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Stewed Lentils with Poached Eggs & Chili Oil

Oh how I love poached eggs! Firm white outside…thick, silky yolk on the inside… Nothing can really compare to breaking into the egg. The bright yellow yolk gently runs out, creating a rich “sauce” for whatever lies underneath. While I usually eat poached eggs for lunch each day on top of thick toast that’s spread with avocado, I also like to incorporate them into my dinners. And tonight I’m eating them over a hearty bowl of lentils.

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Jumbo Shrimp with Chorizo, Manchego Polenta & Salsa Verde

Browsing through Whole Foods and seeing these beautiful jumbo shrimps, I knew I had to do a twist on the classic “shrimp and grits”. This southern favorite is loved for its creamy base, large bites of shrimp, and bold flavors. I’m switching it up with polenta and a smoky-spicy combination that will have you digging in for more.

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Root Vegetable Chips with Rosemary Salt

I have always been a huge fan of homemade chips. They’re rustic, earthy, and of course have a wonderfully fresh taste compared to store bought options. They’re the perfect appetizer or snack to make for a crowd. People are impressed when the chips aren’t just dumped out of a bag, but instead cooked to perfection in your very own kitchen. Instead of using the ole potato, I wanted to mix it up with some of my favorite, incredibly tasty root vegetables.

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Fennel & Pear Salad with Goji Berry Vinaigrette

Simplicity is key. But complexity is intriguing. I would say this salad incorporates both of these elements. And the result?…a beautiful winter salad that’s easy to make, yet leaves you wanting more with each bite.

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Pistachio Meringues

I’ve been loving the combo of dark chocolate and nuts, so I wanted to create something that incorporates them both. There’s just something about creamy, smooth chocolate with a little nutty crunch. Instead of making a traditional cookie, I’m keeping it on the light side. Meringue basically consists of egg whites that are beaten until thick. There’s so much you can do with meringue, but I like to just dollop little mounds onto a baking sheet and bake them until crisp. A perfect, somewhat lighter treat if you are craving something sweet.

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Almond Oats with Honeyed Blackberries & Currants

With the holidays over and the new year upon us, there is usually one thing on everyone’s mind: health! At least for me, starting a health kick is always a top resolution, as I’m sure it is for every food lover who ate one too many Christmas cookies over the break. With the past in the past, it’s time for goals to be set, new routines to settle into, and resolutions to be kept! My favorite go-to, healthy breakfast that I could truly eat every single day of the year is oatmeal.

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Onion Dijon Soup

Onion Dijon Soup with Pretzel Roll Croutons

Snow is finally falling, the temperature is dropping, January hibernation is kicking in and all of this calls for one thing…soup! French onion soup has always been my absolute favorite. The deeply flavored soup with bread soaking into it and cheese melting on top is irresistible. So to create some comfort this winter, I developed a new take on the classic dish: onion dijon soup with pretzel roll croutons.

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Crab & Salmon Stuffed Mushrooms

Celebrations call for appetizers that are festive and fun for guests to enjoy, and these mushrooms are exactly that! I had made this recipe for New Years Day, but because of all of the festivities, I am a little late on posting them. So, even though the holidays are over, it doesn’t mean you still can’t whip these up for all your 2015 gatherings to come.

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Paprika Seared Potato Wedges with Olive Tapenade & Date Sour Cream

As a kid, I was never a fan of dates. Just a few years ago I decided to give them another try…I couldn’t believe how wrong I was! One bite into the sweet, rich fruit, and I was changed into the biggest date-lover out there. While I usually eat a couple of them after dinner as a sweet treat, I like to come up with different ways to incorporate them into my cooking as well. This dish takes potatoes to a whole new level, and it uses dates to do so.

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Steamed Mussels in Spicy Tomato-Wine Broth with Crusty Garlic Bread

In traditional Italian fashion, my family would make the Feast of the Seven Fishes every Christmas Eve. Over the years, the tradition has changed. We now tend to serve steak and pasta, with only a few of our seafood specialties. Mussels are always a big hit, so this year I am making sure they end up on our holiday table!

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