Banana Bread with Dark Chocolate Chunks:

Have you ever noticed how there always manages to be a perfectly-bad banana in every bunch? The banana that accumulates one-too-many speckles. The one that gives, ever so slightly, when touched. The one that releases a potent punch of banana fragrance as it sits, helplessly forgotten, on the kitchen counter. No matter how many bananas you manage to eat within the week, there always seems to be one that reaches the perfectly-bad banana stage. While others may feel fine tossing it into the compost bin, I just can't seem to bring myself to simply get rid of it. Instead I toss them, one by one, into a zip lock bag in the freezer with hopes that one day soon, that perfectly bad banana will find its way into a perfectly delicious banana bread.

Twice-Baked Shortbread Cookies:

Well, I'm happy to announce that after years of purchasing copious amounts of Walker Shortbread Cookies, I've finally settled on a shortbread recipe that I absolutely love! (My bank account will be thrilled, the accountants at Walker's however, will probably be less than satisfied.) My future mother in law recently sent me a cookbook titled Chewy, Gooey, Crispy, Crunchy: Melt-In-Your-Mouth Cookies by Alice Medrich. The cookbook itself is a wonderful addition to my collection, it's page after page (384 to be exact) of delicious baked goods and wonderful tips and secrets. I've been working with Mrs. Medrich's Twice-Baked Shortbread recipe and have come up with two classic variations to pair with any strong, black, afternoon tea.

Asparagus & Mushroom Bread Pudding:

Asparagus, the tender April vegetable, whose appearance at the grocery marks the triumphant return of Spring, and the perfect precursor to delicious treats to come. I realize that for many American's, a nearly lifeless bunch of asparagus, roped together with a thick rubber band is an everyday occurrence. But, take a closer look this time of year and you will begin to see some life returning to those stalks (that is, of course, if the vegetable didn't have to travel too far to reach you). I stumbled upon some beautiful bunches just the other day, with tight, bright green tips and crisp, white, exposed ends. I took more than my fare share, along with a selection of mushrooms (shitake, oyster and cermini to be exact). Knowing that I had a stale loaf of bread and a block of smoked swiss cheese at home, I had just the recipe in mind: a savory asparagus and mushroom bread pudding!

A Rainy Sunday's Peach Buttermilk Pancakes:

My fiance has this habit of eating everything within eyesight, arms-reach, or our apartment. It's a habit of his that I've learned to deal with and for the most part, I find it quite useful, especially when the week-old leftovers suddenly go missing and I can rest assured that they didn't go to waste! On this dreary Sunday morning, however, his little habit got the best of me. I'm home alone, the rain is falling, and all I want to do is start my day with a hot cup of coffee and a tall stack of blueberry pancakes. But alas, my (apparently not-so-secret) stash of frozen, wild Maine blueberries turned up missing! Well, being the creature of substitution that I am, I scoured the kitchen until I stumbled upon a mostly full jar of peach preserves from Italy, which I used a few weeks back in my Pi Day Peach and Yogurt Museli Pie and I have to admit, I think I created the best pancake recipe, yet! Crispy on the edges, light and fluffy in the middle and just a hint of sweetness, ah perfection.

Chamomile Citrus Tea-Infused Cupcakes:

One of the best things about going to Culinary school is the fact that I now have a network of truly talented individuals who are constantly sharing their newest recipe creations! The most recent contributor to my recipe box is my dear friend, Miss Bethany Shippee. Last week, she sent me an email containing this darling cupcake recipe which she created for her home town grocery store chain. As a Dietetic intern, her recipe contains numerous calorie cutting corners, to make a slightly more healthful cupcake. Yes, a "healthy" cupcake is still a cupcake, and no, it will never actually be healthy. But, isn't it nice to know that you can guiltlessly have a whole cupcake to yourself, without needing to share one with a friend?!

