Warm Mediterranean Farro Salad with Mushrooms

Autumn

"When the leaves change hue
The air becomes nice and cool
Fall is upon us"

Roasted Rosemary Pumpkin with Black Rice & Cashew Nuts

Hearty and heart-healthy, this roasted butternut squash dish makes a warming main course for a weekday family dinner. Beautiful and simple plate for a Monday night.

Russian Monday: "Gribnoy Soup" - Mushroom Barley Soup

Mushroom and barley soup is one of my favorite soups since childhood. The only difference between now and then is that years ago the soup had to be made from dried mushrooms. Back then in Russia it was not possible to buy a lot of fresh food during winter time, especially mushrooms. Summer was a busy season for making jams, picking wild berries and mushrooms in a forests. However, to be used throughout the year these had to be dried and frozen.

Farro with Mushrooms, Carrots & Perfectly Poached Egg

Farro is described as "the mother of all wheat" since it was the oldest grain domesticated by humans. In ancient Rome it was a staple food that provided the main source of nourishment for the Roman legions. Farro almost disappeared during the last centuries because of the lower yielding compared with the modern wheats.

Farro can be used as substitute for rice and pasta in many dishes. Use it in salads, soups and pilafs, or at "farrotto", an alternative to traditional risotto. Farro with mushrooms and poached egg is simple, tasty and healthy dish.

Roasted Chickpeas with Ginger, Spices & Sesame Seeds - Tasty Snack/Appetizer

These crispy and spicy roasted chickpeas conceal a mouth-watering collection of flavors and make a delicious appetizer. You could make this dish any time of year, and I think they make a wonderful New Years Eve party snack.

Black Beluga Lentils Salad with Roasted Pumpkin

Looking for a rustic salad/side to round out your Thanksgiving menu? Black Beluga lentils have a nutty, peppery flavor and a firm texture that holds up well to cooking. Delicate in taste and size, Black Beluga lentils are named for their caviar-like appearance. This flavorful salad can make a delicious accompaniment to a simple roasted turkey. Black Beluga lentils with roasted pumpkin salad shows off bold tastes, textures and colors.