happy memorial day

this is my big brother. not sure if you know this, but he is a pretty big deal around these parts. our family is so proud of him and all the sacrifices he has made for our family and our country.

ben has been serving in the military since he shipped out to the naval academy in 1996. he has lived all over the world, but one thing has remained constant-- a love for his family and the need to serve his country. ben is a natural born leader and the navy is lucky to have him.

ben, thank you for your continued dedication to military service. your sacrifices have never gone unnoticed. we love you and wish you the happiest of memorial days.

a very happy memorial day to all those who have served and continue to risk their lives for our country.

thank you, thank you, thank you.

ode to my mother

let's face it.... moms need more than one official day in the year to celebrate them in all their glory. being a mom is one of the hardest, most rewarding jobs in the world. 

i personally know some great moms out there-- friends, mother-in-laws, aunts, first time moms, and grandmas alike. no one, and i mean no one takes the cake like my mom. she is quite frankly one of the most amazing women i know.

my mom has taught me a thing or two. she has shown me how to have the confidence to take hardships, road blocks and challenges head on.  she is the poster child for generosity. my mom taught me early on that it is always better to give than take and that hard work and passion will get you far. her creativity is endless...and she never ceases to find new ways to show her love. this is just the beginning, people...

mom, you are the greatest... i am blessed to call you my mother and my friend. thanks for all that you do for us. your generosity and spirit shall never go unnoticed.

love you today and always!

happy mother's day.

vegan african peanut soup

if you can't tell from previous recipe posts, we are quite the spice addicts over here. we like it hot and with a kick... ginger, crushed red pepper, jalapeno, garlic, hot sauce, adobo...you name it, we use it.  this soup is no exception. the spicy allstar ingredient featured in this recipe is sriracha hot sauce (i know not very african, but delicious all the same). you had me at sriracha.  

this soup is comfort in a bowl. i almost wish the mild weather would stick around so that i might have this on full meal rotation. emphasis on the almost. ok, just kidding. come on in summer, i will make this soup regardless. i just might sweat.. like a whole lot.

it will be worth it.

the combo of ingredients in this soup....the tomato paste, peanut butter and collard greens all might sound a wee bit silly. silly this soup is not. it is soooo incredibly delicious and satisfying. it might not exactly be paleo, but neither am i. hell, who really is. i am a gal who really enjoys the peanut butter and  this dish fulfills my unending pb cravings...in a healthy way.

make this soup. trust me on this one.
many, many thanks to kate of kateandcookie.com for her recipe inspiration.

>> vegan african peanut soup <<

ingredients

6 cups low sodium vegetable broth
1 medium red onion, chopped
2 tablespoons peeled and minced fresh ginger
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon salt
1 bunch collard greens (or kale), ribs removed and leaves chopped into 1-inch strips
3/4 cup unsalted natural peanut butter (we used 1/2 cup natural pb and 1/4 cup almond butter)
1 4oz. can of tomato paste
Hot sauce, like sriracha 

honey

coconut oil (or fat of your choice)

instructions

add a tablespoon of coconut oil to a medium dutch oven or stock pot. add the onion and saute over medium high heat until onions begin to brown a bit. add ginger, garlic and salt and saute for another five minutes. add the veggie broth to the pot and bring to a boil. once the broth begins to boil, turn the heat down to medium-low and simmer for 10  minutes.

meanwhile, in a medium-sized, heat-safe mixing bowl, combine the peanut butter and tomato paste, then transfer 1cup of the hot stock to the bowl. whisk the mixture together until smooth, then pour the peanut mixture back into the soup and mix well. stir in the collard greens and season the soup with hot sauce and a drizzle of honey to taste. simmer for about 15 more minutes on medium-low heat, stirring often.

serves 4 very happy peanut butter loving people.