lucanracz

Garlic Braised Chicken Thighs

May 13, 2023May 13, 2023by lucanraczLeave a Comment

I registered for a nice enameled cast iron braising dish for my wedding because it matched the rest of my Le Creuset set and I liked the idea of braising, but to be honest I just wanted it to have it, I had no idea how to braise. It seemed daunting. I don’t think I used it once before we moved to France, although to be fair, we moved to France only four months after our wedding. After settling in here I tried out a few braising recipes as I couldn’t live in the country where the technique originated, and have this French brand pan without knowing how to use it. Once I started I couldn’t stop. Braising is actually so easy and makes fall off the bone meat every time. It’s become part of my weekly routine and when it comes to chicken thighs I have really got it down. I created this recipe to share with you as it is a great starter braising recipe.

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Baby Friendly, Food & Wine

Spinach Meatballs (Baby Led Weaning Friendly)

May 3, 2023May 3, 2023by lucanraczLeave a Comment

Do not let the look of these fool you, the added spinach doesn’t make these the most beautiful meatballs but the flavor is so good. I made these on a whim for my baby just trying to make something fast and nutritious and when I taste tested them I just wanted to keep eating them. They ended up being a part of my dinner as well, and going up on the blog same night so that I’d make sure to remember them for next time. Packed with nutrients, ready in under thirty minutes, and not just tolerated, but loved by the whole family…. we call this a win.

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Baby Friendly, Food & Wine

Sun Dried Tomato & Goat Cheese Risotto

April 30, 2023April 30, 2023by lucanraczLeave a Comment

You guys. This is SO GOOD. If you like sun dried tomatoes and goat cheese you need to run not walk to get the ingredients for this. Okay, maybe drive but you get the picture. Risotto is one of those dishes I could eat over and over and probably never get sick of. It’s comforting and delicious and not nearly as high calorie or difficult to make as you might think. The goat cheese makes this recipe the perfect level of creamy and packed with flavor without being too rich and pairs with the flavors of the sun dried tomatoes and basil leaves so well.

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Food & Wine

Sesame Soy Salmon & Bok Choy Bowls

April 25, 2023April 25, 2023by lucanraczLeave a Comment

It feels so good to be back creating recipes to share with you all. Blogging is something that I try to make space for when I am craving creativity, writing and connecting but also allow myself to take a step back when I am feeling like it’s too much on my plate. I had a baby last year and spent most of the time during pregnancy and the first months with my baby just soaking up the experience and being extremely present. Now with consistent longer naps and a strong desire to do some more things for me, I’m back! While we take our baby out and about for lunch and activities with us very regularly, we try not to mess with bed time meaning most dinners at home which has allowed me tons of time for family recipes and cooking. It’s something I was fearful I would not love anymore due to the time involved but I have maintained my true love for cooking in this new season of life!

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Baby Friendly, Food & Wine

Stovetop Cinnamon Applesauce

April 20, 2023April 21, 2023by lucanraczLeave a Comment

I have always enjoyed applesauce, but after having a baby it went from an occasional healthy snack to a household staple. Not only does my baby love it plain as an afternoon snack but we add this cinnamon recipe into oatmeal, yogurt, smoothies, and homemade baking such as muffins. It is the perfect sweetener to a lot of these foods without adding any refined sugars your child (and even yourself) shouldn’t be eating much of and the cinnamon not only adds some great flavor but provides a nice wellness boost as well with it’s anti-inflammatory & anti-oxidant properties.

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Life

Having a Baby in France, My Story & Guide

April 14, 2023April 14, 2023by lucanraczLeave a Comment

Having a Baby in France

When my husband received a job opportunity in the south of France we couldn’t pass it up. We knew we would spend the rest of our lives wondering “what if?”. So I quit my corporate job, we packed up our life including our two dogs and arrived in Montpellier, France. Life was great exploring Europe but looming was the notion that we were also ready to start our family and didn’t want to delay that just because we were living in another country. But were we really going to have a baby with no family, very little language or understanding of how it would all work here?! It seemed daunting, but in our hearts we knew we were ready and so we braved the process (which was amazing). I hope sharing our story provides an interesting perspective and guidance to those of you who may also be considering or in the midst of having a baby in France!

I do want to preface that this is just my personal experience. While I’m sure it would be fairly similar to others or standard French practice, I cannot speak for other moms or families! Also, this was my first baby, so while I have knowledge from plenty of friends and family in the USA, I cannot speak from personal experience on some of the differences so these are just my interpretations and what my experience was like.

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Food & Wine

Peach & Brie Grilled Cheese

August 28, 2021August 28, 2021by lucanraczLeave a Comment

You guys. This sandwich is summer time comfort food at it’s finest. Fresh peaches, melting brie, crispy buttered bread…. grilled cheese heaven. Don’t get me wrong, a standard grilled cheese sandwich is hard to beat, but if you want an elevated switch up this summer, this is IT.

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Food & Wine

Roasted Serrano Pepper Salsa

August 28, 2021August 28, 2021by lucanraczLeave a Comment

Chips and salsa is one of my absolute favorite snacks… like when bottomless chips & salsa are served before dinner you can guarantee my appetite for my actual meal is in danger, can anyone else relate here?! When it comes to salsa I’m a the hotter the better kind of girl, so when my fiance brought home a bunch of fresh serrano peppers I knew we had to try our classic salsa verde with serranos subbed in for jalapeños. While serrano’s are a smaller hot pepper they pack more heat than a jalapeño, but still quite a bit less than a habanero or extremely hot pepper making them perfect for a tolerable hot salsa. (If you aren’t an extra spicy lover, no worries, I have directions to make more mild below)!

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Food & Wine

Jicama Shell Crispy Shrimp Tacos

August 28, 2021by lucanraczLeave a Comment

Jicama shell cilantro and lime fried shrimp tacos, y’all. Need I say more? If you’re unfamiliar with jicama it is a root vegetable native to Mexican and Central American cuisine. It’s packed with nutrients, high in antioxidants, low calorie and heart healthy making it a great addition to your diet. The crunch and very soft flavor in the jicama root pairs perfectly with shrimp and cilantro lime flavors used in this recipe.

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Food & Wine

Everything Bagel Avocado & Cucumber Salad

August 28, 2021August 28, 2021by lucanraczLeave a Comment

This salad is EVERYTHING ~but the bagel~. I’ve become such a fan of using this seasoning on lots of things beyond just bagels, one classic being avocado toast, so figured why not try on an avocado salad. With a little added coconut aminos and ginger this salad is light, healthy, super flavorful and guaranteed to be a new staple for me, especially since it is so easy and quick to make!

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