posts may contain Amazon affiliate links, which earn me a small commission when you buy (but doesn't cost you anything extra). Occasionally I receive free products and/or run sponsored posts—this will always be stated clearly in the post. Thank you for supporting this blog.

This website contains some quotations, excerpts, and screen clips from copyrighted material. These uses fall well within the copyright doctrine of "Fair Use".
Thursday, August 29, 2013

Ejotes con Huevo {she made, ella hace}

Ejotes con Huevo {she made, ella hace} | www.girlichef.com
It was TWO YEARS ago this month that Leslie and I decided to head into our kitchens/cocinas together (yet separately) on a regular basis for she made, ella hace!   Our very first endeavor was baking up Conchas.  We've chosen so many different ingredients and dishes since then, and when trying to decide what was worthy of an anniversary, Leslie came up with a brilliant idea.  She suggested that we each make something from the other one's blog!

So yes, genius.  But then came the hard part - narrowing the list of delicious food of Leslie's that I've bookmarked, pinned, and pined after over the years!   Can I just tell you, it was not an easy task.

But I did manage to decide on one certain dish.  My favorite kind of food...food fueled by memory...food fueled by love.  I don't care if it's the simplest dish in the world, or one with days-worth of steps, those recipes always turn out to be the best.  I chose Leslie's Ejotes con Huevo.
Ejotes con Huevo {she made, ella hace} | www.girlichef.com
Now, having a full-blooded Mexican for a husband, I couldn't believe that I'd never tried Ejotes con Huevo before.  I mean, I am always asking him to tell me stories of the food he ate as a kid.  But even the tiniest whisper of this dish has never passed through his lips.

He was home from work the morning that I decided to make them for a late breakfast.  When I told him what I was making, he nodded.  I asked him if he'd ever eaten Ejotes con Huevo before.  He said yes. 

 "Well, why haven't you ever told me about them!?" 
 "I haven't thought of them in a long time; I'd forgotten about them, really."

I think he gets exasperated with me sometimes.  He's all "just because I'm Mexican doesn't mean that I've tried everything you can pronounce in Spanish".  Or you know, he tells me that with his eyes.

So making this dish sparked a little nostalgia for him, and lit a full-blown raging fire for me.  I mean, it's a simple dish.  And while I never would have thought that green beans and eggs went so well together - they totally do!
Ejotes con Huevo {she made, ella hace} | www.girlichef.com
Through heaping tortillas-full, I declared that these were officially being made at least once a month.  Maybe more.

Are you wondering which dish of mine that Leslie chose?  I knew you were.  She went with my Tortas con Chile Colorado...and oh, how I wish that I could scoot my butt on down to Mexico and enjoy one with her!  We'd have two of the days meals covered...

Ejotes con Huevo (Green Bean Scramble)

by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Keywords: breakfast vegetarian nut-free soy-free sugar-free eggs green beans Mexican

Ingredients (serves 2)
  • 4 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 tablespoons butter, divided
  • 1/2 of a small red onion, chopped
  • 1 jalapeño, thinly sliced
  • 1 large, ripe tomato, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 ounce) can whole green beans, beans cut in half
  • sea salt
  • freshly ground black pepper
to serve (optional)
  • warm tortillas
  • queso fresco, crumbled
  • salsa
Instructions
Heat 1 tablespoon of the butter in a medium cast-iron (or other non-stick) skillet over medium-high heat. Add onion, jalapeño, tomato, a pinch of salt, and a few grates of pepper; cook until just soft, 3-4 minutes.

Add green beans and cook, stirring, until heated through, another minute or so. Reduce heat to medium-low.

Add the remaining tablespoon of butter and the beaten eggs; cook, stirring constantly, until the eggs are done to your liking.

Serve immediately topped with queso fresco and salsa, if you wish - preferably scooped up with warm tortillas.

   note:
You could use ~2 cups of fresh, blanched green beans that have been cut into 2" pieces in place of the canned green beans, if you'd rather.  And yes, I use (and prefer) fresh ones in most applications...but in this dish, there's just something so delicious about using the canned variety.  Entirely up to personal preference.

slightly adapted from La Cocina de Leslie
Ejotes con Huevo {she made, ella hace} | www.girlichef.com
What happens when two American girls who are both married to Mexican guys find out that although one of them lives in the U.S. and one of them lives in Mexico, they both love eating the same food?  Well, naturally they decide to get "together" the only way they can and cook up the same dishes.  Or perhaps take the same ingredients and talking about them in their own voice or using them in their own way. 

