Monthly Archives: March 2012

March 20, 2012 · 12:04 am

Kreativ/Versatile Blogger

This past week I was very lucky and honored to have been nominated by two fantastic bloggers (Lemon Salt and The Vintage Style Queen) for the Kreativ and Versatile Blogger Award.

Lemon Salt features recipes that encompass all things lemon (and deliciously looking recipes I must say!).

The Vintage Style Queen showcases unique musings of fun vintage finds and a rockin’ personal style.

If you haven’t checked out either of these blogs already, I highly encourage you to do so and subscribe to them as well – you won’t be disappointed!

Rules :

1. Thank the blogger who nominated you.

2. Share seven things about yourself that people may or may not know already.

3. Pass the award along to others and let them know you’ve nominated them!

Thank You!

So, again, thank you to Lemon Salt and The Vintage Style Queen for the nominations – I am very appreciative!

7 Things:

 1. I only wear red-colored nail polish.

2. I’m not a video-game fan; however, I could play old-school Nintendo for what could be considered an embarrassing amount of hours.

3. I love all things spicy (well, perhaps not all things…) – this includes copious amounts of sriracha sauce.

4. I love soccer, football and gymnastics. Let’s just say that I cannot wait for the London 2012 Summer Olympics!

5. One of my favorite bands to this day is the British band known as Bloc Party.

6. I secretly (or perhaps not so secretly) wish I could have lived in the South at some point during my life.

7. I try to look at life with a “glass half-full approach” and wear a smile on my face often.

Nominations:

I’d like to nominate the following bloggers:

Sydney’s Kitchen - A passionate food blogger who produces amazing photos and even more importantly, very tasty food.

All That Glitters is Ginger - A creative blog that encompasses fashion, beauty, food and travel all in one place.

Crushing on Clothes - A cute and super fabulous girl who pulls off fun and daring looks and blogs about it.

For the Love of Food - An all-around informative blog that produces unique content and themed content each day. Curious? Today’s theme is “Meatless Mondays”.

Girl in a Food Frenzy - Follow this blogger’s journey through food and culinary school (and drool over pictures in the meantime!).

Jo the Tart Queen - Unique, delicious and fun recipes that will inspire you each time you visit her site.

Leslie the Foodie - A clever mix of savory and sweet recipes that will guarantee to make you hungry and want to bake or cook.

Thank you again and have a wonderful day!

Cheers!

8 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , ,

March 19, 2012 · 3:09 am

Rhubarb Apple Pie


In my opinion, rhubarb is vastly unrecognized, often forgotten about, and I’d almost go as far to say that it doesn’t quite get the attention that it deserves. I might be biased (probably); however, it is my belief that the distinct sour and tartness of rhubarb baked into desserts is phenomenal.

This past weekend, I found this recipe for Rhubarb-Apple Pie in the latest issue of Cooking Light. I realize that not everyone is as crazy as I am about rhubarb; therefore, I liked the fact that this recipe paired rhubarb with another fruit in order to compliment its flavor with something more sweet. I think that this genius move increased the likelihood that more people would try it. As a result, my aspiration is that I can hopefully convert more people to like rhubarb with this recipe now!

Step 1: Slice Rhubarb and Peel/Slice Apples


Step 2: Combine Apples and Rhubarb
With Sugars, Lemon, Cinnamon and Flour


Step 3: Combine Butter, Brown Sugar and
Flour for Topping (I added Oats!)


Step 4: Place Fruit in Dough and
Place Topping on Top


Step 5: Bake and Eat!

I normally like to make my own pie dough; however, I simplified the baking process by using a pre-made crust from the grocery store which saved a lot of time and effort; therefore, the rest of this recipe was very easy with the simple chopping and assembly of the ingredients into the crust. All in all, I’m very happy with the result of this pie. The rhubarb combined immensely well with the apple and provided a dessert that was more attractive to those who aren’t as much of a fan of strictly sour desserts. A must-try and one that will be repeated again!

Cheers!


20 Comments

Filed under Bake, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,

· 2:23 am

Chicken and Prosciutto Salad With Arugula and Manchego


I have a huge crush… on arugula. All of a sudden, I’ve developed a penchant for the peppery-garlic-earthy flavor of this salad green whether it’s on pizza, on it’s own or combined into a sauce. In my opinion, it makes eating a healthy salad just that much easier because I love the flavor (as opposed to eating a bland iceberg lettuce that needs calorie-laden dressings to make it bearable). As a result, I’ve been on the hunt for more and more recipes that utilize arugula to add to the usual rotation for dinner.

