Tag: Honey

Slow Cooker Venison Chili

Hooray for slow cooker season! I love a good slow cooker (paid link) recipe, and this Slow Cooker Venison Chili is no exception!

I decided it was about time to update my original recipe for Slow Cooker Venison Chili; I figured after 13 years it could use some sprucing up!

The ingredients haven’t changed much, but the method used to develop the flavors is updated. This hearty Slow Cooker Venison Chili will definitely be a family favorite!

Ingredients:

Chili Seasoning:

  • 1 tablespoon chili powder
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
  • 1/2 tablespoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground pepper

Venison Chili:

  • 4 strips bacon, cooked
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 6 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 tablespoon reserved bacon fat, or 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 lbs ground venison
  • 2 (15.5 oz) cans red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (28 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 teaspoon hot sauce
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 cup beef stock
  • 1/2 cup coffee

Toppings:

  • Fresh cilantro, chopped, for garnish
  • Sour cream (omit for dairy free)
  • Cheddar or Pepper Jack cheese, shredded (omit for dairy free)
  • Cooked bacon crumbles

Continue reading Slow Cooker Venison Chili

Honey Ginger Lemonade

I’m still trying out some recipes for my sister’s upcoming baby shower, which is going to be bumble bee themed. I’m working on making a beehive cake and have already determined a batch cocktail with honey to serve. Because it is a baby shower, it seemed only appropriate to also serve an alcohol-free beverage. After testing a few versions, this recipe for Honey Ginger Lemonade the perfect nonalcoholic drink for my sister to enjoy!

This recipe has just four ingredients and feels special enough for a baby shower or other celebration!

Ingredients:

  • 6 cups water, divided
  • 1 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup fresh ginger, peeled and roughly chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups fresh lemon juice (about 8-10 lemons)

Continue reading Honey Ginger Lemonade

Bees Knees Batch Cocktail

I am in full preparation mode for my sister’s upcoming baby shower. We are doing a honeybee theme, I’ve been working on a beehive cake, honeycomb decorations, and honey-filled beverages, including this Bees Knees Batch Cocktail.

The Bee’s Knees is a Prohibition-era cocktail made with gin, lemon juice, and honey simple syrup. This batch cocktail version adds lemon seltzer to make it more of a sip-able day cocktail with a little bit of fizziness.

Ingredients (makes 20 servings; multiply/divide as needed):

  • 3/4 cup water
  • 1 cup honey
  • 2 cups fresh lemon juice
  • 1 (750 ml) bottle gin
  • 1 (1 L) bottle lemon seltzer

Continue reading Bees Knees Batch Cocktail

Sheet Pan Balsamic Fish with Roasted Tomatoes

Seafood is a favorite weekday dinner of mine because it usually takes under 30 minutes to make a seafood dish. This particular recipe for Sheet Pan Balsamic Fish with Roasted Tomatoes has become a staple in our home because of the relatively easy clean up as well – most of the meal is made right in one sheet pan!

I like to serve this over rice or couscous to soak in all of the juices on the sheet pan. This makes 2 hearty servings, with plenty of the tomato mixture to enjoy!

Ingredients (serves 2, multiply as needed):

  • 16 oz cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 2 large shallots, thinly sliced
  • 5 large garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper, plus more to taste
  • 2 white fish fillets (such as cod or halibut)
  • the zest of 1 lemon
  • fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
  • 1 cup cooked rice or couscous

Continue reading Sheet Pan Balsamic Fish with Roasted Tomatoes

Earl Grey Madeleines

Note: This post is sponsored by Adagio Teas. Opinions are mine alone.

I’m excited to share this recipe for Earl Grey Madeleines, plus an easy suggestion for a personalized gift option for tea lovers!

My sister is getting married later this year so I have been immersed in all things bachelorette, shower, and wedding over the last few months. Her bridal shower is coming up soon, so naturally, I have been thinking of different gift options to help celebrate my sister. I love a good themed gift that adds a bit of personalization, so I was thrilled when Adagio Teas contacted me recently about doing a post highlighting some of their awesome products.

