Giveaway: Ole Henriksen Flawless Face Kit
May 22, 2012
As you know, I am obsessed with Ole Henriksen’s beauty products. Most of the skincare products in my medicine cabinet, including the amazing Blemish Defense Gel ($45), are from one of his many product lines. Ole Henriksen’s natural, paraben free products never cease to amaze me.
Today’s giveaway is for the Ole Henriksen Anti-Aging Flawless Face Sample Set. It contains a package of 10 Truth To Go makeup removing wipes, a deluxe sample of Ultimate Lift Eye Gel, a deluxe sample of Truth Creme Advanced Hydration and a deluxe sample of Ole’s best-selling Truth Serum Collagen Booster. I use the Truth Serum and I adore it. When my skin is looking a little dull, it always perks it up.
I read a review of these products that called them the “perfect recipe for good skin,” so I thought we could incorporate that into the giveaway. To enter, leave a link to your favorite recipe in the comments. Don’t forget to sign in with your email address, and don’t be concerned if your comment doesn’t appear right away. Sometimes, when you place a link in the comments, it bounces to me for moderation.
Have a great week. The winner will be announced on Friday.
So this is one of the most economical and delicious recipes:
https://allrecipes.com/recipe/adas-polow-persian-rice-and-lentils/
strawberry lemonade cupcakes. don't ask questions, just make them! https://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/05/strawberry-lemonade-cupcakes/
great giveaway!
https://www.nytimes.com/2008/07/09/dining/091crex.html – worth all the waiting!! I make small ones, not the giant ones suggested in the link.
And when I need to detox from those: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/melissa-darabian/crispy-kale-chips-recipe/index.html Easy and so delicious.
Couscous Chicken Salad with Citrus Dressing-it's delicious and perfect for leftover lunch the following day or two. I call it my Security Threat Lunch since I once had the Capitol Police in Russell make me unpack it after it went through the metal detector so they could figure out what was in it. https://www.weeklygreens.com/recipes/couscous-chicken-salad-with-citrus-dressing/
My favorite recipe is salmon spread from Real Simple. It's super easy but extremely good:
1 8 oz package cream cheese, softened
1 4 oz package smoked salmon, broken up/sliced
1 tb horseradish
2-3 tb fresh dill, chopped
Stir to combine. Works great as an appetizer with crackers, or with bagels at brunch.
I love these cookies: Chocolate Chips, Pretzels and Peanut Butter, oh my!
https://washingtonprep.blogspot.com/2011/12/ignition-remix-kitchen-sink-cookies.html
My (Paula Deen's) Peach Cobbler. By no means healthy, it is a PD recipe, but its so simple and delicious when its peach season!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/peach-cobbler-recipe/index.html
Amazing comfort food: chicken and waffles. Sounds a little weird to some, but the sweet potato waffles really make it. https://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/10/buttermilk-fried-chicken-and-sweet-potato-waffles
Just tried these out and they are perfect to make ahead for summer picnics, potlucks and bbqs
https://allrecipes.com/recipe/southwestern-egg-rolls/detail.aspx
Puffy Oven Pancake! It's so easy to make, delicious, and it looks really impressive if you have overnight guests:
https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/puffy-oven-pancake-with-berry-topping/fa1070e1-1aed-438d-87c7-5366ff90fff3
My go-to light, summer dish – Pan-Seared Trout With Italian-Style Salsa
https://www.southernliving.com/food/kitchen-assistant/best-dinner-recipes-00417000068436/page5.html
Thanks Belle!
Homemade Mac and Cheese! So easy!
https://picky-palate.com/2012/02/20/5-minute-homemade-mac-and-cheese/
I love these Oreo Truffles! They are really easy to make too.
https://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/easy-oreo-truffles-95085.aspx
Risotto Primavera https://tastykitchen.com/recipes/special-dietary-needs/vegetarian/risotto-primavera/ This stuff is amazing, and more addictive than cheeseburgers and fries for me!
Penne and broccoli in dorito cream!
https://hobbyandmore.blogspot.com/2012/02/penne-and-broccoli-in-dorito-cream.html
What a great giveaway! My favorite recipe is fresh cheese – so simple to make! (Link takes you to a Vimeo video w/ instructions, as well as some other tasty Portuguese recipes)
https://www.azoreangreenbean.com/recipes
A healthier version of the usually calorie-laden garlic cheddar biscuits:
https://www.eat-yourself-skinny.com/2011/03/garlic-cheddar-biscuits.html
I eat this at least twice a week. So good: https://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/heathers-quinoa-recipe.html
For anyone who likes crab cakes – I just tried this recipe over the weekend and LOVED it!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/crisp-crab-cakes-recipe/index.html
Delicious and super easy to make! Creamy baked chicken taquitos! https://www.pink-parsley.com/2011/02/creamy-baked-chicken-taquitos.html
My favorite recipe, isn't a recipe so much as the way to make a perfect steak at home, but it's the one set of kitchen directions I find myself following over and over again. It's adapted from Alton Brown who uses a slightly thinner steak and sears for less time but cooks in the oven longer.
