tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158Fri, 01 Nov 2024 10:37:18 +0000main_coursesidesappetizersdessertspastaappetite_for_lifecookbookslinkssoupsbeveragesbreadsfull_menusthanksgivingjournalsaladsweekly_menus4foodsfridayfacebookhumormusicnewsquote_of_the_weeksurveyRecipes, food photography, stories, and Appetite For Lifehttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/noreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)Blogger161125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-851196582651863659Tue, 01 Feb 2011 21:46:00 +00002011-02-01T15:46:05.774-06:00newsCurrently holding at http://sarafinaskitchen.wordpress.com - working to send it to my own domain! Please be patient and I'll be up and moving soon!http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/02/on-move.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-2886108070194816059Mon, 31 Jan 2011 22:41:00 +00002011-01-31T16:42:00.555-06:00appetite_for_lifeAppetite for Life: Healthier resolutions Wednesday, January 26, 2011 | Special to the Ledger By Meagan Warncke Jan. 1: I hereby resolve to eat healthier in the New Year. I will take my lunch to work every day. It will be a salad, soup or healthy sandwiches. I will make them fresh every morning. Jan. 2: I am so glad I have been taking my lunch to work. It’s so nice to have a homemade meal and I http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/appetite-for-life.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-7666416860556579230Wed, 19 Jan 2011 16:12:00 +00002011-01-19T10:13:52.448-06:00humorA bit of food humor for this Wednesday!http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2011/01/what-am-i.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-1324284368512294617Fri, 24 Dec 2010 16:34:00 +00002010-12-24T10:39:32.631-06:00desserts3 9-inch layers cooked German chocolate cakes without frosting1/2 cup fudge sauce (Smuckers Chocolate Fudge Sauce will do)3/4 cup 151-proof rum1 cup chopped walnuts or pecans24 ounces semisweet dark chocolateChocolate sprinkles to garnishCrumble the cake layers into a large mixing bowl. Add fudge sauce, rum, and chopped nuts. Mix into a paste. Roll into small balls (about the size of a golf http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/12/la-vista-hyatt-regencys-chocolate-rum.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-4655280528131278089Mon, 29 Nov 2010 14:07:00 +00002010-11-29T08:08:01.405-06:00sidesMy mother-in-law, Carolyn, made this amazing creamed spinach for Thanksgiving. It was hard to not stand over the stove and eat it straight out of the skillet!Creamed SpinachServes: 6-8Prep. Time: 0:355 Tbls. butter OR margarine - divided1/4 cup all-purpose flour1/4 tsp. salt1/4 tsp. black pepper1 dash ground nutmeg1 cup half and half cream4 oz. cream cheese - low-fat okay1 sm. onion - minced3 http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/creamed-spinach.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-150264139569516524Sun, 21 Nov 2010 14:04:00 +00002010-11-21T08:19:41.585-06:004foodsfridayExcited to be participating in from the Kitchen now! (For my previous entries, please see my other blog, Ramblings of an Insane Redhead)Tell me either the four strangest things or four non-food items that are in your fridge.1) Coffee - It stays fresher if you keep it in the fridge. Unopened bags go in the freezer.2) Baking Soda - Can't have a stinky fridge!That's it for my fridge...but in the http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/four-foods-on-friday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-514031858199954065Sun, 21 Nov 2010 13:58:00 +00002010-11-21T07:59:09.725-06:00appetite_for_life<!--[if gte mso 9]> Normal 0 false false false MicrosoftInternetExplorer4 <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 10]> /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pthttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/richness-of-life-through-antioxidants.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-4416608781754431963Tue, 16 Nov 2010 19:49:00 +00002010-11-16T13:53:20.150-06:00musicthanksgivingFor your family's Thanksgiving meal, I offer up my Thanksgiving playlist from last year. Enjoy!Home - Michael BubléShine on Harvest Moon - Betty CarterBaby, It's Cold Outside - Ella Fitzgerald & Louis JordanThere's No Place Like Home for the Holidays - The CarpentersThanksgiving Theme - Vince Guaraldi TrioOur House - Crosy, Stills, Nash, & YoungMashed Potatoes - Rufus ThomasI've Got Plenty to behttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/11/thanksgiving-playlist.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-7529458933828884642Fri, 29 Oct 2010 20:00:00 +00002010-10-29T15:01:54.987-05:00appetite_for_lifeWith the holiday season rapidly approaching, I’ve started pouring through my cookbooks, looking for inspiration for new and exciting ideas for our holiday gatherings. This year, my husband and I will be hosting our family’s Christmas meal, so the pressure is on to create an amazing menu that will satisfy everyone. I always try to maintain a balance between traditional dishes and new, bold http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/10/appetite-for-life-potato-smash.