Raspberry Mango Salsa

So I have been a very bad blogger this week. It turned out to be one of those week's where all my good intentions went out the window and I didn't post. Well I am going to make it up to you with a delicious and simple weekend recipe.

For me, spring means color. Fresh tasty fruits and veggies, beautiful blooming flowers and warm sunshine. Unfortunately it's 39 degrees out right now, but as my mom taught me, it's the thought that counts. So, I wanted to create something colorful and delicious. I had a perfectly ripe mango and wanted to take advantage so I threw together this yummy raspberry mango salsa. I was thrilled by how tasty it was. Despite the sweetness of the mango, the other flavors come together to create a really complex and tangy taste.

I served this with some salty blue corn tortilla chips, but I am kicking myself for not trying this with some nice grilled fish or chicken. This low calorie salsa is also low in sodium and packed with vitamins and minerals. You must give it a try. I think I might start taking it to parties, if I can resist eating the whole bowl!

Read more for the full recipe!
Read more »

Chicken Soup with Meatballs and Farro

I have never made homemade chicken soup in my life. But today, I woke up with a cold and figured I'd give it a try. I wanted a really hearty and filling soup that would provide multiple meals. My mom and grandma have always made chicken soup with tiny meatballs, and since meatballs really improve everything, I knew I needed to add some. So I called my mom for some chicken soup advice and she recommended I find a stewing chicken instead of a roasting chicken. Apparently stewing chickens are smaller and have more fat, which makes for a more flavorful soup. She also recommended I puree the aromatic veggies to give it a nice yellow color.

It's traditional to add noodles or pasta to chicken soup, but I find that pasta in soup just doesn't last well. It starts to get really soggy and disintegrate after the first day, and since I knew this soup would make ample leftovers, I wanted something a little tougher. I used farro because it stands up well in soup and is packed with filling fiber. I also added kale to squeeze in some leafy greens.

So how did it turn out? I now know why people go to the trouble of making homemade chicken soup instead of just buying it. It was so good, and warming and comforting. The perfect thing for a cold, rainy day. The hot soup with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes helped to clear up my congestion right away.

Read more for the full recipe!
Read more »