There are a few things I long from the past: the ability to fill up a tank of gas with a handful of loose change, my once boundless and youthful energy and the original Orange Julius. While the last item is a mild exaggeration, there is no doubt that Orange Julius has changed quite a... Continue Reading →
Chicken Paprikash With Heart
Valentine' Day is almost here again. While I've enjoyed celebrating it every year, there always seems to be something artificial about it. Shouldn't you express yourself to a loved one every day and not just one day a year? With this over-commercialization of most major (and minor) holidays, I've become a regular crab. But a... Continue Reading →
Resolution: Eat Healthy Snacks + Giveaway
By far, the easiest resolution I've kept since the beginning of this year was to eat healthier snacks. While that can be interpreted many ways, I see it as eating more fruits and veggies instead of chips or candy -- a biggie since I mindlessly chomp away on something while working on the computer. And... Continue Reading →
Resolution: Work-Those-Arms Egg Beater, Spinach Bacon Frittata + Giveaway
January is almost over and most my New Year's Resolutions remain intact. One resolution is working my arms. Lifting free weights almost becomes automatic when settling in to watch an episode of Downton Abbey, Fringe or Community but I always wonder if I can be doing more in the kitchen. Arms are always in use... Continue Reading →
Recovery Meals: Hearty Garlic and Potato Soup
So far this year has not gone as planned. In my queue was a slew of posts (an interview, a giveaway and more recipes) to make up for the break I always take during the holidays. But as luck had it, I got sick. A cold that started in December, with a brief respite for Christmas,... Continue Reading →
Descent into Madness: Turducken of Cheeseballs
For anyone attempting to create the Turducken of Cheeseballs as made famous by the folks over at Chow, there is one warning you should taken into consideration: this whole project takes approximately three hours to complete from start to finish. In addition, I recommend two people put it together. And preferably one with sculpting skills... Continue Reading →
Cookie Swap Contender: Venetian Cookies
Cookie swaps is a genius concept: bring one large batch of cookies to a party with the intention of exchanging them for other cookies. The larger the group, the more cookie variety. While the intention is good, the idea of making a big batch of cookies -- and I'm talking over 5 dozen for a... Continue Reading →
The Best of Both Worlds: Sweet ‘N Slightly Salty Chocolate Chip Cookies
It wasn't too long ago that I didn't understand the idea of putting salt to compliment something sweet. It was weird and odd to me. If something was supposed to be sweet, why would I want to add salt? This next part you have to trust me on— salt makes anything sweet taste a bit... Continue Reading →
A Turkey-Alternative: Stuffed Breasts
I got over wanting to make a traditional Thanksgiving turkey a long time ago. When we have guests on Thanksgiving, I'm always sure to offer them the traditional spread: stuffing, potatoes, gravy, pie and of course, turkey. It's what they usually expect and I hate to disappoint. But if it's just the two of us,... Continue Reading →
An Alt-Thanksgiving Side: S.S. Spud
Here's a bit of personal info for you: every Thanksgiving has been different for me since entering adulthood. No two Thanksgivings are alike. I've spent Thanksgiving surrounded by family, another surrounded by friends, another working (that year was a dud) but my favorites have always included Paul in the picture. The one thing that has... Continue Reading →
My Burning Kitchen... on the road 