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Sticky Sweet + Spicy Asian (v) Meatballs
I am a cheater. There. I said it. I’m not gonna lie—I don’t really feel too bad about it. In fact, I think you’ll want to be a cheater, too. Here’s how it happened. We found out last minute that another couple was coming to our Super Bowl Puppy Bowl Party, and I wanted to make ABSOLUTELY sure I had enough food for everyone. One of my big hang-ups is running out of food. We are a very food-oriented family, so I have nightmares about such things. I made an impromptu decision to throw some things together, and am actually proud of how good of a cheater I am! By…
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Soft Boiled Eggs with Caviar
Breakfast in bed? Yes, please. ‘Tis the stuff dreams are made of. Who hasn’t had a fantasy about that? So simple, yet so elegant. What a statement this presentation makes! It whispers you are worth every minute of my time and every ounce of my soul. Okay, maybe that’s a bit much. But still. Look at this loveliness! Gently boil the egg and then sabotage it to expose the runny yolk. Embellish it with a dollop of crème fraîche, caviar, and a snip of chives. Then dip your toast soldiers into that golden goodness and, well, what you do with the rest of your day is up to you. About…
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Oysters with Pink Peppercorn Mignonette
Oysters intrigue me on so many levels: from their vital role in the ocean ecosystem to the anticipation of cracking open the bivalve to find the treasure inside. Oysters are often associated with special occasions. Valentine’s Day is no exception. And to adhere to the red and pink motif of the holiday, I chose to make this mignonette with pink peppercorns. This is by far the best recipe for Pink Peppercorn Mignonette you will ever eat! No, that’s a lie. It’s not true at all. Why? Because those bold, beautiful berries you are buying in the store are not really pink peppercorns. Peppercorns come from Piper nigrum, and they are…
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Easy Pots de Crème au Chocolat
Looking to get lucky on Valentine’s Day? Welp, you sexy beast, you’ve come to the right place. You are about to make an absolutely voluptuous dessert that will make your taste buds do acrobatics. Share it with someone–or not. No judgment here. But the bottom line is you NEED this dessert in your life. This recipe for pots de crème is simple yet elegant. There are many recipes on the interwebs that are more difficult and maybe even a little more delectable, but here’s the bottom line: who wants to spend the night before Valentine’s Day in the kitchen? Not this girl. I have other things on my mind. Pot…
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Mexican Three-Way* BLT Dip
Looking for something that will satisfy everyone? Try this Mexican Three-Way BLT Dip. Your group will keep coming back for more! You may need to double this recipe if you want it to last—it will practically disappear before your eyes! With this combination of flavors no one will guess this colorful dip is so simple. And it is so very versatile: Option 1: mouthwatering Mexican BLT Dip Option 2: flavorfully gluten free Option 3: veritably satisfying vegetarian version *Hence the name Mexican Three-Way BLT Dip. I keep the ingredients for this dip on hand because I can whip this up in no time and easily adapt it to my guests’…
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Loaded Baked Potato Dip
Make this Loaded Baked Potato Dip for the W! This dip is a bowl of pure yum. Imagine a mountain of creamy, starchy mashed potatoes piled high with sour cream, cheese, bacon and green onions. I mean really loaded with all that tasty goodness. Well, let me introduce you to my Loaded Baked Potato Dip that I liken to eating a loaded baked potato, one spoonful chip at a time. Because it is hearty and thick, you need a sturdy chip. Herculean, if you will. Waffle fries are quite suitable for the job. (Hence, the loaded potato.) But if you are looking for an actual chip for your dip, grab a…
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Ultimate Spicy Vegan Slow-Cooker Chili
This vegan chili is so kick-ass it could convert carnivores to a plant-based diet. No joke. I’ve seen it with my own eyes. It is so healthy + hearty they won’t miss the meat! This upcoming weekend hosts a clash of colossal titans, and you need a game plan. Here’s how it is going down: You’re going to make this delicios vegan chili for weekend dinner. Then you’ll pour some of it over chips to make these Ultimate Fully Loaded nachos for The Big Game. Next you’re going to slather the chili on baked potatoes for Monday’s family friendly meal. Put the rest in the freezer for dinner on the…
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Ultimate Fully Loaded Vegan Nachos
What is game day without nachos? I mean, have you ever been to a sports bar that did not have nachos of some fashion on the menu? Am I right? Nachos are the classic quintessential crowd pleaser, but this time there is a healthy twist: these are vegan! Vegan nachos? Not very Y-chromosome, my burly friends say. But curiously enough the nachos somehow disappear. Hmmm. It’s the Mystery of the Disappearing Nachos. Just because they are vegan does not mean they are not drool-worthy! Yep. These spicy vegetable-laden chili slathered chips have converted even the most stalwart of carnivores. This is your opportunity to be creative, to think outside the…
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Dirty Bon Temps Shrimp
This dish is a guaranteed crowd pleaser! But be warned: because you are leaving the shrimp in their shells, this meal does not kowtow to your prissy friends; they will have to work for their dinner, and they will get a little untidy. So why eat them? Because I guarantee every head-sucking, finger-licking, sauce-sopping moment is worth it! You guests will be elbow deep in deliciousness, and we know that kind of eating isn’t for everyone. You may earn their forgiveness, however, by providing steamed hand cloths. Maybe even with a fancy slice of lemon atop. Look for extra large shrimp or larger. And while it is not absolutely essential…
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New Orleans Spicy BBQ Shrimp
Can you say rapture? Yes, that’s what I feel when I eat this dish. Rapture. These shrimp prepared New Orleans barbeque style steep in a spicy + buttery bath so good you will lick your dish. (Or so I have heard. I personally have never ever done such a thing.) For this recipe, you will leave the shrimp unpeeled. The shells add an essential smokiness, and their tails are like little shrimp handles. Oftentimes I recommend offering your guests warm, wet cloths for their hands, but it’s probably not necessary since they will suck their fingers clean. You might, however, want to provide bibs. Just sayin’. It is integral that…
