Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix

A healthy fall treat to eat by the handful or in a bowl with a splash of cold milk. Be warned, this snack mix is addicting!

Click link to view Pumpkin Spice Snack Mix Recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Pumpkin_Spice_snack_mix.html

Shrimp Etouffee

Sweet tender shrimp nestled in a decadent tomato sauce, this is classic Creole comfort food.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Shrimp_Etouffee.html

Honeysuckle and Thunderstorms

The summer I turned twenty-two I threw everything I owned into the back of a U-Haul, put my foot on the gas and drove six-hundred miles straight south to Memphis Tennessee. I had no idea how much I was about to learn. Click to read:

http://www.thesensuist.com/Musings.html#Honeysuckle

October makes me happy. How about you?

October makes me happy. How about you?

Crisp air, falling leaves, bonfires, hot apple cider, pumpkins, fall festivals, comfy sweaters. I know not everyone can enjoy the beauty and cooler temperatures of fall but even if it's still a blazing 80 degrees where you are, you can still jump in the kitchen and whip up some fabulous comfort food to showcase the harvest. 

 

Click below for a collection of my favorite fall dishes.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Menus.html#Fall

 

 

“I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.”

― L.M. Montgomery

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili

A hearty meatless chili perfect for a chilly day.

Click link to view Black Bean and Sweet Potato Chili Recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/BlackBean_SweetPotato_Chili.html

Happy first day of fall y'all!

Happy first day of fall y'all!

This is my absolute favorite season.  I have a few of my favorite quotes for you and some fall inspiration.

 

This is the view I get to take in on the way home everyday. Breathtaking.

 

 

“No spring nor summer beauty hath such grace as I have seen in one autumnal face."
― John Donne

 

"The only difference between an extraordinary life and an ordinary one is the extraordinary pleasures you find in ordinary things"
-Veronique Vienne

 

What is your favorite part of Fall? What things do you want to put on your "fall bucket list" so this season doesn't slip away without you enjoying every moment of it?

For a musing and some inspiration about my favorite season, click below: http://www.thesensuist.com/Musings.html#Musing-Fleeting_Seduction_of_Fall

Ham and White Bean Soup with Kale

Ham and White Bean Soup with Kale

This is one of my family’s favorite soups. It’s hearty, healthy and satisfying comfort food.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Ham__White_Bean___Kale_Soup.html

Sweet and Savory Kale

Sweet and Savory Kale

One of my favorite ways to eat kale. A little spice from Dijon, a kiss of sweet honey and the zing of vinegar all marry together for an unforgettable and healthy side dish.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Sweet_and_Savory_Kale.html

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

This decadent zucchini bread is richly spiced and speckled with chocolate morsels.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Chocolate_Zucchini_Bread.html

Seafood and Corn Chowder

Seafood and Corn Chowder

This thick creamy chowder tastes indulgent but is actually low in fat and easy to make.

Follow link to view Seafood and Corn Chowder Recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Seafood_Corn_Chowder.html

Chewy Chocolate Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

Chewy Chocolate Raisin Oatmeal Cookies

This cookie recipe can be adapted to whatever little yummy bits you have in your pantry and can also be made ahead and frozen so it’s ready at a moment’s notice.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Chewy_Oatmeal_Cookies.html

Salmon Cakes

Salmon Cakes

These savory cakes are elegant and easy-to-make. These can be made small to serve as appetizers or bigger as a main dish.

Click to view: Salmon Cake Recipe

http://www.thesensuist.com/Salmon_Cakes.html

Huevos Rancheros Casserole

Huevos Rancheros Casserole

This zesty Mexican inspired casserole makes a hearty meatless dinner or a special brunch.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Huevos_Rancheros_Casserole.html

Sunshine Muffins

Sunshine Muffins

Packed with whole grains, the bright flavor of orange marmalade shines in every bite. These muffins are a healthy start to your day or anytime snack.

