Recipes

This cake recipe comes from one of my mom’s co-workers and is one of my dad’s favorite cakes! Since my dad was especially busy with work my last week home and took me to my nerve blocks, I decided it would be nice to make him a special treat; plus I really wanted to try this cake, since my parents always talk about how good this recipe is. Read More »

Lately I have been consuming about a 75/35 diet…the 75 being vegetable/plant-based meals and the 35 being meat based meals. I am working towards consuming the recommended 8-12oz of fish/seafood per week according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, however Read More »

I first became introduced to coconut oil when I purchased the BabycakesNYC cookbook. Not only does coconut have a great flavor, but it’s a great substitute to make egg-free french toast and easily substitutes in exchange for canola oil when baking.

While I am no nutrition expert, I’m a nutrition guru, who loves to learn about the health benefits of different foods.  After all, you are what you eat, right?

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What’s the problem with how traditional caramel corn is made? The primary ingredients are usually corn syrup and refined white sugar (not at all beneficial to our health or mood).  Also, you often have to fight to keep the caramel corn on the baking sheets as you stir it during baking.  All these problems have been solved with this new recipe.  Natural sweeteners replace the corn syrup and white sugar and the mixture is baked in a casserole dish.  Easy and yummy! I’m also always amazed by how large a batch is made with such a small amount of ingredients.

Pop ½ cup of popcorn (produces 2-3 quarts of popcorn)

3 Tbsp. coconut oil/butter
1/3 cup honey and/or maple syrup Read More »

When you are looking for an elegant dish that you can serve to both adults and kids, try this one. The recipe is courtesy of Aida Mollenkamp from her book “Keys to the Kitchen” (see the interview and blog post here).  I made it for Christmas Dinner this past holiday and everyone raved.

Now, if you notice, the recipe is far from dairy-free so it was off-limits for my daughter (however, there are dairy substitutes below). I didn’t really think it was going to be her thing, so after sauteing the chicken, I put some aside for her and proceeded with the recipe. If you know me, I’m not one to make two meals but I do accommodate her special diet by being just a little creative. I promise, it’s possible.

After reviewing Aida’s book, this one really stuck out. However, being The Family Chef, I had to put my own spin on it and make it a bit more family friendly. It’s naturally gluten-free and absolutely delicious. If you need some of your own keys in the kitchen, check out Aida’s book.

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The second entry into the 37 Cooks and Sciabica Olive Oil challenge is a crust-less and veggie filled quiche. This can easily be made in a large baking dish, pie dish, or individual ramekins. Quiche is another one of those “blank canvases” that I love because you can add any ingredient that you want.  Quiche is perfect for Read More »

A big thank you to Aida Mollenkamp (see my interview with her here) for this recipe from her recent book “Keys to the Kitchen.” I have made this twice, both times with much success. The children (now almost 9 and 7) loved it as well. I put my family chef spin on it so it’s not quite as spicy. I hope you’ll try it, even if you think your kids are picky eaters. It’s worth a shot!

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Imagine my excitement when I read that this month’s Daring Cooks’ Challenge had a Mexican theme! You know that I have a love affair with all things cullinarily Mexican. Maranda of Jolts & Jollies was our January 2012 Daring Cooks’ hostess with the mostest! Maranda challenged us to make traditional Mexican Tamales as our first challenge of the year!

I found it interesting that our local Whole Foods, which tends to carry produce from around the world, much of which I’ve never even heard of, did not carry dried corn husks. Before freaking out and making a trip to the city to check the International Market, I thought about the ethnic diversity of the people in my town.  I teach at an elementary school where 27% of our students are hispanic.  Surely, these families do not shop at Whole Foods to get ingredients for their ethnic dishes.  Where do they go? Read More »

This potato salad recipe is a breeze to make, does not require cooking and tastes fantastic. You can find the recipe on the back of the 29 oz Del Monte Whole New Potatoes can or Del Monte’s website. Enjoy! Read More »