Workout then Cook!

I'm Impressed With McD!

2012-02-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

On a recent drive, my hubby really wanted McD's so we stopped at a Drive-Through. I wasn't really hungry (I eat breakfast, he doesn't) but thought I should get a Side Salad since my veggie intake had been low. Wow, I was impressed at what $1 got me! I mean, the thing was small but it was packed with romaine, spinach, shaved carrots AND grape tomatoes! Not bad McD! (Hubby truly enjoyed his Quarter Pounder with Cheese as well!)

Hubby Doesn't Like Gravy?

2012-01-31T20:52:00.000-08:00

I mean, who doesn't like gravy? Well, apparently my hubby doesn't and he doesn't like anything that even kinda resembles gravy, like tonight's Beef and Mushroom Dijon. Honestly, I thought it was mighty tasty and a real comforting meal, but hey, that's just me! I guess everyone has their likes and dislikes so I guess gravy-ish meals will be only when I'm home alone from now on. Oh well, he did eat it though, especially the Cheesy Polenta underneath!

A Trip to Costco Isn't Complete without Rotisserie Chicken!

2012-01-30T20:52:00.003-08:00

We had to make a random trip to Costco tonight and I can never leave without their Rotisserie Chicken! For $4.99, you just can't beat it and trust me, I'm not the only one that loves them. Do a Google search for Costco Rotisserie Chicken and there are literally TONS of websites with die-hard fans! It also seriously jump-starts a weeknight meal and tonight, I made the easiest Chicken Mole ever. The combination of chipotle, cocoa and peanut butter gave the dish such an authentic taste and only I know I cheated!I served the meat over my new favorite, Fiesta Spanish Rice and it was a weeknight Mexican feast!

Sundays were Meant for Meatballs!

2012-01-29T20:52:00.000-08:00

But not just ANY meatballs, Tandoori Meatballs! These were amazing and super moist thanks to the Greek Yogurt! I served them over egg noodles and it was the perfect Sunday dinner!

Another Yummy Brunch with My Mommy!

2012-01-29T18:11:00.001-08:00

We had another very yummy brunch with my mommy at Perry's today! It's just a few blocks from our place so a very easy destination. They're known for their brunch menu and everything sounded so good! My mommy and I ended up sharing the Crab Cake Benedict, which were huge and totally to die for! It came with a side of pan-fried veggies and potatoes along with a cute little fruit cup. My hubby got the Eggs Blackstone, which he enjoyed but said it was lacking in the meat department. (Duh!) I love how they serve these cute breadsticks at the table in a glass! We devoured everything along with a couple of Bloody Marys and Mimosas. I can't think of a better way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Hazelnut and Chocolate, the PERFECT Combo!

2012-01-28T18:09:00.000-08:00

I came across this recipe for Hazelnut Espresso Cookies and decided to give them a try. I'm a BIG fan of Hazelnut but love it even more with chocolate so I decided to substitute Cocoa Powder for the coffee. They turned out AMAZING! Super nutty and chocolatey! Of course, I had to show them off in some cute Cricut containers! :)

First Time with Short Ribs!

2012-01-27T20:06:00.000-08:00

I think short ribs is one of those meat items that have always intimidated me. I'm not sure why but I always thought they would require lots of attention and time. I finally picked some up from the store this morning and decided to give them a try. I did some research and decided to make Danny Boome's Short Rib Bourguignonne, which is basically a fancy way of saying short ribs braised in red wine. I didn't have any celery or carrots and substituted pearl onions for the white onions and shallots. I also cooked the whole dish on the stovetop at a slow simmer for about an hour and the meat was just fall-off-the-bone tender! I'll definitely be making more short ribs from now on!

I Reorganized My Cabinets and Guess What I Found?

2012-01-26T21:36:00.000-08:00

I was home alone so I decided to reorganize my kitchen cabinets. Man, did I find some goodies back there and one of them was a can of Hormel Chili. I remember how much I loved that stuff as a kid so I must've picked it up somehow and totally forgot about it. Thank goodness canned goods last almost a lifetime! Anyway, I decided to use it to make Mexican Chili Stuffed Shells and they came out amazing! Look how cute they are ready to go into the oven...

...and ready to be devoured!

Getting My Chew On!

2012-01-25T20:50:00.000-08:00

I'm one of those lucky people that actually get to watch some daytime TV thanks to my lunchtime gym workouts. There used to be nothing but soap operas or the news to watch (YAWN!), so I was SO excited when ABC premiered The Chew at its noontime slot! (Sorry All My Children fans!) It's not only a cooking show but also gives informative entertaining and health tips as well. The hosts are all fun to watch and the guests are usually awesome too! The other day, Andrew Zimmern, Mr Bizarre Foods, came on the show and made Sweet and Sour Bangkok Pork with Red Chiles. Now, you know with a name like that, I HAD to try it. I made a couple of adjustments like omitting the carrots and peas (hubby's not a fan) and using dried Thai chiles instead of California. All in all, the dish was very tasty and definitely has a kick to it!

Incredibly Moist Muffins That Taste Like Carrot Cake!

2012-01-24T19:34:00.000-08:00

I had some carrots and apples that were about to expire so I decided to find a recipe to bake with them. I came across these breakfast muffins and couldn't wait to try them! The only thing I changed was using Pumpkin Pie Spice (which I ALWAYS have on hand even when it's not the holidays) instead of the cinnamon and cardamom. Pumpkin Pie Spice is basically a mixture of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and allspice so I figured it was the perfect addition to these muffins. They came out super moist and tasted just like carrot cake! Perfect little breakfast treats!

Celebrating Chinese New Year with My Mommy!

2012-01-22T17:50:00.001-08:00

My mommy and I celebrated Chinese New Year at Bistro Boudin and had the most yummy meal! As always, we like to share everything and started with their famous Clam Chowder in Sourdough Bread Bowl. It was AMAZING and the bread was so fresh since they bake them right there in their bakery downstairs. As soon as you walk in, you can smell all the goodies coming out of the oven and you immediately crave some fresh bread! We ate every single spoonful of that yummy clam goodness and devoured the chowder-soaked bread bowl! (No, we didn't mind looking like pigs!) Then we went on to the Wild Caught Halibut with a Crispy Polenta Ball (which looked like a scallop) and Sauteed Spinach that tasted so buttery and delicious! My mom insisted on ordering fish cuz the Chinese word for fish, yu, sounds like the word for riches or abundance. She said that it's believed that eating fish will help your wishes come true in the year to come. Hey, I'll take any luck I can get! It might not seem like a lotta food for 2 people but trust me, with all the bread they give you on the side, we were sufficiently stuffed! (I think being stuffed is also good luck for Chinese New Year but I could just be making that up!)

Celebrating Chinese New Year with Cookies!

2012-01-22T17:49:00.001-08:00

I remember as a kid, I LOVED the Almond Cookies you get in those see-through plastic containers from Chinese markets. They were just so buttery and full of almond flavor and I could seriously eat the entire thing in one sitting. (Hum, wonder why I was a chubby kid!) I recreated those yummy memories today with these Almond Cookies and they were just as good as I remember them! Maybe not the most traditional recipe but oh SO good and SO perfect for Chinese New Year! Of course, I had to make some cute containers to put them in with my Cricut!

My Bro-in-law Came to Visit

2012-01-21T21:54:00.000-08:00

My bro-in-law, Ryan, came to visit us so of course, we had to take him to our favorite Mexican place, Tres! We shared some very yummy (and very spicy!) tacos!

Go 49ers Mini Cupcakes!

2012-01-20T23:11:00.003-08:00

Everyone at the office is getting excited about the Playoff Games on Sunday and I got a request to make some 49er-themed treats this Friday. Of course, I was happy to oblige! I decided on some Red Velvet Cupcakes but made them miniature. Instead of frosting, I used Frosting Gel and wrote "SF" on them. Unfortunately some of them didn't turn out as well as I hoped but you get the idea right? They were VERY tasty too!

Why is Everyone So Cynical?

