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cynthia lair - feeding the young athlete

8/28/12
Dear Cynthia and The Cookus Gang:
Just made the Mediterranean Quinoa Salad again, first time this summer-- it continues to utterly amaze and delight! My mom loved it! My four yr old and 18 month old loved it! Happy and healthy dinner was had by all. Thank you so much!
Jen

8/27/12
Hi, I wanted to let you know that I just did the Danskin Triathlon (my first such event), and I took Lime Boost in my water bottles. It was great.
Jami

7/29/12
I printed this a year ago, but finally got around to trying it (Gays Mini Pot Roast). I was afraid of all the steps and thought my 8 quart le Creuset pan would be too big. I took the plunge and boy am I ever glad I did!! This was amazing!!! I used dried herbs since that's what I had and it still turned out amazing. I used fingerling potatoes cut up and I used a few extra parsnips. It was soooo good!! I think you are the best Cynthia!!!! You give me SUCH confidence in the kitchen. I am almost 40 and finally gaining some self esteem in the kitchen - THANKS TO YOU!!!
Rebekah

7/23/12
This is simply delicious. (Bourbon BBQ Shrimp) Words overheard at dinner tonight from my hubby and two kids in regard to this dish: stellar, amazing, the best shrimp, and soooo good. Thanks for another winner recipe! (Oh, and I served this cornbread; it was a great match.)
Hillary

6/14/12
Cookus Interruptus - you guys are a hilarious team! You really pulled out all the stops to give Ms. Selengut a warm welcome. I love what you guys do x
Tui

6/13/12
That was killer. (Hoppin' John) Made with andouille sausage, cheesy corn grits and braised bok choy and kale from the garden. Everyone loved it, and my 3 year old cleaned her plate, much to my delight! Did wish I had a nice blob of sour cream, though...
Stephanie

3/8/12
Chinese Vegetable Fried Brown Rice:
WOW - I want that for breakfast, too! (I am talking about the stir fry people!)One of the funniest interruptions yet! Have to share this one with my mom...
Heather

1/5/12
Firstly, this looks delicious and amazing and I can't wait to try it. (Chicken and Kabocha with Chocolate Enchilada Sauce). Secondly, Matt completely cracks me up in this. Cynthia makes a great foil to his craziness. Well-done!
Kymberlee

12/11/11
My 2 year old daughter and I watched this video before making our own. We went into the kitchen, popped the Mochica into the oven, and next thing I know she is stretching on the ground with her feet in the air. Then, biting into the finished product she says, 'come here little sizzler!'. I was in fits laughing. Thanks for great recipes and great fun.
Stephanie

11/29/11
So, I've said it before and I'll say it again...my 5-year old daughter LOVES this soup. Tonight she had 2 bowls full with olive tapenade on top. And when I was packing up the little bit that was leftover, she asked that I save it for her to eat tomorrow, The recipes says this serves 6-8, but in our family it barely feeds 4. We can't get enough of it.
Anna

10/25/11
you guys are silly but it helped me to keep watching.
Rob

1/25/12
I find that everything here "speaks" to my instincts. Everything I see here just feels intuitive to me. Maybe it's because we're in the same camp, or maybe also because the "loose pattern" of philosophies you've woven together here fits so well for so many of us. Thank you!
Jennifer

9/18/11
As a newbie to whole foods and anything that isn't meat and potatoes...your recipes and fun way that you give lessons really are making the transition to healthy eating easy. Thank you so much!
Raquel

7/17/11

you guys are BRILLIANT with your videos. The entertainment value opens up the floodgates of people who want to watch and (inadvertently) learn from you about the wonders of whole foods. I use them in our kids' cooking classes all the time. Lots of laughs and learning! "Who doesn't like applesauce? I'll tell you who, freaks and crazy people!" We love Jane!"

Marirose

5/19/11

My 2 year old LOVES this soup (Yaki Soba). She scoops the broth with her little spoon and picks up every last bit of tofu, bok choy, and mushroom with unbridled enthusiasm. I love your recipes and best of all my family does too! Thank you!