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-8419966717377292396Tue, 19 Oct 2010 00:09:00 +00002010-10-18T19:45:22.781-05:00main_coursesoups Gather your ingredients. Chop the onion. Chop the cauliflower. Add the butter and flour to the saucepan. Make it into a roux. Add the stock. Add the veggies and simmer for 20 minutes. Whip out your immersion blender and puree the heck out of it!Tah-dah! Yummy, creamy, soup!Recipe from skinnytaste.com Note: I added two teaspoons of turmeric to the recipe...it worked well. * 1 tbsp butter * http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/10/creamy-cauliflower-soup.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-1634463066862266191Tue, 05 Oct 2010 14:41:00 +00002010-10-18T10:27:04.761-05:00dessertsFrom ReadyCrust.comPrep Time: 5 minutesTotal Time: 2 hours 5 minutesServings: 8Ingredients1/2 cup cold milk1 package (6-serving size) vanilla flavor instant pudding & pie filling1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice*1 cup canned pumpkin2 1/2 cups frozen non-dairy whipped topping, thawed1 Keebler® Ready Crust® Graham Pie CrustDirections1. In large bowl beat milk, pudding mix and spice with wire whisk for 1http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/10/creamy-pumpkin-pie.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-7647428083062262412Mon, 27 Sep 2010 17:38:00 +00002010-09-27T12:42:07.864-05:00linksLooking for some food blogs to browse? Check out these great lists of the best of the best!Savuer's Sites We LoveGourmet's Favorite Food SitesThe Sunday Time's 50 of the World's Best Food BlogsSharehttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/great-lists-of-great-food-blogs.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-1117259783135733077Sat, 18 Sep 2010 22:04:00 +00002010-09-18T17:06:31.011-05:00pastaWhenever I throw a casserole together with pasta and whatever else I have in the house, I call it Noddle Caboodle. I got the name from Family Guy, and it's stuck. Today for lunch, I made a Caboodle with shell pasta, white cheddar sauce, chicken, collard greens, onion, and garlic. Brian: Lois, this pasta, better than Italy.Lois: It's just my Noodle Caboodle. I did use a different brand of http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/noodle-caboodle.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-2012651587616822156Wed, 15 Sep 2010 16:03:00 +00002010-09-15T11:04:16.692-05:00appetite_for_lifeAppetite for Life: Fried Food FrenzyThursday, September 9, 2010 | Special to the LedgerAs the State Fair of Texas approaches, there are a lot of news stories about the entries for the Sixth Annual Big Tex Choice Awards. The Big Tex Choice Awards are a chance for concession stand owners to compete for the best new and original food to be served at the fair. Previous winners include a Deep Fried http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/appetite-for-life-fried-food-frenzy.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-1945298057450548537Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:44:00 +00002010-09-02T13:44:21.251-05:00appetite_for_lifeRice of a Different ColorThere's a saying, “It's the simple things in life.” To me that means things don't always have to be complex or complicated to be enjoyable. One needs to find comfort and joy in the more simple things. The same applies to food. Gourmet food that takes hours to prepare is often quite delicious, but so are the less complicated, homemade dishes that are our go-to recipes.http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/appetite-for-life-rice-of-different.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-1952590503879592765Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:40:00 +00002010-09-02T13:41:54.826-05:00appetite_for_lifeAppetite for Life: Chili Con QuesoAh, Chili Con Queso. Is there anything more Texan that this concoction of cheese, tomatoes, chiles, and onions? Every Tex-Mex restaurant from Amarillo to Houston has their own version of this dish. While they all vary slightly, they all share the common thread of warm, melted cheese that gently coats tortilla chips or anything else on your plate as you wish. http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/appetite-for-life-chili-con-queso.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-7171298909128967024Thu, 02 Sep 2010 18:36:00 +00002010-09-02T13:36:53.897-05:00appetite_for_lifeAppetite for Life: Passion for AppetizersThursday, July 22, 2010 | Special to the LedgerAnyone who has known me for any period of time knows I love to cook. They also quickly pick up on the fact that my favorite things to make are appetizers. It’s something about delicious, comforting food wrapped up into small bite-size portions. Appetizers set the mood for a meal or gathering. They can be a http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/09/appetite-for-life-passion-for.