I was recently invited to the Rusty Bucket located in the South Park area of Charlotte to sample and enjoy their menu. I had no clue what to expect when I arrived but OMG, where has this place been hiding all my life? Ok, apparently they haven't been hiding, I've heard wonderful things from friends but I regret taking so long to try this place out. Keep reading to learn more about my experience and for the yummy yellow rice recipe adapted from the restaurant.
This Parmesan Breadcrumb Chicken is not only a quick and easy weeknight dinner option, it's also a sure fire way to ensure you have no more dry chicken breast.
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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
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As my first post after my week off, I wanted to post a quick and easy recipe that my family loves...this Parmesan Breadcrumb Chicken. In my not so professional opinion, chicken breast is one of the hardest parts of the chicken to cook perfectly. I remember back in the day, before I cared about the culinary arts, how much of a disaster it was when I tried to bake boneless chicken breast. I'd buy the chicken breast from the store, you know, those super thick pieces of boneless chicken breast. I'd preheat my oven, sprinkle a little season, mostly salt, pepper, and maybe paprika if I was feeling fancy, and stick it in the oven. I'd let it bake for a longggg time because my biggest fear is undercooked chicken. How would it turn out you may ask?? A super dry thick breast mess. May be the reason for some relationships ending in the past...
Fast forward to now. I still find chicken breast to be a bit difficult at times but not with this Parmesan Breadcrumb Chicken Recipe. Every time I make this, the chicken is moist and flavorful. My daughter and hubby love it and I never stress about dry chicken.
Here are all the ingredients you will need:
That's it...not that much. Dinner will be done quickly and your chicken breast will look like this in about 30 minutes.
Hooray for no more dry chicken, Recipe deets are below. As always, don't forget to Enjoy 🙂
This Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes Recipe is my idea of a delicious and easy breakfast on a Saturday morning. Ready in less than 30 minutes and no more standing over the stove flipping pancakes.
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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
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As summer comes to an end, I had to pop on the blog and post one of my all time favorite breakfast recipes, Dutch Baby Pancakes. Soon pumpkins, squash, and the color orange will take over and no one will care about anything else. Le sigh....I like fall and all but summer is my favorite season. Warm weather and fresh fruit will be missed greatly by me.
So about these Mini Dutch Baby Pancakes...they're amazing! Whoever thought about baking a pancake is a genius and should be honored. I'd make a plaque and hold a fancy dinner because baking pancakes is such a great idea. Seriously, the steps are as simple as preparing the batter, popping it in the oven, and then "ding ding ding," breakfast is done. No longer are the days you have to watch the stove to ensure your pancake doesn't burn. No worries about flat pancakes with this dutch baby recipe. I don't know if I'll ever make pancakes any other way.
I love these babies as minis. Why you may ask? Honestly...because they are soooo freaking cute. I used to make my dutch baby in a big cast iron skillet...which is cool and all....but this is just too cute and fancy to resist. And what about these cute ramekins? Perfect display when you want a fancy breakfast layout.
In order to make these mini dutch baby pancakes, you'll need butter, eggs, milk, All Purpose flour, sugars, vanilla extract, lemon juice, and fresh fruit. I bet you you can find all these ingredients in your house without even taking a trip to the grocery store. Another thing I love about this recipe.
Oh...and a blender. You need a blender. Can you believe mine died when I was preparing this very recipe. I improvised though and used a food processor. They came out just fine. But my poor blender, I'll miss it.
Hopefully you love this recipe as much as my family and I do. My daughter has even become a pro in making these and wants to have competitions on whose taste better and who makes a better presentation. I let her think she wins.
Well I'm off to enjoy these last few days of summer...until next time, Enjoy 🙂
Looking for more Breakfast Recipes?? Try these out:
Blaze Pizza, located in South End, Charlotte, NC provides a unique twist on pizza dining and pizza creation. It's the place to go when you're feeling creative!
Blaze Pizza has a simple concept that makes it one of a kind...pick your own pizza ingredients. I'm not just taking about toppings either, I mean the whole shibang, from the sauce, to the cheese, to the variety of toppings. Blaze Pizza of Charlotte offers the opportunity for us to make our own pizza pie! Wow, whoever had such an idea?
