All posts filed under: Food

Food: Dinner Tonight – Basil Chicken Sandwich

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I have Banh Me – a Vietnamese take on a chicken sandwich – at least once a week from my favorite spot in San Francisco. So I figured I would try a recipe for Banh Me at home tonight – and see if I can get the family’s approval on a variation for the same old. INGREDIENTS 2 teaspoon garlic chili sauce (sambal oelek) 2 tablespoons fish sauce (or soy sauce)   *** if you are allergic to soy or fish sauce, try Worcestershire Sauce–  I found it to taste almost the same without the adverse affect.  2 tablespoons maple syrup   – I am not going to use maple syrup.  2 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips 1 pinch black pepper 2 tablespoons sesame oil 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped 1 mango, thinly sliced 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced 1/2 cup fresh basil and cilantro leaves juice from 1 lime 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds 1 baguette, cut into 4 pieces and toasted   *** or buy special buns for the Banh Me – check your local specialty grocers.  pickled vegetables, for serving   4 fried eggs, for serving (optional)  {more} {recipe and featured image …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Coconut Cauliflower Over Rice

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This past week was a bit all-beef and not much veggies – due to some unexpected lunch and dinner invites. Also, I was actually only craving beef so it all worked out.  But today I’m aiming for a veggie dish – Indian Coconut butter cauliflower over rice less the butter? according to the recipe below. Either way it seems so delicious and I can’t wait to make it – after running to the grocers to get the curry powder or simply do without. Since I do believe skipping a few ingredients is perfectly fine. INGREDIENTS 1 large head cauliflower, cut into florets 2 1/3 cups canned full fat coconut milk 4 cloves garlic, minced or grated 2 inches fresh ginger, grated kosher salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 1/2 yellow onion, chopped 1 tablespoon garam masala 2 teaspoons yellow curry powder 1/2 teaspoon turmeric 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper ,more or less to taste 1 can (6 ounce) tomato paste 2 tablespoons coconut oil 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, roughly chopped steamed rice and naan, for serving {more} I love naan bread – don’t you? I normally either order for pick up from my favorite neighborhood Indian cuisine …

Dessert: Chocolate Mouse S’mores Kind of Way

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For the past week, I have craved chocolate pudding and have actually bought the Jello brand and made some, and have been treating myself to serving each night. This happens, where I crave something and eat it until I no longer want it. But this recipe for Chocolate Mousse Bars in a S’more king of way took my craving to a whole new level. INGREDIENTS CRUST 12 graham cracker sheets, finely crushed 6 tablespoons salted butter, melted 6 ounces milk chocolate, melted CHOCOLATE MOUSSE 4 large egg yolks 3 cups heavy cream 1 pinch flaky sea salt 8 ounces semi-sweet or dark chocolate, chopped 2 teaspoons vanilla extract MERINGUE 4 egg whites 1 cup granulated sugar 1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch 2 teaspoons vanilla extract {more} Oh my deliciousness!

Food: Dinner Tonight- Rice and More Rice Dishes

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Every week I sit down with my mother and plan out her meals – and afterwards do her grocery shopping accordingly. The other day, when I suggested rice as a side dish, she voiced, pretty passionately that she’s grown tired of the simply steamed rice or rice pilaf. So, I decided to do a search for some rice recipes that are actually the main dish and have committed to mom that I will make the ones she might want to try. Naturally I had to share some of my favorites as well: Top row left to right: herbed-chicken-salad-over-crispy-rice, rissoto, Sweet Potato rice soup Middle Row left to right: Crispy green rice, black and wild rice salad with roasted squash, tumeric rice salad. Bottom row left to right: Chicken and rice soup with green chiles and ginger, rice with parsley almond and apricots, veggie fried rice

Food: Dinner Tonight – Fried Eggs and Beans

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Since I landed on Sunday evening a bit tired and ready to just be with my dog, I didn’t get a chance to grocery shop for this week. So, I did a quick peek into the refrigerator and decided there will be fried eggs over beans, and freshly or homemade Pico de gallo sauce, feta cheese, and sliced Avocado on a bed of spinach. Something similar to this  – just in case you crave a step-by-step recipe to follow: Ingredients 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil 4 cloves garlic, minced 1/2 onion, chopped 1 red or yellow bell pepper, chopped 1/2 head kale, ribs removed and leaves torn or chopped 1/2 cup pico de gallo kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper 4 large eggs 1/3 cup crumbled cotija or feta toppings: sliced avocado, cilantro, hemp or pumpkin seeds, tortilla chips {more} {featured image source and recipe| On another note – Possible spoiler alert for some – what was your take on last week’s GOT (episode 3) – an entire hour being on edge only for …

