A Wintery Blanket in a Bowl (AKA Indian Chicken Curry)

Since we’re hanging out in Asia after my last post, I thought heading a little west to India would not only be a great way to continue our delicious exploration of Asian food, but its 13 degrees today and I’m cold and want something warm and full of spice. Indian food took some time for …

Why I Left The Restaurant Industry

I used to be a restaurant chef. I hated it. Not because it wasn’t fulfilling…. It was. I actually thrived in it. It was hot, fast-paced, and loud. And I loved it. I was able to overcome the chaos and dive deep within myself to find clarity, peace, and creativity. I was nicknamed “ninja” because …

Pho

Has anyone else had a crazy-busy January?? (Raises hand.) Where did the month go? Pink hearts and Valentine's Day decorations adorn every store already and I'm over here like: “Wasn’t Christmas yesterday??” But despite the exciting schedule my family had this last month, I was able to spend some amazing quality time in the kitchen. …

Rosemary and Balsamic Glazed Salmon

Welp... presents have been unwrapped, stockings are empty, and Santa is probably on his way to Hawaii for some much needed r & r. I don’t know about you but I had a great holiday season - lots of fun time with family, friends, and food. I even competed in a little stollen (traditional German Christmas bread) throw down! …

Peanut Butter Middles

Since we are smack-dab in the middle of cookie season I had to bring out the big guns: chocolate and peanut butter. This recipe for Peanut Butter Middles has to be one of my all-time favorite holiday cookie recipes. I suppose they can be eaten all year long (and trust me, you will want to …

Gingerbread

’Tis the season for cookies, cookies, and more cookies. And is there a cookie that epitomizes the holiday season more than gingerbread?? Even if it's not your favorite cookie, you have to admit that it's difficult to refuse those spicy-sweet treats this time of year. Whether you make gingerbread people or go all out with a …

Mixed Berry Fruit Leather

Phew! Anyone else exhausted (and still full) from Thanksgiving? *Raises hand* What a fun-filled, food-coma holiday, though! But if you’re like me, you’ve probably been chowing down on those healthy, crunchy greens and fruit since Sunday. That doesn’t mean we have to give up on our daily sweet treat, however. In an attempt to clear up some …

Mulled Wine Biscotti

Apparently as soon as the weather dropped below 65°, I went into full holiday baking mode. These past few weeks have been taken over by my former pastry chef life... and I love it! Thanks to nostalgia, I feel the need to be in the kitchen baking nearly every day. Recently I was inspired to come …

Salted Caramel and Chocolate Chip Cookie Adult Milkshake

Congratulations! It's Friday and I think you deserve an extra special treat to get the weekend started. This recipe was created after a bottle of salted caramel Kahlua went untouched after it was used to make my grandma's 90th birthday cake (yes, that's right — Grammy rocked out her 90th with a Kahlua soaked chocolate cake. …

Pumpkin and Berbere-Spiced Lentils with Shaved Apple-Brussels Sprout Salad

If there is one thing that my wife and I love more than eating food, it's eating ethnic food — and Ethiopian food is one of our absolute favorites. I knew I was falling in love with her when I took her out for Ethiopian food when we were first dating. There are few women who would enjoy eating curry with …