Macaroni & cheese. Could there be a more comforting food? Call me crazy, but even as an adult, I still love this simple favorite (even the blue box stuff), and eat it regularly (although living toddlers doesn’t help). One of my favorite things about mac ‘n’ cheese is its simplicity and versatility. Hot dogs or […]
9 Palate Pleasing Vegetarian Panini
Is it just me or are sandwiches the perfect food? And hot sandwiches in the cool autumn and winter months can really hit the spot. This is why I love our panini grill. Panini (Italian for sandwiches) make a hearty, delicious, and quick dinner that’s sure to please. This post contains affiliate links. I received […]
8 Tasty Reasons to Shop at Aldi
I. LOVE. ALDI’s. If you don’t shop at Aldi’s, I’m guessing that either A) you don’t have one near you, B) you’re put off by the quarter-in-the-cart or cash-only thing (they now accept cards), or C) you went once upon a time and found it unappealing. I’m also guessing that if you don’t shop there, […]
Maria’s Belgian Salad
We all have a flavor from our childhood that stays strong in our memory and never really leaves our taste buds. For me, most of these flavors came straight from my grandma Maria’s kitchen. It’s amazing how every time I think one of her signature dishes I can remember the sounds of her kitchen — […]
8 Simple Meatless Monday Substitutions
Meatless Monday is a wonderful movement that was started in 2003. It aims to inspire people to drop meat from their diet just one day a week — Monday! This post contains affiliate links. As a long-time vegetarian, this seems pretty simple to me, but as a Wisconsinite, I know very well that vegetarianism is […]
Funky Crunchy Mama’s Coconut Galacto Granola
A few years ago, shortly after I returned to work after my first child, my milk supply started to tank. Not only had I succumbed to society’s pressure to work instead of pump, but I’d also started ovulating again — both putting a big drain on my production. I was desperate to hold on to […]
Maria’s Mushroom Tarragon Gravy
Every year on my birthday I look forward to a few simple things: time spent outdoors, refreshing beverages in the sun, and a favorite meal with my family. I can honestly say that I don’t remember the last time I went out for dinner on my birthday; I much prefer a home cooked meal. This […]
How to Use a Head of Cauliflower
Cauliflower’s been one of those “it” vegetables in recent years, with riced cauliflower and cauliflower pizza crust in the “must try” healthy alternative list. I’m not opposed, but I like my rice filling and my pizza premade so these innovative ways to incorporate the cruciferous veg into my diet ain’t never gonna happen. I love […]
Funky Crunchy Mama’s Palak Paneer
I love Indian food. It’s so deliciously warming and so different from the bland, midwestern diet I grew up on. I can thank my dear friend, Sarah, for introducing me to it. Over the years, she’s invited me along to to several church dinners, fundraisers, and outings to the short-lived a local Indian restaurant in […]
My Vegetarian Journey
Hi! I’m Melissa, a long-time vegetarian and a someday aspiring vegan. Vegetarianism has long been a part of my life and one of the things that put me in the “crunchy” category. My journey, however, has not been a straight shot. While I have a clear vision as to where I want to go, it’s […]