Set the Table with Love

Category: beautiful energy food

  • Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese 

    Butternut Squash Mac and Cheese 

    I love Mac and cheese. It is definitely a holiday favorite .  This year I wanted to do something different .  I wanted to see if I  could make my mom’s incredible mac and cheese recipe and make it a little healthier. My mom made the best mac and cheese ever, buttery , cheesy, creamy…

  • Veggie Plate Special of the Day ~ Roasted Eggplant, Charred Okra, Lemons and Sautéed Northern Georgia Candy Squash.

    Veggie Plate Special of the Day ~ Roasted Eggplant, Charred Okra, Lemons and Sautéed Northern Georgia Candy Squash.

    I remember growing up and going to those cafeterias with my family, that served the, Blue Plate Special, which included one meat, two veggies, bread and a drink. My family loved these deals, they were inexpensive and you got a good amount of food for the price. It was a great deal for a family…

  • Healthy Holiday Thanksgiving sides dishes at William Sonoma ~ Turnips and Greens with Orange, Rosemary and Pomegranate

    Healthy Holiday Thanksgiving sides dishes at William Sonoma ~ Turnips and Greens with Orange, Rosemary and Pomegranate

    Yesterday was an amazing day at William Sonoma in Norcross, at the Peachtree Forum. I had the privilege of preparing delicious food for their customers. The focus of the evening was on creating Farm to Table Healthy Holiday Side Dishes. One of my core beliefs about food is to EAT LOCAL and SUPPORT FARMERS, along…

  • Quinoa two ways ~ Toasted and Roasted

    Quinoa is one of the only complete protein grains in the vegan/vegetarian circle of life. Quinoa is considered a whole grain, but in actuality,  it is a seed, from a leafy plant that is related to the spinach family. I do enjoy a good bowl of sweet or savory quinoa, but I love to explore…

  • Brussels Sprouts and Avocado Salad for Breast Health

    Brussels sprouts can be one of those, either you love them or you hate them. The truth is if they are done right you might just fall in love with these little sprouts that remind you of mini cabbages. Actually brussels sprouts are in the cruciferous family such as cabbages and cauliflower. They hold a…

  • Two sides of the coin ~ Toasted Pearl Barley Salad

    When I competed on Food Network’s All Star Academy season 2, I was blessed to be mentored by Iron Chef and Food Network guru, Alex Guarnaschelli.  She looked at me and my teammate Lee Abbot and said, “You will never look at cooking the same,ever again.” She was right. Competing on Food Network’s All Star…

  • Coming Home to You Birthday Luncheon

    Coming Home to You Birthday Luncheon Dee this one is for you. I love my friends. I am even so grateful that God put some incredible women in my life. I have women that have been in my life for over 3 decades. They have celebrated life with me and some of my most tragic…

  • Pan Seared and Poached Halibut with sweet peas in a lemon caper broth topped with Sweet Potato Chips

    Halibut. One of my favorite fish to make. I use to be so intimidated about making fish, until I was on Food Network’s All Star Academy and my mentor, Alex Guarnaschelli had me make Arctic Char for one of the elimination challenges, her  mentoring gave me the confidence to never be scared of fish again.…

  • Tuscan White Bean Salad with Lemon Basil Vinaigrette

    Summer is around the corner, but honey if you live in Georgia, it is already here sitting on our backs like a monkey. LOL. In the Summer time my go to is salad. I love to use vegetables and fruits that are in season to make super flavorful and refreshing salads. This salad here is…

  • Green Beans and Potatoes and A Green Pea Soup inspired by Chef Michel Guerard

    Growing up, my mom made the most delicious green beans and potatoes. I can still smell the aroma of them simmering on the stove. She would clean and cut the green beans, then cook them with Idaho white potatoes, seasonings, and several pieces of crispy, flavorful bacon. It was pure comfort food. Yesterday, after yoga,…

  • Mother’s Day Story ~ Breakfast in Bed Ideas

    I love Mother’s Day. I have two boys, one 29 and my youngest is 15. I have two grandchildren, I adore and could get up with a biscuit and some gravy. They are truly yummy. My favorite thing growing up as child was to think about how I was going to make my mom feel…

  • Spring is almost here: Is it time to Detox?

    A spring cleanse is an important regimen, no matter how healthy you are. Our bodies need a good cleansing from the previous diet of the winter. In the winter months we tend to get less exercise and we eat heavier, fattier and more comfort foods. Our metabolism slows down as much as 10%, so we…

  • Vegan Gluten Free Pumpkin spice muffins with a pumpkin seed and walnut crumble

    Butternut squash, pumpkins, cinnamon, crumbly toppings, the essence of fall, and autumn’s charm! I’m just voicing my love for everything about this season, especially when it comes to cooking and baking. Preparing baked goodies for my friends and family is a passion – it’s one of the most fulfilling things I do. Recently, I had…

  • Gluten Free Chickpea Mediterranean Pizza with Grated Vegan Cheese

    I had some leftover chickpeas from my lunch yesterday. So,  I decided to make a pizza with the rest of the chick peas. I have made this pizza many times, but the difference is the Grated Vegan Cheese I topped it with. I used one of my favorite vegan and raw brands to make the…

  • Oven Baked Brussels Sprouts with Smoky Sun dried Tomatoes and Herbs

    I love brussels sprouts, but you have to know how to make them taste good. If not, you will get that terrible bitter flavor in your mouth. I think I found the solution while out shopping yesterday at Pier 1 imports. I found these beautiful mini dutch ovens. They are perfect for meals for one…