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10 Recipes To Try This Week | March 19, 2016

March 19, 2016 by Kate Ramos 3 Comments

What’d ya do this weekend? After being out of town all week Armando finally returned home last night just in time to watch all of us perform in our mini dance recital which is happening today (!)

I have not been in a dance recital in over 20 years so it’s a little surreal. As you get older life is punctuated by too few of these types of events where you are doing something simply for sheer pleasure. And I love, love, love watching the kids, of course. Anyway, wish me luck!

Back in real life we still have to get dinner on the table seven nights next week!! Here’s some ideas if you’re tired of eating leftovers or more accurately plain pasta (holla, parents of the world!)

I like any kind of breakfast taco, but these look soooooper good! Austin-Style Breakfast Tacos from Salt and Wind

Love the crunch, crunch, crunch of this salad. Jicama, Radish, and Cucumber Salad from Muy Bueno

If you’ve never had chilaquiles, you must try them this week. Chilaquiles from Spoon Fork Bacon

Cheese and crackers is definitely dinner, especially when you make your own homemade crackers, you fancy-pants, you. Homemade Fruit and Nut Crisps from Girl versus Dough

Um, yep! Hibiscus Jam Cocktail from Sweet Life

Move over avocado toast. Harissa Roasted Carrot Toast from Naturally Ella

Fun fact; Snickers is my favorite candy bar. Second? Tie between Heath and Butterfinger. Vegan Snickers Cheesecake from Minimalist Baker

I’m always on the hunt for new breakfast options. Oatmeal Bake with Strawberries and Banana from Nibbles and Feasts

I’m not hardcore enough to eat a plate of spiralzed anything but mixed with actual pasta and I’m totally game. Spaghetti and Spiralized Zucchini with Pesto from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook

This salad will make you feel like an adult again. Caramelized Pear Salad with Goat Cheese Toast from Not Without Salt

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10 Recipes To Try This Week | March 5, 2016

March 5, 2016 by Kate Ramos 2 Comments

Hi All!! What are you up to this week?

We are starting bi-weekly dance rehearsals for our upcoming ballet. Did I tell you that both my kids…..and I….. are in a ballet? It’s craziness, something I never thought I’d be doing after quitting ballet at 14 then taking it up again 23 year later. But I’m absolutely loving it and it has become the highlight of my week.

What do you look forward to during the week?

Whatever it is, do enjoy and make something yummy while you’re at it. Here’s some inspiration from some of my favorite food bloggers.

I’m a firm believer in the positive power of a morning muffin. Make these today to have all week. Maple Pecan Oat Muffins from The Sugar Hit

Steamed rice, sautéed broccoli and these make dinner. Baked Sichuan-Ginger Meatballs from Crepes of Wrath

Pizza is the antidote to a rough day. Chicken Pesto Pizza with Sun-Dried Tomatoes from The Lemon Bowl

And so is a cocktail… ahem. Meyer Lemon Mint Julep from Beard + Bonnet

One of my all-time favorite take-out meals, but oh, so much better at home. Vietnamese Meatball Bún with Honey-Aleppo Nuoc Cham from The Pig & Quill

Another thing you’ll be happy to have all week for eggs, chips, tacos, whatever. Easy Roasted Salsa Verde from Good Life Eats

My son would absolutely FLIP over these. Fun Frozen Yogurt Snacks from Super Healthy Kids and The View From Great Island

Love this vegetarian version of bolognese. Is there anything cauliflower can’t do? Cauliflower Bolognese from Vanilla and Bean and The Clever Carrot

OhmygodohmygodohmyGOD: Salted Peanut Butter Caramel Corn with Bacon from Heather Christo

Dinner and Done: Cilantro Lime Chicken from Damn Delicious

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10 Recipes To Try This Week |February 27, 2016

February 27, 2016 by Kate Ramos 2 Comments

I know it is super boring to talk about the weather, but What About This Weather???!!! I mean, has it been amazing or what?! It is supposed to be close to 50°F today. Do you know what the temperature was on this day last year? Negative thirty-freaking-eight degrees, I’m not shitting you. So even though this is another sign (along with Donald Trump’s prolonged candidacy) that the world is probably coming to an end, I’ll take it!

Okay, on to something more exciting, like these 10 recipes you are going to want to make this week, like the unbelievable rainbow-colored chocolate bark from Sue or the unique and totally enticing cocktail from Vianney. I’ve got some dinner ideas and breakfast ones too so whatever you’re up to this week you should be covered.

By the way, did you know I’m on Snapchat now? You can find me @holajalapeno, come check me out!!

Marbleized Chocolate Bark from The View From Great Island
Vegan Penne Alla Vodka from Oh My Veggies
Lamb Sliders with Herbed Yogurt Sauce from Mom’s Kitchen Handbook & Amanda Haas
Savory Breakfast Pan from Spoon Fork Bacon
Fudgy Raspberry Cheesecake Brownies from Hungry Girl Por Vida
Chipotle Sweet Potato Taco Salad from Naturally Ella
Cherry Ginger Oatnola from Not Without Salt
Fillet O’ Fish Shop Burger from Salt & Wind
Coconut + Chai Spiced Pancakes with Raspberry Compote from Oh, Ladycakes
Cinnamon-Pomegranate Margarita from Sweet Life Bake

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10 Recipes To Try This Week | February 21, 2016

February 21, 2016 by Kate Ramos 4 Comments

Happy Sunday! How was your week? Ours was freakin’ nuts, can you relate? Will someone come over and help me do the laundry please?!!!

