Resolution Soup (with Turkey, Kale and Brown Rice)

Happy New Year!

As we roll into Resolution season, I've decided that one of mine (among many. Somehow I always end up with 10 of them...) is to "Be a Better Blogger."
More invested, more creative, more excited about keeping this little blog afloat! So please keep checking back for more recipes and foodie musings from yours truly.

My other resolutions are all about feeling better: Shed that layer of 'fluff' that I seem to have acquired over the Holidays (I blame my mother), get more sleep, start doing yoga, and make an real effort to cut back on (or cut out) processed foods from my diet in favor of the wholesome, natural kind. In the spirit of that last one comes this wonderful Turkey, Kale and Brown Rice soup recipe courtesy of Giada DeLaurentis. Jam-packed with fiber, protein, vitamins and minerals, this soup sounds diet food, but I'm telling you, it is full of flavor and incredibly comforting. Make a big pot of it (freeze what you don't eat) and kick that New Year's Resolution into high gear.

Enjoy!

Carb-loading (and a simple, satisfying Mediterranean Pasta Salad)

My dear friend Kennedy ran the ING New York City Marathon last week (in under 4 hours, might I add. I mean, she RAN it. Go girl) and, as many runners do before a big race, she embarked on a diet high in carbs and low in, well, everything else.
They call it "carb-loading"; I call that "Heaven."

What could be better than a week of pasta and potatoes, bread and bananas?!?! Though not participating in the marathon myself (one day, one day) I decided to help Kennedy's cause by whipping up a healthy, veggie-loaded pasta salad for her to snack on while getting race-ready. This salad is quick and easy, and lightly dressed with lemon juice and olive oil to add flavor without a lot of fat. Enjoy!

Baked Salmon with Herb Butter

Otherwise known as "Salmon for people who say they don't like Salmon." I was one of them, until I tried this dish about a year ago (courtesy of my mother) and totally changed my mind. This salmon is first seared in a pan, then finished in the oven - my favorite technique for fish. This gives it a nice crispy coating on the outside, while keeping the fish moist and delicious on the inside. The flavors are simple, as are ingredients (we are talking butter and herbs, people) and the combination is perfection. Plus, you can pat yourself on the back for getting in your superfood of the day (well done you)