Easy Crock-Pot Sweet Potato Turkey Chili

If you are from Texas, I apologize.
I know that chili con carne is the official dish of the state, and I know how seriously Texans take their chili con carne — so seriously that they even have weekend-long festivals devoted to its creation.
I also know that in Texas if you add things like kidney beans, bell peppers, carrots, oregano, and tomato sauce to chili con carne, you’re going to get an earful.

(Paleo) Coconut Lemon Chia Seed Muffins

Cooking is an art, baking is a science.
A sad truth.
While I will comfortably fuss and fiddle with a savory recipe. Playing with muffins or cookies? Not the wisest idea.
Fact is, there is minimal room for improvisation in baking.
Take cocoa for instance.
Do you know that it's safe to substitute natural cocoa when Dutch-processed cocoa is listed in a recipe but it's not possible, however, to switch cocoa types the other direction?
Oh, baking, you cruel, precise science.

Eggplant Pizzas

I love tweaking recipes I find by adding things that I love and that I think will enhance the outcome. Some recipes however are just perfect the way they are and need to be loved as such.
This is one of those recipes.
I've been tempted to tweak it up in different directions but each time I do, I decide against it.
Because truth to be told, there’s not much I can do to make it better.

(Paleo) Cinnamon Roll In A Mug

The process of perfecting a recipe is largely trial and error.
It requires understanding the basic ingredients (coconut flour, what have I done to you?) and the variations for different situations (i.e., coconut flour needs more liquid and eggs than other flours), then tasting them against one’s experience in actual use.
Make, taste, smell, notice, change, repeat.
This is my mantra when it comes to perfecting recipes.

Green Goddess Quinoa Salad with Feta Cheese

It seems that this blog is finally working for me: I have an archive of recipes I love, largely ones that work as they should, and the answer to “What should I eat today?” is now, quite often “Aw man those turkey koftas were legit. Let’s have them again!”

Eggplant Parm "Meatballs"

Okay, I know that despite everyone being back to school, back to work (ugh!), and Labor day being but a small blink in the rearview mirror (was it the day before yesterday or like a month ago?), summer isn’t really over yet.
It’s still hot, humid, smelly, the days are still relatively long and no, I will not put my flip-flops away just yet.
But I can’t help it, as soon as September rolls around, I begin the transition from summer to fall.
I grab the cold weather running gear. I look at the plums and peaches at the Farmers’ market questioningly - I only want to buy apples, figs, and pumpkins.
And I feel the need for bubbly, filling, and indulgent meals — such as eggplant parm.

(Paleo) Kung Pao Chicken

In college I made the stunning discovery that an order of Kung Pao Chicken, braised eggplant, and a beer water was pretty much the best weekday dinner there could ever be.
A friend and I made a weekly ritual of it; until one day we couldn't tolerate another bite — anyone with a bit of common sense would have seen that coming, not us, we were that naive.

Easy Creamy Crock-Pot Butter Chicken (Murgh Makhani)

I’m not sure if you do this as well, but I tend to go in and out food crazes — currently, the only thing I want to eat after running is garlic butter zoodles, which doesn’t sound so bad until you consider that I run every day.
I’ve gone through similar phases with scrambled eggs with avocado and feta, dinners of teriyaki glazed chicken and creamy mashed cauliflower, pan-fried dumplings with chinese eggplant, and for three tormented weeks Xi’an Famous Foods’ Hand-Ripped Noodles (so not paleo, so guilty delicious!)

Creamy Caprese Cauliflower Casserole

We all love cauliflower at this point, don’t we? It has come a long way. A very, very long way.
We’ve tried it as pizza crust, bread, tortillas, rice, noodles, soufflé, even hot pockets. We blend it into mashed “fauxtatoes” and roast it until it becomes perfectly caramelized, nutty, and sweet.
Mel even makes brownies with it, Lau uses it in cakes, while Synthia blends it to create a delicious rice pudding.
But friends, have you combined it with tomato sauce, mozzarella, and basil to make an awesomely delicious bake?
This is my not-so-humble addition to the cauliflower craze, and it has seriously become by far one of my favorite casseroles of all time. (It might become yours too.)

(Paleo) Rich ‘n Creamy Hot Chocolate

Is it too early for hot chocolate?

The answer is who cares, hot chocolate is forever.

