Butternut Squash with Spiced Cider | Swirls and Spice

Butternut Squash with Spiced Cider: A Side Dish for All Seasons

Cubes of butternut squash braised in apple cider and one simple spice make a very fine side dish. It’s an easy enough side to accompany roast chicken on a weeknight or weekend. And with so much flavor and minmal oven time, this variation of squash can easily earn a place on your holiday table as well. Instead of potatoes or rice, why not try butternut squash as a … Continue reading Butternut Squash with Spiced Cider: A Side Dish for All Seasons

aiming4simpleNovember 2016November 20168 Comments

gluten free, paleo, recipes

Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

As the weather cools a little, our family’s fall schedule is revving up. Thank goodness for simple meals like this winner of a sheet pan dinner! The vegetables can even be prepped and stored up to three days ahead of time, which streamlines getting dinner into the oven when every minute counts! A rich marinade keeps the chicken moist and juicy. This means that I can take out a cooked … Continue reading Greek Chicken Sheet Pan Dinner

aiming4simpleSeptember 2016September 201616 Comments

One-Pot Ratatouille with Summer Squash | Swirls and Spice

gluten free, paleo, recipes, vegan

One-Pot Ratatouille with Summer Squash and Okra

The fresh vegetables of summer mingle marvelously in this simple meatless supper or side dish. While one vegetable cooks, I can chop the next one, saving time and fuss. I tend to avoid turning on my oven whenever possible in the summer. Ratatouille is a delicious way to taste the fresh flavors of summer and keep the kitchen cooler. Eggplant is a traditional component, but … Continue reading One-Pot Ratatouille with Summer Squash and Okra

aiming4simpleJune 2016June 201616 Comments

gluten free, paleo, recipes

Easy Eggplant and Bacon Frittata

Eggplant and bacon go together like peas and carrots. Once the tantalizing bacon is cooked, everything comes together quickly in the very same skillet. Five simple ingredients (plus salt) are all you need–eggs, bacon, eggplant, onion, and a green vegetable. Eggplant and bacon frittata is my new go-t0 breakfast/brunch/lunch dish! This easy frittata is so simple that it could also easily work for a campout. We have yet to … Continue reading Easy Eggplant and Bacon Frittata

aiming4simpleMay 2016May 20165 Comments

gluten free, paleo, recipes

Slow Cooker Five Spice Beef Stew

Chinese five spice adds flare to this dish and elevates ordinary ingredients into a supper that you won’t soon forget. When you crave stick-to-your ribs goodness, serve an easy stew that will have everyone wanting seconds. Here’s a savory stew that got a huge thumbs up from all my kids. I’ve made it both on the stove top and in my slow cooker. I don’t always plan ahead far … Continue reading Slow Cooker Five Spice Beef Stew

aiming4simpleMarch 2016March 20169 Comments

paleo, recipes

Green Power Salad with Ham, Almonds, and Turmeric Vinaigrette

Tangy turmeric vinaigrette adds zest to fresh lettuce leaves sprinkled with smoked ham and crunchy almonds. Ready in minutes, this protein-loaded salad will power you through the day.What really makes this salad unforgettable is the vinaigrette dressing. Turmeric not only has anti-inflammatory benefits, it adds a mustard-like zing to the dressing which tastes exquisite with smoked meat. After a heavy duty workout, my body was craving protein, so I loaded my fresh … Continue reading Green Power Salad with Ham, Almonds, and Turmeric Vinaigrette

aiming4simpleMarch 2016March 20166 Comments