Move over, pineapple bowls, there's a new (healthy) stuffed shell taking over and we're just as obsessed as everyone else on social media. Coconut fruit bowls—aka halved coconuts filled with yummy smoothies, fruit or a combo of both—are sweeping Pinterest and why wouldn't they be?
Here's how I know I'm in the right place: The sun yawns across my back as I reach for another bouquet of aromatic mint, basil, rosemary, lavender. I bury my face in their leaves and buds. Scent envelops me, a suggestion of the soup, pesto, juice, body scrub to come.
I'm always looking for healthy lunch ideas that I can make ahead and bring to work. I've gone through the sandwich phase, the soup phase and, of course, the not-so-healthy takeout phase. But lately, I've been on a new kick.
My no-fuss answer to cooking up the haul from the farmers' market: Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt and pepper. Grill until crisp-tender. Drizzle with vinaigrette made with minced shallot and plenty of fresh herbs. Pile leftovers on crusty baguette with melted fontina or fresh mozzarella for lunch the next day.
Figuring out what to give my mom for a Mother's Day gift used to be easy. When I lived close to her, I'd always cook up one of her favorites—black-and-white cookies, a roast chicken and risotto, homemade cheese crackers—then grab a card, arrange some flowers and call it a day. But ever since moving 800 miles from home, I find I need to do a little more planning. Since she loves to cook and eat as much as I do, here are a few of my favorite food-related gifts that I think any mom will enjoy.