Adagio’s website has an impressive number of loose teas, plus teaware, pantry items, and gift selections that can be easily curated into the perfect gift. I was immediately drawn to a 20oz Particle Teapot that is just the right size to brew tea for two. The enameled glazed iron pot is both a kettle and teapot, and includes a stainless steel infuser basket so you can steep the tea leaves right in the pot.

I scrolled through their extensive tea selection and chose a random assortment of sample sized teas so that I could include a bunch of different types in my gift for my sister. Naturally, I picked up a few for myself as well, including Earl Grey Bravo, a blend of artisan black tea from Sri Lanka, flavored with bergamot.

source: adagio.com

It probably goes without saying that I wanted to make something that would go well with the teapot and teas, so I decided to make these yummy Earl Grey Madeleines, using Earl Grey Bravo and raw honey from Adagio.

My family loves quite a range of tea, but Earl Grey is definitely a favorite of ours, so I wanted to incorporate that into the gift.

My sister is having a display shower, where gifts will not be wrapped, so I packaged them up in a large cookie jar, along with the teapot and a few sample sized teas, including Peach Oolong, Buddha’s Dream, 40 Winks, and, of course, Earl Grey Bravo.

Ingredients (makes 2 dozen madeleines):

  • 2 cups cake flour (or all purpose flour and cornstarch, directions here)
  • 1 tablespoon baking powder
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 cup unsalted butter (2 sticks)
  • 3/4 cup plus 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • the zest of 2 lemons
  • 1 tablespoon loose Earl Grey tea, finely chopped
  • 3 eggs plus 1 egg white, at room temperature
  • 5 tablespoons milk, at room temperature
  • cooking spray
  • confectioners sugar, for dusting, if desired

note: you’ll need a madeleine pan to make these.

Continue reading Earl Grey Madeleines

Salmon Bean Salad

Note: I was sent affiliate boxes from Sitka Salmon Share in order to write this post. Opinions are mine alone.

I’m excited to share this recipe for a yummy Salmon Bean Salad, but I’m even more excited to tell you about Sitka Salmon Share! This responsible caught seafood company is one you can feel good about purchasing their high quality products. (You can check out my other Sitka Seafood posts here as I post them, because there will be plenty more!)

What are Sitka Salmon Shares?

Sitka Salmon Share is a community supported fishery (CSF) seafood delivery that allows you to get great quality seafood delivered right to your door. You can choose from four different options (Premium Sitka Seafood Share, Sitka Seafood Share, Sitka Salmon Share, and Sitka White Fish Share), which range from 3 to 9-month intervals. Each share includes a specific selection of the species that Sitka harvests, such as wild Alaskan king salmon, sockeye salmon, Coho salmon, keta salmon, lingcod, black bass, sablefish (black cod), Pacific cod, yelloweye, rockfish, spot shrimp, Dungeness crab, albacore tuna, and halibut.

You can either pay for your share in full at the beginning of the season or spread out your payments through monthly installments. Prices range from $18 to $28 per pound, depending on the species you choose and the quantity you buy (with free shipping).

How Sitka Salmon Shares Works:

One of Sitka’s 20 fishermen-owners or partner fishermen then catch your fish. The fishermen meticulously catch and handle each fish with care virtually unheard of in the world of large factory boats and corporate-owned fish farms. The seafood is filleted and cut into portions of about half a pound to a little over a pound. Each fillet is then blast-frozen to -60 degrees Fahrenheit before being shipped to the Midwest where it is individually vacuum-sealed.
source: https://sitkasalmonshares.com/
Every month during fishing season, you will get a box of wild Alaskan seafood hand-delivered right to your door! In keeping with the company’s guiding principles, Sitka Salmon Shares returns 1 percent of all CSF-related revenue back to fisheries conservation and habitat protection efforts, and they pay to offset all carbon that is released in our Alaska-to-Midwest distribution system. The fishermen-owners receive a fairer wage for a day’s work, and the company works to make the entire system more transparent and accountable, from the moment your fish is caught to the moment you sit down with your friends and family to enjoy the best fish you’ve ever tasted. Also, the packaging is almost entirely recyclable, including the insulation!
https://sitkasalmonshares.com/

