Category Archives: Her Kitchen

Homemade Ketchup


So, for about a month my refrigerator was broken, which meant that I was grocery shopping a lot (think daily), and didn’t have a lot of basic ingredients (think ketchup). 

Note any recipes made on the blog, or shared with friends were with fresh ingredients, have no fear! 

Anyway, I have no ketchup, but we’re making fries and obviously everyone knows that ketchup goes with fries, and as a kid also with eggs, chicken, potato chips (ick, really?!), burgers and dogs…

Homemade Ketchup Ingredients
1 Pint of cherry tomatoes, halved
2 tbsp of Extra Virgin Olive Oil
1/2 tbsp of honey
2 tsp of red wine vinegar
salt and pepper to taste

 

 

Chop in half all of the tomatoes and scatter them on a tin foil wrapped cookie sheet.  Drizzle over the tomatoes olive oil and season with salt.  This is to taste, and if possible I’d err on the side of under-salting.

Bake in a 400 degree oven for 25-35 minutes, or until the tomatoes have blistered and look a bit charred around the edges.

In a food processer/blender/maybe even by hand combine the roasted tomatoes, olive oil, vinegar and honey and pulse for two minutes, stopping intermittently to scrape down the sides.   Taste.  Need more salt, more pepper, too sweet, too vinegary?  You can adjust a blend again for another 30 seconds.

Serve with freshly roasted potatoes, or glam up a burger and dog.  While this “ketchup” might not be kid-approved because of it’s more rustic and homemade texture, this homemade ketchup packs the acidity of the tomatoes, the bite of the vinegar, the sweetness of the honey and come without any of the packaging or preservatives.

Enjoy!

Hungry for the Weekend


My mom is here this weekend and so, like whenever someone visits from out of town, we will be doing a lot of eating at restaurants.  It can be a lot of fun to try new places, sample new dishes, and indulge in flavors I am unfamiliar with.

What is interesting about food, is how closely it is tied to family.  I suspect, that while walking through the Farmer’s Market, or Eastern Market, or when sitting down for brunch, we’ll likely talk about memories that are tied to food, and create some new ones at the same time.

This week’s Hungry for the Weekend features some food inspiration and some food for thought.

Bon Appetit

If you, like me, are hungry for the weekend please, enjoy these links:

Have a delicious weekend!

Taco Night


Growing up “taco night” was a big deal in our house, we usually had friends come over and share in the abundance of food, and as far as having fun while eating, it’s hard to beat this meal.

So, with that in mind, it was a really nice surprise to come home from work on Tuesday and find that Taco Night had graduated to a more sophisticated level and made for me, by Mark.  What is great about this dinner, is that it is a cinch to make and the ingredients are all fresh and healthful and seasonal for summer.

Taco Night Platter - Pre Construction

Ingredients for the perfect Taco Night:
1/2 lb of boneless, skinless chicken breast/tenders
2 ears of corn
1 pint of cherry tomatoes
1 whole yellow onion, chopped
corn tortillas
1/2 packet of taco seasoning, Trader Joe’s
1 tbsp of canola oil
1/4 cup of Greek Yogurt, nonfat
1/2 tbsp of olive oil
1/4 cup of Lite Mexican Blend Cheese, Trader Joe’s
 

If you’re lucky enough to have  a BBQ grill this is the perfect all in one, little clean up meal to make.

Step 1: Coat the chicken in the canola oil and then dredge in the seasoning mix. Set aside.

Taco Dinner

Step 2: Put the corn, still in it’s husks, the chopped onion, the to

matoes secured in an aluminum foil “bag”, then chicken over indirect heat on the grill – in that order.

Step 3: Rotate the corn, flip the onions, shake the tomatoes, flip the chicken (only once) after ten minutes.

Step 4: Allow corn to cool enough so that you can handle it; remove the husks and cut the kernels from the cob.  Prepare the “sour cream” by mixing the yogurt and olive oil.

Step 5: Serve and make your tacos!

Wedding Advice: It’s Time to Eat


In a new weekly installment on The Daily Batch I will share wedding advice, tips, creative ideas and answers to your most difficult wedding questions and the issues and questions I am asked about in real life.  If there is an issue you want me to tackle, tell me in the comments!

 

So, you’re supposed to “Eat, Drink and be Married” but the question of what to eat can often pose a major problem.  Here’s some advice!