2012-01-19T10:43:00.000-08:00

If you do an online search for "Paula Deen Diabetes", you'll get more results insulting her than factual information on her condition. That, to me is very sad cuz I absolutely love the Queen of Southern Cooking and I can't understand how people can be so cynical! Yes, she puts butter in everything but have you SEEN how most chefs cook? Why do you think the food you get at a restaurant always tastes better than the stuff you make at home? Fat is flavor and no, it won't kill you unless you're eating like that at every meal! I was shocked to read that people actually said that Paula "deserved" to get Diabetes? Um, excuse me? No one "deserves" to get any type of disease! Paula has always preached "in moderation" and now she's a spokesperson for living with diabetes while still enjoying your life. I would say that makes her a pretty decent person! As for all of Anthony Bourdain's "comments", well, let's just say that chain-smoking and drinking your way around an entire city doesn't exactly make you a role model either. I mean, I think his shows are interesting and all but he really has no right to slam anyone else for unhealthy behavior! I guess I just wish that everyone would give Paula a break and realize that she's trying to make healthy changes. On her new website, she talks about exercising more and cutting back on sugar. She's also coming out with lighter versions of her recipes along with her son's new show Not My Mamas Meals. You go Paula! I'll never stop loving your cooking!

Pork Fried Rice to Welcome Chinese New Year!

2012-01-18T20:11:00.000-08:00

Chinese New Year is right around the corner so I thought I'd make some Pork Fried Rice to welcome it. Ok, so it's not traditional being a Martha Stewart recipe but she hasn't failed me yet! I also added some pineapples cuz we LOVE Pineapple Fried Rice at our house and the dish was amazing! Super easy and super fast. A PERFECT weeknight meal!

My Hubby Added Ketchup Too Soon!

2012-01-17T20:31:00.000-08:00

If you know my hubby, you know his love for KETCHUP (only Heinz!) and his need to add it to EVERYTHING and yes, I mean EVERYTHING! He especially likes it on cheesy pasta dishes but usually waits for me to take my picture before he does. Unfortunately, tonight he added it too soon so here's a beautifull bowl of Rachael Ray's Lasagna Casserole with a dollop of kechup. At least it added color! :)

Lamb Chops with a Chipotle Kick!

2012-01-16T08:44:00.000-08:00

I ripped this recipe for Chipotle Lamb Chops from my Food Network Magazine a while back and finally made them tonight. All I can say is "YUM"! I didn't have Chipotle in Adobo so I substituted Ground Chipotle instead. I thought it actually mixed easier with the other dried spices and formed such a nice crust. The flavor definitely has a kick to it, which we both loved! I also added some beef broth instead of water for a more flavorful sauce. I served the chops on top of a new product find, Knorr Spanish Rice. VERY easy and VERY yummy!

Not So Pretty but OH So Yummy Manicotti!

2012-01-15T21:10:00.000-08:00

Stuffed Manicotti is one of those dishes that just doesn't look very pretty on a plate but oh are they yummy! It's the perfect comfort meal on a cold Sunday night. I stuffed the Manicotti Shells with a simple mixture of ground beef and Ricotta and then baked them in the oven covered in our favorite Ragu Six Cheese Sauce. (Yes, there really are SIX different cheeses in this sauce: Ricotta, Aged Asiago, Mozzarella, Fontina, Romano AND Parmesan!) Simple yet amazing although not so pretty. :)

Go 49ers!

2012-01-14T20:52:00.000-08:00

We had a blast watching the 49ers game at our local sports bar, Public House. It was super packed and full of 49er fans! So happy they won! Yea! Can't wait for the Play-offs next weekend!

Double Chocolate and Double Peanut Goodness!

2012-01-13T18:00:00.000-08:00

I've been saving this recipe for Double Chocolate Chunk Peanut Cookies ever since it was featured during the holidays. I mean, how can you go wrong with chocolate chips, cocoa, peanuts AND PB right? They turned out incredible! Super chocolatey and super peanuty! My coworkers loved them and they disappeared quick!

I also saved some for my mommy and cousin and put them in cute boxes decorated with my Cricut, of course! YUMMY AND CUTE! Hello, Mr Peanut! :)

Why I Love Alton Brown!

2012-01-13T11:07:00.000-08:00

Are you an Alton Brown fan? I sure am! Not only is he super witty, he's also VERY knowledgeable when it comes to anything food-related. One of my favorite Food Network shows is Good Eats, in which Alton not only gives you detailed facts on everything from Sushi to Beer but also bits of history and culture that you never thought you needed to know! I was watching the last season on my iPhone recently and a particular episode called The Curious Case of Curry really stood out to me. Below is the Youtube video in which Alton creates a Tandoor Oven out of a smoker and clay flower pot. While it's definitely not something I would do, it's just so amazing that he would even think of such a contraption!

Food Trends?

2012-01-12T10:33:00.000-08:00

I've never been one to follow any type of wild trends whether it's fashion, diet or technology. (Um, liquid detox and animal print? No thank you!) I do, however like to read about Food Trends and predictions on what's about to become popular. I came across this article from Esquire (of all places) and couldn't help laughing at the comments the writer made about The James Beard Foundation and The Food Channel. While I have every respect for all those folks, I also realize that not every American care about sustainable food or can afford to shop at farmer's markets. The writer pointed out that because of the economy, people will only spend less, not more, on dining out and food/wine in general. We're already seeing lots of fancy restaurants closing and we're only gonna see more in the coming year. People just can't afford to spend hundreds of dollars on their meals when they're worried about losing their jobs and paying rent! As for exotic cuisine like Peruvian food becoming the new "thing"? Well, let's face it, the average American would most likely pick a nice cheesy slice of pizza or a big juicy burger over Ceviche. (I know my hubby would!) I guess my point is that when it comes to trends, food is just like fashion. There's what that 90 lb model is wearing on the runway and there's what your "normal-looking" person should be wearing everyday. They're completely different! Yes, I'm sure the next James Beard Award will go to some Peruvian restaurant that only serves local, sustainable and organic "bites" that cost more than a Filet Mignon. Yes, The Food Channel will try to convince you to only shop at "intimate neighborhood markets" that has a local butcher, fish monger and farmer onsight. But seriously, I'm happy with my "local" Safeway and nothing's gonna taste better than a meal cooked by yours truly and that's the trend I'm following!

A Yummy Lamb Recipe I've Been Saving!

2012-01-11T20:32:00.000-08:00

I've been saving this Lamb Chops with Middle-Eastern Tomato Sauce recipe for a while now and finally made it tonight. Boy, am I glad I did! I omitted the walnuts since my hubby's not a fan of nuts (I know, he's crazy!) and used Fire-Roasted Tomatoes cuz I didn't have any Roasted Peppers. The sauce was amazing! The cumin and cayenne paired so nicely with the pomegranate and lemon juice. This dish was also really quick since lamb loin chops don't take very long to get seared to a perfect medium rare. I served them over some rice and it was an amazing Middle-Eastern feast on a weeknight!

Hey Y'all! I Made Blueberry Muffins!

2012-01-10T19:32:00.000-08:00

Can you tell by my Title who's recipe this is? It's Paula Deen's, of course! She's never failed me whether it's baking or cooking and these muffins did NOT disappoint! I mean, can anything with a whole stick of butter in it NOT be good? Seriously though, a stick of butter divided among 12 muffins isn't that bad and the blueberries make them healthy right? I also added chopped pecans but skipped the cinnamon sugar on top cuz they were sweet enough already. I also packed a few up in pretty packaging to bring to my mom. Am I a nice daughter or what?

Finally...Another Post About Working Out!

2012-01-10T16:02:00.000-08:00

It's been a LONG time since I posted about working out but trust me, I've been at it! I just haven't done anything new so there wasn't anything to write about. I have created a new lifting routine for myself which consists of Superset Arm workouts twice a week and I'm excited to tell you about them! I do all the exercises in 3 sets of 10 reps with 1 minute rest in between. You'll notice that I split my days between chest/triceps and biceps/back/shoulders so that I'm working a different area once a week. I also have 4 different routines so that my muscles really get a chance to develop in all areas. On my Off Days I do 200 abs either crunches or leg lifts. So here we go!

