Farmers’ Market Bowl with Green Goddess Sauce

Farmers' market bowls featuring roasted veggies, warm whole grains, chickpeas and green goddess sauce. A healthy vegetarian dinner recipe!

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These farmers' market bowls feature roasted veggies, warm whole grains, chickpeas and a creamy yogurt-based green goddess sauce - cookieandkate.com

I’m going to level with you today. I’ve hardly been able to get myself out of bed lately. It’s a real struggle, every morning, and I operate in a fog until mid-day when I finally snap out of it. Productivity has taken a definite hit, but I swear I’m not depressed—I’ve been there, and this is not that.

yogurt herb sauce

Maybe it’s just the winter slump? Can we chalk it up to short daylight hours? Vitamin D deficiency? Cookie and I haven’t been going on our daily walks when it’s so cold outside. Come to think of it, I ran out of multivitamins a few months ago. I’ll buy more today. Recent news events have left me deeply troubled and discouraged, which makes getting out of bed all the more daunting.

Perhaps you can relate. I’m trying to be patient with myself, trying to go to bed at a decent hour, trying to choose veggie-packed meals over nachos (although sometimes I compromise with veggie-covered nachos).

raw vegetables

This is one vegetable-forward meal that has kept me going lately, from a new book called Bowls of Plenty: Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Whole-Grain Meals. The author, Carolynn Carreño, has co-authored a number of cookbooks with famous chefs. I felt a pang of envy when I read that she has ten avocado trees in her backyard!

Carolynn’s book isn’t vegetarian, but I’m inspired by her concepts every time I flip through her book. I took a few liberties with this one to keep it more in line with the recipes that you’ve come to expect here. Credit goes to Carolynn for the recipe and inspiration. I’m really into her yogurt-based green goddess dressing, which will likely make an appearance in future recipes. It’s a redeeming creamy sauce that makes eating veggies seem a little more indulgent, which is so welcome this time of year.

vegetables

ingredients

Craving more fresh, green goddess flavor? Try my green goddess hummus, green goddess hummus sandwich and green goddess salad dressing.

bowls of plenty book

Healthy vegetarian dinner with roasted vegetables, warm whole grains, chickpeas and herbed yogurt sauce - cookieandkate.com

Green goddess yogurt sauce on roasted veggies and whole grains

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Farmers’ Market Bowl with Green Goddess Sauce

  • Author: Cookie and Kate
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 45 mins
  • Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Vegetarian

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.7 from 30 reviews

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These farmers’ market bowls feature roasted vegetables, warm whole grains, chickpeas and a creamy yogurt-based green goddess sauce. It’s a healthy, hearty vegetarian dinner option that is very flexible—see the notes for variations. Recipe yields 4 servings.

Ingredients

Roasted veggies*

  • 1 acorn squash, halved lengthwise, seeded and sliced into ½″ thick half-moons
  • ½ pound Brussels sprouts, trimmed and halved
  • 1 bunch heirloom carrots with greens (about ¾ pound), scrubbed and halved lengthwise (leaving just 1-inch of greens attached)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • Freshly ground black pepper

Bowls

  • 1 ¼ cups farro**
  • ½ cup pepitas (hulled pumpkin seeds)
  • ½ teaspoon olive oil
  • Salt
  • 1 head radicchio, thinly sliced, or 4 handfuls arugula or greens of choice
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, or 1 ½ cups cooked chickpeas

