Last year my Punch Box Birthday Cake was well received, so I thought I would do another “cake” idea to celebrate by daughter’s birthday at school. Like many schools, it is sensitive to food allergies, so edible treats for birthdays are not allowed. Instead, birthdays can be celebrated with small trinkets. This is…
Author: expepicurean
Coconut Rice Cereal Treats
One of the ways I express my love for others is through the food I make. It doesn’t matter if the recipe is detailed or easy, but that I have cared enough to put consideration and love into it. Take, for example, a simple rice cereal treat. These treats were a staple on…
Ultimate Beet Spiral Salad
Every January, Healthy Solutions Spice Blends hosts a recipe contest. Of course this means I can’t wait to enter. All of their products are great low salt and low sugar options, without sacrificing taste. This year I decided to experiment with the Ultimate Burger blend. While the namesake might lead you to think…
Endive and Watercress Salad
When I plan a special meal, such as holiday gatherings or a Valentine’s Day dinner, I like to start with a fancy salad. Making a special salad such as this Endive and Watercress Salad looks and tastes impressive, yet doesn’t require much more effort than your everyday iceberg and tomatoes version. I took…
Garam Masala Roasted Butternut Squash
I love butternut, but I despise peeling and chopping it. That is why I joyfully bought pre-peeled and chopped butternut squash from Costco in a handy 2 pound tub. Prep time was instantly reduced by 85% and I could focus on how I wanted to flavor my dish, rather than how to safely…
Wild Chanterelle Mushroom Sauce
This blog is brought to you by all of the leftover holiday meal ingredient in my refrigerator. I’m sure you know what I mean – that special item or spice you bought for the new recipe you just had to make for Christmas or New Year’s that is just staring back at you. …
Apple Butter and Raisin Bread Breakfast Casserole
Holiday mornings just beg for a breakfast casserole. I have always enjoyed the classic cheddar & sausage casserole that my mom would make for special occasions. Last year at Christmas time, my sister and I tried a few new ones that got me thinking of creating my own. I decided to build a…
Lingonberry Goat Cheese Spread
Cheese is a staple food item in this house. We love the full spectrum: cheddar for tacos and sandwiches to flavored, specialty cheeses. When I saw a unique jam (lingonberry) to try, I just knew I wanted to marry it with a spreadable cheese. Before I go any further, perhaps you are wondering what is…
Loaded Peanut Butter Granola Bars
If given a choice, my children would eat peanut butter every day for breakfast. On top of the great taste, they enjoy getting to make breakfast on their own (if you can really call smothering a piece of bread with peanut butter cooking). Needless to say, we dissuade them with other, more filling…
Corn Alfredo Sauce with Penne and Chicken
I love watching cooking shows (I’m sure you aren’t surprised), including Chopped. I am always amazed by the random mix of ingredients in the baskets and the creative recipes that the chefs create. I guess that is why I just had to try the Chopped contest sponsored by Del Monte and Food Network. …
Boar Ragout
You know me, I often like to try something new and different. This week I wanted to try ground boar (which I found in the freezer section of my local grocery store). I decided to use the boar in a hearty, wintery ragout. A mixture of roasted acorn squash, mushrooms, and purple potatoes,…
Pork Green Chili
I like to make a big pot of chili as an easy dinner that provides plenty of leftovers for multiple meals (lunch included). I tend to gravitate towards beef chili, but this week I was in the mood for a Pork Green Chili. I kept it simple by using my crock pot. A…
