The Shared Pretzels and Smoothies

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Pretzels and smoothies came about the way most of my meals do; it was a product of an intense craving for something sinfully carb-y and buttery. Which was followed by a need to balance it out with something more nutritious (but still delicious . . . obviously). Enter these pretzels. Ever since a friend (months ago) mentioned that she used to make homemade pretzels with her dad, the idea of soft pretzels still-warm-from-the-oven, (I want that to be a one word description for all fabulous baked goods,) has been knocking around in my head. I finally couldn't take it anymore. (I eat my feelings . . . often.) After reading at least a dozen recipes for soft pretzels, this one called to me with its ease and speed (no long waits begging for the dough to rise faster) and the oh-so-buttery (also should be one word) tops. Which brings me to the smoothies. I happen to have a friend that concocts brilliant smoothies that taste better than anything I've ever ordered at a smoothie bar. I asked her to whip one up to make me feel better about my buttery pretzel eating, but because she loves me (and two is always better than one), she made TWO smoothies for us to split. Here is a woman who gets me and my multiple personalities with food.

Follow us to the recipes:

Buttery Soft Pretzels

The Green Canteen Smoothie

Purple Rain Smoothie

The Shared Lunch

Winter was already well underway, when Cynthia, our friend Christine, and I huddled together in my unusually quiet kitchen. We were lucky enough to have grandparents watching the kids, so we had a whole afternoon at our disposal - it felt positively luxurious. So what to cook? We wanted to somehow redeem ourselves from all of our gluttonous holiday eating, but also eat food that would combat the cold, drizzly weather outside. So, we settled on a little bit of each: a bountiful kale salad and also a hearty, white bean soup. I am convinced that the kale with all it’s well-touted vitamins and antioxidants reversed the damage of eating more than my fair share of deep-fried turkey, honey ham, tamales, and cheesecake at not one, but TWO Christmas dinners. Well, that’s what I’m telling myself anyway. Add that to this soul-warming white bean soup that manages to pack its own healthy dose of good-for-you veggies, while still tasting unctuous and rich. Beyond any purported health benefits of said soup and salad, what really struck me on this otherwise gray, frigid day, was how filled with joy I felt spending a leisurely afternoon cooking, sharing, and enjoying lunch with Cynthia and Christine. I love how cooking with and for others has taught us to be generous with our recipes and each other - sharing a nourishing meal that ushered in a little extra warmth during these cold winter months.

Follow us to the recipes:

White Bean Soup with Wilted Greens

Kale Salad with Butternut Squash and Cheddar