Green goddess yogurt sauce

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (any fat %)
  • ½ cup parsley leaves
  • ¼ cup cilantro or mixed leafy herbs of choice—fresh sage, oregano or marjoram, and/or thyme
  • ¼ cup buttermilk (optional—I tried it with and without and couldn’t tell much difference)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, roughly chopped
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. To roast the veggies: Preheat the oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit with racks in the middle and upper third of the oven. Line two large, rimmed baking sheets with parchment paper for easy cleanup. On one of the sheets, combine all of the vegetables. Drizzle the olive oil on top and sprinkle with the salt and some pepper. Toss until the veggies are all lightly and evenly coated in oil and spices.
  2. Transfer half of the veggies to the other prepared baking sheet. Arrange them all in an even layer across the pans. Roast on separate racks, tossing the veggies and switching the pans on the racks halfway, until the vegetables are tender throughout and golden on the edges, about 30 to 40 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, to cook the farro, combine the farro with enough water to cover by several inches in a large saucepan. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to a gentle simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the grains are tender to the bite but still pleasantly chewy, 15 to 25 minutes for pearled farro or 25 to 40 minutes for unprocessed farro. Drain off the excess water and set aside.
  4. To toast the pepitas, combine the pepitas, olive oil and a few dashes of salt in a medium skillet over medium heat. Cook, stirring often, until the pepitas are making little popping noises and turning golden on the edges, about 5 minutes. Set aside to cool.
  5. To prepare the green goddess sauce: In a small food processor or blender, combine all of the ingredients and blend until smooth. Taste, and add additional lemon juice and/or salt if necessary. Set aside.
  6. To prepare the bowls, spread a big spoonful of sauce across the bottom of 4 bowls. Divide the cooked farro into the bowls, then arrange radicchio, roasted veggies and chickpeas on top. Sprinkle pepitas over each bowl and serve with extra green goddess sauce on the side.

Notes

Recipe adapted from the book BOWLS OF PLENTY by Carolynn Carreño. Copyright © 2017 by Carolynn Carreño. Reprinted with permission of Grand Central Life & Style. All rights reserved.

*Change it up: You could use any seasonal vegetables that roast well in this recipe (think cauliflower, broccoli, sweet potato, butternut, bell pepper, red onion…). Use a total of about 2 pounds vegetables, cut into even bite-sized pieces. For the record, I’ve tried using regular (not heirloom) carrots, and didn’t enjoy them nearly as much—so if you can’t find heirloom carrots, pick a different veggie option or roast extra Brussels or squash instead.

**Make it gluten free: Substitute wild rice, brown rice or quinoa, cooked accordingly. You’ll need about 4 cups cooked whole grains for this recipe.

Make it vegan: Make a blended tahini and herb dressing instead of the yogurt dressing. Blend the following in a small food processor: ⅓ cup tahini, ¼ cup lemon juice (from 1 ½ to 2 lemons), ½ cup mixed fresh leafy herbs (I like half flat leaf parsley and half basil or cilantro), 2 tablespoons water and ¼ teaspoon fine sea salt. The sauce should be nice and creamy, but drizzle easily off the back of a spoon—if not, blend in a bit more water. Taste and add more salt, if necessary.

Nutrition

The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice. See our full nutrition disclosure here.

Kate and Cookie

HELLO, MY NAME IS

Kathryne Taylor

I'm a vegetable enthusiast, dog lover, mother and bestselling cookbook author. I've been sharing recipes here since 2010, and I'm always cooking something new in my Kansas City kitchen. Cook with me!

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Comments

  1. Sarah

    I feel your struggle, lady. The cold mornings make it so hard for me to get up and then spending most of the day indoors tends to drain my energy. I also watched a couple of documentaries on farming and the environment which left me in a dark place for a few days. Not a good combo with all of the politics right now.

    But I find that getting out of the house to exercise and trying to take at least one walk per day is helping. Try to hang in there! Spring will be here soon. :)

    1. Kate

      Oof, the realness of those documentaries + the reality of our daily news sounds like a bad combo, for sure. I’m definitely going to try to get up and get moving! Thanks, Sarah :)

  2. Karen @ Seasonal Cravings

    I am so with you Kate! Winter is downright hard and my energy levels take a hit. I go to bed so early (9:00) sometimes earlier than my kids. How embarrassing! But a bowl of healthy goodness like this can sure help me right myself. Ah, that dressing looks divine!

    1. Kate

      I know! I’m doing so much sleeping. I keep telling myself that if my body needs it, I should honor that. Let me know if you try the bowl!

  3. Jen

    Dear Kate please take care of yourself, we need you and your super recipes and so does Cookie whom I know cheers you up!.
    I am sure you will shortly have all the stamina and strength that you need.
    Lots of love to you both, Jen.

    1. Kate

      Thank you, Jen! Cookie says hi :)

  4. Nicole

    Yum, looks great. I share your malaise and thank you for putting this up.

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Nicole. Hoping you feel better, too.

