Sunday, December 27, 2009

Frozen Grand Marnier Torte with Dark Chocolate Crust and Spiced Cranberries

This recipe is from Bon Appetit...but I've made a few adjustments to it! Here is the recipe WITH my adjustments!

Ingredients

Crust

  • 1pre-made chocolate pie crust
  • 6 crushed graham crackers
  • 1/2 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons sugar
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted

Filling

  • 8 large egg yolks
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 2 cups chilled heavy whipping cream
  • 1/2 cup chilled sour cream
  • 5 tablespoons Grand Marnier
  • 3 tablespoons frozen orange juice concentrate, thawed
  • 1 tablespoon grated orange peel

Topping

  • 1/2 cup red wine + 2 tbsp. sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 5 cups fresh cranberries or frozen, partially thawed, divided
  • White chocolate curls

Preparation

Crust

  • Finely grind crust, graham crackers, chips, and sugar in processor. Add melted butter; blend until wet crumbs form. Set aside 1/2 cup crumb mixture. Press remaining crumb mixture onto bottom and 2 inches up sides of 9-inch-diameter springform pan with 2 3/4-inch-high sides.

filling

  • Whisk first 3 ingredients in medium metal bowl. Set over saucepan of simmering water and whisk vigorously until candy thermometer registers 175°F, about 8 minutes. Remove bowl from over water. Add spices. Using mixer, beat until thick and cool, about 5 minutes.
  • Using electric mixer, beat whipping cream, sour cream, Grand Marnier, orange juice concentrate, and grated orange peel in large bowl until peaks form. Add egg yolk mixture and fold together. Pour filling into crust. Cover; freeze overnight or up to 3 days.

Topping

  • Whisk red wine, sugar, and cornstarch in large skillet to blend. Add sugar, honey, and spices. Bring mixture to boil over high heat, stirring often. Add 3 cups cranberries; cook until mixture boils and cranberries begin to pop but still hold shape, about 5 minutes. Mix in remaining 2 cups cranberries. Chill topping at least 6 hours or overnight.
  • Release pan sides from torte. Transfer torte to platter. Spoon topping over filling. Garnish torte with white chocolate curls.
  • Do not remove from freezer until ready to serve!

Lubbee

This is my mom's recipe for lubbee. Also way good!

3# beef

1# lamb shank

5c chopped onion

½ t cinnamon

½t allspice

12oz tomato paste

Water

3# greenbeans

Salt and pepper to taste

Brown cubed meat and remove from pan

Sautee onions and garlic in drippings, leave in bones

Add meat and cover with water

Add tomato paste, spices and salt and pepper

Simmer until tender (I would simmer for about 30-45 minutes, until broth has reduced).

Kibbee

This is my mom's recipe for kibbee. SO GOOD!

3# ground lamb (Kroger vac pack American is good)

5# ground Beef, 93% lean

4c fine cracked wheat, dry

4T salt

2 ½ t pepper

2t allspice

2t cinnamon

1 ½ t mint, dried and rubbed fine

1 ½ t basil, dried and rubbed fine

4 onions, totally mushed in food processor

Using Grandma’s kibbee bowl, mix the above ingredients very well. Dip your hands in water to moisten the mixture and rub it between your hands for hours until it is all homogenized. If you don’t have Grandma’s kibbee bowl, forget it. Nothing will taste right. Or, you can mix it in small batches in a Kitchen Aide stand mixer but I’d be afraid of Grandma coming back to get you.

Now, for the filling (hashwee). Actually cook this before starting the above mixture.

2# ground lamb

2c pine nuts

1stick butter

½ t salt

Lightly brown the pine nuts in the butter then add the meat and salt. Cook over medium/low heat for a long time until it is very brown and somewhat crispy. Do it slowly so it doesn’t burn. This will take about 30 minutes.

Using a large cookie scoop measure kibbee, flatten in your hand, generously stuff with some hashwee and form into football shape.

Bake on a lightly greased baking sheet at 425 degrees about 15 minutes then flip them and bake till brown. Drain liquid to assure proper browning.

Bacon Parmesean Brusells Sprouts

Ingredients:

1 lb. fresh burssells sprouts
2 tbsp. bacon grease
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 strips chopped, cooked bacon
1/4 c. fresh grated Parmesan cheese
Salt
Pepper

Directions:

Clean brussells sprouts by trimming ends and removing outer leaves. Half sprouts and boil for 6-7 minutes (until tender). Meanwhile, heat skillet to medium-low with bacon grease and olive oil. Dry boiled brussells sprouts, and saute in pan for 5-6 minutes (until lightly toasted). Salt and pepper to taste. Mix sprouts with cheese and bacon, then serve!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

Christmas Cookies!

This was my first attempt at making some frosted christmas cookies. I used the cooking light sugar cookie recipe and used Sandra Lee's royal frosting recipe (2 egg whites, 1 tsp. vanilla flavoring...but I used almond, and 3 c. powdered sugar). I used a bunch of different colors...buuuut in general, I thought they turned out pretty amateur. I need to work on my piping technique! Oh and shout out to mom and dad for the early christmas present; a pampered chef froster!

Anyways, I need to practice, but here's how the first attempt turned out:


Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Beer Simmered Asian Shrimp Salad

YUMMY! I had this for lunch today! (Oh, and PLEASE make oatmeal with milk, blueberries, cranberries, sliced almonds, pomegranate seeds, and honey...so good!)

1 tbsp. olive oil
1 tbsp. butter
1 tsp. hot sauce
3 tbsp. soy sauce
1 clove garlic, chopped
1 tsp. red chili flakes
1/2 bottle lager beer
8 medium shrimp
mixed greens
cucumbers
green onions

Combine first 6 ingredients and bring to a simmer. Add shrimp and lager, and simmer for about 2-3 minutes (don't let the shrimp get tough!). Remove shrimp after they have turned pink and place onto of greens, cucumber, and onions. Increase heat to a boil and cook remaining sauce for about 1-2 minutes, or until it thickens. Spoon 2-3 tbsp. of sauce on top of salad as a dressing!