Week 1

-Incline Dumbbell Press/Incline Dumbbell Flys
-Flat Dumbbell Press/Skull Crushers
-Rope Extensions/Rope Pushdowns

-Machine Rows/Dumbell Curls
-Wide Grip Pulldowns/Reverse Grip Pulldowns
-Dumbbell Shoulder Press/Dumbbell Lateral Raise
-Dumbbell Delt Flys/Bent-over Dumbbell Rows

Week 2

-Flat Dumbbel Press/Flat Dumbbell Flys
-Bench Dips/Bench Push-ups
-Dumbbell Kickbacks/Dumbbell Extensions

-Wide Grip Back Pulldowns/Reverse Grip Pulldowns
-Standing Preacher Curls/Dumbbell Curls
-Machine Shoulder Press/Dumbbell Upright Rows
-Back Extensions/Dumbbell Front Raises

A Comforting Casserole from My Pantry

2012-01-09T20:44:00.000-08:00

My hubby was supposed to go to a business dinner tonight but it got cancelled at the last minute so I turned to my pantry for ideas. Of course, I could've ordered takeout or pizza (which my hubby will happily eat any night) but I'm just not that type of girl. There's a reason why I keep my pantry stocked and tonight was the perfect example of last minute dinner ideas. Not only was my Salmon Noodle Casserole quicker than takeout but incredibly yummy as well. AND we even have some leftovers for lunch tomorrow!

Ingredients:

4 c cooked pasta (I used Fusilli but egg noodles would be great here)
1 can Salmon (14.75oz), drained and flaked with a fork (or 2x5oz cans)
1/2 c French's Fried Onions
2 (10.75 oz) cans Condensed Cream of Mushroom Soup
1 c milk
1/2 c grated parmesan cheese
1 tsp black pepper
2 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 c dried breadcrumbs

Prep:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Combine the pasta, salmon and fried onions together in a large mixing bowl.

2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the soup, milk, Parmesan and pepper. Pour over the top of the pasta mixture. Stir to combine and pour into a greased casserole dish.

3. In a small bowl, stir together the butter and breadcrumbs. Sprinkle on top of the casserole.

4. Bake, uncovered, for 20 minutes, until hot and bubbly.

More Cricut Fun!

2012-01-09T20:18:00.001-08:00

Cute Lil Lamb Lollies

2012-01-08T19:38:00.000-08:00

It's not everyday that our local grocery store carries Lamb Lollies so when I found some this morning, I had to get them. Tonight, I made this recipe for Colorado-style cooking and it was delicious! A very quick marinade and even quicker pan grill and we were on our way to lamb goodness! YUM YUM!

My 3rd Crazy Cooking Challenge!

2012-01-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is my 3rd Crazy Cooking Challenge and this month we made Chicken Noodle Soup. I LOVE soup this time of the year but my hubby is REALLY not a fan. Since I still wanted to take part in this challenge, I searched around and found this Chicken Noodle Soup Casserole. The best part were the crushed Ritz Crackers on top which made such a yummy buttery topping! Such a perfect comfort meal on a cold night!

Breakfast in a Cookie!

2012-01-06T20:40:00.001-08:00

I recently came across a bag of Reese's Peanut Butter Baking Chips and decided to try the Oatmeal Cookies from their website. They were delicious! Just the right amount of sweetness and tasted like breakfast in a cookie with the oatmeal and PB. A total hit at the office for Cookie Friday!

Ingredients: (6 dozen cookies)

1 c (2 sticks) butter or margarine, softened
1/4 c shortening
2 c packed brown sugar
1 Tbsp milk
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 egg
2 c all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp salt
1-2/3 cups (10-oz pkg) REESE'S Peanut Butter Chips
1-1/2 c quick-cooking or regular rolled oats

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper.

2. Beat butter, shortening, brown sugar, milk, vanilla and egg in large bowl until well blended. Stir together flour, baking soda and salt; blend into butter mixture. Stir in peanut butter chips, oats and walnuts.

3. Drop dough by rounded teaspoons about 2 inches apart onto cookie sheet.

4. Bake until light brown, 10 to 12 minutes. Remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Cool completely.

An Amazing Seafood Meal in Minutes!

2012-01-06T20:35:00.000-08:00

I really didn't think they could improve Trader Joe's Lobster Ravioli but somehow they did. At $3.50 per 2-serving package, you really can't find a better deal. Seriously, REAL lobster meat inside HUGE pieces of ravioli for less than $4 for a meal is just unheard of! To make it even more amazing, I made a homemade Shrimp Alfredo Sauce to go with it. Now THAT is gourmet in minutes and for less than a fast food meal! Happy Friday!

You Can't Go Wrong with Chorizo and Cream!

2012-01-04T20:43:00.000-08:00

I just recently discovered how yummy chorizo is and now I can't seem to get enough of it! The ones I get is pork chorizo made by Carmelita and it's perfectly seasoned with chili peppers and vinegar. Tonight, I made Pasta with Chorizo and Cream and it came out SO yummy! You really can't go wrong with that combination. Spicy and creamy and a perfect weeknight meal!

Just Call Me Lil Asian Martha!

2012-01-03T20:25:00.000-08:00

Ok maybe I'm not quite as domestic as Martha Stewart but her Pork Chops with Red Wine Sauce tonight was definitely a winner! The sauce was amazing and there's nothing better than dried fruit with pork in my book! I used a combination of apricots and prunes and simmered the pork in the sauce for a few minutes just for the flavors to really come through. YUMMY!

First Time with Leg Quarters!

2012-01-02T20:09:00.000-08:00

I have to admit that Chicken Leg Quarters have always intimidated me. They're just so BIG and I had no idea what to do with them. I saw some on special the other day and decided I was gonna give them a try. After doing some research, I figured I'd just treat them like big chicken thighs. So I marinated the legs overnight and braised them nice and slow on the stovetop. I decided to go with a Buffalo flavor cuz I also wanted to try out this new Buffalo Chicken Rice Mix I found. I also added carrots and topped the dish with Blue Cheese cuz they remind me of Buffalo Chicken Wings we would order. The meat was SO tender and flavorful and paired just perfectly with the rice! I'm so glad I got over my fear of Chicken Leg Quarters!

Ingredients:

2 large chicken leg quarters
2 Tbsp butter, melted
2 Tbsp Frank's Hot Sauce
1 Tbsp paprika
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/8 tsp black pepper
1 Tbsp oil
2 small carrots, diced
1/2 onion, diced
1/2 c chicken broth
1/4 c blue cheese, crumbled

Prep:

1. In a small bowl mix together the butter, hot sauce, paprika, salt, cayenne and pepper. Place chicken leg quarters in a resealable bag.

2. Pour half of the marinade over the chicken and seal bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight, turning bag occasionally. Reserve remaining marinade.

3. When ready to cook, heat oil in a Dutch oven on medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and add to the pan, skin-side down. Cook until the skin is browned, 5 minutes. Flip and brown 5 minutes on the other side. Remove and keep warm.

4. Add the carrots and onion and saute for 5 minutes. Add chicken broth and deglaze.

5. Add chicken back, skin-side down and turn heat down to a simmer. Cover and simmer until chicken is cooked through, 180°F. Remove chicken to serving platter.

6. Add reserved marinade and turn heat up to high. Boil until thickened and pour over chicken. Top with blue cheese crumbles and serve over rice.

New Year Treats with the Cricut!

2012-01-02T17:42:00.001-08:00

One of the (many) things on my Christmas List was the Cricut Cutter. I saw a commercial for it on The Food Network and it looked like the perfect craft tool for me cuz I love making greeting cards! Since I have the most awesome in-laws, I of course received it promptly and couldn't wait to test it out! It really is the perfect lil machine for me! I definitely have a lot more to learn but I've already been able to create some really cute New Year's gifts for my mom! These are the cookies that I made with my Williams-Sonoma Message in a Cookie Cutter, which BTW are the most buttery and yummy treats in the world!

Cute box made with my Cricut!

Jazzed up Pringles Cans with wrapping paper and more Cricut fun!

Spending My Lunchtime Watching The Chew Has Paid Off!

