Homemade Sweet & Spicy Beef Jerky

 

Nothing says I love you like homemade beef jerky.  No?  While most people celebrate Valentine's Day with chocolates, I knew my guy would be much happier with a little sweet and spicy jerky.  Don't worry, I also made him chocolate-covered cheesecake bites which I will be sharing next week!

 

Anyways, we both love the sweet and spicy buffalo jerky from Trader Joe's.  If you've never tried it, pick some up.  It has accompanied us on every road trip and is usually devoured within the first hour.  Its seriously the best!  I found a few flavor varieties while researching recipes and methods but I was hoping to mimic the TJ's jerky so obviously went with the sweet and spicy.

 

My first attempt at homemade jerky was over Christmas.  You know, your typical stocking stuffer.  I burned one batch... the second batch was a semi-success... but this time around, it was unreal.  This is coming from someone who could very easily live without red meat.  It truly is a labor of love -- but oh so worth it!

Sweet and Spicy Roasted Nuts

I've been posting sporadically once again!  However, I still love to share all of the delicious things I've been making.  I have a few recipes in my back-log from the holidays.  These sweet and spicy roasted nuts make a great appetizer for a gathering or a snack to keep around the house.  I included them in a little hostess-themed gift box that I made for Sarah for Christmas.  We love the sweet and spicy combo!

 

I've only baked a few times since Christmas.  For New Year's Day I made Soft Batch Cookies using whole wheat flour and white and dark chocolate chips, even with the whole wheat flour (its all I had!) they turned out amazing.  I also made a batch of clean-eating Applesauce Oatmeal Raisin Cookies (adpated from this recipe) -- no added sugar, coconut oil and no flour so you can feel a little better about eating these. 

 

 I've have actually been cooking quite a bit but the picture taking just hasn't been happening.  I'll work on making it happen because I have a few new great dinner ideas to share! 

Baked Brie Phyllo Cups with Craisins and Nuts

 

In case you're looking for a great last minute appetizer idea for this weekend, look no further!  Between the many gatherings we've attended and hosted this month, I think this recipe has been used about five times in our house. 

 

We've used walnuts and pecans and both taste great.  You get a salty flavor from the brie and the sweetness of the honey and craisins are a nice compliment.  We found the light brie at Trader Joe's (per Gina's suggestion) but you could use regular brie as well!  The great thing about these is you can prep everything in advance and just pop them in the oven for 5-10 minutes before serving. 

 

These phyllo cups are the perfect little bite. 

 

Baked Crispy Calamari

Molly and I made this calamari back on Father's Day and I completely forgot to post it.  It was Molly's idea to make because it is our Dad's absolute favorite appetizer.  I had never even thought about making it at home because it seemed like too much work. This baked version was so simple though.

In case you're looking for a fun Sunday dinner idea, we went with a little Italian themed Father's Day.  An appetizer of lightly breaded and baked calamari and for the main course, we served up homemade thin crust pizzas!  Meat-lovers for the boys and artichoke for the girls.  A simple meal but loved by all.

Smoky "Pimento" Cheese Sandwiches

You know when you make something because you know it will be good, but more because it is easy and you are attempting to prepare 15 other dishes?  When I made these sandwiches, I put them in that category (FYI -- pimento is in quotes because this recipe doesn't actually contain any pimentos!).  However, they turned out to be a hit amongst everyone!

The smoked gouda cheese and sun-dried tomatoes create an unbelievable smoky flavor.  This would also be great served with crackers or pita chips as an appetizer.

Cinco de Mayo Recipes

Homemade Salsa

Guacamole

Tostadas

Chipotle and Rosemary Roasted Nuts

With the holiday season in full force, I like to keep a list of ideas for entertaining.  These mixed nuts the perfect snack to set out before you serve appetizers or your meal.  They also make a great homemade gift!

Fresh Peach Salsa

I have always loved fruit salsas -- there is just something so great about the sweetness of the fruit, paired with crispy, salty tortilla chips.  Until this past weekend, I had never made a homemade fruit salsa.  

As soon as I saw this recipe for peach salsa, I had to make it.  The preparation just involves chopping the ingredients and mixing together -- easy enough!  This would be great with chips, obviously, but I put it on top of a piece of grilled chicken... I also ate it by the spoonful.  Peaches are in their prime so bring this to your next barbeque!

White Bean Dip with Pine Nuts

I love hummus.  I love it even more when I find a variation -- such as this white bean dip or this roasted red pepper and white bean dip.  Garlic and pine nuts -- you really can't go wrong with the combination, if you ask me.  This "dip" is so versatile -- I used it as a "dressing" on a salad, ate it straight from the bowl with pitas and veggies and I even came across the idea to use it as the sauce for a pizza (genius!).

It wasn't until about two weeks ago that I purchased a food processor.  (Yes, I have lived without a food processor for this long.  I'm not sure how?)  I can assure you I will be using it all the time.  I have an entire list of things that I can't wait to make.  If you have any suggestions, send them my way!

Tzatziki

I came to love tzatziki during my trip to Greece while studying abroad.  Since then, I make sure it accompanies my meal whenever I dine at my favorite Greek or Middle Eastern restaurants in Chicago (more specifically, Athenian Room in Lincoln Park and Old Jerusalem in Old Town).

In an effort to make more meals at home, I decided to give it a shot.  It is so simple and went great with my Greek Portabella Burger, which I'll be sharing later this week.  I ate the leftovers with chopped veggies for lunch.  If you keep Greek yogurt in stock like I do, you probably have all of the ingredients you need to throw this together.  Enjoy!