Discount code to receive $25 off your first Sitka Salmon Share Box:

To get the word out, I received two affiliate boxes to check out their products. Even better, Sitka has given  me a discount code to share with everyone so you can try out their delicious seafood as well! Use ICCTFish when registering for a Premium share and receive $25 off!
This recipe for Salmon Bean Salad is made with Sitka’s Coho salmon, which has such a wonderful flavor that it needs very little other components to make a delicious meal! It is a simple meal that delivers on flavor, and it is perfect for lunch or dinner!

Ingredients (serves 2):

Salad:
  • 1 lb coho salmon, like Sitka Coho Salmon, defrosted overnight in your fridge
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 cups lettuce (I used Boston Bibb), washed and torn
  • 1 (14 oz) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 dozen cherry or grape tomatoes
  • optional additional items: artichoke hearts, feta cheese, cucumbers, red onion, avocado

Vinaigrette:

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • the juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon whole grain mustard
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced or pressed
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano or Greek seasoning blend
  • 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper

Continue reading Salmon Bean Salad

Crunchy Noodle Salad

Note: I was sent coupons from Nasoya in order to write this post. Opinions are mine alone.

Despite working from home for nearly a year now, I feel like I have less time to cook! I have a feeling I’m not alone, so I wanted to share a healthy, quick, and comforting recipe for a yummy Crunchy Noodle Salad that you can get on the dinner table in ~40 minutes.

This Crunchy Noodle Salad is made with glass noodles, sugar snap peas, shredded carrots, bell peppers, and crispy tofu tossed in a yummy peanut dressing, and can be served at room temperature or cold, so it makes for a great dinner-plus-leftovers option.

Don’t let the whole vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free part of this recipe throw you, it will fill you up! I this recipe uses Nasoya’s Organic Super Firm Tofu that delivers 15g of protein per serving to keep you full. Nasoya’s Organic Super Firm Tofu is also pre-pressed and drained so it’s perfect for quick dinners. Plus Nasoya’s Organic Super Firm Tofu is non-GMO project verified, USDA organic, cholesterol free, gluten free, and made with no preservatives. Nasoya is widely available in most grocery stores; I stopped into my local Shop Rite (it’s also available locally in Philly at Walmart Supercenters, Giant and Giant Heirloom Markets, The Fresh Grocer, and Wegmans), plus you can use their store locator to find which local grocers near you carry it.

Ingredients (serves 4):

  • 6 oz glass noodles
  • 8 oz sugar snap peas
  • 1 package Nasoya Organic Super Firm Tofu, cubed
  • 3 tablespoons cornstarch
  • 1/2 cup carrots, shredded
  • 1 red bell peppers, thinly sliced
  • 2 scallions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil, divided
  • 2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar
  • 1/4 cup tamari (or low sodium soy sauce if you don’t need this recipe to be gluten-free)
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1/4 cup smooth peanut butter
  • 1 tablespoon roasted white sesame seeds, plus more for garnish

Continue reading Crunchy Noodle Salad

Philadelphia Themed Charcuterie Board

Note: I was sent some Philly Pretzel Factory coupons in order to write this post. Opinions are mine alone. 

It is no secret that I am a proud Philadelphian. It’s also no secret that I love me a good charcuterie board / cheese plate. So it’s about time I make a Philadelphia themed charcuterie board!

What could possibly make a charcuterie board Philadelphia themed, you ask? The inspiration of this board came from Philly Pretzel Company, and their pretzel rivets and mini cheesesteaks. Instead of using crackers, I substituted in their yummy pretzel rivets and added in some mini cheesesteaks for good measure.

I then added in ingredients from some of my other Philadelphia favorites: DiBruno Brothers, Dietz and Watson, and Third Wheel Cheese Co.

The result is a wonderfully Philly-centric charcuterie board that is guaranteed to be a hit!