Leslie and I have teamed up to occasionally cook/bake/make a our own versions of the same food.  We want to see how similar (or how different) they turn out.  Other times we will pick an ingredient and use it however we choose...or maybe just talk about it.  Good food knows no borders and we hope to share the food we love with you.  It's not a competition, it's a showcase.  We will post on the same day as each other and would love to hear your thoughts on what we've made and how you make it. 

Join me (here at girlichef) and Leslie in her kitchen (at La Cocina de Leslie) for some delicious food.
She Made, Ella Hace Banner- girlichef.com and lacocinadeleslie.com
Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Turtle Cheesecake Popsicles {#SummerOfThePopsicle Guest Post: Barefeet In The Kitchen}

Who's Holding the Stick: Rah-rah-sis-boom-bah...it's Wednesday!  My favorite day of the week all summer long, because I invite one of my talented blogging friends to take over my space...and they come in full-force.  Bearing popsicles!  So today, please help me welcome Mary from Barefeet In The Kitchen!
Turtle Cheesecake Popsicles {#SummerOfThePopsicle Guest Post: Barefeet In The Kitchen} | www.girlichef.com
When Heather from girlichef invited me to guest post for her Summer of the Popsicle series, I immediately had visions of popsicles running through my head. I couldn't resist the chance to come up with a truly indulgent treat.
Turtle Cheesecake Popsicles {#SummerOfThePopsicle Guest Post: Barefeet In The Kitchen} | www.girlichef.com
I started with creamy cheesecake ice cream, swirled caramel into it and then froze the mixture into popsicles. Once frozen, they are dipped in chocolate and sprinkled with nuts. I loved this combination and the kids have already requested that I make these again.
Turtle Cheesecake Popsicles {#SummerOfThePopsicle Guest Post: Barefeet In The Kitchen} | www.girlichef.com
If you don't happen to have a popsicle mold lying around the house, grab some dixie cups next time you are at the store. A small square of foil over the top will help support your sticks. Of course, if your kids have used every popsicle stick in the house, you'll need to be a bit more creative. Find some plastic spoons and break off the spoon portion. The handles will work just fine on their own.

Turtle Cheesecake Popsicles

by a guest post from Mary Younkin of Barefeet In The Kitchen
Prep Time: 10 minutes (+ time to freeze)
Cook Time: 2-3 minutes (to melt chocolate)
Keywords: dessert snack vegetarian soy-free chocolate cream cheese sour cream frozen popsicles summer

Ingredients (varies)
  • 8 ounces cream cheese
  • 2/3 cup sour cream
  • 2/3 cup heavy cream
  • 2/3 cup sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
  • 1/2 - 1 cup caramel sauce, cooled (I'm sure store-bought would be fine as well)
  • 1 cup semi-sweet or dark chocolate chips
  • 3 tablespoons refined coconut oil
  • Optional: 1/4 cup finely chopped pecans
Instructions
Combine the cream, sour cream, cream cheese sugar, lemon zest and salt in the blender. Puree until completely smooth. Add the caramel and pulse to combine. Adjust the caramel amount to taste, depending on how rich you would like the popsicles to be.

Pour into your popsicle molds and freeze 6-8 hours until firm. In a small, wide mouth jar or glass bowl, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil. Warm the chocolate and the coconut oil in a glass bowl in the microwave at 50% power. Start with 1 minute and then add 30 second intervals, stirring to combine. It should take 2-3 minutes for the chocolate to soften. Stir to combine. (Any leftover chocolate can be stored at room temperature.)

Let the chocolate cool and place the chopped pecans in a shallow dish. Line a small tray or baking dish with wax paper or parchment and set next to the chocolate and nuts. Remove the popsicles one or two at a time from the freezer. Carefully peel the cup off of the popsicle. (If you are working with a full mold of popsicles, I'd recommend removing all the popsicles from the tray. Then set them on the prepared lined tray and put them back in the freezer while you dip each one.)

Dip the popsicles into the chocolate as much or as little as you like. I made all of mine different, just because I could. Place each coated popsicle on the lined tray and keep the tray in the freezer as you are dipping the rest of the popsicles. Store in the freezer until ready to serve. Enjoy!

*note:
I prefer refined coconut oil for this recipe, because there is no coconut flavor or aroma at all. However, refined or unrefined will work equally well.
Turtle Cheesecake Popsicles {#SummerOfThePopsicle Guest Post: Barefeet In The Kitchen} | www.girlichef.com
Summer of the Popsicle 2As usual on Wednesdays...my heart feels full, but my hands feel empty!  Yes, much like Garth Brooks, I want "one for each hand"!

So, while I go check my fridge and pantry for the ingredients, why not visit Mary at her blog, Barefeet In The Kitchen.  You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+!

