When it comes to summer beach entertaining we are all about keeping it casual with a capital “c.” When the kids are involved the last thing anyone wants is to plate delicate dishes while children run wild in the sand. It is so much easier to set out buffets of delicious food and let everyone dive in as they are able! One of my favorite things to make for just these occasions is chicken salad. Every year I try to dream up a few new variations to keep it fresh and fun.
This is my first full week without any travel in a long time. I adored my book tour, but am happy to have a little break at home to enjoy my family again. I’ve been cooking up a storm in my kitchen and have a blast getting back into my everyday cooking rhythm. Rest assured you’ll be reading more about that in the weeks to come! In the mean time, I am here to say thanks, once again, for all the awesome support this spring. I have some more book signing dates in the works for summer, but for the next few weeks I am sticking around close to home.
This is the latest installment of my Powernap column. The series where I share quick, easy food that can be made for all kinds of situations. Powernaps are short and sweet, and so are these recipes. These are the things I make in a jiffy when I need a quick snack, am in the mood for a recipe experiment, or simply need to clean out the pantry.
My Georgetown and Boston book parties at JMcLaughlin two weeks ago were amazing – thanks to everyone who came out! After three days of traveling I was happy to arrive home late Thursday night. (I am not used to traveling so frequently!) It was such a reward to hug my daughter after not seeing her for a few days. On Friday, to spend a little time together, I went to school with her and chaperoned a class field trip. Never underestimate how much fun it can be take a bird walk with a bunch of preschoolers! By the end of the day I was tired and ready to put my feet up and enjoy a glass of wine. For dinner I knew I didn’t have a lot of time to pull together an involved dish so I decided enlist of my powernap powers and dream up a new pizza recipe for a quick, easy dinner.
I recently had the pleasure of developing a recipe for Plum Organics, the awesome organic baby food company. They weren’t around when my daughter was little, but I wish they had been! For my contribution to their new recipe box I made some yummy fruit and yogurt pops. I added some Meyer lemon zest to creamy Greek yogurt and layered it with some of their most delicious fruit and vegetable baby food!
Mom deserves a delicious Mother’s Day, don’t you think? As I Mom, I completely buy into this idea. Even I, on Mother’s Day, am happy to hand over kitchen duties to my husband and daughter. I don’t particularly care what they make for me. Honestly, sometimes the simplest thing, like a perfect brownie, or hot bowl of soup, is the best. Here are some easy recipes and ideas for what could to make for your Mom this Mother’s Day. I can honestly guarantee they are all easy to make and are guaranteed to put a smile on her face.
