Number of weeks living in Denmark: 58 (and only 1 left!) Weather: Sunny, blue skies (oh, happy day!) and 50 F What I’m loving The sun is (sometimes) back! It’s still been a weird spring weather-wise with random rain, lots of wind and not as much sun as I would like, but it’s still here and […]
Latest Posts
Fruitful Travels: Copenhagen
This travel post is an extra special one because it’s about a city that I didn’t just visit, but am living in! My family and I moved abroad to the lovely city of Copenhagen, Denmark in April 2023, and we have been loving the adventures here. Don’t be fooled by our dog’s serious face in […]
Scandinavian Secrets: Good bread makes for a good life
Almost everyone loves bread in Scandinavia. And why wouldn’t they?! It’s some of the best bread (and pastries) in the world. We’re talking rye/brown bread, wheat bread, sourdough, multi-grain, and rolls in dozens of flavors (beer, oat, seeds, dried fruit and nuts). And while bakery bread is the best, the grocery stuff is surprisingly good, […]
The Sweetest Season 2023: Cardamom-doodles
I really missed doing The Sweetest Season blogger cookie exchange over the last few years, so I’m happy to be back. I have a new appreciation for Christmas baking and cookie baking as I’m 7 months into living abroad in Denmark with my husband, toddler and golden retriever. And I’ve also got a new appreciation […]
Scandinavian Secrets: Potatoes are perfect
This one may be admittedly be more of a Danish secret than a Scandinavian one, but their potatoes are really special. They’re so creamy. And they’re everywhere. Fries, potato frikadeller (meatballs), potato salad, potatoes in open-faced sandwiches. They’re everywhere, and they’re all amazing! There are lots of farms in Denmark, and I guess they’re just […]
Scandinavian Secrets: Shop secondhand
I really admire that in Scandinavia, everyone wants to save money and spend thriftily. They are humble people and don’t like to be flashy or show wealth. And no matter how much they make or where they live, they love secondhand shopping (hand-me-downs, too). There are all kinds of thrift and second-hand shops across Copenhagen […]
Scandinavian Secrets: Stay in
Scandinavians really know how to stay in and enjoy it. While they can be a social people, they make for great neighbors because they’re quiet and don’t go out regularly (especially when the weather is dark, wet and cold at night). And I really like learning that it’s OK to stay in and enjoy simple […]
Scandinavian Secrets: Small fridges
We do so many things well in America, but reducing waste is typically not one of them. And I’m a firm “waste not, want not” person, thanks to my grandmother repeating that so much when I grew up. I generally hate wasting things (time, money, food) and so do the Danes. Scandinavians have a lot […]
Scandinavian Secrets: Quiet is considerate
If you ask someone who has been to Denmark, then they’ll probably tell you that it’s a pretty peaceful and quiet place, even in the capital of Copenhagen. We live about 35 minutes by train out of the city center, and we just love the quiet of only a few cars every hour and lots […]
Scandinavian Secrets: Two duvets
You have to share so much in marriage: money, vacations, laundry, meals. And while most of it is nice, I’ve always found that sleeping arrangements seem more personal and individual. And the Scandinavians are right there with me. It’s very typical here to have your own (I guess twin-sized?) duvet here, even when you’re sharing […]
Scandinavian Secrets: Make the most of the sun
Sun is such a precious thing here. It always feels like a gift. You can never count on seeing it, but when you do, you’re sure to be warmed by its intensity. Although I’m still dreaming of the sun’s up until 11 p.m. days we had at the peak of summer. But in the winter, […]
Scandinavian Secrets: Take life a little slower
Welcome to a new little series on the blog where I try to reach two goals: One is sharing some life lessons/secrets I’m learning while living in Denmark and the other is writing every day in November a la NaNoWriMo. I’m going to try to write a short “secret” every day and then share many […]
Our Life in Denmark: Week 24
Number of weeks living in Denmark: 24 Weather: Cloudy, misty and 67 F What I’m loving Foraging: I think my favorite part of summer here is the practice of foraging and savoring all of the fruit growing around us. My son and I must have gone to our local park (just a short walk away) […]
Our Fruitful Life in Denmark: Week 11
