The Naptime Chef

Casual desserts that can please both adults and children, and are easy to make, are harder to come by then you think. Ice cream sandwiches are great when it’s warm out, and most adults, and some children, love a good apple tart in the fall. But, really, when it comes one thing that please everyone year round the list is pretty short. One of my go-to’s in the this situation is a pan of brownies. Made from scratch with a generous dose of sea salt, and a hint of bourbon extract, they are perfect for just about everyone.

Spring has sprung and I am still chugging away at cleaning out the pantry. It is has been slow going, yet effective. My shelves are less crowded and I’ve definitely saved money drawing on the dry goods instead of purchasing more. My friend Phoebe has been up to the same thing, cleaning out the pantry in light of a recent move, and today I am joining her in her Spring Pantry Purge (#springpantrypurge). A bunch of use are showing what we are making from our pantry wares in order to inspire others and encourage the spring cleaning mood!

I’ve been working on my baked chicken recipes since it seems that there are a never enough and, generally, my children like them. Since I am about the plant our new summer herb pot I decided it was time to use up the last of my frozen pesto cubes from last year and make this baked caprese pesto chicken. I know my basil will soon be plentiful again and I plan to make lots of fresh pesto as soon as I have enough!

I’d intended to get this up in time for Easter, but whatever. With the new puppy in the house and a three-day weekend it was next to impossible to do much writing at all last week. So! Here we are today with some amazingly delicious homemade candy that will knock your socks off and is just the antidote for all the store bought stale sugary stuff the bunny might have dropped off over the weekend.

There is nothing I love more than a good spring cleaning. With a little bit of time and some elbow grease it doesn’t take long for any given space in my house to go from drab and wintery, to bright and fresh. Since I cook so frequently and we eat in our kitchen I am always especially conscious of cleaning the kitchen the minute it is warm enough to open the windows. We wipe down the shelves, clean out the fridge, and clear away any leftover clutter from winter.

These days I even enlist my children to help me since I live by the motto from my favorite handbook, “If you have children, you have helpers!” Getting them involved not only helps me, but creates a collective sense of responsibility for maintaining our living space. It is important for them to do their part in keeping our home spic and span. Here are a few ways I get them involved:

By Erin Gleeson

Last year I spoke with Erin Gleeson about her magnificent book, The Forest Feast. I couldn’t get enough of the beautifully illustrated volume featuring mouthwatering vegetarian recipes. It is one of a kind. This spring she followed up that book with a second volume aimed at children. It features beautiful photography and watercolors, as well as dozens of recipes children will love to make and eat. Last week I had a little chat with Erin about her latest endeavor which you can read below. And don’t forget to enter to win a copy of your very own!

Well, we’ve had temperatures in the 60’s all week and the daffodils are pushing through. I think this means that spring is here to stay! (Famous last words, now we’ll end up having a snowstorm next week!) The arrival of spring always inspires to take a fresh look at our meals. It is time to do away with the heavy soups and bring on the light meals. This also means bring out some of my spring and summer kitchen favorites:

A beautiful berry bowl is perfect for the first fresh berries of the season. (Gold Seed Craft, $154)