For Chloe’s first birthday I started researching Japanese style cakes to make for her. I was mainly looking for a lighter style frosting. I had made a rich homemade cake with a heavy cream cheese frosting for Ellie’s first birthday and after one bite she threw up. So for Chloe, I thought she’d appreciate the lighter style Japanese cakes and frosting. During my search I came across these awesome looking roll cakes. Roll cakes that had designs on them. But not only did they have designs on them, they were baked into them. My mind was officially blown. I didn’t know when or how, but right then and there I vowed to one day make that cake. That day had come.
BALSAMIC VINEGAR DRESSING
We were having friends over for dinner the other day. I had planned this fancy salad with pears, dried cherries, glazed pecans, and goat cheese. I originally planned on using store bought dressing to save some time, but after further pondering, I decided I should up my game and rock some homemade balsamic vinegar dressing. With a fancy salad bursting with all that flavor I couldn’t lame out for the dressing. This balsamic dressing was super delicious and was a crowd pleaser. It kept really well in the refrigerator too. I think using the immersion blender helped keep the oil from separating. Continue reading “BALSAMIC VINEGAR DRESSING”
MOM’S CHILI
Chili in our family is a Halloween tradition. What turkey is to Thanksgiving, chili is to Halloween. I can’t imagine a Halloween without it. Even when we aren’t with my parents on the holiday, I try to carry the tradition and make her famous chili. It’s not overly spicy, or interestingly unique, but it is a classic dependable recipe. If you like to experiment, this is a good base to make your own creation. However, I don’t like to stray too far from this tried and true recipe. Continue reading “MOM’S CHILI”
GRILLED SUMMER SALAD w/ CREAMY FETA DRESSING
I’ve never been a big grill guy. In general, cooking on the grill never really appealed to me to much because I’m not a huge meat eater. Burgers, ribs, wings, they are all good, but definitely meals I’d prefer someone to prepare. With that, we never bought a grill. We were that family. The only people living the suburban dream without a backyard grill. But a few summers ago, my dad was upgrading his grill and I gave me his old one. Great, now I have a grill! I got it just when I started to cook mostly vegetarian meals at home though. Now what? I didn’t want to pass up a free grill, but how much grilled asparagus can a guy make?
Continue reading “GRILLED SUMMER SALAD w/ CREAMY FETA DRESSING”
ORANGE MAPLE CARDAMOM GLAZED SALMON
I’m not a big grill guy at all. I love to eat things off the grill, but it just hasn’t been my preferred method of cooking. I could see myself getting into it now. I mean come on, look at that picture! I could get used to grilling if things keep turning out this good.