kitchenette

January 5, 2013

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup

It’s no coincidence that the header on this page features lemon zest.

My addiction to lemons is real, recognized and wholeheartedly accepted.

Lemon Ricotta Pancakes with Blueberry Syrup

This latest episode in lemon mania comes from way back in the good ol’ days (A.K.A. the ’90s).

If you’re new to this particular recipe, let me introduce you to the lightest, fluffiest, most perfect pancakes ever.

All other pancakes should really just stop trying.

Posted in: Breakfast, Fruit, Vegetarian, Winter

December 29, 2012

Ginger Blood Orange Cocktail

I have a thing for ginger beer. I usually use it in cocktails (see here), and in fairly large quantities.

But for this cocktail right hurr, I prefer just a splash. There is some delicious citrus action going on, and it would be a shame to hide it.

Now, I feel I should warn you: this cocktail is really easy to drink.

Plus, it looks festive and celebrates the arrival of the best part of winter: citrus!

Sounds like a great way to kick off a New Year’s Eve party to me…

Posted in: Drinks, Holiday, Winter

December 17, 2012

Cacao Nib Caramels

As soon as I poured this caramel hotness into its cooling vessel, I could only think one thing:

“I’ve made a huge mistake.”

(Props to my fellow Arrested Development fans)

Not that I messed up the recipe or anything, I just knew I was on track to eat way too many of these caramels.

Cacao Nib Caramels

The first one that I bit into for the purposes of the picture above wasn’t quite the right bite shape. Definitely had to try it again.

Then I started wrapping them up, and it turned into one of those I Love Lucy candy situations where I just couldn’t wrap them fast enough, so I had to eat some of them to stay on track.

There isn’t a conveyor belt in my house or anything, but you know. I had to.

December 7, 2012

Bourbon Pecan Pumpkin Cheesecake

bourbon pecan pumpkin cheesecake

This recipe has been in the works for a loooong time. I had to make sure it was just right for you guys!

So over the course of a couple of years, I’ve been enduring the difficult task of making (and eating) this cheesecake.

It’s been rough.

bourbon pecan pumpkin cheesecake

I can’t lie – it was delicious right from the start. Pumpkin + cheesecake + bourbon + pecans = win. But I felt it wouldn’t be just if certain quesitons weren’t brought to light.

What if I added 1/4 teaspoon more cinnamon?

Organic pumpkin puree vs. regular?

Proper ratio of pecans to graham cracker in the crust?

The only way to address these pressing matters: make another cheesecake. And another. And another.

Posted in: Cakes, Dessert, Fall, Holiday, Vegetarian, Winter

November 28, 2012

Cranberry Ginger Relish

cranberry ginger relish

Oh, heeeeeeyyyyyyyyyy guys!

So I haven’t touched this blog of mine in over a month, AND I’m bringing you cranberry relish after Thanksgiving.

I’m super on top of things. No worries.

During that month I packed up all of our crap, moved to a new city (again), unpacked said crap, hosted Thanksgiving, and then galavanted around San Francisco with family for the better part of a week.

cranberries

I also made you this Cranberry Ginger Relish… with the most earnest intentions of posting it before Thanksgiving, but oh well. If you’re anything like me, it’s still completely relevant because cranberry relish is awesome all the freaking time, not just one day a year!

Posted in: Fall, Fruit, Holiday, Side Dishes, Vegetarian

October 19, 2012

Roasted Butternut Squash Salad

roasted butternut squash salad

Even though it was 80-some-odd degrees outside when I made this salad, I can safely say that I am now fully and officially into fall.

My tea supply has been restocked. I got a new pair of fuzzy pajama pants.

I’ve got my stack of Thanksgiving themed magazines piled up on my nightstand.

roasted butternut squash salad

Did I mention that some of our family is actually coming up to see US this year and I’m HOSTING Thanksgiving?! Oooohhhh yeah. It’s on.

Spoiler alert to those that will be attending: You’re most likely gonna be eating this salad.

Let’s do this!

Posted in: Fall, Fruit, Holiday, Salad, Side Dishes, Vegetables, Vegetarian

October 9, 2012

Mini Corn Dogs from Tiny Food Party

mini corn dogs

When life gets crazy, it’s nice to have something to look forward to, no matter how tiny it may be.

This September was just about the busiest month I’ve ever encountered (a close runner-up being the one when we moved to a new city and got married in the old city, in that order). I spent the month working tirelessly on the new and improved layout for West Coaster (check it out!!) and did very little cooking.

So through all my crazed late night yelling at the computer screen, I tried to keep in mind that one day soon the mailman was going to bring me an early peek at a book I’d been looking forward to with childlike anticipation: Tiny Food Party by Teri Lyn Fisher and Jenny Park of Spoon Fork Bacon.

tiny food party

I mean, what’s more fun than tiny food?!

(Large amounts of tiny food.)

Posted in: Appetizers, Meat, Party Food, Summer

September 19, 2012

Beer Battered Fish Tacos with Cilantro Crema

beer battered fish tacos with cilantro crema

I really feel that if I keep making fish tacos, summer will never end.

This would be a welcome phenomenon because I also feel that I didn’t get to do nearly enough summery activities this year.

You know, the lounging beach/poolside, BBQing, and general carefree frolicking that comes with the summer months.

beer battered fish tacos with cilantro crema

So if you’re also feeling that scarves and boots are trying to take over way too soon, I suggest making some fish tacos.

We can all be in denial together!

Posted in: Dinner, Lunch, Party Food, Seafood, Summer

September 5, 2012

Cheesy Lemon Thyme Popcorn

cheesy lemon thyme popcorn

Oh popcorn. What a long and tumultuous relationship we’ve had.

There was, of course, the early childhood stage: occasionally that unmistakable smell and sound of kernels popping on the stove would fill the house and I knew a special treat was on the horizon.

Then there was the teenage stage. I was responsible for more of my own meals by then and hey! Popcorn can totally be a meal, right??

cheesy lemon thyme popcorn

As often as I could get my hands on it, I ate popcorn. Breakfast, lunch, snack – didn’t matter. I basically ate it until I never wanted to see it again.

And then for a while… I just didn’t eat popcorn at all. Sad times.

Posted in: Appetizers, Spring, Summer, Vegetarian

August 25, 2012