Greek Quinoa Salad
Super simple. Sans oil. Perfect for a hot summer afternoon. Packs well, too! Ingredients 1/4 C (1.1 oz dry) quinoa; about 1/3 C (3.2 oz) cooked 1/2 C (4.2 fl oz) water 5 cherry tomatoes, halved 1/4 medium cucumber, sliced 1/4 small red onion, finely chopped 2 kalamata olives, pitted and halved 1/4 C (2.8 oz) canned red kidney beans, drained and rinsed 1 small handful … Continue reading Greek Quinoa Salad
Homemade Pumpkin Butter
Pumpkin butter = love at first bite. Enjoy as a spread; a cheesecake, pie, waffle, or pancake topper; a dip for fruit (bananas, apples, pears). Try swirling it into oatmeal, frozen yogurt, ice cream, chai or cinnamon tea or coffee. You’re welcome. Continue reading “Homemade Pumpkin Butter”
Apple Dapple Cake
I usually exhibit Herculean self-control when it comes to moderation, but my willpower is nonexistent when it comes to Apple Dapple cake. The texture is divine; the apples and caramel glaze add a hint of crunch and the batter is consistently moist. Bring this cake to your next social event and you will gain instant culinary credibility. Ingredients 1 1/2 cups canola oil 2 cups sugar … Continue reading Apple Dapple Cake
Shortcut Guacamole
It had been a long day at work and I was in full-on chef mode; as I was slicing away, the sight of a perfectly ripe avocado set off thoughts of zesty guacamole… What to do with this time-sensitive, ever-ripening delicacy? I forgot to grab a few fresh tomatoes from the grocery store, so I was close to putting off the recipe for another evening; … Continue reading Shortcut Guacamole
Perfectly Moist Chicken Breast
I usually prep chicken using a “sear and bake” method. The secret is in the sear–it locks in moisture while the chicken does its thing in the oven. I use this recipe as a base to many other dishes: chicken salad, teriyaki chicken, chicken pho…you get the idea. Here’s the method to my madness: Ingredients: 1 Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt Fresh … Continue reading Perfectly Moist Chicken Breast
Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
Yes, the pumpkin obsession continues. Inspired by Skinnytaste.com, I was on a mission to create a decadent-tasting cupcake with minimal calories. In spirit of the season, I opted for spice cake mix instead of golden yellow (and with that choice, this recipe is now what I call a “shortcut” dish…) This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare and pleases any crowd; my friends devoured the batch in … Continue reading Pumpkin Spice Cupcakes with Pumpkin Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Banana Bread
This is my favorite time of year; the leaves are turning, blushing the landscape with crimson, ochre and sienna. The days are warm and sunny; the evenings have a certain briskness that hints at the cold winter to come. The best part? Pumpkin! There are very few things that I love more than pumpkin. Add chocolate to the mix, and all my willpower goes out … Continue reading Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Banana Bread
