Thanks to Green Giantâ„¢ Veggie Snack Chips for sponsoring this post! Chocolate Peanut Butter Banana Bread.  Clearly I was experiencing some flavor combination cravings that wouldn't be satisfied until I unleashed my experimental powers in the kitchen.  And fortunately … Continue reading →
Lemon Meringue Pie
Lemon custards, puddings and pies have been made and enjoyed since the Middle Ages. Meringue came on board some time during the 1600's and then, in the 1800's, Swiss baker Alexander Frehse came up with the brilliant idea of combining the two - lemon and meringue - to make … Continue reading →
Pakistani Chickpea & Pistachio Fudge (Besan Ki Barfi)
Besan Ki what?? Â The name, yes the name. Â And it's precisely the name that drew my attention to it in the first place and intrigued me enough to give this traditional Pakistani treat a try. Â If you had come across a sweet called "barfi", wouldn't you have wanted to try it … Continue reading →
Bobotie (South African Meatloaf Casserole)
One of the most flavorful and delicious casseroles you will ever try, Bobotie is an absolute feast for the taste buds! The national dish of South Africa, Bobotie features meat, fruit, nuts, curry, and a host of other spices and ingredients that combine to create the most … Continue reading →
Shanghai Burgers
Sometimes there just are no words. Like this time. Yum. Aw, I can do better than that. Â Let's try this again... Scrumptiously, delectably, exquisitely, deliciously, lusciously, scandalously, daringly, tantalizingly ...YUM! There, that's better. We all have … Continue reading →
Bananas Foster Popovers
Thank you to Pollinate Media Group and Huggies for sponsoring this post. Sponsored post A few months ago when I was trying to think of ideas to use up a large batch of fresh strawberries, the idea of using popovers in place of traditional shortcake came to mind. … Continue reading →
Red Robin Banzai Burger Copycat Recipe
To quote a friend, "Sometimes you just need a great burger." Â I couldn't agree more. … Continue reading →
German Picnic Salad
Thank you to Honest Cooking and Castello for sponsoring this post! Though I do try to exercise self-control, I'm a bit of a cheese addict. Â Growing up in Europe with regular access to the world's best cheeses rendered me into something of a cheese snob. Â I can't help it. … Continue reading →
Orange Chocolate Hazelnut Bread
A delicious whole grain bread packed with hazelnuts, chocolate, and flavored with orange - what is there not to love? This Orange Chocolate Hazelnut Bread gets a double dose of yummy hazelnut flavor with the addition of hazelnut oil! Does that hazelnut oil in the … Continue reading →
Ginger Scallion Noodles
Ginger Scallion Noodles. Â Ready in less than 15 minutes + can be made ahead of time + tastes delicious = Yes, please! … Continue reading →
Grilled Chicken and Roasted Cherry Tomato Salad with Herbed Champagne Dijon Vinaigrette
This past Friday was the first official day of Summer! Â Salads are one of my favorite things to eat on hot days. Â Not that the weather's been hot here in WA, in fact right now it's pouring rain, but it was a beautiful weekend for the most part and that called for a yummy … Continue reading →
Ultimate Chicken Chow Mein
Good food is therapeutic. Â It adds spice to life, offers comfort for the "blah's", provides warmth on a cold evening, coolth on a hot day...and helps unravel and unfrazzle you after having spent two hours in bumper-to-bumper traffic on the cursed I-5 headed south of Seattle … Continue reading →
Nasi Goreng (Indonesian Fried Rice)
Two years ago CNN conducted a poll among 35,000 individuals to determine the world's 50 most beloved foods.  The results were unexpected.  Guess what ranked #2?  You got it, Nasi Goreng! Nasi Goreng, the national dish of Indonesia, translates as "fried rice."  A few weeks … Continue reading →
Curried Hash Brown Scramble
I made potato salad this past Saturday to take on a family picnic. Â I ended up boiling more potatoes than I needed, so I put the leftovers in the refrigerator for another use. Â The potatoes ended up coming in handy for a quick meal on a time crunch. I love potatoes. Â Made … Continue reading →
Caramel Banana Upside Down Bread
