Indian Paintbrushes

This morning,while out house-hunting (yep, after three years of renting our current place, we're ready to become homeowners), we came across a field of Indian paintbrushes and I had to stop for some quick pics. As far as Texas spring blooms go, bluebonnets get all the love, but I think Indian paintbrushes look just as pretty! 

Came home and chowed on Smoky Split Pea soup from Appetite for Reduction, which I'd made the night before. One of our all-time favorite soups.

I also made a batch of "cheezy" kale chips from Ani's Raw Food Essentials. We preferred them over the spicy ones we made last week. They disappeared quickly!

Later, Olivia and Jackson played a fishing game while I made dinner. Olivia is an extremely focused game player.

Dinner was a treat: Ranch Salad with Buffalo Tempeh, from the PPK. The combination of hot buffalo tempeh and cool, creamy ranch dressing is out of this world. Tony and I did not even attempt to share this with the kids, knowing they'd find the tempeh too spicy. (I fixed them their own salads, along with various finger foods). So we each had a big bowl all to ourselves. I will definitely be making this again soon!

Kiddie Acres

Today we went to check out Kiddie Acres, a tiny amusement park just for little kids.

There was a little train that we rode around the park a couple of times.

Jackson and Olivia loved the carousel.

Jackson rode a ferris wheel for the first time.

He thought it was pretty cool.

There was also a boat ride.

Olivia is a very intense boat captain. Look at that concentration.

We finished up with a little car ride.

We were done with the whole park in about 45 minutes. It's not amazing, but it will be good to keep in mind if I ever want to surprise them with a quick, fun outing.

For dinner we had the Smoky Split Pea Soup from Appetite for Reduction. A family favorite -- we all love it.

I also made pumpkin donuts, breaking in my donut pan for the first time. I used this recipe. The donuts are tasty, although I can't really taste the pumpkin. They taste more like banana bread to me, actually. I added vanilla and a pinch of salt to the glaze recipe. Oh and I also used whole wheat pastry flour in the recipe, to make them a little healthier.

When I think back, I can't remember Jackson and Olivia ever eating donuts before. I don't do Krispy Kreme! So needless to say, they were big fans. A dozen donuts disappear quickly when you have two little ones.

Do you have a donut pan? If so, what is you favorite donut recipe? I'm trying to decide what to make next.

Thursday Already

Just when I thought the Arabian Lentil & Rice soup was the best Appetite for Reduction recipe, I made the Smoky Split Pea soup. And, although the lentil soup is still my personal favorite, I'm outnumbered, because everyone else in my house loves this stuff.

It is so good. If you haven't used smoked paprika, I can't recommend it enough. There's a lot of it in this recipe, which explains why a soup made from green split peas has a deep, dark red hue. In addition to color, the paprika imparts such an amazing smoky flavor. You will love this. Jackson and Olivia did, and Tony says I need to make it every week.

Another night this week, I took some basil from my garden and made a batch of pesto using almonds and sunflower seeds. I tossed it with wagon wheel pasta, sliced radishes, kalamata olives, and lima beans. Random, I know! But really good. I feel like lima beans are underrated. I really like 'em.

This week has flown by. I have a lot to do today. My parents are coming to stay for a week, and I need to clean and pick up groceries before their flight arrives. I've been up since 4 a.m. with Olivia the insomniac, so I will need to locate some extra energy somewhere.

Have a great day!