I’ll start off with a few important pieces of info: I haven’t written a blog post in over a year and I haven’t written consistently on here in several years (yikes! thanks becoming a parent/life/move). My family (husband, toddler, golden retriever and I) recently moved from North Carolina, USA to Copenhagen, Denmark to pursue a […]
Weekly Meal Mix: 03.14.22
Hello, world! It’s been a while. Anyone else ever underestimate how much time for hobbies they would have as a new parent? Ha! But I’m so glad to still have this space to post and connect with you when I can. And naptimes are a great time for that. The good news is that we’ve […]
The Sweetest Season 2021: Orange & White Chocolate Shortbread
It’s that time of the year again…a time when a group of us food bloggers post cookie recipes to get you ready for the baking, gifting and eating season! Follow #sweetestseasoncookies to see all the recipes. I actually did a shortbread recipe for this virtual cookie exchange a few years ago, so I thought I […]
Weekly Meal Mix: 10.18.21
Hello, my friends! We just got a break in the weather, and it’s feeling like fall…finally! Break out all the scarves, hoodies, sweaters and pumpkin things. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate the changing of the seasons. What’s your favorite way to celebrate fall? My husband’s is Halloween decorations outside and inside of our home. […]
Weekly Meal Mix
Hello, friend! Whew- what a few months it’s been. Have you also felt time rushing forward but also dragging at times? We certainly have as we welcomed our first child, baby James, into the world and have been adjusting to life with a hungry, sweet and all-consuming little one. Parenting is a trip, but we’re […]
Yellow Curry
Raise your hand if you like Thai food. Did I just make you raise your hand in front of the computer screen? I hope so. Because I am a fellow lover of curry. The intense complexities, dozens of spices and hot yet cooling flavors are tantalizing. And who doesn’t like their meal served on a […]
How to Use In-Season Tomatoes
How is your tomato season going? Mine has been going really well. We’ve had a steady harvest of Better Boys, grape and cherry tomatoes, and Romas for the past few months. Although my tomato and pepper patch is full of weeds (I blame my third trimester from keeping me from controlling that), they seem to […]
4 Amazing Recipes I Almost Forgot About
Have you ever made a recipe, thought it was amazing and then accidentally forgot about it for months or years? If so, you’re in good company. There are too many good recipes out there and sometimes they just slip our minds. One good thing about having a food blog is that I have records of […]
8 Strawberry Recipes for the Season
Hopefully, where you live, strawberry season is also in full swing! Here in NC, I get the privilege of living a 4-minute drive away from a local farm that grows wonderful strawberries that you can get in a small carton or a large bucket (see the post picture above). You can also pick them yourself […]
What We’ve Been Cooking Lately
Oh my goodness. I have taken a bit of an accidental leave of absence from food blogging because life, baby planning and full weeks have been taking place. Not the worst things in the world. But, I really want to share some of what we’ve been eating lately. Perhaps it will help you meal plan […]
4 Things I’ve Learned From Our Infertility/Pregnancy Journey
I’ve thought about writing this post many times. I thought about the timing. I thought about the messaging. I’ve thought about all things pregnancy/baby for many years, and I know I’m not alone. Today, I’m writing from a perspective of being able to take the next step past infertility, as I sit here 16 weeks […]
Favorite Local Takeout Spots in Downtown Raleigh
With the pandemic, we’ve definitely increased our amount of takeout (like a lot of you). Although I dearly miss sitting inside a restaurant for an hour or two every weekend, it is nice that so many local Raleigh, NC restaurants have awesome takeout menus, for when you feel safer staying in, the weather is bad […]
6 Super Bowl Snack Ideas
I don’t know about you, but we don’t have a lot going on right now. Just work and resting during the weekends and staying positive in the midst of a new year with the pandemic. Don’t get me wrong, there is lots to be grateful for. But, if you’re like me, your social calendar has […]
Top Posts in 2020 & 2021 Food Resolution
