Daring Baker's Challenge: February

The February 2011 Daring Bakers’ challenge was hosted by Mallory from A Sofa in the Kitchen. She chose to challenge everyone to make Panna Cotta from a Giada De Laurentiis recipe and Nestle Florentine Cookies.

A Camera Rant

The Junkiest Camera Ever

Sorry I haven’t posted in awhile. My camera decided to be stupid and walk out on me. It wasn’t a fantastic camera to begin with but at least it got the job done (in a sorta crap-tastic frustrating way). None of my posts have great photos because of this camera. I also lack skill, but its also the camera.

Lemon Pepper Chicken Pasta

I have a ton of lemon pepper seasoning in my cupboard.  I don’t know who bought it or how it got there.  It may be my roommates.  Except I have rarely seen him cook.  I think I can count on one hand the number of times he has whipped up food not from a can or a box.  In fact I sorta-kinda took over our kitchen when I moved in.  I might actually be a bit territorial when it comes to MY kitchen.

Soup-a-Palooza: Split Pea & Ham Soup

I just happened to have a leftover ham bone in my freezer just waiting for a good excuse to become something scrumptious. When I saw this contest on the TidyMom blog I knew that bone was destined to become soup, but what kind of soup? I like peas, but I’ll be honest, split pea soup just looks unappetizing. Its green, it’s goopy, and, well, goopy.

Sunday Snackin': Kettle Corn

My most favorite snack on the entire planet is Kettle Corn. I think it’s a mid-west thing though because I have a hard time finding it here in Florida. Up north I could just go to Lowe’s and occasionally there would be a lady out in front set up to make it up fresh and to sell. If she wasn’t there I could try the flea market or sometimes Wally World (Walmart). I would always buy the big bag. It never had time to get stale.

Crockpot Cooking: Swiss Steak

This is one of my favorite dishes that my Dad would make for us when we were growing up. I used to scrap off all the tomatoes and onions and eat the meat only. Then, my favorite part of this meal was that it was always served with mashed potatoes, now; I love how tender the meat is and the wonderful flavors of the stewed tomatoes and onions. What I don’t love is having to bubbling on my stove all day making a mess. Dad never made it in the crackpot but this is the only way I will make it. It comes out exactly like my Dad’s without the mess and worry about it burning on the stove.

Meatless Mondays: Honey Baked Lentils

This year I decided to try to save money and eat healthier. I didn’t really need to designate a meatless Monday as we eat very little meat anyways. Usually because meat is expensive and my boyfriend won’t eat meat with bones in it unless it involves BBQ ribs. He’s impossible to feed sometimes.

Sunday Sweets: Aunt Georgia’s Cheesecake

This recipe is from my boyfriend’s Aunt Georgia. Every time there was a family dinner she would make this recipe. According to the bf it is like crack and the most epic thing ever. I have to agree. It isn’t really cheesecake in the traditional sense but it does have cream cheese and is way simpler to make than the traditional style New York Cheesecake.