Dishes
While I grew up in a community that had excellent Mexican food I had not tried many dishes from other Latin American countries. Well that changed when I started dating a Venezuelan. We didn't have any Venezuelan restaurants where we were living so he took me out for Cuban food. The next closest thing, and I loved it! Not too long after, his mom was visiting. She took me under her wing and taught this Kansas girl how to make the main element in the Venezuelan national dish.
If you are looking for the perfect fall dessert that will wow your guests, check out these Pumpkin Truffles. They take three ingredients: pumpkin butter, cream cheese and vanilla wafers, then top with melted white chocolate and a pretzel stick for a stem. They taste like pumpkin and they'll have a cute pumpkin look to them
Fall is in the air and I love that football games bring together my friends and family. These kettle corn popcorn balls are easy-to-make and have a hint of fall flavors, including pumpkin spice! In addition, you can shape your popcorn balls into footballs to bring something extra to your next tailgate.
Summer is a time of barbecues, picnics and meet ups with friends. I like to have a few go-to recipes ready to make in a hurry. This bruschetta dish is beautiful and is made with using in-season flavor-packed tomatoes. Do you have to use heirloom tomatoes? No, but it they are delicious if you can get them!
I wanted to experiment with two different vegetables, jicama and kohlrabi. I had heard great things about their texture and flavor, so I thought I'd make a summer slaw. This slaw has a twist, because I'm not the biggest fan of cabbage or mayonnaise, so I mixed it up and the carrots still give you some color! Jicama is used often in Mexican cooking, so I thought it would be fun to put a Latin twist on this dish.
One difference in shopping at a farmers market or a CSA, is most likely the greens, veggies or fruits, will be what I call, straight off the farm. So, not every asparagus will look the same, or be the same size, everything will need a good washing and the beets may still have dirt on them. However, I know that means they are fresh. This all being considered, I've come up with five tips on ensuring you are maximizing your produce bounty and not being wasteful.
I have always loved bread pudding as it was a quick go-to dessert recipe in our house growing up. I believe it comes from my English and Welch roots. I've learned now as the grocery shopper for the house, it's always a great way to use up bread and milk before they go bad. That being said, I have to admit that this recipe was set off by a craving when I was shopping and spotted the hawaiian rolls. They are just so good
I will admit it; I have not always been a big fan, or even a fan at all, of Brussel sprouts. However an old roommate of mine opened my mind to roasting them. Oven roasting helps them absorb great flavors, but then crisping up for a perfect side.
My guacamole is one of my favorite dishes for an easy side dish or a great party dish. After college I moved to the west suburbs of Chicago, Naperville, and this guacamole was always a must-have at our get togethers. I hope you enjoy this guacamole and it becomes on of your go-to dishes.
Last week, we had two friends over for dinner. They asked what we were having so they and without thinking I said Tequila lime chicken. So, I went ahead and made up a recipe, and the great news is it was a hit! It's a great dish from the grill, so perfect for keeping the house cool in the summer heat.
So growing up we were raised on beef. Rightly so as my we have always been involved in some segment of the beef industry. However, every once in awhile, I stray from the ways of my father, and squeeze some chicken into my diet. These chicken strips are super easy to make and flavorful. They also hold up pretty well as leftovers.
Mac and cheese is a comfort food, no matter where you are from. I had only ventured out and made homemade mac & cheese two other times before I put my lover for all things cheese to the test. This recipe combines four of my favorite cheeses that all provide great flavor themselves: smoked Gouda, Parmesan, Gruyere and sharp cheddar. Plus, I started with bacon, because I contend, everything is better with bacon!
The quick pita personal pizzas are one that works if you are looking for a dish for just one, or to feed your family. These pizzas are completely customizable based on your favorite toppings. This could also be a great opportunity to get your kids into the kitchen, maybe even an easy option for a sleepover so everyone can pick their own toppings.
So I've been on a quinoa kick lately and my obsession has been made even easier with my new electric pressure cooker. You can cook 1 1/2 cups of quinoa in 7 minutes!