Thanks so much for being here today, Mary! 
Tuesday, August 27, 2013

Bless This Food {book review}

Bless This FoodAncient & Contemporary Graces from Around the World
author: Adrian Butash
publisher: New World Library
"foodie" elements: yes
soft cover: 189 pages

random excerpt:   For individuals whose intellectual interest is in what Paul Verlain called "mere literature," the compelling beauty of these thanks-giving food prayers reveals the noble spirituality of humanity.  Prayer is how human beings relate to God, nature, and their place in the divine order of things.

     Prayer is the principal channel we use in our search for ultimate meaning.  Thanks-giving food prayers embody religious and social contexts, encompassing myth, sacred doctrine, rituals, and social and cultural practices.* (p.7 - Introduction)

summary/synopsis (from back cover of book):  Grace before meals is the prayer said most often in homes around the world, an act of worship common to every known society.  The universal experience of sharing food fundamentally connects people to one another, to nature, and to the infinite.  Expressing thanks for food represents a wonderful tradition that acknowledges bounty and our daily sustenance as gifts from the divine.

Bless this Food presents 160 timeless mealtime blessings in an easy-to-use format.  The eloquent prayers and poems have been carefully selected from the world's major religions, ancient traditions, and the world of great poets and thinkers, with sources ranging from Shakespeare to Starhawk, Tecumseh to the Tamil tradition, the North American plains to Pakistan.  Each grace is introduced with cultural context and details about its history and evolution.  Also included are two prayers in American Sign Language and the short prayer "bless this food" in nineteen languages.  The result is a unique kind of soul food - and a recipe for gratitude at any mealtime gathering.

my thoughts/review:  I knew from the moment that I heard the concept of this book that I wanted to read it.  And really, for me at least, it's not so much a reading book as it is a devotional or reference-style (though that sounds way too stuffy) book.  It begins with a 21-page Introduction, but from that point on, it's all blessings, graces, and prayers.

Some of the graces shared in the book are surprising (and don't sound a whole lot like saying grace), but I think that's the beauty of them - there's something for everybody.  I enjoy Butash's perspective, coming at this having studied philosophy and cultures of the world and combining it with faith.

Whether you're giving thanks to God (whoever that may be for you), or to the earth for its bounty, or to the animal who gave its life so that you may eat - I believe in the message that Bless This Food sets forth.  It has earned a place near my table, and I will share its message with my family.

a few of my favorite blessings from the book:  I have quite a few pages dog-eared, but I wanted to share a couple of the (shorter) blessings that I enjoyed...and will be offering as thanks-giving for my food from now on*.
                          Prayer 26
                          The smel of new breade is comfortable to the heade
                          and to the herte.
                           — Middle English prayer (circa 1400)

                         Prayer 67
                         Some hae meat and canna eat,
                         And some wad eat that want it;
                         But we hae meat and we can eat,
                         And sae the Lord be thankit.
                          — Robert Burns (1759–1796),
                              “The Selkirk Grace”

    a few of my own additions:  Like most households, I'm sure, we have a few regular prayers or blessings that we've been saying for generations.  I was surprised that the first two (okay, even the third one...I think they're pretty universal) weren't included in the book.  So, I decided to share some of ours right along with those that I liked from the book...

                             Said at my family holidays meals since I was a little girl. 
                             God is great,  
                             God is good,
                             Let us thank Him for our food.  
                             By His hands we all are fed, 
                             give us Lord our daily bread. Amen.

                             Johnny Appleseed: This blessing is a song.  
                                     It's been a favorite since I was in preschool.
                             ♫♪ Oh, the Lord is good to me, 
                             and so I thank the Lord 
                             for giving me, the things I need 
                             the sun and the rain and the apple seed.
                             The Lord is good to me. ♪♫

                             Short and sweet...and always a favorite with the kids.
                             Rub-a-dub-dub, thanks for the grub.

    about the author: Adrian Butash is a well-known creative and marketing professional and a producer of significant fine arts, television, and film projects.  Butash has produced award-winning advertising campaigns and corporate marketing successes for Fortune 500 clients.  He is an acknowledged color expert in beauty products and fashion.  A graduate of Fordham University, he studied philosophy and cultures of the world.  He is also an Independent Holocaust scholar who has designed a memorial for the Mauthausen concentration camp.  He and his family live in Santa Barbara, California.

    *Excerpted from the book Bless this Food: Ancient & Contemporary Graces from Around the World © 2013 Adrian Butash. Printed with permission of New World Library, Novato, CA. www.newworldlibrary.com or 800-972-6657 ext. 52.


    I received a free copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and opinions stated in this post are 100% my own. This post contains Amazon affiliate links.
    Monday, August 26, 2013

    Artisan Chocolate Bars + @SucreNewOrleans Giveaway!

