Winter

Stove-Top Island Spice Popcorn with Coconut Oil and Turmeric

March 21, 2017

Popcorn. It’s a movie theater staple and it is practically mandatory snacking for movie nights at home. Heck, it’s even dinner sometimes. While I’m not knocking butter and salt, I like to dress mine up a bit more. I open the spice cabinet and put together concoctions that would make Harry Potter’s head spin. Popcorn doesn’t have to be Plain Jane, it can be “Revved Up Rita” and this popcorn definitely turns it up a notch.

We are old school in this house. Popcorn is made on the stove. We get out the big pot, pour the kernels in with a little oil and “shake, shake, shake” while we peer through the glass lid waiting for the magic to happen. Freshly popped corn tastes so much better than the microwave kind. It’s really not a hassle and it takes about 5 minutes longer than the bag. You can use this seasoning on any popcorn, whatever your preferred popping method.

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Loquat Cardamom Jam

March 14, 2017

Loquat jam is sweet and tart, slightly floral and absolutely delicious. Loquats are more commonly referred to as “Japanese plum” and they are high in pectin, which makes them ideal for jams.

Three months after I moved to Florida, I went to visit my aunt and uncle who live here part of the year. My Aunt Ramona made loquat jam and asked if I would like to try it. Of course I replied with a resounding “YES”, as I am never one to refuse food.

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Instant Pot Shiner Bohemian Black Lager Beer Beef Chili

March 7, 2017

Chili. It’s a crowd pleaser for a reason and it just got even better. With the addition of dark beer and an Instant Pot, it’s magical. Chili that tastes like it lazily simmered away half of the afternoon in 30 minutes.

My original intention with this chili was bison instead of ground beef, however I didn’t embrace the idea of a $12 serving of chili. When did that happen? I’m used to paying a little more for food, but the price of bison has gone up quite a bit since the last time I purchased it. Once I regained my composure and the mothers of young children took their hands away from the delicate little ears, I set off toward the ground beef.

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Roasted Chicken and Vegetable Sheet Pan Supper

February 28, 2017

Sheet Pan Supper – Chicken and vegetables roasted all together on one pan for a super easy dinner with minimal cleanup. Meals like this are a lifesaver during hectic evenings when you need to get dinner on the table without a lot of effort.

Also known as “clean out the fridge dinners” around here. You know how it goes, you’re running around trying to get everything done, making sure you have clean clothes, the dog is staring at you like “Um, hello… Could I get some food down here too?”. You open the fridge to find some carrots, peppers and maybe a few other veggies. Onions, potatoes and tomatoes are always on hand, so you are halfway home. If you don’t eat meat, or if it’s a “meatless Monday”, you’re done. Otherwise, a couple of chicken breasts thrown on with the veggies and some seasoning makes this a slam dunk in record time. The most time consuming part of this is chopping the vegetables. If I know that I’m facing a busy week, I chop veggies ahead of time and store them in the fridge.

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Winter Market Buddha Bowls with Potato, Quinoa and Beets

February 8, 2017

This post is sponsored by Idaho®Potatoes. All opinions are my own.

Potatoes. Everyone loves them and they are available year round. However, I’m sure you get stuck in the same potato rut like I do. You need new ideas! Well, this one is our new “Go-To”. It has tons of veggies, it’s healthy, it’s gluten-free and if you leave the egg off, it’s vegan.
We all have a piece of that or a hunk of this in the fridge just waiting to get used up in something , right? Here is the perfect way to use up a few of those ingredients that are hanging out patiently awaiting their destiny.

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One Pot Chicken Pasta with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce

February 5, 2017

One pot meals are a lifesaver. Whether it is a special occasion or a busy weeknight, getting dinner on the table quickly, with a minimum of dirty dishes is always a win in my book. This one pot chicken and spinach pasta with creamy sun-dried tomato sauce is a crowd pleaser every single time.

I’m going to come right out and say it: I’m not a big Valentine’s Day person. There. Judge me if you must. I do however, enjoy making a nice meal for the one I love. We always stay in for Valentine’s Day and I’ve done the big, fancy dinners that take hours to prepare and minutes to devour. While that’s lovely and all, I spend half the night in the kitchen. This one pot meal is super delicious and did I mention… ONE PAN to wash? Furthermore, I have better things to do on Valentine’s Day, like eat the entire box of candy.

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Curried Cauliflower with Golden Raisins

January 24, 2017

Curried cauliflower with golden raisins and ginger is a great side for chicken or steak, but it can stand on its own as a meatless meal.

We are eating more vegetables these days. Also, we are eating healthier. At least, we are trying to eat healthier (when I’m not eating cookies). I love vegetables, I honestly prefer them over meat most of the time. However, they can be boring if you never jazz them up. Otherwise, we’d eat them without complaint. A little spice can go a long way. For example – curry powder.

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Winter Vegetable Soup

January 16, 2017

This post is sponsored by Idaho® Potatoes. As always, all opinions are my own.

It’s winter. That means comfort food. But, we’re also trying to eat a little healthier too, right? We’re making an effort to eat more vegetables because we want to get more bang for our buck in the nutrition department. I’ve got you covered. This soup is nearly fat free, it’s low in calories and contains a ton of vitamins, minerals and fiber. While you are cozied up in the house, it’s the perfect time to put on a pot of this hearty winter vegetable soup.

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Crash & Burn Potatoes

January 10, 2017

This post is sponsored by Idaho® Potatoes. All opinions are my own.

If you are looking for a new way to serve potatoes, this is it! I made these a few days ago with the intention of saving them for dinner that night. I have news for you, they didn’t survive the afternoon. We ate a few and then we ate more. We even ate them cold because they were delicious. Normally, the phrase “crash & burn” has a negative connotation to it, but not in this case. These little spuds are smashed (flattened) and roasted until super crispy then bathed in a spicy cinnamon malt vinegar sauce. Hence, the name Crash & Burn Potatoes.

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Restaurant-Style Bloody Mary

December 27, 2016

The Bloody Mary. It is THE quintessential brunch beverage, yet I only have them at a restaurant. Brunch and Bloody Mary’s go hand in hand. We are going to make a restaurant-style bloody mary at home. I made a killer batch of bloody mary’s last weekend and they were hands-down one of the best I’ve ever had.

First things first, we are making it from scratch. The difference is remarkable when you don’t use a store-bought mix. The drink tastes MUCH fresher and brighter, which if I’m being perfectly honest, can be dangerous. I’m usually a two drink max kind of girl and I had two drinks in no time flat. Consider yourself warned, because they go down Very Easily.

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