Tostones are crispy, savory, salty, golden coins of pure deliciousness. Popular throughout the Caribbean, twice-fried plantains are a snack that will make you feel like you’re walking on sunshine. And once you know all the tricks, they’ll come out perfectly every time. It’s no secret that I didn’t grow up in the Caribbean, but (probably…
Southwestern Zucchini and Corn Bites with Avocado Ranch
Southwestern Zucchini and Corn Bites with Avocado Ranch. No need to break out the fryer for this recipe– these bite-sized, veggie-loaded treats are baked until crisp on the outside and tender on the inside. Have you ever been typing away at your computer, noticed a deep and urgent rumble in your stomach, and instantly knew, “I…
30 Minute Thai Beef Stir Fry with Sriracha Roasted Peanuts
The toothpaste is out of the tube, and there’s no putting it back. Not that anyone would want to. Thai food has been in the US since long before I was born. It was largely introduced when Vietnam War soldiers were on R&R in Thailand and enjoyed local dishes, fell for the women who prepared them, and brought…
Peanut Butter Chocolate Chickpea Bars
I almost called these “Unbelievable Bars” because I was completely caught off guard when I realized that they were not only edible, but actually freaking delicious. They get this crackly, brownie-like crust on the top and bottom after baking, but stay extremely moist and almost fudgy in the center, sort of like the texture of…
Slow Cooker Indian-Spiced Lentils
Since moving, I’ve learned that there’s a fat chance of finding decent takeout in this town. The pizza place a half-block away only serves edible food if “the old guy” is working. The Chinese in the same plaza is garbage. There was a good Chinese place about a mile down the road, but in a…
Southwestern Chicken and Sweet Potato Skillet
Have you been keeping up with things around here? If so, you already know that James and I moved in together last month, and so far it’s been a meltdown-free experience so I’m going to label it a success. As I write this, I’m sitting on our nicely made bed with our new sheets, comforter, pillows,…
Loaded Mashed Cauliflower
You know what is absolutely disgusting? Cauliflower. … Said I, 4 years ago. I was a vegetable-lover, but cauliflower, with it’s mild-but-nutty-broccoliness, well it just grossed me out. But then! Then I realized that I’d been doing that whole cauliflower thing all wrong. When prepared correctly, it could be absolutely delicious. It could add extra fiber, vitamins,…
Crispy Salami Chips with Warm Muffuletta Dip
You know how, on the best pizza slices, the pepperoni forms little cups that get super crunchy along the edges and it’s the most delicious thing to ever happen to cured meat? Or when you get the entire strip of bacon (including the fatty streaks) to get crispy without burning it, and it’s like a…
Easy Vegetable Enchilada Skillet
In an unexpected twist of events that would shock and appall my former 5-year-old self, I have grown to love vegetables. I am like a kid in a candy store in the produce section during the warmer-weather months. Aside from the massive (and I do mean massive) amounts of cheese in my fridge, there are…
Flourless Peanut Butter & Dark Chocolate Cookies
They’re peanut butter. They’re dark chocolate. They’re peanut butter. They’re dark chocolate. A little naughty, a little nice, and a lot of yum. These cookies are just as tasty as they are attractive (who sees a half-and-half chocolate and peanut butter cookie and thinks, “nah“?) and they’re quick and easy to make, to boot. BUT…
Mediterranean Vegetable Lasagna
Okay, I’m just going to lay it out there right away– this isn’t really a lasagna. Please put down your pitchforks, food-name-purists, and open your hearts to this layered lasagna-esque casserole of zucchini, eggplant, spinach, cheese, and bechamel. It’s seriously yummy, no matter what you call it in-between mouthfuls. Ever since I first made the Zucchini,…
Mom’s Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers
When I first posted this recipe for Sloppy Joe Stuffed Peppers years ago, I knew it would become a favorite with my readers because it was already a favorite of mine. Of all of the recipes that I post on this blog, this one is undoubtedly the one I make most often. It’s the perfect…
One Pot Cheesy Chicken Taco Rice
“One Pot” recipes have become favorites of mine, since a) I hate washing dishes and b) I hate washing dishes. By the way, did I mention that I hate washing dishes? Because I do. I hate it. But you know what I don’t hate? Delicious chicken, beans, corn, rice, tomato, avocado, onions, and cheese all cooked together in…
