Roasted poblano macaroni and cheese

Roasted poblano macaroni and cheese is an adult version of the all time favorite comfort food! I used penne rigate because it's what I had on hand, but any small pasta/macaroni would do!

The dish can be kept vegetarian by leaving out the crunchy bits of freshly cooked bacon, but the bacon does add to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

I hope you'll like it as much as we did! Cheers! Carolyn :)

You'll find my recipe here at SheKnows.com: Roasted poblano macaroni and cheese

Crispy Chicken Thighs with Mashed Potatoes and Kale ~ Tonight's Dinner!

As mentioned in the attached post, this complete dinner takes a little bit of multi-tasking in the kitchen, but it's nothing you can't handle!

It's feel good, comfort food at its finest...so grab that adorable (or manly man) apron, rustle up a few pots and a pan ~ and start making magic!

You'll find the recipe and "how to" here at SheKnows.com:

Crispy chicken thighs with braised kale and mashed potatoes recipe

 

Pan-seared Salmon with Corn and Edamame Succotash

I heart salmon.

I love it sushi style, Asian style, smoked, cold, warm...for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Here we have a pan-seared salmon over a succulent, organic corn and edamame succotash. The richness of the salmon pairs perfectly with the fresh, crisp flavors of the vegetables. 

At first glance, you might think that's the salmon's crispy skin on top of the fish...but it's not.

Pan-searing the salmon flesh side down first, then flipping the fish over and placing it in the oven to finish cooking, will result in a restaurant-style, crisp, seared top!

You'll find the recipe, the "how to" and a TOP SECRET in my attached post at SheKnows.com: Pan-seared Salmon with Corn and Edamame Succotash

Cheers! Carolyn

Curried chickpea-stuffed peppers with almonds and yogurt

I note this in the attached post ~ but these curried chickpeas are equally delicious on their own...over rice or stuffed into a pita with some leafy greens and additional yogurt on the side.

Completely vegetarian. Completely healthy. Completely filling and delicious!

You'll find my recipes here at SheKnows.com:
Curried chickpea-stuffed peppers with almonds and yogurt

Cheers! Carolyn

...For the record...I don't love this picture, but it's really hard to get the best shot when all you want to do is EAT the subject ;)

Scotch Eggs

What I love about the Scotch Egg (besides the obvious) is its ability to look super fancy (imagine it sliced on a bias and placed atop a beautiful salad and served to the Queen of England) OR...

plated rustic, pub-style...in a dimly-lit bar with no knife...no fork...but a grainy Dijon mustard and perhaps some chunks of cheddar.

Another recipe perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any day...you'll find my recipe here at SheKnows.com:  
Scotch Eggs

Beer and Cheddar Cheese Soup in mini Bread-Bowls ~ Because Life is Short

To be honest, I was a bit hesitant to make this soup.

Not because I didn't think it would be absolutely delicious...but because when I make a soup, it's usually that I am craving something super healthy and medicinal. Beans, chickpeas, vitamin-packed vegetables......broth.

Here we have mostly butter, cheese, flour and beer.

That said... make this soup not for its health benefits, but because it's cheesy, rich, surprisingly tangy and definitely worth the splurge!

Anyway...life is short...what's one less day here on earth...in the whole realm of things? ;)

Perfect for a St. Patrick's Day or a pub-style party...you'll find my recipe here at SheKnows.com: Beer and Cheddar Cheese Soup in Bread Bowls

Cuban style sandwich with a chipotle, mayonnaise, mustard sauce

My apologies to the Cuban sandwich purists out there...I know there are many of you thinking, "why can't she just leave a good thing alone?! Chipotle Tabasco? Mayonnaise and mustard?! Gasp!"

It's you purists that are the reason I titled this "Cuban style" sandwich as oppose to claiming it to be 100% the real thing.

But still...look at all this deliciousness...



I did read up on the Cuban Sandwich and there are some pretty strong opinions as to what makes one authentic. Some say no yellow mustard at all...instead the slow-roasted, seasoned pork on the buttered and pressed bread should be all the accompaniment you need. Others say mustard is surely the way to go. Some say add salami.