Saturday, December 12, 2009

Absent!

Sorry I've been so absent lately! These past two weeks have been insane...but now it's Christmas Break! Highlights from these past two weeks include ending my raw food mistake I mean diet, apple cinnamon and carrot muffins, and homemade guacamole.

Goals for Christmas break include:

1) Make cute, frosted Christmas cookies.
2) Lebanese feats with the Robinsons!
3) Something French...just anything.


Happy Holiday's, ya'll!

Tuesday, December 1, 2009

Final Day of Raw Food Diet

My thesis is due this week. Overtones concert is on Sunday. Musical Theatre Revue is on Sunday. I have about 100 meetings, rehearsals, classes, and gigs to go to this week. Soooo, yeah...I don't have time to think about raw food. I'm done.


BUT I was still good today! I have a tofu panini and a side salad for lunch. Attempted to make Thai coconut soup....it ended up tasting like garbage, so I had some hummus, pita, dolmas, and olives for dinner instead. And a granola bar for a snack. So I'm ok, right?


Sorry...raw food was fun. But I was hungry.

Monday, November 30, 2009

Raw Food Diet Day #1

Ok...sooo here is what I had to eat today. Not exactly ALL raw food...but pretty close!

Skipped Breakfast...didn't have anything raw to eat, so I just skipped it!

Lunch: D-Hall. I had a salad with lettuce, spinach, onions, bell peppers, carrots, mushrooms, olives, peas, kidney beans, hummus, salt, pepper, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.

Snack: Granola bar and black coffee.

Dinner: Green bell pepper stuffed with 40 spice hummus/radish/mushroom mixture.


So...I feel full? I'm feeling healthy and energetic. I don't feel like I'm going to die or pass out or anything...hopefully I can keep this up all week!

Friday, November 27, 2009

Raw Food Diet

I decided to try a raw food diet for a week...and I'm making it official by putting it on my blog so that the 10 people who read it will hold me accountable! Obviously, I could never do a full on raw food diet for the rest of my life...mainly because I love to cook too much for that...but I thought I would try to starting on MONDAY as sort of a post-thanksgiving detox (sidenote: I had 5 thanksgivings this year...not ok!)

ALSO it's kind of a fun cooking experiment, right? I mean...it'll be less "cooking" and more "assembling"...but still...

That is all! Thanksgiving was delicious. Tomorrow is the Lebanese Thanksgiving, which will also be delicious. Then Sunday and THEN raw food heaven!

Saturday, November 21, 2009

Sweet Potato Casserole

I made this for the annual theatre dept. thanksgiving (and actually,this was the first time I had actually gone...just in time, right?). Anyways, I forgot to take a picture...but everyone ate it and loved it, so just trust that it looked awesome.

2 cans cooked yams
1/2 c. dark brown sugar
1/2 c. heavy whipping cream
1/2 c. melted butter (unsalted, PLEASE!)
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 tbsp. cloves
3 c. mini marshmallows
2 eggs, beaten
Pinch of salt

Preheat oven to 400 F

Mash the yams until the consistency of smashed potatoes (or go ahead and whip them!). Mix in the cream, butter (cooled, so you don't scramble the eggs), beaten eggs, cinnamon, cloves, and salt. Spoon into a baking pan and cover with marshmallows. Cook on the bottom rack for 30 minutes, then move to the top rack (to toast the marshmallows).

Happy Thanksgiving!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Tortilla Chips Update!

So...in one of my old posts, I wrote about how to make some yummy, homemade tortilla chips. Well, I made some again tonight, and instead of using the technique I used last time, I combined about 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tsp. salt, 1 tsp chili powder, and 1 tsp. cumin, and just brushed it onto the chips before I baked them. SOOO great!

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

Macaroni and Cheese

I had dinner tonight with my lovely friend Renee from high school, and decided to bring some mac and cheese over (she made an AMAZING bbq chicken!). I had never made mac and cheese by myself (only with my mom...who literally makes the best homemade mac and cheese, ever!). I knew to make the beschamel, and then add the cheese, and add it to the noodles...but I was really sure of the details....so I just winged it! It was so wonderful! I would use different noodles next time (better macaroni or egg noddles). I'm looking forward to adding different cheese (mac and cheese with triple cream brie? or gruyere? I think so!) So...here it goes!




















Ingredients:

3 tbsp. butter
1 tbsp. olive oil
2 tbsp. all purpose flour
1 1/2 c. heated skim milk
1 tsp. + 1 tbsp. paprika
1 tsp. ground mustard
1 tbsp. salt
1 c. + 1/4 c. sharp cheddar, shredded
2 boxes of mac and cheese, discard packet, and cook noodles to al dente
1 egg
1/4 c. Parmesean
Spray butter

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 F. Melt butter in a sauce pan, adding olive oil when melter. Whisk in flour, and then whisk in heated skim milk. Stir in paprika, mustard, and salt. Remove from heat. Add both cheddar and Parmesean. Set aside.

Place al dente noodles in a square baking dish. Make sure that they have come to room temperature. Whisk and egg and combine into noodles. Pour cheese sauce into dish, and combine. Spray top of dish with butter, and cover with paprika. Bake for 15 minutes, then cover with shredded cheese. And then please enjoy!

Monday, November 9, 2009

Mocha Cinnamon Chocolate Chip Scones

This recipe is based off of this one, with a few differences! I softened the butter, added dark, semi sweet, and unsweetened chocolate chips (no white), and I added a tsp. of cinnamon into the dry ingredients. Hope you enjoy!