So, let’s break down what exactly else is on this board, starting with the ingredients from Philly Pretzel Factory:

  • The pretzel rivets are the perfect addition to a charcuterie board
  • Mini cheesesteaks combine some of the other ingredients on the board into one yummy bite
  • The spicy brown mustard works well with the rivets, plus many of the meats and cheeses on the board
  • The melted cheddar cheese is a must-have with the rivets (plus, dipping some of the meat into it is kind of amazing)

Next, Third Wheel Cheese. You can order these cheeses separately, or as part of a “Choose Your Own Adventure” cheese sampler.

  • Noblette Brie – Buttery, earthy, mushroomy, brie-like goodness. The tart, lactic and creamy cheese is aged 4-6 weeks.
  • Abruzze Jawn – Spiced with whole peppercorns, garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
  • Goat Rodeo Bamboozle – Semi-soft texture with notes of prosciutto and peanuts, this washed rind goat and cow’s milk cheese is aged for at least two months and washed with beer from Pittsburgh’s Cinderlands Beer Co.
  • Birchrun Hills Blue – Sweet and peppery with delicate blue flavors and a creamy texture.

I couldn’t leave out Dietz and Watson!

  • Truffle Salami Medallions – Salami made with truffle
  • Dietz Nuts Original – Savory sausage bites, based on Dietz & Watson’s traditional European landjaeger.

And last but not least, I used a bunch of ingredients from DiBruno Bros.

  • Manchego – Buttery and springy, tinged with fresh Spanish grasses.
  • Beef Salami – Brooklyn Cured Smoked Beef Salami
  • Auricchio Straveccio Provolone – A sharp yet creamy provolone
  • Onion Jam – Slow-cooked caramelized onions and smooth Cabernet Sauvignon combine to make a savory spread.
  • Mild Abbruzze Sausage – Firm and mild, with hints of garlic and spice.
  • Green Cerignola Olives – A mild and easy-pleasin’ olive for even the most discerning of palates.
  • Spicy Soppressata – Rustic, savory, and spicy.

I finished the board off with some dried cherries, and some local honey from my neighbor, Bee Here Now.

We snacked on this ALL day. It was awesome! I even made myself a cheesesteak-themed bite – beef salami, onion jam, and provolone!

Naturally, I also had a side of pretzel rivets dipped in spicy mustard!

 

This Charcuterie Board would be a great add to a small get together, although my husband and I enjoyed it as a grazing station of sorts for us all day.

 

Print

Philadelphia Themed Charcuterie Board

A Philadelphia themed charcuterie board created with ingredients from Philly Pretzel Factory, DiBruno Bros., Third Wheel Cheese Co., and Dietz & Watson
Course Appetizer, Party Apps
Keyword Charcuterie, Charcuterie Board, Cheese, Party Apps, Philadelphia, Soft Pretzels
Prep Time 30 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings 8 servings

Ingredients

Philly Pretzel Factory:

  • Pretzel Rivets
  • Mini cheesesteaks
  • Spicy brown mustard
  • Melted cheddar cheese

Third Wheel Cheese:

  • Noblette Brie
  • Abruzze Jawn
  • Goat Rodeo Bamboozle
  • Birchrun Hills Blue

Dietz and Watson:

  • Truffle Salami Medallions
  • Dietz Nuts Original

DiBruno Bros.:

  • Manchego
  • Beef Salami
  • Auricchio Straveccio Provolone
  • Onion Jam
  • Mild Abbruzze Sausage
  • Green Cerignola Olives
  • Spicy Soppressata

Other Ingredients:

  • Dried cherries
  • Local Honey

Instructions

Philly Pretzel Factory:

  • The pretzel rivets are the perfect addition to a charcuterie board
  • Mini cheesesteaks combine some of the other ingredients on the board into one yummy bite
  • The spicy brown mustard works well with the rivets, plus many of the meats and cheeses on the board
  • The melted cheddar cheese is a must-have with the rivets (plus, dipping some of the meat into it is kind of amazing)

Third Wheel Cheese. You can order these cheeses separately, or as part of a “Choose Your Own Adventure” cheese sampler.

