I have so much time in the morning before work. I'm always looking for something else to do in those hours before I start my day, and I always have a delicious, hot breakfast. - No one, ever. I may be one for hyperbole, but the quality of my life has literally improved a million-fold since perfecting this recipe and process. With less than a ... view more
freezes well
One-Pot Stovetop Lasagna Ragu with Sweet Italian Chicken Sausage
If you have been following My Utensil Crock for a while, you know that I have been a member of a Cooking Club for more than 10 years now, ever since my buddy JBM and I decided that cooking with friends and talking about food and recipes would be the perfect way to spend one Sunday each month. One of our classic themes was "Soup's On!" ... view more
Black Bean + Bacon Soup
We had a reprieve in December, but it is squarely and completely winter now, at least in Washington, D.C. This past weekend we tallied about two feet of snow downtown (much more in some suburbs), and no one was happier about it than me. And my dog. You see, when you 1) live in a large apartment building that shovels for you, 2) don't lose power or ... view more
Sweet Potato, Black Bean + Quinoa Veggie Burgers
I have made this recipe exactly once, and I already know these Sweet Potato, Black Bean + Quinoa Veggie Burgers will be a 2016 go-to favorite. My first batch did not last long at all. And I could not wait to share this post with you! After the sweet potato is baked and quinoa is made, these veggie burgers take only a few minutes to assemble and ... view more
Brown Butter Double Chocolate Chunk Cookie Bars
Let's wrap up this year on a sweet note! If you have never made cookies with brown butter, may I suggest that you New Years Resolve to do so. "Browning" your butter - a fancy word for melting it until it starts to cook - is an easy way to add a unique, rich flavor to not only baked goods, but savory sauces and more. I will do a ... view more
Glazed Meatloaves {Beef + Kale + Cheddar}
Yes, it's (still) the height of summer, and yes, I am posting about meatloaf. I love "comfort food" every day of the year, red hot blazing sun and 300% humidity be darned. What I don't need during the summer is my oven pumping away for an hour or more. These individual meatloaves take much less time to bake - only 20 minutes - and more surface ... view more