NOURISH HEALTH + TASTE + STYLE

Cold Weather Comfort :: Rose, Meyer Lemon and Almond Yogurt Cake

Umm...if you asked me where the first few weeks of 2013 have gone, I'd probably look back at you with a massive blank stare.  Things always seem a bit crazier in January, running at warp speed, and this year's no exception.  I've been head down and hands full planning for Nourish Kitchen + Table's spring launch - from choosing paint colors and slabs of marble (exciting) to dealing with the city's lovely system of bureaucracy and red tape (not so exciting and semi-infuriating).  Things with the shop are indeed ramping up so stay tuned for developments.  That said, I'm still finding time to get into the kitchen and unwind with my trusty apron.  Now that Bon Appetit's famed Food Lover's Cleanse is over and done (at least until next year), I've dipped back into the bread basket...just a little.  Ok, so this recipe has more to do with quick breads and invokes a nice, "lower-gluten" balance of almond flour and all-purpose flour.  There must be something about me and January and quick breads/tea cakes because I think I had a crush on them this time last year.  Well, they're back and this one is pretty stellar not to be too boastful.  Given that January is officially citrus month, it was only fitting that lemon be a stand-out element in the recipe along with rosewater and almonds. Low-fat Greek yogurt pulls this pretty little lady together and nods to the yogurt cakes my mom used to make when we were little.  Light and lower in fat, they definitely didn't last very long in my house.  Here's to freezing cold weather and a good cuppa tea and a lil' slice to warm you up.

January Reboot :: Bon Appetit’s Food Lover’s Cleanse 2013

Well, hello 2013, nice to get acquainted.  With the revelry (or debauchery) of NYE now behind us, timing is perfect for Bon Appetit's 3rd annual Food Lover's Cleanse.  Official start date is today(!) so get ready for a delicious two weeks and a good, hard reboot to kickstart the new year.  I teamed up again with Sara Dickerman and Kimberley Hasselbrink for a fortnight of gorgeous, refreshing recipes and simple strategies.  No deprivation, no gnawing hunger pangs, no gagging green juices (though they can be darn tasty at times).  We've even snuck in some chocolate, and a drink or two, so you won't go totally off the deep end.  Lots of fresh produce, satisfying whole grains/carbs, lean and lite proteins, all in the right portions.  It's that simple.  No drastic resolutions needed.  

Here's a smattering of my faves and here's to a phenomenal, damn delicious 2013! 

(above: Tunisian-Style Poached Eggs in Red Pepper Sauce and Chickpeas with Leeks, Spinach and Smoked Paprika)

Pomegranate Walnut Oatmeal

Black Cod with Sesame Chard, Olives and Lemon

Thai Green Curry with Sweet Potato, Green Beans, Chicken and Red Rice

Winter Citrus Salad