'm going to grill a big filet of wild salmon this weekend and this will make a perfect side to fish. Happy 4th weekend to you all!

SUMMER SQUASH PASTA WITH GREEN GODDESS DRESSING // Serves 4

Recipe barely adapted from Vibrant Food by Kimberly Hasselbrink

This makes for a cold zucchini salad and the drained shreds have just the right amount of crunch. If you prefer it as a warm side, give the zucchini a quick saute in a slick of olive oil after you press out the excess water to warm through.

I upped the goddess dressing amounts so I'd have enough for leftovers. Extra dressing never goes to waste around here. This is the peeler I consistently recommend, it's great.

2 lbs. mixed summer squash
1 tsp. sea salt
1/2 cup plain whole milk greek yogurt
3 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil
2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice
1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1/3 cup fresh chopped basil, plus more for garnish
3 Tbsp. fresh chopped parsley
3 Tbsp. fresh chopped chives
2 Tbsp. fresh chopped tarragon
1 small garlic clove
1 anchovy (minced) OR 1 Tbsp. drained capers
1/4 shaved parmesan cheese, plus more for garnish
1/4 cup toasted pinenuts
fresh ground pepper

Cut the squash into thin strips using a julienne peeler or spiralizer. Sprinkle the squash with salt, toss gently, and place in a colander to drain for 20 minutes. Carefully squeeze the squash over the colander to release excess liquid and pat dry with a clean kitchen towel.

In a food processor or blender, combine the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, basil, parsley, chives, tarragon, garlic and anchovy or capers and blend until smooth.

Toss the drained squash with the parmesan, pinenuts and desired amount of dressing.

Season to taste with salt and pepper. Garnish with more parmesan, pinenuts and basil and serve immediately.

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Side, Fall, Entrée, Winter

CAULIFLOWER + BROWN RICE GRATIN

Sara Forte · March 12, 2014

I've said for years now that I hate moving and after the past few weeks I can confidently say I still stand by that sentiment. I know there are certain crazy people who like finding new places for things and the boxes and fresh starts but I am not that kind of crazy person. I am a different kind of crazy person - the kind that figuratively looses her shit when things are out of control and messy and expensive and in flux. It probably doesn't help anyone that I am pregnant and extra emotional so the tears seemed to sit right behind my eye lids at the ready for a quick breakdown. My beloved husband... My parents would praise him when I would call upset that the gray paint looked too blue (so tragic!), they wouldn't entertain my over-reacting, just a "God bless that Hugh." It didn't change the gray, but I started to catch on that I was the only one who was taking things like the size of a rug or the density of curtain fabric so seriously.

Hugh showed me a few photos he shot of my belly a few weeks ago and I got shuffled back into perspective. In short, he said "I'm afraid you're missing all the good things in front of you because you are so concerned with the house looking a certain way." He's right and I am. I mean, I was, because I am trying to calm down starting today. We will create a beautiful home in its time. These sorts of projects take months and years, not a couple weeks. I've been throwing meals together but in an effort to get back to work on both the blog and book, I actually cooked cooked - as in not just scrambled eggs or grilled cheese. I oiled the cutting boards and Hugh and his dad fiddled with the oven to get it up and running again. It was today, cooking and working in this new kitchen, that both of us said it felt like our home. I threw together a strawberry-lemon breakfast cake and we danced when familiar songs came on Pandora and I felt a little less crazy. I was reminded that it's the comfortable rituals and familiar idiosyncrasies of the days and the people you spend them with that make a place feel like home, not the paint color or ideal curtains. My usual answer when people ask why I like to cook is because I like to serve people in this small way, but I also love that it is a cozy skill - a skill that can warm your own heart when you need it to.

I had a gigantic head of cauliflower from my recent CSA basket and went the warm and cheesy route because I wanted the kitchen to smell delicious and the 30 week-old person in my belly likes warm and cheesy things. A well charred tray of garlicky-roasted cauliflower is my tried and true, but folding the florets and brown rice in with some milk and cheese offered a pseudo mac n cheese situation. I think you could add in some chopped spinach for greenery or mix in a dollop of horseradish to give it a kick. Either way, it's vegetable comfort food and it was just what we needed.

CAULIFLOWER + BROWN RICE GRATIN // Serves 4

Recipe adapted and mashed up from Smitten Kitchen and Naturally Ella

I know someone will ask about making this gluten free and with a little searching it seems you can substitute cornstarch in the roux. I haven't tried it, but it sounds to me like it would work. I think this would also look adorable in individual ramekins or gratin dishes. Those would likely cook in under 20 minutes.

2 lbs. cauliflower
1 cup cooked brown rice
2 Tbsp. unsalted butter
2 large garlic cloves, minced
1/4 of a red onion, minced
1/2 tsp. sea salt and pepper, more as needed
2 Tbsp. unbleached all purpose flour
1 1/2 cups milk, room temperature
1/4 tsp. fresh grated nutmeg
1/4 tsp. cayenne
1/2 tsp. dried Italian herb
1/2 cup grated parmesan, plus more for topping
3/4 cup shredded gruyere, plus more for topping
fresh chopped, parsley for garnish

Preheat the oven to 400' and grease an 8x8 pan.

Cut up the cauliflower into small chunks. Steam for 5-7 minutes until softened. Combine the cauliflower and brown rice in a mixing bowl and set aside (I ripped up any larger cauli pieces at this point).

In a saucepan, warm the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic, onion and 1/2 tsp. each salt and pepper. Saute until softened. Add the flour and cook another minute. Slowly start adding the milk, continuing to stir to combine. Turn the heat down to low and let the roux thicken. Add the nutmeg, cayenne and Italian herbs. Stir in the parmesan and gruyere until just melted in. Pour the warm cheese mixture (it will be pretty thick) over the cauli and rice, add another few pinches of salt and pepper and stir to combine. Pour the mixture into your baking dish and sprinkle the top with another handful of grated gruyere, parmesan and fresh ground pepper. Bake on the middle rack for 20 minutes or until the edges start to bubble. Turn the heat up to 500' and cook another 6-10 minutes until the top is golden brown. Remove and let it cool for a few minutes.

Sprinkle the top with fresh chopped parsley and serve warm.

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