Caramel corn has never really been my thing. Whenever I have the store bought stuff it tastes stale and gross. It’s always too sweet or too salty or the popcorn gets stuck in my teeth. But ladies and gentlemen, all of my anti-caramel corn sentiments have changed. Okay, not all of them. I still think […]
I get a crazy sweet tooth every afternoon. While I would love to eat cookies and sweets every day, I would also like to fit through doorways. I’m trying to cut back on sugar and increase protein and fiber. These bars have tons of “healthy” ingredients: oats, banana, peanut butter, and chia! I hope that […]
We have an amazing bar near my place that makes the most delicious concoctions. Unfortunately, they know how tasty their drinks are, so they aren’t always within my budget. Thus, I have learned how to make a few versions of their drinks at home. The Wonka Fizz is one of my favorite cocktails they make. […]
This year for Christmas I decided to try my hand at some homemade treats for the people on my list. I had a hankering for some apple butter, so I found this recipe, doubled it, and doctored it to my liking. I really upped the spice factor from the original recipe. Also, I left the […]
While my sister and her boyfriend were visiting back around Halloween, we came up with an amazing twist on the classic mimosa. Because of a running joke about us all buying property out in the desert and building a compound together, we have named this drink the Arizona Compound. Enjoy! Ingredients: Prosecco Whipped Cream […]
Avgolemono is a Greek chicken and lemon soup. It is perfect for those times when you have a cold, the flu, or want some fresh comfort food. It’s lemony, chickeny, ricey, and just plain delicious. I’ve tried more authentic recipes for avgolemono soup, but they don’t work for me. Some of them have no vegetables […]
Today I realized how little school I have left. I have only two weeks of classes left. My exam week is weak by most counts. I only have one presentation to do Friday evening, for which all of the materials are due a week before, and then a quick and easy exam Saturday afternoon. After […]
Recipe adapted from: http://swain.ces.ncsu.edu/bakedoatmeal/ Ingredients 2 ½ cups quick cooking oats 11⁄2 tsp baking powder 1 Tbsp ground cinnamon 1 tsp ground nutmeg 1/2 tsp ground ginger 1/4 tsp ground cloves 4 Tbsp dark brown sugar 3 eggs ¾ cup skim milk (or 1/2 cup half & half, plus 1/4 cup water) 1 tsp vanilla […]
Ingredients: olive oil 1 onion 4 cloves garlic 1.5 lbs. stew beef or lamb 1 sweet potato 1 can diced tomatoes 1 can tomato sauce 1 lb. okra, sliced in half vertically 3 Tbsp garam masala / Arab spice blend 1 tsp cinnamon black pepper to taste salt to taste water Saute the onion, garlic, […]
This recipe was given to me by a friend. It’s great to bring to football parties. Ingredients: 2 cans chipotle refried beans 1 block 1/3 fat cream cheese, softened 8 oz. plain non-fat Greek yogurt 8 oz. Mexican blend, cheddar, or monterey jack cheese hot sauce to taste Directions: Mix together the beans, cream cheese, […]
Blueberry Bran Muffins Makes 12 muffins 1/4 cup butter 1/4 cup applesauce 1/4 cup firmly packed dark brown sugar 3 egg whites, beaten lightly 6 oz container Greek yogurt 1/4 cup dark molasses 1 cup fresh blueberries or 1/2 cup raisins or other dried fruit 1/2 cup all purpose flour 1/2 cup whole wheat flour […]
I recently read The Food Lab by J. Kenji Lopez Alt, and I was mesmerized by his bolognese recipe. Since the boyfriend doesn’t care too much for bolognese, but he does like chili, I decided to make a bolognese-inspired pot of chili. The flavors are definitely chili, but the texture and cooking techniques are borrowed […]
A Cooking Light (July 2012) recipe I want to try. 1.5 lbs. fresh bing cherries with stems 1 cup sugar 1/3 cup fresh lime juice 1/4 cup water 1 cup bourbon or rye whiskey 1. Place the cherries in a medium glass bowl or large jar. Combine sugar, juice, and 1/4 cup water in a […]
I love camping. I love taking a few days to unplug, to hang out in nature, and to eat delicious, campfire-cooked foods. This corn on the cob is no exception. It’s one of the simplest recipes I’ve ever made, and it’s fantastic. Ingredients: Fresh corn in its husk (unshucked) Directions: Make your campfire. Set the […]
I made this frosting to go on my dark chocolate espresso cupcakes. The recipe does not make as much frosting as I am used to, but it is still enough to lightly (and by “lightly” I mean “not liberally”) frost a batch of cupcakes. It has a very rich, not too sweet taste to it. […]