Buy a good quality 2 inch rib eye (about 1.2 lbs) and let it come to room temperature while you heat a cast iron pan in the hottest temperature you can get your oven to reach. When the steak is room temp and the pan is as hot as it can get, brush the steak with just a tad of canola oil and very generously sprinkle with salt and pepper. Transfer the pan to a burner set on high and sear for about 1 minute per side. Move it back into the oven and cook for an additional 3 minutes flipping one. Let rest for 5 minutes.
This can also be done on a BBQ in summer months.
I'm supposed to pick just one favorite recipe? Not possible! 🙂 Here's a great go-to weeknight dish: Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto and Feta Cheese. Quick, vegetarian-friendly, delicious.
https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/pasta-with-sun-dried-tomato-pesto-feta-cheese-10000000701111/
Brussel Sprouts with bacon and miso butter!
https://rikishore.com/2012/05/roasted-brussel-sprouts-with-bacon-and-miso-butter/#
found this one on pinterest a few months back and it is ABSOLUTELY fantastic and super, super easy- perfect for a quick lunch, snack or dish to bring to a party!
https://www.justataste.com/2009/02/guacamole-bruschetta/
I got the recipe for these cookies from a college friend, and they are a huge hit no matter what the occasion (even among those who claim to dislike white chocolate and/or oats in their cookies!). https://allrecipes.com/recipe/white-chocolate-chip-oatmeal-cookies/
My favorite and a classic during any family/friends gathering! I just adjust it a bit and add some dark rum which gives it a little kick
https://allrecipes.com/recipe/spanish-flan/
Sauteed brussels sprouts with sriracha and cashews–so good!
https://www.thebittenword.com/thebittenword/2010/03/sauteed-brussels-sprouts-with-sriracha-and-cashews.html
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/rigatoni-with-eggplant-puree-recipe/index.html
I love making my own cheese fondue. Not a lot that makes me happier than a pot of melted cheese.
Sometimes I'll just head to my local cheese shop and ask them to suggest a couple things that would be good for making a fondue, but this recipe is my standby:
Cut a clove of garlic in half and rub the interior walls of the pot with garlic.
Over med. heat add a cup of white wine and simmer, then add equal parts emmentaler and gruyer cheese.
Melt until smooth, adding a little flour or a little wine to fix the texture if needed.
When nice and melted, stir in a tablespoon of kirsh and a pinch of nutmeg.
Amazing 🙂
Banana Bread using one bowl:
https://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_bread/
I am a terrible cook, but this dessert recipe for Oreo Truffles from a former co-worker's baking blog was so easy to make and absolutely delicious. I've made them several times since and they've always been a hit. https://www.thecapitolbaker.com/2011/02/oreo-truffles.html
Mark Bittman's “simplest and best shrimp” dish is one of my favorites:
https://markbittman.com/the-simplest-and-best-shrimp-dish
It's great over rice or pasta or just by itself with a side of steamed or roasted veggies.
My favorite! I add lemon juice and lemon pepper seasoning and it gives it a real kick.
Emeril's Herbed Spaghetti Squash
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/emeril-lagasse/herbed-spaghetti-squash-recipe/index.html
Baked Broccoli Mac and Cheese from scratch- and not a million calories! Plus, if you sub out the broccoli, it's a perfect base for any number of mac and cheese creations.
My favorite combos are Asparagus + Broccoli or Corn + Black Beans + Tomatoes + Green Chilis
https://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/09/skinny-baked-broccoli-macaroni-and.html
Pretty much everything I've tried off of this blog has been fantastic.
Giada's Rigatoni with Squash and Prawns – the sauce is amazing, creamy, and healthy!! I make this all the time.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/rigatoni-with-squash-and-prawns-recipe/index.html
I love recipes for good food almost as much as I love recipes for good skin!
My favorite is a dish my mother makes (who doesn't follow recipes). It's the perfect summer pasta salad!
– Bow Tie Pasta
– Cherry tomatos, halved
– Grilled asparagus, sliced into bite size pieces
– Cilantro marinated grilled shrimp
– Chorizo
Tossed with olive oil, salt, pepper, parmesan cheese, and chopped cilantro.
Oh, I love to cook, so this is tough!! Recently though, one of the favorite things I've made is this chipotle mac and cheese. Not healthy at all, but it's SO good. https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chipotle-macaroni-cheese-10000000671466/
My go-to recipe is blueberry crisp. No link, because the recipe comes from a lady at the church where I grew up.
