Peppered Shepherd's Pie | Sweeney Todd #FoodnFlix

For this month's round of Food 'n Flix, our host, Kimberly from Coffee and Casseroles invited us to head into the kitchen and pull our recipe inspiration from the vast selection of Tim Burton's filmography. I actually wound up watching a few this month—Sleepy Hollow, James and the Giant Peach (for the bazillionth time), and Sweeney Todd (for only the 4th or 5th time). I also contemplated watching either Dark Shadows...which I'd forgotten I actually owned until I was hunting through my dvds...or Big Fish, as well.

I've actually created recipes inspired by a few of Burton's films in the past...Beetlejuice, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter, Alice in Wonderland, Edward Scissorhands, and Sweeney Todd. I had some fun recipe ideas from both Sleepy Hollow and JatJP, but alas, the current state of the grocery stores did not allow me to bring those ideas to fruition (but hey, there's always later). But I was able to create something inspired by Sweeney Todd once again, with only ingredients I already had on hand. So, that's a win.

Lamb Shanks w/ Einkorn & Potatoes | #EinkornExperiment

It's hard to believe that we're already midway through March, but today is the 15th, and that means it's time for another update on the Einkorn Experiment! Since I talked about einkorn flour three months in a row, I wanted to switch things up and share my latest experience with the whole einkorn wheat berries this month.

Toaster Potatoes and Homemade Ketchup | The Martian #FoodnFlix

This month's Food 'n Flix pick is the 2015 Science Fiction/Drama flick, The Martian. If you're not familiar with the story, it's about astronaut Mark Watney's struggle and perseverance to survive after, presumed dead, he is left alone on Mars. Watney's smarts and good humor ensure that, while long, the journey is not boring.

Salt and Pepper Dip | Gilmore Girls

Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life (S1:E3 "Summer"):

• Hmmm, Stars Hollow has a municipal pool.
• 2:00 in - adorable hippie, college kid, 22-year old April - and she's on the "pot" trail.
• Mac and cheese, salad, and garlic bread on the family table. And popcorn with Luke and Lorelai's after-dinner movie.
• I'm still finding it super hard to believe that with all of Rory's world traveling, Logan is the only one she has to talk to on the phone, visit, and have sex with. The fiance has moved in in this episode, and reality is smacking Rory in the face. She's now the "hotel" girl. The mistress. Duh.
• Loud air conditioner during the town meeting. "It feels like an earthquake." -Rory "Strawberry shortcake?" -Lorelai 
• Such a sad 30-something gang. 😄
• What's up with all the fat shaming? Lorelai and Rory have always been snarky, but I don't remember them being unkind.
• Miss Patty has lost a ton of weight since the series!
• Rory insists that she is not home, but she's using her journalism degree from Yale University to take the unpaying "job" as the new editor of the Stars Hollow Gazette. I actually think it's cool that she's moved back home and is taking over the Gazette, but I wish she'd own that decision.
• Some things never change - Pop Tarts and coffee for breakfast. 
• Whoa, Emily is still asleep at noon. To quote Rory, "it's weird".
• Let me start by saying that I absolutey adore Sutton Foster (because I can't get enough of Younger), but that musical was just another waste of time. Lorelai's face was my face.
• Oh, highlight - Carol Kane singing "I Feel the Earth Move"! I mean, Sophie.
• Possibly crab puffs at the DAR meeting at Emily's house - Berta Puffs and Mystery Soup.
• FINALLY JESS! 💓💓 1 hour into the 3rd episode is far too late for the appearance of the best guy ever to come out of Stars Hollow. A liquid lunch - "Roundbottoms up!" Oh, a reference to Nora Ephron's neck (and one of my favorite books).
• And of course Jess gives her the best advice, because he listens and observes and knows the down-to-earth Rory - write a book about "you and your mom". 
• Still so many emotions at the cemetery. And even more when Rory reveals the story she's writing. Lorelai is not happy. I kind of get it, but at the same time, she's always been nothing but supportive of Rory, it kind of surprises me that she is against the idea. Her "story" is never anything she's been ashamed of before. Oh, and how, after so many years, is Lorelai still against Jess? Come on. He's a successful grown man, not a lost kid anymore. And he's sexy AF. 

Okay, so...I didn't make a recipe that inspired directly from this episode, rather from my elation that Jess finally made an appearance (albeit, far too short) in this episode. I looked back to season two (episode 16) and decided to make something from one of my favorite food scenes involving Jess and Rory (and Paris).

Paris: "What are you doing?"

Jess: "Salt and pepper dip. Only way to eat a fry."

Paris: "Really?"

Rory: "It's fast food gospel."

Then Jess asks Paris if she likes hot sauce, and she asks if she should. He responds that he thinks it's wise.

So, salt and pepper dip, with hot sauce, if you know what's good for you. Of course, I could have just poured salt and pepper together and called it a day (which is totally fine and delicious), but I went a tiny step further and made an actual dip for the fries. It's only a tiny step higher on the difficulty scale to make than pouring salt and pepper together in a bowl is.

Salt and Pepper Dip (for french fries)

mayonnaise, to taste
freshly ground garlic sea salt, to taste
freshly ground black pepper, to taste
hot sauce, to taste

Stir everything together in a small bowl until well-combined. Serve with hot french fries.

Nest Eggs (Eggs in Potato-Carrot Nests) | French Kiss #FoodnFlix

This month's Food 'n Flix club pick is the 1995 Romantic-Comedy French Kiss, starring Meg Ryan and Kevin Kline. I'm hosting over at the Food 'n Flix site this month is you want to join in the fun! So, I chose this flick because it's one of my all-time faves. What can I say, I'm a cheeseball and a sucker for a good chick-flick.

Tortilla Española | Gilmore Girls

Welcome to another edition of the Wednesday coffee klatch, where I discuss and create recipes inspired Gilmore Girls. Last time I talked about A Year in the Life, episode one (Winter), and today I'm talking, unsurprisingly, about episode two (Spring). So, without further ado, here are my thoughts. I'd love to hear what you thought about this episode in the comments below.

Tater Tot-cos | Gilmore Girls

It's coffee klatch Wednesday! Sorry I missed a couple of weeks, but life threw me a couple of curve balls recently. So, let's talk A Year in the Life. Although I've watched all four episodes a couple of times, I'm only going to discuss one episode at a time. Here we go!

Easy Mixed Seafood Chowder

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Seafood Nutrition Partnership. All opinions are 100% mine.

Is there anything more comforting than enjoying a bowl of chowder on a cool, crisp day? I'm going to go ahead and answer that question. Nope, nothing is better. Especially if that chowder isn't only comforting, but also healthy, tasty, and best of all–quick and simple to make!

Garlicky Greens and Parmesan Mashed Potatoes | #SignatureRussets

I've partnered with Idahoan on this sponsored post and all opinions stated are my own.

I have never been the best meal planner. I go through periods where I'll semi map out meals for a week or two, but I rarely follow through. I'm (almost) not ashamed to admit this weakness. I've learned to accept that I'm more of a "plan for 3 nights and fly by the seat of my pants for the remaining 4 nights" kind of gal. Having a well-stocked pantry helps me this department.

Let's say, for example, that I've cooked for the majority of the day on Sunday and we have a good, well-balanced meal that night for dinner. I also happened to make sure I had everything that I needed to make dinner for the next couple of days. Suddenly, it's Wednesday, which has been non-stop work and errands all day long. We finally roll in the door that evening after picking up kids from sports and after school activities and everybody is asking me what's for dinner before I can even hang up the keys.