Posts tagged as:

cooking

This book has forever changed my life…

by Corinne on October 31, 2012

When I started collecting photos for this post, I remembered why I love blogging so much. It forces me to pause, to look back at small moments and recognize each one for its greatness. Lately, I find a lot of these precious moments in the kitchen.

Cooking meals for my family has become a touchstone. A safe haven. A time for recharging and letting go of stress and worry. It’s a way to take care of myself by giving my brain a rest, while also taking care of my family by preparing nourishing meals for them. Working on Crazy Sexy Kitchen gave me the confidence, skills and ridiculously delicious recipes I needed to finally LOVE cooking. It’s a gift. It’s something that will enrich the rest of my life. And I hope it does the same for everyone who buys a copy.

While preparing for Hurricane Sandy, Crazy Sexy Kitchen came in quite handy. The cooking marathon began Friday and didn’t stop until the storm hit. I had planned on saving all of the meals for the storm, but we couldn’t resist and ended up having an unexpected dinner date by candlelight on Friday. Why not? I’d cooked up enough food for a family of ten already! We found some candle sticks and a couple beer bottles and voila! Homemade candelabras. The kiddo was asleep upstairs. Simon & Garfunkel played. It was a good night.

That evening, we savored the Chickpea & Root Veggie Tagine from Crazy Sexy Kitchen–one of my favorite recipes in the book. I had never tasted these flavors together before, but somehow they work–like magic. It’s so refreshing to discover dishes that are exciting and innovative while also accessible. I love the fresh herbs and whole spices used in this recipe (it’s so much fun grinding them in our coffee grinder, although I need to buy a new one just for spices!). I know I’ll be making this for my family for years to come.

I had some chickpeas left over from the Tagine, so I decided to make one of Steve’s favorites on Saturday–Save the Tuna Salad. This is a must-make for anyone transitioning to a plant-based diet…or anyone who wants a phenomenal sandwich. Audrey loves it too! And it takes less than 15 minutes to prepare. I like wrapping it up with avocado, tomato and greens.

And finally, what would a chilly fall weekend be without a big pot of Split Pea Soup & Kale Soup from Crazy Sexy Kitchen? This is the BEST split pea soup I’ve ever tasted and my husband agrees. The pepper makes it a little too spicy for my kiddo, so I’d probably set aside a portion of un-peppered soup for her in the future.

What has working on this cookbook over the past year taught me? You don’t have to count calories, plan obsessively, deprive yourself or break the bank to experience outstanding food and vibrant health. The blueprint for happiness in the kitchen is simple. Enrich your life with nourishing, delicious food. Create more joy and memories at your dinner table. And make your kitchen a retreat. Crazy Sexy Kitchen has helped me do all of those things and so much more. I think it’ll do the same to you, if you’re ready to welcome its recipes and education into your life.

❤,
Corinne

P.S. Don’t miss the fantastic prizes we’ve put together for Crazy Sexy Kitchen readers! Also, if you haven’t seen it already, sit back and enjoy the mini-documentary book trailer. Hilarious and mouth-watering.

Tagged as: cooking, Crazy Sexy Kitchen, family

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October in Photos

by Corinne on October 16, 2012

October is turning out to be a marathon…in a good way. I’m starting to figure out the work-at-home mom thing (such a gift, but comes with its own challenges). I’m discovering where my creative side can stretch and grow again (hello crack-o-dawn writing sessions). I’m cleaning up the “what-ifs?” and “should-haves” that have been gathering dust in the back of my mind (less obsessing and worrying, more speaking my mind and letting go). And in the midst of that, there’s a lot of cooking, mama-ing, writing, and traveling going on.

October has been a tiring month so far, but a rewarding one. I’m grateful for all the delicious meals that have been coming out of my kitchen courtesy of Crazy Sexy Kitchen. I’m pressing pause on my to-do list to take walks with my daughter and read her books and soak in the ups and downs of her toddler-hood. I’m celebrating unexpected thrills like being mentioned in the latest issue of VegNews Magazine and holding a hardcover copy of Crazy Sexy Kitchen for the first time. And I’m reveling in the happy exhaustion that comes after a day well spent–when I’ve worked hard, tried to be the best mom and wife I can be, and taken care of myself as much as possible.

That’s all we can do and the rest can wait til tomorrow.

