I’ve had a bag of cocoa nibs in the cupboard for quite some time now. I knew I wanted to try them (which is why I bought them in the first place) and they’re supposed to be really good for you: as in “superfood” good for you. So naturally, I do what any 21st century human being would do and started Googling. One of the first articles I came across was on Serious Eats. A little gem all about what cocoa nibs are like and what to do with them. This description is what reminded me of that little bag I had at the back of the cupboard and caused me to rush off to the kitchen, grab a whisk and a mixing bowl and start whipping up a batch of pancakes.
Monthly Archives: February 2014
Greek Yogurt Shells & Cheese
If you had to eat one thing for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Ah, the question that so many have asked, answered and debated. My response has always varied as I go through love affairs with different dishes or foods. Bread and mashed potatoes have always been quite high on my list of favorites, more recently anything from guacamole to seaweed salad have been the foods that I CANNOT live without. But one dish has always had my heart. From the neon boxed variety to the best baked Classic Macaroni & Cheese, I don’t discriminate. Any type of cheese, any kind of pasta, anytime. What do I wish I could eat for the rest of my life? Mac & cheese.
Cookbook I’m Loving… #1
One of my resolutions this year was to read more cookbooks. More specifically- to read the cookbooks I already own. I have SO many. I’m not exaggerating when I say I have A LOT of cookbooks. (I can’t really bring myself to count because I don’t want to give my husband an actual number.) I want to sit down and properly read one of the cookbooks from my collection. It’s not often enough that when I buy or receive a new book as a gift that I actually read it from cover to cover. You can see that while I have read some (evidenced by the tabs sticking out of the books, marking the recipes that I must try) I have not read enough of each book. So here is my first attempt at keeping my resolution!
Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies
In the great cookie debate, I think that you’re either a chocolate chip or an oatmeal raisin person. Most cookie people are quite loyal to their favorite- with both sides completely convinced that their recipe is superior to all others. I find it really difficult to claim that I have the best recipe for anything, but what I can claim is a damn good one. I’ve searched and researched and tried loads of Oatmeal Raisin cookies in my day. I even made Oatmeal Raisin Cookie Pancakes to fill the void of the missing perfect cookie. Most that I’ve made before have either been too soft or too crisp and never have the delicate balance between the two that I look for in a great cookie. This recipe will give you all of that and more. They were so good that I couldn’t even bring myself to share- with anyone.
These cookies are extremely easy to throw together and won’t taste like how simple they are. They have crisp edges and a chewy center, full of plump raisins and speckled with cinnamon. When you bite into one you are instantly transported to childhood. I think parents around the world would give these cookies to their children instead of their chocolate-dotted rivals because if a cookie has oats and raisins in it, it must be healthier than the others. These remind me of the best version of a bakery cookie. They are so pleasing to all, both young and old and will disappear from the cookie jar as quickly as they come out of the oven. Don’t skip on the chilling time however, that is what keeps the cookies tall and dome-shaped with a chewy middle rather than flat and crispy. And who wants that in a perfect Oatmeal Raisin cookie?
Perfect Peanut Butter Blondies
I’m so happy it’s the weekend! I guess everyone else is probably thinking the same thing right about now, especially with what weekend it is- Superbowl! It is the one day I have always said should come with at least National Holiday the next day, I mean how cruel is it to have to go to work after a day like that?! But since I’ve moved to London I haven’t really seen much football and thanks to that pesky time difference, the big game starts at some ungodly time in the morning which renders the whole thing unwatchable for any of us who have to work the next day. Maybe it should be an International holiday? Someday…
Well, if I can’t enjoy the big game with everyone at home, I can still make some of my favorite game day foods like Spinach & Artichoke Dip and the most Perfect Peanut Butter Blondies. These bars are great- full of peanut butter flavor and dotted with chunks of dark chocolate and Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups. They are incredibly chewy (in a GOOD way!) with crisp edges and are so satisfying. My husband couldn’t believe that I’d never made these for him before and has asked for them again and again since they’ve been gone. I promise if you bring them to any game day party you will be more popular than any halftime show. But I warn you peanut butter lovers- you will not be able to resist these bars. Choose who you share them with wisely!
