Scallops with spaghetti pan-sauce

A few Friday nights ago, Mitcher and I were planning to go out to dinner after work to kind of celebrate the end of the week. But sometimes after a long week, the thought of going out got less and less appealing.

So, we decided to stay in, and I let myself imagine my most comforting meal, and I knew instantly that it would involve pasta and a homemade buttery pan sauce. Then, the entire picture came together once I imagined seared scallops on top. So I got started on creating my impromptu meal. I decided to write down the recipe as I went so I could share! Read on to see my recipe.

Eggplant and goat cheese sandwiches in fire-roasted tomato sauce

GUYS it’s been forever since I’ve posted a recipe, but I had to put this one down on paper (“paper” – haha), because I’ve been making it all the time. So you know it’s tried and true!

What I cooked for Christmas – 2021

I had so much fun doing this post last year that I thought I would do it again! I have to say, this year I didn’t cook quite as much as last year, but what I did cook, I ended up loving, plus I tried some new things along the way. So read on to see what I cooked for Christmas this year.

Green chicken enchiladas

I don’t know about you, but ever since I started working from home, I’m spending way more time in the kitchen.

Without commenting on how long I ACTUALLY spend in the kitchen on a daily basis, the number of minutes has definitely increased. Because, for me, one of the big perks about having to work from home during this time of isolation is that I have more time to food prep. When I’m working at the office or out at a client site, I get home much later in the day, and generally won’t come home until I’m completely done with work for the day. But when I’m working from home, I can take a pause during the day, prep some ingredients, throw dinner in the oven, and then finish up another hour of work while it bakes away. I love the flexibility that this brings me.

Honey Garlic Pork Chops and Papas Fritas with Paprika Garlic Sauce

Phew, is it just me, or is there a lot going on in that recipe title?

I know, I might have gone a bit overboard, but all of the elements in the meal are so delicious, I wanted you to know about each individual one!

So, with so many elements, where should I start?

Crispy Lemon Leek Chickpea Fritters

Are you looking for a new meatless monday option? Something a bit different, maybe? I hear ya, and I have the perfect thing for you.

Greek chicken burgers with tzatziki sauce and cucumber salad

This recipe has a few of my go-to’s in it: I use this tzatziki sauce a lot, whether it’s for pairing with a greek meat dish (like these chicken burgers), or as a dip for cucumbers and pita chips. I also make this cucumber side salad regularly, and it’s one of my favorite go-to salads to keep in the fridge.

Other than the great go-to accompaniaments, this Greek chicken burger is incredibly delicious. With fresh garlic, lemon juice, and even feta cheese in the patty, it’s packed with flavor. Then, when you serve it with a huge dollop of tzatziki and fresh red onions, it’s an absolute meal winner, for breakfast or for dinner.

Ep. 16 – Japan – Nigori Martini + Okonomiyaki

I’ve been making Okonomiyaki for a long time. It’s my favorite Japanese dish to make at home, for sure. However, one thing I haven’t really gotten into yet is sake. My mother-in-law loves sake, so I’ve started trying it when I’m with her, and it’s really grown on me.

Some say that Nigori sake is a type of sake often known to be for sake newbies, because it’s on the sweet side, and quite mild. That also means that it tastes great in cocktails, since it mixes well. So I created my own version of a sake martini with nigori sake.

Ep. 15 – Peru – Pisco Sour + Ceviche

As we continue into episode 15 of my It’s Five o’clock Somewhere series, we’re heading to South America! I’ve never been to South America, but have always wanted to go. Peru has always been intriguing to me as a place to travel – with Machu Picchu, the Rainbow Mountains, and of course, The Amazon. Since I can’t travel there now, at least I can pretend to be there by eating and drinking things that originated in the country.

What I cooked for Christmas – 2020

Christmas is a time for joy, for presents, for family, and of course, for EATING. I have to admit, out of all of the ways to celebrate the season, eating good food was at the top of my list. I was lucky enough to host my inlaws this Christmas, and I couldn’t resist planning a set of delicious meals for them while they were here. I’m sharing everything I cooked for Christmas in this blog post.