  • Noblette Brie – Buttery, earthy, mushroomy, brie-like goodness. The tart, lactic and creamy cheese is aged 4-6 weeks.
  • Abruzze Jawn – Spiced with whole peppercorns, garlic, onion powder, and red pepper flakes.
  • Goat Rodeo Bamboozle – Semi-soft texture with notes of prosciutto and peanuts, this washed rind goat and cow’s milk cheese is aged for at least two months and washed with beer from Pittsburgh’s Cinderlands Beer Co.
  • Birchrun Hills Blue – Sweet and peppery with delicate blue flavors and a creamy texture.

Dietz and Watson

  • Truffle Salami Medallions – Salami made with truffle
  • Dietz Nuts Original – Savory sausage bites, based on Dietz & Watson’s traditional European landjaeger.

DiBruno Bros.

  • Manchego – Buttery and springy, tinged with fresh Spanish grasses.
  • Beef Salami – Brooklyn Cured Smoked Beef Salami
  • Auricchio Straveccio Provolone – A sharp yet creamy provolone
  • Onion Jam – Slow-cooked caramelized onions and smooth Cabernet Sauvignon combine to make a savory spread.
  • Mild Abbruzze Sausage – Firm and mild, with hints of garlic and spice.
  • Green Cerignola Olives – A mild and easy-pleasin’ olive for even the most discerning of palates.
  • Spicy Soppressata – Rustic, savory, and spicy.

Other Ingredients

  • I finished the board off with some dried cherries, and some local honey from my neighbor, Bee Here Now.

Slow Cooker Granola

I am a big fan of my slow cooker (I have 50+ slow cooker recipes on my blog); especially recipes I can set them and walk away (or leave my house) for 4 to 8 hours. But like a lot of people, I’ve been home quite a bit more, given the pandemic, so I decided to try to make a recipe that requires you to stay a bit closer to your slow cooker – Slow Cooker Granola.

My mother-in-law mentioned making granola in her slow cooker, and how great the results were, so I wanted to try to make my own version!

This recipe is very adaptable, you can substitute in any nut, oil, liquid sweetener, and dried fruit you prefer. This recipe also makes a good amount of granola, but if your house is anything like mine, it will be gone before you know it!

Ingredients:

  • Cooking spray
  • 5 cups old fashioned rolled oats (use gluten-free oats to ensure this is gluten-free)
  • 1 1/2 cups sliced almonds (or any nut you prefer; omit to make nut-free)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (optional)
  • 1/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 teaspoon each of
    • ground cinnamon
    • ground nutmeg
    • salt
  • 1/2 cup melted coconut oil
  • 1/2 cup agave (or maple syrup or honey if you prefer)
  • 1 tablespoon almond extract (or vanilla extract to make nut-free)
  • 1/2 cup raisins (or other dried fruit you prefer)

Continue reading Slow Cooker Granola

Mango Peach Lassi

I mentioned in a previous post that I had the opportunity to try a box of Misfits Market, a Philadelphia-based company that rescues produce from regional farms and distributes it throughout the Northeast. (Check out my last post to learn more about them!)

The box came with an assortment of fruits and vegetables: Mushrooms, Pears, Artichokes, Mango, Lettuce, Bell Peppers, Butternut Squash, Spinach, Corn and Cucumbers. I highlighted the artichokes in my recipe for Baked Stuffed Artichokes, so today I want to share a simple recipe using fresh mango.

I absolutely love mangos, and there is nothing quite like a perfectly ripe mango. They are delicious just on their own, but this recipe for Mango Peach Lassi is a simple make ahead recipe that you can enjoy for breakfast on the go!

If you’re looking for some guidance on how to cut a mango, this tutorial from Real Simple is super helpful!

Ingredients:

  • 3 mangoes (~3 cups), peeled, seeded, and sliced
  • 2 peaches (~2 cups), sliced
  • 1 cup Greek Vanilla yogurt
  • 1/2 cup skim milk
  • 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 4 fresh mint leaves, for garnish

Continue reading Mango Peach Lassi

Easy Peach Mustard

I’ve mentioned before that my husband is a huge peach fan. It isn’t exactly peach season just yet, but frozen peaches make it so we can enjoy them all throughout the year. Luckily, peach season is nearly here (June to September)!