  5. Lisa

    I am very sorry to hear about your struggle. So many of us are feeling it lately. Of the political and social environment can be quite toxic and energy draining. One thing I would suggest is to study the connection between mood and food. There is a book called the Gut Brain Connection. I can’t recommend it since I haven’t finished it but you get the idea. Also, if you have a functional medicine practice in your area, now may be the time to go! Wishing you peace and happiness.

    1. Kate

      Hi Lisa, thank you for your note. I just added that book to my wish list. I have read a really interesting book on the microbiome by TED Talks (it’s a short and fascinating read, so definitely recommend). Can’t wait to hear what research shows in the next few years. In the meantime, I’ll keep taking my probiotics. :) Hope you are having a great day.

  6. Sarah

    This looks delicious, thank you! And yes — it has been a rough January for me and a lot of my friends in exactly the way you describe. The news may not get better, but here’s hoping for more energy as the days get longer.

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Sarah. Hoping the sun will brighten my spirits.

  7. Samantha

    Your recipes and stories are always sunshine to me, even on these gloomy days! Thank you!

    1. Kate

      Thank you for the kind words, Samantha :)

  8. Judy

    I love your food photography. This looks delicious. I especially like that you left the skin on the squash.

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Judy!

  9. Martha

    What a touching post. I completely understand, here in dark cold Wisconsin. Good food and Lewis Black videos help.

    Thank you for your beautiful blog.

    1. Kate

      Very sweet of you, Martha. I think a good laugh will certainly help :)

  10. Carolyn

    Energy came full force for our 3 generations Mom, Daughter Grandson when we started making and drinking Kombucha …..just thought I would share that….<3 Love your recipes.
    Going to try todays…..

    1. Kate

      I never thought of that, Carolyn! Kombucha is good for the digestive system, and so much of your gut bacteria is linked to your mood. Great suggestion.

  11. Laura Alleva

    I love your recipes . I believe you may need vitamin B-12.
    Buy the sublingual B-12 that desolves in your mouth.
    If you have sun that comes through a window pull a chair up and sit in the sun.
    Hope you feel better soon.

    1. Kate

      Thank you, Laura!

    2. Alexa

      Many people cannot process the type of B-12 that is in most vitamins (I am one of them). If you are adding B-12, consider the methyl variety. It is still inexpensive and easy to find, just like the other B-12.

  12. Miriam

    Feel better!

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Miriam!

  13. Cindy

    Looks delicious. What your describing is a form of depression. Sometimes it is very healthy to disconnect from the daily news, because all of this is very sad.

    1. Kate

      Yes, a break from the news would most likely be helpful. Thanks, Cindy.

  14. vivian

    The bowl looks both lovely and delicious, and I will put it on next week’s menu right now. It sounds like this has been going on for a while, Kate, and it’s easy to think of a dozen reasons for it, but please consider going to the doctor and getting some routine blood work done. It’s an important way of taking care of yourself.

    1. Kate

      Thank you! Yes, that’s on my list of self-care. I appreciate it, Vivian.

  15. Cindy B

    You are not alone! I struggle with the reality of our political situation daily….sometimes I get up and feel ready to fight. Other times, I can’t get out of bed. It’s important to indulge yourself…a little. But getting out, even if it’s cold, helps. Sending lots of love and thanks for such wonderful recipes and honest blogs. Xoxo

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Cindy. It helps knowing that my readers get it, too. Your encouragement is so appreciated :)

  16. Evelyn

    Awesome! I enjoyed every bit of it. Thanks Katie

    1. Kate

      You’re welcome, Evelyn!

  17. Jackie

    Hang in there Kate! I am an Aussie – we are also feeling a bit glum this side of the globe yet the sun is shining. I love your recipes and so do my three little meat focussed others I cook for – you are doing a great job and helping lots of us. Thank you.

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Jackie! Your kind words help :)

  18. Karrie

    I’m with you! Winter blues, cold and it’s a crazy world. Beautiful dish though. Thanks for the idea. Will definitely try it. Have a great week. Karrie and my three Boston Terriers (Skittles, Delaney and Cosmo)

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Karrie! Snuggles with the pup helps, too. Cookie says hi to Skittles, Delaney, and Cosmo!