2011-12-29T20:46:00.000-08:00

Are you sad that the longtime running soap opera, All My Children, has been replaced by The Chew? Well, I sure am not and I'm LOVING this new show with lots of laughter and fun recipes and tips! Today's show featured some Banana Cheerios Muffins that looked easy and perfect for breakfast so I decided to give them a try. I mean, who doesn't love the combination of bananas and Cheerios in the morning right? They came out amazing! Very moist and still had a bit of the crunch from the cereal. Perfect lil breakfast treats on the go!

My 2nd Christmas with Chilean Seabass!

2011-12-28T20:45:00.000-08:00

Since my hubby goes home for Christmas, it means that we get a 2nd Christmas to ourselves where we open presents for each other. To celebrate, I made pan-fried Chilean Seabass with the easiest Hollandaise Sauce EVER! Are you ready? For a 2-person serving, all you do is add an egg yolk, a tsp lemon juice, a tsp Dijon mustard and a pinch of cayenne (optional but a must at our house!) to a blender and mix for a second. Then you add half a stick of melted butter in a thin stream while the blender is running and that's it! Just mix it until you get a thick buttery consistency and you have the easiest but very yummy Hollandaise Sauce! Ok now it's time for presents!

Not Ready for Christmas to be Over So Soon!

2011-12-27T21:13:00.000-08:00

I get really depressed when Christmas is over so I always try and extend it a lil while longer. Since my hubby just got back this afternoon, I decided to make The Neely's Spicy Mac and Cheese with Chorizo from their Christmas Special. I already had all the ingredients so it was really simple to put together. Roasting the tomatoes really make SUCH a difference and gave them a really nice deep flavor. They also get so sweet and juicy that they literally pop when you bite into them! The Chorizo added a really nice smokey flavor to the dish and literally melted into the sauce. I also just love the crunchy fried onion on top! Leave it to the Neely's to make the ultimate comfort food even better! It's still Christmas time in my book!

A Long Recap of My Christmas Weekend!

2011-12-27T14:59:00.000-08:00

I'm sad that Christmas is over but I sure had the best weekend with my family! As always, my hubby went home to SoCal to see his family and my mom came up to stay with me. Here's a picture of my welcome setup complete with homemade cookies, Godiva Dark Chocolates and Biscuits! I think my mom felt welcomed! We decided to eat out this year instead of me cooking up a storm like I've done in previous years cuz it's just more relaxing and gives my mom a chance to try out some places in the city. Nothing fancy but just yummy food and festive atmosphere.

Friday night we headed to Fuzio Bistro at the Embarcadero Center for some dinner and lights. My mom got the Shrimp Scampi and completely LOVED it!

Next up was Saturday's lunch at South Beach Cafe, where we enjoyed a yummy Shrimp Pizza and Tiramisu shipped STRAIGHT from Italy! It tasted AMAZING!

Saturday night we were off to Fisherman's Wharf and snapped a beautiful picture in front of their HUGE Christmas Tree!

Then it was dinner at Hard Rock Cafe, where we caught Michael Jackson's Thriller video, which is one of my favorite childhood memories!

Sunday, my cousin Dani and Sydney came up to join us for lunch at 70 Bar at the Hilton Hotel, which was one of the only places open on Christmas Day. We were totally surprised and blown away by their Christmas Special, which were these HUGE Crab-Stuffed Lobster Tails! OMG they were good!

At last it was back at my place and we tore open the Godiva Chocolates and homemade goodies! So there you have it, the BEST Christmas ever...at least until next year!

My Mom's Favorite Cookies!

2011-12-24T17:37:00.000-08:00

The Barefoot Contessa's Pecan Shortbread Cookies are my mom's absolute favorites so since she's coming over for Christmas, I wanted to make them for her. The best part though was making these cookies together this year! Growing up, my mom didn't bake, not that she didn't want to, but it just wasn't an Asian thing. So I've always been envious of people who had those childhood memories, especially around the holidays. Then it finally dawned on me this year that it's not too late to create our own special tradition! Who says you can't bake cookies with your daughter when she's an adult? We had the best time rolling out the dough and cutting them into Christmas shapes! I swear they tasted better than any cookies I've ever made and I'm sure my mom agrees!

Yummy Herbed Lamb Chops!

2011-12-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

I got some HUGE Lamb Loin Chops from Trader Joe's and decided to try these Herbed Lamb Chops. Man, did they turn out herby and totally delicious! Super fast and super easy served over some Couscous. A wonderful holiday meal!

Crab Cakes Benedict Dinner-Style!

2011-12-20T21:07:00.001-08:00

My hubby LOVES Crab Cakes Benedict (and who doesn't?)but over the weekend he had some that he wasn't a fan of. Somehow, the yolk wasn't runny so they were more like hard-boiled eggs on top. Yuck! So tonight I wanted to make up for them by making Crab Cakes Benedict but dinner-style. Instead of serving them on traditional English Muffins, I served them over our favorite Cheese Grits. I did make fresh bread crumbs out of a Sourdough English Muffin though so the flavor was still there. AND my eggs were perfectly runny and yummy!

Holiday Baking Continues

2011-12-19T21:09:00.000-08:00

These are my 4th batch of Holiday Cookies and the best ones yet! Why? Cuz they're See's Candy Chocolate Chip Cookies made with See's HUGE Chocolate Chips! Seriously, these chips are like chocolate chips on steroids and more than twice the size of normal ones! I first read about them from Foodgal and couldn't wait to get my hands on them! I'm always trying to find a new recipe for chocolate chip cookies cuz I can never get enough of them. These cookies are thin but still fairly soft and full of chocolate flavor. I can't wait to give them out!

Big Baller Lamb for the Holidays!

2011-12-18T20:08:00.000-08:00

If you know me, you know I almost never pay full price for groceries cuz I know it'll eventually go on sale. During the holidays, though, I'm a bit different and that's why we're having $20 Lamb Chops for dinner! They were imported from New Zealand and totally worth every cent! I followed this recipe for Lamb Chops with Cognac Butter Sauce and they were the most succulent pieces of meat we've ever had! Happy Holidays!

Special Holiday Treat for my Mommy!

2011-12-18T17:46:00.001-08:00

I've been so busy lately and don't get to see my mom as much as I used to. So when I do get the chance, I like to bake something special for her to take home. She came up to visit for a holiday brunch and I decided to whip up a batch of her favorite Blue Cheese and Walnut Crackers. They're more like savory shortbread cookies and have such a yummy buttery texture. Needless to say my mom loved them!

HUGE Lobsters for my Mommy!

2011-12-18T17:09:00.000-08:00

My mom came up for Sunday brunch and we treated her to some lobsters at Sinbad's on the Pier. We've never been there so we were very pleasantly surprised by how big and juicy they were. They were also seasoned perfectly and served with a nice side of grilled veggies.

Happy mommy...

Happy couple...what more could you ask for?

Happy Bday to my Hubby!

2011-12-17T20:02:00.000-08:00

With all of our busy lives, it's becoming harder every year to get everyone together. We finally got the gang to all come out for my hubby's bday and had the best time! We started off with drinks at Tony Niks Lounge and ended the night with a pizzalicious feast at Tony's Pizza Napoletana in North Beach. I just love these boys!

Holiday Biscotti!

2011-12-17T15:24:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I made Biscotti so as part of my holiday cookies, I made some Holiday Biscotti. What makes them "holiday"? Well, the cranberries and pistachios are just the perfect red and green! I can't wait to dip these in some hot chocolate!

Ingredients: (2 dozen cookies)

2 c all-purpose flour
1-1/2 tsp baking powder
3/4 c sugar
1/2 c (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 tsp grated lemon zest
1/4 tsp salt
2 large eggs
3/4 c pistachios, coarsely chopped
2/3 c dried cranberries

Prep:

1. Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Line a heavy large baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Whisk the flour and baking powder in a medium bowl to blend. Using an electric mixer, beat the sugar, butter, lemon zest, and salt in a large bowl to blend. Beat in the eggs 1 at a time. Add the flour mixture and beat just until blended. Stir in the pistachios and cranberries.

3. Form the dough into a 13x3-inch log on the prepared baking sheet. Bake until light golden, about 30 minutes. Cool for 20 minutes.