OK, OK, OK...I know it's still summer. Hot, humid, sweaty, smelly, glorious summer — with temperatures sitting firmly planted near the triple digits.
But I woke up last Saturday morning and needed hot chocolate.
If I crave something, I make it, and eat it (or drink it in this case). It.Just.Has.To.Happen.

My Top 10 Favorite Kitchen Tools

To be honest, I’m not really a “Buy this gadget!” kind of guy.
Sure, I’ve told you a couple of times to get a spiralizer or a pre-seasoned cast iron skillet; but I’m a firm believer that if you really want to make something, you can make it happen. No.Matter.What. There’s always a way to MacGyver together a solution to the problem of not-the-right-gear.
That being said, I’m a big fan of the right tool for the right job — especially when it makes my life in the kitchen easier and more efficient.
So I’ve put together a list of my Top 10 Favorite Kitchen Tools.

Tools that I use every day, that are exceptionally good at performing their given task, yet are rarely, if ever, found in a “regular” kitchen (every time I go cook at a friend's house, I'm always disappointed to discover very lousy cookware.)
Chances are, you already have a couple of these: maybe you have a cast iron skillet that was your grandmother’s, a Crock-pot you got for your wedding, a very old vegetable peeler you bought ages ago but rarely use.
But you might not have all of these. If you like cooking though, they are all worth having.

Skillet Paprika Potatoes

While tomatoes are getting most of the glamour these days, we mustn’t forget that this is also the height of the new potato season.
I want more people to realize how special new potatoes are — they’re one of the least celebrated foods, even in this positive era of seasonal, local produce.
There’s something amazing in enjoying a bowl of just-cooked new potatoes. And I feel you should know that.

Easy Baked Garlic Mushrooms

Let’s start with what matters most: this is absolutely my favorite quick and delicious way to prepare ‘shrooms.
It’s an incredible, quick, easy side dish that’s ready in less than 30 minutes and that it’s so delicious it will outshine the main dish — unless the main dish is Spicy Basil Lemon Chicken, then we might call it a draw.
These Easy Baked Butter Garlic Mushrooms will make you drool in a way that only butter and garlic can, well that and sweet potato fries, chocolate chunk cookies, pulled pork, and quesadillas. Just to name a few.
It’s seriously the one side side I keep making again and again.

Cauliflower Noodle Spinach Lasagna

This, this is my culinary Himalaya.
This fifteen-layer striation of cauliflower noodles, tomato, spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella cheese, repeated three times, is so delish you won’t even believe it.
Saturday night my friends L+L couldn’t believe how delicious it was, you probably wouldn’t either.
You must though, because this Cauliflower Noodle Spinach Lasagna is homey, comforting, and a total winner.

Green Goddess Turkey Burgers

I’ll say it before you do. Turkey burgers can be pretty blah.
Sure, they’re lower in fat and calories compared to the traditional ground beef burger; but it takes just one bite of a lifeless and dry turkey burger to make you miss the beef counterpart so very much.
I’ve been there many times — more than I’d like to admit.
But when turkey burgers are spiced excellently and tender and juicy, they’re awesome in their own right.
Add zucchini or apple to ground turkey and you’ve got something really good going on. So good you ever wondered why you doubted turkey burgers in the first place.

Bloody Mary Meatballs

I was situating myself with my Kindle in seat 32C (classic “easy out” aisle seat) on my recent trip to Berlin, when the flight assistant unveiled behind the curtains the path-to-the-bathroom-blocking drink cart.
As I was spying from behind my ebook, I couldn’t help but notice that a lot of people ordered tomato juice/Bloody Mary (including myself).
The old lady seated in front of me, a mom and her teenage daughter, even the hipster dude with handlebar moustache sitting next to me.
I never drink tomato juice/Bloody Mary at home, restaurants or bars. But when the flight assistant asks “What would you like to drink?”, rest assured there’s tomato juice to be had.

Creamy Tomato Soup + Cauliflower Crust Grilled Cheese

Eating soup in the summer is an act of defiance — especially during a heatwave.
I’m not talking about eating cold soups such as gazpacho or vichyssoise. I’ve never been a fan of gazpacho. It makes me wish I had tortilla chips while at the same wondering why I am eating salsa with a spoon.
I’m talking about hot soups what warm you from the inside out. Soups you crave when the wind is howling outside, snow is falling, and all you want to do is curl up on the couch with a blanket and a warming bowl of homemade soup.
But when outside it’s 95º and humid, with not even a hint of breeze, and clouds of mosquitoes hum looking for breakfast, eating hot soup means disobedience.
That’s the kind of rebel I am.

