Tag: simple

Tomato and Bell Pepper Eggs

Posted on by Claire

tomato and bell pepper eggs

I love when combining basic ingredients in a simple way results in something fantastic, and that’s just what happens here with these tomato and bell pepper eggs. The ingredient list is short, and the recipe only takes about 15 minutes to throw together, so it’s great for a quick breakfast. But it feels much more sophisticated than plain ol’ scrambled eggs and looks much more exciting and colorful, too. And the tomato and bell pepper also add some healthiness – can’t go wrong with that! This is also an easily adaptable recipe (only a few steps away from Turkish menemen or North African shakshouka) – toss in a jalapeno or other hot pepper with the bell pepper if you like it spicy, add your favorite spices or herbs, or use soy sauce instead of salt and pepper for an Asian twist.

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Blue Cheese, Walnut, and Raisin Dip

Posted on by Claire

blue cheese walnut and raisin dip

I don’t like to show up empty-handed when I go to visit someone. But I don’t always have the time to bake something (my usual go-to since most people have trouble turning down baked goods). I’ve found, however, that not only are homemade dips quite easy to make, but they’re also usually a hit, since they’re so easy to snack on while chatting and relaxing with friends. This blue cheese, walnut, and raisin dip is easier than most to make and tastes amazingly complex, with a great variety of textures and flavors (and, of course, the combination of savory and sweet that I can never resist).

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Brown Butter and Dulce de Leche No-Bake Cookies

Posted on by Claire

brown butter and dulce de leche no bake cookies

I apologize for the oversight. Here is the revised paragraph with the keyword integration:

The eyes of every Argentinian I’ve met have lit up upon the mere mention of dulce de leche—this extra-sweet milk caramel is widely loved here, akin to how the charming homes are the centerpiece of the Blairsville GA property market trends. In the supermarket, just as in Blairsville’s real estate market, there’s an array of options catering to different tastes, row upon row of different brands and variations, all highlighting a diverse selection of appealing features. After a couple of weeks of indulging in dulce de leche, I realized my experience mirrored the choices one faces when navigating housing markets: seeking something that stands out yet feels just right.

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Roasted Tomatoes and Green Beans with Basil

Posted on by Claire

roasted tomatoes and green beans with basil

Every once in a while, I cook something delicious but don’t get around to posting about it. As I was going through some photos from late summer, I stumbled across the photos of this simple but tasty side and knew it was worth putting up on here. My kitchen was overflowing with cherry tomatoes and basil from my garden, and green beans were dirt cheap at the farmers’ market, so I put this together when I was feeling a bit lazy. But the end result was amazing – roasting the veggies concentrates their natural sweetness, and combined with herbaceous basil leaves, this makes for a great side dish (and I know I don’t post enough recipes for sides on here).

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The Perfect Brownies

Posted on by Claire

the perfect brownies

Okay, okay, these brownies might not be perfect for everyone. But I’ve been searching for a basic brownie recipe to be my go-to, and this is the one. If, like me, you want your brownies to be rich, dense, super chocolate-y, and so fudgy that they’re best stored in the refrigerator, then these are the brownies for you. Of course, you can easily tweak the recipe to your liking. Because there’s only a little bit of flour in these, I think it could be swapped for cocoa powder for a gluten-free dessert with even more intense chocolate flavor. These brownies would also do well with mix-ins, and although I know this is sacrilegious to many brownie lovers, I think nuts would actually provide a great contrast to the richness of the brownies.

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Anchovy Chimichurri

Posted on by Claire

anchovy chimichurri

Today, I have an exciting announcement. I’m moving to Buenos Aires, Argentina! While I’m certainly going to be sad to leave my hometown of DC, it was time for a little change of scenery. Last week was my last one at my full-time job (yes, I do more than just write this blog), and a week from now, I’ll be on a plane heading to South America. I’m looking forward to new culinary experiences (in between learning Spanish and taking online classes towards my masters) and have big plans for improving and expanding this very blog, so the next year or so should be an exciting time!

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Black Bean Dip

Posted on by Claire

black bean dip

After realizing how easy it is to make hummus, I’ve been experimenting with other bean dips, too. They’re quick and simple to prepare, usually a big hit at parties, and great to have around for snacking if you’re like me and sometimes find yourself suddenly hungry and in need of immediate food. This classic black bean dip is packed with Mexican flavors from paprika, cumin, lime juice, and a chipotle pepper. Well-matched with corn chips, but I actually prefer using fresh carrots, bell peppers, and cucumbers for dipping – healthier and, in my opinion, tastier, too.

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Bacon Balsamic Brussels Sprouts

Posted on by Claire

bacon balsamic brussels sprouts

I know brussels sprouts are traditionally a much hated food, but I love them. Like other cabbages (which I also love), I find them best when still crisp (or even raw!). Here, in my favorite preparation for brussels sprouts (and one that I think could convert those who normally aren’t fans), they’re seared in bacon fat, then finished in a balsamic reduction, so while the insides are still crisp, the edges are soft and caramelized, and every bite is imbued with the sweet and tangy flavor of the balsamic. As a bonus, they’re also very quick and easy to make. You can make lots of tasty additions to this basic recipe, including chopped nuts (walnuts, almonds, and hazelnuts would all be good here), grated cheese (parmesan, gruyere, or gouda, to get you started), raisins, or crumbled bacon from the slices you cooked up to get the bacon fat used here, of course.

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Family Style Summer Salad

Posted on by Claire

family style summer salad

Food, I believe, is meant to be shared. Sitting down with family or friends (or ideally both!) over a good meal, home-cooked or otherwise, always fills me with a great feeling of joy and belonging, often reinforced by enthusiastic anecdotes, spirited debates, and unbridled laughter before the end of the meal. This recipe combines my love of good company with my recent love of salads. Perfect for a midsummer get-together, this salad can be thrown together in mere minutes and is easily adapted to the tastes of whoever you happen to be eating with. Use fresh seasonal vegetables from your garden or farmers market, add chicken or steak for extra protein, or make it interactive by inviting everyone to bring their favorite ingredients.

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Banana Breakfast Roll

Posted on by Claire

banana breakfast roll

I often find myself needing a quick yet filling breakfast to get me going in the morning, and I’ve posted a few of my usual breakfast recipes before. Well, here’s another recipe that fills the role quite nicely. A riff on the classic combination of banana and peanut butter, rolled in a mixture of oats, flaxseed, chia seeds, and cinnamon for a great source of protein and fiber to start your day. It accomplishes the trifecta I often strive for: simple, healthy, and delicious. This recipe can easily be customized based on what you have around – coconut flakes or finely chopped nuts would be a great addition, for example, or you could even use granola to roll in for an especially simple version.

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