    Artisan Chocolate Bars + @SucreNewOrleans Giveaway! | www.girlichef.com
    When I was a teenager, I had a poster on my bedroom wall with the title "Life's Lessons".  It had phrases listed on it like:  Always buy lemonade from a child's lemonade stand and Never refuse homemade brownies.   Okay, it was one of those taller, thinner-style, thick-papered posters with a ton of the same type of sayings all over it.  And for some reason, those are the only two that I can still remember.  And, of course, they both concern food.  Go figure.

    Basically, the poster just reinforced the lesson of being a good person.  Being Kind.  Live like you were dying.  Dance like no one's watching.  That sort of thing.  And yes, I also had a Mean People Suck sticker on my dorm-fridge.  I'm that girl.  I believe in doing unto others, and karma and sh*t.
    Artisan Chocolate Bars + @SucreNewOrleans Giveaway! | www.girlichef.com
    Now, while I don't think that the phrase Never refuse an offering of Artisan Chocolates was on that poster - it totally belonged there.  Because I am a firm believer in that notion.  If somebody offers you seven beautiful bars of chocolate, ranging from creamy white to smooth milk to crispy bittersweet?  Welcome it into your life with open arms.  Accepting that gift will make you a happier person.  And I know this from experience.

    Yes, when the fine people at Sucré asked me if I'd be interested in trying their Seven Artisan Chocolate Bar collection, I did accept.  And I tasted each and every single bar.  It's hard to choose a favorite.  If forced, I'd probably go with the Nibs & Brittle or the Sicilian Pistachio & Rose Petal.  But each and every one was ridiculous.  Fortunately, there was more than enough chocolate for me to share - which should definitely be another one of life's lessons, by the way:  Always share your chocolate with others.
    Artisan Chocolate Bars + @SucreNewOrleans Giveaway! | www.girlichef.com
    So, just as Sucré is sharing their chocolate (they also shared their Macarons, if you remember) with me - they are also sharing it with one of YOU!  That's right, they've offered to send a pack of Seven Artisan Chocolate Bars to one of my readers, as well.

    Giveaway
    This giveaway is open to residents of the US only.  Submissions are due by 11:59 pm (ET) on Sunday, September 1, 2013.  The winner will be contacted within 48 hours of the close of this contest, and given 24 hours to respond.  If they have not responded within that time frame, a new winner will be chosen.

    Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment on this blog post letting me know which variety of these Artisan Chocolate Bars from Sucré that you are most excited to try.  Once you've left a comment, be sure to click the appropriate box on the Rafflecopter widget within this post (below).

    Extra (optional) Entries can be earned after you've completed this first entry.  Good luck!

    a Rafflecopter giveaway


    I received one Seven Chocolate Bar Collection at no cost from Sucré; Sucré is providing the same thing for one giveaway winner.  I received no compensation for this post, and all opinions stated within are 100% my own.
    Sunday, August 25, 2013

    Currywurst Mit Pommes

    Currywurst mit Pommes
    The first time I tried Currywurst was just over six years ago on the streets of Germany in my teensy-tinsy kitchen.  I was in the throws of a lounge-chair-vacation (tell me lounge chair doesn't sound better than lawn chair), issue 101 of Saveur in my hands.  If I remember right, it was just a small article, probably only a one-pager.  But that small article was my introduction to the most popular German fast food, Currywurst.

    The thought of sausage sitting in a pool of curried tomato sauce, alongside french fries, would haunt me for days.  Until I finally made it.  It continues to haunt me.  I will get random cravings for Currywurst a few times a year.  And no, they don't just go away.  I have to actually make a batch.

    I've tweaked that original recipe here and there over the years to find one that is perfect (in my mind).  But the thing is, I've never tried any Currywurst but my own.   But I know in my heart of (German) hearts that it's the real deal.
    Saturday, August 24, 2013

    "Big House" Cherry Bourbon Sour

    "Big House" Cherry Bourbon Sour | www.girlichef.com
    Did you know that tomorrow (August 25th) is National Whiskey Sour Day?  True story.  But since I already have a delicious post coming your way, I decided that I needed to start celebrating a day in advance.  Yes, needed.  Ah, the things I'll do to honor a day for honoring booze...

    And not just that.  I'm shaking things up a bit in the process {pun intended}.  In the form of cherries.  Mmm-hmm, the #10lbCherryChallenge wages on!
    "Big House" Cherry Bourbon Sour | www.girlichef.com
    I had a bunch of cherries that I knew were just begging for a Bourbon bath.  Psssh.  You can hardly blame them.  I know several people who wouldn't mind a Bourbon bath.  So I pitted enough cherries to fill a jar, and then I added enough Big House Bourbon to cover.

