Easy Pad Thai Zoodles

September 29, 2014

Easy Pad Thai Zoodles
I like it when you spot a recipe that you know is going to be fantastic and you just happen to have the ingredients on hand.
But what I like even more is when you have ingredients you want to use in a new way, and you spot a recipe that can be cut to fit what’s on hand.
There it was.
The perfect recipe.
Pad Thai Zoodles.
Exactly what I felt like eating. I wanted to jump up and high five someone.
But there was no one there. No matter. There would be by the time I finished cooking.

Makeover Time!

September 25, 2014

Guys, can I get a WOOT WOOT?
I honestly think I deserve it.
Sooooo new look. BAM! TheIronYou got a complete makeover, just like that.


Easy Creamy Crock-Pot Coconut Curry Chicken

September 24, 2014

Easy Creamy Crock-Pot Coconut Curry Chicken
See that right there?
That's today's lunch, and last night's dinner, and yesterday’s lunch and it’s going to be tonight’s dinner too.
That’s just the way it is.

Ultimate Sesame Coconut Chicken Fingers with Minty Yogurt Dip

September 22, 2014

Ultimate Sesame Coconut Chicken Fingers with Minty Yogurt Dip


Let’s be honest, sometimes being a dude blogger is tough.
The blogosphere is pretty much run by girls, moms, women.
Which is not a bad thing, at all. In fact, it is a very good thing, making the blogging world a kinder, more amiable place.
But there are certain topics - important to us, men - that are kinda off-limits in the blogosphere.
Such as consuming ridiculous amounts of cheap swill, farting in a crowded elevator, world’s loudest belcher, top drinking games, et cetera, et cetera. [Yes women of the world, though we look mature, we still think/act like kiddos — we haven’t grown up a bit!]
At the same time, we can’t talk about sparkles, rainbows, unicorns and glitter and expect to be taken seriously. We don’t have the knowledge to do it. Plus, we will subject ourselves to public humiliation and private doubt.

Easy Ginger, Chili and Lemon Salmon

September 19, 2014

Easy Ginger, Chili and Lemon Salmon


Okay, yes, we’ve all heard about how good fish oil is for us: it promotes joints and heart health, improves the brain and memory, and reduces inflammation.
We also know that it's important to eat at least two servings of seafood a week as part of a balanced diet — because taking fish oil capsules is not the same as eating the real thing.
But we’ve also got to be considerate of the fact that we’re not alone in this world, and that by bringing to the office (or other professional setting) something that smells like a Port-A-John on a hot summer day, we can seriously damage workplace productivity and our reputation too.
I, for instance, had this co-worker once who insisted on bringing and microwaving fish that smelled like it was marinated in cat food.
The kitchen was centrally located, so it ensured that the entire office would smell like a fishing dock in 90° heat.
No one ever complained to him about it, because technically he wasn’t doing anything wrong. We just resented him and plotted for revenge. He was also referred to as the “effin fish guy!”

Hasselback Zucchini with Garlic Thyme Butter and Parmesan

September 17, 2014

Hasselback Zucchini with Garlic Thyme Butter and Parmesan


So...hasselback zucchini (also known as accordion zucchini): why hasn’t anyone told me about this delicious dish before?
More precisely, why haven't YOU told me about it?
I’m aware that withholding information is not lying, but the purpose and the effect are the same, and it’s not cool, at all.
Even though I live on the saying “Forgive and Forget” and that I’m not good at holding grudges, I will hold a grudge and I will not forgive or forget this.
I’m actually so enraged, I still haven’t made up my mind yet whether to give you the recipe or not.
I need more time to think about it.
For the moment enjoy the pictures; because that's the only thing you're getting from me.