I’m looking forward to the quieter week ahead but now that I said that it will ramp up and before I know it I’ll be back here next week complaining all over again. It’s cool, complaining is my favorite. That’s why I let my kids do it all day long.

Anyhoo, I’ve got some seriously comforting dinner ideas for you this week because that’s what gets me through and I’m pretty sure you too. I mean is anyone really like this lady? I’m pretty sure she’s not human. I will give $100 to the first person who can tell me what this means, ” [I eat] Brain Dust, cordyceps, reishi, maca, and Shilajit resin. I throw ho shou wu and pearl in as part of my beauty regime. I chase it with three quinton shots for mineralization and two lipospheric vitamin B-complex packets for energy.”

Have a great week my people!! Love, Kate

Cranberry Pot Roast from Half Baked Harvest
Creamy French Lentils with Mushrooms and Kale from The First Mess
The Prickly Lady Cocktail from Love and Olive Oil
Veggie Pot Pie from Weelicious
Cornbread Calas from Southern Souffle
Wild Blueberry Muffins with Key Lime Butter from The View From Great Island
Baked Char Siu Bao from Crepes of Wrath
Smoky Pasta with Peas and Greens from Tori Avey
Cracker-Style Thin Crust Pizza from Two Red Bowls
Caramelized Onions, Kale, and Feta Frittata from Warm Vanilla Sugar

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10 Recipes To Try TODAY: Super Bowl Edition

February 6, 2016 by Kate Ramos 2 Comments

The Super Bowl is HERE!!!

Which means we get to sit around on the couch, surf our Instagram feeds for a few minutes, stop to watch some commercials, pin some stuff on Pinterest, stop to watch 12 minutes of Coldplay, and stuff our faces with chips and dip!!! Hooray!!!!!

In honor of this momentous occasion when America gathers together to essentially eat the appetizer menu at TGI Fridays I wanted to share with you some of my favorite recipes I saw floating around on the inter webs this week…just in case you needed a few more ideas for game time.

Have fun everybody!!! And don’t worry Monday’s a great day to start that juice cleanse.

Besitos, Kate

Warm Cuban Sandwich Dip from A Cozy Kitchen
Roasted Grapefruit Margaritas with Smoked Sea Salt from Heather Christo
Bacon Tomato Queso from Amy Thielen
Chili Lime Baked Chicken Wings from A Spicy Perspective
Green Chile Corn Muffins from Bakerita
Apple Cider Mojitos from Always Order Dessert
DIY Hummus Bar from Beard + Bonnet
Cherry Almond Brown Butter Blondies with White and Dark Chocolate Chips from An Edible Mosaic
Birthday Cake Rice Krispie Treats from Big Girls Small Kitchen
Bloody Mary Pickled Eggs from Autumn Makes & Does

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Oh, one more thing, if you haven’t watched Bad Lip Reading: NFL 2016 you MUST! I haven’t laughed so hard in a long time.

9 Recipes To Try This Week | January 24, 2016

January 24, 2016 by Kate Ramos 2 Comments

If last week was all about health, then this week’s all about comfort. Many of you saw more snow last week than you’ve probably seen in a very long time. That, and the fact that Donald Trump is still running for president is enough to make anyone hungry for the buttery comfort of carbonara.

Aside from the requisite creamy pasta dish, I’ve included several hefty winter soups: a baked potato soup dressed with bacon and sour cream, a pozole verde cooked with enough chiles to warm you from the inside out, and an Italian meatball soup that is simple enough to make a weeknight appearance.

Of course we couldn’t let a week go by without some chocolate and a cocktail. On that note, The Professor brought home some celery bitters this week which I tried in a gin and tonic (thumbs up) any other ideas?

Sending you warm thoughts!

Milk Chocolate Cupcakes from I Am Baker
Italian Wedding Soup from Dinner: A Love Story
Apple + Grilled Thyme Smash Cocktail from Jojotastic
Winter Squash Carbonara with Broccoli Rabe and Sage from Half Baked Harvest
Herbed Lemon Poppy Seed Bread from Jeanie and Lulu’s Kitchen
Breakfast Pot Pie from Tasting Table
Vegetarian Swedish Meatballs from Joy the Baker
Cheesy French Toast from I Am A Food Blog
Loaded Baked Potato Soup from Katie at the Kitchen Door

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The Sunday 10 |Favorite Recipes For 1/3/16

January 3, 2016 by Kate Ramos Leave a Comment

We’re wrapping up the holidays this weekend. Did you have a fun New Year’s? We went sledding just as the sun was setting on New Year’s Eve. We raced down the hill as snow was gently falling all around us and when it got too dark to see what part of the hill was bumpy and what part of the hill was smooth we headed home for hot chocolate (the kids) and a glass of wine (me), and some whiskey on ice (The Professor). I don’t need to tell you I was not awake for the ball drop.