1 can, Blueberry pie filling (cherry is a good substitute, as is a mixture of the two)
1 can, crushed pineapple (drained well)
1 box, dry yellow cake mix
1 stick, butter or margarine
1cup, crushed pecans
Pre-heat oven to 350.
In a 9×13 baking dish, layer blueberry pie filling, then crushed pineapple.
Pour dry cake mix on top of the fruit, covering the entire surface of the dish. Pat down (PAT, don't mash) to level.
Sprinkle pecans on top.
Thinly slice squares of butter on top of the entire thing. (I find that sticking the butter in the freezer while you prepare the rest makes it easier to slice and prevents a big gooey mess)
Bake for 45 minutes at 350.
Great for potlucks, dinners-on-the-ground, tailgates, etc. Re-heats very well.
These Cappuccino Chocolate Muffins are delicious, easy to make, and a fave coffee companion.
Pear, Cranberry, and Gingersnap crumble….. or basically anything from smittenkitchen.com
https://smittenkitchen.com/2011/10/pear-cranberry-and-gingersnap-crumble/
My mom's corn chowder is my favorite. I think she adapted it from a Stirups or Betty Crocker version to make it slightly healthier but I think it's better. So good with fresh summer corn too!
https://www.lowandbeholdblog.com/2009/10/17/moms-corn-chowder/
Smitten Kitchen's spinach quiche! https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/09/spinach-quiche-revisited/
My main specialty- it is so easy! Vegetarian friendly, too!
https://suzanne-marques.blogspot.com/2010/11/cappelini-pomodoro.html
This sweet potato and quinoa salad is my go-to dish. I add dried cranberries and feta: https://poppytalk.blogspot.com/2012/03/fetching-grain-sweet-potato-and-quinoa.html
This is one my latest favorite recipes – perfect with couscous and a side of vegetables!
https://www.formerchef.com/2011/04/12/sherry-braised-chicken-thighs-with-meyer-lemons-and-olives/
My favorite recipe is this almond crusted salmon. It's very quick to make and goes with just about anything. I add parmesan to the crust to give it a little bit of a kick.
https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/almond-crusted-salmon-10000001662863/
Potatoes with fresh herbs–so delicious. I make it all the time plus it's simple! https://www.thekitchn.com/recipe-herb-garden-potatoes-wi-149184
Brie and Cherry Pastry Cups – I always make these for holiday parties, dinner parties…basically anytime I have a chance to bake for others. They are super easy and I get tons of compliments! Also, I've substituted strawberry and blueberry preserves before and it works just as well!
https://www.bettycrocker.com/recipes/brie-and-cherry-pastry-cups/43940350-b32d-4d06-bbee-5f77938a2ddd
This peanut sauce is super easy and so delicious!
https://recipes.runnersworld.com/Recipe/soba-noodles-with-peanut-sauce.aspx
I've been making this for spring picnics: https://tastespace.wordpress.com/2010/04/14/warm-chickpea-and-artichoke-salad/
A good seafood paella is my absolute favorite! https://www.mediterrasian.com/cuisine_of_month_paella.htm
A good Spanish wine served with the paella makes for the perfect outdoor dining menu!
Dorie Greenspan's Madeleine recipe. The best Mads I've made thus far!
https://www.doriegreenspan.com/2011/07/if-i-cant-remember-when.html
Pan De Muerto! I make it with less sugar for a delicious breakfast bread.
https://chefsblade.monster.com/training/articles/17-recipe-pan-de-muerto
The savory pistachio sauce used on the havuç köftesi at Zatinya's is beyond amazing, and I have managed to create a pretty close copycat recipe:
Pistachio Sauce
1 Vidalia onion, roasted
1 cup dry roasted, unsalted pistachios
3/4 cup parsley, roughly chopped
Juice of one lemon
Just over 3/4 cup water (14 tablespoons to be exact), or more for a thinner sauce
Salt and pepper
Using a food processor or stick blender, blend until smooth drizzle over anything and everything, seriously.
Lebanese chicken and potatoes
serves 6
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast
8 small potatoes, quartered
4 cloves of garlic, minced
1/2 cup olive oil
1 cup lemon juice
Place chicken in baking dish. Place potatoes on top of and around chicken. Season with salt and pepper. Whisk together garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Pour over chicken and potatoes.
Cover with foil and bake at 425 degrees for 30 minutes.
Remove foil, turn up to 475, and bake for 30 minutes.
Grilled Vegetable, Herb, and Goat Cheese Sandwich: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/grilled-vegetable-herb-and-goat-cheese-sandwiches-recipe/index.html
One of the great things about this is that the combination can be put into so many different, delicious forms besides just a sandwich, like quiche and pasta.