There’s nothing like roasted acorn squash to get you ready for the tastes of fall. When I have time, I like to roast acorn squash. But on a Monday night after a long day of work, I don’t have almost an hour to wait on the oven. I cheat sometimes. Microwaving the squash before broiling […]
There many types of chicken tortilla soup types and they can be made as simply or complicated as you’d like. It all starts with the broth base, and there are a few directions you can go: poultry broth, tomato, creamy, and a few other variations I can’t think of right now. I’m a fan of […]
Clam chowder is comfort food at its finest. I’ve made it a few times recently for football tailgates. I’ve tinkered with a few clam chowder recipes and landed on a few techniques that work well for me. Tips Ingredients Remove the skin from the salt pork. Dice it small and rinse in cool water. Add […]
In the fall, I like to get my tastebuds ready for Thanksgiving. When I think of fall and Thanksgiving, I think of cranberries, roasted meat, and all sorts of squash and pumpkin. My go-t0 fall dinner party meal includes butternut squash risotto, roasted pork chops and this cranberry balsamic braised kale. This kale dish has […]
Cream of Mushroom Soup Serves 2 1/4 c. dried morel mushrooms 1/2 tsp beef soup base 1/2 tsp chicken soup base 1 1/2 c boiling water 1 tsp olive oil 1 shallot, finely diced 8 oz. mushrooms, roughly chopped 1 tsp dried thyme 1 tsp bouquet garni spice blend 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes 1/4 […]
Eggplant is one of my favorite vegetables, and baba ghanouj is one of my favorite eggplant dishes. I roast eggplants at least once per week. I started roasting my eggplant tonight and decided midway through that I wanted baba ghanouj. Unfortunately, I didn’t have any lemons. How can you have baba ghanouj without the tang […]
I love this recipe, and I always have to hunt to find it. Thus, I’ve copied and pasted it here. I can’t take any credit for how tasty and easy to make it is. The original recipe can be found here: http://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-for-all-159168 Curried Coconut Carrot Soup serves 6 to 8 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1 […]
Comfort food at its finest. I can eat this stuff for daaaaaaaaaays. Ingredients: 1.5 lbs lean ground beef 1 onion, chopped 4 cloves of garlic, crushed 1 poblano or pasilla pepper, chopped 1 yellow squash, chopped into half moons 1 zucchini, chopped into half moons 1 8oz carton of mushrooms, sliced 1-2 Tbsp chipotles in […]
Last year, I joined the bandwagon and did a round of Whole30 during the month of January while I was simultaneously training for a Spartan Race. It was hell. I was hungry, craved carbs and cheese like there was no tomorrow, every muscle in my body was sore, and I kept finding bruises from jumping […]
I made up this recipe before a big ice storm that we had in February 2010. Where I live has a knack for having the power knock out during any type of natural disaster. Over the years, we’ve learned to make a giant batch of food to munch on for 4-6 days if we think […]
Green Chile Chicken Enchiladas Ingredients: 1 lb. cooked chicken, shredded 1 onion 1 poblano pepper 1 zucchini 4 oz mushrooms 1 tsp canola oil 2 Tbsp butter 1 1/2 Tbsp flour 1/2 tsp cumin 1/2 c vegetable stock 1/2 c sour cream corn tortillas 1 c Mexican blend cheese 1 packet Frontera green chile enchilada […]
This dip started as a reciped based off of the Doña Sauce from Taco Deli in Austin, TX. But then, after I made it a time or two, it took on a life of its own. This salsa does not seem too spicy at first, but then it really sticks with you. (Translation: it’s really, […]
Mom came home yesterday with 5 pattypan squash and a few other goodies from a local produce stand. The lady at the stand mentioned to her that she could core the squash, make a squash casserole filling, and bake it. So for dinner tonight, I’m making a twist on the vague instructions from our produce […]
So here it is. My last exam period of my undergraduate college career. I finished classes last Wednesday and now I am trying to maintain my ability to do work. My final class of college was Arabic, which just happens to be one of my favorite classes. I’m glad that I got to finish with […]
Fajitas were a staple in our house when I was a kid. My mom marinated the meat the night before, and we cooked up a big pan of fajita meat and veggies for dinner. More often than not, I would eat the fajita meat and veggies mixed together in a bowl, smothered in melted cheese, […]
