Because sometimes the best part of a date is the food...

Recipes

The Best Ever Lemon Shortbread Tart

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I know I’ve said it before, winter is not my favorite.  But ever since law school, there is one thing about winter I LOVE.  And that’s the citrus.  My favorite expression of citrus is this lemon tart with shortbread crust.

It sounds strange that something so traditionally so summer feeling should be my favorite thing about this markedly barren time of year, produce-wise.  But when I was in law school in San Francisco, I had a friend whose family owned a house in Napa Valley.  Every year in January and February, he would bring me bags of lemons, Meyer lemons and the occasional orange.  In return for this wonderful gift (food–and especially home grown food–makes the best gifts), I would make a double batch of this Lemon Tart and give him one….

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Traditional Hot Toddy with a Twist – 12 Days of Cocktails Day 7

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Sometimes you get home from work after a long cold-ass winter’s day, and all you want are 1) a cocktail; and 2) something warm.  Usually for me these two things don’t go together.  This ends in one of two ways:  either I double fist with a cup of tea and a cocktail or glass of wine, or I turn to this spectacular Hot Toddy cocktail that covers both bases at once!

I went to one of my favorite bars in Reno one time called Chapel and it was one of the nights that a Hot Toddy was probably the ONLY thing that was going to satisfy me.  But when I ordered one, it came with a bit of a surprise: a ghost pepper floated at the top of the glass.  At that point, I was wary of spicy things, but I decided to try it anyway.  It turns out, the pepper in the glass just blew the whole flavor out of the water!  The addition of the pepper made this cocktail warm me up in ways I never imagined.

Needless to say, I don’t think I’ll ever again make a Toddy without the Cayenne Pepper.

Happy Cooking!

Traditional Hot Toddy with a Twist - 12 Days of Cocktails Day 7
 
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Ingredients
  • 8 Oz. Water, boiled
  • Juice of 1 Lemon
  • 1 Tablespoon Honey
  • ⅛ - ¼ teaspoon Cayenne (or to taste)
  • 1½ Oz. Bourbon (I prefer Four Roses)
Instructions
  1. Boil the Water.
  2. Add Lemon Juice and Honey and stir well.
  3. Add Bourbon.
  4. Top with sprinkling of Cayenne.
  5. Enjoy!

 

The BEST Healthy Creamy Tomato Soup

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I found a version of this Healthy Creamy Tomato Soup in Cooking Light Magazine roughly a thousand years ago.  I was still in college and didn’t really know how to cook. I knew I liked reading Cooking Light, and a couple of other cooking publications, but I didn’t really know what to do with that.

Every year, when the winter comes, I get sortof depressive.  Christmas is over and there’s very little light, so the SAD really sets in.  At these times, comfort food abounds in my kitchen.  It’s also a time when nothing sounds better than a bowl of soup.  This Healthy Creamy Tomato Soup is the perfect comfort soup. Comfort food often comes with some health sacrifices. Luckily, this one has some secret ingredients that make it amazingly tasty and comforting, while still being wonderfully healthy.  Plus, Lycopene….  Score!

I can’t even describe how much I love Creamy Tomato Soup.  I love it with bread, I love it with grilled cheese, and I love it on it’s own on a rainy afternoon. I actually tend to love it so much that I used to make double batches of it every year. But I recently realized that I often throw one or two bowls away because they get shoved to the back of the freezer and forgotten. So nowadays, tend to make it twice.  Luckily it’s easy.

So, I’ll welcome the cold weather and short days with a nice hot bowl of my favorite soup. This one is definitely a favorite for me.  Hopefully, it will make the list of your favorites too!

