15 uses for coconut oil besides cooking - via Apartment Therapy

A handy dandy list by Apartment Therapy on 15 non edible uses for coconut oil. I already use it as a skin moisturizer and aftershave....it melts right into the skin. They list rust removal and leather cleaning among other ideas that got my attention. How do you use coconut oil? Have you tried any of the 15 ideas listed?

Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic

If you want salty, crunchy, naturally sweet and fork tender yumminess, try my recipe for Oven Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Balsamic!

I adapted this from a side dish a friend brought over. The key is to let the oven pre-heat and then get those Brussels BROWN with crispy leaves. Also, don't be afraid of using a LOT of FAT!

Chicken Paprikash from Simply Recipes

photo from Simply Recipes

Tonight's dinner in foggy Oakland is Chicken Paprikash from Simply Recipes! I added crimini mushrooms because I just LOVE mushrooms....it's simmering on the stove right now. I might add red bell-peppers next time too. I washed and dried my hands many times - but still managed to drop my knife and make a nice slice across my toes! Luckily it was shallow and even luckier - my husband is fastidious about providing a first aid kit in both  cars and the kitchen! A sprinkle of blood coagulant and I was back in action.

Delicious Dinner this weekend...

On Saturday we celebrated our friend Damon's Birthday at an awesome Korean Restaurant called Jong Ga House in Oakland. I was excited to find this delicious dish on the menu - steak tartar with sesame oil, raw sliced garlic and a raw egg yolk. I drizzled a touch of the mustard sauce on it, broke the yolk and savored the tender chopped beef.

What are the Best Cooking Oils from Real Food University and several other folk...

photo from RealFoodDigest.com

I've been having a whole lot of fun experimenting with different cooking oils and fats. My favorite right now is ghee and bacon grease (which I always have on hand.) Coconut oil has so far been a snack.... I just scoop a spoon of it, put that spoon in my mouth and savor the sweet flavor.

I found a couple of great posts around the net that give the health and cooking whys and hows of different fats so I thought I'd include them all in one post.

Real Food University gives a short video on the best cooking oils.

Mark's Daily Apple combines two great tastes that taste great together - Ghee & Coconut Oil

and

Real Food Digest gives the what/how and why in their Complete Guide to Fats and Oils

So, tomorrow morning I am totally trying that ghee/coconut combo..... what do you like to cook with?

Baked Fennel at Martha Stewart Everyday Food

Photo from MarthaStewart.com

I was visiting my mom on Wednesday and enjoyed going through her Martha Stewart Everyday Food booklets. So  many lovely photos, great ideas and this recipe caught my eye... Baked Fennel with Parmesan and Thyme .

Lemon Chicken at Simply Recipes

Photo from Simply Recipes

I haven't tried this one yet but it looks delicious....

Lemon Chicken

over at one of my favorite recipe websites...

Simply Recipes!

Let me know if you try this one out. I see it in my kitchen in the near future :)

Easy Italian Wedding Soup

My go - to soup for a chilly night! 
Even BETTER the next day :)

Ingredients:
1 - 1lb Roll New York Style Brand hot Italian sausage
(or your favorite Italian style sausage)
2 boxes Kitchen Basics Original Chicken Stock
(my favorite stock with no weird ingredients)
2 cups shredded Parmesan cheese
2  large organic eggs and 1 t-spoon oregano
1 head cabbage or bunch kale
1 yellow onion, 3 cloves garlic, 1 bunch celery
1 bunch flat leaf Italian parsley

Cauliflower-Goat Cheese Gratin on the Food Network

Photo from Food Network

Here's a favorite recipe for cold weather comfort

Cauliflower-Goat Cheese Gratin! 

I doubled the cauliflower and halved the cream.

I also added some chopped, sauteed onion and chopped flat leaf parsley. It was delicious!

Next time I think I'll crumble some crispy bacon and throw it on top! - Heidi

Happy New Year - 2012

Greetings ol' pals!


I usually write something around this time reflecting on the year 
and posting some goals for the next.

It's gonna be shorter and sweeter this time around!

My friend Jennifer Serr interviewed me recently. 

Read her interview at - Bonjour Teaspoon 

I've had a wonderful year and am feeling fit, fine and fabulous!


2011 in a few words:
Comedy pod-casts, periodic ear pain, By Nieves Handmade Natural Body-care, a new knowledge of bay-area traffic navigation, road trip to see Paul F. Tompkins, thrilling news of my brother's engagement, high and lonesome singing, total immersion / fascination / author crush of/on Why We Get Fat by Gary Taubes, delightful anniversary trip to Carmel with lot's of Poki-by-the-sea sandy pawed frolicking, Brian's awesome birthday cocktail flight school at St. George Spirits, Cory and Khrys bought a house in Santa Cruz, bonding and beyond with the Lucky Ladies & my Women's Initiative leap group, mentored by talented musicians and lot's of good times with family and friends!


2012 Goal - Continued Happiness!

Christmas Poki!

Fourth of July with the Bennetts in Chico!

Brian and Heidi Married, August, 4th, 2007

Cary and Jenny - engaged!

Poki and I in Carmel