I like to take this time every year to reflect, think back on the year as a whole and as a blogger and eater. Well, we’ve all had a lot of time to reflect on 2020, and it’s been a mixed bag for sure. While I usually pick several food resolutions for the coming year, […]
Poppy Seed Chicken Casserole (Re-post)
I’m digging up this lovely recipe from 2012…and from a lot further back in my in-laws’ food history for a re-post. I think this classic midwestern casserole is just perfect for cooler weather and darker days. This very comforting recipe reminds me of wonderful Sunday lunches and weeknight dinners at my in-laws’ house. In fact, […]
3 Tips for a Successful Destination Thanksgiving
What are you doing for Thanksgiving this year? It’s certainly going to be a bit of an odd holiday, but I hope you’re able to make the most of it. We’re doing our first “destination” Thanksgiving with my husband’s family, and I’m so glad Asheville, NC is only a 4-hour drive with lots of cabin […]
Wines under $20 I’m trying
I feel like my COVID blog posts have really been a reflection of the current times: On a more flexible schedule Based on what I’m thinking about each month and a bit more fluid More on a “back to basics” theme I hope you’ve been enjoying the “new” way I’ve been treating the blog, and […]
Peach Banana Smoothie
Get ready, breakfast. Get ready, snack time. Get ready, quick work lunch at your home office desk. This Peach Banana Smoothie is coming for you, to make your meal better and healthier! Smoothies are definitely nothing new, but I find that oftentimes, the classics are just what I need. For the past few months […]
What we’ve been cooking lately
The stages of the pandemic have been a little bit like the stages of grief. Denial, anger, sadness, acceptance…I’m not sure of the exact order. And I feel like cooking during the pandemic has had stages, too: boxed brownies, cocktails, vegetarian, takeout, seasonal fruit, meal planning. If you’re like me, every week you feel a […]
Break & Bake Trail Mix Cookies
How are you? I mean it: How are you balancing everything? There is so much that one person could pick up at any time right now (politics, pandemic/health, work, family, loved ones, kids, finances). Sometimes, it’s best to just choose one or two at a time, if possible. Focus on what you need to within […]
A Letter to Taco Bell
Dear Taco Bell, I’m writing to you as a concerned patron. We all know the trials that 2020 has brought with it. It’s been a hard year for all of us. In the midst of the difficult beginning months, I had a small ray of light. I was recommended the triple-layer nachos from your fast-food […]
Cheesy Sausage Breakfast Casserole
I have made this breakfast casserole three times since quarantine started. Three times! That alone tells you that it is delicious and hard to forget. I don’t know about you, but for a while now, kind of unknowingly, I have been longing to make a breakfast casserole. With visions of church women’s breakfast potlucks dancing […]
Favorite Purchases During Quarantine
Happy Monday, all! Can you believe that we’ve been in this odd quarantine time for nearly 4 months? I think we’ve all found different ways to handle it all, whether comfort food or taking frequent walks or taking advantage of some retail therapy. I think we all need to have extra grace for ourselves during […]
Top 3 Blog Recipes During Quarantine
Happy June, everyone! It feels like we’re moving forward…in some ways. We are (finally) getting out to take an extended weekend beach trip this week, and I am oh so looking forward to it. I’m just imagining packing a suitcase, buying special treats (like fancy local crackers and Annie’s pop tarts), hopping in the car […]
4 Ways to Satisfy Your Travel Bug When You Can’t Go Anywhere
This may sound like a humble-brag but just stay with me. My husband and I haven’t traveled anywhere for 8 months. While that may be normal for you, we’re very much used to going here and there and packing in at least 3-4 trips per year. Whether that’s to the NC beach or SC beach […]
Strawberry White Chocolate Scones
I just made these Strawberry White Chocolate Scones like 4 days ago…and they’re already going on the blog. That should tell you that these scones are bomb! I even made these with the last of my half-bucket of strawberries that were becoming little prunes. Even slightly sad strawberries taste sweet and complex in these scones. […]
The Easiest Curry Vegetable Soup
