Leg of lamb is such a dramatic dish. And if you're going to cook one, slow-roasted on a rotisserie in a smoke-filled grill chamber is about as good as it gets. There's just something about the way the smoke of a grill coaxes out so much flavor from lamb...it's incredible. I wanted to create a […]
This is a great mash-up of two of my favorite things: burgers and tacos. It's also one of my favorite ways to serve burgers in my house, since Jules has food restrictions, and I'm just not a fan of gluten-free buns (convince me otherwise!). So that's why if I'm serving burgers to my family, this […]
If you're in need of a side dish that comes together in about 10 minutes, this cucumber crunch salad is your dish. The flavor is on point and it always gets rave reviews. Plus it can be made and served in the same bowl, making clean-up a breeze. Serving Bowl | Serving Spoon Set This […]
This year for Mother's Day, I wanted to share with you some delicious dishes you can make for your mom, your wife, or any mother figure in your life to show some love and gratitude. Now, since I do 90% of the cooking in our house, Mother's Day is just a regular day of cooking, […]
The health benefits of spices are nothing new, but I do love researching facts about them. For instance, recent research on turmeric has shown that one compound is associated with anti-inflammatory, anticancer and antioxidant properties. I've shared my golden milk recipe, which is of course based on the traditional Indian beverage that's been around for […]
Over the years I've talked about my love for hot sauces, which has raised some questions about which ones I use, when I use them, etc. So today I'm bringing the heat with the best hot sauces of 2024. I'll start with some of the most popular hot sauces that people know and love, and […]
I'm so proud of cauliflower. 20 years ago, I mean who would have thought, right? You can get it tempura-fried, roasted in romesco sauce, served as a steak - endless options! Here's another for you, featuring a homemade dairy free Caesar dressing that is just as good — if not better — than the original […]
Thank goodness there are great substitutions these days for dairy products. What used to be just milk alternatives has expanded into really delicious vegan cheese, yogurt and more. But with all of the options on the shelves these days, you may be wondering, "Which one should I choose for cereal? What about desserts?" I get […]
The warmth of the sun is calling me outside more and more these days, and I love it. Soon enough, though, it will be summer, and we'll be sweating profusely, looking for relief. And when I need some refreshment, few drinks hit the spot for me like a "Nojito." This is a non-alcoholic take on the […]
It's no secret that I'm a deviled eggs connoisseur of sorts. I've professed my love for smoked salmon deviled eggs, pickled beet deviled eggs — even drunken deviled eggs. But silly me skipped right over the classic deviled egg recipe, and I feel that it's best we back track and share how to make the […]
I've shared a recipe for tasty mashed potatoes, we've talked perfecting the baked potato, and I've reached food nirvana with the cheese-less potato casserole. But this recipe today is extra special. There's something that just says "you made a lot of effort" about homemade scalloped potatoes, but that béchamel is a no-no for the dairy-free […]
The challenge? To make a non-dairy — but delicious — green take on the iconic shake that everyone loves this time of year. We all know it's not hard to make a green smoothie. Add some spinach or kale, and bingo — you've gone green. But I wanted this shake to be a little more […]
I'm an Idaho boy. I lived there for almost my entire life (until moving to NC a couple years ago). And while there are many areas in Idaho, I grew up deep in the heart of potato farming country and I loved it. Every October our schools would close for two weeks so all the […]
A grab & go protein snack that doesn't contain grain, gluten, or dairy is harder to come by than one might think. It's not until you develop sensitivities to these foods and start reading every food label that you realize that nearly all protein snacks contain, whey, rice, quinoa, grain-based syrups, oats, or any number […]
Let's address the elephant in the room - no, I am not from Thailand. I've never even been (though it is a dream of mine)! I know that tends to make people feel some kind of way, especially with International cuisine. But I feel that I need to share this authentic Massaman curry recipe anyway, […]
Y'all, doesn't it feel like it's been back-to-back heavy meals for the past 6 months? Not that it hasn't been fun, but my 40-year-old digestive system just can't hang anymore. I'm finding that if I make sure I get some kind of raw vegetable in a few times a day, I feel so much better […]
Stone Chargers (similar) | Pink Napkins | Low Bowls | Candlesticks | Taper Candles | Dining Table This was the first meal I ever made for Julia. I made this for her on our first date, more than 15 years ago. She has dietary restrictions now that prevent her from eating gluten, dairy and grains, […]
Jules has a few dietary restrictions (mostly gluten- and dairy-free), but that's never stopped our family from indulging in our favorite foods. With a little creativity and a lot of taste-testing, I've found lots of great substitutes that are crowd-pleasers. No need to make any disclaimers on these Game Day snacks — your party people […]
I am so happy with this one, y'all. When I tell you this is one of the best desserts I've made, I mean it - massive hit with everyone who tried it. Dairy free, grain free, gluten free, and high protein to boot (20grams per serving). Happens to be vegan (depending on how you feel […]
I don't like the term "food restrictions." It just feels so... sad. And while there are certain things that people with food sensitivities and allergies have to accept (bread made from wheat has no equal — just the way it is), there are always foods that can step in and provide a delicious meal. My […]
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Welcome to our online community where we've posted home, DIY, style, renovations, and family since '09. Renovating our #cljmoderncottage in Idaho and headed for new adventures in Raleigh, NC. #cljfam #cljtransformations