This is amazing, especially on a cold rainy day: https://smittenkitchen.com/2006/12/paris-instead/
Glazed lemon cake…a great refreshing dessert for summer!
https://allrecipes.com/recipe/glazed-lemon-bundt-cake/
Not an intensely difficult recipe, more like a recipe shortcut. For great homemade stock/broth, save the carcass of a roast chicken (can even throw the bird into a bag and store in freezer until you have time to do this). Place bird into crockpot and cover 3/4 of the way with water, chop an onion in (if desired), set on low and go to work all day. When you get home, stir around with spoon to break up any remaining large parts of bird, and keep on low for another hour or two. Turn off, let cool to room temp, fish out the largest pieces of carcass, drain broth through colander to catch remaining pieces. If you want super clear stock, strain again through colander lined with cheese cloth. Put container of stock into fridge, overnight. In the morning, carefully chop out the fat that accumulated on the top and discard. Measure out stock into labeled (include date) ziplocks and lay flat in freezer until frozen. The bags of stock are now easily stored upright in freezer for future use.
This hearty, easy to make, easy to freeze soup comes from my favorite restaurant in Italy. Best part- you can grab whatever veggies look good in the grocery store that day and throw them in! I literally LIVE for ribollita on a rainy day!
https://www.divinacucina.com/colziribollita.html
I love making little snack foods from veggies like cauliflower, broccoli, and zucchini! Here is an awesome recipe for zucchini bites: https://curiouscountrycook.blogspot.com/2012/03/zucchini-tots.html
It's perfect for an appetizer or if you want to veg out in front of the tv and don't want to feel TOO guilty…
https://aboutabitofeverything.blogspot.com/2009/01/brown-sugar-pork-loin-in-crockpot.html
A newly discovered favorite, these are amazing! https://bevcooks.com/2012/03/asian-chicken-burgers/
I love trying new recipes but my go to is this pizza without the orange –
It's goat cheese and asparagus with hazelnuts. Even my guy friends reluctantly admit its good!
https://www.thekitchn.com/top-chef-winner-inspired-recip-53261
I LOVE this dried cherry pumpkin seed trail mix and so does anyone I share it with. It's the perfect snack for work – sweet, salty and pretty healthy. It's highly addicting, and super easy to make. I also like to add in dark chocolate chips.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/claire-robinson/pumpkin-seed-dried-cherry-trail-mix-recipe/index.html
My favorite cookie: Smitten Kitchen Nutmeg Maple Butter Cookies!
https://smittenkitchen.com/2011/12/nutmeg-maple-butter-cookies/
This recipe for raspberry bars comes from the New Best Recipe cookbook (courtesy of America's Test Kitchen), but their website is protected. Here's the same recipe on someone else's blog: https://definitelyra.wordpress.com/2008/03/24/new-recipe-7-raspberry-squares/. These are great for picnics, potlucks, and office treats. They are easy, delicious, store well, and not too unhealthy. Enjoy!
Raspberry cheesecake brownies: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Raspberry-Cheesecake-Brownies-11839
They are decadent and delicious!
Applesauce Oatmeal Muffins – great for breakfast and so filling!
https://recipes.sparkpeople.com/recipe-detail.asp?recipe=5763
Bruschetta with in-season tomatoes. (I omit the capers and spread goat cheese on the bread as well.)
https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/bruschetta-pomodoro-10000000222316/
My husband loves this recipe, I love that it's easy: https://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/fettuccine_with_creamy_tomato_italian_sausage_sauce/
Love this shrimp scampi pasta recipe! Perfect for the summer.
https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2011/04/16-minute-meal-shrimp-scampi/
My favorite summertime recipe to bring to BBQs or parties is Quinoa Tabouli
4 cups Vegetable stock
1 teaspoon sea salt
2 cups quinoa
½ cup chopped flat-leaf italian parsley
6 tablespoons chopped fresh mint leaves
1/2 a red onion
juice from 1 to 2 large lemons
1-2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 ripe tomatoes – diced
1 chopped cucumber
Options:
3-5 celery stalks – finely chopped
3 finely chopped cloves of garlic
Grated carrot
1. Bring 4 cups stock and salt to a boil. Stir in the quinoa and bring to boil again. Reduce the heat, cover and gently simmer for 20 minutes. Transfer to a mixing bowl and let cool completely.
2. Fluff the quinoa with a fork. Stir in the parsley, mint, scallions, lemon juice, oil, tomato, and cucumber. Correct the seasoning, adding salt or lemon juice to taste.
Will last 1 to 1-1/2 weeks covered in the ‘fridge.
If you increase or add items, add lemon juice, salt and oil to keep the same taste and consistency.
I hate cooking so: https://allrecipes.com/recipe/cheese-quesadillas/
My go-to for the office potluck: Strawberry Shortcake! https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/chic-easy/strawberry-shortcake-recipe/index.html
Champagne Risotto with Scallops…delicious, and it leaves your cheeks beautifully flushed:
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Champagne-Risotto-with-Scallops-4610
My favorite recipe is https://allrecipes.com/recipe/macaroni-and-cheese-with-caramelized-onions-and-bacon/detail.aspx. Yum!