4. Place the log on the cutting board. Using a sharp serrated knife, cut the log on a diagonal into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Arrange the biscotti, cut side down, on the baking sheet. Bake the biscotti until they are pale golden, about 15 minutes. Transfer the biscotti to a rack and cool completely.

A Festive Plate of Goodies!

2011-12-16T15:22:00.001-08:00

Nothing's more festive than a plate of Holiday Spritz Cookies and this recipe has cream cheese in it, so you KNOW it's gonna be good! I made mine into cute trees and wreaths and they disappeared FAST at the office! Happy Holiday severyone!

Chicken I mean Veal Cordon Bleu

2011-12-13T21:15:00.000-08:00

Who doesn't love Chicken Cordon Bleu? I mean, meat wrapped around cheese and more meat, what's there not to love? Tonight though, I got creative and made Veal Cordon Bleu. It's the exact same concept except instead of thin pieces of chicken, I used Veal Scallopini. It was yumminess to the fullest and the buttery vermouth sauce was just the best!

Ingredients:

2 veal scaloppini, pounded to 1/4-inch thick
Salt and pepper
2 slices ham
2 slices Swiss cheese
1/4 c dry breadcrumbs
1 Tbsp oil
1 Tbsp butter
1/4 c onion, chopped
1 clove garlic, minced
1/4 dry vermouth
Couscous, for serving

Prep:

1. Sprinkle veal with salt and pepper. Place a slice of ham and a slice of cheese on top of each scaloppini. Roll up into a tight roll and secure with toothpicks.

2. Place breadcrumbs on a plate and dredge rolls in the breadcrumbs.

3. Heat oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. When butter is melted, add the veal rolls brown on both sides until golden, 5 or 6 minutes. Remove from pan to warm platter.

4. Return skillet to heat and add the onion. Sauté until browned and add the garlic. Deglaze with vermouth and reduce to half. Pour sauce over veal rolls and serve with couscous.

Chocolate Goes with EVERYTHING!

2011-12-13T20:52:00.000-08:00

I never thought the combination of Chocolate and Orange would work but since I love chocolate in just about everything, I thought I'd give these muffins a try. I decided to make mini muffins to take to work and ended up with 4 dozen. They were just the perfect bite-size treats and everyone loved them. I guess Chocolate just goes with everything!

Christmas Baking Continues with Super Easy Crinkle Cookies

2011-12-13T20:02:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Crinkle Cookies around the holidays cuz they just look like yummy chocolate snowballs! I found recipe using Devil's Cake Mix and just had to give them a try. It really doesn't get any easier and they turned out so delicious! LOVE LOVE LOVE holiday baking!

Christmas Baking Starts Tonight!

2011-12-12T19:55:00.000-08:00

Every year, I give a box of assorted cookies to my closest coworkers during he holidays. Everyone loves them and nothing beats a homemade gift! Since I like to give at least 3 or 4 different kinds of cookies, I have to plan ahead. My hubby was out of town so tonight seemed like the perfect night to start my holiday baking. First up are some M&M Cookie Bars. Super easy using cake mix and any flavor will work. I like to use a lighter color like white or yellow so the M&M's can really show off. Of course, any candy you like will work here so the sky is the limit! Happy Holidays!

Ingredients: (16 bars)

1 box cake mix (any light flavor)
1/3 c butter, melted
2 Tbsp water
2 eggs
1 bag M&M Candies (any flavor)

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line an 8x8-inch baking pan with parchment paper so that the sides hang over for easy lifting.

2. In large bowl, mix cake mix, butter, water and eggs with spoon until dough forms (some dry mix will remain). Stir in M&M Candies. Spread evenly in pan.

3. Bake 22 to 26 minutes or until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely, about 1 hour. Life out of pan and cut into 16 bars.

Early Christmas Celebration Neely Style!

2011-12-11T20:01:00.000-08:00

I love watching the Neely's cuz they're always so lovey dovey and happy! I downloaded their Holiday Special and couldn't wait to make the Christmas Cornish Game Hens. I swear just seeing the Neely's happy family puts me in the holiday spirit! For a special Sunday treat, I made the Game Hens and they were so incredibly yummy! I really love the sweet and spicy "Christmas Rub" and the meat stayed perfectly moist and juicy. Happy Holidays everyone!

Holiday Party Time!

2011-12-09T08:38:00.000-08:00

Our company is having its Holiday Party tonight so I decided to bake some Holiday M&M Cookies. These were adapted from Oprah's Cream Cheese Chocolate Chip Cookies, which are some of the most yummy cookies I've ever made! Instead of chocolate chips, I added a bag of Holiday M&M's. Yes, I said the entire bag! You can never have too much chocolate in your cookies! Creamy and super buttery, these cookies are disappearing fast!

15 Minute Dinner!

2011-12-07T21:04:00.000-08:00

I LOVE the holidays but it also means lots of after-work get-togethers and errands. Since we're already eating a lot of goodies these days, I hate adding more takeout and fast food dinners to the mix. The solution? I keep lots of staples around for quick and easy dinners. Tonight we had a yummy Crabmeat and Tortelli Alfredo meal that came together in 15 minutes. It's just canned (but Premium!) Cabmeat and dry Tortellini in our favorite Ragu sauce with some Mozzarella Cheese stirred in at the end. It couldn't be more simple but SO satisfying on a busy weeknight!

My Second Crazy Cooking Challenge

2011-12-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

This is my second Crazy Cooking Challenge and this month we made Fudge, which has always intimidated me. Well, that's why it's a challenge right? I decided to get over my fear of fudge and made this super easy recipe. I know it's a bit of a cheat but for my first try, it's definitely a winner! I used Pillsbury White Frosting and a combination of white and dark chips along with chopped walnuts. AND since it's the holidays, I added a few drops of Peppermint Extract. SO simple and SO yummy! Now I can't wait to make more fudge!

Apple Overload!

2011-12-06T21:42:00.000-08:00

Someone brought in a TON of apples at work from their apple tree so I took some home to make these Apple Cranberry Spice Muffins. The sour cream kept them really moist and soft. They also weren't overly sweet and just a bit tart from the cranberries. I took these muffins to the office and they're a big hit! LOVE getting free fruit!

Fancy Shmancy Lobster Dinner at Home!

2011-12-03T20:51:00.000-08:00

I think I've made Lobster Tails maybe twice in my life and have always been intimidated by them. Well, since they went on sale for $5, I just couldn't resist. I made these Lobster Tails in Vermouth Sauce and they came out amazing! If you thought Vermouth was only for Martinis, think again. It adds a really nice depth of flavor to your sauce and come on, we all have a bottle sitting in the liquor cabinet. This recipe is definitely a keeper and I can't wait to make more lobster tails!

I Finally Made It to Wayfare Tavern!

2011-12-03T15:48:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Tyler Florence and finally got to check out his restaurant Wayfare Tavern. It's a really popular business lunch place and you have to make reservations way in advance for a table. Lucky for us, the restaurant is pretty empty on the weekends. My hubby's been here more than a few times and have tried just about everything on the menu including their famous fried chicken. He doesn't think it's worth the $22 but it's one of the few places that you can talk business over a plate of deep fried drumsticks!

Today we opted to share a dozen oysters and my hubby got the burger. Of course, the server first came out with their famous Popovers, which were perfectly light and golden on the outside. The burger came with a generous amount of caramelized red onions that were so yummy I couldn't stop stealing them! It was a great experience and I'm really glad I finally got to check this place out!

Crabby Mac and Cheese to Start the Weekend!

2011-12-02T20:42:00.000-08:00

I've been saving this recipe for Crab Mac and Cheese for a while now and finally made it tonight. I used Imitation Crab, which we both love, for the crabmeat and it turned out really yummy! Total comfort food with LOTS of left-overs, the perfect way to start the weekend!

Gingerbread Just Smells Like The Holidays!

2011-12-01T19:19:00.000-08:00

Now that it's December, I'm definitely in full Holiday Mode, so for Cookie Friday this week, I decided to bake these Butterscotch Gingerbread Cookies. OMG how I LOVED the way my kitchen smelled! I don't think anything smells more like the holidays than Gingerbread Cookies! I remember the first time I ever made my very own Gingerbread House and even though my hands were a sticky mess, I LOVED it! Ah to be a kid again...(*sigh) but for now I'll just reminisce with these yummy cookies. :)

Turkey Weekend Recap!

