I grew up eating tons of peel-and-eat shrimp with a punchy cocktail sauce, and coconut shrimp, fried shrimp-- shrimp in any type of meal that you can imagine. I guess you can say that I am an experienced shrimp eater. When I was brainstorming ideas for shrimp recipes I stumbled across Ina Garten’s shrimp salad. The idea of shrimp salad was foreign to me. Somehow during my shrimp eating experience I missed out on the shrimp salad train. I knew that I must make shrimp salad to fill in my shrimp … [Read more...]
Broccoli and Cheddar-Bacon-Quinoa Bites
This past weekend Paul and I went on a weekend getaway to celebrate our first wedding anniversary. We had a wonderful time exploring a new city. For me, breakfast is a huge topic. I absolutely believe that breakfast is the most important meal of the day. It is how you start your day off, and it is up to you to kick-start your day in a healthy way. This, in my opinion, makes a total difference in how well my day turns out. Our hotel offered a complimentary breakfast, which is great to take … [Read more...]
Bacon-Wrapped Dates
This weekend is our one year wedding anniversary! Paul and I seriously don’t know where this first year has gone! It feels like we got married just yesterday; I suppose that’s a good thing. Paul and I got married at a gorgeous little winery in Iowa set among rolling hills. The ceremony and reception were both outside on a sunny 75 degree day. It really was perfect! To celebrate our anniversary I wanted to make one of our favorite foods we served at our wedding: bacon-wrapped dates. They … [Read more...]
Salmon with 4-Herb Pesto
Ever since I planted my herbs three weeks ago, I have been itching to make something with them. A 4- herb pesto spooned over salmon was the ticket. Salmon is one of my all-time favorite foods because it is delicious, healthy, and a quick meal to make. 10 or 15 minutes and you’re done. Pesto is also a super-fast condiment to whip up; just a whirl in the food processor while the salmon cooks and that’s it! Combine both flavorful, healthy foods and you have a very tasty meal! The salmon is … [Read more...]
Marbled Tea Eggs
Marbled tea eggs (aka China tea eggs) are something I discovered several months ago and I’ve been obsessed with them ever since. What are marbled tea eggs? They are hard boiled eggs that have been steeped or simmered in black tea, soy sauce, sugar, and spices such as cinnamon, star anise, fennel, cloves, and peppercorns. The result is a beautiful marbled-looking egg that tastes salty, sweet, and spiced all at once. Marbled tea eggs are a favorite food in Asian countries. In China they are … [Read more...]
Rhubarb Chutney
About a week ago my mother-in-law gave me a bag full of fresh-picked rhubarb from her garden. My mind immediately began racing with recipe ideas. I absolutely love rhubarb, but I rarely get my hands on it, so I was excited to work with it. First, my mind went to rhubarb desserts. My head was filled with visions of rhubarb pies, tarts, crisps, cookies, muffins. The possibilities are endless but I couldn’t decide. A light bulb went off in my head. What about something more on … [Read more...]
Greek-Inspired Crustless Quiche for Mother’s Day
Mother’s Day is just two short days away. Did you almost forget? Don’t panic, I've got you covered with this simple, yet scrumptious Greek-Inspired Crustless Quiche for breakfast or as part of your brunch menu. I am obsessed with this crustless quiche, and I know your mom will be too! The almond milk keeps it moist and light, the leeks have just the right amount of sweet onion flavor, the spinach is hearty, the thyme is lemony, the feta cheese is salty, and the Kalamata olives are … [Read more...]
Lemony Eggplant Soup
Like most kids, I hated eggplant. It was slimy, bad-tasting, and gross! As an adult, I can’t get enough of it. I love its creamy texture and sweet taste. Make eggplant into soup and my taste buds dance with joy! Trust me, this lemony eggplant soup is wonderfully luxurious. The texture is thick and silky. The taste is sweet, smoky, and lemony all rolled into one. This soup is surprisingly filling. You can serve it as an appetizer before a meal or as the main event. If you’re not a fan of … [Read more...]
Green Chili-Pork Soup
Are you ready for your Cinco de Mayo festivities? If you aren’t, I have the perfect recipe to help you celebrate. Green chili and pork soup is a Mexican-inspired, hearty one-pot meal. The broth is this luscious tomatillo base with a hint of cinnamon and orange, balanced with the caramel flavors from a dark Mexican beer. Don’t worry, the 6 poblano chilies won’t start a fire, they are very mild, especially when the seeds are removed. The orange bell pepper and frozen corn add a bright sweetness … [Read more...]
Indian-Spiced Lamb
If you love lamb as much as I do, you will love these Indian-spiced lamb chops. If you’re not a lamb fan, you must try this recipe! It will convert you into an instant lamb lover. What is the ultimate match for lamb? Indian spices! Let’s talk about these Indian spices, shall we? We’ve got your favorite curry powder which is generally made up of cumin, turmeric, fennel, mustard flour, coriander seed, allspice, ginger, and cayenne pepper. Combined, these spices are robust and tangy. If you … [Read more...]
