Sangria is one those drinks that brings everyone together and since this is the time of year for gatherings and holidays, I couldn’t think of a more perfect flavor for this batch… Spiced Caramel Apple! With each sip you taste the sweet rich caramel, the flavor of fresh green apples, spices, cool crisp wine, and bubbly champagne. Although this makes quite a bit I would still recommend doubling the recipe… Keep Reading
Do you ever have those days where you just don’t want to be bothered to put pants on and go to the store? Is that day every day? You’re in good company! On one such occassion I was craving a smoothie and decided to work with what I had on hand for the sake of staying pants and makeup free. I had just baked pumpkin bread and still had plenty… Keep Reading
During fall I love incorporating as many seasonal vegetables into my meals that I can and squash is definitely my favorite to use. After coming across Cooking Light’s Acorn Squash Egg-in-the-Hole recipe I knew I had to recreate it for myself. I loaded mine up with fresh vegetables, bacon, and of course a healthy dose of Sriracha for some heat. Not only do they look beautiful once plated, but they’re… Keep Reading
It’s hard to believe that I’ve been blogging for nearly three and a half years now. I’m still learning and growing with each post, but it’s always nice to look back on older posts and appreciate how far I’ve come. One post that I love/cringe when I see is my Rum Spiked Pecan Pie. This was my first recipe that I posted involving Sailor Jerry Rum and the first recipe… Keep Reading
Hot Toddies are one of my favorite cocktails to enjoy through fall and winter. The cinnamon, cloves, and bitters really bring out the flavors in the rum and make this a soothing, aromatic drink that’s perfect for sipping on those chilly days. It’s also an amazing remedy for colds and sore throats making those sick days a lot more enjoyable! Whether you’re actually sick or just faking (I’ll never tell!),… Keep Reading
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
I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with salads, but I quickly fell in love with them again after pairing it with this deliciously addictive dressing. It’s fresh, tangy, and also makes a great dipping sauce for sweet potato fries, tortilla chips, and burritos. After I let my husband taste test it he said, “You can just give me a spoon and hand me the rest of the bottle!”… Keep Reading
I wanted a cocktail that captured this transitional time of year as we say goodbye to summer and welcome fall. Instead of jumping to the obvious pumpkin recipes (although I’m quite excited for those too) I went with fresh Granny Smith apples to be the star of this drink. Fresh lime and mint capture that summery fresh citrus component while the freshly juiced apple gives it a tart and crisp… Keep Reading
Last week I cooked up a big batch of my Hearty Jalapeno Chili but instead of pairing it with traditional cornbread muffins I went with some savory Bacon Cheddar Jalapeno Biscuits instead! I used a self-rising flour and brushed the tops with butter which made for a beautiful buttery flakey crust, but the best part was that nearly every bite had a little piece of salty bacon, gooey melted cheddar,… Keep Reading
Breakfast is typically something I’m scarfing down on the way to work or a meal I skip entirely, so to break that habit I put together some scrumptious French Toast and Sausage Muffins that can actually be prepped the night before! French toast and breakfast sausage is one of my favorite combos because the flavors work together perfectly to satisfy that sweet and savory craving. The muffin size makes portion… Keep Reading
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
Today rum swillers everywhere will be celebrating National Rum Day, but what about those who aren’t big drinkers? Not to worry, I’ve taken care of you too by providing some of my favorite rum spiked goodies for you to enjoy! First up… Sailor Sundae Cupcakes – This one is the mother of all rum spiked goodness! Chocolate rum cake with a chocolate rum ganache filling, topped with rum buttercream frosting,… Keep Reading
If you caught my first Friday Failures post a few days ago then you saw that my first attempt at these didn’t turn out so hot, but attempt #2 was an absolute success! A blend of spices create a rich and flavorful cake while the airy whipped cream frosting makes it feel like a chai spiced latte in cupcake form. And although we still have another month or so left… Keep Reading
I had some leftover berries from my Whole Wheat Summer Berry Muffins recipe and I decided to juice them up and add them to my mimosas! Which by the way, can we just take a second to appreciate the invention of the Mimosa.. you’re drinking champagne in the morning like a rich housewife but because you add orange juice it makes your day drinking completely acceptable! That fresh berry flavor,… Keep Reading
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
Lately we’ve been on a bit of a yogurt kick and I’m finding other uses for it besides my morning breakfast. I’ve always been a sour cream person when it comes to burrito toppings, but I thought I’d give a yogurt sauce a try to change things up. What I discovered was that I had been missing out on some serious flavor! This creamy tangy sauce added the perfect zip… Keep Reading
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
When I initially sought out a mango ice cream recipe I thought I would find a much healthier version since it involved fresh fruit.. Boy was I wrong! A lot of these recipes called for large amounts of sugar, heavy cream, and required an ice cream maker to make it happen. Not to be discouraged, I decided to turn back to my own blog for some inspiration. I recently put… Keep Reading
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
I often get asked how I come up with different recipe and cocktail combinations and to be quite honest, sometimes its as easy as looking through the refrigerator and using what’s available. With plenty of basil, oranges, and Sailor Jerry Rum on hand I put together an Orange Basil Rum Fizz! A bubbly summer cocktail that’s simple, sweet, and strong!
Sangria is always a summer staple for me, but I wanted to deviate from the traditional red wine and fruit combination to create something a little lighter. Using crisp white wine and fresh summer fruits, I made two different flavors that embody the taste and aromas of summer. The cucumber strawberry combination turns a beautiful blush color after just one day of infusing and has a sweet finish. The cucumber… Keep Reading
Since we’re nearing the end of May and I STILL haven’t started my garden, I thought I would poke a little fun at myself by making “potted plant” cupcakes instead. Inspired by Martha Stewart’s Potted Chocolate Mint Puddings, I started with a base of moist fluffy chocolate cake, followed by decadent whipped chocolate mint frosting, topped off with crumbled Oreos and fresh mint. This is one ‘plant’ that you won’t… Keep Reading
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
If you’re of legal drinking age then you’re no doubt familiar with the Moscow Mule: A simple mix of lime juice, vodka, and ginger beer, traditionally served in a copper mug. While I always appreciate a classic, I also love to put my own spin on things and added a bit of fresh grapefruit juice to the concoction as well. I can already tell you that this will be my… Keep Reading