• Bagels, Lox & Chive Cream Cheese

    Everytime we go to NYC, a breakfast stop at Russ and Daughters is  a must.  There’s nothing better than their Gaspe Nova Smoked Salmon with Cream Cheese on an Everything Bagel. Yum!! I decided to bring that NYC style breakfast to our home last weekend and made my own version of R&D bagel sandwiches. All you’ll need is:  Lox ( I really like Trader Joe’s Nova Salmon) Cream Cheese Chive or Scallion (I mixed both into the cream cheese) Capers Tomatoes Red onions (optional)

  • Zucchini Pasta

    Zucchini noodles (aka zoodles) are an easy and delicious pasta alternative for any Paleo, low-carb or gluten-free diet, or just someone trying to get a few more veggies in their diet. You’ll need: about 1  medium-sized zucchini  squash per person mandoline slicer with a julienne blade or this julienne peeler garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and salt Directions: In a large skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Add the minced garlic, cook for about 3 minutes while you prep the zucchini. Wash and dry the zucchini. Slice zucchini squash using mandoline or julienne peeler. Lower the heat and stir occasionally for 4-6 minutes. Occasionally check the texture until it…

  • Butter Chicken

    My lovely friend Anumeet sent me her mom’s Butter Chicken recipe because she know how much I love Indian food (and have a mild obsession with Bollywood movies).  I couldn’t wait to stop by my local Asian store to grab some ingredients and try it out. Yes, this variety of ingredients can look intimidating, but the recipe is not difficult, and the ingredients aren’t that expensive (and they should last you a long while). Ingredients: 3 boneless chicken breast or boneless skinless chicken thighs. 3 tbsp Ghee (clarified butter), you can use any other oil, like vegetable oil, but it should be able to stand heat. 1 tsp Garam masala  2 tsp Coriander powder 1…

  • Naked Cake

    I’ve been obsessed with naked cakes since last year, you might remember my berry layer sponge cake, which had a naked look.  A couple days ago, I decided to bake another cake with the naked look and fresh flowers. I used the Fluffy Yellow Layer Cake recipe from Cook’s Illustrated book and a lemon and lavender filling. Lemon-Lavender Cream Cheese Frosting 8 oz. cream cheese, softened 8 T butter, softened (1 stick) 1 tsp grated lemon zest 2T lemon juice 1 ½ tsp dried lavender buds. Ground ½ tsp vanilla 2 1/3 cup confectioners sugar Mix cream cheese, butter and sugar in a food processor or mixer.  Add other ingredients until smooth. And because I…