Food For Thought

Over the past two years, I’d like to think I have become a much better cook. By “better,” I mean that I don’t set the fire alarm off nearly as much as I used to. Although I loathe grocery shopping, I really enjoy the cooking process. I’m a loyal fan of Barefoot Contessa and occasionally will try a Giada recipe (shhh…don’t tell Francesca). As much as I would like to try fancy dishes, I have to be practical and cooking time needs to be kept to a minimum. Recently, I’ve turned to the Internet for recipes and have been very inspired.

Here are some of my favorite finds:

I hopped on the Orangette bandwagon late in the game. Apparently, this site has been around for a few years. You have to scroll down on the blog to find the recipes, but Molly always adds mouth-watering pictures. This Sweet and Spicy Bacon is on my list to try this month!

Baking is not usually my thing, but Joy the Baker has made it much more bearable. She always showcases beautiful pictures from her baking process. Here’s what I’m loving now: Warm Berries with Stove Top Dumplings. Yum-my!


If my mother or sisters are reading this, I would love this Southern Style Strawberry Cake for my birthday!


The Pioneer Woman takes the cake with her step-by-step pictures. Not only does she make things fool proof, but many of her recipes are also fairly easy. These Spicy, Roasted Chicken Legs are scrumptious and a favorite in our house.


Finally, Chow Mama offers kid friendly recipes and family food tips. I appreciate the recipes listed by age and have been dying to try their Homemade Nutella.


I also found a post on serving tea to toddlers, or more specifically, Chai Spiced Blood Orange Granita. It makes sense, but I have never thought of giving herbal tea to my little one for tummy aches.


I only covered a small portion of the great food blogs out there in cyberspace. Here are some others to definitely check out:

Gastrokid
Sassy Radish
Pinch My Salt
Tiny Morsels

Give me a couple of years and perhaps one day I'll even host a dinner party. No, not the 6 plus course dinners that Francesca and Geoff used to host pre-children; just a simple appetizer, entree, and dessert.

A girl can dream, can't she?

-Kacey