I was contacted about a new cookbook I knew I needed to have in my collection: Just Peachy by Belinda Smith-Sullivan. This cookbook contains 70 peach-inspired recipes allowing home cooks to enjoy warm, summery peaches all year long!

Recipes range from breads, breakfasts, appetizers, entrees and desserts to sauces, preserves, condiments and drinks, plus facts about peaches, information on growing and growers, festivals, a list of all peach varietals and how to use them, and the history of peaches. Did you know that peaches, known as “the fruit of calmness,” are said to reduce anxiety?

I love to use peaches in both savory and sweet recipes and am always interested in incorporating peaches into more dishes. There are a ton of recipes that caught my eye in this cookbook but I decided to make a super simple and versatile recipe in the book: Easy Peach Mustard.

Peach Mustard can be used as an addition to a cheese plate, a dip for pretzels, a spread on sandwiches, or as a sauce on meat. (In fact, I used some of the Peach Mustard to make another recipe in the cookbook – Herb-Crusted Peach Mustard Pork Tenderloin – YUM)

This recipe comes together really quickly, and can be stored in your fridge for up to two months (or, if canned, 12 months).

recipe from Just Peachy by Belinda Smith-Sullivan

Ingredients: (makes about 1 pint)

  • 2 very ripe peaches, peeled and chopped
  • 1 tablespoon honey
  • 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup whole grain mustard
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cardamom

Continue reading Easy Peach Mustard

Italian Fig Cookies (Cuccidati)

Tomorrow, March 19th, is the Feast of St. Joseph, an important feast day in Italy or more specifically, Sicily. St. Joseph is particularly important to Sicilians, because he is credited with preventing a famine in Sicily during the Middle Ages through prayer. Each year, a large feast is prepared in his honor. Desserts typically include Zeppoli and Italian Fig Cookies.

Italian Fig Cookies, or Cuccidati, also tend to show up around Christmastime, so they are more of a “celebratory” cookie than linked to any specific holiday.

I wasn’t ready to conquer Zeppoli just yet, so I thought I’d try Italian Fig Cookies! This recipe is based off a recipe from Epicurious.

Ingredients:

Cookies:

  • 1/2 cup honey
  • 6 tablespoons brandy
  • 4 teaspoons orange juice
  • 2 cups chopped dried figs
  • 3 3/4 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 large eggs
  • 6 tablespoons milk
  • the zest of 1 lemon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 cup walnut pieces

Glaze:

  • 1 1/2 cups confectioners’ sugar, or as needed
  • 1/4 cup milk, or as needed
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract

Optional:

  • sprinkles, for decoration

Continue reading Italian Fig Cookies (Cuccidati)

Balsamic Honey Roasted Carrots

I’m not sure what took me so long, but I’ve just started using Hungry Harvest. Hungry Harvest rescues produce that would normally go to waste, packages them up in different box options, and delivers it to your doorstep. Each box is customizable, so if you don’t like something in it, you can opt for another product through their website before delivery. There are also add-ons, like eggs, crushed tomatoes, or other fruits/vegetables.

To be honest, I don’t really see an issue with any of the produce I received. Apparently, reasons include that the produce is too big, too small, has some discoloring, are oddly shaped, or there were just too many in the crop.  For example, the carrots I used for this post were  “randomly sized and have some curve to them.” They still taste the same to me!

Anyways, I am loving having veggies delivered to my house and am experimenting with some new sides to add to my rotation. These carrots are inspired by a dish at a local Italian restaurant in South Philly: Ristorante Pesto. After ordering, they bring out a nice bruschetta plate as well as these awesome balsamic marinated carrots that I couldn’t get enough of! They serve theirs cold as an appetizer, but the below recipe for Balsamic Honey Roasted Carrots can be served either hot or cold.

