One Pan Only: Quick Sausage and White Bean Cassoulet

This is a sponsored post. While I was compensated monetarily by the Ontario Bean Growers, I've been a huge fan of all things bean related for a very long time. All opinions are mine.

I can't believe I'm writing this, but spring is right around the corner. Hooray! It has been a long winter, that much is true. Snow is still piled up in the front yard, but the birds have been chirping a happier tune, and so have I. My editor has sent me the interior pages of my second cookbook, and I've been scrolling through the final page proofs, checking for errors. It's quite the task, going over every detail, but it means that Vegetables: A Love Story is getting closer to becoming real and I can't wait for it! The pages are so very pretty and vibrant, and it's truly awesome seeing my photos and recipes (and stories!) come to life. I can't wait to share more with you soon! In the meantime, these busy days mean that simple and speedy suppers are what I need, and this quick version of cassoulet, bursting with tomatoes, sausages and white beans, is so very good. Plus I added kale, because greens are good! 

Kickin' It: Kale Slaw with Peanut Dressing

So I did something weird and wacky the other day (I know, what else is new?).  I lifted myself high out of my rock solid comfort zone and put myself out there.  Like appearing-on-your-TV-set out there.  I told you it was crazy.  Here's the scoop - a few weeks ago I was contacted by one of the production assistants for the Marilyn Denis Show, letting me know that they are holding auditions for a food expert on her show.  Have you considered applying, he said?  Sure as hell not, I thought.  But then again, why not?  Lord knows cooking pro the last 13 years has racked up loads of experience and knowledge and I pretty much think about food constantly and love it passionately.  And maybe just maybe I'm ready for my culinary career to careen down a new path.  And really, there's nothing to lose; you never know would could happen.  And I like that.  

Meeting: Mango Coleslaw with Maple Lime Vinaigrette

It's not everyday your new boyfriend meets your family.  In my case it had been almost 8 years since a person of significance met my mama.  Long time, but well worth the wait.  K and I have been romantically intertwined for the past two glorious months (we met on a blind date on Easter Sunday - how very urban legend, I know) and it was time for my family to see who has been making me so damn happy lately.  Ideally, it would have gone down in my backyard, over barbecue and booze.  But then the rains came and didn't let up.  My tiny house wouldn't have held all of the adults and little humans and hungry cats, so we packed up the food and took it over to mom's larger house, just three short blocks away.  Hugs and handshakes later, it was as I knew it would be. A perfect meeting.