  19. Susan

    Kate, I completely get where you’re at – I’m there, too. My analysis says it’s mostly the news events. It feels somewhat like depression (I was there for most of my life), but I think that what I’ve been feeling is some hopelessness that I can come out of when I’m able to get out into nature for a while. Fortunately that’s fairly easy for us because we are volunteer tour guides at our local state park, and can go out there any time we want. If you and Cookie can stand to go outside at all, that can help.
    I would also warn you against being too envious of someone with lots of avocado trees – that generally means (to the best of my knowledge) living in southern California or Florida, not places I would choose to live (done the SoCal thing).
    Hope things get better for you soon. Know that there are others out there who are in the same boat with you.

    1. Kate

      Thank you, Susan. I hope we get some good news soon; that would be refreshing. We got a few warmer days this week and I took Cookie on some long walks. Hoping to get out again before yoga today. You’re right—I want the avocado trees, but not SoCal! All my best.

  20. Virginia

    Same! We’ve been under grey, gloomy skies here in Toronto for about 3 weeks now. And it’s impossible to ignore the news – it’s all so upsetting. So, commiseration and a warm hug from this side of the border. Keep your sights on the long view!

    1. Kate

      Oh, thanks so much, Virginia. It helps to hear from our kind neighbors in the North :)

  21. Naomi

    Hi Kate-
    Yes, here in the Northeast it has been quite grey and the constant news stream of what is happening in our country right now is stressful and scary to me and many others. I loved hearing from the Aussie commenter that the sun is shining somewhere! Fortunately we have a winter Farmer’s Market here (Ithaca NY) and I have been getting fresh sprouts from a lady who grows them – sunflowers are our favorite! They cheer me up and make me feel like I am getting fresh vitamin filled greens : ) Maybe on top of the green goddess bowl!

    1. Kate

      Oh, I love hearing from our Aussie readers, too :) Reminds me that the sun will come out again. Sprouts sound wonderful with this, too! Let me know how it goes!

  22. Sara @ Last Night's Feast

    I love this recipe! It looks like a perfect weeknight meal. Thanks for sharing.

    1. Kate

      Let me know how it goes, Sara! :)

  23. Deb

    I just made this with what I had on hand. It’s a great way to use seasonal veggies. I didn’t have Farro, so quinoa was substituted. No lime, used lemon. Delicious lunch. Thanks!

    1. Kate

      Oh, good! Glad this worked with what you had on hand, Deb.

  24. Rosalie

    I will definitely try this recipe – the green goddess dressing sounds indulgent – what do you think of substituting avocado for the buttermilk?
    PS I’m from Oz so sympathy for your lethargy and the cold weather – I think it’s called SAD – seasonal affective disorder- my cure is to cuddle my dogs but I’m sure you are doing that…then again maybe we could coin a new disorder called NAD – news affective disorder . Either way thanks for the great blog -it got me through NY with my vegan niece staying

    1. Kate

      Rosalie, I bet avocado would be great in the dressing. You can also just omit the buttermilk, but avocado sounds like more fun. :) Yep, Cookie and I snuggled for a while before I got up this morning, and she’s snoozing on my feet now. I think I have a combo case of SAD/NAD! So glad you found my blog.

  25. Sarah

    Hang in there Kate! News events have gotten me down as well. I try to remind myself that most people are open and accepting regardless of what the news says. But this bowl sounds and looks delicious – a good reason to get into the kitchen and cook and feel good! Thank you for that!

    1. Kate

      Yes, such an important reminder, Sarah. I appreciate that :)

  26. Suzanne

    I made your wonderful chili today, it’s our go to filler upper, always good! Most of my everyday go to recipes are from you! And this one looks just as yummy. So thank you for making a difference in our lives. Im so sorry to hear you are in a funk right now, I wish I had magic words, I don’t….so keep eating healthy, touch base with friends, smile at everyone you interact with, hug Cookie lots and repeat…”spring and better times are just around the corner”! Sending you a big thank you and a virtual hug.

    1. Kate

      Hi Suzanne, thank you for your note! I’m so glad you’re enjoying the recipes. Thank you for the encouragement. I know this will pass soon! Cookie sends her best.

  27. Kelly

    Beautiful pictures! I hope it is easier to get up soon. take care.