    There's not really a specific recipe, or even ratio.  Basically, just be sure your cherries are completely submerged.  Put on the lid and refrigerate for a week.  At this point, you can pop a drunken cherry in your mouth.  IF you like being slapped in the face, that is.  Because they do that.  They slap you in the face.  And they're really strong.

    So really, just strain your cherries out.  Go ahead and keep them in a separate jar.  Store your Cherry Bourbon in the fridge.  Take it out to make cherry-tinged Bourbon cocktails.  Or add simple syrup, to taste, and turn it into a liqueur.  That's good stuff, baby.
    "Big House" Cherry Bourbon Sour | www.girlichef.com
    As for the cherries, I'd go ahead and cover those in:

              a) the aforementioned Cherry Liqueur
                                        OR
              b) simple syrup

    Store them in the fridge and eat them with a spoon every time you pass by over ice cream, with crepes, on a flourless chocolate cake.  Or something like that.  If you're going to make the liqueur, pull out 2 ounces of cherry-tinged Bourbon to make one of these cocktails first.

    Cherry Bourbon Sour

    yield: 1 cocktail

    2 ounces Cherry-tinged Big House Bourbon (see above)
    1.5 ounces freshly squeezed lemon juice
    1 ounce simple syrup, or to taste

    Fill a glass with ice and pour in the bourbon, then the lemon juice, then the simple syrup.  Throw a couple of extra drunken cherries in as garnish.

    Enjoy National Whiskey Sour Day!
    "Big House" Cherry Bourbon Sour | www.girlichef.com
    I received a bottle of Big House Bourbon at no charge.  I received no monetary compensation for this post, and all opinions stated within are my own.
    Friday, August 23, 2013

    Smoky Chicken Paprikash Soup inspired by When Harry Met Sally | #FoodnFlix

    Smoky Chicken Paprikash Soup {inspired by When Harry Met Sally for Food 'n Flix} | www.girlichef.com
    When Harry Met Sally.  You know you love it!  As far as chick-flicks or rom-coms go, this is one of the classics.  And one of my personal favorites since it has a riduculous amount of food references strewn throughout.  But, if you know that it was written by Nora Ephron, that probably doesn't come as a surprise to you.  Ephron was a foodie (whether that's a term she used or made jokes about, I can't be sure).  Have you read Heartburn?  I Feel Bad About My Neck?  Crazy Salad?  Food played a prominent role in Ephron's life.  Must be one of the reasons that I can relate to her words so well.
    Thursday, August 22, 2013

    Global Street Food - a #SundaySupper Preview

    #SundaySupper Global Street Food Preview | www.girlichef.com
    I think that one of the absolute best ways to immerse yourself in the culture of a certain city, country, or region is through food.  The good stuff.  The food that people make in their own kitchens from scratch handed down through generations.  The food that you can buy from small street vendors or carts.  The food that you can order from the window of an obscure food truck.  Food is the heart of most any culture!

    So, I am incredibly excited to be co-hosting a #SundaySupper all about Global Street Food this week with my friend Bea from The Not So Cheesy Kitchen!  We'll be diving into memories of our favorite street food experiences, as well as trying the street foods of places we have yet to travel to.
    #SundaySupper Global Street Food Preview | www.girlichef.com
    Check out what is in store for you this Sunday!  Do you see any of your favorite street foods on the list?  What are some of your personal favorites that you don't see?  I absolutely cannot wait for Sunday....

    Bread on the Boulevard
    Hand-Held Savory Eats
    To-Go Containers
    Sweets on the Streets
    Grab a Thermos 
    Sunday Supper Movement Let's hit the pavement this Sunday in search of the best street food from around the globe!  Join us for a #SundaySupper event featuring Global Street Food that we've made in our own kitchens, in honor of our favorites and/or those we would love to try!

    We'll also be holding our live #SundaySupper twitter chat at 7pm (ET) on Sunday evening.  We'd love to have you join us as we discuss the best and the worst of Global Street Food!
    Wednesday, August 21, 2013

    Triple Berry Ice Pops {#SummerOfThePopsicle Guest Post: Everyday Maven}

    Who's Holding the Stick: First of all, I am so relieved to have somebody take over for me today since I'm busy getting the kids off for their first day back to school.  I mean, come on school corporation - it's still summer!  Popsicles are still lining the freezer...  So, hooray for Wednesday!  I'm very excited to welcome my friend Alyssa from Everyday Maven back (she was also here during the 12 Weeks of Winter Squash)!  Take a gander at these beautiful frozen treats on a stick!  

