Saturday, September 13, 2014

Mexican Cucumbers

Have you ever tried these little beauties?


Called Mexican Gherkin Cucumbers they are my newest favorite Heirloom variety. Approximately the size of a grape and looking like tiny watermelons from the outside, these babies taste just like a normal cucumber. So cute! 

If you would like to try growing them next season you can get the seeds here.  Who could resist anything from the 'Drunken Botanist' collection?? 

Happy growing! 

Wednesday, September 10, 2014

Raspberry soda!

I've got a new favorite drink!


Raspberry soda! I got the recipe from the Torani website and it's so darn good. All you'll need to whip one up for yourself is some Torani Raspberry Syrup and carbonated water. I used seltzer made with my beloved Sodastream but I'm sure you can easily substitute store bought.  

First fill a glass with ice, add 2 oz Raspberry syrup then 8oz carbonated water.  Stir and enjoy! 

Friday, September 5, 2014

Simmering sauce perfection

I'm not usually one to rave about processed foods. I much prefer to make my own from scratch but every once in a while I'll come across a product that makes life not only easier, but so much better.  And that's exactly what Patak's Tikka Masala simmering sauce does. If you like Indian food, you have to give it a try.



I'll admit I was hesitant at first (see above usual reservations) but I bought a jar as part of my freezer to crockpot experiment a few days ago. Because that all took much longer than I thought I found myself coming up on dinner with absolutely nothing prepared. Which is pretty ironic given that I'd spent the day prepping food. 

Anyway, my original intention was to freeze the chicken in the sauce to be defrosted later, I chose instead to follow the jar's instructions (which btw were much easier than my plan to freeze, defrost and dump into the slow cooker). The jar said brown the chicken, add sauce and simmer. Toward the end of the simmering I also threw in a healthy handful of frozen peas for a little color. I served it with rice made in my most favorite rice cooker and it was good.  Like really good. Like oops I forgot to take a picture because I was so busy scarfing it down. Oops. 

Luckily there was just enough left over for my lunch today. Which I might sneak down from my office for a little early today because my mouth is watering just thinking about it.  

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Amazing Book!

You might recall last summer when I recommended that you check out The Expats by Chris Pavone.  That was my favorite book in a long time. Until now. Chris has written another fantastic book and I think it might even be better than The Expats.



Run, don't walk to get your copy.  And prepare to miss out on sleep because this one will keep you reading all night long!

Wednesday, September 3, 2014

Ziplist- get it!

Ok, I'm obsessed with Ziplist.  I can admit it.  But who wouldn't be? A place to store your favorite recipes that will also compile a shopping list of the ingredients for you?  And it has its own app so the list is available on your phone? Love it!

Click here to see what I'm talking about.

And now so many sites and bloggers are getting on board by posting links which will allow their yummy recipes to be added right in to your account. Which means less printing, copying and pasting leaving more time for eating. Perfect.

You must try it.  Or maybe you have?

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Freezer to Crockpot experiment

Today I spent the better part of my afternoon shopping, prepping and cooking about 20 freezer to crockpot dinners. We had one tonight (Chicken Tikka Masala) that was unbelieveable. So happy! I hope the rest come out as well.