Imitation Moo Shu Chicken

Any authentically Chinese person would probably get really mad at me for calling this moo shu chicken (first of all, because I don't think that moo shu chicken is a real thing)...but I don't care...it was what I wanted to eat and so I made it!



















Ingredients:

1 tbsp.vegetable oil
1 tsp. rice vinegar
1 boneless, skinless chicken breast, diced
3 radishes, thinly sliced
3 carrots, thinly sliced
1 scallion, thinly sliced
2 tortillas, steamed (set over a bowl of water, microwave for 1 minute)
2 tbsp. hoisin sauce (i used the rest of my sweet and spicy sauce, which actually tastes exactly like hosin)
1 tsp. key lime juice
1 tsp. red chili flakes

Heat oil and vinegar over medium high heat. Brown chicken, and then add the vegetables, reserving the scallions. Add the hoison sauce, reduce heat to medium low, and cover for 5 minutes (stirring occasionally). Remove lid, add scallions, key lime juice, and red chili flakes.
Recover for 5 minutes. Spoon moo shu chicken into steamed into tortillas, and enjoy!

Sunday, November 8, 2009

Guiness Sundae!

A) This is not my recipe! It's from Food Network.
B) This was not my idea...it was Katie's!
C) This was delicious. Make it.

Bring one 15-ounce can Guinness or other stout beer and 1/2 cup sugar to a simmer in a saucepan over low heat and cook until syrupy, about 40 minutes. Whisk in 3 tablespoons diced cold butter. Drizzle the Guinness caramel over vanilla or butter pecan ice cream and serve with shortbread cookies.


Friday, November 6, 2009

Spicy Breakfast Eggs

Good morning! I made these eggs just now for brunch. It's just a tortilla, an egg omelet (not folded), black beans, cheese, salsa, hot sauce, and parsley (had to add something green). SO easy, and so delicious!

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Boston Cream Pie Cupcakes



HI! My beautiful, wonderful friend Lizzie gave me her AC adapter (mine decided to off itself). SO NICE OF HER! So, I decided to make her some cupcakes...and it was the perfect opportunity to try something new! What's better than boston cream pie? Well...cupcakes are. But NOTHING is better than boston cream pie cupcakes!

Ingredients:

1 box yellow cake mix
1 package instant vanilla pudding
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1 tub fudge frosting


Prepare yellow cake mix according to package (for cupcakes). Let cool. Prepare vanilla pudding mix, adding in 1 tsp. vanilla extract. Fill pasty bag with pudding, and fill cooled cupcake with about 1 tbsp. pudding. Fill pastry bag with frosting and frost! Enjoy!

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Sweet and Spicy Chicken and Rice w/ "Asian" Salad

So, my mom gave me these fun asian sauce packs in a care package the other week (thanks mom!), and I decided to use the "Sweet and Spicy" one on Saturday. Technically it was for ribs...but I don't eat that much red meat (and I had chicken), so I made chicken instead! WAY good/better than I expected!

This is the sauce I used:
Ingredients:

Lettuce
Carrots
Green Onion
"Sweet and Spicy Sauce" (or whatever you can find)
3 chicken tenders (raw), cubed
Basmati Rice
Water
Rice Vinegar
Canola Oil


Directions:

Chop lettuce, carrots, and onion into a salad bowl set aside for later. Brown chicken in a pan over medium high heat. Add 2 tbsp. sauce, 1 tbsp water, and cover over medium heat. Cook for about 10 minutes on medium heat, covered, until cooked in center. Meanwhile, combine 1/2 cup rice and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, and the simmer, covered, for 10 minutes or until cooked throughout. Place rice on plate and top with chicken. Combine 1 tbsp. sauce, 1 tsp. oil, and 1 tsp. rice vinegar to make a dressing for the salad. Enjoy!




Sunday, October 25, 2009

Peanut Butter Jar Oatmeal

So, this is not at all my own idea...it comes from Eating Bird Food which is my new favorite healthy food blog (haha clearly not a theme that I chose to put into my own!).

Anyways, basically the idea is that when you've come down to the bottom of a jar of peanut butter, you can put oatmeal in it, add toppings, and you've got both a delicious meal and a somewhat more clean peanut butter jar! It just made some with Smuckers Natrual Peanut Butter, plain oatmeal, cinnamon, and sugar. SOOOO good!


Apple Cider Cookies


I made these cookies last week for The Overtones! They were delicious...but I would suggest bringing plates or napkins, because the powdered sugar can get kinda messy!

Ingredients:

1 package spice cake mix
1 1/3 c. water
1/3 c. oil
3 eggs
3 1/2-4 c. flour
1 tsp. cloves
1 tbsp. cinnamon
1 c. powdered sugar

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease baking pans. Mix all ingredients together and spoon out tablespoon sized cookies onto baking pan. Bake for 10 minutes and cover immediately in powdered sugar!

These are GREAT with tea!

Saturday, October 3, 2009

Roasted Potatoes and Carrots

Fall deliciousness:

Ingredients:

5 large carrots, cut into fourths
10 small red potatoes, washed
1/2 large sweet onion, cut into chunks
4 garlic cloves
3 tbsp. butter, melted
1 tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper

Directions:

Preheat oven to 425 F. Combine the all ingredients in a roasting pan. Cover all ingredients equally in the butter, salt, and pepper. Cover with aluminum foil. Roast for 45 minutes on the top rack. Uncover, toss, and roast for another 30 minutes, uncovered.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Cranberry Chipotle Chicken

I had this can of whole cranberry sauce in my pantry at school for, like, ever...and I just didn't know what to do with it! So, I finally looked up some recipes online and then came up with this one!