 

The BEST Healthy Creamy Tomato Soup
 
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Serves: 4
Ingredients
  • 1 Tbsp. Olive Oil
  • 2½ lbs. Ripe Tomatoes (about 6 Large) OR 2 28 Oz. Cans Chopped Tomatoes
  • 1½ C. Chopped Onion
  • 3 Garlic Cloves (minced)
  • 2 C. Homemade Chicken or Turkey Stock
  • ½ tsp. Salt
  • ¼ tsp. Black Pepper
  • 4 Oz. Neufantel Cheese (1/3 fat-cream-cheese)
  • ¾ C. Coarsely Chopped Basil
Instructions
  1. If using fresh Tomatoes, preheat Broiler.
  2. Halve Tomatoes and place, cut side down, on foil-lined baking sheet.
  3. Broil 5 minutes or until skins start to blacken.
  4. Remove skins.
  5. Heat Olive Oil in large sauce pan over medium-high heat.
  6. Saute Onion 3 minutes.
  7. Stir in Tomatoes; cook 2 minutes.
  8. Add Stock, Salt, and Pepper; Bring to a boil.
  9. Blend with an immersion blender until smooth.

 

The Best Broccoli Cheddar Soup

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Winter is soup season for me.  It’s a good way for me to get some vegetables and some warmth all at the same time.  This Broccoli Cheddar Soup does not disappoint!

I sometimes struggle in the winter.  It’s colder, darker, and not many people come out and around like they usually do in other, warmer months.  I also have a difficult time getting enough vegetables because, let’s be honest, there’s only so much squash a non-veggie-eating-girl like me can take.

This wonderful Broccoli Cheddar Soup is an awesome alternative.  It’s absolutely full of great veggies, but it’s also full of wonderful, filling, fattening comfort foods.  Lol.

…

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“Tahoe Snowdrop” Lemon White Chocolate Truffle Martini

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There’s a wonderful artisan chocolate shop here in Reno called”Dorinda’s Chocolates.”  They have seriously spoiled me to the point of not quite enjoying other, less wonderful, chocolate brands (of course, that doesn’t stop me really from still partaking in the other brands.  Lol).

One of my favorite truffles of theirs is a lemon raspberry chocolate truffle that, for some time, I have wanted to copy in a cocktail.  Last year, however, I had a really awful and wonderful lesson in culinary chemistry when trying to create this cocktail.  It turns out, lemon juice curdles the milk solids in white chocolate!  Who knew?!  Hahaha.  Apparently everyone…  But I digress.

This year, I still had not forgotten my goal to make a white chocolate lemon martini for the Christmas season.  And I thought I knew how to do it, but definitely took it on with more caution and experimentation this year than I did last year. I have to say, what has come out of it is nothing short of festive!  Of course, Dorinda, there’s nothing that is ever going to surpass your truffle, but I think with the help of Tahoe Blue Vodka and DoTerra Essential Oils, we came really close. (The recipe below is just for one cocktail so if you’re sharing, multiply as needed.)

"Tahoe Snowdrop" Lemon White Chocolate Truffle Martini
 
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Serves: 1 Cocktail
Ingredients
  • 2 Shots Tahoe Blue Vodka (This is seriously the only vodka I drink anymore... Visit their site at http://www.tahoebluevodka.com/our-story/ to see their story.)
  • 1 Shot Godiva White Chocolate Liqueur
  • 2 Drops Lemon DoTerra Essential Oil (if you don't use DoTerra PLEASE make sure to buy the highest quality oils which are formulated for human consumption--not all of them are safe to ingest.)
  • ½ tsp. Raspberry Jam Simple Syrup (Combine ¼ Cup Seedless Raspberry Jam with ½ Cup Water; Whisk together; Boil down until you get a syrup-y consistency)
Instructions
  1. Combine the first three ingredients in a martini shaker with a few ice cubes and shake.
  2. Pour the raspberry syrup in the glass to settle at the bottom or to decorate the glass (you can also add it to the shaker with everything else if you prefer).
  3. Pour the drink in glasses.
  4. Enjoy!

Pomegranate Martini

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Tahoe Blue Vodka is the only vodka I drink straight up.  But my mom is famous for her flavored martinis, so I have a special place in my heart for them.  Her Pomegranate Martini is a pretty standard go-to in our houses.

She likes hers made with Mandarin Vodka.  But honestly, I have a hard time stepping away from the TBV.  The mandarin flavor is really lovely with the pomegranate juice, so I’ve found a pretty good half way point if I’m completely craving this orange flavor.  Especially if I’m making this drink for a special occasion like Christmas.  I have a lot less issue with making a special simple syrup when that’s the case.

