On Packing

Our upcoming move is quickly becoming a reality. Walls are bare, boxes are stacked in corners, donation piles are piling up. On one hand it feels cathartic to go through belongings, sort them, think about them and make the ultimate decision: keep or toss. On another hand, it's taxing and due to the milestones experienced in this tiny apartment - marriage, parenthood and dog-ownership - we have a lot to go through.

You know that feeling when you flip through an old photo album? You're happy to have the photos to cherish the memories but thankful that hairstyles and clothing choices have evolved. It's like that, but with stuff.

Tonight, we tackled the pantry. Mason jars of wheat germ and powered sugar were discarded. Then, I went through the cookbooks and the forgotten "meal planning" binder I once religiously maintained. Back before Pinterest, I loved going through recipes, testing them out and tucking away favorites. It sounds simple on the surface, but going through Valentine's Day menus and birthday dinners gave a little window into the countless memories built in our little apartment. Back when creating a several course meal was reasonable - I had the time to invest in such celebrations. Now, don't get me wrong - I'm no master in the kitchen - I just like the idea of researching recipes and have managed to come up with a few "wow" moments in kitchen. Even if I'm the only one enjoying the results.

I had a few baking blunder this month so stumbling upon these tried and true recipes make me remember that good things do come out of our outdated kitchen. By the way, is there anything more disappointing than burnt coconut macaroons or carrot cupcakes that don't rise? Of course there are - but dumping a tray of baked goods into the trash is a bummer.

Here are some of my favorite recipes that have been made countless times in our little home. Enjoy!

1 Cranberry Bread
2 Curried Couscous Salad
3 30-Minute Chili
4 Coriander-Chile Pinto Bean Dip

Family-Friendly Recipes (sorry nuggets, you're not invited.)

The term "family-friendly" recipe typically involves veggies covered cheese sauce or something in a nugget shape. Now, I'm not turning my nose up at nuggets or cheese. I live in Wisconsin and would never frown at something fried or cheesy. Never.

But, kid-food isn't that satisfying to make or eat. Lately, I haven't been itching for veggies masked in cheese or to putz around in the kitchen to make chickeny-nugget things.

Simply put - I'm not in the mood to create additional meals for Ingrid. And thankfully, she's not picky (yet!). Although, when she pushes tofu around her plate, I tell her that it is meat and she happily shoves it in her mouth.

Like you, I attempt to cook what's in season and give my family a variety of options - some meatless, some meaty (haha) and try to incorporate lots of vegetables and flavor into everything. Then, when I break out the baked goods, I tell myself that everyone's had their veggies and isn't that what balance is all about?

Here are some old classics and new favorites:

Loaded Quinoa Veggie Burgers

Ingrid says "These taste just like meat!" 

photo and recipe via

Mexican Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes

Ingrid says "Can I just have the filling? Those skins are too tough." 

photo and recipe via

Turkey Chili

Ingrid says "Is this meat? Ok, then I'll have more. I mean, more please." 

photo and recipe via 

Giada's Turkey, Brown Rice and Kale Soup

Ingrid says "I like to pick out the green leaves and place them next to my bowl." 

photo and recipe via

Giada's Tomato Soup 

Ingrid says "This soup is absolutely delicious with a grilled cheese." 

photo and recipe via 

When the days are long and cooking feels impossible, and take-out from Noodles sounds amazing - Ingrid (and the rest of us) will happily eat:

• Baked acorn squash 
• Edamame 
• PB&J 
• As much yogurt as you'll allow her to have
• And Ingrid's favorite: Hummus on Whole Grain Bread. Or as Ingrid calls it, "Hummy!" 

"Family-friendly" or not, what are your go-to-dinners?