As a writer, it’s hard for me to write that something is “the best,” “the fastest” or “the easiest.” So, just know that when I say that this recipe I’m sharing today is the easiest curry vegetable soup, I mean it. I came up with the recipe 7 years ago (as I’m refreshing this old […]
Ingredient of the Month: Canned Beans
I’m just leaning in to the pandemic lifestyle with this month’s special ingredient. I bet it’s one that all of us have leaned into, as well. Because when you’re shopping worried about having enough food or grabbing essentials, canned beans are almost always on the list. Whether pinto, garbanzo, black, kidney or cannelini, you’ve made […]
Garden Year #5
Anyone else just so grateful that it’s spring? I’ve professed my love for spring on the blog before, but it means a lot more this year. In the midst of anxiety and worry and pandemic stress, there is new life springing up. The berries are starting to grow, the beginnings of the garden are planted […]
Fruitful Travels: Amboise, France
I figure now is a good time as ever…no, better, to take a little blog trip. Like you, I’ve been thinking about getting away and all the vacations I’m in progress of rescheduling or will have to reschedule. That’s why it’s the perfect time to get away and jet off to France for a bit! […]
My Tips for a Fruitful Quarantine/Social Distancing
Did I ever think I would be writing a blog post about ways to pass the time/not feel so sad while you’re social distancing because of a pandemonium? No, I certainly didn’t. But, here we are…in very uncertain times. And yet, there is, as always, hope and plenty of ways to make these times fruitful […]
Lemon Poppyseed Scones
It’s been a wild week and month…for all of us. The coronavirus has stopped us all in our tracks, changing our plans, restricting us from the outside world and making us worry about our health and others. That’s a lot for the brain to handle when you’re trying to keep your daily routines and stay […]
3 Healthy Meals We’ve Been Making
It’s March, people. March! 2020 is whizzing by, and I feel like February was kind of a blur. In between a quick trip to the ER (I’m fine, thankfully, just a sufferer of low blood pressure), terrible food poisoning and our dog getting spayed, it was a wild month. And I don’t know about you, […]
N.C. One Bite at a Time (Part 20)
I have to say, it’s pretty appropriate that my 20th N.C. One Bite at a Time post is happening in Feburary (02) of 2020. Maybe that’s why it’s taken me so long to release another one of these! You know that I haven’t stopped exploring the local scene, so that means there is a lot […]
Ingredient of the Month: Lime
Citrus fruit is unlikely to be the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the month of February or other winter months. Unless you recently saw Little Women and are still wondering what Amy’s pickled limes were all about. (I’m still not sure myself.) Winter is a fabulous time to explore new […]
Chicken Lentil Soup
Happy February! Whether your January has felt super long or too short, I welcome you to this new month and new year. It has been really nice to take a month off from blogging to rest after the holidays and figure out more of what 2020 holds. And I have hope that it will be […]
Top Posts of 2019 & 2020 Food Resolutions
So, here’s the deal. I’m giving you a two-for-one post today. I usually split these posts up at the end of each year, but we’re combining. 2020 is all about efficiency, right?! I was about half and half on my food resolutions for 2019 (grew a nice garden, ate local meat and sent a few […]
Pappa al Pomodoro Soup
Simple. Good ingredients. Comforting. These are the elements of some of my favorite cuisines and foods. Just a few of the best things mixed together and made with love. This pappa al pomodoro soup from Jamie Oliver reminds me of that. Bonus points if you’re using leftover ingredients to make your dish, too. Just like […]
The Sweetest Season 2019: Orange Spice Cookies
I think cookie decorating and holiday cookie baking is a fabulous tradition. It’s all about gifting and gathering people together…and throw cookies in there and I’m a happy gal. The holidays are all about celebrating together, and it’s neat that we can even do that virtually. I’m excited to be a part of this year’s […]
How to Have a More Sustainable Thanksgiving
I’m starting to get really excited about Thanksgiving, and I hope you are, too. Even though I have a few days of work left, I’m letting a little of the giddiness creep in. While you might expect this post to be about dishes you should make or how to cook a turkey, it’s acutally about […]