Wandering in Berlin

There are a lot of reasons why I fell in love with Berlin.
It’s a vibrant city, with an eclectic mix of culture, urban life and history, a legendary nightlife, a culinary scene that rivals NYC, and always something new interesting happening.
Berlin literally has it all: vibe, art, music, food, fun, endless possibilities.

Sesame-Soy Salmon with Ginger Honey Glaze

Today we have a new entry in the much-overlooked seafood category on this blog.
I know this didn’t get past most of you: That I personally don’t love fish (I mean, I’ve confessed it here and here). Still I won’t consider myself a fish-averse person, but normally I would never choose fish over steak. Never.
Sure, I’ve come around shrimp, tuna (but almost only canned, please; I have limitations) and I’ve been known to make some limited advances in the areas of sea bass, sole, and octopus.
But for the most part, my fish appreciation remains modest.
I’m not proud of it. Actually, it feels more like a failure. It irks me to not be able to rave about sushi like the rest of the world does. I fight it. I often succumb.

(Paleo) Very Berry Ice Cream

I wrote the last post while sitting in a café in Berlin, this time around I’m in the lounge in Munich airport waiting to board.
Like many, I have a love/hate relationship with airports. Now, I know many people have a hate/hate relationship, but I definitely can see more the benefits.
Take Munich airport for instance. It’s gorgeous. Most glass and an open design, there are stores and restaurants a plenty. There’s free unlimited Wi-Fi with a powerful signal (JFK when will you ever learn?) It also offers travellers armrest-free seating and quiet rest areas with reclining seats. Super comfy. What possibly could you want more?

Soy-Lime Chicken Bowls with Cilantro Lime Dressing

I’m typing this post while sitting in a café in Berlin.
It’s sunny outside and there’s even a light breeze. Though it's supposed to get very warm today (temperatures will rise to near 100 degrees), I'm enjoying the cool morning.
There are so many things I want to tell you about this wonderful city but I feel like it’s too early.
I’ll have a post dedicated to this vibrant city next week. Be patient.

Homemade (Paleo) Enchilada Sauce

Every time I make my primal enchilada casserole, I’m always amazed by how delish the sauce is.
Actually, it’s not really clear to me whether I make enchiladas only as an excuse to make the sauce (and eat it by the spoonful) or because I do enjoy enchiladas.
Which I do, I’m not denying that. But now that I’m thinking about it, what I really dig about enchiladas is the sauce.

Summer In Books

I like to read year round but quieter summer days mean I have few more spare moments to catch on my reading.
You can usually find me reading novels, but every now and again I try to spice in a little non fiction. I've noticed that when I do it's usually food related. Shocking right?
Anyways, I thought it might be fun to share a few books I've read recently, all of which will keep you happy and none of which will embarrass you if someone asks, “What’re you reading?”
All are available for Kindle, tablet, and should be out in paperback by now. They are in no particular order beyond the way I found them on my Kindle.

Raspberry Cocoa Smoothie

One thing I’ve learned over the years is that people have strong opinions about the combination of fruit and chocolate.
I don’t judge, I mean, I have strong opinions about pretty much everything, such as the combination of chocolate and cayenne pepper (sometimes), whitefish salad sandwich (no thanks), pillow fight in Union Square (once is more than enough), and how many rounds of Candy Crush it is acceptable to play back-to-back (non-stop, what kind of question is that?)
What I’m saying here, is that pretty much the only thing I don’t have uncompromising views on is the combo of fruit and chocolate.

Cranberry Pistachio Light Chicken Salad

One of the many things that make my life worthwhile is shelling pistachios.
Seriously. It’s totally therapeutic for me.
Especially when I encounter one of those pesky ones that have only opened a tiny bit.
It’s like a challenge for me: ‘Stubborn pistachio’ v ‘Mike’.

