roll ’em up. [meatballs w. marinara sauce]

February 3rd, 2012 by | comments

It seems the entire blogosphere is preparing for Super Bowl Sunday. So, as you’d figure, game day appetizer ideas are aplenty. In addition to my pizza dip, these simple meatballs would be a fantastic snack to make for the game.

If you’re looking for more ideas, check out the pages below:

Sweet Pea’s Kitchen25 Super Bowl Recipes for Super Bowl XLVI

Sports GluttonSuper Bowl Party Recipe Round-up Part II

From the Little Yellow KitchenSuper Bowl Sunday Finger Foods

Dinners, Dishes and DessertsSuper Bowl Round Up

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game day ready. [pizza dip]

January 30th, 2012 by | comments

With the Super Bowl fast approaching, I thought it fitting to feature my go-to game day snack. Though extremely simple, this pizza dip has always been a favorite. I remember coming home from middle school and making a personal size dip for my afternoon snack (and eating the entire portion–that’s when calories didn’t count). But, I’ll be honest, I could still make a pretty big dent in the dip.

For more game day appetizer inspiration, head over to Greg’s page and check out his list.

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tgif. [crock-pot chicken w. wild rice]

January 27th, 2012 by | comments

Words can’t describe how ecstatic I am that it’s Friday. Though this week consisted of long work hours and little sleep, it was all worth it for the success of our event yesterday. Everything ran smoothly with few glitches.

But, I have to say the most memorable part for me was meeting and talking with Justin Bieber (please don’t judge me)! He was genuinely kind, personable and a consummate professional.

This simple crock-pot chicken with wild rice was ideal to have on hand this week–hearty and delicious after a long day.

Thought I’d share a few pictures from yesterday with you…

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freshen up. [fish tacos w. southwestern slaw, chipotle pico de gallo & Mexican crema]

January 23rd, 2012 by | comments

Finally, I bring you a light and health(ier) dish. Considering my hectic work schedule this week, I’ll need to focus on eating fresh meals like these fish tacos.

My firm is hosting the Michael Jackson hand and footprint ceremony at the Grauman’s Chinese Theatre this Thursday. So, if you’re in the Los Angeles area, we’d love to have you there! Geni?? ;)

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it takes two. [triple layer banana cake w. caramel, vanilla bean custard & buttercream frosting]

January 17th, 2012 by | comments

To celebrate my dad’s birthday over the weekend, my mom and I made him the family favorite dessert–triple layer banana cake with caramel, vanilla bean custard and buttercream frosting.

We’re only graced with this gourmet cake on special occasions–you’ll understand why when you scroll down and see the recipe. My mom has always made the dessert by herself (which can take up to 5 hours) but since I was home, I decided it was time I learned how to make the cake. Even though it still took a few hours to make with the two of us, the result was beyond worth it.

The recipe is from one of our favorite cookbooks: The Hali’imaile General Store Cookbook. We visited this restaurant during our first trip to Hawaii 12 years ago. The macadamia nut-crusted halibut with mango-lime butter sauce recipe I posted a while back also comes from the The Hali’imaile General Store Cookbook.

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taking a back seat. [zucchini & salami pasta]

January 12th, 2012 by | comments

Hi everyone! I apologize for being a bit M.I.A. lately–life and work got insanely busy all of a sudden. But, it’s already been a wonderful week full of great news, from getting free tickets to concerts to hearing the Coachella lineup to (best of all) getting a promotion at work! Therefore, cooking and baking have been put on the back burner.

I threw this pasta dish together with ingredients already on hand and was pleasantly surprised with the success of the meal. Be sure to season sparingly with salt–the salami already provides plenty!

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meat & potatoes. [shepherd’s pie]

January 9th, 2012 by | comments

Now that the holiday months revolved around non-stop eating are over, I’m trying to cook lighter and healthier recipes. I had my mind set on making a fresh couscous dish last night, but then found myself on the phone with my mom asking for her shepherd’s pie recipe. Woops.

This is another meal that brings back childhood memories of growing up in Ohio. My mom is the master at making this dish, but I think I came pretty dang close to duplicating her recipe. :)

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chili when it’s not so chilly. [white bean and chicken chili]

January 6th, 2012 by | comments

Though we haven’t been experiencing “chili” weather here in LA (more like ice cream weather), it hasn’t stopped me from embracing winter meals. This white bean and chicken chili is not only hearty, but it’s also relatively healthy and much lighter than the original chili recipe. But of course, if you’re feeling adventurous, topping the dish with cheese, sour cream, etc. is always welcome.

Wishing everyone a wonderful weekend!

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cooking w. Estela. [pollo en salsa verde w. Mexican rice]

December 30th, 2011 by | comments

By Estela

Today I bring you episode two of cooking with Estela (would make for a great show on the Food Network, huh?). In addition to her shrimp cocktail, Estela whipped up this pollo en salsa verde with Mexican rice. When I say ‘whipped up,’ I’m using that quite literally–the woman knows her way around the kitchen.

Her chicken verde is full of flavor with a subtle kick from the jalepenos and serranos. If it’s any indication, I’ve eaten the chicken for lunch for the past three days. I most definitely intend on eating it again today.

I hope everyone has a safe and happy New Year. Until next week, happy 2012!!

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