Perfectly Peachy, Yogurt and Museli Pie:

This tasty treat was adapted from a recipe that I originally found in Food & Wine, and I've turned it into just the type of recipe I disdain as a nutritionist: a dessert made with "health foods". Keep in mind that although the two main ingredients are yogurt and homemade museli, there isn't too much that's actually healthy about this recipe, but it's so delicious, I'm sure you wont mind! After playing with the original recipe to create my own version, I can honestly say that this pie has climbed to the top of my favorites list. The Greek yogurt adds a tang which balances out the sweetness of the peach preserve topping. Plus, the crust cooks up to provide the perfect crunch, with little bits of dried fruit dispersed throughout.

Beer Bread:

My lovely Aunt sent me her recipe for beer bread a few weeks back, a recipe that is so unbelievably simple if makes my head spin. I have been trying the recipe out using a variety of beers, trying to nail down my favorite. As of now, they have all been exceptional! Beer bread is a great accompaniment to soups and stews, or toasted for a mid-day snack, but while perusing the web the other day, I stumbled upon a tasty recipe for what sounds like the ultimate grilled cheese!

Liquid Sanctuary:

Is it possible to not enjoy a moment of relaxation? The brief flutter of calm in the midst of a chaotic day, when you sit back, close your eyes and take a deep breath while telling yourself "4:30 is only an hour away, you will be sane again soon." Hmm okay, maybe thats just my growing annoyance with my current job, because this is a daily occurrence for me and it happens to be my saving grace. I had a two-year old throw a pencil at me the other day and I promptly retreated to my desk, grasped my hot cup of tea, took a deep breath and let it all just melt away (which had to have been a better reaction than any other possibility, all of which would have ended with me being fired). So I am here today to praise the wonder of a hot cup of tea and it's ability to be my daily saving grace, the liquid sanctuary that helps me maintain my sanity.

Winter Dinner:

Photos Unknown

Is there anything better than a perfectly roasted chicken? When the skin is salty and crisp while the meat inside remains steaming and juicy? I think not, and a craving for a perfectly roasted chicken is exactly what inspired this post. I'm often called upon by family members and close friends to recommend a delicious idea for a party, a dinner, a pot-luck, etc. You name it, I've helped plan it! I would like to think it's because I know amazing recipes off the top of my head, but in all honesty, I think it's mostly because I know a good recipe when I see it.

Homemade Muesli:

I have been a bad blogger the last few days, being too wrapped up with life things to find time to sit down and type! To make matters worse, I feel that I have been an equally bad nutritionist! I found the cutest little cans of Coca Cola Classic while out shopping the other day and have been enjoying them more than I'd like to admit, tisk tisk. Plus, we were gifted a lovely box of Sugar Bliss cupcakes the night before last, of which we already made a significant dent (though we did have help from friends). And the six boxes of girl scout cookies that I ordered a few weeks back showed up today. Lucky for me, I have a healthy treat on hand to ease me off of the sugar streak and back to my normal 5 a day routine: a tasty batch of home made Muesli!

Breakfast for Dinner: Shirred Eggs

Last night for dinner I made a pot of Chicken Tortilla Soup (a recipe I will share with you all soon). As it is one of my favorite soups, when I commit to making it, I break out the 12 qt. stainless steel pot and make enough to last for at least 2 dinners, 2 lunches and excess for the freezer to keep on hand for a quick fix dinner. Well, somehow my honey and I managed to eat almost the entire pot last night, and I was only left with a small bowl full for lunch. Yea, it was that good. Unfortunately it was also supposed to be dinner for tonight, which I didn't quite realize until I stumbled in the door, exhausted from a long day at the clinic. So, what is a girl to do in a situation where the end of the week has left little to no food in the fridge? Breakfast for dinner, of course. As my favorite meal of the day I will happily whip up one of my go-to breakfast recipes when the feeling is right, and tonight, I'm feeling Shirred Eggs and Spinach.

Pâte à Tartiner Maison:

About a week ago, a California woman filed a class action lawsuit against the makers of the hazelnut-spread, Nutella. In her statement of claim, Ms. Hohenberg says she was “shocked to learn” from friends “that Nutella was in fact not a ‘healthy,’ ‘nutritious’ food but was instead the next best thing to a candy bar.” Well, duh. If you're ever wondering whether a food item that comes in a plastic tub is healthy or nutritious, you should save yourself the hassle and accept that.. well, it's more than likely not. Especially if it comes touting healthy claims that it's a better alternative for something else, i.e. peanut butter.