8 Creative & Easy Pumpkin Recipes
Anyone else feel like the holidays are really sneaking up on them? I know, nothing new to be thinking about, but honestly. I feel like I just bought my first can of pumpkin this season a few weeks ago and BAM, it’s time to plan out Thanksgiving and Christmas, too. Let’s all take a deep […]
Groceries with Grace (25)
Between a new puppy, travels and life stuff, I have not been keeping up with my Groceries with Grace as much as I liked. Also, I usually have crazy bedhead on Saturday mornings after I buy my groceries, and ya’ll probably don’t want to see that. I do love hearing from some of you that […]
8 Top Recipes for 8 Years of Blogging
Today marks 8 years of blogging for me. Wow! I can almost just imagine my 8-years-younger self, mulling around my 1-bedroom apartment in Fayetteville, Arkansas. I was at a job that I hated. I worked 3:30-11:30 p.m. and my off days were during the week. That left me with lots of pockets of time by […]
Why You Need a New Nonstick Pan
Every cook…no, every person should have a go-to pan to cook with. And if you’re smart, you’ll have a nonstick one. Sure, there are other options than nonstick, but if you want something that food doesn’t stick to (imagine that!) and that doesn’t need a lot of fat, then nonstick should be your go-to. I […]
Fruitful Travels: Chenonceaux
Have you ever been to a new city or place where you just kept thinking you are in a wonderful dream? Like the views, food and atmosphere are all just too good to even be true? There are just some places on the planet where you feel so relaxed and at peace, from the moment […]
Fruitful Travels: Chicago
We had a little bit of a wild (but super fun) little travel stint this past April-May. We went back to our beloved France (Paris & Chenonceaux) in April for a little over a week. And then a few weeks later, we went to Chicago. Why Chicago specifically, you ask? Because one of my favorite […]
Saag Feta
One of my favorite dishes to get at an Indian restaurant in saag paneer, or anything with paneer, really. If you’ve never had paneer, it’s a silky cheese cut into cubes usually. It’s almost like if tofu combined with cheese. I love how they sometimes say “Indian cottage cheese” to describe paneer on the menu, […]
Fruitful Travels: Paris
I’m super excited about this week on the blog because… (drumroll please) It’s France Week! This week, all week, I’m taking over the normal recipe feed and whisking you away to the beloved country of France. My husband and I have two magnificent trips to France over the past three years, so we always love […]
Ingredient of the Month: Summer Tomatoes
It’s summer, which can mean only one thing. OK, it could mean a number of things, but you know what I’m thinking about. Summer tomatoes! 🍅 🍅 🍅 It’s hard to believe these haven’t been an Ingredient of the Month yet, but I’m embracing the obvious this July because summer tomatoes are just too darn […]
4th-Year Garden Update
Gardening is just great, in case you haven’t heard. It’s also a lot of work, but it teaches you about growth and hardship and nature and hard work and harvesting and celebrating. So much wrapped up in this daily task to make you feel more close to the earth. But anyway, I was excited to […]
Summer Squash Pasta
I’ve got so many things to say about this recipe, I’m not even sure where to start. Jamie Oliver’s 5-ingredient recipes are amazing! (Check out his show on Hulu.) Summer squash and zucchini are here and so delicious! I’m growing squash in the garden this year, and we’ve already harvested like 4! So much excitement […]
How to cook and use a whole chicken
It took me quite awhile to get up the courage to cook a whole chicken. I think it was two years ago that I finally decided I could do it and embraced the challenge. And guess what?! It wasn’t hard to deal with at all. I’m someone who generally is weirded out by touching and […]
Ingredient of the Month: Vermouth
If you’re into the cocktail scene, you’ve probably heard of vermouth. Or maybe you haven’t, but I’m excited to introduce you to this wonderful little drink that is nice for before a meal, in a cocktail or to finish a meal. Tell me more about vermouth: Vermouth is an aromatic fortified wine, often flavored with […]
Confetti Cookies (aka the best party cookies)
When you spend 30-60 minutes making cookies, you want them to be good. Ok, let’s be real. If you’re spending your quality time on baking, then your baked goods need to be amazing! They need to look good, taste good and make people smile. Isn’t that at least 50% of why we eat cookies?! These […]