    1. Kate

      Thank you, Kelly :)

  28. Kim

    Hi Kate
    Have you ever tried Ashwaganda? I have found it very beneficial for lifting my mood! Have you had your hormones tested, and your parathyroid?

    Haola
    Kim

    1. Cindy

      Hello Kate,

      This looks stunning and wholesome for the mind, body, and soul. Let not the surrounding drama take us down! Let’s truly be the change we want to see in the world. We have so much to be grateful for and your food, little dog, and sweet life looks simply delightful. Stay committed to love my friend and be well.

    2. Kate

      Hi Kim! No, I haven’t tried it, but I’m googling it now. My thyroid levels were fine last year but I’m not sure they tested hormones. I think I’ll make an appointment soon!

  29. Mary

    This looks good, and I don’t even really know what farro is. Going to try it, without raddichio, and with lots of Green Goddess dressing! As for droopy spirits, as you can see you aren’t alone, but take your own advice- change it up! Maybe take a bosom friend out for a real tea- with buttery crumpets, get your Grandma on the phone and shop together online for Spring bonnets, and order some tulip bulbs that go with Cookies coloring for a cute future photo back drop of her when they bloom. Love the post, IT lifted my spirits!

    1. Kate

      Thank you, Mary! Farro is a whole, intact grain like wheat berries or spelt berries (any of those would work here, too—they just take longer to cook). I hope you love the recipe. Love your ideas! So fun, thank you. :)

  30. Theresa

    With all the craziness right now it isn’t easy to have a good, positive outlook. But aside from that, I would suggest having your thyroid levels checked. It can definitely affect every aspect of your health from mental to physical well being and is a common problem for a great number of women.

    1. Kate

      Thank you, Theresa. That’s a good suggestion. I got a thorough checkup last year and my thyroid levels were right where they should be, but I’ll try to get them checked again soon. One of my good friends was recently diagnosed with Hashimoto’s and it has been so good to see her with energy again.

  31. Megan Hughes

    I stumbled across your blog over the holidays and have been inspired by your fresh delicious style ever since. We are all going to need veggies and comfort and strength to get through the next four years. Thank you for the light you put out into the world!

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Meghan! Thank you for returning it with kind words like these. My readers are my inspiration, so thank you for always bringing out the best in me.

  32. alice

    hey kate, sure am with you on events in our country and trying to make sense of it all, stay on top of it all, and not be in total state of anxiety and overwhelm. thx for being open and honest with us around your feelings, life.

    1. Kate

      Thanks for the validation, Alice. I really appreciate it. At least we are not alone. All the best to you.

  33. Heather

    Remember what Obama said in his last address (I am Republican and quoting him :)): Nothing is the end of the world, except the end of the world. That is the gist, not an exact quote. Find something that gives you joy and focus on that. Thank you for inspiring me.

    1. Kate

      Thank you, Heather, I appreciate that :) The kind words help.

  34. charlotte

    I can totally relate to how you feel. The combination of the winter and the political situation is really tough. We are watching our country change — I from overseas — and it is disheartening to see it not stand for what it was always meant to to stand for. But you’re also right that we have to keep going, and have to keep ourselves strong, so the recipe is right on target. Maybe give yourself the permission to be a little down, to mourn a bit. I think that’s okay — and called for — too.

    1. Kate

      Thank you, Charlotte. I’ve been so disappointed by recent events. Hang in there.

  35. Catherine

    Looks delicious. Can’t wait to try it. (Also can’t wait for your cookbook to come out!)
    I hope you feel better soon. Will try to will some warm sunshine your way.

    1. Kate

      Yes, send all the warmth this way! Let me know how the recipe works for you, Catherine :)

      1. Catherine

        Thanks for your message – I kept looking for your cookbook in your ‘shop’ and didn’t realise it was available for pre-order. Very exciting! Have pre-ordered a copy for my mum as well. :)

  36. Amaryllis @ The Tasty Other

    I feel you… And I’m chalking it all up to the weather.
    I love your recipe- it sounds super delicious and perfectly nourishing, which is just the thing to beat winter blues (although nachos are also known to help a lot). Let’s all hang in there, spring is (kinda) just round the corner. x

    1. Kate

      Oof, spring is so close but so far. And yes, hopefully this recipe balances out the sometimes necessary bowl of nachos ;)

  37. Grey

    Kate, I appreciate that you’re sharing so openly here. You’re a brave and kind soul.