Cauliflower Noodle Lasagna

September 15, 2014

Cauliflower Noodle Lasagna


Guys, I think I’ve peaked at this cauliflower crust thing.
I’ve made pizza, calzone, pizzettes, tortillas to use for an enchilada, garlic breadsticks, stromboli, grilled cheese, bechamel, panini, bagels and today noodles to use for lasagna.
And with that, the well of my creativity has officially run dry.
In a way it’s very freeing because I know it’s going to be all downhill from here.
I don’t have to think anymore about how to turn cauliflower into pizza dough, bread, tortillas or noodles.
I’m going to spend the rest of my life really chill and from now when I see a cauliflower head I’ll just say “I peaked. Wow. What a great run!”
Ha!

(Paleo) Almond-Berry Tartlets

September 12, 2014

(Paleo) Almond-Berry Tartlets

As much as I love fall, I'm not ready to let summer go yet.
I've been noticing some leaves changing in the park, but I'm trying to ignore them and pretend I don't see them.
I think I’ve said “I can’t believe it’s September already” a million times over the last couple of days.
I’ve even cracked the joke “Wake me up when September ends” a dozen times or more, and it just isn’t funny anymore.
The dark evenings are approaching with dread but I’m not ready to go into hibernation mode.
People, what happened to sitting out in the bright until 9pm?

Chocolate Caramel Avocado Brownies

September 10, 2014

Chocolate Caramel Avocado Brownies


One of the words that are way overused is “awesome”.
Everyone (including myself - I am actually the worst offender) just throw that term on the table like they are giving out change in a toll-booth.
We use it so much, I believe we’re all starting to get a little desensitized to that word — it doesn’t mean anything to anyone anymore.
Think about the things we daily describe as "awesome"...are they really awesome?
Because we’re doing it without even evaluating the traits that make up the word.
Awesome is an adjective which means “causing awe, inspiring wonder or excitement.”
Are we really feeling a “reverential wonder” when we bite into a big juicy “awesome” burger?
Maybe. Maybe not.
Still, the English language is not short on words that can have the same meaning of, or hold just as much power as, awesome.
Amazing, fantastic, excellent, great, incredible, outstanding, superb, terrific are all semantically similar words that can be used in lieu of awesome.

Zoodles with Crispy Pancetta, Pecorino and Basil

September 8, 2014

Zoodles with Crispy Pancetta, Pecorino and Basil


I’m so digging the zucchini spaghetti lately - dubbed “zoodles” or “zoods” for short.
It might have to do with the fact that at the farmers’ market zucchini are wonderfully inexpensive right now.
It might also have to do with the fact that whenever I feel like having spaghetti, with zoodles I don't have to worry about being glutinized — which btw, is not really an issue for me since I don’t have celiac disease. It’s more like I can load up on my fave nutrient-dense sauce without being weighed down by a heavy bowl of floury pasta.

Cauliflower Bagel BLTs

September 5, 2014

Cauliflower Bagel BLTs


Can we all agree that it's pretty hard to improve upon a BLT?
I mean, the BLT is a classic combination that just works.
Smoky bacon, sweet tomatoes, a nice crunch of lettuce, some really good bread, brought together with a little mayonnaise love.
An awesome sandwich, really.
That being said, I’m here to kick BLT into another dimension.
Ready?
First off, let me introduce you to my latest obsession. Cauliflower bagels.
BAM! There you go.

Coq Au Vin Kebabs

September 3, 2014

Coq Au Vin Kebabs


We are now entering Julia Child's territory. So please be polite. Watch your manners. Say "please and thank you." Keep your poise. No.Matter.What. Behave like a guest. Don't sit unless you've been offered a seat. Don't drink unless your host is drinking too. Sit up in your chair, don’t slouch your shoulders and watch your posture. Don't put your elbows on the table. Eat with your mouth closed, don’t chew your food loudly and don’t slurp your drink. Refrain from drumming your fingers, jiggling your knee, and keep your hands away from your hair. Only engage in appropriate conversation and remember that it’s rude to talk about money.
Oh, almost forgot, dress appropriately. (Hey Grandma! See? You’ve taught me well.)

Spanish Skillet Potatoes

September 1, 2014

Patatas Bravas


Today's recipe is pretty epic, so I decided that for once I should let the pictures speak...