Air-Fried Coconut Shrimp and Pineapple

I love my new toy! After hearing about them repeatedly, I decided that I needed my own air fryer for Hanukkah. As a health-conscious person, I keep my fried foods to a pretty low count. I mean, some days you just need some fries (or samosa! I love samosa...) but most fried foods are reserved for special occasions. The idea of filling that craving without the artery-busting cholesterol that comes with it was too much to pass up. Research was done, air fryer was purchased, and the experimenting began.

However, before you dive in, it's important to note that air fryers do NOT completely mimic the taste of truly fried food. I knew this going in and have been very happy with the results, but if you expect to not be able to tell the difference, you'll be disappointed. They create crispy food, delicate and moist yet crispy, which is absolutely delicious and DOES fill some of the same cravings, but it's not identical. Still, I highly recommend them and look forward to trying many more recipes.

Time: 55 min (prep is hands on ~10 min and then moving in/out of air fryer regularly throughout rest of time)

Fresh Challah

My husband got a breadmaker for Hanukkah. To be fair, I might have rolled my eyes a little. I was convinced this would be an appliance he used once and then it would take up space for the next 10 years until I purged the kitchen. Still, he was insistent. He weaved poetic tales of the smell of fresh bread cooking when he was growing up, and in the end, I did some research and bought him a breadmaker for Hanukkah. It's been only a few weeks, so it could easily still go the way of the forgotten toy, but in the meantime, this challah (or kallah, as my daughter pronounces it) makes this purchase worth it. That's right - if that's all ever uses it for, I'm still sold. This is the most delicious challah I believe I've ever tasted. It's fresh, light, perfectly-textured, and with just the right hint of sweetness. When he made two for a family Hanukkah party, half of one didn't even survive the car ride there (which was mostly due to the kallah-pronouncing toddler...) and the they were gone QUICKLY. These two were made just for our house and seem to be going the same route.

I'm presenting the recipe for a breadmaker below, but I'm sure you can also make it by hand if you so choose (with a lot more work...) Either way, start making this immediately. You won't regret it.

Time: 2 hr 50 (25 min active)

Maple and Tahini Roasted Salmon and Carrots

It's been a while, but I'm back once again and so happy to continue to share some of my favorite recipes. Turns out, having little kids and working full-time with some travel means very little time for creative meals. Many of my weekly menus went from being exciting, creative, and risk-taking to really reflecting how to get a homemade, reasonably healthy meal on the table in 30 minutes or less. With two little ones at home, you may still see that as a common theme, but I'm also sneaking some creativity in there (both fast creativity and some that takes slightly longer) and will make sure to share the best recipes with you.

To kick things off after a year hiatus, here is an absolutely delicious meal that is ready in no time - and involves very little clean-up. It's full of rich, warming flavors as the tahini and maple syrup combine for a luscious but not overly sweet sauce that actually tastes quite a bit like a Thai peanut sauce (one of my favorites!) To really make this stand out, I can't recommend using Soom Tahini enough. I'm a tahini fan and have had my fair share over the years, but this one is creamy and rich and never separates or gets hard. Order it now! (And I recommend grabbing a chocolate one too for fun..! Makes a fantastic spread.) No, they aren't paying me for this, but they are indeed a great local company run by three fabulous sisters.

So jump on in and enjoy this recipe. It's good to be back!

Time: 40 min (but 30 min is roasting time when you are free to do whatever!)