Gluten-Free Lemon Almond Cornmeal Cookies

These cookies aren’t cheap to make.  I have to throw that out there before I tell you anything else.  Why?  Because of the almond paste.  The gloriousness and expensiveness that is almond paste. No one besides real chefs have as much almond paste in the cupboard as I do.  I cleaned out the store shelves one day a few months ago because of some miscalculations I did in my head while standing in front of […]

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Ginger Chicken with Peaches and Red Onion

Every time I start talking with anyone, the conversation eventually leads to food. It’s not that I don’t want to talk about politics, religion, or natural disasters, it’s just that food is what I know.  It’s a universal subject and everyone loves to chime in when food is involved.  Talking about food is almost as comforting as eating it.  And in the wake of last week’s events in Japan and in my personal life, I […]

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Slow-Cooker White Beans

Cooking dry beans at home in a slow-cooker is much more economical than buying canned beans. Plus–you can infuse the beans with different herbs and spices that will make your bean dishes taste even better. I prefer using my slow-cooker because I find the beans turn out more uniformly cooked and I don’t have to babysit a simmering pot all day. Slow-Cooker White Beans Ingredients: 1 lb. dry white beans (navy or Great Northern) 1 […]

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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

Remember when I made a batch of Cashew Sour Cream from The Vegan Table?  It made a lot of sour cream and for days I was dreaming of ways to use it.  One day I looked in my fridge and did some quick math. Baby arugula + red peppers + cashew sour cream + x + y = z. Or something like that.  I was missing a few variables and I’ve never really been that great […]

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Cashew Sour Cream.

Have you ever heard of cashew sour cream? I have to confess that I love cashews before I go on. It would be unfair to not get that out in the open.  I’m already biased, you see.  Nuts are my best friend.  They make me feel so much better about giving up dairy.  I feel like I can indulge in their healthy fats and fiber, and I do each and every day. Let’s get back […]

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Chard with Potatoes and Tomatoes

Leafy greens.  We hear so much about them these days.  The world, including me, has woken up to the fact that we need to eat these super greens daily for optimal health.  Now, if you are like me, you might be a little scared to try them.  Believe me, I was.  I mean they’re totally scary–big and green and they’re vegetables.  Run for cover! My friend, Laura, told me a few years ago that she […]

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Valentine’s Treats: Cherry-Almond Divinity

Cherry Almond Divinity

My grandmother was the master divinity maker. Her divinity was heavenly. She would tint it pink and add chopped nuts, usually walnuts. It was always a treat. And I think of her every time I make a batch. I made my first batch years ago when I first got my KitchenAid mixer. It is still one of my favorite candies to make and eat. While divinity is very easy to make, it can also be […]

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Valentine’s Treats: Red Velvet Bonbons

I love Valentine’s Day. And I love making treats for Valentine’s Day. When I think of Valentine’s, my mind immediately turns to Chocolate Truffles. I adore truffles. For a few years, I’ve been trying to get up the courage to start working with chocolate. This year I decided to take the plunge and make my own truffles…The only thing was that I wanted to turn them into Red Velvet Truffles–something different, something red. (VERY red.) […]

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Orange Spiced Nuts

Orange Spiced Nuts | CafeJohnsonia.com

These crunchy, buttery, sweet, spiced nuts have a hint of orange. They are completely irresistible and are sure to be a hit at any party! Let’s see…it’s only taken me over a year to finally post this recipe! I wanted to wait and take how-to photos. The weeks turned into months and suddenly it was Thanksgiving again. I’m going to make another batch or two for Christmas. They disappear quickly. These nuts would be a […]

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Pumpkin Muffins with Pecan Streusel

This recipe is a keeper.  We’ve made it literally dozens and dozens of times. These Pumpkin Muffins with Pecan Streusel are simple the best pumpkin muffins ever. The recipe comes from Dorie Greenspan’s Baking:  From My Home To Yours, which is one of my favorite cookbooks. Every time I pull a batch of these out of the oven, I’m reminded just why we love them so much.   The muffins themselves are tender and pumpkin-y with […]

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