As summer comes to a close this evening, I would like to pay homage to a favorite taste of summer*: The S'More. * Also fall, and winter. And I have never turned down a Spring S'More. My cousin SFH put the idea for Indoor S'Mores for a Group in my head before her annual July 4 party this year, and it has been looming large since then. She ... view more
gluten-free
Italian Quinoa Breakfast Casserole
When people ask me if I could do anything instead of my job, what it would be, one of my stock answers is: "Hang out with friends in a big vacation house and make brunch and sit around and drink coffee all day." The salary on this fantasy is a bit lower than my current gig, so I reserve such activity for special occasions... ...Such ... view more
Rice Noodles with Ground Chicken, Green Beans, Crispy Shallots, and Garlic Chips
... and Cilantro, and Roasted Peanuts, and other deliciousness. I subscribe to a few food magazines, but I don't read them when they arrive. I stock them up and go through a big bunch at once, looking for submissions for my "to make" pile. Years before I started my blog - in 2010! - I had a mega-session of poring through stacks of magazines. ... view more
Super Salad Slaw with Cider Vinegar Dressing
Some days, I just need healthy veggies until I can't chew any more. Today - sandwiched between last week (a busy week at work where I wasn't able to bring lunch), and this coming week (with a trip to Omaha for several days of wedding festivities for a friend) - was one of those days. So I got out my food processor's shredding disc, ... view more
Ropa Vieja {Cuban Braised Shredded Beef}
This is a recipe I would have shied away from when I first started cooking. Several techniques, "weird" ingredients, and do I even like "Ropa vieja"? Well, let's smash the why-I-can't list with a meat mallet. Upon further reflection, the "several techniques" were just a few rotations of searing (browning in a pan), and braising (cooking in ... view more
Avocado Toast with Shaved Radishes
Avocado toast. It's all the rage. You have probably heard of it, and you might be wondering - what is this fancy dish that everyone is talking about? You like avocado, and you like toast. But surely, there must be more to this game? Nah. You pretty much have the hang of it already. You can add some lemon juice to the avocado for a little tang ... view more