 

Click to view Sunshine Muffins Recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Sunshine_Muffins.html

Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad

Buffalo Chicken Chopped Salad

All the deliciousness of Buffalo chicken wings on a crisp refreshing salad complete with celery, carrots and blue cheese.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Recipes-Buffalo_Chicken.html

May Culinary Adventure

May Culinary Adventure

 

Grilling season is upon us friends! Join me and discover new ways to add a little excitement to your grilling escapades.
 Go on!...Click the link.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Culinary_Adventures.html#May_2014

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

A new twist on a classic favorite.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Smoked_Salmon_Deviled_Eggs.html

How to boil an egg perfectly

How to boil an egg perfectly

 How does an over-cooked egg with a rubbery white and a grey ring around the chalky yolk sound? Not good. But unfortunately that's how they are so often prepared. Here is the way to boil an egg perfectly: no breakage, firm but tender whites and a perfectly soft creamy yolk. I'll also give you tips to cater the cooking time for a boiled egg that’s cooked perfect for you!  

http://www.thesensuist.com/Perfectly_Boiled_Eggs.html

Easter Menu Ideas

Easter Menu Ideas
A few tantalizing pictures to give you a sneak peak at some ideas for your Easter Feast. View these and more at:
http://www.thesensuist.com/Menus.html#Easter

Homemade Corned Beef and Roasted Vegetables with Marmalade Whiskey Glaze

Homemade Corned Beef and

Roasted Vegetables with Marmalade Whiskey Glaze

 

Did you know that “Corned” Beef is just a brined beef brisket? Making your own from scratch is easy and tastes so much better than the store-bought kind. Give it a try! Plus, then you can walk around announcing “I corned my own beef!” and everyone will be so impressed.

 

http://www.thesensuist.com/Homemade_Corned_Beef.html

Thai Beef Salad

Thai Beef Salad

This main-dish salad is tossed with a Thai-inspired dressing, a harmonious balance of sour, salty and sweet and then topped with tender bits of marinated steak.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Thai_Beef_Salad.html

Slow Roasted Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze

Slow Roasted Salmon with Maple Mustard Glaze

Slow cooking salmon at a lower temperature produces an almost buttery consistency and a veil of sweet/tart glaze compliments the flavor of salmon perfectly. This is salmon at its best.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Maple_Mustard_Glazed_Salmon.html

Happy Spring from Alaska!

Happy Spring from Alaska!

No, I haven't posted the wrong picture! This is what Spring looks like in Alaska. Here is how you can tell:

1. Sunshine, beautiful sunshine! During the winter, the sun doesn't get high enough in the horizon to peak above the mountain-tops so we don't see direct sunlight at all for several months. The sun is shining on our skin again and we don't care that it's 30 degrees, it feels so good!

2. The river isn't frozen solid.
Yeah...that's about it.
Oh, and also I saw asparagus for $2 a bunch in the grocery the other day. Another sure sign that spring is here...or somewhere.

Tomorrow I will be sharing a great springtime recipe which I humbly call The Best Salmon Recipe of ALL TIME. Visit The Sensuist and sign up for email updates so you don't miss a thing!

http://www.thesensuist.com/Home_Page.html#Spring_in_Alaska

 

Shepherd’s Pie

Shepherd’s Pie

Irish inspired comfort food; a rich savory filling topped with a fluffy potato crust.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Shepherd_s_Pie.html

March Culinary Adventure: The best sandwich of all time

March Culinary Adventure: The Best Sandwich of All Time

I have a delectable little DIY project for us this month in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.

Click to join in on the fun! http://www.thesensuist.com/Culinary_Adventures.html#March_Culilnary_Adventure

Hurricane Cocktail

Hurricane Cocktail

The famous rum punch from New Orleans that will leave you with a smile!

http://www.thesensuist.com/Hurricane_Cocktail.html

 

Any time we visit New Orleans, we begin our evening with a stop at Pat O’Brien’s for their famous Hurricane cocktail. In honor of Mardi Gras I’d like to take you on a journey.  Care to come along with me?

Read: Begin with a Hurricane

http://www.thesensuist.com/Musings.html#Begin_with_a_Hurricane

 

Fancy Pants Champagne Cocktail

Fancy Pants Champagne Cocktail

A festive champagne cocktail for your Oscars party.

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Fancy_Pants_Cocktail.html

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus

Tender-crisp asparagus with a touch of lush garlicky cheese wrapped in ribbons of prosciutto.  An easy elegant recipe that you can prepare ahead of time for your next party.

Click to view Recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/ProsciuttoWrapped_Asparagus.html

Greek Chopped Salad

Greek Chopped Salad

This grain salad is full of crisp veggies, speckled with salty feta and olives and tossed in a bright lemon dressing.  