Raspberry Almond Thumbprint Cookies with Lemon Glaze

As I told you yesterday, I’m pretty pumped to visit the great city of Berlin.
What I’m not excited about, is packing.
I’m actually really bad at packing. I'm not a light packer to begin with; on top of that I bring things I don’t need, and I forget things I do need.
The one mistake I often make is bringing too many tees, shirts, and sweaters and not enough socks and boxers.
And I always forget about outerwear. As a result I have a humongous collection of fleece jackets and umbrellas I bought around the world.
For some reason, I’m persuaded that while I’m on holidays it won’t rain — not even when I went to India during the Monsoon. My mind is weird, I know.

I'm Going To Berlin!

Aw, man, I'm so pumped about this!

In seven days I'll be landing in Berlin.
I’ve never been to Berlin before but I’ve heard nothing but good things about this city. I’m very very VERY excited to go and explore for myself.
Couz Dan moved there two years ago, and I’ll be staying at his place (thanks dude for the hospitality and for the picture!) He lives in Friedrichshain, a supposedly very trendy neighborhood I’m so stoked to explore.

Grilled Soy-Lime Chicken Breasts

What are your favorite workout songs that you secretly jam to?
You know, those songs that you get super pumped to, but that if by accident someone hears what you’re listening to, you have a backup line ready to justify why you’re listening to it.
Something like “I usually don’t listen to this crap but this is my roommate’s iPod. I picked it up by mistake this morning!"
Personally speaking, I have quite a few songs on my iPod I know for a fact I would get laughed at by my friends.
I call them my “power songs” (I know, I’m such a nerd!)
When I’m running and need that extra push, I crank ‘em up and BAM I immediately feel like Road Runner going “Meep meep!”
Well, I’ve grown sick and tired of hiding my shame playlists (or shamelists if you will) in the shadows. I want to come out into the light and share the music that I so secretly love.

Rosemary-Peach Iced Tea

I’m going to state the obvious: there is nothing more refreshing than a tall glass of iced tea on a hot summer day.
I know it, you know it, even my 6-year old niece knows it.
Iced tea quenches your thirst and satisfies your desire for flavor. It’s one of those delicious flavors that just makes the summertime seem worth while. That and BBQs, doing things outdoors, Central Park Summer Stage, MoMA PS1, Water Fight NYC, and long walks on the beach. Just to name a few.

Zoodles Cacio e Pepe

I like to think of myself as a smart person, but I guess we all make bonehead errors from time to time.
Yesterday despite a heat advisory, I went for a run.
We were well into the red zone where heat exhaustion and heat stroke could occur.
You know, one of those summer days when the thermometer reads 92º, but it feels like standing in the pits of hell — thanks a lot humidity!
The news advised people to stay indoors and avoid strenuous activities, warning that “if you have to be outside, be sure to schedule frequent rest breaks in an air conditioned or shaded place!”

Ginger and Vanilla Bean Apricot Compote

Do you know the difference between jams, jellies, preserves, conserves, marmalades, fruit butter, and compotes?
If you don’t, let me walk you through it.
Let’s start from jams.
Jams are made from fruit that is chopped or crushed and cooked with sugar until the pieces of fruit are soft and lose their shape.
Jellies instead are made from juice, or better yet fruits are crushed and cooked to extract their juice. The mixture is strained through a fine mesh fabric to remove fruit solids. As a result jellies have a bright, crystal-clear consistency.

Moroccan Potato Salad

I always thought most people do like potato salad to a degree, but is rarely somebody’s favorite thing.
More just something you accept.
“Oh, potato salad’s here. Guess I’ll have some before those ribs to get cooked!”
This past weekend I was proven wrong.
I showed up to a BBQ with a big bowl of potato salad and not only was I welcomed, but adored too.

Summer Tomato Frittata

I love frittatas.
I love frittatas probably more than you do.
I know, I know, it’s a bold statement to make, but I really love frittatas.

Avocado Caprese Salad with Balsamic Reduction

It’s easy to overeat during lunch time. You’ve been up since 6am, work is stressful, you’ve already eaten your daily intake of healthy snacks but you’re still starving.
And you know what? Everyone makes bad decisions when they’re starving.
Your mouth is watering, the stomach aches with hunger.
You walk into the Deli.
The options are endless.
Everything looks good.
Even things you normally don’t eat look good. Like Fried Chicken Sandwich or the Italian Meatball Sub with Double Provolone Cheese — you know, just to throw some examples out there.