You know I love to incorporate whatever I’m drinking with into my recipes, so for Thanksgiving this year I used Stone Brewing’s Stone Delicious IPA for a citrusy, buttery, and juicy bird! Head to the Stone Brewing Blog for the recipe!
Main Dishes
Spicy Skillet Pumpkin Mac and Cheese
I’ve seen recipes for pumpkin mac and cheese floating around for awhile, but I’ll admit I was a bit skeptical on the flavor aspect of it. I felt like I was in a cooking rut anyway so I decided to just go for it and I am so glad that I did! I wanted something slightly more grown up tasting than the traditional boxed macaroni and cheese, so I chose… Keep Reading
Sweet Potato and Black Bean Stuffed Peppers with Avocado Yogurt Sauce
I’m not exactly sure why I’m trying to stuff all of my food lately, so I do apologize for my second recipe in a row where it involves “stuffing” of some sort. Maybe because it’s getting colder and all I want to do is stuff my face? Regardless, I love making stuffed peppers, but I decided to forgo the traditional ground beef route and instead chose roasted sweet potatoes and… Keep Reading
Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Heading into the chilly winter months, I’m always craving warm comfort food and squash is a great and healthy way to satisfy that. I took roasted acorn squash and combined it with my apple and sausage stuffing recipe to create a fall flavored dish the whole family can enjoy!
Mini Taco Pizzas On Homemade Tortillas
When I first moved out of the house as a broke 18 year old, I knew about 3 meals: Tacos, spaghetti, and broke girl pizzas consisting of tortilla shells as the crust. We’ve come a long way, haven’t we?! Even though my skills and palate have expanded quite a bit since then, I still find myself craving my broke girl pizzas when I need a quick meal. I use homemade… Keep Reading
Spicy Sweet Potato and Black Bean Chili
Typically when I make a big batch of chili, it lasts about a week around here.. this chili lasted only two days! Surprisingly simple to make, affordable ingredients, and it’s vegetarian, which no one seemed to notice until they were down to the last few spoonfuls. It’s spicy, zesty, hearty, and pairs perfectly with tortilla chips or my Jalapeño Cheddar Skillet Cornbread I shared yesterday!
National Rum Day Recipe Roundup
It’s the most wonderful time of year… National Rum Day! If you’ve been a reader for awhile, then you know I’ve got no shortage of rum recipes and cocktails for you to choose from, but I thought I would share a few of my favorites to spark your appetites and help you celebrate! Rum Spiked Chocolate Chip Banana Pancakes A prime example of it never being too early to crack… Keep Reading
Chicken in Roasted Red Pepper Wine Sauce
With busy schedules and a lot of moving pieces in my life right now, I’ve been feeling very disconnected from cooking. My dinners have been about what’s quick and economical, which doesn’t provide a lot of variety or creativity. Rather than watch one of my passions slip down the drain and become just another chore I said.. SCREW THAT. I have the ability to take affordable ingredients and elevate them… Keep Reading
Spicy Shrimp Tacos with Cilantro Lime Coleslaw
A few weeks ago I came across a recipe for a spicy Mexican coleslaw and the wheels in my head got turning. I recalled my recipe for Cilantro Lime Dressing and knew that the same ingredients would be perfect. It was so good that I doubled the batch and made it again to pair with barbecued chicken later in the week. In fact I’m having a Pavlov’s dog-like reaction at… Keep Reading
Mixed Greens Salad with Cherry Vinaigrette
I’m very deliberate about my grocery shopping and if it’s not on the list, I’m not buying it. Okay.. maybe Ben & Jerry’s is never “officially” on the list, but it’s sort of a given that it will make it’s way into the cart. Guilty pleasures aside, I started to walk past these cherries and stopped dead in my tracks. They were far too vibrant, plump, and juicy looking to… Keep Reading
Salmon in Cilantro Lime Cream Sauce
While I was back in Iowa this past February visiting family, I made this salmon dish for my parents and it was quickly requested again the very next night! I shared the recipe with my mom, who said they’ve made it about 3 more times since then and that she doesn’t think they’ll eat salmon any other way! She has now made multiple demands that I publish the recipe here,… Keep Reading
Lemon Avocado Chicken Salad
I hesitated even doing this as a blog post because I thought the last thing this world needs is ANOTHER chicken salad recipe. I took photos anyway in case I changed my mind and then finally went in for a taste test.. I immediately realized I couldn’t deny you all something so delicious and promptly photographed the final product to share with you! The simple twist of adding lemon juice… Keep Reading
Grilled Chicken, Black Bean, and Quinoa Quesadillas
We have a joke around here about “drunk quesadillas.” It’s a specialty I make after a long night out that uses only the rarest and most expensive ingredients. A soft tortilla shell is folded in half and then stuffed with a handful of shredded cheese. Throw a healthy dash of cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper into the mix and microwave it for 22 seconds (apparently I’m very adamant that… Keep Reading
Chicken in Basil Cream Sauce with Roasted Tomatoes
A while back I found myself in a dinner rut and consuming the same 3-4 meals on rotation for weeks. I finally broke the pattern by throwing together some of my favorite ingredients in a completely new way. Tender juicy chicken smothered in a rich basil cream sauce and topped off with roasted tomatoes and bits of garlic… holy goodness! This is one meal that I wouldn’t mind eating on… Keep Reading
Strawberry Basil Pita Pizza with Balsamic Reduction
Pita pizzas are my go-to when I’m pressed for time and not wanting to wait 2+ hours for homemade dough. I thought I would try out a sweet and savory combination to switch it up a bit and I think I found my new summer pizza! Fresh basil, sweet strawberries, and rich goat cheese get topped off with a simple balsamic reduction making this quick, easy, and delicious!
