Irish Soda Bread

What is Irish soda bread?  As far as I can tell there is nothing "Irish" about it.  I think that's why Tay and I felt the need to include the green.

Soda breads in general are more of a method than a type of bread.  Since it is a "quick bread" there is no yeast involved, meaning if you have a fear of yeast breads, this is for you!  Baking soda is used as the leavening agent (i.e. what makes the bread...bready).  Before baking soda was a commercial product, (think 1900's) the baking soda would be replaced with the ashes of plants soaked in water... yum?  Today we use this same thing as fertilizer (compost). ICK!  

Risotto with Greek Yogurt and Peas

Peas are one of the few vegetables that I enjoyed growing up.  I was one of those crazy picky kids.  In the special case of tomatoes, I would eat gallons of ketchup or salsa, but put actual slices of tomatoes in front of me...eww.  My parents always told me that it would change when I grow up and never...ever... did I really believe them back then.

Mini Spanish Mac and Cheese

 

Mini things are better right??

I could be partial to the idea because im short.  I mean... life-sized barbie was the same height as me for awhile.  Seriously though, mini things are cute.  Like these ponies or these monkies. 

There is also mini food.  This mac and cheese is a perfect example of how good and cute (no judgements) mini food is.  Of course you could make this in one casserole dish to eliminate the amount of dishes there are, but how fun is it that each person at the dinner table get their own mac and cheese.

Parsley Pesto Chicken

Sometimes a no fuss dinner is required.  This is one of my favorites.  Currently I work full time, go to school, and run this blog with Tay.  Sometimes it's crazy.  Right now, I got lucky and don't have too much going on with school, but it is because I am waiting to hear what schools I got into (cross your fingers).  Needless to say, this recipe comes in handy often.

Brussels Sprout and Bacon Grilled Cheese

There are those restaurants where I know what I am going to order before I get to the door.  I might pretend I am going to "try something new" but that fools no one.  Some things are just too good to be changed. 

That's how I feel about brussels sprouts and bacon.  It is one of those combinations that needs to be left alone.  It is what it should be.  

Apple Raisin Cinnamon Granola

Granola is one of those overly addicting foods.  You know... the kind where you finally have to tell someone to take it away from you because you are in danger of eating an entire jar of it.  At least its healthy, right?  Well... sometimes.  I was browsing the bulk section of my local supermarket and couldn't stop freaking out about how much sugar was in a serving.  Seriously, go check it out, suddenly you will realize that you have been eating candy why the store bought stuff is so yummy.

Don't worry, I wouldn't deliver such terrible news without a solution.  Homemade granola.  Not only is this healthier, it is cheaper.  Can you say win-win?  Well I can... and after this granola, I'm not going back.  

Chocolate Rolled Cookie

I am often told that I should be an elementary school teacher.  Those people obviously don't know me well.  Its not that I don't love kids... I do, I just don't want to be around them all the time.  At least not now, talk to me in five years.

Mostly I hear this at my job.  It also normally involves cookies.  I like themed parties/foods/cookies (hence the elementary school teacher).  I can't help it though, something about themed cookies gets me so excited.