2011-12-01T08:45:00.000-08:00

We're back from another fun-filled Turkey Day Weekend and here's a lil recap. Here we are Wednesday after arriving in Ontario. We ate at a new hip restaurant (which I don't remember the name of) and had some really yummy Fushion food.

Here's mom with my muffins in Pringles Can!

My contribution to Turkey Day dinner, Paula Deen's Cranberry Sauce. VERY yummy and not too sweet!

I just had to take a picture of my pretty Cheese and Crackers platter for pre-dinner snacking!

Happy couple ready to be stuffed with TURKEY!

Dad with his turkey, Rotisserie-style!

Mom with her turkey, traditional-style. (BOTH were equally yummy!)

Gorgeous Thanksgiving table-setting!

Happy couple after being stuffed!

Hubby and Kanika with their birthday cupcakes! YEA!

I also had to take a picture of my pretty left-over sandwich plate on Friday night!

Saturday night dinner with my mommy at Macaroni Grill! (Don't judge!)

Windy Weather Calls for Comforting Italian!

2011-11-30T20:22:00.000-08:00

SF has been hit with some super windy weather so we definitely needed some comfort food for dinner. I had some boneless chicken thighs thawing in the fridge so I decided to create one of our favorite Italian dishes, Parmesan Chicken. It's the ultimate comfort food topped with warm Marinara Sauce and LOTS of ooey gooey Mozzarella! YUMMY!

Ingredients:

1 clove garlic, minced
1/2 stick unsalted butter, melted
1/2 c dried bread crumbs
1/4 c grated Parmesan cheese
1 Tbsp chopped fresh parsley
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 skinless, boneless chicken thighs, cut into pieces
1 c Marinara Sauce
1/2 c shredded Mozzarella
Hot cooked pasta

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels.

2. In a bowl, combine the minced garlic with the melted butter. In another bowl mix together the bread crumbs, Parmesan, parsley, salt, garlic salt, Italian seasoning, and pepper. Dip chicken pieces into garlic butter, then into crumb mixture to coat.

3. Pour garlic butter into a skillet over medium high heat. Add chicken and brown 5 minutes on each side.

4. Spread half of the Marinara Sauce on the bottom of a baking dish. Place browned chicken pieces on top. Drizzle with garlic butter from the pan and top with remaining Marinara Sauce.

5. Sprinkle with Mozzarella. Bake, uncovered, 15 minutes, or until chicken is cooked through and cheese is bubbly. Serve with pasta.

The Crust Tastes Like Tater Tots!

2011-11-29T20:07:00.000-08:00

Did you LOVE Tater Tots as a kid? I know I did and tonight, my Potato-Crusted Fish tasted just like it! I dredged some cod fillets in a mixture of Instant Mashed Potato Flakes, flour and Parmesan and then pan-fried them. It was quick and oh SO yummy! I served them with Mashed Potatoes (from REAL potatoes!) and it was the perfect fishy dinner!

The Easiest Beef Stroganoff EVER!

2011-11-28T20:59:00.000-08:00

If you have a can of Cream of Mushroom Soup, you can make this Beef Stroganoff in minutes. It's not only easy but also REALLY tasty! The meat stays really tender and moist thanks to the creamy sauce. Perfect weeknight comfort food!

Left-Over Mashed Sweet Potatoes Turned into MUFFINS!

2011-11-28T19:45:00.001-08:00

We had some left-over Mashed Sweet Potatoes so I decided to make these Sweet Potato Muffins minus the Cranberries, since I didn't have any. I had my hubby taste-test them and he determined they were yummy before I took them to work. They were a HUGE HIT and VERY appropriate for an After-Thanksgiving Treat!

Something Different After LOTS of Turkey!

2011-11-27T20:52:00.000-08:00

After an entire week of turkey and other Thanksgiving goodies, I decided to make something different for dinner, Crabmeat Enchiladas. The crabmeat was actually Imitation Crab, which we both absolutely LOVE. It was definitely what we needed to get out of that turkey coma, (not that we don't love Thanksgiving)!

Tis The Season for LOTS of Bubbly!

2011-11-22T19:39:00.000-08:00

Pretty much from mid November to the end of the year, I tend to drink LOTS of Bubbly cuz hey, it's the HOLIDAYS! I saw this recipe from Emeril for Champagne-Poached Salmon and was inspired to cook with it. I made a few adjustments and came up with my own. It was REALLY yummy and a good change from all the holidays meals we have coming up that will definitely involve lots of turkey and ham!

Ingredients:

2 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
1 c Brut Champagne
1 Tbsp shallots or onions
1/2 c sliced mushrooms
1 Tbsp minced fresh dill or 1 tsp dried
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin removed
1/2 c heavy cream
1/4 tsp Champagne vinegar

Prep:

1. Melt 1 Tbsp butter in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add the Champagne, shallots, mushrooms, dill, salt and pepper; and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low. Gently simmer for 5 minutes.

2. Add the fish and spoon the poaching liquid over it. Cook uncovered until the salmon is firm and cooked through, about 10 minutes. (If the poaching liquid does not cover the fish, spoon the liquid over the fillets as they cook.)

3. Using a slotted spatula, remove the fish from the pan and blot excess liquid with a paper towel.

4. Bring to poaching liquid to a boil and cook until almost all liquid evaporates, about 6 minutes. Add the heavy cream, bring to a boil and simmer until cream thickens and coats the back of a spoon, and is reduced by nearly half, about 3 minutes.

5. Whisk in the butter until smooth and serve over fish.

My Mother-in-Law Has NEVER Had Nutella?

2011-11-22T18:41:00.000-08:00

My hubby always told me he never had Nutella before and now I know why. I was asking my mother-in-law if she liked Nutella and she told me she'd never had it before. OMG! Ok, so I knew I DEFINITELY had to let her taste how yummy this spread is. I decided to make add it to some Pumpkin Muffins to bring down for Thanksgiving and they turned out amazing! Chocolate, Hazelnut AND Pumpkin, how can you go wrong?

Ingredients: (12 muffins)

1-1/2 c all-purpose flour
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp Pumpkin Pie Spice
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 c (1 stick) unsalted butter, room temperature
1 c granulated white sugar
2 large eggs
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 c canned pumpkin puree (NOT pumpkin pie mix!)
1 c Nutella

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line 12 muffin cups with paper liners.

2. In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking soda, spice and salt.

3. In the bowl of your electric mixer, cream the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add the eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Beat in the vanilla extract. Scrape down the sides of the bowl.

4. With the mixer on low speed, add the flour mixture, pumpkin puree and Nutella

5. Divide batter among muffin cups. Bake 18-20 minutes, until toothpick inserted into the center of a muffin comes out clean.

Because Knorr Soup Mix Comes with 2 Packages!

2011-11-21T19:35:00.000-08:00

Since Knorr Soup Mix comes with 2 packages, I had 1 left over after making my Chili. I decided to try another recipe from their website, Pork Chops with Apple Onion Sauce. I used bone-in chops and served them over Mashed Sweet Potatoes. VERY appropriate for fall and VERY yummy!

A Yummy Chili Inspired by Knorr

2011-11-20T20:33:00.000-08:00

For some reason, Knorr French Onion Mix always go on sale during this time of the year. Probably cuz it makes the easiest Spinach Dip that's perfect for those last-minute parties. I always stock up and then have so many packets left over that I need to find ways to use them. Tonight, I was inspired by the Two Bean Chili on their website. I only used Black Beans (Cuban style from Trader Joe's) and also cooked the whole thing on the stovetop instead of baking it. The Corn Muffins I used were Bobby Flay's Blue Corn Muffins, which has always been a favorite at our house. A VERY yummy and comforting dinner on a cold Sunday night!

Tis the Season for Pumpkin Obsession!

2011-11-18T13:24:00.000-08:00

Around this time of the year, I become a bit pumpkin-obsessed so you'll be seeing lots of pumpkin creation like these Pumpkin Oatmeal Cookies. They're loaded with dried cherries and white chocolate chips and absolutely delicious! They're also very soft, making them taste almost bread-like. Happy Friday everyone!