Kramer. Kramer, that's who. Yup, I couldn't come here without thinking of the time that Kramer on Seinfeld had the idea for a restaurant where people created their own pizza pie. Of course he was shot down by Jerry and George, but I always thought it was a great idea. Well, except the part about putting my hands in a 600 degree oven... and rolling out my own dough. Now that I think about it, Kramer's idea needed some tweaks. It seems Blaze has come up with the perfect solution. You let them know what you want on your pizza...they stick it in that super hot oven and like magic, your creation is ready in 180 seconds.
First, it starts with an original thin airy pizza crust. This crust is everythang! I'm not usually a fan of thin crust pizza but this one is a winner in my book. After the crust is selected, the possibilities are endless. Laid out in front of you, you visually create your pizza adding the sauce of your choice, cheeses of your choice, meats, veggies, and finishes...all at no extra cost.
I had not a clue what I wanted on my pizza but I managed to come up with one with a little help from the employees...they are super friendly by the way. My pizza consisted of the spicy red sauce, mozzarella cheese with goat cheese, applewood bacon, grilled chicken, green peppers, half salami, half pineapple, sprinkled with oregano. It was amazing! I call it the "My Forking Pizza." The ingredients were fresh,the crust was perfect, and it was my creation.
Now of course, not everyone wants to create their own pizza pie. Luckily for those folks, Blaze has some some signature pizzas you can choose from. Next time you swing by, let them know you want the "My Forking Pizza." They probably will have no clue what you're talking about but it would make me feel special 🙂
I couldn't leave without providing this clip from Kramer's Pizza restaurant idea. This clip made me question whether or not cucumbers belong on a pizza. Ironically, I don't believe Blaze has it on their menu.
The next time you're in the mood for pizza I would suggest checking Blaze Pizza of Charlotte out. Let your creativity shine through when making your own pizza pie.
These Coffee Brownies for two are the perfect treat for you and that special someone. Even if that special someone is yourself and you want to eat it all by yourself.
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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
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I'm a big fan of coffee and a big fan of brownies...it just seemed appropriate that the two would meet in my kitchen. Hence, the creation of these coffee brownies for two. Why just for two you may ask? I'm a big fan of small batch desserts. Now I will make a big batch of cookies, brownies, cakes, and pies if my spirit moves me...but most of the time, I want a quick dessert that I can mix in a small bowl and pop in the oven. These coffee brownies are enough for me and hubby. But in all honesty, I usually like to eat them all myself. Call me greedy, I don't mind.
So enough about my love of all things small when it comes to dessert, how about these brownies! These are a breeze to make and come together with minimal ingredients and effort. Here are all the ingredients you will need for this recipe.
Check out this short video for a recipe illustration I did. All by myself. I'm so proud, hehe. Recipe and notes below.
Check out my other small batch, one bowl dessert Mint Oreo Cupcakes for Two
Recipe Adapted from Fudgy Brownies For Two
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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
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This Baked Italian Chicken with Mushrooms recipe is quick, easy, and flavorful. Perfect for those days when you're in need of a quick dinner fix with very little fuss.
Alrighty, enough of my complaints...let me get to the point of this post, this Italian Chicken with Mushrooms recipe. Busy months require recipes like this...when you can come home, put the ingredients in the oven for about 35-40 minutes, and BAM, dinner is ready. No more whining from the kid and no more pouting from the hubby about when dinner will be served.
[Read more...]Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse, located in Davidson, N.C., prides itself on its big city culinary experience specializing in high quality meats and sides. I had an opportunity to partake in a cheese and wine tasting experience here and I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Read about my experience below.
My first ever cheese and wine tasting experience occurred at a cute restaurant located in Davidson, NC known as Flatiron Kitchen + Taphouse . Shout out to The Charlotte Food Bloggers for organizing this event.
Davidson N.C. is a cute little town located north of Charlotte. I usually wouldn't make the 30 minute drive up I-77 but had to check out this cheese and wine event hosted by this restaurant. Hubby and I have always wanted to throw a cheese and wine party and I figured that this would be a great place to get ideas.
Let me take a moment to discuss this cheese and wine party my hubby wants us to host. He wants our guest to wear tuxedos and ballgowns and he wants a butler to carry around the cheese and wine on huge platters. He wants to call it a fancy affair and have everyone walk around with perfect posture. This may not seem odd to many people, but my hubby likes to wear overalls on a weekly basis. It just totally shocks me that he wants to have this party. I mean seriously, check out the picture of us below at his grandmother's house...wine and cheese party people or nah?