Grape Salad is my favorite summer recipe. Its great for a picnic or to bring to a summer party and its so easy to make.
https://www.food.com/recipe/best-grape-salad-35450
https://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/budgetrecipechallenge/recipe2.php …sweet potato enchiladas! I skip the homemade green chile sauce and buy green curry from Trader Joe's. It's perfect!
Southwestern Pulled Brisket – this recipe should be put in a competition with the engagement chicken. I have never met a man (or woman for that matter) who hasn't fallen in love with it. Perfect for bbqs and parties – and the slow cooker makes it easy on the cook!
https://smittenkitchen.com/2010/01/southwestern-pulled-brisket/
Sometimes I get lazy and do a variation of this recipe with just peanut butter, garlic, and soy sauce. So good with soba noodles and chilled cucumbers.
https://www.foodmayhem.com/2009/08/cold-noodles-with-peanut-sauce.html
Am I the only one who read this as “skincare recipe” not “food recipe”? Maybe I am crazy, but here's to fitting in.
1 package cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
1 package basil (or about 10 large leaves)
1/4-1/3 cup olive oil
4 cloves garlic, chopped (more or less to taste)
salt
pepper
3/4 pound pasta – penne or fusilli is best
Combine all ingredients except pasta in a baking dish, ensuring an even coating of oil. More or less can be used depending on taste. Bake at 400 for 25-30 minutes, until tomatoes are tender.
Meanwhile, cook pasta according to package directions.
Once sauce is cooked, smash about 1/2 the tomatoes, stirring to create a thick sauce. Combine with pasta and serve. Great with freshly grated parmesan.
My current favourite recipe is for Overnight, No-Cook Refrigerator Oatmeal: https://www.theyummylife.com/blog/2012/03/293/Overnight%2C+No-Cook+Refrigerator+Oatmeal+–+A+healthy+breakfast+made+in+mason+jars+in+six+different+flavors! (loooong URL). It's easy to make, has a delicious yoghurt-y flavour – and if you're not convinced, take a look at the pictures in the blog post 🙂
I do this once or twice a week–easy, fast and always delish: https://www.seamless.com/
My favorite recipe right now is the basic muffins recipe from The Joy of Cooking. I've been adapting it to be vegan and have all sorts of variations. I made vegan apple-walnut-oatmeal muffins last week and this week, I've made banana-chocolate-chip muffins. Next week, I'm going to do pineapple and almond, and I might try a savory muffin after that. I'm not vegan, but I find that eggless muffins don't get as gummy, and I'm trying to eat fewer animal products lately.
As far as a recipe I can link to, Smitten Kitchen's whole wheat apple muffins were what I would make before I started tweaking around with my own recipes: https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/04/whole-wheat-apple-muffins/
I love these roasted vegetable sandwiches by Giada De Laurentiis. Quick and delicious! Thanks for this give away!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/grilled-vegetable-herb-and-goat-cheese-sandwiches-recipe/index.html
Almost cheeseless quesadillas: https://www.101cookbooks.com/archives/quesadillas-recipe.html
The base of these brownies if my go to for a chocolate craving. I just mix in whatever I have in my cabinets. Everything from mini oreos to choclate chips to nuts to candy I need to get rif of. https://chocolatecoveredkristen.blogspot.com/2011/01/birthday-brownies.html
Caramelized Butternut Squash Wedges with Sage Hazelnut Pesto. I've made this for the past couple Thanksgivings and it was a huge hit.
https://www.food52.com/recipes/7374_caramelized_butternut_squash_wedges_with_a_sage_hazelnut_pesto
I love Martha Stewart's Raspberry Buckle. I make it for every summer event, and it's always popular. https://www.marthastewart.com/326590/raspberry-buckle
This recipe is a crowd pleaser: https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/cocoa-brownies-recipe/index.html. I am certain that I got invited to a number of parties because I brought these. (I got confronted by two different people once because I brought storemade instead!) They are even better if you nuts or chocolate chips!
When I can't finish a whole bag of arugula before it starts to wilt I turn the remainder into pesto.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/michael-chiarello/arugula-pesto-recipe/index.html
Pasta Recipe!
https://sandiegofoodfinds.com/?p=180
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ellie-krieger/tuscan-vegetable-soup-recipe/index.html
Ellie Krieger's Tuscan Veggie soup. I make batches of it and freeze. So comforting.
