Category Archives: Uncategorized

April 9, 2013 · 2:42 am

Chile-Braised Pork Tacos

Chile-braised Pork Tacos

I’ve been traveling quite a bit the first part of this year and have definitely missed my lazy Sunday afternoons of cooking. Luckily for me, things at work have settled down and I now have more time (and energy) to dedicate to cooking and updating this blog!

Lately, the Spring weather has actually been quite nice in an otherwise rainy Northwest climate. As a result, our “teaser” days of 70 degree sunshine have definitely made me reminisce and look forward to days of grilling, sunglasses and playing a little volleyball outside. So, in between the bouts of rain, I wanted to make a recipe that would make anyone eating it look forward to Summer: Chile-braised Pork Tacos.

Step 1: Chop Chiles and Steep in Hot Water

Chiles - Chile-braised Pork Tacos

Steeping Chiles - Chile-braised Pork Tacos

Step 2: Put Chiles, 1/4 Cup Reserved Liquid,
Lime Juice and Sugar in a Food Processor

Chile Marinade - Chile-braised Pork Tacos

Step 3: Put Chile Mixture Onto Pork;
Chill in Refrigerator Overnight

Chile Marinade - Chile-braised Pork Tacos

Step 4: Simmer Onions, Garlic and Spices;
Add Pork and Put in Oven for 2.5 Hours

Chile-braised Pork Tacos

Step 5: Take Out Pork; Shred Pork;
Put Onto Tacos or Rice; Add Toppings

Chile-braised Pork Tacos

At first glance, these tacos might seem like they require a lot of steps and time; however, the looks are definitely deceiving. This recipe is actually quite easy and quick, especially when spread out over two days (which I’d highly recommend).

I decided to pair a jalapeno-mango salsa with this recipe which provided a nice spritz of sweet flavors among the spicy and salty flavors of the pork. However, in hindsight, I wish I would have left the pork in the oven for longer to accumulate even more flavor (this is saying a lot consider that I’m not the most patient cook!), but, all in all, I really can’t complain because this is a great recipe and one that will definitely be repeated this Summer!

Cheers!

Chile-braised Pork Tacos

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October 22, 2012 · 1:57 am

Apple Pie

Fall is absolutely one of my favorite seasons. I love when the leaves morph into stunning shades of orange, yellow, red and sometimes even pink. I love wearing boots and sloshing through puddles (as long as I don’t get too wet!). I love sipping on warm drinks and the crisp sharp air. And, lastly, I love the flavors of Fall – sweet potato, squash, pumpkin and of course apple!

This Sunday I decided to make an Apple Pie. In my opinion,  Apple Pie is a classic dessert and a perfect accompaniment to celebrate Fall and relish the day of Sunday before the work week starts again. I was especially excited to make this Apple Pie because I had been wanting to put shapes onto a pie for a long time and recently became inspired by the Apple Pie that was featured on the blog Cupcakes and Cashmere. Shapes on the top of the pie just make it more fun and festive. I almost spelled out “Happy Halloween” and I was also extremely tempted to put pumpkin shapes onto this pie too. But, in the end, I stuck with the leaf shape. The more adventurous shapes will have to wait for next time!

You know what is a bit humorous? I put three slits into this pie; however, during the baking process, a fourth slit ripped open in the pie. Now it almost looks like I wanted this pie to resemble a Jack-O-Lantern. Do you spot what I’m talking about? I guess this pie is just even more Fall and Halloween-themed now!

Cheers!

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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!

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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!


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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!

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· 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!

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January 20, 2012 · 5:16 am

Lemon Bars

Sometimes I just get the urge to bake. Tonight was no different. Unfortunately, I am in desperate need of a grocery shopping excursion. As a result, I’m left to the bare minimum for food. This lack of items did not help me with my baking quest at first; however, it did help me uncover easy recipes that I could use with both few and ordinary items. I settled upon making Lemon Bars – delicious, refreshing and probably one of the best desserts to make if in a bind for ingredients.

Step 1: Cream Sugar and Butter; Add Flour

Step 2: Mix Wet Ingredients

Step 3: Bake Dough; Pour Wet Ingredients

Step 4: Bake and Enjoy!

Did I mention this is a Barefoot Contessa recipe? Although this is a dessert served better in the summer, I personally think it is a perfect change for a season that’s filled with way too many heavy items.

Cheers!

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January 5, 2012 · 3:44 pm

Favorite Recipes of 2011

Bye bye 2011 – the year filled with various fruit-filled desserts, homemade pizzas and plenty of roasted chicken recipes. Throughout this past year, I definitely learned many new tricks including how to make pie pastry dough from scratch (and cut and assemble lattices for pies), how to properly clean and prepare a whole chicken for roasting and how to properly make quinoa, just to name a few!

In order to celebrate 2011, I just wanted to list a few of my favorites:

Strawberry Shortcakes

Cheddar Jalapeno Bread


Homemade Oreos


Roast Chicken With Chickpeas,
Tomatoes, Olives and Thyme


Sour Cherry Pie With Lattice Crust


Spaghetti & Sicilian Meatballs


Lemon Ricotta Pancakes With
Lemon Curd and Raspberries


Chicken Piccata


Blackberry Peach Crumble


Baked Macaroni & Cheese
With Garlic Bread Crumbs

Pumpkin Cake With
Cream Cheese Frosting

I am already excited for 2012: hoping to experiment more with pomegranates, mustard (yes, Epicurious predicted it to be a Top Food Trend for 2012), avocados and I would like to make homemade Pho. Join me in my adventure!

Cheers!

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December 5, 2011 · 1:44 am

Trophy Cupcakes

A few weeks ago, I went with a few friends to a promotional event that was hosted by Google Places and had the pleasure of trying (for the first time!) an infamous cupcake from Trophy Cupcakes. Although I did not finish the entire cupcake due to an enormous amount of frosting, the salted caramel cupcake I chose was unique and absolutely delicious. Based on taste and presentation alone, I will definitely look to Trophy Cupcakes again when in the mood for a cupcake!

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November 11, 2011 · 5:33 pm

Grilled Honey Lime Chicken

Cooking with limes always reminds me of Summer barbecues and Mint Mojitos.  I love the light and fruity flavors that result out of summer dishes because the Fall and Winter seasons definitely encompass more heavy and comfort-filled items. Despite the fact that the season of Summer has come and passed, I still enjoy cooking with limes year-round. So, I was ecstatic (and very thankful) when I found this recipe for Honey Lime Chicken from The Enchanted Cook. I had also recently been in the mood to grill so this recipe was absolutely perfect.

In addition to my penchant for limes, I love the fact that grilling (for the most part) can be quite easy and takes little time and effort. For this recipe, I just measured the dry ingredients, zested and juiced a lime and then combined all the ingredients into a Ziploc bag with the chicken to marinate. All this recipe took was less than five minutes of prep time before work and then it was ready to throw on the grill after coming home. All in all, this was a very flavorful recipe that tasted very light – exactly what I needed amidst all the heavy and calorie-laden options for Fall foods.

Cheers!

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