Friday, Dec. 21, 2012

Cheese Ball

 

Every year I highly anticipate goodies that our family members send.  I wish I was more organized to send baked goods (maybe next year-let’s see if we can pull off Christmas Dinner first!).  Even though I do a lot of baking on my own, I still enjoy treats from others and more likely to eat them.  My parents went to the Philippines last year after spending some time with my Aunt & Uncle in Alberta before leaving.  When they returned from the Philipines, my Aunt had given them a cheese ball along with a selection of nuts and other goodies to bring home with them.  I immediately stole the cheese ball and shamelessly snuck spoonful’s from the fridge (Yes, I did this! I had no crackers!) until it was gone.

Friday, May 18, 2012

Blue Cheese-Stuffed Burgers 

Since I do a lot of baking, I try to ensure the meals I cook are healthy.  Unfortunately, sometimes I go off the wagon, and end up with these bad boys.  Not a healthy option by any means, but a hearty one.  I do enjoy hamburgers, but never tried stuffing them.  When I came across this recipe, I was intrigued.  I've never had blue cheese before, and had preconceived notions that it would be disgusting.  Gavin said that blue cheese is more of an 'acquired' taste and that they might go well with these burgers.  So, like a good girlfriend, I did just that.  And for the truth....I loved them!  But blue cheese is definitely an acquired taste (I tried it on its own and thought it was too pungent).  So if you've tried it before and hated it...perhaps this just might change your mind. 

Monday, April 16, 2012

Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken

I have yet another confession to make. I'm completely terrified of my crock pot. I know my feelings are unfounded and slightly crazy, but it's true. It's fairly new (I bought it last year), and I haven't been able to leave it alone for hours on end yet. I'm afraid it might burn down my house! My mom uses hers all the time without worrying, but I'm not used to that at all. So I'm slowly forcing myself to leave the house for short periods of times and gradually lengthen my time away, working myself up to 12 hours for when I have to work. 

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Chicken and Guacamole Tostadas

Blog, I’m sorry.  I feel horrible for not posting for just over a week, but life’s been busy with work, completing homework that I’ve procrastinated, Marlina home (yay!), spending time with family, ect.  After failed attempts at Easter treats, it left me in a terrible mood. I apologize for not posting anything!  I do hope everyone enjoyed their holiday, and spent lots of time with family and friends.  I hope the next holiday I will be more prepared (I’m sure I will!). 

Monday, March 26, 2012

Black Beans with Roasted Tomatoes and Feta 

I have one thing to say about this recipe: It’s one of my favorites. Plain and simple.  I make it every chance I get.  I never really cared for black beans until I made this salad; now I can’t get enough of the stuff!  I love how simple the ingredients are and how well they work together.  It’s fairly quick to prep; however, the tomatoes take 40 minutes to roast.  It’s a healthy side for any meal.  It’s paired nicely with chicken, fish or actually, any Mexican dish.  I just love this salad-I’m too stubborn to find anything else!

Monday, March 19, 2012

Japanese Inspired Vegetable and Tofu Soup

Yesterday was a beautiful day, but cold.  I have no idea when I became so intolerant to cool weather.  I mean, I’ve survived through -35 while walking to work.  -2 should be spring weather and a breeze, right?  I blame the sun for deceiving me-I thought it was warmer outside then it actually was. When I discovered it wasn't, all I wanted was to make something to warm me up!

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Cream Biscuits with Cheddar Cheese                                                       
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I found it difficult in the past to find a good biscuit recipe.  I only have two simple requirements: one, that you can eat it for breakfast without it being too greasy, two a side accompaniment for a meal.  This biscuit accomplishes both of my requirements, and it’s incredibly simple to make.  I made this recipe once with heavy cream and once with buttermilk.  I didn’t notice too much of a difference, but Gavin preferred the buttermilk version.  All of these ingredients are likely in your household already.

Friday, February 24, 2012

Homemade Granola Bars                                                                                                 

As I mentioned in my previous post, I love making things from scratch.  That being said; this post is dedicated to the homemade granola bar.  As a kid, I never really cared for them…at all.  They would end up as a last resort in the bottom of my backpack.  I had to be incredibly desperate to eat them.  When I did, I never enjoyed them because they were far too dry.  I think the only ones that I ever truly found satisfaction with were the chocolate coated ones, although now I acknowledge that it’s not the healthiest option available.  I was intrigued months ago when I bookmarked this recipe and hoped it would change my feelings about granola bars.  I think I’m turning, slowly.  Gavin was delighted with the way they turned out, but I highly recommend waiting 2-3 hrs prior to cutting the bars (he wanted to eat them 5 minutes after they came out of the oven!). They need to cool completely and stiffen otherwise they’re too soft and crumbly. 

Friday, February 17, 2012

Chipotle Bean Burritos  

It seems appropriate that I would post a meal; particularly one that’s of the healthy type since all you’ve seen so far is baking. I love cooking; however the pictures I take rarely turn out. But I had this for dinner last night, and desperately needed to share it with you. It’s a quick, healthy meal that I would say takes less than half hour (max, I swear!) to make. I will definitely be making this meal more in the future, and look forward to it!