    Deciding which popsicle to share with you was extremely difficult. As a mom to a 3.5 year old, we seem to have an endless supply and variety of popsicles in our freezer. As you can imagine, they range from creamy, rich and fruity to icy and refreshing. Then there are the adults only pops spiked with booze and/or coffee.

    Throw in the fierce competition that has graced these pages every Wednesday since #SummerOfThePopsicle returned and you have one hard decision!

    As I was wrestling with which recipe to share, it became obvious when my son asked me for an ice pop the other day. He asked me for one of the Triple Berry Ice Pops that have been a summer staple regardless of what other concoctions have come and gone, we always have these.
    Triple Berry Ice Pops {#SummerOfThePopsicle Guest Post: Everyday Maven} | www.girlichef.com
    These Ice Pops are refreshing, light and beyond easy to make. All you need is a blender, some berries, a splash of coconut milk, coconut water, a touch of honey (or maple syrup) and a pinch of salt.

    I like to make these in Dixie cups as they are the perfect size for little hands and not so big that they ruin my son’s dinner appetite when he wants an afternoon snack.

    Enjoy and thanks for having me Heather!

    Alyssa, Everyday Maven

    Follow Everyday Maven Facebook Follow Everyday Maven Google+ Follow Everyday Maven Twitter Follow Everyday Maven Pinterest Follow Everyday Maven Instagram Follow Everyday Maven RSS

    P.S. These Ice Pops are Dairy-Free, Nut-Free, Paleo and Vegan Friendly (if you swap Maple Syrup for the Honey).  1 Points Plus Each.

    Triple Berry Ice Pops

    by guest post by Alyssa Brantley of Everyday Maven
    Prep Time: 5 minutes (+ time to freeze)
    Cook Time: n/a
    Keywords: dessert snack vegetarian dairy-free nut-free soy-free frozen popsicles summer

    Ingredients (15 (3 ounce) Pops)
    • 28 ounces coconut water
    • 4 ounces full-fat coconut milk (from a can)
    • pinch sea salt
    • 2 Tablespoons raw honey
    • 10 ounces organic mixed berries
    • 15 (3-ounce) Dixie Cups
    • wood popsicle sticks
    Instructions
    Grab a small baking sheet or large flat plate. Line up the Dixie Cups and set aside.

    Combine coconut water, coconut milk, sea salt, honey and mixed berries in a blender jar or bowl of a food processor. Process until completely liquefied.

    Pour berry mixture into Dixie Cups.

    You have two options for when to add in the wooden popsicle sticks. You can wait about 30 to 45 minutes when the popsicles will be slushy and not yet frozen but sturdy enough to hold up the sticks and insert them OR cover each Dixie Cup with a small piece of tinfoil and place the stick through the center prior to placing in the freezer. Personally, I usually do the first method unless I am running out of the house and won't be around 45 minutes later to place the wood sticks.

    Allow the pops to set for a couple of hours (4 to 6). When ready to eat, use a scissors to snip the Dixie Cup and then just unpeel it off and discard.

    TIPS:
    • These Ice Pops are only as good as the fruit you make them with so make sure your fruit is naturally sweet and super ripe. Taste the mixture before pouring into the cups and adjust sweetness at that point as the frozen version will be very close to that.
    • I used a combination of blackberries (2 ounces), blueberries (4 ounces) and strawberries (4 ounces). Any berry combo will work but if you use blackberries, strawberries or raspberries and want a smoother popsicle, strain blended mixture through a fine mesh strainer before pouring into the cups.
    Triple Berry Ice Pops {#SummerOfThePopsicle Guest Post: Everyday Maven} | www.girlichef.com
    Summer of the Popsicle 2Thanks for being here today, Alyssa! These look like the perfect treat to have ready for the kiddos when they trudge in after their first day back to school...when it's still 91° outside!  I should have time to mix up a batch and get them frozen...
    Tuesday, August 20, 2013

    Go Beyond the Beef w/ @Arbys #GrandTurkeyClub!

    This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Arby's. All opinions are 100% mine.
    Go Beyond the Beef w/ @Arby's #GrandTurkeyClub | www.girlichef.com
    I did it!  I went out of my comfort zone and ordered a turkey sandwich at Arby's!  You may not know this about me, but I cannot go into an Arby's without ordering a regular Roast Beef Sandwich, curly fries, and a Jamocha shake.  I take the the top bun off of the roast beef and pour three even lines of Horsey Sauce, Arby's Sauce, and Three-Pepper Sauce over the top of my roast beef before putting the top back on.  And I've always been (more than) content with my ritual.  It's the perfect flavor combination.

