Let Me Give Thanks.

I have been so incredibly Blessed this past year & the list of things I am Thankful for is about a mile long!! 

Its Thanksgiving Eve and I thought I would share just a few of the many things I am so grateful for!

Let me start by giving Thanks to one of my favorite guilty pleasures....BOOKS! I've been part of a book club for over a year now & I love it so! I use to read only a handful of books by certain authors. Since joining a book club, I have open my mind & heart to so many wonderful stories that have made me laugh, made me angry, made me cry and left me heartbroken on the last page. 

My Fur Babies!! Roux (the cat) & Jude (the dog) have brought us so much love! They are truly my babies and Im so thankful that I get to take care of & spoil them everyday!

My new sisters!!! When I married my Josh, I didn't just get a husband, I got an amazing family too! My sisters in law are wonderful, beautiful women that have been great friends & an outstanding support system! I love them dearly! 

My Parents! The people who have made me the woman I am today. Not only have I been blessed with a great mom and dad, but I got really lucky to gain a fantastic step dad! These three have been by my side through thick and thin! They have always been there to listen, give advise, make me laugh, hold me when I cry, encourage, support, love....they are my rocks & I don't know where I would be without them!! 

My Big Brother & Little Sister! What can I say...they are crazy but I love them! They have also giving me the greatest gift in the world....they have made me Aunt Ashley!! My nieces and nephews have taken over my heart & again, Im beyond grateful for these awesome little people!!

Im Thankful for my kitchen! This area of our house gives me peace and makes me whole. The time spent in this room is my therapy, it allows me to be free and creative..it also helps fill the bellies of my loved ones!! 

One of the Biggest things I am Thankful for this year is my Husband. This man....this amazing, wonderful, kind, selfless man has turned my world upside down! He has shown me love that I thank god for daily!! From the first moment I met him (on a blind date), I knew I had found my soul mate. This past June, he made my dreams come true....he gave me his last name and made me his wife!!

There are so many other things I am Thankful for...my friends, my health, our home, my job. Im grateful to the men and women who serve our country, for the ability to chase my dreams, music so I can sing & dance, technology (to help communicate with those far from me) and Im Thankful that tomorrow I get to share a bountiful meal with my loved ones!!

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I hope everyone has a marvelous Thanksgiving!! 

Would I have been CHOPPED?!?!?!?

What foodie doesn't love a good cooking competition?? Im a junkie for the Food Network series Chopped & Ive been curious about how I would preform in such a intense challenge. Ive suggested several times to my husband to bring home my own 'Mystery Basket' to see what I can do. Well, this past Sunday the challenge became a reality!! Dun, Dun Dun!!!!! 

Needless to say I was very shocked at the items that my husband brought home..

Smoked Salmon, Eggplant, Gouda Cheese & Fresh Ginger....

He set the clock for 30 minutes and off I went!!

My first thought was to do a Stir-Fry dish, but I thought that was to predictable. So I went a different route.

I did a quick marinade on the Eggplant of Honey, Soy Sauce, Fresh grated Ginger & some pepper. Gave a quick sear to some carrots and onions, then added the eggplant in. Once everything was tender, I pureed it and made a course spread. 

That went on a slice of Sesame seed bread, followed by the smoked salmon & a thin slice of the gouda cheese. A generous coat of butter on the outside & the sandwiches were pressed in a pan. 

I knew that I couldn't just serve the Grilled Sandwich by itself....so I thinly sliced some cucumbers and soaked them in a mixture of grated ginger, salt, pepper, olive oil & apple cider vinegar. 

I finished plating with under a minute left!! 

Smoke Salmon Grilled Cheese with an Asian Eggplant Spread and Marinated Cucumber Chips.

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After doing this I realized a few things...

1. How fast my kitchen could go from spotless to a hurricane of a mess!

2. I was seriously nervous doing this in front of my husband, let allow 3 renowned judges

3. It was still a rush even tho I wasn't even completing against anyone..HA!

4. For the rest of the night, my mind couldn't stop thinking of all the other ways I could have prepared this basket. 

5. Regardless, it was incredible Fun & I was so happy with the flavors I was able to get in such short time!!

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Anyone looking for a good, fun challenge, have your own at home Chopped Challenge! But never forget, to always cook with LOVE! 

Baked Beef Burritos with Chili Lime Sauce

Im always craving Mexican food. 

I swear that no matter how you make it, it always turns out delicious! 

Here, I combined beef burritos with a creamy sauce filled with chili, lime & tons of fresh cilantro!!

What You Will Need : Ground Beef, Onions, Green Chili's, Lime, Jalapeno's, Cilantro, Tortilla Shells, Chili Powder, Cumin, Milk, Flour, Butter & White Cheese like Pepper Jack or White Cheddar. 