Note: This is not a sponsored post, but if you’d like to try Hungry Harvest, feel free to use my referral link to sign up. You’ll receive $5 off your first order. I will also receive a credit when you receive your first delivery.

Ingredients: (serves 2, multiply as needed)

  • 8 oz carrots, washed and peeled
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey (or agave to make vegan)
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • pinch of salt and pepper
  • fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

 

Continue reading Balsamic Honey Roasted Carrots

Mango Rum Kefir Lassi

I think I’m pretty sure I’m late to the Kefir game here, but at least I’ve finally arrived! Kefir is a culture milk drink that is high in nutrients and probiotics which helps aid in digestion. A 6 ounce serving of Kefir has 6 grams of protein and 20% of your recommended daily calcium, and is actually a more potent source of probiotics than yogurt.

Its tangy flavor works really well in smoothies. So when I saw Cooking Light’s recipe for a Mango Rum Kefir Lassi, I knew I had to try it out. (You can omit the rum to have a really awesome lassi for breakfast as well. But hey, who doesn’t love a cocktail that has some health benefits to it?) A lassi is typically yogurt-based, so Kefir is a really simple substitute.

This Cooking Light recipe is most certainly not a traditional lassi, but it’s really tasty and is packed with good-for-you ingredients: kefir, coconut water, honey, turmeric, cinnamon, mango, and bananas. Yum!

Ingredients (makes 3 servings):

  • 1 cup plain low-fat kefir
  • 1/2 cup coconut water
  • 1/4 cup spiced rum (I used a coconut-spiced rum), if desired
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon salt
  • 1 (12 oz) bag frozen chopped mango
  • 1 ripe banana
  • ancho chile powder, for garnish

Continue reading Mango Rum Kefir Lassi

Grilled New York Strip Steak with Honey-Tarragon Blue Cheese Butter and Grilled Tarragon Potatoes

 

Note: This post is sponsored by Moyer Beef. All opinions are mine alone.

I’m excited to share that my blog is about to get considerably more beefy! For the next few months, I’ve partnered with Moyer Beef to share some awesome beef recipes. Moyer Beef sources beef and angus beef locally from small family farms in the Northeast. I’ve been sent a bunch of different cuts, so I can’t wait to share some recipes!

Source: moyerbeef.com

First up, I decided to make a grilled meal using Moyer Beef’s Angus New York Strip Steaks. New York Strip Steak is also known as Kansas City Strip Steak or Ambassador Steak in the US and Sirloin Steak or Porterhouse Steak in Europe.  This cut is particularly tender and flavorful. Angus New York Strip Steak, known for their marbling, are even more flavorful (marbling = flavor). This cut of steak comes from the short loin, along the back of the cow. (Fun fact = a T-bone steak is a New York Strip Steak with the bone and tenderloin still attached.)

So, in my opinion, the flavor of a New York Strip Steak should be allowed to mostly shine on its own. Adding a bit of fancy butter on top won’t hurt though, right?

Playing off the flavors of the Honey-Tarragon Blue Cheese Butter, I also made Grilled Tarragon Potatoes to go with the steak. The result is these crave worthy recipes for Grilled New York Strip Steak with Honey-Tarragon Blue Cheese Butter & Grilled Tarragon Potatoes!

 

Ingredients:

Steak: (serves 2, multiply as needed)

Honey-Tarragon Blue Cheese Butter: (serves up to 8)

  • 1 stick (1/2 cup) salted butter, softened to room temperature
  • 1/4 cup crumbled Blue Cheese (I used a Smokey Blue Cheese to highlight the grilling flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 1 teaspoon fresh tarragon, finely chopped
  • 1/8 tsp black pepper

Grilled Tarragon Potatoes: (serves 2, multiply as needed)

  • 12 oz baby potatoes, halved (I used tri-color potatoes)
  • 1/2 shallot, finely chopped
  • 2 teaspoons fresh tarragon, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon salted butter
  • zest from 1 lemon
  • salt and pepper, to taste

Continue reading Grilled New York Strip Steak with Honey-Tarragon Blue Cheese Butter and Grilled Tarragon Potatoes

Exit mobile version