Swiss Hasselback Potatoes:

This heavenly potato preparation comes originally from the Stockholm restaurant Hasselbacken, where they were first served. The following recipe is adapted from one by Nigella Lawson, my favorite British cook extraordinaire! This style of potato is quick and easy to make, they can be topped with just about anything and go well with all things roast: from Tuesday night pot roast to a classic Sunday roast. My favorite aspect is that they manage to be light, crisp and salty on the outside and simultaneously rich, buttery and creamy on the inside. It really is the best of all potato worlds!

Meyer Lemon Curd:

Did you know: a Meyer Lemon isn't really a lemon at all? It was discovered near Beijing, China back in the early 1900s and brought to the United states in 1908. Though it was originally thought to be a cross between a lemon and a mandarin, recent DNA tests have shown that it's more likely a cross between a lemon and a sweet orange. Another fun citrus fact: there are only three original citrus families, Mandarin + Citrons + Pummelos, all other citrus fruits are hybrid crosses between these three groups. Which is why a Meyer Lemon is not so much a lemon. If you have ever had the fortunate chance to eat a Meyer Lemon, you know exactly what I mean when I say that it has fantastic eating qualities. Its thin, delicate, aromatic peel is perfect for sweeter applications, while its juicy, sweet flesh performs all the same seasoning tasks as its tart cousins, the Eureka or Lisbon lemons.

Chai Rum Toddy

This is a fantastic recipe that I'm stealing from one of my favorite past times: Imbibe Magazine. Which is an incredible resource for all things drink: from beer, wine, cocktails and spirits, to coffee, tea and delicious food pairings. I stumbled upon this recipe just yesterday, and stirred up a batch before bed time. It was the perfect drink to take the sting off of a long, brisk, winters day.

Homemade Instant Hot Chocolate Mix:

Today is a beautiful day in Chicago. The sun is shinning (which is a winter rarity), the streets are finally being plowed and life is starting to creep back into it's normal routine. I'm enjoying my final snow day with a steaming cup of hot cocoa. I have an incredible recipe for Homemade Instant Hot Chocolate which I unfortunately have yet to use this winter. I have to admit, I will always have a soft spot in my heart for Swiss Miss, but it pales in comparison to my sweet recipe.

Snow Day: Homemade Kettle Corn

It's official: snow day! The city is shutting down in preparation for the impending storm. I'm safe inside my home and I could not imagine being anywhere else! We live in one of the last high rise buildings on the south end of the city, where we usually have an amazing view of the Museum of Science and Industry, the lake and everything farther south. Currently, the snow is so bad I can barely see the museum right across the street and it's only just begun!

Sunday Morning Brunch: Souffléd Omelet

Sunday Brunch. Simple words that serve as a cherished weekend routine. It’s a meal that becomes the event on a lazy weekend day. A meal you take your time with. Relax, unplug, visit, eat, read, enjoy. Since Sunday is my Saturday, I get extra excited when I roll out of bed. The combination of sleeping in and knowing that the meal I have been waiting all week for is just moments away... well, there are few words to better describe it than "perfection."

Polenta Cookies:

Since my post on breakfast polentina the other day, I have been thinking nonstop about whipping up a batch of Italian Polenta Cookies. These crispy little treats are a great change of pace from the everyday cookie. Polenta adds a gritty-ness to the finished product, so they aren't quite melt-in-your-mouth, but I have to admit, thats what I love best about them. They are a different kind of cookie: delicious enough to hold me over until the Girl Scout Cookies arrive, but not too sweet that I feel bad when I sneak a few extra after dinner!

Caramelized Brussels Sprouts:

I have a serious vegetable crush on Brussels Sprouts this season. The market down the street from my house has been keeping them in stock all winter and I make sure to pick up a pound or two every chance I get. I love them almost as-is: just a quick steam, a little bit of salt and a deep caramelization, I can think of few things that are better.