Roasting Squash 101

Posted on November 8, 2014 by Jolena @TheRubyKitchen

The variety of squash available in fall is incredible and while they all taste similar each one has its own unique texture or quality. Of course there are many other types of squash but these are a few of my favorites.

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Posted in 101 & Instructional, Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Vegan, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , , , , | 3 Comments

Tangerine Pomegranate Cranberry Sauce (and a little something extra!)

Posted on November 3, 2014 by Jolena @TheRubyKitchen

Fall is in full swing and Thanksgiving is just around the corner. I have been blessed to be able to share it with my in-laws for the past ten years. My husband’s mother does most of the cooking and I help with a side or two and make the gravy.

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Posted in Dairy Free, Gluten Free, Thanksgiving, Vegan, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Homemade Hot Sauce

Posted on October 29, 2014 by Jolena @TheRubyKitchen

Recently we returned from a road trip visiting family. My aunt has a giant garden and it was full of peppers begging to be picked. She insisted we pick a bag full and return home with them.

I tend to be a wimp when it comes to spicy foods but my husband has a bizarre obsession with them and the hotter the better. He even signed a waiver once in order to enter a contest. Needless to say I sat on the sidelines offering copious amounts of ranch dressing and watermelon upon cue.

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Roasted Butternut Squash & Pumpkin Soup with Ginger Beet Puree

Posted on October 22, 2014 by Jolena @TheRubyKitchen

I have been on a soup kick lately and cannot get enough of it. I always make a large batch of butternut squash soup and freeze the leftovers. It makes a quick and easy weeknight meal and thaws in no time so it is perfect for hectic evenings.

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Posted in Fall Favorites, Gluten Free, Soups, Stews & Chilis, Vegetarian | Tagged , , , , , | 4 Comments

Italian Pressed Sandwiches (and another road trip)

Posted on October 18, 2014 by Jolena @TheRubyKitchen

We took a road trip to Alabama for my grandfather’s surprise 80th birthday party. Friends and family came in from all over the country to celebrate. It was an awesome time where surprises were everywhere, memories were made and reuniting with family was long overdue.

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Hearty Mushroom Barley Soup

Posted on October 4, 2014 by Jolena @TheRubyKitchen

The cool air and grey skies make me want a good bowl of soup. Mushrooms, barley and lentils make this hearty soup perfect for rainy fall days.

I love cremini mushrooms. They have a stronger flavor than standard white mushrooms. Sometimes they are also called baby portabello…or is it portabella? I have always known them as portabello but I recently bought a package that said “Baby Bella: Baby Portabella Mushrooms”. I decided to do some research online and realized there is a raging debate going on. Did you know about this? People are fired up about the subject. Some say there are two varieties; others say that people just do not know the proper term. Personally I do not care what you call them – I call them delicious.

I also love the simplicity of this soup. Most of the ingredients are from the pantry so there are no last minute trips to the grocery store to get a comforting meal on the table.

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Ghost S’more Brownies (and a Facebook announcement!)

Posted on October 1, 2014 by Jolena @TheRubyKitchen

Happy October! I decided because it is October 1st I am allowed to share something in the Halloween realm and these decedent ghostly brownies are sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face.

I am also excited to share the news that I finally started a Facebook page. Head on over there to like my page and keep up to date on great recipes and more. If Facebook is not your cup of tea I am also on Pinterest and Instagram so be sure check out those too.

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Pumpkin Spice Smoothie

Posted on September 26, 2014 by Jolena @TheRubyKitchen

The Great Pumpkin Battle rages on and this time it is packed with nutrition. Smoothies are a work week staple in our house and perfect for using up fruits and vegetables that are past their prime and headed to the garbage soon.

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Posted in Breakfast Eats, Gluten Free | Tagged , , , , , | 3 Comments

Apple Ham & Cheese Hand Pies

Posted on September 22, 2014 by Jolena @TheRubyKitchen

Next in line to autumn pumpkin craziness comes natures sweetest fall bounty, apples. While most apples are destined for snacking or sweets I wanted to use them for a more savory meal. Our local orchard had several types of apples available this week and I was happy to head there first thing in the morning to see what I could find.

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The Great Pumpkin Battle (Pumpkin Maple Muffins)

Posted on September 17, 2014 by Jolena @TheRubyKitchen

There was a chill in the morning last weekend and it made me so happy fall is finally here. I love all things fall – the small and feel of the crisp air, sights of the changing landscape, autumn scents, apple cider and pumpkin overload.

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Posted in Breads, Breakfast Eats | Tagged , , , , , , , | 7 Comments