Limoncello Whiskey Sour

Before I go into my recipe for a Limoncello Whiskey Sour, I have to tell you about the upcoming event that inspired it!

Limoncello Whiskey Sour

My favorite outdoor event of the year is nearly here – Flavors on the Avenue! I am such a fan of this event that I even moved to be closer to it! (I’m only half kidding, but I most certainly did move to the Passyunk Square area partially because of the amazing shops and restaurants.)

source: visiteastpassyunk.com

Flavors on the Avenue is inspired by East Passyunk’s former Flavors fundraiser held under a tent each year. In 2017, the event went from under the tent and into the street.  Adding to the original food and drink offerings, the event now includes family activities, music and retail sidewalk sales. Flavors on the Avenue will be held this Sunday, April 29th, and covers five blocks, lasting six hours starting at 11am.

source: visiteastpassyunk.com

Craft beer, wine and seasonal sips will be available. Look for drinks to be sold by select restaurants out on the street, plus stop by and visit the new Founders Brewing Co. Tasting Tent. Food will be specially priced between $3.00 and $6.00 (average) and be pay-as-you-go from individual restaurants.

source: visiteastpassyunk.com

Participating restaurants and eateries, along with their menus, include:

  • Barcelona Wine Bar –  Vegetable paella
  • Bing Bing Dim Sum –  Roast pork sandwich, cold noodles
  • Brigantessa –  Sausage with giaroinviera relish with aioli
  • Cantina Los Caballitos –  Pork tacos, ceviche
  • chhaya –  Fried chicken and waffles, iced coffee
  • El Sarape Restaurant –  Tacos al pastor, cemitas, pina coladas and homemade water: Jamaica and horchata
  • Essen Bakery – Mini za’atar croissant stuffed with labneh cheese.
  • Filitalia International –  Penne with gravy and meat/cheese sandwiches
  • Fond – TBD
  • ITV Philly/Laurel – Pork Skin with Sour Cream and Onion
  • Izumi – Gyoza (pork dumplings)
  • Le Virtù – Palotte cac’e: egg & pecorino croquettes, tomato, basil
  • Mamma Maria Ristorante – Pasta primavera and chicken cutlets
  • Manatawny Still Works –  Whiskey cocktail, Gin cocktail, vodka cocktail, Sly Fox beer
  • Noir Philadelphia –  Rice balls, poutine (French fries with potato gravy), meatballs w/marina sauce, watermelon salad
  • NOORD eetcafe – Bitterballen, poffertjes
  • Paradiso Restaurant –  Arancini
  • Pistola’s Del Sur –  Seafood ceviche
  • P’unk Burger –  Swiss and bacon slider, cheese burger slider, hot dog, shoe string fries
  • Redcrest Fried Chicken – Spicy chicken slider, fried chicken slider and vegan slider, spicy vegan slider
  • Saté Kampar – Nasi Lemak (rice, peanuts, anchovies cucumber, chilie sauce), Rendang Nasi (beef stew, rice,carrots, cucumber), Nasi Ayma Kurma (chicken potatoes and rice), Teh Tarik (hot milk tea), Coconut Water
  • Stogie Joe’s Tavern – Meatball sandwiches and pizza
  • The Bottle Shop – Variety of beer (12-16 ounce)
  • Vanilya Bakery –  Chocolate and vanilla cupcakes, ice cream sandwiches
  • Will byob – Quiche – Bacon and Spinach
  • The Chilly Banana (food truck as part of Nice Things Handmade show

I’ve written posts about this event for years now, including recipes for Pomegranate Tom Collins Cocktails, Watermelon Feta Salad, and Charred Ramp Arancini inspired by offerings at past Flavors.

This year, I wanted to highlight one of my favorite new-ish additions to E. Passyunk, Manatawny Still Works, that I’m thrilled is a part of Flavors on the Avenue this year. Manatawny Still Works opened a tasting room on E. Passyunk late last summer and has been a welcome addition to the Avenue.

I am a big fan of their whiskey, specifically their ever-changing small batch options. Their Coffee Whiskey (Batch #16) didn’t last very long in my house at all, and their latest Pennsylvania Whiskey isn’t going to last much longer!

It’s actually one of a few tasting rooms on East Passyunk. There is also a store, Pollyodd, that sells multiple flavors of Limoncello. So I thought it might be fun to make a cocktail using both – a Limoncello Whiskey Sour!