    Forgive me if you've heard me mention my little ritual before, I just wanted to throw out a point of reference.  A point of reference for what, you ask?  Well, a point of reference for me walking into an Arby's and ordering a Grand Turkey Club!  Waaaaaay out of my comfort zone.  A regular roast beef, it is not.
    Go Beyond the Beef w/ @Arby's #GrandTurkeyClub | www.girlichef.com
    But what it IS, is freshly sliced hot roast turkey, melted Swiss, pepper bacon, leaf lettuce, tomato, and mayo - all piled high on a Harvest Wheat Bun!  Now, I could have pushed myself even further and ordered an Arby's Grand Turkey Ham Club (which contains all of those glorious things that I mentioned were in the club - with the addition of...you guessed it...ham).  But I didn't.   Not this time.  Baby steps, people.

    I should also mention that I did also forgo my Jamocha shake and have a Dr. Pepper instead.  It was pure madness.  But I was sure to order a side of curly fries.  Just to keep me from going completely over the edge.
    Go Beyond the Beef w/ @Arby's #GrandTurkeyClub | www.girlichef.com
    Guess what?  Trying new things pays off!  Though nothing will ever take the place of my favorite Arby's meal - the Turkey Grand Club gave it a run for its money.  It all starts with that gorgeous Harvest Wheat Bun.  It may have been this bread-addict's favorite part of the sandwich.  But the thin slices of REAL turkey (you can tell when it comes from an actual breast, or from a "pressed and formed" loaf).

    I enjoyed every last bite, and went home show off the evidence to my husband (yes, this was a little "me time") in the form of photographs.  He was jealous.  Until I pulled an Arby's bag from behind my back and handed him his very own Grand Turkey Club.  And then, he was just grateful.  Have you tried the new Grand Turkey Club or Grand Turkey Ham Club from Arby's yet? Find an Arby’s near you, and go beyond the beef!  At least once...
    Go Beyond the Beef w/ @Arby's #GrandTurkeyClub | www.girlichef.com
    Visit Sponsor's Site
    Monday, August 19, 2013

    Sayadieh Bil Samek (Fish Pilaf w/ Caramelized Onions)

    Sayadieh Bil Samek (Fish Pilaf w/ Caramelized Onions) - a guest post from www.girlichef.com | www.marocmama.com
    5/1/16: I originally shared this Sayadieh Bil Samek recipe as a guest post at MarocMama while she and her family were in the midst of moving from the US to Morocco. To read the original post in its entirety, click here.
    Sunday, August 18, 2013

    Cheesy Chorizo Buns

    Cheesy Chorizo Buns
    "What are those rolls I just saw on Instagram?" asks my teenager, sauntering into the kitchen.  My kitchen that is six steps away from his cave bedroom, at most.

    I got a good laugh out of that one.  I can't give him a hard time, though.  He works his butt off (literally) at swim practice twice a day.  On average, that's four to five hours a day.  I don't blame him for retreating to a cool, dark bedroom and some time on his iPod.  It just made me laugh to think that he was mere steps away from me as I kneaded the dough...cooked the chorizo...grated the cheese...and waited for the whole shebang to rise.
    Saturday, August 17, 2013

    Birthday Ice Cream Bombe {#IceCreamWeek}

    Welcome to #IceCreamWeek! Kim of Cravings of a Lunatic and Jen of Juanita’s Cocina have teamed up with more than 20 of their blog friends to bring you a week full of ice cream treats, including a special ice cream giveaway! Prepare to have your taste buds tempted with some of the best ice cream treats around! 
    Ice Cream Bombe {#IceCreamWeek} | www.girlichef.com
    Today we are celebrating with a Birthday Ice Cream Party extravaganza for our friend Jen of Juanita's Cocina!  We love Jen noodles and brunches!  If you know Jen, then you probably adore her as well, so why not head on over to her website today to wish her the happiest of birthdays (or stop by her Facebook wall to wish her a Happy Birthday there).

    Oh hey, why not grab a slice of this over-the-top Birthday Bombe before you go?  Doesn't it look insane?  And totally worthy of a birthday celebration!  And it is about 100x the size of the treat I originally intended to make for the party.
    Ice Cream Bombe {#IceCreamWeek} | www.girlichef.com
    It's true.  I started out with the intention of making bonbons.  I mean, a frosty glass bowl piled high with them...but still bonbons.  I thought it would be simple.  I mean, little nuggets of ice creamy goodness in any flavor under the sun.  Right!?

    Wrong.  Those buggers gave me a run for my money.  Before catching up and overtaking me.

