al·che·my [al-kuh-mee], n. 1. a form of chemistry and speculative philosophy practiced in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance and concerned principally with discovering methods for transmuting baser metals into gold and with finding a universal solvent and an elixir of life. 2. any magical power or process of transmuting a common substance, ... view more
comfort food
Brownie Thins
Cookies that taste like brownies, use only one bowl to mix, and take less than 30 minutes to bake: my weekend gift to you. Warning: have some milk on hand - you will need it! Ingredients: - 6 T butter, cut in to a few pieces - 2 ounces unsweetened chocolate, chopped roughly - 1/2 c sugar - 1 egg - 3 T + 1 t flour - 1/4 t vanilla - ... view more
Saffron Orzo
Looking for an easy, different, and colorful side dish? Hello, Saffron Orzo! If you have not tried orzo, the texture is great - it looks like large grains of rice, but tastes like (and is) pasta. Super easy to make, too. If you have not tried saffron, it is fun for a change of pace. High-quality saffron can be very expensive, but I am happy ... view more
Oatmeal – Chocolate Chip Cookies
The good news here is the same as the bad news: You can always be 8-10 minutes away from warm oatmeal - chocolate chip cookies (which are, objectively, the best kind of cookie). The cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves will have your friends asking what that added depth is to the cookie - it is up to you whether you want to reveal the secret ingredients or ... view more
Roasted Chicken with Cider Glaze
I was so intimidated by the thought of cooking a whole chicken - until I tried. Turns out, there is very little more to it than putting a chicken in the oven. It is something I do with regularity now - they are so versatile. This recipe is a Cooking Club Instant Classic (Hostess: me; Theme: Back to Basics - Cooking Techniques; Date: 05.19.13) ... view more
Chicken Fried Quinoa
"I want to eat THAT." - Friend and Cooking Club member, MS, happening upon this picture in my camera. I did eat that. It was wonderful. "That" is a take on chicken fried rice - healthed up with quinoa instead of rice, egg whites instead of whole eggs, all the veggies you want, and total control over the amount of oil and soy sauce. I do not ... view more