blog - For the Love of Gourmet

Apple Cider Baked Oatmeal

The very first time we took a flight after Lleyton was born, we decided to book a red-eye to Chicago. Some kids do really well on red-eye flights and sleep the entire time. Our then 6-month-old was not one of those kids. I didn't get any sleep the entire flight and by the time we got to my parents' house in Chicago around 7am local time, I was exhausted. We walked into the house and I was greeted by the delicious smell of something baking and knew that I was in for a delicious breakfast. My dad ... continue reading...

Mains Recipes Soups and Salads

Chickpea Farro Shawarma Bowl

Have you ever had a shawarma? It's traditional some type of meat roasted over a spit, then stuffed into a pita with vegetables and tzatziki sauce, very similar to a gyro. The flavor of the meat is incredibly delicious, but I promise you that with this shawarma bowl you won't even miss the meat! I've written on the blog before about how we try to eat meatless at least twice a week. It's a great way to cut grocery store costs, pack in more vegetables, and make sure we're eating enough whole grains ... continue reading...

Mains Recipes

Biscuit Topped Chicken Pot Pie

I have a confession to make. I don't like making pie crust. I enjoy making just about anything, even recipes that are longer and more complicated. But for whatever reason, no matter what recipe I use, no matter what method I use, I do not like making pie crust. I've tried using butter, shortening or a mix of the two. I've used water and vodka in the crust. I've used super cold butter. I've used a pastry cutter, a food processor, and made it by hand. My dad, who makes flawless pie crust every ... continue reading...

Recipes Side Dishes Snacks and Apps

Pesto Mozzarella Rolls

I love cinnamon rolls. They've become a holiday tradition for us on Thanksgiving and Christmas and I'll share my recipe this holiday season. But making cinnamon rolls has made me think about other delicious fillings that you can put into rolls, and I came up with this savory version. My garden has produced a ton of basil this year, which has been wonderful, and I used the last of my basil to make the pesto for these rolls. Dipped in homemade marinara, these can even be a meal in ... continue reading...

Recipes Soups and Salads

Roasted Tomato Basil Parmesan Soup

Tomato soup and grilled cheese is quite possibly my favorite comfort food. There's always an emergency can of the classic Campbell's tomato soup in our pantry for when I need it. I realize that making your own tomato soup is obviously healthier, but sometimes it just has to be Campbells, just like sometimes Kraft blue box is the only kind of Mac and cheese that you want. Now that I've made this roasted tomato basil parmesan soup, it's sure to become a staple in our house when the craving ... continue reading...