cooking Archives - Page 3 of 20 - My Life: A Work in Progress

Real cooking with Nicole Elizabeth at The Fresh Kitchen

29 July, 2014 19 Comments

I know I’ve talked about The Fresh Kitchen before, but I wanted to share again. My friend Nicole has really helped me grow as a home cook. I strongly believe in not only her cooking talents but her ability to help others, specifically moms like me. She really has taken the intimidation out of cooking for me. At one point in my life, I would never have cooked dishes that sound scary to me, like ratatouille or polenta. Turns out, a lot of things are easier to cook than I thought. And if they aren’t, Nicole talks me through them. If you have a cooking question, you can always ask on The Fresh Kitchen Facebook page!

Recently Nicole asked me and some other friends to come over for a dinner she’d prepared. I thought I’d share with you some photos of what she made. Some of the recipes are hers; others are inspired by Chef Yotam Ottolenghi, and Nicole has added her own take on the dish. If you’d like to know more about Nicole as well as view some of her recipes, check out her website www.thefreshkitchen.com.

Salad made with baby spinach, pickled red onions, pickled medjool dates, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, and toasted pita croutons made with butter, olive oil, sumac, Aleppo chile flakes, and kosher salt

Israeli couscous cooked in some of the chicken/apricot/tamarind braising liquid

Chicken thighs braised in apricots and tamarind

Roasted peaches over lemon pound cake with ginger ice cream and browned butter shortbread crumbs

What do you think? Which dish would you like to try?

Compensated Pink

cooking

Fire up that grill! It’s a summer cookout round up. #july4th

30 June, 2014 21 Comments

We’re officially into summer! I don’t know about you, but after the rough winter we had, I’m enjoying this heat and getting outside every day.

One of my favorite parts about summer is grilling with friends and family. Sometimes it starts as a scheduled party, but quite often the grill makes it easy to have a fun, impromptu get-together!

To make your recipe hunt easier, I’ve gathered up a list of yummy-looking grilling recipes.

Summer Grilling Recipes on My Life: A Work in Progress — Photos used with permission

Barbecued Spaghetti from Ottawa Mommy Club
Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken Skewers from Ottawa Mommy Club
Marinated Beef Skewers from Window on the World
Perfectly Grilled Moist Pork Chops from Saving You Dinero
Sweet & Cheesy Burger from Saving You Dinero

Summer Cookout Sides & Salads Recipes- My Life: A Work in Progress — Photos used with permission

And because you can’t stop with just the meat/entree, here are several of my favorite sides and desserts from The Fresh Kitchen. These recipes are sure to be a hit at any summer party!

Mexican Corn Salad (Esquites) This is my favorite corn dish. The charred corn flavor mixed with Cotija cheese is amazing!
Mango, Lime, and Chile Salad
Peach Basil Salad
Roasted Strawberry Buttermilk Ice Cream
Strawberry Ice Pops

Which dishes would you like to make?

Compensated Pink

giveaways

Giveaway: The Original Butter Bell Crock (4/30-5/6)

30 April, 2014 23 Comments

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

Where are my foodies and home chefs? This giveaway is for you (and everyone in between). =D

Butter Bell Crock giveaway 4/30/14 to 5/6/14 US only

Did you catch my co-writer Ruth’s review on the Original Butter Bell Crock? The Butter Bell Crocks allow you to keep butter out on your counter or table, soft and spreadable, for up to 30 days without refrigeration! There are all different designs and patterns available, so you’re sure to find one to match your kitchen. Through May 15, 2014, you can buy two crocks and get a third free. Check out their site for more details.

The Giveaway:

One winner (US only) will receive a Butter Bell Crock from the new Stripe Collection. Winner gets to choose the color- red, blue, black, or yellow.

Please read the Terms and Conditions listed directly below. If you agree, keep scrolling on down and enter the giveaway via the Giveaway Tools widget.

Terms & Conditions: Sweepstakes open to residents of the US. Must be 18 years or older. Void where prohibited by law. Two entrants allowed per household. Odds of winning depend on total number of eligible entries received. Winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be randomly selected. Winner’s name may be posted on this blog and other social media and websites. My Life: A Work in Progress is not responsible for prize fulfillment. Sweepstakes not associated with Facebook or any other social media platform. Entrance into the sweepstakes indicates acceptance of these terms and conditions.

Entry -Form

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.