Ingredients:

4 bone-in chicken thighs
1 can whole cranberry sauce
2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar
1/4 c. hot sauce
2 tsp. seasoned salt
2 cloves chopped garlic

Combine all ingredients in a crockpot, and set on low for 8 hours (allowing steam to leak out, if possible).

I'm thinking of serving this with some sour cream and chive mashed potatoes and some herb roasted carrots!

Sunday, September 27, 2009

Best Gin and Tonic Recipe

Gin and Diet Tonic is my new drink of choice.

1 1/2 shots of gin (I'm using Seagram's right now)
1 c. ice
2 shots Diet Tonic water
1 lime wedge

Fill short glass with ice. Pour in gin, then diet tonic water. Squeeze lime wedge into drink, stir, and then throw the lime wedge in there.

Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Made for my wonderful, awesome, cookie-loving boyfriend!

Ingredients:

2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 c. light brown sugar
1/2 c. white sugar
1 c. butter (softened)
2 eggs
1 3/4 c. flour
3 c. quick cooking oatmeal
1 1/2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder

Directions:

Preheat oven to 350 F. Grease 4 cookie sheets and set aside. Combine vanilla, brown sugar, white sugar, and butter. Whip until smooth. Add eggs one at a time, beating each time. Add flour slowly. Add salt and baking powder and whisk until smooth. Spoon in oatmeal and chocolate chips, and stir until 1 consistency.

Take 2 teaspoons. Using 1 teaspoon, scoop a full amount of dough. Use the other spoon to slide the dough onto the cookie sheet.

Bake for appx. 10 minutes each. Cool off of cookie sheet. Enjoy with a big glass of milk!

Friday, September 25, 2009

Spinach Alfredo

I made this kinda just off the cuff tonight, and it turned out wonderfully! Don't you love cooking surprises?

Ingredients:

1 handful uncooked linguine
6 c. water
1 tbsp + 2 tsp olive oil
1 tbsp unsalted butter
1 minced garlic clove
1 tsp. basil
1/2 c. warmed milk
1 tsp. black pepper
1 wedge laughing cow cheese (or 1 tbsp. cream cheese)
2 tbsp. Parmesan cheese
2 c. fresh spinach
1 tsp. red pepper flakes

Directions:

Bring water and 2 tbsp. olive oil to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente.

Meanwhile, melt butter and rest of olive oil over medium heat. Saute garlic and basil. Add warmed milk a bring to a low simmer. Mix in black pepper, laughing cow cheese (or cream cheese), Parmesan cheese, and simmer until smooth. Add fresh spinach and wilt. Keep on medium-low heat, and uncovered.

Drain pasta moderately, but not until dry (you want some of the starchy water to mix in with the pasta sauce). Mix cooked pasta into sauce (in saute pan). Bring heat to low and cover for 5 minutes.

Serve with red pepper flakes on top, and enjoy!


Thursday, September 24, 2009

Chickeny Deliciousness

I'm not really sure where this recipe came from. I mean, I made it up...but I'm just not sure where I got the inspiration from. Here is it!

Chicken:

Mix tomato sauce, soy sauce, hot sauce, red pepper flakes, and salt to taste. Mix this with a proportional amount of chicken, and cook in a crock pot for 6-8 hours on low.

Cook basmati rice according to directions on package.

Saute chicken with spinach.

Scramble an egg and mix with chicken mixture. Add rice, and saute on low until combined. Enjoy!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Sunday, August 23, 2009

Sweet Sauteed Chicken

Here's my recipe for a somewhat sweet, but still spicy, chicken. This on top of rice or a salad is a super, simple dinner!

Ingredients:

1/2 chicken breast, chopped into 1/2 inch cubes
1 tsp. olive oil
1/2 tsp each of cinnamon, cloves, cumin, dill, and red pepper flakes

Directions:

Preheat skillet over medium high. Add olive oil and bring to heat. Toss in chicken and brown on all sides. Reduce heat to medium. Add spices and stir constantly until chicken is thoroughly coated and cooked (about 5-7 minutes)!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

Grilled Vegetables w/ Blue Cheese Sauce

John and I made this for the annual August Birthday Bash (4 of us in my family have August birthdays!) All of the veggies were from the Chesterfield Berry Farm, and the sauce was inspired from my grandmas blue cheese dip! Drizzle just a little bit over the veggies....who had any idea?!

PS- This recipe is for 17 people!

Grilled Vegetables:

2 Eggplants
3 Yellow Squash
5 Carrots
2 Red Onions
4 Hungarian Peppers (I used 2 red and 2 green)
3 Cloves of Garlic
3 tbs olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Cut the first 5 ingredients into 1/2 inch think slices. Peel garlic, and mix all vegetables with olive oil, and salt and pepper to taste. Preheat grill to medium high heat. Grill eggplant first (about 8 minutes per side). Grill squash next (we didnt...and wish we had!). Grill rest of ingredients last. Make sure that all veggies have grill marks and are cooked all the way through!


Thursday, July 30, 2009

Tortilla Chips

So, my dad has to be on this super strict diet. It sucks, but it's kind of fun too, because he has to eat all the kinds of foods that I like to eat anyways (i.e. shopping in the super organic/healthy aisle!). So, we couldn't find any tortilla chips without oil at the store, so I decided to just make some for him! Turns out they are super easy, and way better than regular chips (they are SO sturdy!)

Ingredients:

1 package Fat Free tortillas cut into eigths(you could use whole wheat, spinach, etc.)
Sea Salt
Ancho Chili Powder
Grape Seed Oil Spray

Directions:

Preheat oven to 375. Spray a cookie sheet with the grape seed oil. Lay tortilla strips on the sheet in only 1 layer. Sprinkle with salt and chili powder. Bake for 5-10 minutes, checking constantly. Let cool before you store!

