Delicious Destinations: Kentucky Derby Favorites

My dad is a Kentuckian.  Does that mean I am a Kentuckian once removed?  I have never been to the Derby, but I like both wearing hats and drinking bourbon.  So in honor of the Kentucky Derby, I thought I would post my favorite Kentucky recipes.

Road Tested: Room Service Trophy

I eat a lot of room service.  I do not prefer it.  I know that is a champagne problem and things could be a lot worse.  But they could also be better!  But I have a new system that is making things a lot better.  It is very simple - order what I want to eat.  Ignore the menu.  Or use it for inspiration.  But there is no need to stick to it.

Home Detox: Kimberly Snyder's Glowing Green Smoothie

I am a Kimberly Snyder enthusiast.  I read The Beauty Detox Solution the last semester of grad school, and the timing could not have been better.  After two years of boozing, including a semester abroad, I was due for a detox, and really, for a lifestyle change.  I know she has her critics, and I certainly don't follow all of her tenants. But starting the day with hot lemon water followed by her Glowing Green Smoothie makes me feel so great. I can't recommend it highly enough.

Quick Meals Upon Landing: Asparagus and Mushroom Tart

I'm flying home on Wednesday this week (very exciting!!) and based on my mental audit of my fridge's contents, I'm planning to recreate these Asparagus and Mushroom Tarts for dinner.  I made them for an Easter appetizer previously, and they are delicious and easy.  The only potential hold up is the puffed pastry being in the freezer, rather than the fridge.  I found some posts on how to quickly defrost puff pastry, but their definition of "quickly" might be different from mine.  I think if I can get the pastry unfolded in thirty minutes, I'll be good to go.  I'll let you know how it goes.

Cooking Class: Learning Tapas in Houston

A couple of weeks ago, I got a break from travel and worked from home for three weeks.  It just so happened to coincide with my mom's visit back to the States.  It was glorious!  We had such a nice visit together, and one of the best things we did was round up two friends and take a tapas cooking class at Sur La Table.  The four of us made up more than half the class, and I really think had more advanced skills than the class was designed for, but we had a ball nonetheless.  We made simple Blue Cheese and Almond Stuffed Dates, Steamed Mussels with Fennel, Manchego and Piquillo Pepper Tortilla, and Patatas Bravas.  The dates and mussels were so simple, we wouldn't need a recipe to recreate, but the tortilla and potatoes were more complicated, so I'll share the recipes here.

Home Detox: Peanut Butter Sriracha Toast

I read about Peanut Butter Sriracha Toast in Bon Appetit, and my immediate reaction was "Y-E-S."  This is the kicking peanut butter sandwich I have been waiting for.  Peanut butter and jelly is too boring.  Peanut butter and bananas is too squishy unless I can make it on really crispy toast and eat it immediately with honey.  And I want everything I eat burning hot anyway.

Home Detox: Smoked Salmon and Avocado Toast

I usually leave on Monday mornings, but this week I'm heading out on Sunday midday.  It's not my favorite.  I made this quick lunch before heading to EWR, making good use of some leftover salmon and a very ripe avocado.  If I have to leave on Sunday, at least I'm eating well!

Delicious Destination: New Orleans, LA

It's the first weekend of Jazz Fest, my sister's favorite holiday of the year. Neither of us are there this year.  I can hardly believe it!  To make up for it, I thought I would put together a post of my favorite NOLA treats to take me back.

Edible Events: Pasta Throwdown Ravioli with Brown Butter Sauce

What happens when three competitive business ladies discover they have the same pasta maker?  They plan a pasta challenge, obviously.  And in this case, two of them nominate their husbands as competitors. Then what happens when word gets out that a pasta throwdown is happening?  Fifteen hungry judges turn up.  And the pressure is on!  We ended up not having an actual competition, because the pasta was so good that it was clear everybody won, including the judges.  My worthy competitors made fettucine with pesto and fettucine alfredo, and I combined the three recipes below for ricotta ravioli with brown butter walnut sauce.  

Cooking Therapy: Shrimp with Fennel and Breadcrumbs

When my mom comes home from Africa, we have a system.  First things first, we eat Mexican food and catch up.  Next, we go to Central Market and Canino's and load up on everything that looks good and she doesn't have access to in Angola.  Then we cook, cook, cook.  And drink wine.  It's cooking therapy for two.