Edit: 9/10: so something happened to this original post and I’m here to redo it to the best I can. Wow this heat isn’t letting up is it? At times like these, when the heat and humidity is just too much, I don’t always feel like eating a lot. Soup would normally be my go… Continue reading Gazpacho and Aura Bora Cactus Rose
It’s hot. It’s humid. It’s time for brunch! If you’re curious how brunch relates to the weather…it does in that I want a filling meal that doesn’t make me sweat. A cold mocktail to wash it all down is just as important as a yummy meal. So, here’s this fun brunch pairing for all of… Continue reading Mini Quiches and a Strawberry Green Tea Mojito Mocktail
Oh boy have I been excited about this one! I recently learned that my local Trader Joe’s (yes, the place I am most likely to buy my weird groceries and find cooking challenges) has grits. Naturally, I had to pick up some and make the quint essential southern comfort food. But pairing wise…I didn’t know… Continue reading Southern Style Shrimp and Grits with Sparkling Berry Lemonade
I was at my local farmer’s market Saturday and one of the stalls offered holy basil. I love basil. I have a beautiful sweet basil plant sitting on my balcony that is doing great right now. Holy basil is from the same family of plants as your “regular garden variety basil” (which is usually sweet… Continue reading Mezze Sandwich with a Holy Basil and Blueberry Water Infusion
It’s finally pumpkin season! Let’s kick this awesome month off with a warm breakfast dripping with fall flavors. Pumpkin spice is wonderful. I don’t care what anyone else says. This pancake recipe calls for pumpkin puree, lots of spices, and maple syrup. Let’s pair it with a fresh apple cider to really bring out the… Continue reading Pumpkin Spice Pancakes with Trader Joe’s Organic Cold Press Fuji Apple Spiced Cider
Mapo tofu is one of my favorite dishes to order from Chinese restaurants. It’s spicy and fun to eat. I wanted to try making it at home for myself. Did I succeed? Well, sort of. Mapo tofu or Mapo doufu is a popular Chinese dish from the Sichuan province. The name literally translates as “pockmarked… Continue reading Mapo Tofu and Blackberry Plum Water Infusion
Around Christmas this year I got a mini waffle maker. I only recently had the opportunity to try it out. I decided to pair my waffle morning with a lavender coffee I picked up at a lovely winery I went to in Virginia called White Oak Lavender Farm. The Drink: On the coffee it says… Continue reading Waffles and Lavender Coffee
I thought spring was supposed to come early this year? I guess Punxsutawney Phil was wrong. I think of lamb as a spring dish, though lately I’ve been eating it more in the winter due to availability. Since it’s nearly spring, I wanted to make up a lamb shank. It’s one of those cuts of meat… Continue reading Braised Lamb Shank & Kiwi Strawberry Soda
It’s still January and all I want to do is stay home curled under a blanket with a nice bowl of soup. This week, I made a Pho inspired Meatball Vermicelli Soup and paired it with a Mango Red Shiso Kombucha from Champagne Tea. I hesitate to call this recipe a true Pho dish as… Continue reading Meatball Vermicelli Soup with Champagne Tea’s Mango Red Shiso Kombucha
Cooking with Spirits 