I couldn't take it anymore. Â After two carb-free days to lose the 2 pounds I had gained after an indulgent week, I had to have CARBS. Â A few days ago I was back down to my desired weight and I approached the day with a smile on my face. Â An almost intoxicated giddiness set … Continue reading →
Honey Mustard Dilly Cheese Chops
Sometimes in life good things happen by what seems like a sheer stroke of luck. Â Like spontaneously throwing together a recipe without any pre-meditation and having it turn out perfectly. Â Like this pork chop recipe. I didn't know what to make for dinner last night. Â And … Continue reading →
Chicken Teriyaki Noodles
In the mood for Asian? Â Not in the mood to cook, or at least nothing that's going to take more than 15 minutes? Â Well you've come to the right place! Â This meets all your criteria for quick, Asian, and delicious! Remember that luscious Homemade Teriyaki Sauce recipe I … Continue reading →
Hazelnut Shortbread Cookies
I purchased some marvelous hazelnut oil from an international grocery store in Seattle a week ago. I finally opened it and inhaled...deeply.  The aroma, oh my, the aroma!  I bought it with the intention of using it as a finishing oil, primarily for salads and vegetables. … Continue reading →
Creamy Pasta with Chicken and Sun-dried Tomato Pesto
Pasta is often my go-to food when I'm in a hurry and need to churn out something quickly. Â Like "10-15 minutes" quickly. Â Pasta is one of those things that requires very little effort to make taste good. Â Take my Lemon-Garlic Shrimp Scampi, for example. Â Within 10 minutes … Continue reading →
Sweet Potato Corn Chowder
I had a huge organic sweet potato left over from making baby food for my daughter. Â I also had some sweet onions and an opened package of bacon that needed to be used. Â I'm not sure what the mental process was that ultimately led me to the idea of incorporating these items … Continue reading →
Porcini Mushroom Linguine with Chicken, Shiitakes and Gorgonzola
I received some pasta from Pappardelle's for review. Â All opinions are entirely my own. In general, I've become pretty tired of store-bought pasta. Â Do you feel the same? Â Just a little bit jaded? Â Even the "flavored" ones lack flavor. Â Either they don't add enough of … Continue reading →
Strawberries and Cream Popovers
Quick to make, easy to assemble, and visually appealing. Â A lovely, original alternative to traditional strawberry shortcake. Â You can substitute any berry of your choice. The idea for these came on whim as I was making popovers to go with a stew. Â While handling and … Continue reading →
French Almond Cake with Green Tea Honey Glaze
Oh. Â My. Â Golly. Â Goodness. Don't let the simple appearance of this cake fool you - there's nothing simple about the flavor. Â Almonds, vanilla, green tea and honey combine to make this a truly remarkable cake. Â Light and airy, layers of flavor, and the perfect touch of … Continue reading →
Mexican Grillades and Grits
Served at home, at weddings and parties, and even at classy debutante balls, Grillades and Grits is a traditional brunch from Louisiana. This recipe is an original spin on this classic dish. Â Grillades and Grits "Mexican Style"! I recently made the classic New Orleans … Continue reading →
Baked Polenta with Mushrooms, Bacon and Swiss Chard
SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. Â I developed this dish by way of request from Constance (Make a Request!). Â She wrote the following: Â "My mom used to make polenta on top of the stove with bacon and onion and then bake it to get a nice crisp crust. Â Any ideas?" Â Constance, this gave … Continue reading →
Watercress Salad with Strawberries and Hazelnuts
Whether deliciously complex or refreshingly simple, I love a good salad.  The other day the sun was shining, the birds were singing, and the beautiful rhododendrons were starting to blossom.  I felt like something fresh and vibrant.  So I picked up some fresh watercress and … Continue reading →
New Orleans Grillades and Grits
Look no further for a tried and true authentic Grillades and Grits recipe! Tender beef cutlets are simmered in a rich gravy and served over creamy grits - it's heaven! Well, shut my mouth, is that New Orleans Grillades and Grits?? Darn tootin' it is.  Well, now ain't … Continue reading →
Sincronizadas (Mexican Ham and Cheese Melts)