Alrighty...back to my cheese and wine tasting experience at Flatiron. First, we were greeted by our host, Jason, who would guide us through our wonderful cheese and wine experience. Jason was a great host and had already picked out the combination he thought we would enjoy.
Our cheese trays came with 6 kinds of cheese (Appalachian Creamery, Buttermilk Blue Cheese, Goat Cheese, Sheep Cheese, Extra Sharp Cheddar Cheese, and Double Cream Soft Cow Cheese). The tray also came with palate cleansers to help cleanse the palette after each tasting (olives, walnuts, the best fig jam ever, grapes, and dried apricots). Grilled bread also was brought to our table as a palate cleanser and it was amazing. I could have eaten that all by itself as a meal.
We tried a different wine with each kind of cheese...yes, that's 6 glasses of wine....no worries, I didn't finish all my glasses but if I were close enough to uber, I sure would have.
My favorite cheese, although pungent, salty, and soooo blue was the blue cheese. It was paired with a Riesling wine known as P.J. Vackenberg from Germany. The blue cheese taste, which was strong in this cheese, shocked me at first but having it with that Riesling really calmed down that flavor. I ate the whole piece.
My least favorite cheese was a sheep cheese known as Manchego. My first, and possibly last time trying this. This cheese is hard, chalky, and pretty much flavorless in my opinion. It was matched with a red Spanish Tempranillo wine, which I loved.
I could go on and on about each cheese and the multiple wines but I would strongly urge you to check out Flatiron if you're in the neighborhood or don't mind the drive or uber ride un I-77. Among other items, they have an Artisan Cheese and Meat Plate on the menu.
I had a blast at my first wine and cheese tasting experience at Flatiton in Davidson. I'll also note that they have a complintmentary ine tasting once a month. Information can be found here KnoWine Night .
This light and flavorful Vietnamese Chicken Salad Recipe with Asian flavors is a must have on your lunch menu. Bring it to work or eat it at home on the weekends, you and your family will fall in love.
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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
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You can find important tips/tricks in the
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I tend to post on here once a week and missed last weeks posting. I seriously thought that I would be able to post while away on vacation but I seriously thought wrong. If you follow me on Instagram or Twitter, you may have noticed that I posted some gorgeous pics from Jamaica. I had so much fun visiting family, chillaxing, and eating some great food. I thought about not coming back but...I got bills. Speaking of bills, I returned to work yesterday and thankfully, it wasn't a nightmare when I returned. I guess it's a blessing when you love what you do.
I decided that my first post upon my return should be another bring your lunch to work recipe. In an attempt to save some coins so that I can continue to take amazing vacations I am trying to make more lunches that I can prep ahead of time and carry to work. This is where this Vietnamese Chicken Salad Recipe comes in handy.
This salad takes a bit of prep work when it comes to chopping, slicing, and dicing...but nothing too major. Once you've chopped your veggies, the rest of it comes together with great ease.
I generally make this salad on a Sunday (when Rotisserie chicken goes on sale at my local supermarket) and pack it away for lunch. It can serve me and hubby for about two lunch days.
Make sure you pack the salad portion (veggies and chicken) in a separate bowl from the dressing or else you will have soggy salad. Unless you're into that kind of thing...
The dressing for this salad contains fish sauce, also known as stinky sauce in my house. I've eaten this salad at work and no one has called me stinky girl but be warned fish sauce has a well...fishy smell. Since this salad is so freaking good, I think it's worth the risk of being called stinky girl.
Here are the recipe ingredients laid out on my itty bitty table. Don't forget to top your salad with crushed peanuts...if you're into that kind of thing.
I've created a recipe video for this one illustrating the creation of this wonderful Vietnamese Chicken Salad Recipe. Hope you all enjoy 🙂
Looking for my light recipes? Try these out:
Kale and Broccoli Salad with Sweet and Sour Dressing
Recipe adapted from Once Upon a Chef.
This refreshing cucumber ginger juice recipe will leave you happy you had the chance to drink your veggies for the day. It's a delightful drink for those long, hot summer days.