Mac and Cheese Made with Evaporated Milk!

2011-11-16T21:32:00.000-08:00

Evaporated Milk is on sale everywhere this time of the year so I stocked up. Tonight, I made Mac and Cheese with it and it came out creamy and delicious! I added some Italian Sausage to the mix and baked it all off in the oven with cheesy breadcrumbs on top. What a great weeknight meal!

Ingredients:

1 Tbsp butter
1/4 c diced onion
2 links sausage, sliced 1/2-inch thick
1 Tbsp cornstarch
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp dry mustard
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/2 can (12 fl oz) Evaporated Milk
1/2 c water
1 c shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1 c dry small elbow macaroni, cooked and drained

Topping:

1 Tbsp butter, melted
1/4 c breadcrumbs
1/4 c grated parmesan cheese

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking dish.

2. Melt butter in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the onion and cook until soft, 3 minutes. Add the sausage, cornstarch, salt, mustard and cayenne. Cook, stirring, until the sausage is golden, 3 minutes.

3. Stir in evaporated milk and water. Cook, stirring, until mixture comes to a boil. Boil for 1 minute.

4. Remove from heat. Stir in cheddar cheese until melted. Add macaroni; mix well. Pour into prepared casserole dish.

5. Stir together topping ingredients and sprinkle on top. Bake for 20 to 25 minutes or until cheese is melted and light brown.

My Work BFF! (and a BIG Turkey!)

2011-11-16T19:39:00.001-08:00

I can't believe Thanksgiving is next week and today we had our potluck at work. There was SO MUCH FOOD and everyone went into a food coma for the afternoon! ANYWAY, I wanted to share a pretty picture of me and my Work BFF, Jessica...

...and a picture of the HUGE TURKEY we had! YUM YUM!

Pumpkin Season Continues!

2011-11-14T20:24:00.000-08:00

I had half a can of pumpkin left over from making my Pumpkin Muffins so I decided to try this Baked Ziti with Pumpkin and Sausage. (I halved the recipe.) I used Italian Chicken Sausage from Trader Joe's, which is one of our favorites, and the dish turned out so good! The Pumpkin Sauce was super creamy from the Evaporated Milk and just went so well with the slightly spicy sausage. Quick and perfect dinner on a fall night!

Pumpkin Season Has Arrived!

2011-11-12T15:53:00.001-08:00

I LOVE baking with pumpkin and I'm always really excited when it's finally time for pumpkin season! I decided to kick off the occasion by making these Pumpkin Muffins. The only thing I changed was subsituting 1 Tbsp of Pumpkin Pie Spice (which I ALWAYS keep on hand around the holidays!) for all the other spices in the recipe. My favorite part about these muffins is the sunflowers seeds on top, which added a wonderful crunch and texture! Can't WAIT till Turkey Day!

We'll NEVER Get Sick of Stuffed Shells!

2011-11-11T21:57:00.000-08:00

There was a time when I wanted to make stuffed shells but didn't have all the ingredients but that time is gone! I now make sure I ALWAYS have Ricotta Cheese and Jumbo Shells on hand for when the craving hits. Tonight, the craving hit and we had Chicken-Stuffed Shells with Tyson's Chicken Strips and Bertolli Alfredo Sauce. SO easy and SO good! Ready to go into the oven...

...ready to be devoured!

2 Muffin Recipes Featuring a "Secret Ingredient"

2011-11-11T17:33:00.000-08:00

What's the "Secret Ingredient"? Kelloggs Corn Flakes! I noticed that we have boxes of them being untouched at work so I decided to "steal" some to bake with. (Hey, since they're for my coworkers, I can justify that!) First up are Banana Muffins, which came out REALLY REALLY yummy!

Next, I made a few changes to this recipe by adding raisins and increasing the sugar to 1/2 cup. Also, a definite winner! My coworkers loved them!

Tyler Florence Never Fails Me!

2011-11-10T19:18:00.000-08:00

Tyler Florence's "Ultimate" recipes are just that and they never fail me! Tonight, I made his Braised Lamb Shanks with Green Olives and Apricots and it was a definite winner! Braising the lamb in wine really helps tenderize them cuz shanks can be a pretty tough cut. Then cooking them low and slow for over an hour makes the meat just fall off the bones! I love the addition of the green olives and apricots, which gave the dish a unique flavor and texture. YUM YUM! Thanks Tyler!

Easiest Tetrazzini EVER!

2011-11-09T20:34:00.000-08:00

We have a LOT of Cream of Mushroom Soups at home so I'm always looking for ways to use them. I came across this recipe for Chicken Tetrazzini and couldn't wait to try it! It was one of the easiest recipes I've ever made but tasted amazing! Creamy sauce with a cheesy topping, what could be better?

It's Getting Chili!

2011-11-08T21:43:00.000-08:00

The temperature has literally dropped 10 degrees overnight so I'm totally craving something warm and comforting! Since it's almost Thanksgiving, I decided to make Turkey Chili (especially since ground turkey was on sale!). I did make a few changes by substituting canned green chilies for the serrano and creamed corn for the hominy. I also topped my chili with a dollop of sour cream and served it with some REALLY yummy Corn Muffins. Why were they REALLY yummy, you ask? Cuz they've got Creamed Corn in them! Oh yea!

Ingredients: (12 muffins)

1/2 c vegetable oil
1 c cornmeal
1 c all-purpose flour
2 Tbsp sugar
1 Tbsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
1 c creamed corn
2 eggs
1 c sour cream
1 c grated sharp cheddar
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Prep:

1. Preheat oven to 350ºF. Line or spray muffin cups.

2. Mix all ingredients together in a large bowl, stirring with a wooden spoon until combined. Pour into prepared muffin cups, filling 3/4 full.

3. Place in the oven and bake until golden brown, about 20 minutes.

My First Crazy Cooking Challenge!

2011-11-07T09:00:00.000-08:00

If you've never heard of the Crazy Cooking Challenge, please click on the logo above. I discovered it a few weeks ago and couldn't wait to participate! This month, we're asked to make Mashed Potatoes and I chose this recipe from Fearless Kitchen that adds horseradish to the mix. I served it with some Pork Chops in Champagne Sauce inspired by Robin Miller. To jazz it up though, I also added chopped apples and mushrooms. We really enjoyed every last bite and I can't wait until the next challenge!

Horseradish Mashed Potatoes

3 lbs new potatoes, skins on
1/2 c cream
4 oz horseradish cheddar cheese, grated

Prep:

1. Chop the potatoes into bite-size pieces. Add to saucepan and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat. Boil until the potatoes are tender, 15 minutes.

2. Drain the potatoes and immediately return them to the hot pan. Add the horseradish cheddar and cream. Sse a masher to mash the potatoes to desired texture.

A Perfect Fall Treat!

2011-11-06T13:34:00.001-08:00

I don't know about you but when I think of fall, apples definitely come to mind. Zucchini is also not far away since we're still seeing plenty of them after the summer harvest. So when I saw this recipe for Zucchini Apple Bread, I knew I was in for a seasonal treat! They came out so moist and since I made mini loaves, they only took about 25 minute to bake. (I'm VERY impatient!) The coconut flakes also gave them a tropical flavor, which I really loved. Perfect weekend treats!

Tonight My Chicken Got Angry!

2011-11-04T20:35:00.000-07:00

Tonight, I made Chicke all'Arrabbiata, which means Angry Chicken in Italian and it's got some serious kick to it! Spiced with a mixture of Poblano AND red chili flakes, you can really taste the heat and why this bird is angry! I used a red bell pepper instead of yellow and I also finished the dish on the stovetop instead of the oven. A VERY yummy treat on a Friday night!

Banana Split in Cookie Form? Oh Yea!

2011-11-04T19:12:00.001-07:00

As a kid, my favorite thing about summer is ordering a Banana Split at Baskin Robbins. The combinations are endless but my favorite was always the classic chocolate, vanilla and strawberry topped with a mountain of whipped cream, LOTS of nuts and of course, a cherry on top. I mean, what could be better than a huge platter of ice cream on a hot summer day? Anyway, so when I found this recipe for Banana Split Cookies, I knew I had to make them ASAP. They actually taste JUST like the real thing and totally took me back to my childhood!