You could put just about ANY spice you want on these chips!

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Peach Tarts!

These are best if made with freshly picked peaches...preferably from Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, VA...but you know, store bought would work too!

Ingredients:

3 large, ripe (but not overly ripe) peaches, chopped into 1/2 inch squares
1/8 c. powdered sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. cloves
1/4 c. tapioca
1 egg + 1/4 c. water, whisked
1 pre-made pie crust, cut into circles that will fit your cupcake tins

Directions:

Preheat oven to 450.

Spray cupcake tin with non-stick cooking spray. Place cupcake wrappers in tin and spray again. Carefully place pastry dough in the bottom of the tin.

Combine peaches, sugar, cinnamon, cloves, tapioca, and sugar. Fill cupcake tins to the top (they will cook down). Brush with egg wash mixture.

Bake on top rack for 30 minutes.

OPTION:

Add 2 eggs, 1/4 c. water, a dash of cinnamon and a dash of cloves (whisked) to peaches for a muffin-like treat! Bake these for 15 additional minutes.

Sunday, July 12, 2009

Clean Out the Fridge Sangria!

...and I thought that Clean out the fridge soup was exciting! Here we go!

1/2 bottle white wine
1/2 bottle white zinfandel
1/4 c. pomegranate juice
1/4 c. grapefruit juice
1/4 c. lime juice
1 handful blackberries and raspberries
1/2 c. blueberries
Juice of 1 lime, plus actual lime cut into eighths
1/4 c. lime juice
1 c. club soda
1 bottle of ginger beer (I'm sure you could use ginger root or ginger ale)
1/2 c. simple syrup

Muddle all the non-liquid ingredients, and then include liquid ingredients. Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to serve! (I strained mine first, but I'm sure all the berries would also be super yummy!)

(brandy/vodka addition optional!)

Thursday, July 9, 2009

Clean out the Fridge Soup

I'm trying to clean out my fridge/freezer before I leave....here's the recipe I came up with today!

1 frozen chicken breast (cut into 1" cubes)
8 jumbo, peeled, deveined shrimp, cut into thirds
2 celery stalks, chopped
1/4 white onion, chopped
2 c. chicken broth
2 c. water
1/4 c. corn
1 2/3 c. frozen collard greens
2/3 c. whole wheat couscous
1 tsp each: dill, pepper, oregano, basil, parsley, crushed red chili pepper

Combine all ingredients in slow cooker (6 hours) for a delicious soup!
Serve w/ Parmesan cheese on top and a chunk of bread on the side!

About 500 calories TOTAL! (so probably no more than 100 calories/serving)

Thursday, July 2, 2009

BQQ Chicken Sauce

Inspired from this recipe!

Ingredients:

2 tbsp butter
1/4 c. ketchup
1/4 c. store bought bbq sauce
1/4 c. lemon juice
1/4 c. soy sauce
dash of black pepper
dash of crushed red chili flakes
dash of cumin
dash of paprika
1 tsp. honey
2 tsp. grainy mustard


Directions:

Melt butter over medium high heat. Add next 8 ingredients. Bring to a boil. Reduce for 5 minutes (to about 1/2 c.). Take off heat. Add honey and mustard.

You make this into BBQ chicken by placing two frozen boneless, skinless chicken breasts in a slow cooker, covering with sauce and sliced onions, and cooking on low setting for 6-8 hours!


Veggie Breakfast Frittata

YUMMY breakfast frittata that was inspired from this recipe.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup of corn
4 eggs
1/4 c. green onion
1/4 c. shredded carrots
1/4 c. mushrooms
1 tsp. cumin
1 tsp. dill
1 tsp. crushed red pepper
2 slices Reduced Fat Sargento Pepper Jack Cheese

Pre-heat oven to Bake at 350. Place corn in pie pan, spread evenly. Bake on bottom shelf until corn starts to sizzle/is cooked. Whisk eggs, onion, carrots, mushrooms, and spices, and add to pie pan. Bake until egg starts to cook around edges (about 5 minutes). Place cheese (torn apart) on top of egg mixture, and move to top shelf. Broil on 350 until cheese browns and egg cooks (about 10 minutes). Serve with avocado and hot salsa!

Appx. 150 calories/serving (1/4 frittata)

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

Dieting-ish

SO, I've been on a somewhat healthy kick for about 2 weeks now, and it's great! I've been exercising 3-6 times a week and eating very healthfully. I've been trying to drink as much water as possible (bringing a big water bottle to work has helped). For breakfast (which I eat) I usually drink either a Slim Fast or a Carnation Instant Breakfast drink or have a Zone bar. I try to do either a healthy sandwich or salad for lunch, and then fewer carbs, more protein and veggies for dinner. I haven't been eating at night, and I've been trying to limit myself to only 1 drink that's over 0 calories per day (and usually just one diet coke, if any). Low-fat, low calorie, low-carb. And it really hasn't been hard. I find that I'm actually getting to eat more of what I like (chicken, turkey, veggies, fruit, whole grains), and that I really enjoy when I get a treat (I still have ice cream about everynight, and when I want/need some caffiene I'll go to Starbucks or Greenberry's and get a latte with non fat milk...but I don't like sugar free syrup).

The most effective thing has been doing my research before I go out to eat. Looking at menus online, looking at calorie counters, finding healthier options. Thedailyplate.com has been a really good tool as well.

Exercise wise, I've been focusing on cardio (45 minutes each time + walking to the gym when it's nice), and then doing light weights and abs.

Anyways, just thought I'd share!

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Best Restaurants in Harrisonburg

Going off of the "My Favorite and Least Favorite Things" post, I decided to post on my favorite (and maybe least favorite) restaurants in Harrisonburg (chains included).

