~Maple-Roasted Carrots with Arugula, Dill, Cranberry Vinaigrette, Pomegranate and Glazed Pecans~ Wow, right?! Calling all Ina Garten fans! Here's one of five recipes I've made and loved from the Barefoot Contessa's new "Cooking for Jeffrey" cookbook in the last two weeks. It's a celebratory main-dish salad, no abstemious January fare but an exultant platter of myriad textures, colors, flavors and moods. And yeah, I know, how in the world can everyday common carrots be the centerpiece of such a celebration salad? You're gonna have to taste it to believe it. But do, please do. Meatless Monday, anyone? ~ Skip Straight to the Recipe ~ LOL, Have We Been Typecast? Have my husband ( ! ) and I been typecast? I fear so. For Christmas, the family Santas gifted us with six new cookbooks. Six! Each one filled with author passion and experience, inspiring photos and fascinating reading – and recipes! Even overwhelmed by new cookbooks, a few days later...

... in a sunny wildflower meadow, surrounded by the love of close family. Big Surprise, Right? EIGHT YEARS We've been a couple for eight years. But here on Kitchen Parade and A Veggie Venture , until now this wonderful man was mentioned only in sly hints. I called him "my favorite cook" or "my kitchen companion". Mostly though, he wasn't named at all but instead appeared only as the "Man with the Hands" in food photos. (It's true. See here or here or here ). EIGHT DAYS And then we took all of eight days to get married. EIGHT WEEKS ago today, the Man With the Hands and I were married in a golden October meadow, officiated by a dear friend and witnessed by a small circle of family. So Meet My Man with the Hands. But do call him Jerry, I do. He's a lawyer with his own firm, a father of three and devoted grandfather of six. He comes from humble family beginnings here in Missouri and is the patria...

How to mull apple cider with fruit and spices, turning everyday supermarket-variety apple cider into something special and irresistible. Mulled apple cider is such a refreshing autumn treat, I serve it hot on chilly days and over ice when it's warm. Real Food, Fresh, Seasonal & Family-Tested. Budget Friendly. Weeknight Easy, Weekend Special. Fall Potluck & Party Friendly. Not just vegan, Vegan Done Real . Naturally Gluten Free.