Drinks,Recipes »Watermelon Lemonade

Summer Perfection

While I wait to make this myself, I’d like to share this refreshing concoction of Watermelon Lemonade while the days are still so steamy.

Thanks to Chloe who made this for a recent party. It’s really a pregnant woman’s dream but, of course, delicious for everybody:

I used one of those mini watermelons. In 2 or 3 batches in my food processor i blended up the watermelon then put it through a sieve. Once it was all processed I put the whole batch trough the sieve again to take out more of the solids.

Juice of 5 or so lemons and a lime or two. Add to the watermelon juice.

Then I added maybe 1 part water and some simple syrup to taste (not necessary if you like it less sweet of course)- the turbinado sugar gives it a slightly more caramel flavor.

I like it diluted with seltzer too.

The photo comes from Smitten Kitchen, which has a similar recipe.

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Posted on July 25, 2012

Recipes »Easy Barbecue Ribs

from Mmmm… is for Mommy

How good can it be when BBQ ribs meet the slow cooker? Well Van, who’s usually sort of vegetarian (not through any effort on my part) yelled “meat!!!” for the first time.

So, pretty darn good.

These were actually more tender than many I’ve had at restaurants. We used Stubb’s sauce.

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Posted on June 20, 2012

Recipes »Thai Steamed Mussels

From Epicurious

The original recipe is called “Spicy” Thai Steamed Mussels, but this is completely mild. Not bland, mind you, just not spicy.

It is flavorful and super easy once you’re past the tedious de-bearding and cleaning stage.

Don’t forget bread to mop up the fragrant broth.

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Posted on June 15, 2012

Recipes »Spicy Cucumber Gazpacho

from Luna Cafe

Cucumber is the kind of refreshing food that I don’t have to feel bad about craving during my pregnancy. As the weather gets hot, I’ve been envisioning it in every and any form.

A recent gazpacho from Calyer inspired me to make some myself.

I found this easy recipe.

It wasn’t a hit with the whole family – Jim found it a bit overwhelming in taste (there’s lots of garlic) but I really loved this and it’s just right for summer time.

I omitted the jalapeños so I could share with Van, but I’m sure a spicy kick would be a great addition.

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Posted on June 7, 2012

Recipes »Gazpacho

20120520-152741.jpgfrom Ina Garten

It was hot, I wanted gazpacho, Ina Garten gave me an easy peasy recipe that is simple and delicious.

Great for a healthy last minute lunch. The recipe can be modified and expanded on to fit your fancy, but the original is good too.

Yay for summer weather and cold soup goodness!

 

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Posted on May 20, 2012

Recipes »Spaghetti with Ramps

20120508-104912.jpgfrom Babbo

Ramps! Everyone loves them! And here’s an easy way to cook them up for dinner (via the city’s most visible celebrity chef, Mario Batali)

Despite the hoopla over them, there aren’t a ton of recipes for the much sought after greens and what I like about this is the simplicity which lets the ramps shine.

PS. I added a bit of shaved parm.

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Posted on May 10, 2012

Recipes »Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce

from The Pioneer Woman

When you’ve been under the weather for seemingly forever as I have, you crave comforting food that’s simple and easy to make. This Pasta with Tomato Cream Sauce recipe from The Pioneer Woman fit the bill in every way without being the least bit boring (all that cream and parmesan helps).

It’s great as is, but also a good based for experimenting. We made ours to the letter except substituting bucatini (my favorite pasta) for the fettuccine.

 

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Posted on April 30, 2012

Recipes »Salsa Chicken and Black Bean Soup

20120414-185306.jpgfrom A Year of Slow Cooking

I’m still exploring the crock pot and with the seasonal chill in the air I decided on a Salsa Chicken and Black Bean soup. It’s a reader favorite from the A Year of Slow Cooking site and understandably so.

It’s mild though flavorful and could please most palettes, though personally I was glad to have some chipotle Tabasco on hand to spice things up.

I made the mistake of skipping the step of rinsing my canned beans. It meant a “soupier” soup rather than the slightly thickened one I was expecting. Still a great easy recipe that will please a wide variety of people raised on Tex Mex (Americans).

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Posted on April 14, 2012

Recipes »Potato Leek Soup

20120326-161243.jpgfrom Alton Brown

Delicious! Potato Leek soup is a personal favorite but this is my first time making it myself.

I trusted Alton Brown with the recipe which can’t claim to be low fat but is amazingly yummy both hot and chilled.

Best left over lunch ever!

 

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Posted on March 26, 2012

Recipes »Peperoncini Beef Sandwiches

from A Year of Slow Cooking

I’ve embraced a new level of mom-ness by busting out the crock pot for the first time ever.

These Peperoncini Beef Sandwiches have to be the easiest of the easiest to make – and the most likely to make you doubt they’ll turn out any good.

You just drop some beef in the pot with a jar of peperoncini peppers and cook low eight hours.

The result is quite surprising (in the best way).

Make sure to melt from fresh mozzarella and add the peppers to your sandwich.

I think I might love my crock pot now (so expect more slow cooker recipes to come.)

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Posted on March 18, 2012