I don't know?  I just say roast the pork yourself (recipe attached... )



....use the best meats, cheese and bread you can find...use a good amount of thinly sliced delicious pickles...put love into it of course ...and in this case...add a chipotle, mayonnaise, mustard sauce because I promise it's delicious! :)

You'll find my recipe and the "how to" here on SheKnows.com: Cuban style sandwiches with spicy chipotle sauce

Cocktail Party Recipes

Two appetizer recipes and a simple drink to consider adding to your next Cocktail Party!  You'll find my post here at SheKnows:  Grammy Party Menu

*If you don't like chorizo, consider replacing it with sausage and serving with a tangy, creamy mustard dip!

Cheers! Carolyn :)

No-Bake Football Cookies

HAND ON MY HEART...

"Upon completion of this post, I do solemnly swear, to stop shaping food into little footballs....For now."

Find the cute little super bowl dessert recipe and "how to" here at SheKnows: No-Bake Football Cookies

Spinach Artichoke Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwiches (shaped liked footballs)

You know when you go to a Super Bowl party and there's a huge pumpernickel loaf dug-out and stuffed with Spinach Artichoke Dip....

You know when you go to grab that little piece of pumpernickel bread to dip in the dip...and sure enough ....there are a bunch of pumpernickel floaty crumbs left behind by those ...who've dipped before you.

You know when (after you've gotten over the floaty crumbs, but....) right before you go to dig in...the guy who's had eight beers already....dips...takes a messy bite...and then dips again.

We've all been there.  You know the scene.  You know the guy...

Stop double dipping by making these Spinach Artichoke Dip Grilled Cheese Sandwiches.  You'll find my Spinach Artichoke Dip recipe and the "how to" here at SheKnows... Football Shaped Grilled Cheese Sandwiches stuffed with Spinach Artichoke Dip

Cheers! Carolyn :)

Buffalo Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs

If you love *blue cheese...

.....and you love spicy wing sauce

........if you love deviled eggs

...............then these are a MUST! 

Super easy and delicious...it will be impossible to pop just one!!!

To save time, make these deviled eggs a day in advance, lightly cover with plastic wrap and place them in the fridge...remove about 30 minutes before serving. 

*Blue cheese too strong? Not for you? Try a Gorganzola cheese or Ranch dressing instead!

You'll find my recipe here at SheKnows:  Buffalo Blue Cheese Deviled Eggs

Ultimate Nacho Grilled Cheese

I warned you a few posts back...there will be lots of posts coming up with tons of cheese and bread!

I wasn't kidding.

I kind of think these pictures speak for themselves. I used a corn flavored English muffin, but a plain one or even a white rustic bread would do. I mean.....why not shove loaded nachos in between two slices of grilled bread???

Find another photo, the recipe and the "how to" here at SheKnows: Ultimate nacho grilled cheese recipe

Cheers! Carolyn :)

Football empanadas stuffed with mashed potatoes, broccoli, crispy bacon and cheese

I stuffed these empanadas with all the ingredients that would go into a loaded up potato skin...  homemade mashed potatoes, chopped up broccoli, crispy bacon and lots of cheese!  A meal in and of itself, a tray of these would be super cute for your upcoming Super Bowl party! 

I cheated too, by using premade frozen Goya Empanada dough found in your grocer's freezer (this dough is my friend).  If going entirely homemade is more your thing...here is a delicious post I did a while back on Care's Kitchen for : Homemade Empanada Dough

For the recipe of this empanada above...and a look inside this little baby... check out my post here on SheKnows: Super Bowl Empanadas

Cheers! Carolyn :)

Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Why not add some excitement to tonight's dinner with a big hot bowl of Spaghetti and Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs! 

Imagine their faces when they go to cut into (what they think is) "just another one of Mom's boring meatballs"...and out comes a stream of melted, gooey cheese! 

Some garlic bread.....a salad...and dinner is served!

You'll find my recipe and "how to" here:  Cheese-Stuffed Meatballs

Cheesesteak eggrolls with Sriracha ketchup recipe

Just warning you all...be prepared for a series of posts coming up involving lots of cheese, bread and "super bowl friendly" food!  SheKnows is gearing up for the big game (among other things) and that means those who post for them...are developing recipes and ideas to get the party started right...like with these guys, Cheesesteak eggrolls with Sriracha ketchup.

Inspired by an Irish Pub close by that has a version of these on their menu, I used choice rib eye meat and chopped it up after cooking. If you can find real steak sandwich meat ~ perhaps even better! 