Salsa

I served this salsa alongside the breakfast burrito I posted earlier this week.  This is the perfect salsa to make during the winter because it uses canned tomatoes; who knew salsa made with canned tomatoes could taste so good!

Although this only takes about 5 minutes to make, I very strongly recommend letting this sit in the refrigerator overnight in order for the flavors to meld.  The difference between tasting it right after making it and tasting it the next difference is like night and day (no pun intended). 

Super Bowl Party Ideas

Whether you're throwing a Super Bowl Party or having a low-key evening for the game, you always need good game-day food!  Below you will find a few of our favorites.

Start off with my favorite Honey-Nut Snack Mix

or make these simple Spicy Cashews

If you feel like being healthy -- Hummus

Another healthy option -- Roasted Red Pepper and White Bean Dip with Pitas -- yum!

Who doesn't love Guacamole?

My new all-time favorite -- Jalapeno Popper Dip (sorry no picture!)

You can't go wrong with this Cranberry Pistachio Brie served with crackers

Turn these Spicy Chipotle Turkey Burgers into little sliders!

and serve with Sweet Potato Rounds with Basil Salt

 

Warm up with this Jerk Chicken Chili -- a new family favorite!

Sweet Potato and Turkey Chili with this yummy Buttermilk Jalapeno Cornbread

Recipe courtesy of my mom -- easy and AMAZING Peanut Butter and Chocolate Rice Krispie Bars

Double Chocolate Salted Peanut Bark -- its like a homemade candy bar.

For dessert, make a batch of our favorite Chocolate Chip Cookies

Cranberry Pistachio Brie

I have been making this brie for a number of years.  After bringing it to a few gatherings with friends, it was announced that I was required to bring the brie to every gathering going forward.  My mom originally shared this recipe with me and I know she makes it just as often as I do.  The flavor combination is just amazing -- cranberries, balsamic, onions and pistachios.  We made this over the holidays and it looked so festive!  However, its a great appetizer to make year round.

Spinach Artichoke Dip

I made this last week for a cabin trip up in the mountains with a few of my friends.  Everyone really liked it and I even had a few requests for the recipe.  It was a great thing to bring because I could make it ahead of time and keep it refrigerated until we were ready for some dip.


This would be a great addition to any menu!

Spicy Cashews

Christmas is less than 10 days away -- I mean, where did December go?  I don't know about you but I feel like there is not enough time in the day to get everything done!  That is why I bring you this 3-minute snack, appetizer, gift or whatever you want it to be.  These spicy cashews are so simple and I think it is the simplicity that makes them delicious.  Plus, they are a great alternative to all of the sweets most of us have around our house this time of year.  They are perfect to set out at a cocktail party or give as a gift.  Thanks, Ina -- you've never steered me wrong.

P.S.  Next time I'll be adding a little more spice.

All wrapped up and ready to go!

Caprese Salad Skewers

 

Hopefully over the next few weeks, we can help provide some great recipe ideas for the holiday season!  These caprese salad skewers are a delicious and easy appetizer to serve at any occasion.  I think these bright little bites also make for a great presentation.  

I have to warn you -- I don't have "measurements" for what I used.  I just bought a carton of cherry tomatoes, a container of fresh mozzarella bites and a handful of fresh basil.  This made about 45 skewers.

Honey Yogurt Dip

I will start by apologizing for the photo but its the only one I have!  This dip is great to serve alongside fruit... or if you're like me, you'll eat it on its own.  Its also the easiest recipe you could possibly add to any menu -- 3 ingredients!

Greek yogurt is my favorite thing right now so I've been eyeing this Smoky Chipotle Greek Yogurt Dip and this Green Goddess Dip.

Herb Goat Cheese Spread

I love this spread.  It is simple and perfect for any occasion.  I used the herbs in the original recipe (minus the tarragon), but you can mix in your favorite fresh herb!  Note -- you can make this with a hand mixer or standing mixer like I did (I don't own a food processor -- don't judge).

A Fall Gathering: Afternoon Baby Shower

I had the pleasure of helping a friend out with a baby shower this past weekend.  This was my first time creating a full menu and preparing everything from appetizers to desserts for a group of people.  I was so happy with the way everything turned out (and so honored that she asked me to help)!

The menu included the following:
Oat Snack Mix -- Everyone always seems to love this and I served it in cupcake liners so it would be easier to snack on.

Caprese Salad Bites with a Balsamic Reduction -- Such a pretty little appetizer.

Herb Goat Cheese Spread with Crackers -- This spread should be included every time I serve cheese and crackers.

Apple-Rosemary Blue Cheese Bites (not pictured)

Honey Yogurt Dip with Fresh Fruit -- I could eat this on its own (greek yogurt -- my fav) but a great dip to serve with fruit -- and only 3 ingredients!

Spinach Salad -- Year after year this salad seems to make an appearance at every family gathering -- Christmas, Thanksgiving, graduations, family reunions, you name it!

Chicken Salad with Cranberries and Walnuts -- A nice spin on chicken salad and nice and light -- just the way I like it.

Desserts included:
White Chocolate Cupcakes with Brown Sugar Frosting -- I thought these flavors seemed great for fall.  This is a denser cupcake so I'm glad I made them mini.  The idea for the chocolate "A" came from a friend -- love this idea!

Pumpkin Blondies -- These have been a hit with everyone who has tried them!

Cake Bites -- Chocolate cake with cream cheese frosting and white chocolate coating.

I will be sharing all of these recipes with you in the coming days and weeks.  If you have any preferences for which I post first, please let me know -- would love to hear from you :)

Side note:  Sarah and Molly are enjoying the weekend together in Charleston.  Wish I was there!!