Rigatoni with sausage and kale. Healthy AND delicious. Om nom nom. https://www.weightwatchers.com/food/rcp/RecipePage.aspx?recipeid=154391
Hands down the best chocolate chip cookie, EVER!
https://forme-foryou.com/2011/08/the-only-chocolate-chip-cookie-i-will-ever-need-to-know-how-to-make-for-the-rest-of-my-life.html
Paula Deen's English Peas. This is one of my favorites. Read the comments…they'll have you in stitches.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/english-peas-recipe/index.html
My morning smoothie! I fill a magic bullet with 1 banana, the rest with kale and use coconut milk for the liquid.
This Baked French Toast with Strawberry Sauce casserole is my go-to for brunches (my fav meal) and is always a hit (and you can do a lot of the prep beforehand). The one caveat is that I sub their bread with challah — nicer density, you get prettier, crisper tops and looks much nicer:
https://projects.washingtonpost.com/recipes/2005/12/21/baked-french-toast-strawberry-sauce/
A favorite as of late: https://www.weeklygreens.com/recipes/warm-grain-salad-with-kale-portobellos-and-sweet-potato/
Grain salads are amazing and so is the blog I snagged this recipe from, Weekly Greens.
With Memorial Day coming up there is nothing better than flank steak sizzling on the grill in my opinion.
https://allrecipes.com/recipe/marinated-flank-steak/
It's so hard to decide on simply one favorite recipe, but one that has been passed down and made in my home by my great grandmother, my grandmother, my mother and now myself is for hand made cavatelli. These little pieces of heaven are filling, delicious, and there is something super rewarding about still doing things with your hands (things that don't involve juggling my phone, my keys, my mascara and a cup of coffee, that is). Just add a sauce of your choice, and voila! Insta-yum.
The recipe we use at home is almost identical to the one found on this fabulous blog:
https://www.domesticdivasblog.com/2011/07/meatless-monday-homemade-cavatelli.html
My winter go-to is potato leek soup. The proportions don't really matter, so it's super easy. If I have cauliflower on hand, I add that too.
-Peel and chop some potatoes (if they are red potatoes, skip the peeling).
-Cover the potatoes (and cauliflower, if you are going that route) with good quality olive oil and kosher salt
-Roast the potatoes (and cauliflower) until soft and slightly brown
-While the potatoes are roasting, wash (seriously wash) at least 4 leeks. Leeks seem to grow their own dirt, so be careful with the washing.
-After a very careful washing, slice the white part of the leeks into half moons. (Save the green parts for making stock at another time)
-Melt a tablespoon of butter on medium heat and fry the leeks until translucent.
-Add leeks, roasted potatoes (and cauliflower) to large stockpot.
-Add enough veg/chicken/beef stock to cover vegetables.
-Cover and heat through.
-Either with a stick blender or a regular blender (in batches), blend until smooth.
Great in the freezer, great leftover. To mix it up, add peas, sour cream, bacon bits, cheese, or whatever to the soup right before you eat it. (Don't freeze it with the add-ins). I've also added leftover chicken with tasty results. It's seriously a great base, and it's nice and cozy in the winter or rainy springtime!
Oreo Peanut Butter Cupcakes! Definitely a guilty pleasure.
https://www.instructables.com/id/Oreo-and-Peanut-Butter-Brownie-Cakes/
Cheesy Baked Artichoke Dip – Made this a couple times for parties and it's a hit!
https://www.pickycook.com/appetizersandsnacks/cheesybakedartichokedip.aspx
I love red velvet cake- and by who else? Paula Deen! It is ok to use a little butter every now and then!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/grandmother-pauls-red-velvet-cake-recipe/index.html
I love Chili Lime Shrimp! https://budgetbytes.blogspot.com/2012/03/chili-lime-shrimp-bowls-1050-recipe-175.html
I have many favorite recipes, but one of my favorite things to make for dinner is the champagne risotto with prosciutto and asparagus from Giada De Laurentiis:
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/champagne-risotto-recipe/index.html
Delicious made with scallops, too.
Thai Cantaloupe Salad with Chile from How to Eat Supper is my new favorite recipe. You'll have to scroll a bit in this blog post, but here it is:
https://www.aminglingoftastes.com/2008/06/thai-cantaloupe-salad-from-how-to-eat.html
I come back again and again to Luisa's Focaccia di Patate – home-made potato focaccia topped with tiny tomatoes and fresh oregano. Perfect summer appetizer or as a side for salads and Italian cold cuts. https://wednesdaychef.typepad.com/the_wednesday_chef/2008/01/focaccia-di-pat.html
These are similar to a recipe from my grandmother called Marie's Creme de Menthe Brownies. It's my go-to recipe, especially around Christmas time for any holiday parties. The only change that my grandmother made to the recipe is to half the filling.
https://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/10/creme-de-menthe-brownies-from-1988/
I found this great recipe just today. Great for the summer. Watermelon salad with a greek twist.
