dinner party!

had some fabulous friends over saturday night for a low-key, cozy catch-up kind of evening.
i really enjoy spending time prepping a meal. music blaring, wine-flowing, i had a great time setting up...and that was before the girls even arrived!
due to dietary restrictions, the meal was gluten and dairy free. it can be done!
as always, i snapped a few shots of the deliciousness.
enjoy!
some sunny flowers, courtesy of mel!

appetizers: we started out eating my homemade dips (hummus, guacamole and bruschetta topping) with carrots, celery and mary's gluten-free crackers (they really are the best on the market--give them a try!)

not too shabby!

on the menu: linguine with pesto, roasted cherry tomatoes and ricotta cheese (for those of us who cannot cut dairy out of our diets!)

roasted tomatoes: cooked on a medium heat with some olive oil and pesto.
keep the lid on and cook until they pop!

yum! i love fresh asparagus

the finished product!

i used two types of pasta: fresh linguine for the gluten-indulgent, and rizopia for the gluten-free option
*as someone who has tried and tested all of the gluten-free pasta's on the market, i find rizopia to have the best consistency!

finally: dessert!
one pinterest-inspired item...and gluten-nut-dairy-free cupcakes!

green apples and caramel. the perfect sweet and sour combo!

yummy cupcakes from bakersville
a speciality bakery in the
streetsville area of mississauga

lexi was sad she didn't have a seat at the table.

thanks to the ladies for making the trek over for dinner!
come back soon!

before passover ends!

it took me too long to post this!
this past week we have been celebrating passover. while most complain about the restriction of eating any and all things leavened, i for one, enjoy passover!
here are a few shots of our family seder last week.

the passover seder plate

beautiful, bright center pieces

it's matzo time!

the hagaddah

egg in saltwater...yummy!

amazing view....the moon was full!

come back tomorrow for pics on how i end passover!

chicken soup for the soul

today was a cold, rainy, relaxing sunday.  my bones were chilled. i needed some hot soup. chicken soup, actually. hold the matzo balls (this time).
if soup is your thing, give this recipe a try. it is simple but delish.
first: find a reliable recipe. i believe most of the women in my family use the one pictured here. i used it, too.

second helpings, please! a staple in jewish homes.

find a LARGE stock pot. add cold water and chicken thighs (or legs...or a soup bone, etc.). let it boil while you prep the rest. make sure to skim the fat off the top. 

now for the veggie prep!

carrots

onion

celery

throw it all in the pot and let it simmer for a few hours.  don't forget the S & P!!

hour 2.  take our the chieken before you serve.

yummy final product. add in some of the cooked chicken for protein.

serve with a side of fresh challah (for dunking!)

 enjoy! i hope this soup warms your soul!!
happy sunday!