July is here! Let’s hear it for long summer days and warm summer evenings. I hope you’re enjoying a fun long weekend. Please be safe out there.

If you’re looking for Fourth of July recipes, here are some of my favorites. The more salads, the better. Browse with pictures here.

• Dips: Mediterranean Tomato and Feta Dip, Pimento Cheese or Strawberry Salsa
• Salads: Favorite Quinoa Salad, Black Bean Salad, Herbed Potato Salad, Layered Panzanella, Mediterranean Bean Salad or Watermelon Salad with Herbed Yogurt Sauce
• Main Dishes: Caprese Sandwiches, Favorite Veggie Burgers or Grilled Pizzas
• Desserts: Almond Cake with Berries on Top, Mixed Berry Crisp or Simple Blueberry Cake
• Extras: Aperol Spritz, Classic Mojitos, Easy Pineapple Mint Popsicles, or Strawberry Smoothies

Avocado

Gaby’s Cucumber Salad

Gluten free and vegan

“Made this immediately last night and loved it – my daughter as well! Quick and easy for when you get home from work – served alongside pasta.” – Connie

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Hooray for June! The sun is shining and I’m looking forward to summertime activities with Grace. I’ve been brainstorming fun recipes for summer produce (my favorite) and working on our garden lately.

Since I reach for fresh chives so often when cooking scrambled eggs, I’m also growing some herbs by the window. I found this narrow planter (affiliate link) that has a water reservoir at the bottom. So far, so good! Herbs are so thirsty!

This month, seasonal produce options are expanding to include fresh fruit like blueberries and strawberries, rhubarb and cherries. I think I’ll make a crisp soon. The only question is which kind—blueberry, mixed berry or strawberry rhubarb? Asparagus and spring peas are on their way out, so get your fill of them while you can.

Avocado

Creamy Avocado Dip

Gluten free and vegan

“Another dinner success! This was surprisingly tasty. I honestly passed this up thinking “eh” but then my friends had a fiesta dinner and I was dying for an excuse not to eat their steak or ground beef tacos so I made the refried beans for my tacos. Tonight I made the avocado sauce and pickled onions with it….YUM. And super easy!!” – Erin

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May is here! The trees are loaded with bright green leaves and I’m thriving on the abundant sunshine. It’s time to plant our tomatoes, peppers and herbs, and I’m hoping to devote some more attention to them this year. Grace is just old enough to start helping. She’s too cute with her little green watering can.

Several holidays are coming up. For Cinco de Mayo, browse Mexican recipes here (start with the guacamole and margaritas). For the Kentucky Derby, try a maple-sweetened mint julep or strawberry-infused mint julep (start infusing the bourbon now). For Mother’s Day, check out my spring brunch roundup.

The farmers’ markets will become more colorful each week this month. Below, you’ll find some of my favorite spring recipes so we can make the most of our fresh produce.

Asparagus

Perfect Roasted Asparagus

Gluten free and easily vegan (skip the cheese)

“This is an easy and very tasty way to prepare asparagus. I could eat it every day. My 8 year old loves it too. I add parmesan and lemon. I roast the asparagus in my oven for 9 minutes. Thank you for the recipe!” – Anna

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Thank you, thank you, thank you for your kind words and well wishes after sharing the news about Cookie’s passing. Dogs never live long enough and I always dreaded the day this would come. It’s surreal and so sad to be on the other side.  I’m reading and re-reading your sentiments with a box of tissues and they are bringing me peace.

I never thought of it this way before, but one lovely way to remember Cookie will be to cook the recipes that I created with her by my side. There are so many! I have a few new ones ready to share with you once I can think again. I’m hugging our daughter close and tackling some spring cleaning projects for a distraction. I’ll be back soon to share more Cookie stories and photos—she was really something.

If you are here for recipes, I have many to share with you. April brings more seasonal produce to the table, including asparagus, beets and peas. You’ll find the full list below, and even more spring recipes here.

Asparagus

Spring Veggie Stir-Fry

Easily gluten free and vegan

“Love this stir-fry! I have made it several times now, all with different vegetables, and it has turned out great every time. So delicious and full of flavor. Thanks!” – Kiara

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I’m so glad we made it to March. The days are growing longer already and I love how the spring sunshine illuminates our kitchen. We even spied some fresh green daffodil leaves in the neighbor’s yard yesterday. We’ve just returned from a week in sunny Maui (Grace was delighted by the waves at the beach!), and we’re recovering from some colds that we brought back with us.

Asparagus is on its way and we’ll finally have more fresh fruits and vegetables to work with this month. I’m looking forward to cooking my favorite green curry soon, shown below. You’ll find more seasonal recipes in this post!