https://racheleats.wordpress.com/2010/07/14/wilting-in-rome/
Chocolate chip cookie dough cheesecake — https://allrecipes.com/recipe/chocolate-chip-cookie-dough-cheesecake/
Healthy? Goodness no. But it's been a hit every single time I've brought it to a party. Enjoy!
i've made these over and over and they're always a hit. i actually used the same filling in pre-made little phyllo dough cups for a brunch and they were just as delicious
https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/02/spicy-spinach-stuffed-mushrooms/
Best vegetarian soup that is hearty enough for dinner, and even satisfies the meat eaters who usually call my creations “rabbit food”: https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Barley-Stew-with-Leeks-Mushrooms-and-Greens-356352
Cajun shrimp: Sprinkle (sparingly or liberally) prepared cajun spices on raw peeled shrimp. Fry or grill. Perfect on skewers, salads, pasta or rice. Easiest recipe ever and it tastes awesome.
I've made this salmon recipe many times – it is delicious.
https://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/panko-crusted_salmon/
In fact, I recommend the website simplyrecipes.com for every dish you could want to cook. I use it multiple times every week.
I love these maple balsamic roasted brussels sprouts–they are SO easy to make and SO delicious! (and healthy…I mean they are vegetables, right?). Such a great side dish.
https://acozykitchen.com/maple-balsamic-brussels-sprouts/
i love mac and cheese. while this may not be the BEST recipe, you can't go wrong with Alton Brown.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/baked-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/index.html
Moonblush Tomatoes! Totally hands off, I often make these on a Friday night for a part of Saturday. The oven is only on for a little bit so they're perfect for summer. Sweet tomato goodness.
https://www.notquitenigella.com/2008/06/28/moonblush-tomtatoes/
I love this recipe for alsatian onion tart. It can be made with Trader Joe's frozen pie crust sheets if you are in a hurry, but is best with a crust made from scratch.
https://orangette.blogspot.com/2005/02/pte-brise-for-pillow.html
my guiltiest pleasure–Bacon Mac & Cheese!
https://carnaldish.com/recipes/pasta/grown-up-bacon-mac-and-cheese/
Chocolate Brownies – fairly simple but these disappear every time I make them.
https://www.taste.com.au/recipes/1374/chocolate+brownies
Mark Bittman's barley risotto. Can also be made in the crock pot while you're at work — really comforting and satisfying.
https://markbittman.com/barley-risotto
How about this recipe for watermelon margaritas, which was created by my dear friend, J! It really is wonderful!!!
Puree a watermelon and chill well.
Fill glass with puree.
Add tequila to taste.
Finish with fresh lime juice and a splash of chipotle Tabasco to taste.
Add a few ice cubes then ENJOY.
This chicken picatta recipe from Gourmet magazine a few decades ago is amazing. It's my favorite chicken — lemony, buttery, crispy. In fact, I made it last night!
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Chicken-Piccata-with-Capers-10755
Butterbeer Latte
2 tablespoons of butter
2 tablespoons of browns sugar
1 mug of milk
1 teaspoon of vanilla essence
A dash of cinnamon
Melt the butter and sugar together to make caramel.
Add milk, vanilla and cinnamon and stir to combine.
Bring mixture to a boil and pour into a mug and drink on its own, or add it to your coffee!
I get so many compliments on this soup!
I love everything about this contest!
Someone already posted what I was planning on sharing – Whole Foods Sweet Potato Enchiladas. So. Good. I also dont make the sauce, but use verde salsa!
This is something I made recently and it turned out really well. I suggest following the recipe. It's really simple – but all the simple elements together are really lovely!
https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/03/pasta-with-cauliflower-walnuts-and-feta/
Summer is here in CA so my go to dinner side is grilled asparagus. Olive oil, salt and pepper. Then add shaved parm to the plate when done.
I LOVE this recipe. It is so quick and easy: https://veganpandamonium.blogspot.com/2010/07/chickpea-artichoke-salad.html
Thanks for another great giveaway opportunity! I love having “go-to” recipies when I have an item that has to get used before it goes bad, like very ripe bananas. Here is a link to a recipe that I have been using recently: https://www.food.com/recipe/crumb-topped-banana-muffins-43509 They are perfect for a quick breakfast or snack. Enjoy!
It's a knock-off version of The Pasta House's Tortellini. YUMMMMM.
https://joelens.blogspot.com/2011/01/tortellini-alfredo.html
One of my favorite recipe's – Fish Tacos from Giada. Instead of the little cups, I just use regular softshell tortilla.
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/tilapia-fish-tacos-with-arugula-recipe/index.html
Love this easy and tasty key lime pie recipe- it's the perfect summertime dessert!
https://allrecipes.com/Recipe/easy-key-lime-pie-i/detail.aspx
I love making my own salsa – 2 cans diced tomatoes, drained; 1 small onion, chopped; fresh cilantro (to taste… I usually add about 1/2 the bunch); 1-2 jalapeños, seeds and stem removed; 1 tblsp cumin (or to taste); juice of one lime; 1-3 cloves garlic (optional); salt and pepper to taste. Put everything in a food processor and pulse until desired chunkiness. So easy & good!