Heidi Denis

5/5/11
Keep up the great show! LOL...my kids watched 5 episodes today... my oldest loves Jane and keeps watching to see if she's going to get together with what's-his-name and my boys couldn't stop laughing at Darrell and they all want to know why they can't see Captin J.
Tomena Reed

3/19/11
I made this soup tonight and it was, by far, the best homemade soup we have ever had. 3 generations ate together, even my 5 and 2 year olds! Thank you from the bottom of our empty soup bowls!
Taylor Hope

I've been consistently cooking your meals for over a month, now, and I love all the recipes I've made. Even my husband loves them, which is amazing because, in the past, he's usually complained when I made 'healthy meals', calling them 'a snack'. Thanks for making it so enjoyable to eat healthy!
Erin Fields-Johnson

2/11/11
This is my 3rd recipe this week since Saturday night-it's only Monday! I'm hooked on your site. such great food and love the videos. Thanks to all!!!
Josie

1/13/11
Wow, what an amazing site. I made your fish tacos for dinner last night and my 13 yo commented on how good they were. In fact she said, Mom everything you've made from Cookus Interruptus has been good! Yes, delicious and easy!! Thank you so much
Ruby Cacchione

12/29/10
while watching this video (Be Bop Breakfast) my 7yr old daughter was totally perplexed that you would eat cooked greens for breakfast. (we do green smoothies, but my kids are pretty skeptical about other usage of greens) But after watching it through she asked if we could try it tomorrow! I think we are going to watch a few more videos!
Annie Moore

12/15/10
Pacific NW Magazine loves Cookus! Read the story by superfabulous Greg Atkinson.

10/29/10
Rosemary Red Soup: I make this soup for my birthday every year. It was the soup that got me to reconsider beets after hating them since birth. Now I love them, as long as they're fresh!
Anne

10/14/10
For my birthday last week, my friend helped me make the apple pie with butter crust. We couldn't stop congratulating our pie while we were eating it. It was delicious...and we had no hesitation about serving our daughter nice hefty slices. Thank you, Cynthia Lair. Your recipes make my life better every day.
Anna

10/8/10
I've been cooking from your website for the last few weeks, and every single recipe I've tried has turned out Incredible. Thank you so much for doing something like this! The videos make it very simple for a visual learner. I look forward to any new recipes you post :)
Susan

9/21/10
I just have to say, once again, how much I love your website. I've been a huge fan of the cookbook for years and the website makes it fresh. True story: my kids (5 and 2) and I will sit and watch your videos. My son, the 5 year old, loves them!
Hillary Mizia

9/10/10
Where have I been? I just now came across your site. I have never enjoyed looking at recipes as much as yours and had such a laugh plus great info. and learned something. You are ALL a kick. Thank you for being here, keep up the great work and info. There is nothing out here like you, what a joy. Must say, I watch you everyday. Thanks
val greene

"My 4-year-old son referred to it as 'the phenomenal noodle salad' and kept offering additional helpings to everyone at the table! I will definitely be making this again. :-)"
-Lindsey Parks
(see Asian Noodle Salad)

"Cooking for my family had become a chore. I was basically in a rut until I came across your site via the OCA. I have actually began enjoying cooking again. My kids are now even trying simple recipes on their own. I feel such a sense of satisfaction knowing I am preparing food that's nourishing and delicious. I have learned so much. Thank you, thank you :)"
-Kaylla

"I must tell you what an inspiration your blog and videos have been to me....and my kids. We love watching you and learning great tips."
-Laurene

Townsend Letter raves about Cynthia's book and Cookus Interruptus in October 09 issue!

Danny Jensen at Take Part loves Cookus Interruptus. Read about it!

"This has to be the best cooking show EVER!!! Besides being so funny, they make this type of cooking seem so approachable. Kudos on doing a great job!!!!"
-Cheryl

"I have been cooking more. I made some really good fried tofu, delicious soba noodles, Bok Choy (from the collard greens vid), Blanched red cabbage, fried rice, some thing else I can't remember, and almost every day for breakfast I eat either quinoa or steel cut oats. Not only that my knowledge on food has increased 10 fold. All thanks to you. xo"
-Joel

"Can I just say that your videos make me laugh my butt off? Is that ok? Did I mention I am totally by myself when I do this? Loooove you guys!"
sunbronzedbabe

"Besides providing amazing how-to recipes on whole, organic foods, you weave a gentle little funny-family story-line throughout that always leaves me wanting more. I forward your site to friends with the spoiler, "pssst, bet you can't watch just one!" There's just nothing like your program anywhere!"
Lynne Lillie

"What a really well conceived, and nicely organized website. Being gut-bustingly funny is an added bonus. Nice job, Fam."
Steven Lee

"I've been cooking uninterrupted for the past 3 days and I'm loving it. I watch the videos with my toddler then we cook our family meal together. It's lovely:) Thank you guys for a great book &website."
Yasmine

"Clean, easy to use, and informative, the videos get to the point, and on the plate, in 4 to 8 minutes..." Read the whole glowing blog post!
Maggie Dutton, Seattle Weekly

"Your steel cut oats recipe did change my life!"
Julie

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Printable version

Spiced Sweet Potatoes with Apples and Kale

The vegetables with the most vitamins and minerals are the dark green ones and the yellow and orange vegetables says Cynthia , so hip hip hooray! This friendly dish is not just flavorful and beautiful to look at, it�s nutritious too.