Vegetarian Wedding Food Ideas

 Question 1: My fiancee and I are vegetarians, should we serve meat at our reception? – Mr. and Mrs. Loves Lettuce

Answer: Without knowing if you are a vegetarian for health reasons, or moral reasons, I fall back on the principle that guided all of my wedding planning: the reception you host should be a reflection of who you are, individually, but most importantly as a couple. 

If you maintained a gluten-free diet (for health) would you serve breaded chicken with a side of pasta and bread pudding for dessert?  If you kept Kosher (for moral/religious reasons) would you serve shrimp cocktail followed by pork chops in a cheese sauce?  The answers to both of these questions are likely “no”.

If you and your fiancee live a vegetarian or vegan lifestyle, then the day and night of your wedding should be no different.  The people you invite to celebrate with you are presumably the most important people in your lives and they would not want you to compromise your health or morals in favor of beef, which as it turns it not always “what’s for dinner”.

Work with your catering director to develop a menu that is reflective of your dietary needs, and suits the needs of your families.  Push the limits beyond the standard vegetable plate., aka steamed vegetables and brown rice.   Look for ways to appease all tastes without offending anyone’s sensibilities.  A good place to sneak in some “traditional protein” might be the cocktail hour, if you feel so obliged.  And, remember tempeh, tofu, portobello mushrooms, and hearty root vegetables have all been known to make a carnivore smile.

Marc Mezvinsky, U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Chelsea Clinton and former President Bill Clinton

Or, follow the lead of one famous 2010 bride, Chelsea Clinton who served a vegan menu and a gluten-free cake, and but threw a bone to meat eaters, by serving up some organic grass-fed beef.

Do you agree or disagree with this advice?  Let me know.  And, if there a wedding related issue you want advice on or just some tips – leave a note in the comments.

Photo Source: Top, L – R: Design Sponge, Pinterest, Showfood, Pinterest. Bridal Bar, Once Upon a Plate, Martha Stewart, Bridal Bar, Martha Stewart

 

Hungry for the Weekend


Here is the current state of affairs in my life: DC, where we live, is currently under a heat advisory and warning of hyperthermia.  Two thoughts on that: one, I don’t ever recall that happening in the 18 years I lived in Florida, and two, I am guessing Firefox is underlining “hyperthemia” as a misspelled word because it is so rare!

Additionally my kitchen is an appliance graveyard.  I have a broken refrigerator, in the wall, a new one in the dining room, a hole in the wall that is too small for the ovens, and two dishwashers.

Needless to say, I am not doing too much cooking, and yes, I am very hungry for the weekend!

Caramel Apple Bites via Domesticali

This week’s Hungry for the Weekend features summer fare: ice cream, BBQ, grilling, and a rebuttal to America’s favorite treat, the s’more.

If you, like me, are hungry for the weekend please, enjoy these links:

Have a delicious weekend!

Gluten free Blueberry Crumble


We are having a major blueberry moment in our house.  Yesterday we went through two pints of blueberries.  That is a lot, FYI.  Luckily for us, blueberries are like natural vitamins for your body when you consider their health benefits: packed with cancer-fighting, anti-aging, eyesight-saving and disease-fighting antioxidants.

So, last weekend when we were having a BBQ Birthday party and my sister-in-law’s house I went for the perfect summer dessert, blueberry crumble, made gluten free and dairy free to accommodate everyone’s needs.

Ingredients: Blueberries, Lemon Juice, Sugar, Gluten Free Flour Mix

Ingredients
Filling:
2-3 pints of blueberries
1/4 lemon, squeezed
1 tbsp corn starch
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 brown sugar
 
Crumble:
1 egg
1 cup gluten free flour mix
1/4 cup sugar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tsp baking soda
4 tbsp dairy free “butter spread”
*Extra butter for pan

In a large bowl wash and rinse all of the blueberries, and keep an eye out for any pesky stems.  Shake to dry and then add the lemon juice, sugars and cornstarch.

Gently mix the berries and sugars and allow it to set for a few minutes.  The juice will begin to form, and the cornstarch will take effect to keep it from getting too thin.

After about 15 minutes pour the blueberries into a “buttered” pie dish and use the now empty bowl to prepare the crumble.  (Don’t bother washing the bowl, there is some goodness stuck to the sides!)

With your rings off, mix with your hands the flours, sugars, and egg.  The mix should be “crumbly” and hold a small shape if you were to pack it with your fingers.

Pour the topping on top of the blueberries, leaving about a half inch of blueberries at the edges.  Dot the top with small pieces of “butter”.

