But why would you want coconut in your White Russian? Why, oh WHY would you ever mess with anything as simple and perfect as a White Russian? The answers: 1) Because it's delicious 2) Because that's what I do here. I play with recipes, I add my own twist to a classic recipe, and I create my own recipes. It's fun; you should try it! Really, my true reason for trying out a Coconut White Russian is because I really hate dairy milk. It grosses me out, it always has. Growing up in … [Read more...]
Thai Sweet Potato Soup with Shrimp
Lately I have been into making some ethnic dishes. First, Butter Chicken, and now this Thai Sweet Potato Soup with Shrimp. In addition to these two exotic dishes, I have been into whipping up some curried soups and stir fries in my everyday cooking. Maybe it's that I am trying to summon the warm tropical weathers to our part of the cold world. Whatever the reason, Paul's not complaining, and neither am I. You guys, spring isn't too far off; I see the light at the end of the … [Read more...]
Sriracha Honey Roasted Cashews
Happy Monday, Friends! I have a little something for you to help kick-start your Monday: Sriracha Honey Roasted Cashews. I hope you're as excited as I am! The idea for Sriracha Honey Roasted Cashews came from an advertisement for one of those order-a-box-of-fresh-healthy-food-and-it-comes-straight-to-your-door companies. Their example of a snack item was sriracha roasted cashews. I heard that and just had to find out what that would taste like, because I love sriracha on everything - even in … [Read more...]
Seedy Buckwheat Granola Bars
Granola bars have never excited me too much; most of them seem to have almost the same amount of sugar, carbs, and calories as a candy bar. I would prefer to just eat the candy bar and stop pretending that granola bars are healthy. Does anyone else agree with me on this? I felt this way about granola bars until I learned that I can make my own. Now I can’t seem to get enough of them! What I love about making my own granola bars is that I can control the level of sweetness. Most … [Read more...]
Sweet Potato Hash with Mushrooms
As I’m sure you are aware by now, I am a huge fan of a hearty breakfast. Most week days I eat prepared hard boiled eggs, or quickly scramble up some eggs. Weekends are a different story. On weekends I like to slow down and take my time to make breakfast a little extra special. This Sweet Potato Hash with Mushrooms is the perfect way to enjoy something a little more exciting than just plain ol’ eggs. Sweet Potato Hash with Mushrooms is really simple to make. It only requires … [Read more...]
Thin and Crispy Chocolate Cookies (GF)
Most of the time when I think of a perfect cookie, it is soft in the middle and slightly crispy on the outside. Then there are times when I enjoy a thinner, very crispy cookie. What I dig about thin and crispy cookies is that because they are thin they are not as filling. So, you can stuff a few more thin cookies without feeling the guilt and the full belly that you would feel with regular cookies. You pick up what I’m putting down here? Raise your hand if you agree that … [Read more...]
Slow Cooker pulled Chicken
Hey, friends, how are you on this fine Monday? You all know how I feel about turning on my oven in the middle of summer. I avoid it as much as possible. No central air + oven = sauna kitchen! No more sauna kitchen rants. Read about my previous one here! Chicken is one of my main go-to proteins that we will have throughout the week. I often like to roast a whole chicken in the oven, cut off the meat and then use it however needed all week long. Juicy chicken with crispy skin: … [Read more...]
Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette (V + GF)
Friends, I am pleased to introduce to you: Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette! As I may have mentioned a few times before, Paul and I own a small, charming house that was built in 1910! We fell in love with its beautiful original oak woodwork that adorns the archways, base boards, and crown molding. What does our oak woodwork have to do with Mexican Millet Power Bowls with Chipotle Lime Vinaigrette? I’m getting there. As our house is 105 years old, it is not … [Read more...]
Peach Mango Sangria
Guess what, Guess What! My birthday is coming up in 2 short days! It’s not just any birthday, it’s my golden birthday. I know that most everyone thinks that golden birthdays are lame. My motto is to celebrate any opportunity! Life is more fun that way. So, let’s paaarrrtttaaay! Who’s with me? Well, hello, Peach Mango Sangria! Help myself to a few chilled, refreshing glasses? Don’t mind if I do! But wait, there’s something wrong with this picture. Where’s the birthday cake? Or at … [Read more...]
Classic Potato Salad
Potato salad is one of my ultimate summertime comfort foods. My grandma would make this potato salad all of the time. The sauce was a thick, creamy, stick-to-the-potatoes-and-your-spoon kind of dressing with a kiss of salt and pepper and a hint of yellow mustard. Just as potato salad should be. She would bring this potato salad to almost every family gathering, especially during the summer. It was rare that she would take any leftovers home. It was just that good. Like most of … [Read more...]