This recipe can be adapted in a number of ways. It’s super-easy to make into a vegan side dish for your veggie-loving friends. You can use regular worcestershire sauce, vegan worcestershire sauce, a combination of balsamic vinegar and soy sauce, or any other tart, salty drizzle to go with the mustard in the sauce. While […]
I cannot take any credit for these recipes. I am posting them here so that I don’t have to comb the internet every time I want to make them. This stuff is life-changing. Beatty’s Chocolate Cake Ina Garten’s Recipe Ingredients Butter, for greasing the pans 1 3/4 cups AP flour, plus more for pans […]
In my family, we have always had the tradition of eating black eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck. This year, I decided to up the game and make a full meal for good luck. I made Hoppin’ John, collard greens, and rice. I used the Trader Joe’s brown rice medley that I […]
Oatmeal Frozen Fruit Muffins (adapted from Buttermilk Oatmeal Muffins) Makes 12 muffins Ingredients 1 cup oats 1 cup buttermilk 1 egg 1/4 cup butter, melted 1/2 cup brown sugar 1 cup mixed frozen fruit (mango, strawberry, pineapple) 1 cup AP flour 1 tsp baking powder 1/2 tsp baking soda 1/2 tsp salt Directions Mix oats […]
I have baked 3 cakes in the past week, and all for good reason of course! First, I baked an angel food cake with strawberry compote. Then, I baked some funfetti cupcakes with homemade orange dreamsicle frosting. And finally, I made dirt cake! Orange Dreamsicle Frosting: (Servings: 24 cupcakes) 2 1/2 cups powdered sugar 3/4 […]
I made this frosting for a fresh banana cake a few months ago, and it was AMAZING. I didn’t alter the recipe. I really have no reason for posting this recipe, aside from the fact that I don’t want to lose it. Caramel Icing: (recipe from Penzey’s Spice Catalog, Spring 2011) 1 Cup butter 1 […]
Sometimes I cheat and use boxed baking mixes. Sue me. This recipe is quick, easy, and delicious. I found it online a while ago and then had to hunt around online for it today. Thus, it is reposted here. Pumpkin Chili Cornbread (Original Recipe) Makes 24 mini-muffins Ingredients 1 8.5 box jiffy corn muffin mix […]
We like Indian food, but don’t always want to go out to a restaurant. In the past, I’ve made chicken tikka masala from scratch with the yogurt marinade, tomato cream sauce, homemade naan, and rice that I try desperately to cook correctly. It was delicious, but very time consuming. So tonight, after I spent all […]
The boyfriend and I are flirting with the ketogenic diet. It’s super low carb, moderate protein, and high fat. He has a two week headstart on me. It’s worked really well for him so far. I started eating keto yesterday. So far, I had a hiccup when I left my cheese stick snacks at home […]
I love roasted beets. I also love quick meals. Sometimes after a long day of work, I don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen cooking. Instead, I’ve learned a little cheat for veggies that I would usually roast. I microwave them and then either finish them with a broiler, kitchen torch, or sautéed […]
1 cup quinoa 2 cups water or vegetable broth or chicken broth 1 package mushroom 1/2 red onion 1 yellow bell pepper 1 tomato 1 bag spinach and arugula black pepper juice of 1 lemon splash of balsamic vinegar Make the quinoa with the water/broth. Saute the mushrooms, onion, and bell pepper. Mix everything in […]
Red Cabbage, Carrot & Cilantro Slaw Serves at least 10 Ingredients: 1/2 head red cabbage, shredded 4 carrots, shredded 1/2 bunch cilantro with stems, roughly chopped 1/3 cup rice vinegar 2 tsp toasted sesame oil 1 Tbsp honey 1 tsp sriracha 1/4 tsp salt 1/4 tsp black pepper Directions: Shred cabbage and carrots. Chop cilantro. […]
This recipe is adapted from the Pioneer Woman’s restaurant style salsa recipe. I updated it based on things I typically have in my pantry and removed the sugar to make it Whole30 compliant. One of the best tips I’ve ever received about making salsas and other sauces is to taste-test it with a chip or whatever […]
My dad is growing some peppers this summer and asked me to do something with them. Since we also have an abundance of tomatoes (thanks to our neighbor’s garden), I settled on a salsa. The original plan was to keep it pretty standard: roasted peppers, tomatoes, garlic, and onion. When I tasted the first batch […]
My sister makes the best shallot vinaigrette. When I asked for the recipe, she said “It’s less of a recipe and more of a technique.” Thus, I give you the technique. Ingredients 1 clove garlic, crushed 1 shallot, shaved (sliced very thinly) 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar 1-2 Tbsp maple syrup […]