Clementine: So yeah, it's a trendy little place, and it could easily have been just skin deep, but the food here seriously delivers! I've only been here twice, both times with John (first on our first date, and then again a couple weeks ago). I can't really say much about the first experience, just because I was kind of focusing on other things....but this last time was wonderful! The servers are perfect, the atmosphere is artsy, but warm and inviting (certainly not exclusive), and the FOOD! The food is what brings people back. I got the spinach salad with grilled shrimp on top. There was a piece of fried goat cheese on top, which was incredible mixed with the warm balsamic dressing, prosciutto, and marinated tomatoes. This is a great place to go to with friends, family, or on a date! And I can't WAIT to go here after I turn 21! A hibiscus gin blossom? Yes please!

Little Grill Collective: This hippie place makes up in food for what it lacks in atmosphere. The staff is super nice (if not under-staffed), but the restaurant itself is super small (sometimes way TOO small) and, well, kind of dirty. But don't let that dissuade you! The food here is AMAZING! The menu itself is so much fun! I think that veggies and meat-eaters alike can definitely find something they'll adore. I highly recommend the tempeh reuben sandwich.

Great Wok: Take out Chinese to the max! It's, like, $8 for soup, rice, an egg roll, and an entree. I've only ever gotten the General Tso's chicken, which is a perfect midnight meal. They're quick and delicious, and just perfect for Harrisonburg Chinese take out.

Cinnamon Bear: This cafe/bakery/deli is super cute and unique. It's pretty on the inside, the staff is super friendly, and the menu is fun! I would suggest either the Breakfast in a Wrap or the California Sunrise (bagel, cream cheese, spinach, egg, red onion, and thai hot sauce...maybe some other stuff?). The sandwiches are great as well! I got a special called the International, and it was something like smokey turkey and brie on foccacia. And, of course, the cinnamon rolls are to die for. Good coffee too!

Dave's Taverna: Taverna Burger. That is all that needs to be said.

Taste of Thai: I'm newly obsessed with Thai food. Taste of Thai is pretty cute...but could be cuter. The food, though, makes up for it. The pad thai is HUGE and delicious, but the Yum Woon Sen is to die for! The sauce is just so light and the noodles are fun and tasty! I've never seen it busy, but I know that people like to go there...soooo, I guess it's popular?

Klines: Of course. Klines is by far the best ice cream I've ever had. I always get vanilla. Well, actually this past week I got the cookies and cream, and it was really good (the cookies were actually crunchy and crispy, but soggy like you usually get)...but the vanilla is just so damn good! Also, I had a sip of my friends malted pumpkin milkshake...and it was like november exploded in my mouth.

Chanellos: I've only ever had Chanellos post midnight...so my judgement might be off, but come on...the cheesy bread with the ranch sometimes just hits the spot. Don't bother getting pizza, though. I mean, it might be good...but why wouldn't you get cheesy bread?

Greenberry's: I don't actually LOVE Greenberry's coffee drinks (except for their black coffee, which is far superior to Starbucks). I find them to be unoriginal and just copies of whatevers on the menu at Sbucks. They're on here, however, because the food is great! The spinach feta croissant is a great breakfast or snack. And I've heard that they're soups and sandwiches are great too!

Jalisco: Simply for the amazing cole slaw they bring out with the chips and salsa.


That's about it. Of course Cally's, The Artful Dodger, and a couple of other places are great, these are just my favorites. I really want to go to some of the more local diners and BBQ places!




Friday, June 12, 2009

Easy Chicken Fajitas

So, this recipe is kind of three in one. I marinated chicken, then make this chicken, and then made them into fajitas! Have fun!

Chicken Marinade:
Olive Oil
White Wind Vinegar
Lemon Juice
Lime Juice
Garlic
Green Onion
Salt
Pepper
Soy Sauce
Crushed red pepper flakes

1) Marinate for 24 hours!

2) Cook the chicken as directed in the Spicy-Honey Brushed Chicken Recipe (cookinglight.com, I love it!)

3) Reduce heat, bake at 350 for 5-8 minutes.

4) Cut chicken into strips and serve on flour tortillas with cheese, salsa, lettuce, tomato, green onion, and avocado!

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Best Sauce/Marinade ever!

John and I use this combination of ingredients for sauces and marinades all the time. It goes GREAT with chicken and shrimp, and I can only imagine that it would be awesome with steak as well! The proportions are kind of all over the place. Just adjust them to your own tastes/what you're making/how much you'll need!

Ingredients:

Soy Sauce
Olive Oil
Lemon juice
Lime juice
Crushed Red Pepper
Pepper


Add in these things too as you want them!:

Ginger
Green Onion
Scallions
White Wine Vinegar
Beer
Crushed Red Pepper
Dill
Oregano
Basil

Saturday, May 30, 2009

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie!


...the kid at Food Lion didn't know what rhubarb was. Shameful. PS, this is my actual pie!!!

Ingredients:

2 pre-made pie crusts
2 c. sliced strawberries
3 stalks rhubarb, cut into 1/2 inch slices
1 c. sugar
3 tbsp. quick tapioca
1/2 tsp. vanilla


Directions:

1) Cook pie crust as directed on box.
2) Combine all remaining ingredients. Let sit for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
3) Fill cooked pie crust. Cover sides with foil. Bake on 450 for 15 minutes. Reduce to 350 and cook for 50 minutes.
4) Let cool slightly and serve with whipped cream!

Friday, May 29, 2009

News Flash #2!

Remember that time I said I was allergic to white fish? False...I'm definitely allergic to ALL fish (except for shellfish, for some reason). Three allergic reactions is enough to keep me away from fish for the rest of my life, I think. I'm not really that upset...except that it seriously puts a damper on my sushi eating habits.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Charm City Cakes...