It’s time to start looking to the year ahead, but before we do, let’s take a look back at some of my favorites from last week.

Sprouted Kitchen’s food styling is extraordinary and so are these noodles with mushroom bolognese
While we’re on the subject of pasta, let’s discuss this lasagna Heather made. I cannot tell you how long I’ve been looking for a dairy-free lasagna that didn’t taste like crap and tofu. I think this is it! Oh, it’s also gluten and egg free too!
One of my New Year’s resolutions is to master these blueberry morning buns via Todd, via Sarah.
Those folks over at The Kitchn are so clever! I loved their collection of boxed wine cocktails. Here’s Red, White, and Rose.
What I wish I’d been drinking on New Years.
This totally objective list of 7 turkey fryer fire videos.
I know we’re supposed to be all healthy and shit now but these brownie cookies? I mean come on.
And because we’re supposed to be all healthy and shit Catherine’s chopped Brussels sprout salad looks pretty damn good.
Gaby’s winter bruschetta bar is probably supposed to be for entertaining but it looks like an easy weeknight dinner to me.
Who’s ready to take Lisa’s Real Food Pledge?

Have a great week!

The Sunday 10| The Best Recipes From 12/27/15

December 27, 2015 by Kate Ramos Leave a Comment

It was quite a week here. Christmas was all its chalked up to be and more. On Christmas Eve we always let the kids open one gift before bed. This is a fun tradition to give them a little peak at what’s to come and to relieve a little pressure so their heads don’t explode from excitement.

Hiro opened his gift, a 4,000 pack of Play-doh, and said, “But I want the Star Wars present.” I wasn’t sure where this was going seeing as he only asked for Star Wars for Christmas. Literally you asked him what he wanted for Christmas and he said simply, “Star Wars”. So I repeated what I’ve been saying since Thanksgiving, “You’re just going to have to wait until Christmas morning to open your presents.”

“No,” He said. “I want the stuffed Star Wars toy that Louisa got me.” To which I turn to look at my daughter who was suddenly giving me the terrified look of a child in trouble.

“You told him what you got him?” I said. “Yes, Mama! But then I told him to forget about it!”

I hope your Christmas was equally magical. Do you have any New Year’s Resolutions? I’m still working on mine. In the meantime, here are my ten favorites from around the web this week. xoxo

Karen made this Braided Sour Cream Cardamom Coffee Bread that is the brunch food of my dreams.

Laylita killed it with this Spicy Orange and Pomegranate Salsa that I could eat with a spoon, but chips would be reasonable.

This has nothing to do with food, but did you see this R Kelly interview? I almost spit my coffee all over my computer watching it. Dude’s crazy.

Its a wonderful time of the year because Christmas magic, love, and most importantly….cookies. Like these Mexican Hot Chocolate Snowballs from Love and Olive Oil.

Buñuelos are my jam but Erika took it to a whole other level of cuteness with these Star Buñuelos.

Knew nothing about tejas or chocotejas until I read this post from Peru Delights.

I bought a bag of cranberries to make a popcorn-cranberry string with the kids but now I think I’ll use them to make Elise’s Cranberry Nut Bread instead.

I was thinking about making something not sweet but then Jenny went and posted this Grapefruit and Poppy Seed Pound Cake and I was like, eh….next week.

How cool are these DIY Essential Oil Room Sprays from Tasty Yummies?

We made a version of Laura’s Mulled Pomegranate Cider for Christmas Eve and it was the schiznit.

Sunday Rocks

February 21, 2015 by Kate Ramos 6 Comments

Hi there! Are you prepping for a big Oscar’s party tonight?

I hunted high and low for a friend that would be home and who also has cable (a combination that is increasingly rare) so we could watch all the gowns go down the red carpet. In return for inviting myself to their house I’m making my favorite chocolate cake and roast pork for lettuce wraps. What about you?

I’m still undecided on cocktails but here are a few ideas for us to mull over……

How about a whiskey sour except made special with blood orange juice?

Or this Brazilian Limeade, because Monday hangovers are the worst.

Heather’s got a vegan White Russian, reminiscent of one of the most classic movie cocktails ever.

We could go old school with this Bijou Cocktail from Honestly Yum; there’s green chartreuse involved, you’ll probably only need one.

Or this Blood Orange Bourbon Smash looks well…..smashing.

This may not be a drink but I love this idea of freezing champagne and fruit to add to cocktails.

And because its really not a party without margaritas.

This champagne cocktail with St. Germaine and Campari is down right sophisticated.

And this one was literally made for the Oscar’s.

I hope you all have fun. What movies are you rooting for? What stars are you excited to see? I’m pulling for Marion Cotillard and Patricia Arquette—love them, but really it’s just an honor to be nominated, right?!

Have fun and I’ll meet you back here tomorrow for potato tacos, um’kay?