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Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.
My husband started a garden at his grandmother's house. I didn't really understand why initially but now I get it. He finds a certain joy in coming home with bags full of vegetables that he has planted. The garden has all types of vegetables and fruit that include tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, cucumbers, onions, cantaloupe, green beans, okra, sweet potatoes, two kinds of watermelon, and corn. Everyone has worked in the garden...except me. Even my husband's 96 year old grandma got out there and pruned some weeds. Maybe one day I will make it out there to help out...but this heat keeps telling me to stay cool on the inside.
One day, as I sat in the A.C. looking out the window, smiling at the beautiful sunshine, my hubby came home and brought me these beauties:
Cucumbers! A lot...and I mean a lot of cucumbers. I had no clue what to do with them all. So I did what any logical food blogger would do, I asked The Facebook. I got many responses and ample advice. Most people suggested I make pickles with these cucumbers, which I did. However, I didn't want to eat way too many pickles and get pickle wasted.
My cousin, Vern, suggested a cucumber ginger drink and even provided a recipe. Her recipe was simple, quick, and easy. She even suggested that I could add a splash of rum if I wanted. Feel free to add a splash to yours as well.
This recipe is pretty quick and easy to make. The ginger gives it a unique flavor and the lime cuts down on the strong flavors of the ginger providing a good balance. Feel free to omit the rum as I did in this video. If you do add rum, make sure it is only a dash as the rum can be overpowering.
Hope you all enjoy this recipe as much as I did. Special thanks and shoutout to everyone that gave advice on what I should do with those cucumbers. I had fun trying out different recipes and I am looking forward to sharing more in the future. Enjoy 🙂
Dukkah Spice Mix, also known as Egyptian Spice Mix, is probably my favorite spice mix in the whole entire Universe. Ok, those are some strong words but I will say that when I came across this Dukkah Spice mix, I fell in love. This mixture of flavorful spices will have you fall in love too. This post may contain affiliate links, please read my full disclosure here.
I came across this spice mixture when I ordered one of those cooking at home kits where they deliver the meals to your door. Love those things! Anyways, this kit had a Dukkah Spiced chicken recipe. What in the world is Dukkah I thought and will I really be this courageous to try it? Oh well, here goes I thought. The kit came with a little packet of the spice mix, chicken, and sweet potatoes. There were a few other ingredients but I now forget what they were.
I was instructed to chop my potatoes, add olive oil, and sprinkle with the Dukkah spice seasoning. I was instructed to add the same seasoning to the chicken as well. Odd I thought, very odd. Why in the world would they tell me to add this seasoning to the chicken and potatoes? Because it is just that forking delicious!!!
After dinner that night, I rummaged through my kitchen looking for that little spice packet. What the heck is in this stuff I thought. It must have 40 ingredients! To my surprise, it listed only 5: Almonds, coriander, cumin, sesame seeds, and salt. That's it! I've got to find this stuff I thought.
So for weeks, I went searching for this stuff in the stores and could never find it. Like seriously, my local grocery stores are missing out by not stocking this magical Dukkah Spice Mix. Then it hit me, duh Tanya, you can make this at home...it has like 5 ingredients.
So I went to the world wide interwebs and I found out how to make it. This stuff is so good, don't be surprised if you get a jar of it from me for Christmas. In the meantime, you can make it yourself.
So now I will share my recipe with you all. Oh, by the way, did I mention that all (well most) of my recipes will be on video as well? I love visual explanations and thought I would give it a go. Feel free to leave me feedback on whether you like the videos or not. Here are the recipe deets:
First, grab your ingredients:
Then, add your coriander seed (½ cup), sesame seeds (½ cup), cumin seeds (¼ cup), and whole black peppercorn (1tsp) to a skillet over medium low heat and stir until you can smell the spices, about 5 minutes.
Once your nose is filled with the beautiful smell of spices, remove seeds from stove and add to a food processor with 1 cup roasted whole almonds and 1 teaspoon salt.
Pulse until ground.
And there you have it, Dukkah Egyptian Spice Mix. Sprinkle over any meat, fish, or vegetable you like.
Here's a photo of my pan fried chicken with the Dukkah spice seasoning. Looks yummy right!
Looking for more Homemade Spice recipes? Try these out:
Adapted from The Kitchn