...sucks. Here's the thing. I hate Ace of Cakes. Sure, at first glance they seem pretty flashy and awesome, and I'm not saying that they aren't super talented and creative. Their cakes LOOK amazing, and for some people that's enough...but not me. Can I just say that I would LOVE to see them do the same thing minus fondant? Fondant is the nastiest type of frosting ever...hardly edible. Sure, it makes pretty shapes....but who can just look at a cake long enough to justify not eating it? I'd love to see Charm City Cakes do the same thing with buttercream frosting...then I would be impressed, because making those cakes out of fondant is a travesty. Unless the point is to not eat them...and then I guess it works.

Thursday, May 21, 2009

My favorite (and least favorite) things!

Bored at work. Here we go!

Favorites:
-shrimp, lobster, scallops, crab (any kind...it's all the best)
-cupcakes (ditto)
-sushi (both real and fake)
-yum woo sen (AMAZING!)
-fried chicken and waffles w/ collard green
-bbq pork sandwiches with homemade cole slaw
-cheese pizza
-mixed greens salad w/ warm vinegrette
-baba ghanouj, baklava, falafel, hummus, dolmas, kibbeh, labneh, tabbouleh, za'atar, loubeih, pita
-cheese
-bbq ribs
-guacamole and fresh salsa
-pad thai
-real olives
-Dhall cabbage
-vanilla bean ice cream
-Mexican food...done.
-spicy italian sausage with sauteed onions and peppers w/ spicy brown mustard
-philedelphia cream cheese
-cinnamon bear's california bagel (cream cheese, spinach, avocado, red onion, egg, spicy thai sauce) on an egg bagel
-all beef hotdogs
-mcdonald's sweet tea
-qdoba naked taco salad with chicken, mild salsa, and cheese
-fish tacos
-strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, rhubarb, peaches, watermelon, kiwi, starfruit, pink lady apples, clementines, bananas, plantains, other melons....pretty much all fruit
-almost anything that's been marinated for over 24 hours
-french onion soup
-dip....just pretty much any kind of dip
-cannoli
-italian wedding soup
-my mom's chicken noodle soup
-papa john's, esp. w/ the garlic sauce
-jimmy john's beach club, hold the mayo
-my dad's BBQ

Not my Favorites:
-mango salsa
-American Cheese
-kibbeh nayye
-canned, black olives
-sherbet
-mcdonald's breakfast
-baked fish
-red delicious apples
-bean soups
-vegetable soup
-"cream of..." soups
-vegetable lasagna
-pizza hut
-red panda buffet sushi


....more to come.

Crock Pot Glory

Finally got around to using my crock pot at school!

Ingredients:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 can sweet corn
1 can black beans
2 tbsp. chopped onion
1 c. chopped red bell pepper
1. tsp. salt
1 tsp. black pepper
2 tsp. crushed red pepper
1 tsp. red chili powder


Directions: Put crock pot on low for 6 hours. Serve on top of cous cous. Enjoy!

Tuesday, April 7, 2009

Chicken and Waffles with Collard Greens

Let me preface this post by telling you a little story behind the making of this meal. OK, so my boyfriend, John, doesn't like fried food, let alone fried chicken, and he had never even heard of the Southern classic, chicken and waffles. So, since Southern food is my absolute favorite, I decided to make it for him! OK, so I had gone and gotten all of the ingredients, and was letting the chicken marinade when I decided to clean out my over, which I had set on fire about a week ago. Well...this took about 2 hours, and not the 1/2 hour that I was expecting. So by the time John came over I still had to go out and get a new fire extinguisher, since I had used mine. I was totally planning on having dinner ready for him when he came over so that we could have a nice, leisurely meal before Overtones rehearsal. Well, by the time we got back to my apartment from getting said fire extinguisher, we only had about 40 minutes to make a meal which should have taken about an hour and a half. I decided to go ahead with it anyways, since I was so frusterated with the entire situation. LET ME TELL YOU WHAT! This was the best tasting meal I had ever made in my entire life! It may have been the stress, but I don't care. It was delicious and successful and I'm making it again ASAP. Even John, the skeptical Southern eater, was convinced. SO PROUD! Ok, so there's the story, here's the recipe! Hope you enjoy as much as I did!

Ingredients:

2 boneless chicken breasts
2 tbsp salt + 2 tsp. salt
2 tbsp black pepper
1 pint buttermilk
1 c. flour
1 tbsp. chili powder
2 c. corn oil
4 Eggos (I used buttermilk...or you could even get fancy and make your own waffles, but Eggos were just fine!)
1 package of frozen collard greens
2 cooked sausage patties
1 tsp. pepper flakes


Directions (Fried Chicken):

1) Cover chicken breast evenly with 1 tbsp. each salt and pepper. Place in dish just big enough to hold it, and cover with buttermilk. Chill in fridge for 4 hours before cooking.
2) After chicken has marinated remove from fridge.
3) Mix flour, 1 tbsp. salt and pepper, and chili powder and put on a flat plate.
4) Cover drained chicken evenly with flour mixture.
5) Heat oil in a deep pan until it reaches 325 F. DO NOT LET IT GET HOTTER THAN THIS!
6) Fry both chicken breasts in oil for 10 minutes per side (until 180 F inside)
7) Place chicken on wire rack over foil and let drain
8) Place over toasted waffles and enjoy!

Directions (Collard Greens):

1) Place frozen collard greens in pot and cover with water.
2) Bring to a boil.
3) Once water is at a boil, reduce to a simmer for 15 minutes.
4) Drain the greens.
5) Mix in salt, pepper flakes, and sausage, and enjoy!

