I made these cookies a few weeks ago and they were a big hit.  The texture is soft and crumbly, and the kosher salt really brings out the chocolate and walnut flavors.

I used this recipe, featured in Food & Wine magazine (never fails!), but replaced the dried cranberries with 1 cup of chopped walnuts. I used unbleached all-purpose flour instead of regular, and I only had instant oatmeal at home, so I used 1 packet instead of the 1 cup quick-cooking or old-fashioned rolled oats that the recipe calls for.

Everyone loved these, and I’m sure the cookies would be great without the nuts, or with the dried cranberries from the original recipe as well.

This is one of those salads that you’ll make to impress. It’s delicious and will only take you a few minutes to prepare.

Here’s what you need:

1 head of butter lettuce (also known as Boston lettuce), washed and hand torn from the base
1 or 2 ripe pears, halved, cored and sliced
3 tbsp. chopped caramelized pecans, or walnuts will work too
1/4 cup skim cheese crumbles (I like to use fat free feta) – go light on the cheese if you use the regular kind, to keep the salad healthy!

Citrus Dressing:

1/4 cup orange juice (fresh squeezed will be best, but I’ve used this one)
1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. honey or agave syrup, or 1/2 packet of stevia
2 tsp. canola oil  (vegetable or olive oil work too)

You will probably have some dressing left over, but it keeps well in the fridge and goes great with any other salad.

Tonight we’re going to see Yuck and Dinosaur Jr. play at Grand Central.  Even though Yuck is the opening band, I’m mostly excited to see them. Wishing everyone a great week!

1. Yuck | Shook Down*

2. Yuck | Get Away

3. Yuck | Georgia

*You can see the original video for Shook Down here. I left it out because it contains some potentially inappropriate content.

Sometimes the most basic ingredients can come together to create something great.

Start by peeling a zucchini or two, cut each lengthwise, and then slice them as thin as you can. The thinner the better. Transfer the zucchini slices to a bowl and then drizzle with olive oil, add some lemon juice, sea salt and pepper to taste.

You can stop here and it will be delicious, or you can also sprinkle on some fat-free feta crumbles. So simple, yet so delicious.

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