Bake in 350 degree oven for 40 minutes, or until the top is evenly browned and the blueberries’ juice is bubbling and bright.

Sooo good!

Share this with friends, family, or eat it all by yourself – this is a perfect, healthy forkful of summer in every bite!

Hungry for the Weekend


As it is definitely the dog days of summer, I wanted to think a bit more about the comfort foods of the season.  The foods that gather family and friends around bonfires, BBQ pits and big picnic tables.

Jello is Glamorous!

This week’s Hungry for the Weekend features lots of summer friendly comfort food.  Let’s dig in.

If you, like me, are hungry for the weekend please, enjoy these links:

Have a delicious weekend!

Where to Eat in Cabo


When we arrived in Cabo we had one goal: eat as much fresh fish and produce as possible.  And, we did.  We scooped up fresh salsa by the chipful, we slathered chunky and smooth guacamole on everything (even eggs at one point) and dined with the fishes.

Before we went to Cabo I did my research, I searched all the travel sites, food sites and blogs, and then I was given the gift of Rick Bayless’ guide to the Baja Peninsula in Food and Wine.  Thank you!  Bayless is the expert, in my mind, for all things Mexican and so his suggestions rose to the top of our list.

First Stop: The Office This is the sister restaurant to one of Bayless’ suggestions, Edith.

What to Expect: Expect a crowd, make a reservation.  This spot is well liked loved by las turistas, and I imagine that is not going to change any time soon.  It is a casual spot, as in wear jeans and you’re over dressed.  The music is playing, your feet are dug into the sand and there is vibrant and bustling energy.

What to Order: We started with some BIG margaritas, and chips and salsa (this is the recurring theme of the trip), then shared a ceviche that was fresh, bright and delicious.  Then we settled in for a second Honeymoon, a special that night, featuring two lobster tails, four prawns, a filet of sea bass, rice beans, and tortillas that were made just a few feet away.  Each bite of the fish was juicy and perfectly cooked.  My favorite was the seabass.

What to Skip: The dessert.  I am really never one to skip dessert, even when I am wearing a bikini the next day, however, this just missed the mark.  Every other dish was so spot on with local flavor and this was a big slab of a banana chocolate cake that we could have found at any Cheesecake Factory around the country.

Why You’ll Love it:

Next Stop, Don Emiliano.

What to Expect: A quieter experience, artfully plated dishes, and unexpected flavors that sing.  This was a great spot to end our trip; al fresco dining – all the tables are outside – and the ambiance of eating in someone’s lovely backyard with our sky dotted with Moroccan lanterns.

What to Order: Do not skip the salad.  We shared a jicama, tomatillo, cactus salad that was incredible.  Bright green and full of flavor this was a salad I only wish we could replicate at home.  For dinner Mark again won the ordering contest with his entree.  Try the short ribs, they are fork tender, and glazed in an aromatic, smoky, rich sauce, and served with orange zested mashed potatoes.

Why You’ll love it: The food is all locally sourced, and while it doesn’t fight the American palate it really stays true to the local flavor, and that includes heat and spice, even in the dessert.  The chocolate tart with salted caramel ice cream had sweet, salty, spicy and savory notes in every bite.

Have you booked your flight yet?  Make your reservations!

Hungry for the Weekend


I keep toying with the idea of traveling to a city and just eating.  This is what it would look like:  Welcome to NY, enjoy your stay please visit Russ and Daughter’s for a bagel and shmear, grab a slice on the street, pop over to Levain Bakery for chocolate chip cookie goodness, go to Eataly to savor all of Italy…  Looks like soon I will be able to cross off one of those visits as Eataly will be coming to see me (and the rest of DC)!

Eataly Partner Lidia Bastianich, Joe Bastianich and Mario Batali

This week’s Hungry for the Weekend features lots of cultural foods, a little Jewish, Italian, Mexican and American flavors.

If you, like me, are hungry for the weekend please, enjoy these links:

Have a delicious weekend!

Salsa is Sassy


Last night Jaci tweeted the following:

I responded to her in kind,

She was out with our great friends in the great city of New York (yay SSM!) and I was grabbing a quick bite with Mark at a Baja Fresh (also good, and shockingly fresh) on K Street in DC.  If you are in neither of those places and want your own Sassy Salsa, check out this recipe.

Homemade Salsa = good

Homemade Salsa shared with awesome people = AWESOME, and sassy!