    I’ve had some fog this winter too. For me, the fog is a form of depression, and one that I personally find way scarier than sadness, because at least when I’m sad I’m feeling something. But every person is different, and your fog may be something else.

    It sounds like you’re already taking some great steps in assessing what can do to help yourself (vitamin D). You moved recently too right? That can be hard to process, especially if the move wasn’t what you had hoped, even when it is ultimately still a positive change.

    On a food note, I giggled out loud about the veggie covered nachos because I do the same thing. I also love to make veggie mac – macaroni and cheese where the veggie to pasta ratio is about 3 to 1. That way I get all the comfort of warn cheesy gooey goodness but am still getting some good nutrition.

    1. Kate

      Hey Grey, thank you for your note. I’m sorry to hear about your fog and can really relate to your sentiments on depression vs. dysthymia, or whatever the technical term is for what you’re experiencing. Yes, I just moved, and wrapped up the most enormous project of my life so far (cookbook!) so it’s been a big adjustment, but for the better. I think I’ll go get my vitamin D levels checked soon. I have giant windows in my new place, but they have UV blockers built into them so I don’t know if I’m getting any vitamin D from my perch in the living room. Anyway, your mac and cheese sounds right up my alley! Just made something similar with Brussels sprouts the other day.

  38. Sarah | Broma Bakery

    I am so with you on the winter slump. I find myself reaching for pizza and burgers, then days later realize how desperately I want vegetables. This bowl is just perfect for that.

    1. Kate

      YES great point, Sarah. I’m all comfort food some days, and then others, my body is aching for some yummy greens.

  39. anthony

    Hi Kate,

    Big hugs from us up here in CT – sorry about your blues.

    Not surprising in some ways, with the winter, and post election realities. And then you also just finished your book, and moved. All that and still taking care of us via this blog!!

    All the best, and may there be more than a few pleasant surprises for you this year!!

    Anthony

    1. Kate

      So sweet of you, Anthony. Hearing so many kind words from readers like you has definitely lifted my spirits! You make the exhaustion worth it :) All the best right back atcha, friend.

  40. Sheila

    Hi Kate,
    Sounds like you are just recovering from the birth of your big creative cookbook project! I like to think of creative projects as having a cycle of inhalation and exhalation, filling and emptying. Here’s to your replenishment!

    1. Kate

      That could be it! I read your comment right after yoga, so it was perfectly apt. Hope you are having a great day.

  41. jamie

    Hi, have you considered whether you might have seasonal affect disorder? It has been getting more recognition lately, and one of the suggestions to help combat it is to take vitamin D supplements and use of a sun lamp. I use vitamin D drops from my local natural grocers. The vitamin drops + taking a 15 minute walk in the afternoon when the sun is out has made such a noticeable difference for me this winter.

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Jamie! I appreciate that. I’ll be trying different things to get my energy back up, so I’ll add these tips to the list :)

  42. EyeofNewt

    Your recipes are awesome. Dogs love to snuggle, they don’t care :)… Keep it up! :)

    1. Kate

      Thanks, friend! Cookie is my fave non-judgmental snuggler. Having a friend that gives unconditional love during times like these is key.

  43. Caitlin | Our Natural Heritage

    I’m sure it’s just your body recovering from all the work you did on your cookbook! Relax and go easy on yourself :)

    1. Kate

      Thanks, Caitlin! Always a good reminder to be kind to ourselves… I need a little self care, and then hopefully I’ll be back on my feet :)

  44. Sarah

    Thanks for yet another delicious looking recipe! Just from reading your blogs Kate, it sounds like you’ve had a lot going on lately…finishing the cookbook and moving house. Your body is likely just tired! Moving can be very stressful and leave you feeling depleted and out of sorts as you unpack, develop new routines and learn to feel at home in a new space. (I know, because I just did it!) My (unsolicited) advice is to start taking those vitamins, force yourself to go outside briefly even if it’s cold, yoga/meditation/exercise, maybe get a light therapy lamp to hold you over until warmer, sunnier days and just let your body rest and recharge! My favorite new quote of late by Lawrence Welk: “There are good days and there are bad days, and this is one of them.”

