Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Ashley's Favorite Eggs

It's true. Whether it's over easy, sunny side up, scrambled, or poached, everyone has a favorite way they like to prepare their eggs. I was in Healdsburg, CA for a weekend with some friends a while back, and my friend David scrambled up a recipe for breakfast using whatever he could find in his fridge. It was so good that I started making my eggs similarly ever since. I've altered the recipe to make it perfect for my liking. Here's my favorite way to make eggs!


Basma's Classic Hummus


I was excited to attend an appetizer girl's night at my good friend Basma's apartment last week. She has always impressed me with her food, and the effort she puts into being a great hostess. She spoiled us ladies with delicious small bites like chicken spinach and feta cups, a spicy soba noodle salad, and endless hummus. Many of you that know Basma know that her hummus is by far the best. She has been kind enough to share the recipe with me which I am now sharing with all of you. Enjoy!


      Basma's array of small bites/appetizers

Thursday, September 22, 2011

Parmesan Tomatoes

      Parmesan Tomatoes (adapted from EatingWell.com)


I just came home from work and was in the mood for a quick snack. This little dish can also be served up as a side dish to your meal if you like!

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Easy Stuffed Peppers


This is one of those recipes where you can cheat a bit. What I mean by that is that I used a $1 package of Knorr's Chicken Rice Sides instead of getting fancy and making my own rice combination. You can do that if you want, but using a fast packaged rice mixture makes this a quick and easy dinner.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Four Cheese Tomato Basil Tart



I love tomatoes. I can eat them like I eat apples. I don't even need salt. I also love cheese. Fun fact: I used to hate cheese when I was little. What was wrong with me?

This seriously simple recipe combines both tomatoes and cheese to create a bubbling, warm, and gooey tart perfect as a main dish paired with a salad, a snack, or even an appetizer.

Thursday, September 8, 2011

Bi-Rite Creamery: San Francisco, CA

I think I have finally found THE best ice cream place in San Francisco, and possibly the United States. Everyone raves about this place, but I seriously had to taste for myself. I finally did. Located in the Mission neighborhood of San Francisco, right by the beautiful Delores Park, Bi-Rite Creamery continues to impress people with their unique flavors like Balsamic Strawberry, Basil, and Salted Caramel. 


You will almost always have to wait in a line wrapped along the side of the building in order to get to your little piece of heaven, but trust me, it's worth it-- plus the line moves pretty quickly.

Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Red Wine Mushroom Sauce for Pasta


I hope everyone had an amazing Labor Day weekend! Mine was full of friends, good music, beer, and BBQ'ing. It's been quite the busy day for me, as I'm sure it was for most anyone getting back to work after a long weekend, and on busy days cooking can be the last thing on someone's mind. Cooking can require a lot of planning, grocery shopping, preparation, and time. Sometimes digging through your pantry and fridge to see what you have to work with is the best route to take for a lazy, yet delicious meal. Which is exactly what I did this evening. 


Pasta is quick. Yes, I know making your own sauce does take more effort then simply opening a jar of marinara, but come on-- you have to admit that's probably the most boring things you can possibly make in a kitchen, no offense. I'm guilty of it too, don't worry. We all are. Spoil yourself a little and make this super quick and easy pasta sauce made from common kitchen ingredients! If you don't have all the ingredients, see if you can substitute something else. This recipe calls for creativity!


Thursday, September 1, 2011

Healthy Quinoa Chili

     Quinoa Pasta (adapted from AllRecipes.com)

Quinoa is something I discovered only about a year ago. It's full of protein and amino acids, as well as dietary fiber and iron, making this wholesome little grain way healthier than rice. There are so many creative ways to incorporate quinoa into your meals, and chili is really just one of probably thousands. San Francisco nights are always cold, so making chili tonight just seemed like the right thing to do.

Note: For a vegetarian option of this meal, please see the tips at the bottom of this post!