6 Things You Need to Know Before Going to France
If you know my husband and me, you’ll know that we are total francophiles (aka we love France and French culture). In fact, my husband has French heritage. His Mom is French and grew up there and in Belgium. And I recently found out that I’m 11% French (or German) from 23 & Me. We […]
N.C. One Bite at a Time (Part 19)
Wow! I can’t believe it’s been more than a year since I’ve had an N.C. update post. Time flies when you’re loving living local, I guess. So, here are some of the new things in N.C. that I’ve been exploring, eating and drinking. Transfer Co. Food Hall It’s open! The new food hall in downtown […]
Vegetarian Tacos
One of our favorite go-to vegetarian, tasty, easy and healthy meals are tacos. Who can say not to a taco?! And you know we always have tortillas, shredded cheese, salsa, sour cream and some sort of veggie filling on hand! Although I think a simple black bean taco is great, we’ve recently found a few […]
Fruitful Friday Fun: My First Facial
A facial changed my (skin) life! It’s true! A few weeks ago, I got in my car with excitement and a bit of anxiety about my first-ever facial. My sister had suggested someone local she found online who used natural products, so I signed up for a slot online and hoped that it wouldn’t be […]
Simple Saturday: French Ham & Cheese Sandwiches
Beep beep beeeep beep beep beep beeeep. Important news break: I am in France! Also, butter makes French ham and cheese sandwiches amazing — are we really surprised?! My husband and I are spending about 8 days in Paris and our favorite Loire Valley town, eating, drinking and enjoying some R&R. And so I thought […]
Introducing My New Diet!
Here at think fruitful, if you’ve been following along for even a short time, you may have noticed that I’m a big fan of fruit. I mean, it’s even in the blog name. Whether it’s a fresh North Carolina Pink Lady apple, a juicy summer watermelon or zesty blood orange, I think that fruit is […]
Gluten-Free Scones
Baked goods should be delicious. Baked goods should be worth the calories. Baked goods (at least scones) should be easy to make. And baked goods should be for everyone. That’s why I was so excited to find this fab recipe for Gluten-Free Chocolate Chip Scones. It’s super easy and doesn’t even have sugar. Honey with […]
My 10 Favorite Green Things to Eat Right Now
In honor of St. Patrick’s Day, I thought it would be fun to talk about some of my favorite green things to eat. There are so many great green foods that are bright, vibrant and super tasty…and healthy! I mean, Kermit knew what he was singing about, right?! So, take a minute to think about […]
Ingredient of the Month: Peanuts
This Ingredient of the Month is a humble one, but I’ve always been appreciative of its taste and butter. I’m talking about peanuts! Although I used to just be enamored by peanut butter (on sandwiches and on wheat crackers sandwiches together), I’ve recently come to rely on the humble peanut as a great protein-packed snack. […]
Where to Eat Local in the NC Triangle?
My husband and I recently celebrated our 5-year anniversary of moving to NC (from AR), which is exciting. We really feel like it’s home here, especially with all of the amazing food options. So, it seemed about time to release my favorite food spots across the Triangle. Though I do live and mostly eat in […]
5 Ways to Show Love this Valentine’s Day
Valentine’s Day can mean a lot of different things. It can make you think of warm fuzzy feelings about your significant other. It may be a time when you frantically help your child fill out dozens of Valentine’s cards. Maybe you’re planning a special dinner out, baking something special or perfecting a killer cocktail. Or […]
Birthday Cake Madeleines
Welcome to the world of madeleines. Everything is light and fluffy. And sweet and simple. And, surprise! There are also rainbow sprinkles at this party. Madeleines are one of my favorite desserts because: They’re French They’re quick and easy with a low ingredient list They’re like tiny delicious cakes I’m not going to lie, when […]
Groceries with Grace Update
Can you believe it? We’re getting toward the end of January! I hope 2019 is treating you well. I feel like I’ve already learned some valuable life lessons and cooked some great things so far this year/month. AND…Groceries with Grace is back! My little grocery unbagging video series is back in full swing, so I […]