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-8499656764853727032Tue, 13 Jul 2010 14:52:00 +00002010-07-13T09:54:02.617-05:00main_courseFrom marthastewart.comServes 1 * 2 large eggs * 2 tablespoons light mayonnaise * 1 small shallot, minced * 2 teaspoons sweet pickle relish, or chopped pickle * 1/8 teaspoon Old Bay Seasoning * Coarse salt and ground pepper * 2 slices dark bread, such as multigrain or pumpernickel carrot sticks, for serving (optional)Directions 1. Place eggs in a small saucepan, and cover http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/07/southern-egg-salad.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-661520527643951907Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:57:00 +00002010-07-08T15:58:51.830-05:00appetite_for_lifeMy first article for the Leander Ledger. The second one is being published in today's paper. :)===============================================Friday, June 25, 2010 | Special to the LedgerMany families have strong traditions. One that I inherited from both sides of my own family is a love of food and cooking. My childhood memories abound with images of family and food together marking major http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/07/appetite-for-life-lasagna-with-love.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-3875072921611056972Fri, 18 Jun 2010 14:39:00 +00002010-06-18T09:55:43.994-05:00full_menusAppetizers:Citrus SparklerSmoked Salmon Dip with Bagel ChipsArtichoke Dip with FontinaSides:Corn PuddingCrunchy Onion Potato BakeBroccoli and Gruyere GratinIceberg SlawMain Course:Stuffed Pork Loin Wrapped in ProsciuttoDessert:Margarita CakeSharehttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/06/fathers-day-menu.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-884813857065870375Fri, 18 Jun 2010 13:38:00 +00002010-06-18T08:41:11.271-05:00sidesFrom GoTexan.orgIngredients:2 bunches asparagus, washed2 T. Texas olive oil2 T. Worcestershire sauceCoarse grained salt and cracked black pepperDirections:Preheat oven to 400° F.Place the asparagus in a single layer on a cookie sheet. Drizzle olive oil and Worcestershire sauce over the asparagus. Season with salt and pepper. Bake until tender or crunchy depending upon your preference, about 12 tohttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/06/baked-asparagus.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-6951822180861194729Thu, 10 Jun 2010 20:43:00 +00002010-06-10T15:47:59.614-05:00surveyI'm starting a new weekly feature in Sarafina's Kitchen: Survey Thursday. Every Thursday, I will post a new survey for everyone to participate in. I'll post the responses on the following Wednesday before the next survey goes up. I'd love feedback if this is something you enjoy. Have fun!Recipe/Cookbook SurveySharehttp://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/06/survey-thursday.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-5762062768764710523Mon, 17 May 2010 12:00:00 +00002010-05-17T07:00:01.161-05:00sidesfrom epicurious.comNotes: I used 6oz of prosciutto in place of the ham and only used about 3-4 tbls of olive oil1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice1 tablespoon white wine vinegar3 garlic cloves, chopped1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano6 tablespoons olive oil2 14-ounce cans hearts of palm, drained, rinsed6 ounces ham, cut into matchstick-size strips (about 1 1/2 cups)1 cup assorted olives, pitted, http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/hearts-of-palm-salad-with-olives-and.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-3816507896612640230Sun, 16 May 2010 12:00:00 +00002010-05-16T07:00:07.034-05:00sidesfrom foodandwine.com1 large head cauliflower (about 3 pounds), cut into florets4 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted1 teaspoon sugar1/2 teaspoon salt1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper1/2 teaspoon sweet paprika1/2 teaspoon hot paprika1/4 teaspoon cinnamonCoarse salt, for sprinklingPreheat the oven to 500°. In a large bowl, toss the cauliflower with the butter. In a small bowl, combine the sugar, http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/spiced-caramelized-cauliflower-florets.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-13495158.post-7070491313983824589Sat, 15 May 2010 12:00:00 +00002010-05-15T07:00:02.404-05:00sidesfrom finecooking.com6 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil2 lb. Yukon gold potatoes (about 6 medium), halved and cut into 3/4-inch wedgesKosher salt and freshly ground black pepper3/4 lb. small to medium cremini or white mushrooms, quartered1/2 cup mascarpone1/4 cup fresh orange juice1-1/2 tsp. red wine vinegar1/3 cup thinly sliced scallions, white and green parts (about 4 small)Position a rack in the http://sarafinaskitchen.blogspot.com/2010/05/roasted-potato-and-mushroom-salad-with.htmlnoreply@blogger.com (Sarafina1977)0