A traditional Whiskey Sour is made with lemon juice, simple syrup, and of course, whiskey.

Limoncello tends to be on the sweeter side, so I thought it would be a perfect substitute.

Ingredients (serves 2):

  • 3 oz Manatawny Still Works Pennsylvania Whiskey
  • 2 oz Pollyodd Limoncello
  • The juice of 1 lemon (about 1 oz)
  • splash club soda
  • ice
  • maraschino cherries and lemon wedges, for garnish

Continue reading Limoncello Whiskey Sour

Feta Dip

I’m on a bit of a feta kick at the moment. I absolutely love French feta, which is a bit more mild and creamier than the more tangy, crumbly version most people associate with feta cheese.

When I came across a recipe for Feta Dip, I loved the concept, and knew French Feta would be perfect for it.

This dip is a nice alternative to the normal dips found at parties. The flavors are similar to tzatziki; serve with toasted pita or pita chips.

Ingredients:

  • 12 oz French feta
  • 1 cup non-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 8 oz  cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling
  • the juice and zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons chopped dill, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • 3/4 cup chopped deseeded cucumber
  • 1/2 cup multi-colored cherry tomatoes, quartered

Continue reading Feta Dip

Creamy Snap Peas with Feta

Some nights, you just want to sauté or grill up a protein and have a quick go-to side to make a nice meal without much effort.

So it’s always nice to have a few awesome sides in the rotation, like this recipe for Creamy Snap Peas with Feta.

This recipe for Creamy Snap Peas with Feta would be perfect with a Greek-inspired protein — salmon, chicken, or even lamb.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces trimmed fresh sugar snap peas
  • 1/4 cup plain 2% reduced-fat Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water
  • 1 teaspoon finely minced garlic
  • the zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 ounce crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup chopped fresh mint
  • 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds
  • 1 ounce crumbled feta cheese

Continue reading Creamy Snap Peas with Feta

Creamy Avocado Soup

My husband and I have had some fairly heavy (but delicious) food recently. So this weekend, I was in search of something a bit lighter for lunch that would still fill us up, like this creamy avocado soup.

This chilled Creamy Avocado Soup recipe from Cooking Light fit the bill! The soup is bulked up a bit with silken tofu, romaine lettuce, and peas to go along with the avocados.

In fact, it has half of your daily fiber and 9 grams of protein in one serving. And yet, it feels so light!

Ingredients:

  • 1 (12-oz.) pkg. silken tofu, drained
  • 2 cups water
  • 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cup frozen green peas
  • 3 ripe avocados, peeled and chopped
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
  • 3 tablespoons white wine vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 3/4 teaspoon black pepper, divided
  • 1/4 cup chopped tomato
  • 1/4 cup chopped yellow bell pepper
  • 2 tablespoons chopped scallions

Continue reading Creamy Avocado Soup

Slow Cooker Spring Lamb Stew

I’m so impatient weather-wise in the spring. I want it to warm up immediately, but that’s not exactly how this season goes.

Although today is supposed to be quite nice, some spring nights can be rainy and down right chilly. So it’s nice to have a comforting meal available for colder nights that still makes use of ingredients readily available in the spring.

This Slow Cooker Spring Lamb Stew is a Greek-inspired dish is made in a slow cooker, so dinner will be ready for you when you return from work. It also freezes well, so you can enjoy it whenever the weather calls for a yummy stew.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 and 1/2 pound lamb shoulder, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice (I used 6 allspice berries; I was out of ground allspice)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • 1/2 pound shallots, peeled and quartered
  • 1 pound baby new potatoes
  • 1/2 pound carrots, peeled and cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 cups red wine
  • 2 cups tomato puree
  • 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • whole milk Greek yogurt, to serve
  • chopped mint, for garnish
  • drizzle of olive oil, if desired
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Continue reading Slow Cooker Spring Lamb Stew

Spinach Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Well. The weather refuses to act like spring.

But I’m sick of waiting for spring to arrive to make delicious spring food!

So this recipe for Spinach Lemon Ricotta Pasta has spring ingredients that are still comforting in chilly weather – spinach with a lemony ricotta sauce over fettuccine.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound fettuccine
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 1 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 2 (5 oz bags) baby spinach
  • 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese
  • 1/2 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • the zest and juice of 1 lemon
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Continue reading Spinach Lemon Ricotta Pasta

Vegan and Gluten Free Peanut Crunch Brownies

A lot of people are pretty wary of vegan and gluten free baking. It seems like it would be difficult, but it’s surprisingly easy! Vegan baking can also be rich and decadent, like these oh so fudgy Peanut Crunch Brownies.