30 Minute Noodle Bowl (Gluten-Free)
Anytime I’m sick or just craving something to warm me up on a cold winter day I go for pho. If you haven’t yet tried this phenomenal Vietnamese noodle soup, then make that your goal for the weekend. Ask around, read reviews, and find yourself the best pho spot you can! Since I’m a DIY person through and through, I of course wanted to try a homemade version. The only… Keep Reading
Spicy Tequila Carnitas with Apple Salsa
Those chilly fall days are here and it’s time to dust off the slow-cooker! Spicy pulled pork is always a favorite of ours to make because before you even open the front door you can smell the delicious aroma of a slow-cooked pork loin marinating in a spicy barbecue tequila sauce and an array of spices. I paired ours with a sweet and tangy apple salsa that provides the perfect… Keep Reading
Simple Lemon Dill Salmon with Cucumber Cilantro Sauce
Salmon is one of my favorite go-to proteins to cook with. It’s healthy, lean, full of great flavor, and quick to cook, but to be honest, I’ve been a little bored with it lately. I decided to switch things up and pair it with a fresh cucumber cilantro yogurt sauce. The vibrant flavors from the sauce paired perfectly with the citrus and herbs I used to season the fillets. I added… Keep Reading
Roasted Sweet Potato and Black Bean Breakfast Burritos
If I’m being completely honest these aren’t just breakfast burritos.. these are I-would-gladly-eat-these-for-every-meal burritos, but I initially sought out to make a savory new breakfast dish and these were the result. Red quinoa, black beans, and roasted sweet potato seasoned with a blend of spices make for a satisfyingly filling breakfast without leaving you feeling bloated afterward. Top it all off with my zesty Avocado Cilantro Lime Yogurt Sauce and… Keep Reading
Beer Battered Fish Tacos with Jalapeno Lemon Slaw
Do I even need to write an intro on this recipe? Beer battered is in the title and that should be all you need to know to want to make these tasty tacos! I used a local brew, Deschutes Brewery Twilight Summer Ale, to make the perfect crispy batter for fresh cod. I paired it with a simple jalapeño lemon slaw with a tangy spicy kick that complements the fish… Keep Reading
Zucchini, Lemon, and Basil Pizza with Parmesan and Goat Cheese
I seem to be a glutton for punishment because I decided on a 90 degree day in Portland (with no air conditioning) I would bake a pizza at 450 degrees. All of my literal “slaving over the hot stove” became completely worth it though when I took a bite of this pizza. I chose my favorite summer ingredients to create a tangy, fresh, and savory new pizza combination. I will… Keep Reading
Spicy Orange Shrimp with Warm Brussels Sprout Salad
I’m not one to typically veer off topic during a recipe post, but I just have to say how good it felt to spend an entire day working on recipes and cocktails for you all. It had been way too long and I forgot how passionate I get when I’m destroying my kitchen, running from room to room with food and props, and producing something delicious to share with my… Keep Reading
Loaded Baked Potato Pizza
It’s rare that I ever watch the Super Bowl, but when I do I take full advantage of overindulging in snacks, beer, and yelling nonsensically at the TV about fouls or goals and other sports terms that I know nothing about… It’s a good time either way! In addition to all of that I’ll be looking forward to serving up this cheesy decadent fusion of pizza and a loaded baked potato!… Keep Reading
Bacon Jalapeno Monterey Jack Grilled Cheese
If you’re a close friend or if you’ve been reading the blog for a while then you know I’m a huge Parks and Recreation fan and reference it constantly. Immediately after taking a bite of this cheesy, crunchy, bacon loaded grilled cheese I thought of Andy Dwyer’s bucket list. One of his items was to make the most amazing grilled cheese and I can confidently say that I’ve checked that… Keep Reading