❤,
Corinne

Tagged as: cooking, Crazy Sexy Kitchen, gratitude, marriage, motherhood, working, Writing & Editing

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Crazy Sexy Kitchen Cook-a-thon

by Corinne on October 3, 2012

This weekend was packed with cooking, jack-o-lanterns, baby giggles and friends. Here’s a sampling of our Crazy Sexy Kitchen cook-a-thon:

Mango & Coconut Millet: Let’s start with breakfast, shall we? We’re all completely obsessed with this hearty, sweet, coconutty breakfast. Audrey enjoyed the leftovers for the next two mornings. Perfect for fall. (Tip: Millet can be temperamental, so just add more liquid and cook longer until you get the desired consistency.)

Save-the-Tuna Salad: This salad made a spectacular sandwich, especially paired with some Vegenaise, romaine and avocado (Kris has taught me how to make the BEST sandwiches). My omni-hubby was in heaven.

Split Pea Soup with Roasted Taters and Caesar Salad: This was dinner on Friday night and it was epic. I had some leftover potatoes and fresh herbs, so I made some rosemary and thyme roasted taters and threw them on top of the soup. Best. Idea. Ever. The Caesar Pleaser dressing never disappoints.

Asian Noodles with Black Vinaigrette & Baked Tofu: I made this salad a meal by adding some marinated (CSK’s Basic Asian Dressing) and baked tofu into the mix. I learned how to bake tofu while editing CSK. It’s so easy, gives tofu the texture you always wished it had, and it packs a major flavor punch when marinated. The final product was phenomenal (and so pretty!). I know I’ll be making this recipe again and again.

Aztec Smoothie

Aztec Smoothie: This is my favorite CSK smoothie recipe. It’s sweet, spicy, chocolatey, and still packed with greens! I enjoyed this healthy treat a couple times over the weekend.

And finally, the happy kiddo in half her cat costume; kicking back with her new friend, Jack. One of the best things about Crazy Sexy Kitchen is that Audrey gobbles up the recipes too! That means less work for me and more time to spend with this nut. What could be better?

Thanks, Kris and Chef Chad. Crazy Sexy Kitchen has brought so much happiness and deliciousness into my home. Working on it with you guys has made the kitchen my favorite room in the house!

❤,
Corinne

PS- Don’t miss the Crazy Sexy Kitchen mini-documentary book trailer!

Tagged as: cooking, Crazy Sexy Kitchen, vegan

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The Perfect Fall Weekend: Food, Friends, Family + More Food

by Corinne on September 24, 2012

2012 marks the first year I’ve embraced holiday decorations. Whether I’m picking up a dish towel with a pumpkin on it, ordering a foliage-filled wreath or snagging a few gourds at the grocery store, I’m in the Fall spirit. I don’t care if the neon orange towel doesn’t match the paint color–the house feels cozier, happier and welcoming. Is Halloween too early for unearthing our fake Christmas tree?

I kicked off Saturday morning with Crazy Sexy Kitchen’s French Toast (get the recipe instantly here). This is my favorite French Toast recipe…ever (my husband and daughter love it too!).

Pre-mamahood, I didn’t think much of grocery shopping. But now, going to the grocery store alone is like going to the spa. The kiddo stayed home with her Dad and I spent a leisurely hour wandering around the produce section and strolling up and down the aisles at Whole Foods. When I arrived back home, I was ready to start cooking up a meal for our dinner guests.

Luckily, I had a tiny sous chef by my side.

Crazy Sexy Kitchen‘s Roasted Brussel Sprouts couldn’t be quicker to prepare and more delicious. (Sorry folks, this recipe isn’t in the sneak peek–you’ll have to wait for the book!) My dinner guests devoured them.

For Saturday’s feast, I also cooked Chloe Coscarelli‘s Penne a la Vodka. Even though everyone raved about the penne, it was the garlic bread that stole their hearts (to-die-for). These are both perfect for wowing omnivores and vegans alike. Lastly, I baked a double batch of Chocolate Covered Katie’s Secret Peanut Butter Cookies. Best. Cookies. Ever.

Sunday was another kitchen-filled day and I savored every second. Audrey and Steve watched football while I made Crazy Sexy Kitchen‘s Madeira Peppercorn Tempeh with gravy, plus (more) Roasted Brussel Sprouts! Even though we felt quite fancy eating dinner that night, it wasn’t a difficult meal to put together and I’m sure it’ll be even easier the next time I make it (and the time after that).