Preheat your oven to 350.

Start by browning the beef, then add in the onions. Stir and sauté for 5 minutes.

Add about Chili Powder & Cumin..

Once the seasonings are mixed in, add about half of the green chili's & a handful of torn cilantro.

If desired, add the Jalapeno's (fresh or jarred). Turn the heat down to low and allow the mixture to simmer while you make the sauce.

For the sauce; start with some melted butter. Add your flour, whisk and allow to cook for a 1 or 2 minutes.

Squeeze in the zest of half a lime, or if you like it really tangy, go for the whole thing.

Add the rest of the green chili's, then whisk in the milk

Allow the sauce to cook till desired constancy, then add half the shredded cheese.

Cilantro Time!!!!!!!

Now lets assemble. Take a couple big spoon full's of the sauce and spread it on the bottom of the baking pan.

Place some of the meat mixture on the tortilla shell. Fold in the sides & roll up.

Line them up in the baking pan

Spoon the Sauce over top

Sprinkle on the rest of the cheese & bake for 15-20 minutes.

Top with all your favorite fixings. We choose shredded lettuce, hot sauce & sour cream!

Enjoy & Always Cook with Love!!

All About That Buck

I grew up in a family with Zero hunters!! It wasn't until I was in high school that I tired my first piece of venison and I was not impressed. For someone that never had this type of meat before, it was wild, gamey & very strange.

Still, I was very curious about the process of skinning and breaking down a deer. (I have broken down rabbit, different fish, pig & chicken). I also wanted to challenge myself to prepare it in a way that I would enjoy.

 My brother in law made a deal with me, if he got one, he would show me how to break it all down.

So there he is....(apologies to anyone that is anti hunting)

 The whole process took a lot longer then I thought but it was very interesting and a good learning experience. 

Tip: its very enjoyable with great conversation, good music & a bottle or two of wine!

Once we were finished, my brother in law told me to go home that night and think about some sausage recipes for the following day. So I did....all that night, along with the following morning. By the time I returned to their house, I had two big bags & a cooler full of ingredients. 

We decided to try 5 of my ideas....all of which started with a mixture of ground venison and ground pork trim (a mixture of pork meat & fat).

::Here is my beautiful niece helping us grind up the venison!::

I didn't take pictures of the entire process, but here are the sausages we ended up with. 

1. Roasted Pepper - Char Roasted Bell & Jalapeño Peppers.

2. Rosie Shroom - Roasted Mushrooms & Spinach with Fresh Earthy Rosemary! 

3. Asian Persuasion - Ground Ginger & some Asian Zing Sauce. (Thank you Bdubs)

4. Fennel - We ground the whole fennel seeds right into the meat.

5. Sage - Your classic breakfast style sausage.

I was so shocked at how delicious & flavorful these sausages turned out!! 

Later that week, we had a gathering of friends & family over for opening weekend and I had a blast feeding all the hungry hunters! 

Although it was really cold out, I still grilled up tons of the sausage patties! Those got served with homemade spicy bacon baked beans & buttermilk biscuits. 

We also got a skinned rabbit & a homemade pound cake from our neighbor. I made some tasty Rabbit Cacciatore & a simple mixed berry reduction was the perfect topping for the cake. 

For me, there is absolutely nothing better then cooking for friends and family! 

It's my ultimate high!

 Opening weekend might become one of my favorite weekends from now on. Is there anything better then great company, good food & a night spent with an acoustic guitar show?!?!?....I don't think so!!

Turkey Wellington

Its November & Turkey Day is right around the corner. Since Im "technically" a grown up, Ive been slowing trying to create my own traditions for the Holidays. 

I still love the classics...I could eat green bean casserole by the pan full, but I think its time to shake things up a bit!

Last year I had a lot of fun giving the family some new dishes to try, including a twist on the bird!

Im sure that this isn't a new concept & that someone has probably been making this for years, but while making Beef Wellington for my sister in-law & her husband, I thought to myself.....wouldnt this be a fun way to make a Thanksgiving turkey?!?!?!? And the answer was a big OH YEAH!!!!

Now this will be a simple guideline, since it is from the previous year and I didn't write anything down.....{For Shame!!!}

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While everyone was digging through the frozen bins of giant turkey's, I grabbed two boneless, skinless turkey breast's. The first couple things I loved about this 1.) I didn't have to wait days for it to un-thaw 2.) It didn't take up all the room in the fridge!! So its already a Win/Win!!

Large Pan, simple seasonings, oil & pan sear both sides.

I rolled out puff pastry, it took 2 sheets per breast...and put a layer of my sausage/sage stuffing right on top.

Add the turkey breast.....

Wrap it up, trim off the extra dough & if desired...use the extra to make a fancy design on the top.

