Grilling season officially kicks off this weekend, which means these balsamic-marinated grilled artichokes should definitely be on the menu. I’m at a loss for words trying to explain how delicious these artichokes are, so you’ll just have to try them yourself. :) I highly recommend squeezing some charred lemon on top and dipping the leaves into pesto aioli – a winning combo!
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With wedding season in full swing, I haven’t been able to spend as much time in the kitchen. My family and I flew to our hometown, Columbus, Ohio, last weekend to celebrate my oldest brother’s wedding. The ceremony and venue were absolutely beautiful, and it was wonderful to see family I hadn’t seen in years. The only downside of the trip was that we ate pretty unhealthy. So, now that I’m back home, I’m trying to get back on track. We’ll see how long that lasts, ha!
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I’m back…and extremely behind on blogging! I was in D.C. all last week for the National Christmas Tree Lighting for work; so, needless to say, I didn’t have any time to cook.
Since Christmas is fast approaching, I’m catching up on cooking/posting holiday recipes. This delicious red pepper dip more often than not makes an appearance at our holiday parties. In fact, I’m bringing the appetizer to a secret Santa party tonight. It’s tasty, simple and festive–can’t get much better than that.
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This orzo salad just screams summer, right? I brought the dish to my friend’s birthday party this past weekend at Malibu Wines, and it was a hit. We ate the pasta alongside a fresh spinach salad with chicken, strawberries, walnuts, pine nuts and a poppy-seed dressing, and of course washed it down with a chilled glass of rosé–we were at a winery, after all. Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
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I’m almost embarrassed to share this recipe today because it’s so simple; however, the minimal ingredient list doesn’t seem to affect its popularity. Whenever I bring this artichoke dip to a dinner party or gathering, it’s gobbled up in minutes. But honestly, how can you go wrong when the ingredients are Parmesan, mayonnaise and artichokes? OK, I know you would disagree on the mayonnaise part, Greg, but I’m sure we could find a substitute. :)
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Thank you so much to Natalie at Cook Eat Live Vegetarian for passing a Versatile Blogger award onto me. Please go check out her blog–both her story and cooking are truly inspirational.
Award rules: Thank the person who awarded you by linking back to their post, list 7 things about yourself and pass the award on to 15 other new or newly discovered blogs.
Newly discovered blogs:
- Sweet Pea’s Kitchen: I thought I was the baking queen, but that all changed when I discovered Christina’s blog. Considering my huge sweet tooth, I frequent her blog often just to drool over her delicious desserts.
- In Good Taste: I can definitely relate to Maris’ blog focus of young professionals taking the time to cook simple, homemade meals. Although, I can’t say I’ve created recipes for established companies such as Panera Bread and Starbucks, like she has!
- Grilled Cheese Social: If you enjoy grilled cheese sandwiches in the slightest bit, you will absolutely love MacKenzie’s blog. She’s always creating inventive sandwiches, oozing with heaping amounts of cheese, of course.
- Bittersweet: Hannah is an inspiration for all vegan chefs or bakers. Her presentation and photography is exquisite and her food always looks scrumptious.
- YumYumYummers: Mich makes such colorful and unique food. She uses a variety of ingredients and spices, making every dish different and delicious.
- Sinfully Spicy: Tanvi is not afraid to experiment with lots of spice in her ethnic cooking. Her food always looks absolutely delicious.
- The Hungry Birdie: Robin is absolutely adorable and a great cook. Her photography is spectacular.
- Savoring Every Bite: There’s no doubt that Linda’s creative and colorful dishes will make your mouth water.
- Two Tarts: A blog with fantastic presentation, photos and recipes. Dulcie and Sarah make everything from scratch–most memorably homemade mascarpone, which they paired with fresh strawberries.
- TasteFood: I love Lynda’s colorful, inventive and unique recipes. My stomach is always growling after looking at her gorgeous photos.
- Chef in Disguise: Sawsan posts great recipes with delicious flavor combinations. Her apple and cinnamon streusel pizza is by far one of my favorites. Really, how can you go wrong with dessert and pizza in one?
- Love and Olive Oil: I love this blog’s motto: cook to live, eat to love. Lindsay and Taylor are both so creative with their recipes and photography.
- Anne’s Food: Anne’s recipes are always fresh and delicious. She often posts photos of her children, who I have to add, are absolutely adorable.
7 facts:
- I was born in Columbus, OH and am a huge Ohio State Buckeye fan. For any football or basketball game, I can guarantee you’ll see me clad in my OSU jersey, temporary face tattoos, buckeye necklace, etc.
- A few foods I really dislike: dark chocolate, fennel, cucumber and olives.
- I’m a neat freak and a perfectionist, especially when it comes to food photography.
- I’m a major Gleek, and I’m not embarrassed to say it. It’s one of my favorite shows and I’m actually going to see Glee Live in a couple of weeks with my mom–I can’t wait. A few of my other favorite shows include Modern Family, The Big Bang Theory, SYTYCD, 30 Rock and The Office.
- Growing up with an English teacher as a mother, I became accustomed to her constantly correcting my grammar. I ended up following in her footsteps and graduated with a BA in English. I often find myself mimicking my mom and correcting my friends’ spelling and grammar (woops).
- I have a very eclectic taste in music–I love almost all genres, from indie to pop to country to rap. Current bands on repeat on my iPod: Angus & Julia Stone, The Civil Wars, The Naked and Famous, Fleet Foxes and Cold War Kids.
- I have a Golden Retriever at home named Chloe, and I am slightly obsessed with her. She’s 11 years old, is a carb whore (she loves bread) and I’m pretty positive she has separation anxiety. But, she’s adorable, right?
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