With Cinco de Mayo approaching, I wanted to share a few more authentic Mexican recipes with you. Â Authentic? Â That's right. Â Sincronizadas. You'd think these were Americanized/Tex-Mex creations, but in fact they are authentically Mexican. Originally from Chiapas, a beautiful … Continue reading →
Sichuan Chicken and Cashew Noodles
Here is a dish I threw together a few years ago and it's been a family favorite since. Â It's quick and easy to assemble. Â It's also a perfect dish for using up leftover chicken. Â A delicious blend of Asian flavors, tender chicken, and crunchy cashews makes for a … Continue reading →
Chinese Honey-Glazed Beef and Walnuts
Fengmi Niulijirou Hetaoren. Â Repeat 3 times in a row as fast as you can. Â That's Chinese for "Chinese honey-glazed beef and walnuts." Â Sweet and sticky beef with crunchy glazed walnuts - Â like eating candy. Â SO good. Â This dish comes from the Northern region of China. The … Continue reading →
Mega Healthy Peanut Butter Cookies
Whole Wheat Peanut Butter Cookies Recipe  These cookies are absolutely LOADED with healthy ingredients! We all need more wheat germ, oat bran, flax seeds, and coconut oil in our lives.  What you would call peanut butter cookies that incorporated all of these?  Yes, I … Continue reading →
Best Homemade Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Last week I posted my recipes for Greek Tzatziki Sauce and Greek Seasoning Blend.  Now it's time to combine those two recipes to make a third one!  One that you're going to fall in l.o.v.e. with! Growing up in Germany, there were Gyros and Döner Kebab shops and stands … Continue reading →
Whole Wheat Pear Upside Down Gingerbread Cake with Caramel Sauce
Did you know it's National Caramel Day today? Â I stumbled upon that little fact by accident this morning and I am so glad I happened to notice that. Â Because had I not, this Daring Gourmet original would never have been born! Â It's like happening to be at the right time and … Continue reading →
PBJ Sandwich Cookies with Strawberry Marshmallow Cream Cheese Filling
It's National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day! Â You didn't think for one second that I would let this day pass us by without making something to celebrate, now did you? A Daring Gourmet original, these are the softest, chewiest peanut butter sandwich cookies combining three … Continue reading →
Perfect Garlic Dill Baked Salmon
Salmon is one of those things that you can spend just a few minutes of time preparing and it looks and tastes totally gourmet. Â Here is a simple recipe that you will earmark for frequent use. Â Serve the salmon with some steamed vegetables and some garlic-mashed potatoes, … Continue reading →
Crispy Panko Chicken With Apricot Dipping Sauce
These crispy panko-battered and fried chicken strips are delicious as a snack, starter, or as part of a main course meal. Â Panko breadcrumbs originated in Japan and form the perfect coating for this chicken (and many other meats and fish as well). Â Panko breadcrumbs have a … Continue reading →
Caramel Candy Gold Bars
It was time for something sweet. Â This caramel candy recipe is full-proof, easy to make, and yields deliciously sweet and buttery little caramel "gold bars." Â Perfect for your sugar fix! Â Â Â (It was for mine) … Continue reading →
Chicken Machboos (Bahraini Spiced Chicken and Rice)
The national dish of Bahrain, this Chicken Machboos recipe is thoroughly authentic and thoroughly delicious! Seasoned rice and tender moist chicken come together in this satisfying meal that is an absolute feast for the taste buds! Chicken Machboos, or Machboos ala … Continue reading →
Panch Phoron Roasted Potatoes
I introduced Panch Phoron in my previous post. Â A delicious five spice Indian seasoning blend, it is delicious in a variety of dishes, including added to curries, rubbed on meats, sprinkled on vegetables before roasting, baked in bread, or used in this dish, Panch Phoron … Continue reading →
East-West Lentil Stew
This was a creation on a whim. I wasn't in the mood to cook (oh yes, this happens even to me) and Todd was coming home in 30 minutes. Â I needed something quick to make. Â I opened my freezer and saw the homemade Mexican chorizo I had made and frozen a few weeks ago. Â I also … Continue reading →