The Ultimate Bunless Burger

Ramen Burger

 I heard about this through my cousin who visited NYC and said it was all the rage.  People would stand in line for hours just to get one of these burgers.  I find it funny because using ramen noodles seems far from gourmet.  They are the staple food for college students and people who are moving (which was us at the time).  I wouldn't wait in line for one because you can make them just as good at home.  The seasoned burger in between two ramen patties is a genius idea that I can't believe wasn't thought of sooner. The only semi-difficult part is forming the patties, just be sure to fry until crisp on one side before flipping them.

Burger Recipe

Stuffed Peppers- Philly Style

Philly Cheesesteak Stuffed Peppers

By far the best stuffed peppers I've ever had! Forget the bland rice and beef, that's what you feed your dog when they're sick.  The combination of shaved roast beef, caramelized onions, portobello mushrooms, and melty provolone cheese cannot be beat.  The use if a pepper instead of a carb-loaded roll makes you feel a little bit less guilty about this indulgence.

Philly Stuffed Pepper Recipe

Take-out at home

Easy Sesame Chicken 

This chicken takes about the same amount of time as driving to the local Chinese restaurant.  The catch is that is both cheaper and healthier.  If you're looking for that sticky rice that you get on the side, basmati or jasmine rice are the perfect match.  I made this recipe minus the seeds and it's still just as delicious!

Sesame Chicken Recipe

Asian Shrimp Stir-Fry

Sesame Noodles with Shrimp and Snap Peas

This stir-fry is quick, light and easy.  Newmans brand sesame ginger dressing works great.  To jazz up the dish a little you can always add other vegetables.  I think sliced onions, peppers, water chestnuts, or any vegetables would add to this simple Asian dish.

Sesame Shrimp Noodle Recipe

Pork Scaloppine

Pork Scaloppine

This recipe only takes about 10 minutes, so if you're looking for a quick pork; this is it.  The Dijon sauce is a great touch but I made the mistake of using just regular Dijon mustard and I think that the grainy kind would make it that much better.  Be sure to pound the tenderloin thin and tenderize it, don't overcook or it'll be like chewing in leather.  Serve over couscous or with potato wedges.

Pork Recipe

Alcoholic Cupcakes

Marguerita & Chocolate Porter Cupcakes

What's better than than a little beer or tequila in your cupcake (a woman's two vices: alcohol & desserts)?  These cupcakes are moist and surprising.  The marguerita cupcakes combine the tart lime, sea salt, and tequila turn the perfect Mexican cocktail into a dessert.  Details are a must, a sugared rim, lime wedge and straw are the finish touches that this drink, I mean dessert, needs.  The porter cupcake is my favorite chocolate cake recipe ever! It might be the beer or just the rich moist dense chocolate cake.  When making these I tried a new technique that was relatives easy; homemade chocolate curls.  The Pioneer Women does it best!

How to Make Chocolate Curls

Tomato Pie... Not Utica Style

Tomato Tart

I love a good slice of tomato pie (pizza without sauce) but this pie is literally tomatoes in a pie crust.  It's delicious and great for an end of summer meal to use up all of those garden fresh tomatoes.  I even cheated and used a store-bought crust to make it super easy.  Our new kick is to have one meatless night a week and with recipes like this one it's not hard to eat healthy and happy.

Tomato Tart Recipe