    It's really just a perfectionist sort of thing.  I wanted 'em how I wanted 'em, and I wasn't settling for anything less.  In my mind I pictured little domes.  I thought maybe I could use a small scoop and then turn them out and freeze them.  They didn't look pretty.
    Ice Cream Bombe {#IceCreamWeek} | www.girlichef.com
    Okay, fine.  Next up, I dumped all the mini ice cubes form their (domed) tray and filled the holes with ice cream.  Promising.  Until I couldn't get them out.  They were just too soft, and wouldn't hold their shape.  What I need is a silicone mold that I can just turn inside out once they're frozen, but I wasn't going to be getting one in time.

    So, I scrapped those deformed little nuggets (right into the little baby bird mouths chirping at me from behind).

    I wanted festive.  And apparently I wanted something dome-shaped, darn it all!  So a giant, layered version was born.  An ice cream BOMBE!  Why yes, it is French in origin.
    Ice Cream Bombe {#IceCreamWeek} | www.girlichef.com

    Ice Cream Bombe

    by Heather Schmitt-Gonzalez
    Prep Time: 8 hours
    Cook Time: n/a
    Keywords: dessert ice cream New Year birthday frozen ice-cream

    Ingredients (serves 10-12)
    • 1-1/2 - 2 pints (or so) Vanilla Bean Ice Cream, divided
    • 10 Nutter Butter cookies
    • 1/2 (7 ounce) bottle of Reese's Peanut Butter Ice Cream Sauce
    • 1 pint (or so) Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Ice Cream
    • 1/2 of a frozen Sara Lee Pound Cake
    • 4 ounces milk chocolate chips
    • 1 ounce coconut oil
    • SPRINKLES - LOTS OF 'EM
    Instructions
    Line a freezer-safe bowl (~1-1/2 quart size) with plastic wrap, leaving extra hanging over each end (to wrap back over).

    Scoop about 2-3 cups of vanilla bean ice cream into the lined bowl and press it against the sides and bottom, so that it is fairly even and about an inch or so thick. Gently fold in the plastic wrap and set a smaller bowl inside, pressing gently to "smooth out" the insides. Remove smaller bowl. Freeze for at least 2 hours.

    Place Nutter Butters and Peanut Butter sauce into a food processor and pulse until no large chunks remain, just small, wet crumbles. Remove plastic wrap from over the ice cream, and spread the Nutter Butter crunch in an even layer over the ice cream. Replace plastic and freeze for at least 2 hours.

    Peel back the plastic, and scoop 1-2 cups of Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup ice cream into the concave dome, pressing gently into sides and bottom, forming about a 1-inch layer. Loosely set plastic back over and press a smaller bowl in to "smooth out" the insides. Freezer for at least 2 hours.

    Peel back the plastic. Add another cup or so of vanilla bean ice cream to form a layer that is about 1/2-inch thick. Use a round cutter the size of your "center hole" to cut a circle from the pound cake. Gently, but firmly squeeze the pound cake into the opening. Put the plastic back over and freeze for at least 2 hours.

    When you put the bombe back into the freezer for the last time, combine the chocolate chips and coconut oil in a glass bowl and microwave for 1 minute. Stir until smooth, and then set aside and allow to cool to room temperature while the bombe is freezing.

    To finish it all up, peel back the plastic wrap and set a serving plate upside down over the bowl. Carefully turn the bomb over onto the plate, giving it a couple of good whacks on the counter to get it out of the bowl. Peel off the plastic wrap.

    Pour the chocolate mixture (cooled to room temperature) over the top of the bombe, allowing it to run down the sides. Give it a little help with the back of a spoon, if needed. Immediately release a shower of sprinkles and/or jimmies over the top.

    If not serving immediately, place back into the freezer (cover with plastic once the chocolate shell has completely hardened, if you wish).

    To cut, run a long, sharp knife under hot water between slices.

    note:
    Switch this up with any type of ice cream or cake to make different variations. Use a jam layer or a chocolate crunch instead of peanut butter. Use white chocolate or dark chocolate instead of milk chocolate in the shell. The possibilities are endless!

    Happy, happy birthday, Jen!
    Ice Cream Bombe {#IceCreamWeek} | www.girlichef.com
    If you’d like to check out the final day of #IceCreamWeek recipes, drool over the blogs below:
    Please join us today, Saturday, August 17th at 2 p.m. (EST) for our PinChatLive Event happening simultaneously on Pinterest and Google+. We have ice cream cookbooks up for grabs. We also have 10 Ben & Jerry's Swag Prizes up for grabs. So check out our Pinterest Board, #IceCreamWeek during the event at 2 p.m. today to win one of these amazing prizes. We'll be announcing the winners of our giveaway and talking ice cream -  see you at the Ice Cream Social!