Brush with an egg wash to ensure a golden brown finish and bake!!

Slice & Serve!! 

No hassle with a giant roasting pan...no extra bones, no digging the stuffing out of the cavity. I honestly don't know if I will ever bake a whole turkey again!!!

I hope this inspires some Brave little chef's who dare to change something on the Thanksgiving table! 

If your already a turkey day rebel, share your 'twisted' dishes & always cook with Love!!

Traverse City: Part 2

I had so many things to say about my beloved TC that I had to split it into two parts....who knows, there could possibly be a third! 

I wanted to share some of my favorite places even though there are so many restaurants that I have yet to explore in the area!! 

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My mother and I on my 24th Birthday having dinner at the restaurant that I did my internship at and worked at for 2 years. The Riverside Inn in Leland. 

http://www.theriverside-inn.com

Paella in the Park. One of the many activities that I was able to work at through the summer season! Music, Wine & Paella, all along the water....what could be better?!?!?!

http://www.traversecity.com/events/33/520/

One of my favorite Restaurants is located in downtown TC called The Towne Plaza. Owner and Chef Chris Hoffman is one of the most talented people I have ever known and Im so thankful that I was able to work & learn from him.

http://www.thetowneplaza.com

Grilled Scallops @ The Towne Plaza! Its just perfection!!

Another favorite of mine & the first place I ever ate at when I moved to TC is Bubbas!

Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner....its always a good choice! Now, when I get to visit, I always make sure Im there for breakfast because they have amazing Bloody Mary's & the BEST breakfast Burritos!! 

Usually, I always order the Hash Attach Burrito; scrambled eggs, homemade corned beef hash, white cheddar, green onions and sour cream!! The last time I was there I decided to try something different. They have a new omelette called Cerdo Verde; Slow roasted pork, refried beans, cheddar cheese and topped with a Chili Verde Sauce. I asked if they could turn it into a burrito for me and they did!! Look at that monster!! Another MUST try if your there for breakfast is there Grilled Banana Bread!! 

http://www.tcbubbas.com/index.html

Traverse City is getting huge recognition for the awesome Wineries! 

Ones like Chateau Chantal. 

On my last visit I was able to do a private wine tour. 

Mmmm....Wine!

North Peak Restaurant and Brewery is another fav! (yes, yes, I know I have a lot of them!)

This place has something for everyone...Beer drinkers, Wine drinkers & Foodies.

My go to beer when Im there is Siren Amber Ale, but they offer flights so you can try them all!!

Some of my favorite menu items are: Eggroll Mozzarella Sticks, Pesto Chicken or the Wild Mushroom Pizza, White Cheddar Ale Soup, Cajun Crawfish Salad & the Pretzel Crusted Chicken Sandwich. 

http://www.northpeak.net/np/about/about.html

The Tuscan Bistro!

For all those Italian Lovers, this is the place for you!!

http://www.tuscanbistrotc.com/index.php

**The photos aren't the best due to the dim lighting**

Bruschetta with Goat Cheese and Smoked Prosciutto!

Oysters Florentine!! Im not a fan of raw oysters but I could have eaten two dozen of these!! 

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Fall Colors are just breathtaking! 

If your in the Lake Leelanua area you should stop at the Northern Latitudes Distillery. After you take your samples, order up a Bloody Mary & ask for the Beef Jerky Straw!!! 

http://www.northernlatitudesdistillery.com

HANDS DOWN my favorite Winery is L. Mawby!! They specialize in Sparkling Wine and every single one is superb! I have to stock up when Im there and I always get a sample plate too. For $5 you get to choose two wines & your choice of goat cheese spread or white fish pate. 

http://lmawby.com

Also on the Leelanua peninsula is Leelanau Cheese with award winning European style cheeses!!

I always bring home some of their amazing Raclette!! 

http://www.leelanaucheese.com/index.html

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Other Favorites:

U & I Lounge - Get a shot of Ice Hole & a Gyro!!

Tai Cafe - N3 was my go to menu item!

Agave Mexican Grill - Margaritas & Mexican Food, whats not to love!?

Center Street Cafe - A hidden gem for delicious Soups & Sandwiches! I recommend 'The Don' with a extra side of the Sicilian dressing!!

Jolly Pumpkin - Similar to Northpeak, another great place for craft beers and good food. Try the Pulled Pork Nachos! 

Apache Trout Grill - Sunday Brunch!!! 

Lobdell's - This isn't your normal place, its the restaurant at the Culinary school. Open Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday during the school semester. It has a stunning view of the bay & its a great way to support the talented students & the dedicated staff!

Village Cheese Shanty - All there sandwiches are wonderful but I always go for the North Shore with the homemade Pretzel bun!!!

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If your a sucker for TC, please feel free to share some of your Favorite places to visit!!