Click below to view Greek Chopped Salad Recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Greek_Chopped_Salad.html

Tropical Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Tropical Carrot Cake Oatmeal

Say goodbye to boring oatmeal and give this delightful and healthy version a try!

http://www.thesensuist.com/Tropical_CarrotCake_Oatmeal.html

Morning Glory Breakfast Cookies

Morning Glory Breakfast Cookies

Chewy little morsels of goodness, these healthy cookies are packed with dried fruit and they are sugar and gluten free!

Click to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Morning_Glory_Cookies.html

Perfect Peppered Bacon

Perfect Peppered Bacon

 Cooking bacon can be messy and time-consuming on the stove-top. Here’s an easy way to make crisp bacon with little effort and a lot less clean-up

http://www.thesensuist.com/Perfect_Peppered_Bacon.html

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

Spaghetti Squash Carbonara

A revamped version of spaghetti carbonara with a creamy cauliflower sauce. Your biggest decision here is whether to have it for brunch or dinner. I say both.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Spaghetti_Squash_Carbonara.html

Oven Roasted Fajitas

Oven Roasted Fajitas

This technique makes for easy hands-off preparation and is perfect for a party or when your grill is covered in two feet of snow!

Follow link to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Oven_Roasted_Fajitas.html

Homemade Fajita Seasoning

Homemade Fajita Seasoning

A cinch to make and so much tastier than the store-bought packets with ingredients you can’t pronounce.

Follow link to view recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Homemade_Fajita_Seasoning.html

Last Chance to enter for the Cookbook Giveaway!

Today is the last day to sign up for email updates and be entered to win a copy of my favorite cookbook, The Flavor Bible.
Don't miss out on any of the fun we're having at The Sensuist!
Follow this link, enter your email address and you're on your way!

http://feedburner.google.com/fb/a/mailverify?uri=TheSensuist&loc=en_US

 

 

Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce

Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce

This creamy sauce tastes decadent but you can eat it with reckless abandon and not feel guilty! Just try eating this and not smiling.

Click to view the recipe:

 

http://www.thesensuist.com/Cauliflower_Alfredo_Sauce.html

 

Super Bowl Party Recipes

Need ideas and recipes for the big Super Bowl bash  next week?
Stop by The Sensuist and take a look at the Super Bowl menu page!
 http://www.thesensuist.com/Menus.html#superbowl

Homemade Tortilla Chips

Homemade Tortilla Chips

An excellent dip deserves a worthy chip. Say goodbye to wimpy chips that break apart in the dip bowl. These are crisp, perfectly spiced and easy to make. Click to view Homemade Tortilla Chips Recipe: http://www.thesensuist.com/Homemade_Tortilla_Chips.html

Cornbread Civil War

Cornbread Civil War

We are a house divided when it comes to cornbread. Which side are you on? Read about what happens when a northern woman cooks cornbread for a southern man: 

 

Savory Southern Cornbread               
A classic southern style cornbread speckled with jalapenos, cheddar cheese and bacon.

 

 

Sweet Northern Cornbread

This golden “Yankee Cake” is fluffy, tender and sweet; it’s delightful dipped into a steaming bowl of chili or for breakfast with milk and honey.

 

 

 

Thai Hot Wings

Thai Hot Wings

This spicy peanut sauce puts an exotic twist on the traditional hot wing and using the slow cooker makes for easy hands-off prep with tender fall off the bone meat.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Thai_Hot_Wings.html

Don't forget to sign up for email updates so you don't miss out on any of the fun we're having at The Sensuist. Sign up by January 31st and be entered to win a copy of my favorite cookbook, The Flavor Bible.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad with Chickpeas

A healthy and satisfying grain salad that embodies the taste of fresh. http://www.thesensuist.com/Mediterranean_Quinoa_Salad.html

Don't forget to sign up for email updates so you don't miss out on any of the fun we're having at The Sensuist. Sign up by January 31st and be entered to win a copy of my favorite cookbook, The Flavor Bible.

 

Guacamole

Guacamole

This dip is a taste treat sensation; creamy avocados accented by the fresh zing of lime juice and cilantro with a little punch of heat. And Holy Guacamole, it is addictive! (I’m sorry I said that. I couldn’t help myself.)

View full Guacamole Recipe and other bad jokes at my website: http://www.thesensuist.com/Guacamole.html

Chicken, Black Bean and Spinach Enchiladas

Chicken, Black Bean and Spinach Enchiladas

A creamy spinach filling adds an extra special touch to these quick and easy enchiladas.

http://www.thesensuist.com/Chicken_Enchiladas.html