As mentioned in the attached post...it's important you use plenty of American cheese in this recipe, otherwise it tends to get lost - so cheese it up and get cooking!  The sriracha ketchup is a pleasant surprise! :)   Besides vegetarians...who wouldn't love these?!

Cheers! Carolyn

Pork Tenderloin Sandwiches with Red Cabbage Coleslaw and Sriracha

If you have a BJ's Wholesale Club near you...run out and buy their bag of small crusty rolls from their Artisan Bread Collection (preservative and cholesterol free) and make these sandwiches today! (I do not get paid to promote BJ's, but I am a long time member of the store and these rolls are a staple in our home! They freeze well and when heated in the oven, turn into the perfect crusty roll for dinner rolls, garlic bread or sandwiches!) 

If you do not live near a BJ's, simply make sure you pick-up some delicious rolls, crusty on the outside and soft and chewy in the center!  I like to warm the rolls first too...just to give them that extra bite...plus who doesn't love the smell of bread warming in the oven! 

Like I mention in my attached post on SheKnows...these Pork tenderloin sandwiches with red cabbage coleslaw and Sriracha (click on the link for the recipe) are addicting!

Serve them warm, room temperature or cool and be sure to make a lot! They will fly off the tray at your next tailgate or game day party! I promise if you like all the ingredients in this sandwich  - you will love these! Enjoy!

Cheers! Carolyn xo

Mushroom Bruschetta on Cheese Toasts

I posted a mushroom bruschetta a while back. This one is similar...but even easier!  It's a good one to have on hand as it can be eaten at room temperature....is affordable and delicious! I made this recently for this post and ended up using the leftover mushroom bruschetta in a cheese and mushroom quiche ~ equally good!

That's if you like mushrooms. I know there are people out there who can't stand their taste or texture.  Like cilantro, mushrooms can be polarizing...divide a room...start rumbles. 

Now I'm picturing a mushroom rumble and it's not pretty...I hope I never get into a mushroom rumble...and that's all I have to say about that.

Here's the link to my recipe on SheKnows: Mushroom Bruschetta on Cheese Toasts

Cheers, Carolyn :)

Spice-rubbed Pork Tenderloin wrapped in Bacon

So, you'll notice the bacon doesn't "totally," "technically," "100%" adhere to the pork...but does it really matter? 

Not in this case!  It does so just enough (cook it bacon seam side down as noted in the recipe)...plus...the combination of the sweet and savory spices on the pork tenderloin and the smokey, (slightly) salty bacon...make for a match made in heaven! 

Hot mashed potatoes, simple french string beans and warm apple sauce would make perfect, "homey" sides...but you decide!!!  Anything goes ~

If there are leftovers (and there won't be) use them in a sandwich the next day! This is surprisingly quick AND one the whole family will love! Enjoy!

Click below for the recipe:

Spice-rubbed pork tenderloin wrapped in bacon

P.S.  It's nice to be back :) xo, Care

Carrot Ginger Soup with Hot Chili Cilantro Oil

It's been 211 days since I last posted on, Care's Kitchen.  Life's been busy.

First off, I hope those of you reading are well!  It's nice to be back!  Over the past few months we've celebrated holidays, birthdays, graduations, new schools and new jobs!  Like so many families, we've had our hardships too...medical scares and loved ones passing.  There was a super storm that wreaked havoc on our state and an unspeakable national tragedy in Newtown, CT.  (My heart...and I'm sure you agree...will never stop breaking over this.)

So here we are...now what?  In 2013 I want to do better. I want to be a better mom, a better friend, a better sister, daughter, wife and neighbor.  What's it all for, if not for those around us we love. I want to remind myself to be thankful for every day and to (at times) stop and take in the little things that make an otherwise ordinary day ....special.

On a very positive note, I'm excited to let you know I was contacted by the editors at the website, SheKnows to be a contributor to their Food and Recipes section.  It's been a wonderful opportunity for me to make some extra money doing what I love to do ~ cook and photograph food!

Thanks to those of you who have stuck with me during my months off. From here on forward, I will post when I can and link to my posts on SheKnows.  Let's start with this Carrot Ginger Soup with Hot Chili Cilantro Oil.  I've made it four times over the past month ~ it never disappoints!

Here's to great things ...and great food in 2013!  Thank you all!

Cheers xo, 
Carolyn