Thrive Short Order | Caramelized Italian Plums with Mascarpone and Almond {Gluten-Free}

We have some beautiful Italian plums in season at the moment - firm, dark and mysterious. With a slightly tart-sweet flavor, they are absolutely perfect for caramelizing and pair wonderfully with the richness of mascarpone. And cardamom makes an appearance here as well. Used in Ayurvedic medicine for over 5,000 years, modern science is now verifying the healthy usefulness of the spice. More than just a flavorful favorite, cardamom also has many surprising benefits. It's a potent antidepressant, aphrodisiac and relaxant. But these are just a few of the reasons to use the spice. Find out more here.

Thrive Short Order | Swift Chicken and Gorgonzola Salad

If you haven't noticed lately, I'm on a fast and furious theme concerning food. With the weather glorious and a long list of life priorities in hand, I am just not in the mood to be fussing with elaborate recipes. I know this will change once the temperature drops and we spend more time indoors. For now, simplicity is the key. I also realize that quite a few working mothers absolutely demand meals that do not require hours in the kitchen (at least during the week).

Although a breeze to toss together, this summer salad is far from humdrum. The pungency of the gorgonzola offsets the slight sweetness of the honey-lime vinaigrette. And the lightness of the cucumbers is a nice compliment to the chicken. But don't be fooled - this salad packs enough protein and heartiness to qualify as a main course. Garnish with sliced avocado and a few toasted almonds to make it more so. Remember to enjoy the end result in the spirit of the Slow Food movement - always savor your meals with good company. An outdoor picnic is my favorite.