go bucks! [buckeye brownies]

Those of you who have followed my blog for a few years already know I’m a weirdo who doesn’t like chocolate. So, you could probably guess that I didn’t take that bite out of the brownie–thanks, mom! Although I didn’t taste these delectable treats, they received rave reviews from everyone that tried one. Considering these are called buckeye brownies, I had to take the opportunity to use an Ohio State backdrop. Go Bucks!!

the perfect combo. [caramel corn whoopie pies]

Caramel corn whoopie pies…YUM, right?! My mom found this recipe in Cuisine at Home last year and every time we bring the whoopie pies to a party, they’re a hit. The fluffy, cornbread-esque cookie tastes even more incredible paired with the caramel filling. These are a must-make dessert, I promise!

I’m off to New York tomorrow for work and can’t wait to eat my way through the city. First stop? Shake Shack, of course!

keeping busy. [korean beef bowl w. bell peppers & water chestnuts]

Although we had Monday off for the holiday, this week has already been insanely busy. This Korean beef is the perfect, simple (and of course, delicious) meal to prepare during a hectic week!

no complaints here. [soba noodle salad w. spicy peanut sauce, shredded chicken & veggies]

I spent last weekend at home with my mom, grandma and boyfriend–we relaxed, watched movies, and ate gobs of food. While at home, my mom and I made this delicious, spicy soba noodle salad. The recipe made enough for a week of leftovers, but I wasn’t  complaining about that!

product review – Appetites. [tamarind glazed beef w. sesame broccoli & snow peas]

Grocery shopping and cooking just got so much easier with the iPhone and iPad app, Appetites. The company’s publicist asked if I wanted to try the service (free of charge), and I gladly accepted.

Appetites provides tons of delicious recipes on the app. Once you select a recipe and enter your billing information, you select a delivery time and all the ingredients arrive at your door that same day! Pretty convenient, huh? What’s even better is that once you’re ready to cook, the app has step-by-step video instructions for the recipe–it couldn’t get much easier. This tamarind beef I chose to make was full of flavor and delicious paired with the nutty broccoli and snow peas!

here we go again. [shredded chicken enchiladas w. bell peppers in red chile sauce]

I apologize to anyone who doesn’t love Mexican food as much as I do, because I can’t stop cooking it lately! When I’m at the grocery store, I always find myself buying cilantro, jalapeños, tortillas, etc., and naturally, my mind goes to Mexican food.

Anyways, these enchiladas were delicious! I typically prefer a tomatillo sauce, but this red sauce was fantastic and I know I’ll be making it again soon.

sweet & spicy. [homemade peach salsa w. a kick]

I can’t believe I haven’t made anything with peaches yet! I wanted to make a roasted peach dessert, but decided to make this salsa instead. I’m sure that doesn’t come as much of a surprise, considering I’m on a Mexican food-making kick lately. I’m glad I changed my mind, though, as the salsa was incredible! I loved the sweetness of the peaches paired with the spiciness of the Serrano peppers. Serve the salsa with tortilla chips or on top of grilled chicken breasts.

all hail the king. [grilled fish tacos w. avocado relish, smoky tomato-Greek yogurt crema & red cabbage-citrus slaw]

I’ve always been a huge fan of Bobby Flay, but after finding this recipe, I’m his number one fan. These tacos are some of the best I’ve ever tasted; they have an incredible complexity of flavors and textures, from the flaky, cinnamon-chile rubbed halibut to the crisp citrus slaw. I’m getting giddy just thinking about eating the leftovers for lunch today!

semi-guilt-free. [zucchini spaghetti w. jalapeño-cilantro pesto]

Zucchini noodles aka zoodles are so in right now–or so it seems. After seeing multiple recipes online using zucchini noodles, I had to get my hands on a spiralizer. I have a feeling I’ll be using the tool often. This “pasta” was incredibly flavorful and semi-guilt-free (I couldn’t help but add cheese)!

the lighter side. [potato salad w. blue cheese, crispy bacon & grated hard-boiled egg]

I’ve never used ‘potato salad’ and ‘light’ in the same sentence, until this recipe. The vinaigrette-soaked potatoes burst with flavor and the crispy bacon and grated egg compliment the salad wonderfully. I still love mayonnaise-based potato salads, but this recipe is a delicious and healthier alternative!