Blackened Steak Lettuce Wraps with Chipotle Lime Sour Cream

SONY DSCYou guys, the weather around here has been straight up INSANE…and I mean that in the best way possible!  It’s February.  And we have gone to the park nearly every day for the last week, no joke.  Almost every bit of the snow is melted, the sun has been working overtime and there are literally birds chirping.  Can I get allllll the virtual high fives and happy dances from you!?  So let’s  celebrate this spring-like feeling by eating spring-like…at least until we get hit with that snow storm thats in the forecast for this week. Only in Minnesota, my dear friends.  The land that I love ;)

These lettuce wraps are pretty much the whole shebang.  The flavors are so bright and fresh.  So much, that you wont even miss the tortilla one bit; it would just take away from all of the goodies inside!   Continue reading

Southwest Chicken, Bacon and Potato Soup

SONY DSCIt won’t stop, you guys.  All things comfort.  All day.  Every day.  I’m not sure if its the damp, cold weather happening around here or the fact that theres a precious tiny little human growing inside of me but COMFORT FOOD, I will find you.

And soups are at the very top of my comfort food list these days. It’s December, after all-seems only appropriate.  As I’ve told you in the past, soups are one of my very favorite dishes to create because there are just no rules.  Soups are so forgiving.  Throw in what you’ve got in the fridge and with a few of the right aromatics, spices and garnishes you’re practically good to go.  This soup right here?  This Southwest Chicken, Bacon and Potato Soup?  You just must.   Continue reading

Southwest Summer Chop with Chipotle Dressing

SONY DSCOh boy oh boy oh boy oh boy!  This salad?  Life changing…prepare yourself.

You know I love myself a good chop chop.  All the bits in one bite.  But this salad right here is off the charts.  Like, call the bomb squad, friends.

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Smokey Grilled Chicken Quesadillas with Chipotle Lime Sour Cream

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Sunshiney weather calls for sunshiney food!  And these quesadillas are all that..and a bag of delicious.

By using chicken breast tenderloins and just a few simple ingredients you are allowed to marinate and cook the chicken so incredibly quickly. Perfect for a weeknight. Fabulous for any night. Or day. So good. Continue reading

Smokey Shrimp + Avocado Crisps with Mango Slaw

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Exciting plans for Cinco De Mayo this Thursday, friends?  I’m pretty sure these could be one of my favorite new ways to celebrate..holy yum.   Continue reading

Southwest Flank Steak + Veggie Bowls with Honey Cilantro Vinaigrette

SONY DSCI’m inventing a thing.  It’s called a Chorder.  Oh, funny you asked, my personal, dilluted-brain dictionary just happened to create a definition

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Southwest Chorizo and Bean Soup

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Well, my guess is, by now,  you have gathered that soups are kind of my thing.  We just click well, for so many reasons.

I love to make them as I go, adding this, that or whatever is left sitting in my fridge or pantry-it’s like piecing together a flavor puzzle; the pieces being whats available in your kitchen.  It teaches me so many dynamics about true cooking. What pairs well together, which flavors and textures don’t mesh.  Soups and stews tend to be my best learned lessons-and provide me my most creative time in the kitchen, which I love. Continue reading

Southwest Lettuce Wraps with Avocado Sauce

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Once upon a time there was a blender.  Lets just call him Mr Blender.  Clever, I know. Continue reading

Chicken, Black Bean and Avocado Eggrolls

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Serve them as an appetizer, snack or dinner.  Quite honestly, Id choose seconds instead of dessert any day of the week.  The chopped avocado inside of the egg roll is the most awesome surprise…and of course, all of its co-stars get my props, too.   Continue reading

Southwest Potato Boats

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These boats?  We devoured them.  Perfect for dinner and the icing on the cake for your Superbowl menu.  Full of flavor and easy on the wallet, too.  A fun, new, mighty tasty take on a pub-grub classic. Continue reading