With all this time on my hands lately, I actually have the time and energy to do things I love. I am writing, exploring, taking photos, and cooking.

I especially love to cook for others. Maybe it’s the hidden Jewish mom in me that thrives off feeding others, but there’s little to nothing else in life that compares to the feeling of true contentment I feel when others enjoy the food I make.

This last month has been a fantastic culinary exploration so far. I started on a pickling kick back in July and pickled my own red onions. I was putting them on everything, much to the dismay of my guests. While some people loved them (myself included), others weren’t such big fans (sorry, Shonna). I’m still hankering to make my own sauerkraut, but in due time. I found this awesome pickling device at a craft fair and I really want to get it!

Here are some of my favorite recipes so far. Click the links to pull them up:

• Pan roasted honey garlic soy brussel sprouts
• Chinese vermicelli noodle salad
• Grilled chicken, peach, and green bean salad
• Slow cooker pork carnitas
• Blood orange, fennel, and beet salad

And some I got ideas from friends or made up in my head…

• Poke
• Oven roasted salmon
• Quinoa veggie salad
• Roasted tomatos in pasta
• Heart attack hamburgers
• Shrimp fettucini with fresh pasta

Are you drooling yet? Let me attach some pictures.

Want a meal? Just ask. Bon appetit!