So without further ado, here is the Pomegranate Martini made with Citrus Simple Syrup.  Feel free to make it with a Mandarin Vodka and a plain simple syrup instead if you’d rather.

Pomegranate Martini - 12 Days of Cocktails Day 6!
 
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Serves: 2
Ingredients
  • 4 Shots Pomegranate Juice
  • 4 Shots Tahoe Blue Vodka
  • 1 Shot Citrus Simple Syrup
  • Juice of 1 Lime
Instructions
  1. Fill a martini shaker with ice.
  2. Add all ingredients to shaker and shake to combine.
  3. Pour into two chilled Martini Glasses.
  4. Enjoy!!!
  5. ***To make the Citrus Simple Syrup, combine 1 Cup Water with 1 Cup Sugar and slice a whole Mandarin Orange into the pot. Simmer on low heat for approximately 20 minutes (you want to make sure to get the citrus flavor really immersed in the syrup.) Add water as necessary.

 

Winter White Cosmo

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Last year, Russ Reyes (from Kilt & Cork) and I did a series on the 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails.  We had a total blast!  Three of those were videos instead of just posts.  Below is the video and recipe for a Winter White Cosmo, which was Day 8 last year.

The only thing I will say about this recipe is that sometimes White Cranberry can be difficult to find.  But when you do find it, this is definitely a winner for any holiday gathering because the pure color with some floating frozen cranberries in it looks ultra festive!

Happy Cooking! (or, you know, Drinking.  Lol.)

 

Winter White Cosmo - 12 Days of Cocktails Day 8!!!
 
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Serves: 1
Ingredients
  • 2 Shots Tahoe Blue Vodka
  • 2 Shots White Cranberry Juice
  • 1 Shot Cointreau Liqueur
  • Squeeze of Lime
Instructions
  1. Add Ice to a shaker.
  2. Pour in all ingredients in shaker and shake.
  3. Enjoy!

 

Frankovich Holiday Nog Cocktail

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I’m a firm believer that part of a healthy life includes a fair bit of indulgence at the appropriate times.  This Frankovich Holiday Nog is definitely one of those indulgences.  It helps, though, that it’s only available two months a year.  Last year, my friend Russ Reyes of Kilt and Cork and I did a series called the 12 Days of Christmas Cocktails.  And while we couldn’t get it together enough to do it this year, I have decided to repost my favorites from that series a few times this month to remind us all to spread that holiday cheer.  So without further ado, here is the repost of last year’s Frankovich Holiday Nog Cocktail!

Growing up in Reno, I’ve seen the bottles of “Frankovich Holiday Nog” my whole life.  I didn’t even really know what it was, but I always waited for those bottles because it meant Christmas was coming. I want to say I even asked my mom one time if we could get some and she avoided the question appropriately.  Who knew it would be one of my favorite spirits as an adult.  Lol.

I will say, though, it’s pretty telling that, while I LOVE the stuff, I still doctor it most of the time.  The sweetness of the nog is so intense that it really needs tempering with more alcohol (oh man, please don’t judge).  I sometimes would add a shot of bourbon, but honestly, my new favorite is Captain Morgan Spiced Rum.  Yes, it reminds me of college…  But the extra spiciness is an absolutely perfect compliment to this wonderful seasonal beverage.

I could say more, but this cocktail speaks for itself.  So the next time you’re having a Christmas brunch or a nightcap in front of the fire, do yourself a favor and pick up a bottle of Frankovich and enjoy the tastes of the season.

Happy…  Mixing?  Lol.

 
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Ingredients
  • 6-8 Oz. Frankovich Holiday Nog
  • 1 Shot Captain Morgan's Spiced Rum
Instructions
  1. Mix Captain's and the Frankovich in a highball glass and Enjoy!!!

August Inspiration Quotes

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Below are August’s inspirational quotes!  Here’s to the last full month of summer.  All come from Pinterest, so if you need the originals, that’s where you get them.  Keep your chin up and keep trucking in life!