Weber's Cidermill Pumpkin Patch We also made it to Weber’s Cidermill on Sunday afternoon and left with the perfect pumpkin and a jug of Honey Crisp cider. Even though the summer is over, this season brings so much joy to the table (and delicious food!). It’s also an excuse to indulge–in delightful novels, holiday music, comforting recipes–and to show the people you love even more generosity and kindness.

It’s time to slow down. To savor. To enjoy.

❤,
Corinne

Tagged as: cooking, Crazy Sexy Kitchen, Fall, family, friends, holidays, vegan

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Ten Little Things that Make My Days Brighter

by Corinne on September 11, 2012

While cleaning up after dinner tonight, I realized that I felt great–lots of energy, happiness, and calm. As I look back at my day, I realize that it’s the small efforts that culminate in a feeling of wholeness and satisfaction as the day comes to a close. Here’s a list of those things and many more. If I manage to make about half of these efforts, I sleep easier, I’m happier, and I just feel better.

1. Waking up early. I try to get out of bed at least an hour before Audrey. This is writing time–fiction, magazine articles, KrisCarr.com projects, blogging. I feel ahead of the game before the day has even really started. Starting off on the right foot makes a BIG difference for the rest of the day.

2. Making green juice. Green juice sets the tone for my diet (more plants) and my mindset (clear head!). If I’m drinking it, I’m more likely to make healthier choices throughout the day. Juicing may seem intimidating, but it’s not. Learn everything you need to know here.

3. Going outside. I’m a hermit. I could stay inside for days and not notice. Frankly, I don’t realize how much I love/need the outdoors until I’m actually out there. Fresh air and human contact (in addition to my family and KrisCarr.com Skype meetings!) make me a much sharper, upbeat gal. Added bonus: sharing the walk with my little family.

4. Doing yoga. I don’t do enough yoga and my body is crying out for it. Note to self: It only takes 5-10 minutes/day to reap the benefits of a yoga practice!

5. Reading a novel. A good book completely alters my daily life. I’m on a continual quest for novels that pull me into their worlds completely. When I do, my days are brighter and my chores get finished quicker because I can’t wait to return to its pages.

6. Giving thanks. Lately, I’ve been giving thanks with Lori Portka’s Month of Gratitude Kit. Writing my daily postcard of love and thanks anchors my whole day. Make gratitude part of your daily life and watch it transform and fill with light.

7. Stopping work before 7PM. Luckily, I love my job and I work from home, so it rarely feels like a chore. On the other hand, since I enjoy working and I find it fulfilling, I have more trouble detaching from it…especially at night! Now that I’m a mama (and thirty years old), I value sleep and family time more and more. When I power down my computer by 7PM, I sleep much better and I spend more quality time with some of the people I love most.

8. Making dinner for my family (and making their lunches with the leftovers!). I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, cooking is healing and enriching. Putting together a meal is my daily meditation, sharing it with my family fills me with joy and packing their lunches with the leftovers gives me an extra shot of happiness and accomplishment.

9. Reading to my daughter. I’m not sure who is getting more out of Audrey’s new obsession with books–her or me? There’s something so precious about her sitting in my lap, listening intently while I read the Little Critter books for the third, fourth, and fifth time in a row.

10. Writing. When I write, I feel balanced. When I don’t write..I’m off. See #1.

❤,
Corinne

Tagged as: cooking, exercise, gratitude, Green Juice, juicing, motherhood, novel, reading, work, Writing & Editing, Yoga

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Weekend Getaway: Letchworth State Park

by Corinne on September 4, 2012

The night before heading to Letchworth State Park for Labor Day weekend, I cooked a bunch of vegan meals for me and my kiddo. I always prepare way too much food for these trips, but better to have leftovers that to have stress! I made lentil soup, un-tuna salad, chickpea-broccoli salad, plus I packed some fresh fruit, soy milk, field roast, oatmeal, veggie burgers and some fruit/veggie packs. Needless to say, we were prepared and well fed.

During the six hour car ride, I dug into the latest issue of VegNews Magazine and the novel, Before I Fall (love it!). Reading a great book enriches my entire life. Even with a young child and a career, there’s always time for a book. When I make reading novels a priority, I’m an all-around happier person.

One of the best parts of the weekend was seeing Audrey interact with her cousins. She adores them. To-dos, stress, and negativity falls away when you have three smiling babes swinging and laughing in front of you. Kids force you to be present. They’re like little Buddhas.