This soup is delicious, filling, healthy, and vegan. The best part is that it requires very little work for you, and yields delicious results. Vegan Black Bean Soup 1 white onion, diced 5 cloves garlic, minced 2 Tbsp cumin 1 Tbsp oregano 1 Tbsp chili powder 1 bay leaf 1 tsp black pepper 1 Tbsp […]
I came up with a recipe to combine two of my favorite things: beef jerky and El Yucateco Black Label Reserve chile habanero hot sauce. While the ingredients look like this will pack a big, spicy punch, I promise that it’s only medium spicy. Lots of folks have opined on techniques for making beef jerky. […]
So tonight I had a craving for some of the same lentil soup that we ate at St. Andrews last summer. For some reason, this soup is so absolutely delicious even though it’s ridiculously cheap and easy. I liked it so much that I got the recipe for it while I was in Cairo. So […]
I love spinach artichoke dip, but I cannot justify eating it outside of special occasions. In honor of the Oscars tonight, which are barely a special occasion, I made a barely unhealthy dip. The beans in this dip replace the mayo that most other recipes contain. Great northern beans make the dip creamy and give […]
As you may have noticed, I love spinach artichoke dip. I am always finding ways to adapt it to use the ingredients I have on hand. The tofu gives this dip a light and creamy texture. One important thing to note is that the tofu has a very bland flavor and needs help. So, the […]
Every year for Easter, one of our neighbors always makes this tasty broccoli salad. Since I couldn’t be home for Easter this year, she was kind enough to share the recipe. I hope you like it as much as I do! Stephanie’s Broccoli Salad 3/4 cup mayonnaise 1/4 cup sugar 2 Tbsp apple cider or […]
Here’s the stuffed eggplant I made last night. It was in the realm of comfort food, not too flavorful. Its taste was very reminiscent of stuffing. Next time I’m going to have to do something to give it a punch. 1 eggplant 1/2 red onion, finely chopped 1 stalk celery, finely chopped 1 clove garlic, […]
Szechuan peppercorns are renowned for making your mouth tingle. They make for a really fun beef jerky. Check out Fresh Off the Grid for tips and tricks about making good beef jerky: https://www.freshoffthegrid.com/simple-beef-jerky-recipe/ Ingredients 2 Tbsp Szechuan peppercorns, lightly crushed 2 Tbsp red pepper flakes 1 Tbsp garlic powder 1 tsp ground coriander 1 tsp […]
I love Thai peanut sauce. It’s good on almost everything. The thing I’ve realized over the years is that you can make a good peanut sauce out of almost anything. Thus, I’ve listed all of the variations I use in this recipe. The amounts are rough approximations. How you make this sauce all depends on […]
I’m a fan of easy recipes. I especially love recipes that are just as tasty dressed up to take to a potluck as they are dressed down in my lunchbox for work. This tomato salad recipe fits the criteria. I like to use a small heirloom tomato blend for the salad. I like the color of […]
In an effort to lessen my trips to Starbucks and save a few of my bucks, I’ve started making my own iced caramel macchiatos. I grind and cold-brew coffee. I use skim milk. I make caramel sauce. I cheat. I mix vanilla into the caramel sauce because I’m lazy, and it’s delicious. Vanilla Caramel Sauce […]
I love watermelon and basil. This recipe is fresh, delicious, and highlights the best of those ingredients. The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of vodka, not because we love boozing, but instead to prevent the sorbet from freezing solid. Although, mixing this sorbet into a cocktail isn’t a half-bad idea. Watermelon Basil Mint Sorbet Ingredients: […]
I’ve been gardening throughout the pandemic as a way to stay busy at home and reduce my need to go grocery shopping. There have been lots of trials and errors, and now I’m hitting my stride where things are growing really well. Who knew that eggplants and peppers can be perennials here in the Phoenix […]
So, this is my play on a whiskey sour. Be forewarned that it is a little more intense than the standard bar recipe, which is what I think makes it so tasty. The egg white makes the drink almost creamy and ethereal. Take whatever precautions you choose to (or not to) prevent contamination. I like […]
By this point in my second round of Whole30, I feel surprisingly good. I had a bit of a FOMO moment on Saturday at a baby shower. I planned ahead. I ate beforehand and had emergency snacks in my purse. Things were going well until the cupcakes appeared. These stinkin’ adorable cupcakes from a local […]