    1. Kate

      Sarah, thank you! I really just might be slowing down after the craziness of moving and working on the cookbook and the holidays on top of everything else! I’m trying to get into a better routine now that life’s not so crazy, but I’m still working on some loose ends from moving. I’m back in yoga and trying to take Cookie on more walks. That quote is just perfect. Thank you for sharing!

  45. Laura Dembowski

    Hey Kate! I wanted to say I hope things perk up for you soon. I have been so down lately and it’s kind of scary to feel that way. I don’t think I’ve ever felt like this before. I know the weather and not wanting to leave the house is a huge part of it. But I’m also trying to get my career off the ground and it’s basically like lifting a lead balloon. Exercise helps me and so does dressing up, which some days means putting on lipstick and doing nothing. I’ve also been giving into movie days and am pretty excited to start watching Oscar movies OnDemand. Arrival is up first this week!

    1. Kate

      Hey Laura! I’m sorry you’ve been feeling down, too. Starting a new career is daunting, for sure. Don’t forget to reach out to friends. Always helps to share struggles and triumphs. I want to catch up on those Oscar movies soon!!

  46. Cami

    I came across your blog recently and love all of your recipes and photos… So much so, that today I found myself back-scrolling all the way to 2014! I love how your posts always start with a little bit of real life, thanks for being honest about your feelings! Hoping you will be feeling better soon :)

    1. Kate

      So sweet of you, Cami! I’m happy to have you and your encouraging words as part of our community :)

    2. Kate

      Wow, that’s amazing! Thank you for saying hi, Cami. I’m glad you found my blog. Hope you have a great day!!

  47. Kate

    Thank you, Robin!

  48. Mindy Eklove

    Winter is such a struggle! I’m a morning person and love waking up with the sun- which in the winter comes later and later…. I find taking the opportunity to be cozy, curl up on the couch with a good book, a warm blanket, and a bowl of comforting soup help!

    Just discovered your blog- LOVE it!! Will definitely be a regular.

    1. Kate

      It really is! I often wish that I were a morning person, but I’m definitely a night owl, and waking up at a decent hour in the winters is so much more challenging. Thanks so much for saying hi!

  49. Molly

    Winter really starts to drag around this time of year! Maybe finishing your cookbook has something to do with it too–while finishing a project like that gives you a great sense of accomplishment, I think it’s also sort of depressing not having a specific goal to work towards! Maybe plan a long weekend trip with friends?

    1. Kate

      Hi Molly! That’s a great thought. I always feel out of sorts after a giant deadline has passed. I’m going to Morocco in a couple of months but that still seems pretty far away.

  50. Carol Aquilante

    Hope you are feeling better. I totally understand about how you are feeling. Some days my head won’t clear from all the spin. But I am not someone who is going to sit back while my choices and rights are taken away. I also try putting some humor in things. Believe me that there is plenty that is pathetically funny. Join a movement, support a cause or call your representative. It doesn’t matter what side you are on. I live in Florida and decided to plant another vegetable garden and am getting that ready as we speak. Now that is something constructive that helps you from getting robbed once we start getting higher food prices plus no one can dictate to us what we plant. Just buy seeds and plants from a reputable supplier. It is estimated that $65 worth of seeds can grow about $1200 in produce. The taste is incredible as is the satisfaction.

    A section on growing some of your own food might be a nice feature on your website. Start with the easy vegetables. I buy heirloom plants and seeds when possible. They have not been genetically altered.

    I was going attempt your Cinnamon Toast Breakfast Quinoa but too hungry to wait. So I just got some leftover plain cooked Quinoa and heated it with a little butter, honey, cinnamon and threw in some raisins and walnuts. I will let you know when I try your version. By the way, I tried the Quinoa for the first time because of your recipes. I use it as a replacement for potatoes in a meal. My three dogs love the leftovers. HAVE A GREAT DAY!!

    1. Kate

      Hi Carol, hope your day is going well. I love that you’re taking on new projects. I live in an apartment now but hope to start a little herb and veggie container garden on my patio when it warms up. It faces south so I know they’ll get plenty of sunlight! So glad you are enjoying quinoa now. I just made a quinoa stir-fry for lunch that was surprisingly tasty. Will have to share on the blog soon.