Food: Garlic Butter, Salmon, Creamed Spinach

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I realized as I was multi-tasking this morning that it’s nearing noon – which means I am hungry and need to get a quick bite for lunch and think of dinner – which for tonight is this wonderful recipe. I am on the fence about the creamed spinach part, with heavy cream or coconut milk + cream cheese + Parmesan. So, I am sharing the recipe and considering switching it up or adding my own take. I am going to go with heavy cream + a dash of Marsala wine, and a spritz or two of extra-virgin olive oil. I am not a fan of  any cheese on fish. Everything else is perfect. INGREDIENTS 4 salmon filets, skin on or off (your preference) kosher salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons salted butter 1 small shallot, thinly sliced 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes 1 cup canned full-fat coconut milk, or heavy cream 2 ounces cream cheese, cubed 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese 4 cups fresh baby spinach juice from 1 lemon 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley 1 tablespoon chopped fresh chives, plus more for serving {more} On …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Cajun Steak

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Had a flank steak in the freezer and wanted to try something different then the norm – my own simple spices, garlic, butter, seared in wine and voila dinner is served. Except, tonight I wanted to step-it up a notch – in terms of spices and style of cooking – although as I read this recipe, I realize it is very similar to my usual.  I am siding this dish with a leafy salad tossed with olive oil and lemon juice. Voila! for this nights dinner. INGREDIENTS 1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin or flank steak, cut into 1 inch cubes 2 tablespoons fresh thyme leaves, plus additional thyme for serving 1 tablespoon smoked paprika 2 teaspoons chili powder 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon onion powder 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, more or less to taste kosher salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 3 bell peppers, sliced 4 tablespoons salted butter 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated juice from 1 lemon 3 cups steamed rice, for serving 1 avocado, sliced fresh herbs such as basil, cilantro, and or mint {more} Off topic – I have been debating on selling my photographs – not sure yet, but …

Food: Lemon, Coconut (Birthday) Cake In Honor of One of My Favorite Gals

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In case you are home today, or are feeling a need for a pick me up – I suggest you bake this cake and then eat a slice with a cup of Jo or Earl Gray, the real kind, not the fabricated flavors some tea makers are using these days – read the label to be sure it is truly Bergamot oils infused tea leaves. Oh and here’s the cake recipe – INGREDIENTS 3/4 cup melted coconut oil, cooled 1/2 cup plain greek yogurt 3 large eggs 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar 1 tablespoon vanilla extract 1 cup canned full fat coconut milk 3 cups all purpose flour 1 1/2 teaspoons baking soda 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder 1 teaspoon kosher salt 1 tablespoon lemon zest 1 cup shredded sweetened coconut, plus more for layering HONEY LEMON SYRUP 1/4 cup lemon juice 1/3 cup honey WHIPPED VANILLA BUTTERCREAM 3 sticks (1 ½ cups) salted butter, at room temperature 2 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 1/3 cup honey 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, or vanilla bean powder  {more} Happy Birthday My Dear MAL – I heart you every day… {recipe and featured image source}

Food: Brunch Board Spread

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The other day I decided to create a spread – of a few of my favorite things and simply indulge while binge watching Hallmark feel good movies. I needed the night of cheesy stories to up the mood, and the platter of English cheddar cheese, Castelvetrano Green Olives, slices of salami, crackers, walnuts, strawberries and sliced Jazz apples did the trick – naturally paired with my favorite Cabernet. So – here you go – an idea I found here for that perfect brunch platter or an evening get-together with friends or family to simply celebrate, well….life. INGREDIENTS POTATOES + BACON 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 pounds baby potatoes, halved if large 2 teaspoons smoked paprika kosher salt and black pepper 8 slices thick cut bacon FOR THE BOARD 6-12 eggs, cooked to your liking 1 pound smoked salmon red onion, cucumbers, and radishes, thinly sliced 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved 1 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought 8 ounces burrata cheese fresh fruit, lemons, and sliced avocados pitted green olives and or capers fresh basil, dill, mint, and chives, roughly chopped assorted bagels, naan, or bread, toasted assorted cream cheese …

Food: Dinner Tonight – Lemon Chicken and Mint Sauce

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Chicken is always a good idea – especially if its the only thing left in the freezer a day before the weekly grocery shopping.  So, this recipe is perfect for tonight’s dinner, paired with a glass of my favorite Cabernet. INGREDIENTS 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into bite size chunks 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar 2 teaspoons smoked paprika 2 tablespoons chopped fresh oregano 1 small shallot, chopped 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated zest and juice of 1 lemon 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes kosher salt and black pepper 2-3 cups cooked orzo or couscous, for serving 1 roasted red pepper, sliced 8 ounces feta cheese, cubed or crumbled sliced avocado, Persian cucumbers, olives, and basil, for serving SIZZLED MINT GODDESS SAUCE 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint 1 cup plain Greek Yogurt 1/2 cup fresh basil or parsley, chopped juice from 1 lemon 1 jalapeño, halved and seeded 1 teaspoon cumin kosher salt {more} For dessert in case there is still room – consider this recipe