blog - For the Love of Gourmet

Banana Cream Pie Bars

I will be the first person to admit that I don't enjoy making pie crust. It's the one thing that I struggle with, no matter what recipe I use or what method I try. I will still make pies because I love the way they taste, but mine will never be as pretty as some of the ones you see out there! But to enjoy all the flavor of the pie without rolling out a pie crust, I love to make pie bars. These pumpkin pie bars are one of my favorites, and when I thought of other pies that would make delicious ... continue reading...

Recipes Side Dishes

Garlic and Herb Roasted Potatoes

When I think of food for our Easter dinner, the first thing I think of is the smoked ham that my husband makes. While he handles the main dish, I handle all the side dishes. Our menu changes a little bit year to year, but I always make some form of potatoes. Scalloped potatoes are a great option for Easter, as are mashed potatoes or these garlic and herb roasted potatoes! This recipe also roasts mushrooms with the potatoes and they are a perfect pair. When the baking sheet comes out of the oven ... continue reading...

Mains Recipes

White Bean and Farro Pizza Casserole

I love a good meatless meal, but sometimes finding a way to make them hearty and filling can be challenging! One of my favorite vegetarian recipes that is hearty, filling, and delicious is my Mexican quinoa bowls. Since pizzas can have a lot of vegetables on them, it's a great casserole to add plenty of veggies! The white bean and farro mixture ensures that you stay full with a meatless protein, and the farro adds a carbohydrate component as a hearty whole grain. This casserole is completely ... continue reading...

Recipes Soups and Salads

Arugula and Beet Salad

I love beets, and they are so easy to roast at home to make this arugula and beet salads. Beet salads are frequently made with goat cheese, but I like some big shreds of Parmesan cheese in this easy salad recipe. Tossed with arugula, chopped pistachios, and an easy homemade balsamic vinaigrette, this is a salad that's perfect for spring. I use a mix of golden and regular beets for a salad that's as pretty as it is delicious. The chopped pistachios give you the perfect crunch in the salad while ... continue reading...

Breakfast Desserts Recipes

Carrot Cake Banana Bread

I love carrot cake and I love banana bread so it made sense to combine the two in a dairy-free, naturally-sweetened quick bread! This carrot cake banana bread is so easy to make and also happens to be delicious. Some carrot cake breads are essentially carrot cake, and while I love carrot cake I wanted to provide a carrot cake bread that could also be enjoyed for breakfast. If you are looking for traditional carrot cake, my recipe found here can't be beat! A lot of banana breads and carrot ... continue reading...