Date & Cinnamon Baked Bananas

A dessert to go bananas over — this is gluten-free, dairy-free, and refined-sugar free, but you’d never know it. Medjoul dates and maple syrup give this all the natural sweetness it needs, and the cinnamon and cardamom scent imparts comfort and warmth. Inspired by an ayurvedic recipe from Eat-Taste-Heal and a need to use up ripe bananas, this dish comes together in under 20 minutes. The toasted almonds on top give it some extra protein and a satisfying crunch. I made this for a mid-afternoon treat with my daughter, and wished I had more bananas to make it again for breakfast the next day – it’s so simple but satisfying and warming on a chilly spring day.

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Shrimp in Kimonos

What could be a more festive starter than shrimp wrapped in prosciutto, tied with chives and smothered in a spicy maple sauce? As I made these, knotting the chives across the prosciutto-wrapped shrimp reminded me of tying an obi over a kimono during festivals in Japan. I think these would be great for entertaining — These little lovelies come dressed for your holiday party and are sure to please with their savory-sweet taste.

Pear, Gorgonzola & Thyme Crostini

Call me old-fashioned, but I love hors d’oeuvres at parties. Not complicated or fancy or difficult-to-eat ones, just little nibbles of things like a beautiful cheese plate, some fresh fruit, or warm bread with aromatic herbs. And when I am hosting, this is my favorite one to serve (and eat!) — it’s a decidedly unfussy but delicious combination of cheese, fruit, warm bread and herbs all in one.

Poached “Sticky Pears” with Orange-Date Glaze and Cardamom Whipped Cream

This dessert has become a surprising hit in our household, especially with our toddler who calls it “sticky pears.” I’m  happy about this because the recipe comes from the cookbook, Eat Taste Heal, which serves as a guide to the ancient healing wisdom of Ayurvedic medicine.