My husband is very picky about what he eats, so he normally cooks, but there is one dish that he loves and I love that he does let me cook, and its a mash up of a bunch of recipes, so here it is, no link, unfortunately.
Baked chicken cutlets
clean and thinly slice chicken breasts
dredge them completely through flour (any kind will do, whole wheat, gluten free, regular – the point is that it keeps the chicken from drying out)
dunk the chicken into egg whites
finally cover the chicken thorough in bread crumbs – I like to use Italian seasoning bread and then add grated parmesean, salt, pepper, oregano, onion flakes and a little bit of garlic
place them on a non stick cookie sheet and bake for 20 minutes at 375.
Delicious!
https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/mediterranean-salad-recipe/index.html
My favorite recipe is from Giada De Laurentis and I've been making it for several years. It is great for spring and summer since it is a cool salad/side dish and very refreshing with the lemon and mint.
Moroccan Chicken with Lemon and Olives. Delish!
https://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Moroccan-Chicken-with-Green-Olives-and-Lemon-352532
What a great idea for a contest entry.
You seem like the kind of girl that would love these cupcakes:
https://hoorayforoffweekends.com/2012/02/06/honey-lemon-and-lavender-cupcakes/
Face mask recipe I created that is awesome for dry skin and exfoliating:: mix yogurt, honey, coffee grounds, cocoa, and a bit of oatmeal. slather on face and let it sit for 20 minutes, then wash it off.
Ina's panzanella is to die for. Add extra cheese and trade things you do not like for things you do (as one should with all things in life): https://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/greek-panzanella-recipe/index.html
https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2010/01/restaurant-style-salsa/
This salsa is incredible!!!!
Roasted broccoli. It's amazing, I swear. When I first made it, I ate it for a week straight. https://www.amateurgourmet.com/2008/11/the_best_brocco.html
Tuscan Kale Salad recipe from True Food restaurant. Healthy and tasty; we always order an extra side dish of it with our meal.
https://www.truefoodkitchen.com/recipes/tuscan-kale-salad.php
Eggplant bake, with tomatoes, onions and cheese! Isnt the quickest to make but tastes amazing!
https://allrecipes.com/recipe/eggplant-bake/
I ADORE these chicken chilaquiles— perfect for a party!
https://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/chicken-chilaquiles-10000001634740/
Best Mac and Cheese!
8oz package elbow macaroni
8oz package shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
12oz container small curd cottage cheese
8oz container sour cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup dry bread crumbs
1/4 cup butter, melted
salt and pepper to taste
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil, add pasta, and cook until done; drain.
2. In 9×13 inch baking dish, stir together macaroni, shredded Cheddar cheese, cottage cheese, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, salt and pepper. In a small bowl, mix together bread crumbs and melted butter. Sprinkle topping over macaroni mixture.
3. Bake 30 to 35 minutes, or until top is golden.
Zesty Lime Shrimp & Avocado Salad
https://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/05/zesty-lime-shrimp-and-avocado-salad.html
This is the perfect springtime treat! https://college.biggirlssmallkitchen.com/2012/04/sweet-dreamin-almond-oat-strawberry-shortcakes.html
Simple Study Buddy Peanut Butter Cookies
Yield: 24 Cookies
Preheat Oven: 350
1 C Sugar
1 Egg
1 C Creamy Peanut Butter
24 Large/Jumbo Chocolate Chips
Cream sugar and egg. Incorporate peanut butter until smooth. Roll into 24 even size balls and place evenly on parchment paper on a baking sheet. Press one large chocolate chip into the center of each cookie. Bake for 12-15 minutes
In honor of last week's post on living exceedingly frugally, my favorite frugal recipe:
(BTW, this lasts me at least a whole week, plus some I freeze)
One whole rotisserie chicken, ripped to shreds
four large carrots, chopped
most of a package of celery, chopped
four red potatos, diced
One container of low sodium chicken broth
spice to taste
Let sit in a slow cooker all day on low if you'd like (or on high for a few hours)
seven-layer rainbow cookies. I'm convinced there is nothing more delicious in this world.
https://smittenkitchen.com/2008/12/seven-layer-cookies/
The perfect Sunday/company's coming/birthday dinner- braised short ribs. So. Incredibly. Delicious. And though the Pioneer Woman is not (in my opinion) the best on TV, I love her writing and she can definitely cook!
https://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2009/11/braised-short-ribs-heaven-on-a-plate/
Amazing served over very creamy, cheesy mashed potatoes with those frozen yeast rolls (bake with butter, sea salt, and rosemary on top).