Elle Republic

A new favorite: Lemon Balm Pesto! I am always dreaming up ways to incorporate more fresh summer herbs into my diet. Pesto is just the way to do it! This time with fresh lemon balm & basil, cashews, tangy lemon, and parmesan (vegan alert: this also tastes great without the cheese!). Lemon balm is such a lovely herb. So beautifully fragrant and subtle to the palate, it’s the perfect companion...

I really love couscous in salads and the way those tiny semolina granules have the ability to keep you feeling full and satisfied. With summer in full swing, and a battery of salads already behind me, I’ve been after more light and tasty main meal salads–ones that aren’t just all about well…“lettuce”. Orange-Infused Couscous with Cherries and Arugula -- what a tasty combo! This one is a wonderful bittersweet combination of...

In Greek mythology, sage was believed to be a powerful protector and healing agent that was sacred to the gods. It was also commonly believed to strengthen the memory, hence “a sage”, or wise man with a many memories and profound wisdom. Seeking immortality? According to Medieval folklore, all you have to do is take a little sage each day (especially in May!). There is also the ancient art of...

This delicious Orange Almond Granola recipe is based on my friend Nettie’s original creation. Not only is Nettie a fabulous cook and host, but she is an especially amazing baker. We’ve been raving about her baking and urging her to do more of it for years now. And I must say, I, among others are pleased to see that she has recently re-embraced that thought of starting up her...

Not only does this dish taste splendid, it’s perfect for when you are simply hungry and are craving something satisfying but don’t have the time (or energy) to cook! Other than preparing the pasta, there is no cooking involved in this dish. It’s a simple pesto that can be pulled together in minutes. For those of you that like canned tuna with pasta and the idea of cooking a quick...

I recently discovered that there is actually a term for people who follow a vegetarian diet 90% of the time (give or take) – it’s called “flexitarian”. Technically, flexitarian doesn’t actually even fall into any of the many “levels” of vegetarianism, or types of vegetarian diets, but it get an honorable mention -- a "very commendable, thanks for trying" type of mention. Like other "trying" types, I prefer a vegetarian diet...