I was instantly drawn to this recipe after seeing it in one of the latest issues of Cooking Light. This recipe calls for Asiago cheese; however, I substituted Manchego instead. What I particularly liked about this salad is the fact that it uses arugula (obviously) and combines that with a mix of salty, sweet and tangy/citrus flavors through the prosciutto, tomatoes and lemon flavored dressing. Super simple, healthy, filling and a balanced meal!

Cheers and have a great Sunday evening!

8 Comments

Filed under Cook

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

March 11, 2012 · 6:37 pm

Homemade “Twix” Bars

I can’t quite explain it, but I receive the utmost joy and feel a sense of triumph after making a popular item “homemade”. Do you ever feel the same feeling I experience? Lately, I have been seeing a plethora of homemade girl scout cookies, peanut butter cups and more of the like. I am intrigued by these recipes, but it wasn’t until I saw a recipe on Annie’s Eats, an amazing food blog, for Salted Chocolate Caramel Shortbread Bars (aka very similar to the ever popular Twix bars) that I felt truly compelled to make this homemade rendition. Although these look similar to the esteemed Twix, the flavors are a little bit different as a result of the addition of salt and the substitution for dark chocolate. However, these modifications were the tipping point for my decision to make this recipe!

Step 1: Make Dough and Press
Into Dish and Bake
Step 2: Melt Caramels (I used this step from this recipe)
and Layer On Top of Cooled Crust
Step 3: Melt Chocolate and Layer On Top


Step 4: Let Cool, Sprinkle Salt On Top and Eat

Even though mine didn’t turn out as perfectly as Annie’s, I still experienced a great sense of satisfaction after making these. Plus, this recipe was very simple and one that will be repeated again and again! And, if you want to go the more traditional route of a “Twix” – just use milk chocolate and omit the salt.

Cheers!

25 Comments

Filed under Bake, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , ,

· 2:12 pm

Roasted Sweet Potato, Rosemary and Garlic Lasagna

Calk me crazy – but even though multiple layers of meat and gooey cheese in lasagna sounds completely appealing and a recipe that undoubtedly will fulfill my taste buds, I was craving something more and different this past weekend. Don’t get me wrong, I love an original lasagna; however, I need variety and the ability to try new options in my life.

As a result, I ditched the usual meat and cheese combo and choose to feature a starch that packs plenty of vitamins instead – Roasted Sweet Potato, Rosemary and Garlic Lasagna (the original recipe calls for squash but I substituted sweet potatoes instead).

Step 1: Peel Sweet Potato, Chop and Roast

Step 2: Sauté Garlic and Add Flour and Butter

Step 3: Add Milk to Mixture and Let Thicken


Step 4: Add Sweet Potatoes to Mixture;
Layer Noodles then Potatoes
and then Cheese; Repeat


Step 5: Bake and Eat!

Even though this isn’t a traditional lasagna, I liked the variety of the savory and sweet favors that this surprisingly hearty meal provides. A must try recipe and one that is great if you do not eat meat!

Cheers!

15 Comments

Filed under Bake, Cook, Uncategorized

Tagged as , , , , , ,

March 4, 2012 · 7:27 pm

Blood Orange Tart


Lately, I feel as though I have been seeing so many blood orange-centric recipes and drinks spurting up everywhere. This is probably completely the result of some of my recent bouts of time spent on Pinterest; however, after seeing so many recipes, I knew I had found my calling to make something with this intriguing and beautiful fruit. Of course, I soon learned that blood oranges are actually quite a hot commodity and are only available at certain points during the year. After calling two grocery stores and finding out they did not have them, I became quite discouraged. But, as the age-old phrase says, “third time is always a charm” and I found success with the third grocery store I called.

After a quick search, I found a recipe that many have tried from Food and Wine Magazine: Flaky Blood Orange Tart. My eyes were instantly sold after gazing at its rustic look and the mention of a flaky crust. And, since it was coming from such a reliable source, I knew I had to try it!

Step 1: Make Dough


Step 2: Peel and Slice Blood Oranges


Step 3: Roll Out Dough and Arrange
Blood Orange Slices on Top


Step 4: Fold Up Edges Around
Oranges and Brush Edges with Egg Wash

Step 4: Bake at 375 Degrees and Eat!

Even though peeling and removing the pith from these oranges took what seemed like forever and my fingers were stained a purple-y/red color for a day, the end result was totally worth it. I can definitely see why these are such an esteemed fruit. The intense and unique flavor of these oranges paired with a flaky crust is perfect for a brunch treat. If you ever get the chance, I’d highly recommend trying this recipe or using blood oranges in a different type of concoction. Have a great Sunday everyone!

Cheers!

32 Comments

Filed under Bake, Cook

Tagged as , , , , , , , , , , , ,