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Shrimp Tacos

Ingredients:
2 servings cooked shrimp
1/4 c. tomato
1/6 c. green salsa
1 tbsp. cilantro
3/4 tsp. olive oil
1/2 tbsp. lemon
1/8 tsp. salt
pinch of chili powder
warm tortillas
cheese (whatever kind you like)
chopped avocado

Directions:
Combine first 8 ingredients. Spoon over tortillas and top with cheese and avocado. Enjoy!

Pic: www.womansday.com

NEWS FLASH!

I'm allergic to white fish. Boo. Kind of had an allergic reaction to some cod fish tacos last night, and it wasn't nearly as bad as the one I had to tilapia about a month or 2 ago...soo yeah, it's pretty official. That's too bad.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Spicy Shrimp Salad

Ingredients:
1 serving mixed greens (I used baby romaine, red and green)
9 peeled, deveined, raw shrimp
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. pepper
1. tsp. chili powder
1/2 c. feta (or other cheese)
1/4 c. olive oil
1/4 c. lemon juice
1/4 tomato, chopped

Directions:
Mix lemon juice and 1/8 c. of olive oil. Set aside. Marinate shrimp for 10 minutes in remaining olive oil, salt, pepper, and chili powder. Saute on medium high heat until just cooked. Top greens with shrimp, cheese, and tomato, and enjoy!

Picture: www.bfeedme.com

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

Crab Pizza

Ingredients:

1 frozen cheese pizza
1 can minced crab
1/4 c. chopped chives
1 tsp. chili pepper flakes

Directions:

Top frozen pizza with crab, chives, and flakes. Bake as directed. Enjoy!

Picture: Crabplace.com

Corn and Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. of de-veined and de-shelled shrimp
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/4 c. of onion, minced
1/2 can of corn
1/8 tsp. of chili powder
1/8 tsp. of nutmeg
1/8 tsp. of salt
1/8 tsp. of pepper
1/8 c. of olive oil
1 tbsp. of butter
2 servings of cooked farfalle pasta

Directions:

Saute onion and garlic in olive oil and butter until translucent. Season shrimp with salt and pepper. Add corn and other seasonings to onions and galic. Let simmer for 3 minutes. Add shrimp and cook until just done. Mix with pasta and enjoy!

Picture: Blogspot

Friday, February 20, 2009

Bertolli

...don't buy it. It's awful. I thought it would be a good solution to not feeling like cooking yesterday...it was sad.

Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Balsamic Shrimp Pasta

Ingredients:

1/2 lb. cooked shrimp
1/2 c. balsamic vinegar
1/2 c. olive oil
2 servings rigatoni
water
salt
pepper
Parmesan

Directions:

1) Marinate shrimp in vinegar, 1/4 c. oil, salt, and pepper for 20 minutes.
2) Boil water, 1/8 c. olive oil, and a dash of salt. Prepare pasta as box indicates.
3) Heat 1/8 c. olive oil. Saute shrimp and marinade quickly over high heat, and then reduce heat and simmer down leftover liquid. Mix sauce with pasta. Top with shrimp and Parmesan cheese.

Valentine's Day

YAY! I finally had someone to cook for on Valentine's Day! While it wasn't all homemade, it was still quite delicious and fun! The menu consisted of swiss cheese fondue (that my mom had sent me), a chicken salad, brownies with vanilla ice cream and raspberries, and pomegranate martinis! Here's the recipe for the chicken salad:

Super-Romantic Chicken Salad

Ingrediants:

Bunch of red-leaf lettuce
1/2 chopped fugi apple
1/2 chopped avocado
1/4 tsp. chopped red onion
1 c. balsalmic vinegar
1/2 c. olive oil
2 chicken breasts
salt and pepper
lavash crackers
lemon juice
fresh grated parmesean cheese


1) Marinate chicken in vinegar, olive oil, salt and pepper for 5 hours.
2) Heat oven to 425 degrees. Cook chicken until it reaches a center temperature of 160 degrees. Keep warm.
3) Combine lettuce, avocado, onion, apple, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
4) Cover plate with lavash crackers, top with salad and then chicken and cheese.

Photo: www.barbeque-food.info



Monday, February 2, 2009

Stuffed Pork

Ingredients:

3 boneless pork chops
1/4 green pepper
1 clove crushed garlic
1/4 red onion
1/2 c. bread crumbs
olive oil
salt
pepper
oregano
basil

Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Chop green pepper and onion, and sautee in olive oil along with garlic until onion is transparent and pepper is soft. Mix with breadcrumbs and seasonings and set aside. Pound 1 pork chop until translucent and cut in half. Layer stuffing onto each remaining pork chop and then place flattened pork chop on top. Bake in oven for about 10 minutes, and then broil until light brown.

Photo from recipe4living.com

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Spicy Shrimp!

Spicy Shrimp

I made this appetizer on New Years Ever this year. My aunt held a cooking party with my mom's side of the family. We all picked a dish, brought all of our own ingredients, and then cooked over at her house all night long. It was SO much fun, and I totally recommend it as a great party idea! Anyways, I knew I wanted to make shrimp, and so I kind of just figured out what exactly to make while sitting in the movie theatre watching The Curious Case of Benjamin Button (SO good, btw!). Anyways, this is what I came up with! Enjoy!

Ingredients:

2 lbs. shelled, de-veined shrimp
6 limes juices, pulp set aside
2 tbsp fresh, grated ginger
3 tbsp. low sodium soy sauce
2 tbsp. red pepper flakes
2 tbsp. chili powder
2 tbsp. paprika
2 tbsp. cumin
Olive Oil

Combine lime juice, pulp, ginger, and soy sauce. Marinate shrimp for 20 minutes. Drain. Rub shrimp with all spices. Fry quickly over very high heat in less than a tsp. of olive oil until pink and crunchy on each side. Enjoy!

Credits: Photo from TeamSugar.com