Asparagus

Thai Green Curry with Spring Vegetables

Easily gluten free and vegan

“I made this for dinner tonight and it was the best green curry I have ever had, better than our favorite restaurant where we get it. So thankful I found this recipe so I can make it at home. Thanks so much for sharing, it was absolutely delicious!!!” – Ashley

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February is here! If you bookmarked any hearty soups and stews that you haven’t gotten to try yet, this is the month to make them. In just four weeks, March and glimmers of spring will greet us. This butternut squash mac and cheese has been our go-to dinner lately, and I’m so delighted by your feedback on it!

It’s been terribly cold here in Kansas City. We’re planning a trip to Maui to warm up—any suggestions on where to eat or what to do with a toddler?

Here are more seasonal recipes to enjoy this month with winter produce. I have more recipes photographed and almost ready to share with you, so stay tuned.

Broccoli

Favorite Broccoli Salad

Gluten-free option and vegan option

“Sooooo good! My husband and I devoured a whole batch of this for dinner (And I usually hate raw broccoli) I made second batch right away and put it in the fridge to marinate for tomorrow!” – Rachel

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Let’s hear it for the New Year! Last year was a year of rest and recovery over here. It wasn’t the most productive, by a long shot, but that’s ok. I learned how to be present in the moment. I learned how to feed a baby, but definitely not how to convince one to sleep through the night. After quite a stressful pregnancy, holding my baby while she slept has been my therapy.

All that said, I’m excited to share some brand new recipes with you very soon! This year, I’m focusing on dinner recipes because wow, getting dinner onto the table can be hard. If you’re struggling, I’m right there with you and hope we can share strategies soon.

If you’re looking for wholesome, satisfying, veggie-packed recipes, you’re in the right place. You’ll find a bunch of them in my guide to seasonal produce below. For in-depth resources and tips on how to eat real food, be sure to check out my cookbook, Love Real Food.

Cheers to a healthy and happy 2023. Thank you so much for being here.

Beets

Roasted Beet Salad with Goat Cheese & Pistachios

Gluten free and easily vegan

“This salad is delicious! Made it tonight and it was just as good as a beet salad that I would typically order at a local restaurant. Will definitely make it again!” – Heather

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December has arrived quicker than ever! I hope you had a lovely Thanksgiving. This year, I have much to be thankful for, including your patience as I ramp back up on recipe development. Each post is a full production starting with recipe brainstorming and research, grocery shopping, testing (lots of testing), photography, photo editing and finally, writing!

Did you know that some recipes are in the works for over a year, sometimes two? It’s true. I’m learning how to work through this process with an adorable and busy baby girl nearby. She’s really more of a toddler these days, which is hard to believe.

More recipes will be coming your way soon, including a few yet-to-be-seen recipes saved from maternity leave. I’ve also been working on some brand new recipes that my trusty assistant, Megan, is testing from home. I’m looking forward to sharing those with you in the New Year.

Below, you’ll find a collection of healthy recipes to carry us through December and the holiday season. Cooking with fresh, seasonal produce is generally more delicious and also more affordable. One last thing—if you’re shopping for a gift for a loved one or coworker or host, I hear that my cookbook makes a great one. It’s on sale for about $15 on Amazon right now. Stay well, eat well, and happy holidays!

Apples

Simple Gluten-Free Apple Crisp

Gluten free and easily vegan (see recipe notes)

“Amazing recipe (as always!!). I followed exactly, including the 2 tbsp of water and 2 whisky (Canada) as per recommendations. I used Courtland apples and also added the Greek yogurt to the topping which I have never done in a crumble and it was amazing. Honestly best crumble hands down (GF or otherwise!)” – Giselle

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We’re barreling straight toward the holiday season, can you believe it? Below, you’ll find plenty of seasonal recipes that will sustain you between the Halloween candy and your Thanksgiving feast. This collection highlights healthy everyday recipes. Check out my Thanksgiving roundup if you’re planning your holiday menus.

Stay tuned for new recipes coming your way shortly. I’m spooling back up again and trying to strike a sustainable balance between work and family life. Stay well and cozy out there, and I’ll be back soon!

Apples

Apple Steel-Cut Oatmeal

Gluten free and vegan (see notes)

“We made the apple oatmeal on this cool morning here in Kansas…and it was perfect. Topped it with some almond butter and a swirl of maple syrup. My 3 year old ate most of my portion along with his. So, kid friendly, as well! Another recipe well done!” – Jamie

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October is here already, somehow! We’ve been soaking up the crisp mornings and warm, sunny days. I’m definitely looking forward to a cozy fall and the holidays, but I might love these glorious days in between seasons the most.

As the weather cools down, let’s mark the time with warm apple crisp, hearty chili, and wholesome pumpkin bread. You’ll find more seasonal recipes to enjoy below.

Apples

Healthy Apple Muffins

Easily gluten free and easily vegan (see notes)

“Made them this morning with one Granny Smith and one Macintosh. Your recipe is fantastic! The rose so well, made a beautiful crust and were nice and tender inside. Taste was great!” – Pierre

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