This recipe for Peanut Crunch Brownies is adapted from Heather Saffer’s well-named cookbook Crazy Easy Vegan Desserts. Heather Saffer, founder and CEO of Dollop Gourmet, has been featured on Shark Tank and Cupcake Wars for her delicious vegan desserts that can be enjoyed by anyone. I was sent a review copy and have loved paging through the recipes, they really are crazy easy!

The cookbook begins with a review of some dairy free and gluten free alternatives that can be used in baking.

 

So let’s dig into this recipe for Peanut Crunch Brownies, because, well, it’s delicious!

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup gluten free flour (I used almond flour)
  • 2/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 cup unsweetened applesauce
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 4 tablespoons coconut oil, melted
  • 2/3 cups vegan chocolate chips
  • 2 ( ~3 oz) dark chocolate bars, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup chopped roasted salted peanuts

Continue reading Vegan and Gluten Free Peanut Crunch Brownies

Sheet Pan Blackened Shrimp with Citrus and Roasted Fennel

I’m kind of on a Sheet Pan kick. I love how simple they are, and how easy cleanup is! And this recipe for Sheet Pan Blackened Shrimp with Citrus and Roasted Fennel is no different!

This recipe is adapted from a Cooking Light recipe to make it a pure sheet pan meal.

I know the combination of flavors may seem a bit odd, but it really comes together in the end. My husband even asked for this to be put in our normal dinner rotation!

Ingredients:

  • 2 small oranges (I used one navel, one blood orange)
  • 2 medium fennel bulbs with stalks
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 1 teaspoon salt, divided
  • 1/4 teaspoon pepper
  • 6 small shallots, halved
  • 2 teaspoons sweet paprika
  • 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails on
  • Optional: 1 cup cooked rice, for serving

Continue reading Sheet Pan Blackened Shrimp with Citrus and Roasted Fennel

Colcannon

I realized this weekend as I was making some of my favorite St. Patrick’s Day foods that I have not written a post on Colcannon!

Colcannon is mashed potatoes with sautéed greens mixed in, typically either cabbage or kale.

 

It’s pretty awesome Irish comfort food in my opinion. It’s so engrained in Irish cooking that it even has it’s own song!

Did you ever eat Colcannon, made from lovely pickled cream?
With the greens and scallions mingled like a picture in a dream.
Did you ever make a hole on top to hold the melting flake
Of the creamy, flavoured butter that your mother used to make?

This version uses shallots, leeks, and kale, but this recipe can easily be adapted to incorporate any green you prefer.

Ingredients:

  • 2-3 lbs russet potatoes (4-5 potatoes)
  • 2 tablespoons salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 stick (8 tablespoons) butter, divided
  • 1 leek, chopped
  • 2 shallots, chopped
  • 4 cups chopped lacinato kale
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • thinly sliced scallions, for garnish

Continue reading Colcannon

Frozen Mango Daiquiri

About this time every year, I start wishing for warmer weather. And yet, this time every year, we tend to get one more winter storm to prove that it’s not quite spring just yet.

So, given that it’s still freezing in Philadelphia, I decided to make a frozen cocktail, a Frozen Mango Daiquiri, that can help me pretend it’s nice and warm outside.

This is a fairly traditional frozen daiquiri, although I added in some cinnamon to complement the mango.

I used frozen mango chunks to make this, so it’s a super easy recipe.

Ingredients (makes 2 servings):

  • 2 cups ice
  • 1 (12 oz) bag frozen mango chunks
  • 4 oz white rum
  • the juice of 3 limes, plus more if needed
  • 1 tablespoon white sugar, plus more for rimming the glasses
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • lime wedge, for garnish

Continue reading Frozen Mango Daiquiri

Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken with Cauliflower and Artichoke Hearts

I’ve made this recipe for Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken a few times already, and it’s quickly becoming a favorite of mine.

This recipe for Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken, adapted from Taste of Home, comes together pretty quickly, so it’s great for weeknight dinners.

Plus, everything you need for a meal is all made on this sheet pan, so the entire dinner is done at the same time!

