Cook once, eat twice: Kale Pesto

Having a newborn is rough.  The kid is now 21 months old and I already find myself forgetting how difficult it can be to have a brand new baby.  Having your first kid especially rocks your world.  I felt like my life turned upside down after the kid was born.  It took me over a year to really get my feet back under me. 

It's certainly a wild ride.  But one that is well worth it. 

We visited some friends today and their tiny 1 week old.  They look so tired and a little stunned.  I wanted to tell them that it gets better fast.  That life goes on a little bit at a time.  You have to learn to walk and talk again, but you keep moving forward.  And it gets so fun.  

But I don't think they could have understood.  They are too busy becoming the great parents they are going to be.  I think we all are.  

Those first few months feel like you are drowning.  And then it is wonderful (with periodic moments where you begin to drown again).

Parenthood is amazing!  I wouldn't go back if I could.  

Greened Asian Steamed Buns with two dipping sauces

I love steamed buns. When I was living in San Francisco one summer I rarely missed an opportunity to step into a little shop with display cases loaded with these warm buns filled with some exotic (to me) ingredients.  They were a cheap and filling food.  A dollar could buy me 2 or more steamed buns which would last me a couple of hours exploring the city. 

Among the many things I miss about San Francisco, these buns are high on my list.  I never thought about making them at home until I saw a few bun recipes online.  They had seemed so shrouded in mystery before then.  I guess I assumed it took years of training with some guru of steamed buns to produce good results.  And of course, being of Asian decent or having immersed yourself in the culture for several years would also be a requirement.  Sadly, on both counts, I was out of luck.

Twice Baked Sweet Potatoes with Kale (aka: Super Potatoes)

Ah Kale!  That leafy green we know we need to eat more of but can't figure out how.  I'm not talking about you people who eat a massaged kale salad for lunch daily.  (psst..you people are weird/I wish I was more like you).  I will make a confession, that I have enjoyed the odd kale salad, but I must say my jaw ached for days afterward.  Way. To. Much. Chewing. Involved.  

I like kale.  My body likes kale.  My waistline likes kale.  My jaw?  Not so much.  

 

Kale is a tough vegetable when raw.  I prefer my kale sauteed and steam cooked.  But you know how I really like my kale?  In sweet potatoes!

 

These stuffed sweet potatoes make a fabulous meal.  The kale is sauteed with some garlic--leaving just the perfect amount of chewy deliciousness.  Not only do the chickpeas add a nice dose of protein, they are iron rich.