Law of Attraction. Create the very life you want! #creativity #create #inspire #quoteoftheday #quote #imagination #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #success

Love this one! You have to actually move if you want to achieve your dreams. #quotes #life #truth #bebrave #hustle #goforit #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote

Try and be a better person today than you were yesterday. :-) #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #successquotes #inspirations #success #successful #motivationalquotes

#thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #quotesforyou #mindsetiseverything #quotesgram #motivational #inspire

I need to continually remember this! Do exercise you love. You'll be way more likely to continue doing it. :-) #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #fitspiration #motivationalquotes #personaldevelopment #instaquotes #quotesaboutlife #inspire

Be a Cupcake today!!! Believe. #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #quotesofinstagram #quotesandsayings #inspirational #sayings #inspire #said #success

Just a daily reminder to keep moving. No matter what it takes. Keep going and you'll get there. #inspiration #inspirational #motivation #motivational #encouragement #encouraging #survivor #courage #bravery #brave #quote #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote

I want every day to feel like this! Focus Focus Focus!!!! #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #instaquote #wordsofwisdom #motivational #quotestagram #inspire #wordstoliveby

This is a wonderful thing to continually remember. Be confident! And hey, if you can't be brave act brave. #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #personaldevelopment #lifequotes #motivationalquote #inspire

This one tends to be difficult for me... Do the work and you'll get there! #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #inspirationalquotes #wordsofwisdom #inspire #personaldevelopment #personalgrowth

Julia Child seriously said 2/3 of my favorite quotes. Of course, her quotes were usually about food somehow. Lol. #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #foodquotes #foodinspiration #foodinspiration #food #motivationalquotes

Laughing can improve any day. Make sure to giggle today. #Cure, #Laugh #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #laughing #instaquote #quotestagram #wordsofwisdom #quotesdaily

Oldie but goodie. Enough said. :-) #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #motivationalquote #quotestagram #sayings #quotesandsayings #dailymotivation

LOVE this. Eat what you like and count that as a success. :-) #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #dailymotivation #inspire #quotesaboutlife #wordsofwisdom #inspirationalquotes #motivate

Goals goals goals! You are your own craziest competition. #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #quotes #inspire #quotesdaily #quotesoftheday #motivationalquote #dailymotivation #inspirational #motivate

Be determined and you'll be unstoppable. #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #wordsoftheday #success #quotestagram #instaquote #quotesandsayings #personaldevelopment

#HappyHealthyCooking #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #instaquote #motivationalquotes #motivationalquote #motivational #inspire #inspirationalquotes #instaquotes #foodquotes

Don't try and move to quick. Do the work and you're going to succeed. #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #instaquotes #quotesdaily #inspirationalquotes

Pasta is magic. Especially when you find amazing gluten free pasta like the one I did recently. :-) #quote #food #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #instaquote #quotestagram #quotesofinstagram #lifequotes #quotesoftheday #inspire #quotes #instaquotes

Yaaaaaaaaas! Go you! #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #inspire #inspireothers #quotesdaily #motivationquotes #quotesgram #quotes #mindsetiseverything #wisdom #dailyquotes

Enough said.... :-) #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #inspire #success #quotestagram #motivationalquotes #lifequotes #instaquote #inspirational #quotesaboutlife #wordsofwisdom #motivational

Love this one... #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #foodquotes #food #foodblogger #foodgram #foodgasm

Looks come with Health. Keep an eye on the prize health-wise. Eat well, take time for yourself, find your favorite exercise and go forth to conquer the world! :-) #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #inspire #motivationalquotes #successful #motivate #quotes #wordsofwisdom #success #dailyquotes #lifequotes #instaquote #quotestagram

The end of August marks the end of summer. Keep an eye on that sunshine and soak up as much as possible as long as you can. #thehungrydater #inspiration #quotestoliveby #quoteoftheday #quote #inspirationalquote #inspire #quotes #instaquote #inspirationalquotes #successful #success #motivationalquotes #successquotes #dailyquotes #quotestagram #motivational

The Best & Easiest Weeknight Carbonara

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 One of my new favorite weekends of every month is that which I write and cook for you guys.  I have several friends who know now when “Hungry Dater Weekend” is.  Last October was particularly great since two friends and Blossom’s BiFF came over and we ate and drank and chatted.  Probably our favorite dish of the night was this Carbonara.  BiFF stuck around ever since–I suspect the Carbonara may have something to do with it….

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