I used purple cauliflower for this, mainly because I like how it looks, but white cauliflower works just as well. 

Ingredients:

  • 4 (6 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
  • 2 teaspoons dried rosemary
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon pepper
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 2 (14 oz) cans artichoke heart quarters, drained
  • 1 head of cauliflower, cut into florets
  • 3 shallots, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup white wine
  • 2 large garlic cloves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • 1 lemon, cut into thin slices
  • 2 scallions, thinly sliced

Continue reading Sheet Pan Parmesan Chicken with Cauliflower and Artichoke Hearts

Chocolatey Buttercream Frosting

I make more frosting (and desserts!) than I probably should. Luckily, I have friends, family, and coworkers more than willing to help me out with my baking experiments, and this recipe for Chocolatey Buttercream Frosting is definitely a favorite!

I love making fun frosting flavors, like cinnamon cream cheese, vegan peanut butter, key lime, and bourbon-orange cream cheese. But, my absolute favorite frosting is, and always will be chocolate.

So it’s about time I shared my ultimate chocolatey buttercream frosting!

The secret to this frosting is a hint of coffee to really enhance the chocolatey flavor. I use Nielsen Massey’s Pure Coffee Extract to bring out the best chocolate flavor.

Ingredients (makes enough for 12 cupcakes):

  • 2 sticks (1 cup) unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1 cup cocoa powder
  • 1 (16 oz box) confectioners sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon fine salt
  • 1/2 tablespoon coffee extract
  • 1/4 cup milk, plus more as needed

Continue reading Chocolatey Buttercream Frosting

Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Last week, I shared a savory breakfast casserole, great for a large crowd.

So today, I wanted to share a version for those who love a sweet breakfast!

This Blueberry French Toast Casserole is easy to make the day of, or to assemble the night before for an easier next-day breakfast. My recipe is adapted from a version you can find here.

Ingredients:

French Toast Casserole

  • 1 loaf of challah bread, cut into cubes
  • 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, cut into small cubes
  • 2 (6 oz) packages fresh blueberries
  • 12 eggs, beaten
  • 2 cups milk
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/2 cup maple syrup

Blueberry Syrup

  • 1 cup water
  • 1 cup white sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 (6 oz) package fresh blueberries
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • juice of 1/2 lemon

Continue reading Blueberry French Toast Casserole

Spinach and Artichoke Breakfast Casserole

Last weekend, we were invited to a potluck brunch for a friend’s birthday. I wanted to bring a savory breakfast dish that would work well for a crowd.

With the big game this weekend, my mind went to making a breakfast version of spinach artichoke dip. I live in Philadelphia, so I clearly had to make a green dish too!

This Spinach and Artichoke Breakfast Casserole is packed with spinach, artichokes, bell peppers, onions and cheese. The result is a flavorful dish that can feed up to 12.

Ingredients:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 small yellow onion, chopped
  • 1 (10 oz) package frozen chopped spinach, thawed
  • 1/2 cup chopped green onions
  • 1 (14 oz) can artichokes hearts, drained and chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 12 large eggs
  • 1/4 cup milk
  • 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1  teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives, for garnish

Continue reading Spinach and Artichoke Breakfast Casserole

Pomegranate Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts

I absolutely love roasted vegetables, and Roasted Brussels Sprouts are a favorite of mine. Something magical happens in the oven!

I’ve had a hankering for Brussels sprouts for a while now, but was in the mood for a vegetarian version (a.k.a. not cooked in bacon).

This recipe for Pomegranate Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts balances the heat from stone ground mustard with tangy pomegranate molasses, a syrup made from cooked down pomegranate juice. Typically used in Middle Eastern recipes, pomegranate molasses can be found in most supermarkets today. Or, you can make your own at home; I have a recipe for it here. You could also substitute in honey, but use half as much; pomegranate molasses isn’t very sweet. To make a paleo-friendly version, look for unsweetened pomegranate molasses, or omit the sugar all together when making it at home.

The roasted Brussels sprouts are then topped with toasted walnuts and fresh pomegranate seeds to finish it off. Yum!

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds Brussels sprouts
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 2 tablespoons stoneground mustard
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (or olive oil to make vegan/dairy free)
  • 1/2 cup walnuts, roughly chopped
  • 1/2 cup pomegranate seeds

Continue reading Pomegranate Mustard Roasted Brussels Sprouts

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