Roasted Fennel and Butternut Squash Soup

Oh, butternut squash soup. I could wax poetic about how much I love it and how happy I am each year to make batch after batch. This year I decided to try something a little different by combing the butternut with fennel and roasting it in the oven. It’s pretty amazing what a little roasting can do for already delicious veggies. And thus Roasted Fennel and Butternut Squash Soup was born. The irresistible scent of […]

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Roasted Potatoes with Lemon and Capers

I went to New York for a week in September and when I came back, summer had all but disappeared and autumn was here. And now it’s been autumn for weeks and weeks and it’s actually already snowed here! We’re heading into the last few days of October and I’m wondering how my favorite month can pass by so quickly. I suppose that’s why it does pass by in a flash. I could live in […]

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Pumpkin Butter Pecan Ice Cream

You might be looking at this bowl of Pumpkin Butter Pecan Ice Cream and thinking I’ve just loaded it up with all of those scoops for the picture. And, honestly, you are right. However, I’m kind of willing to bet that between the two of us, my husband and I ate that much straight out of the container the other night. It’s amazing how quickly those spoons keep going back for more! But seriously? This […]

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Lumberjack Breakfast Hash

Make Ahead Breakfast Ideas | CafeJohnsonia.com

My husband, bless his heart, loves breakfast. Sadly since green smoothies monopolize most of our mornings (the others involve oatmeal), he hardly gets what he thinks of as a “real” breakfast. Sure there’s plenty of toast too, but the man loves eggs and fried potatoes. He loves sausage and bacon. Every once in awhile I indulge him and make a breakfast that’s just for him. This is one of those breakfasts. He lovingly refers to […]

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Lavender Panna Cotta with Honey Poached Pears

Lavender Panna Cotta with Honey Poached Pears is an autumn twist on a classic Italian dessert. About a month ago, I had a fabulous dinner with some fellow bloggers at Oasis Cafe in Salt Lake City. It was a wonderful dinner and great introduction to a restaurant I hope to patronize over and over. As good as the dinner was (poached halibut with grilled veggies – amazing), my dessert was the most memorable part of […]

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Pumpkin Creme Fraiche Spaghetti with Fried Onions and Sage Leaves

Fall Pumpkin Creme Fraiche Spaghetti

Every so often I feel like a bit of a genius. Today was one of those days. My husband left with the kids to go visit his parents. I was left alone to finish cleaning up the house and get some work accomplished. (Raise your hand if that’s your favorite way to spend a Saturday afternoon?) My stomach started to growl, so I opened up the fridge and pulled out some things I thought would […]

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Taquitos with Chicken, Smoked Cheddar and Pepper Jelly

Last month I received a care package from TortillaLand. Have you ever tried their uncooked flour or corn tortillas? They are our very favorite. My kids were so excited to see the packages of their favorite tortillas and immediately started making their requests. We usually make corn and flour quesadillas more than anything else because it’s something we all like. But, as I told them, there are more things to do with corn tortillas than […]

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Eggplant, Chard and Tomato Quinoa Gratin

Yesterday was so lovely. I spent the day catching up on a few things around the house and cooking up a storm. I received my CSA share on Friday afternoon and it’s probably my favorite share yet. It kind of bridges the grey area between summer and fall veggies. There were plenty of root veggies and winter squash, but also a few eggplant and heirloom tomatoes, which are still summery to me. I had some […]

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Fig Brown Butter Frangipane Tart

So this Fig Brown Butter Frangipane Tart. It’s pretty much amazing. I fell head over heels for figs this year. I like them in salads. I like them made into jam and served with cheese…and with prosciutto. I like them in desserts. I just finally decided that I really, really like them. And now I’m kinda sad that fig season is about over. So I bought another basket of figs and they sat for a […]

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Peach Streusel Pie

I made this Peach Streusel Pie yesterday morning as I was listening to Emily Barker and dreaming of autumn on the East Coast. I got a taste of it when I was out there a few weeks ago. (Has it already been that long?!) My first autumn in New York was magical and folk music always takes me back to a warm October Sunday I spent on a boat sailing up the Hudson River. The […]

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