On No-Knead Dutch Oven Cheddar Jalapeno Bread

Dear readers, Bread is an area of baking that I have been VERY intimidated by for the longest time. I don’t know what it is, but the idea of kneading and rising and making sure everything is JUST right is a little more stressful than I like to be when it comes to cooking/baking. However,…

On Ham and Bean Soup

Dear readers, I recently made my very first ham roast, and by made, I mean I got a 7lb smoked ham from my local butcher because they were the only one who had a spiral cut ham ready to go. One of these days, I will actually make a ham from start to finish (in…

On Soy Braised Pork Bowls

Dear readers, It’s officially lacrosse season, which means it’s also officially “me time” season. While Frankie coaches at IIT either early in the morning, or after work, this is when I get to really get my whole year in line. I get super prepped and ready for Junkend (essentially a weekend where in our neighborhood,…

On Fennel Crusted Halibut With Asparagus and Pea Salad

Dear readers, Did you notice the new color scheme?! I finally took the time to figure out the color hex codes of my logo and VOILA – actually thought, huh I bet I can customize the colors of my website to match. LOL You’d think I would have figured that out a while ago, but…

On The Kitchin (A Recap on the Best Meal I’ve Ever Had)

Dear Readers, In honor of the last post, and some of the direct comments I received regarding the meal we had at The Kitchin when we honeymooned in Scotland last summer! When I say this was the best meal I have ever had, I do in fact mean it was the best meal I’ve ever…

On Caviar Waffle Bites

Dear readers, Yes, you read that right…Caviar. Waffle. Bites… This was a last minute addition to our holiday party in December because when Frankie went to our local store for some last minute party needs, they were “sampling” some caviar that was on sale…by that we mean $35 for a 0.5 oz jar of Sturgeon…

On Vegan Roasted Chile Relleno

Dear readers, HAPPY NEW YEAR!!! In honor of the new year, I thought I would kick off 2023’s recipes with a vegan Chile Relleno because maybe you’re in that instant “New Year, New Me” (or maybe you aren’t which I fully support) and you want to eat a little healthier at the start of the…

On Pan Con Tomate

Dear readers, This will be the last recipe of 2022, and what better way to end the year than with a new appetizer recipe from our annual Holiday Party? Inspired by the Catalan  Style “Crystal” Bread at lil’ Ba-Ba-Reeba! in River North, I present a Pan Con Tomate. You can absolutely make this totally vegan/veggie…

On the Easiest Wonton Soup

Dear readers, It’s winter, it’s cold, and after being outside in the snow with my furry monsters, I get cravings for (drum roll) SOUP! I mean, Fall is the start of soup season, but I did a ton of soups this spring and wanted to hold off a little. But there is one soup that…

On The Best Chicken Salad Sandwich

Dear readers, So fun fact about me: I love sandwiches, especially given it’s almost Thanksgiving, which means TURKEY LEFTOVER SANDWICHES!!! HOWEVER, I hate mayo. Well, hate is a strong word, but I really don’t like it, and only use it sparingly when I have to…Additional fun fact: Sour cream makes a great 50/50 addition whenever…

On Ribeye & Ramen Stir Fry

Dear readers, UPDATE 2022 AGAIN!!! Ya’ll, I have found the PERFECT Ramen Noodles for any and all future stir fry recipes and a WAY better sauce, so my recipe is adjusted below (though bear in mind, the ribeye is still the better meat option, but I couldn’t find it this time – so is life)….

On Italian Lemon Chicken & Squash Skillet

Dear readers, Who here likes squash? (Raises hand.) Lovely, then this is a recipe for you! I think that squash is another one of those ingredients that can transcend seasons pretty easily (I made a summer veggie pasta that had yellow and green squash featured and it was DELICIOUS) and sometimes the only thing that’s…