2 sweet potatoes, scrubbed and cut into 1" chunks
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon cumin
� teaspoon cinnamon
� teaspoon salt
� teaspoon cayenne

Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cut sweet potatoes and place in an 8X8-inch baking dish. Mix oil and spices together in a small bowl and drizzle over top of the vegetables. Mix vegetables with a wooden spoon so they are evenly coated. Cover pan and bake 30 -35 minutes, until tender (I know, I said 20 minutes in the video. I lied).

2 tablespoons butter, divided
� apple, cut into thin 1" chunks
1 tablespoon unrefined cane sugar or brown sugar
1/3 cup dried cranberries
6-8 kale leaves cut into thin strips
� cup apple juice
1-2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

While sweet potatoes are roasting, prepare other vegetables. Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a skillet until it begins to sizzle. Add apples and saut�, stirring frequently. Add sugar and allow it to melt on the apples. Add second tablespoon of butter. When it is melted, add cranberries and kale. Allow kale to be coated by the fat by folding it into the apples and butter. When it is shiny and beginning to get limp, add the juice. Cover the skillet and allow fruits and vegetables to braise for several minutes.

When sweet potatoes are tender (easily cut with the side of a fork) remove from oven and allow it to cool briefly. Put in a large serving bowl and add the apple, cranberry, kale mixture. Toss together gently. Drizzle of vinegar on top and fold in. Taste the composition. Add more vinegar or salt if needed. Serve warm or at room temperature. Will keep nicely in the refrigerator for several days.

Preparation time: 1 hour
Makes 4 servings

Copyright 2010, C. Lair, Original recipe

CLICK HERE

11 Comments:

Ina Gawne
Thank you for this great recipe. Love your site! I had asked previously if I could show case a recipe of yours on my blog..glutenfreedelightfullydelicious.com, as well as to show case your brownie recipe that I converted to gluten free? Which by the way, turned out FABULOUS. I really want to come from a place of respect for other peoples blogs and recipes, hence, asking permission to do so. I love Cynthia's approach to food, have my own food blog and would be happy to show case some of her wonderful recipes. Thanks for sharing, Ina
December 9, 2010, 7:21 pm

Cindy Wambeam
Wow -- that just hits all of the right notes for me, with sweet potatoes, kale, and apples. I even have all of the ingredients at home already! I think this will be what's for dinner tomorrow night. :)
December 9, 2010, 7:55 pm

Claudia Fuller
YUMMO, this sounds absolutely delish! Can't wait to try it. Glad you're able to cook outside between the rain showers :-)
December 9, 2010, 8:04 pm

Helen Kilbane
hurray, another way to see my favorite funny people. I heard this show on public radio and today's Northwest Magazine directed me to your website. I can get my fix in between The Edge shows.
December 12, 2010, 12:00 pm

Kate Poss
I read about you in today's Pacific Northwest magazine. I can't wait to watch your shows. I cook aboard an Alaskan adventure boat each summer and what you do is inspirational. I am going to forward this link to my cooking friends.
December 12, 2010, 8:26 pm

Anne Sommer
I fixed the sweet potatoes and kale tonight. Both of us LOVED it! And we're not overly fond of kale. Thanks! Love your blog! I passed it on to my foodie daughter who also loves it.
December 14, 2010, 10:25 pm

Andrea F
Like many, I read about your site in Sunday's Pacific NW magazine. Can you please advise us how to view your videos from the beginning. Love your site!
December 14, 2010, 11:16 pm

Richard
I liked your sweet potatoe video. I happen to have some potatoes left from Thanksgiving! I noticed you have a propane oven in the background. I have one just like it. They work great and you don't have to use the neighbors oven, just have to find the smaller dishes to fit it. Keep up the good work!
December 15, 2010, 8:17 pm

Gail Duncan
Read about your web site in USA weekend. Love this site and plan to use it often for yummy, healthy meals. The sweet potatoes with apples and kale are going on my grocery list today! Thanks.
January 23, 2011, 9:47 am

Rebecca
I have made dozens of recipes from your site and they always turn out great, but this might actually be the best thing I've ever eaten. I had it for lunch today with some toasted pecans on top for protein. It was totally incredible.
November 10, 2011, 11:13 am

Elena Leonard
Made the Spiced Sweet Potatoes for Christmas dinner. Wow! A big hit. I appreciated that the dish did not have to be served hot....one less thing to time perfectly. And I love sneaking in some kale whenever possible. Great recipe, thank you!
December 26, 2012, 1:02 pm