Author: teacher-chef

Guacamole Dip

Guacamole Dip

Guacamole Dip – perfect for any time you want a tasty dip (especially those Super Bowl Parties)

Homemade Tomato Soup

Homemade Tomato Soup

Growing Up, I [thought that I] was not a fan of Tomato Soup. Actually, I am sure there was a time that I might have kind of liked it – but overall I avoided it. I guess my ‘hatred’ for Tomato Soup came from Campbells 

DIY Sushi Date Night

DIY Sushi Date Night

Sushi is tasty

Dates are fun

Why not make your own sushi for a tasty fun date night

I am by no means an expert on Sushi Making. We have done it a few times and honestly, the  best way to learn to make sushi is to practice! You might want to watch a few videos (Hi YouTube), go out to eat & watch the expert make your rolls, or look up some tutorials.

The basics that you need to know are place your nori sheet on a bamboo mat. Place about 1/2 cup of your rice on the nori and pat it into the bottom 3/4 of the nori. Put your desired fillings carefully on the 1/3 of the nori closest to you. Carefully roll the sushi and then cut into 6 – 8 pieces. That is the long & the short of it.

Don’t expect the first (few) rolls to look good, but they will sure be tasty!

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There are a few things that you need…

  • sense of fun/adventure
  • acceptance that you might make mistakes
  • Nori
  • Sushi Rice
  • Pickled Ginger
  • Wasabi
  • Sesame Seeds
  • Soy Sauce
  • Cream Cheese
  • Cucumber
  • Green Onions
  • Avocado
  • Imitation Crab
  • Salmon
  • Tuna
  • Other Sushi Fillings of your choice

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One Year Ago – my Horoscope about making others happy through feeding them (which is still hanging in my kitchen)

And I leave you with this, Today’s Question of the Day… what is your favorite Date that is centered around an Activity?

Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Blossoms

Hershey Kiss Peanut Butter Blossoms

These are one of those classic cookies that everyone knows and loves – they look impressive with that hunk of chocolate in the middle and have that great chocolate-peanut butter combination going for them! After the Holidays stock up on Clearance Kisses to make these 

London Broil

London Broil

I love steak, but I have no idea how to grill. Luckily I grew up with a dad who was amazing at grilling and Rich seems to know his way around a grill pretty well and is willing to experiment if I find directions for 

Black Beans over Cilantro Rice

Black Beans over Cilantro Rice

I’m not sure if you have a Shop Rite near you – but I love their Can-Can Sale. One of the things I just stocked up on was Black Beans, since they were on sale for 48 cents a can!

In my effort to eat healthy and finish up older cans before adding new ones (and use the cilantro and jalepeno that was in the fridge before it went bad) – I came up with this easy & tasty Black Bean dish…. Think Vegetarian Burrito in a Bowl – this is also easily adaptable for your flavor preference so make this fast/easy/tasty dish to suit your taste buds tonight (or soon)!

Black Beans

  • 1 Onion, large diced
  • 3 cloves Garlic, chopped small
  • 2 cans Black Beans (drained)
  • >1 Jalapeno, minced
  • 1  – 2 Pepper(s), chopped
  • 1 Tablespoon Cumin
  • other spices to taste: red pepper flakes, salt, pepper

Heat a medium pan on medium-high heat and coat pan with Olive Oil. Cook onions until they start to soften (3 – 5 minutes). Then add the garlic and both peppers. Cook an additional 5 minutes and then add the rest of your ingredients. You can add some stock if you want this slightly more liquidy. This is not overly spicy – add more spice if that is the flavor you enjoy.

Serve over Cilantro Lime Rice with a dollop of Sour Cream, some salsa, avocados and some cheese!

Cilantro Lime Rice

  • 1 Cup Rice
  • 2 Cups Water (or chicken/veggie stock for more flavor)
  • 1/2 cup chopped Cilantro
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice
  • 1 Tablespoon Sugar

Cook rice according to package directions (replacing the stock for water in my opinion). Once your rice is cooked – mix in the chopped Cilantro, lime Juice and sugar – adjust as needed. SUCH an easy Mexican side dish that kicks up the flavor or plain white rice.

And I leave you with this, Today’s Question of the Day… what is your favorite food to stock up on when it goes on sale (without trying to be an extreme couponer or hoarder?)