Big Bowls of Baked Ziti!

2011-11-02T20:21:00.000-07:00

Can you believe my hubby's never had Baked Ziti before? I definitely had to school him on that one with Robin Miller's recipe. Instead of canned tomatoes, I used Prego's Flavored with Meat Sauce and it was just perfect! I mean, sausage, pasta and LOTS of CHEESE, what can be better?

More Moroccan Goodness!

2011-11-01T21:35:00.000-07:00

We LOVE Moroccan food even if it's not authentic like Emeril's Chicken Thighs with Preserved Lemons and Green Olives. I used Pimento-Stuffed Olives (which are my favorite) and it went really well with all the other flavors! The chicken was so tender and super moist. I swear Preserved Lemons make everything taste better! BAM!

A PERFECT Dinner on Halloween!

2011-10-31T21:34:00.000-07:00

We're not big on Halloween. In fact, it's probably one of my least favorite holidays. I mean, I love seeing all the cute Trick-or-Treaters but I really dislike all the creepy stuff! One way I do like to celebrate though is by making dinner that features pumpkin. So tonight I made Mexican Pumpkin Chili and Pumpkin Corn Muffins. They were both Libby's Pumpkin recipes and came out SO good! Instead of regular corn, I used this Corn and Chile Salsa I found at Trader Joe's. Man, that stuff is addicting! It's got the perfect amount of sweet and heat and I can literally eat it by the spoonful! (In fact, I had to stop myself or else there wouldn't be any left for the chili and corn muffins!) I love the fact that this Chili only takes 30 minutes, which makes it possible on a Monday night. The Corn Muffins also didn't require a long time and I had left-overs for breakfast AND my coworkers! Happy Halloween!

LOVE Trying Out New Condiments!

2011-10-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

I'm very lazy when it comes to ginger and lemon grass so I always have a tube of Gorumet Garden Grated Ginger and Lemon Grass in the fridge. They're total time-savers and taste great! The other day, I was stocking up on more and saw a new variety, Moroccan Blend and couldn't wait to try it! The blend is a combination of cilantro, ginger, garlic, cumin and black pepper. I added it to some ground beef and made Moroccan Meatballs to serve on top of couscous. To take them over the top (since it's Friday night!), I added a poached egg on top! YUM YUM!

Funfetti Halloween Cookies Again!

2011-10-28T09:02:00.000-07:00

I picked up another box of Halloween Funfetti Mix and made some yummy Candy Corn Cookies. They're basically just Funfetti cookes with a Candy Corn on top. How cute are they right?

We NEVER Get Sick of Moroccan Flavors!

2011-10-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

Ever since I started experimenting with Moroccan flavors, we just can't seem to get enough! I marinated some pork chops in a spice mixture overnight and it came out SO flavorful! If you're short on time (or forgot), 30 minutes on the counter works too. I also added apples and raisins and it was the perfect fall meal!

Ingredients:

1 tsp ground cloves
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp ground coriander
1/2 tsp cayenne
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
2 pork chops
1 Tbsp olive oil
1/4 c onion, chopped
1 apple, peeled and chopped
1/4 c raisins
1/2 c apple juice
1 Tbsp butter
Couscous, for serving

Prep:

1. Combine cloves, paprika, cumin, coriander and cinnamon in a bowl. Add half of the mixture to a resealable bag with the pork. Seal and shake until well-coated. Marinate the meat for at least 30 minutes to overnight in the fridge. Reserve remaining spice mixture.

2. Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown pork 4 minutes per side. Remove and keep warm.

3. Add onion and cook for 5 minutes. Add apple, raisins and juice. Bring to a boil and deglaze. Add pork back and turn heat down to low. Cover and simmer 5 minutes, until pork is cooked through. Remove pork to serving platter.

4. Stir in reserved spice mixture and butter. Turn heat up to high and boil until sauce thickens, 2 minutes. Serve with pork and couscous.

VERY Unauthentic Szechuan Chicken

2011-10-25T20:27:00.000-07:00

We LOVE Szechuan Chicken cuz it's spicy and very flavorful. It's one of our usual takeout items so I decided to try and recreate the dish myself. I did some research and put together my own version and it tasted pretty spot on! Instead of deep-frying the chicken, I used Tyson's Chicken Nuggets, which we always have in the freezer. It's a lot easier and less messy!

Ingredients:

1/2 lb fried chicken tenders, cut into bite-size pieces
1/4 c chicken stock
1 Tbsp soy sauce
1 tsp sugar
1 tsp Chinese wine
1/2 tsp vinegar
1/4 tsp sesame oil
1/4 tsp five spice powder
1/4 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cornstarch
1 Tbsp cold water
1 Tbsp oil
6 dried red chilies, seeded
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated
2 scallions, chopped in 2 inch lengths

Prep:

1. Mix together stock, soy sauce, sugar, wine, vinegar, sesame oil, five spice powder and pepper.

2. Mix together cornstarch and cold water.

3. Heat oil in a skillet on medium heat. Add chilies, garlic and ginger, and stir fry until garlic is golden. Add scallions and toss for a few seconds.

4. Add stock mixture and bring to a boil. Add cornstarch mixture and stir until thickened. Add chicken and toss to heat through.

Another Version of Veal Parmigiana

2011-10-24T19:55:00.000-07:00

We enjoyed the Veal Parmigiana so much last time that I decided to make them again. This time, I followed this recipe from Food Network and we loved the addition of the tomato sauce on top! The meat was cut really thin and came out perfectly tender. Plus with all that CHEESE, how can they not be good?

Lamb Lollipops!

2011-10-23T21:27:00.000-07:00

I've had Lamb Lollipops at restaurants a few times but have never been able to find them at the grocery store, so when I spotted them at the grocery store, I knew I had to get them! Tonight's dinner was Lamb Chops with Herbes de Provence and it was YUMMY! If you don't have Herbes de Provence, you can make your own, but I keep a jar of McCormick around since it goes well in lots of marinades and rubs. (Also cuz I love to collect spices!) This recipe was so quick and easy and I served the lamb with couscous, which goes well with just about everything! The weekend might be over but at least we're happy and full!

What to do with Big-O Shrimp on Super Special?

2011-10-22T20:15:00.000-07:00

Safeway was running a 1-day Friday special on REALLY big shrimp so I definitely had to take advantage! I rushed over to the store right after work and got myself 2 pounds worth of yummy shrimp goodness! They were still a bit frozen so I decided to thaw them out in the fridge. By Saturday night, they were ready to be turned into the most delicious Creamy Lemon Shrimp Pasta! I used Cream Cheese Spread, which was already softened and melted very quickly into the sauce. I also used Seafood Stock instead of the Chicken for extra seafood flavor. YUM!

Tourists in Our Own Backyard!

2011-10-22T14:12:00.000-07:00

Once in a while, we like to go to a Touristy Place and pretend like we're from out of town (so my hubby's not embarassed that I'm taking pictures!). On a gorgeous Saturday afternoon, we decided to check out Urban Tavern, which is located inside the Hilton Union Square Hotel. We heard good things about their burgers and so of course, my hubby had to get one. It came with Sweet Potato Fries and he loved it! It was such a fun place too with funky decor and friendly waiters. A definite cool tourist spot!

Taking Meatballs to a Whole New Level!

2011-10-21T20:32:00.000-07:00

We LOVE meatballs at our house and I don't think I've ever met ones I didn't like. These Vietnamese-style ones were no different. The flavors of fish sauce and lemongrass really took them to a whole new level! I served them over Rice Noodles (my hubby's new obsession!) and a yummy Friday night dinner was born!

More Free Apple Goodness!

2011-10-21T19:30:00.001-07:00

A while back I picked up a package of Cherry Baking Chips and have been meaning to use them. Since I still had a couple of apples from my coworker's tree, I decided to make these Apple Oatmeal Cookies. Instead of the walnuts, I subsituted the Cherry Chips and they turned out amazing! The apples were a bit tart so it went really well with the sweet chips and the oatmeal made them taste really hearty and perfect for fall!