Gluten Free Sesame Salmon with Lime Broccoli & Spring Onions

Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Mild, subtle salmon gets a zing of energy from rich sesame oil and tangy lime!

Sesame Salmon with Lime Broccoli & Spring Onions from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

Feeds 2 adults

This recipe has planted itself on the rotation list in my house. If you've trolled through past entries on Anyonita Nibbles, then you'll recognize this recipe from back when Anyonita Nibbles was called Poems & Plates. It's not an error, I'm deliberately going through old entries and redoing them and this one's first in line for the makeover.

I first made this almost exactly 3 years ago and we've been having it since, swapping out the vegetables, having it on a bed of noodles instead of rice and adjusting the amount of oil and even how it's prepared. Many of the ingredients remain the same as that initial recipe but there have been subtle changes that have transformed this dish.

Tasty Tuesdays #21

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays!

This link party is all about sharing recipes! Joining in is easy; just click "You are Next" and copy/paste the URL of a previously unlinked blog post's URL. Choose a flattering photo to upload and then click some of the other great posts in the party and meet new bloggers!

Why should you link up to Tasty Tuesdays?

Linking up to parties and leaving comments on other posts is a proven way to increase traffic to your blog and grow your blog's followers!

All Tasty Tuesdays participants get guaranteed Pinterest exposure; we pin every post you share because this party is about everyone getting exposure for their blog! Due to Google's algorithm changes regarding comment spam, I have had to adjust my commenting style and as Tasty Tuesdays #19, I will no longer be leaving comments on every post. Instead, I will now share a different link each day on various social media sites. I will also still continue to pin every link that complies with the rules of the party. Be sure to follow our Tasty Tuesdays board on Pinterest!

From Scratch Gluten Free Spaghetti Tutorial with Best Ever Turkey Meatballs and Tomato Sauce

Monday, July 29, 2013

Rev up this family favorite with DIY spaghetti and from scratch oven-baked turkey meatballs and tomato sauce! There's even a spaghetti making tutorial to get you started!
From Scratch Spaghetti Tutorial with Best Ever Turkey Meatballs and Tomato Sauce
Feeds 2 hungry adults & 1 hungry toddler

My idea of culinary nirvana would be vats of overflowing homemade pasta, perfectly al dente with cauldrons of rich, full-bodied sauces and fresh mozzarella shavings. Give me a private veranda in Tuscany with the sun setting and a glass of Chianti and the stage would be set for indulgence and bliss.

I spent $45 on  a round trip ticket to Italy (back in 2008 when intercontinental flights were still cheap here in Europe) and the entire flight over, I fantasized about a scene similar to what I've just described. I hoped to meet some extravagant Italian millionaire who would lavish me and my friends with good food and good wine at his countryside villa. Of course, that never happened. Instead, my friends and I roamed Milan for two days, too cheap (and too poor!) to afford a hotel, so we slept with about two dozen other backpackers just a few feet from the Duomo. Our actual bed was the stoop outside of a Gucci store. I mean, when in Milan ...

While I didn't have vats of pasta, I did indulge once or twice on fresh pasta and pizza and gelatto while we were there. Of course, you know, shop-bought dry pasta can't touch the fresh stuff with a ten foot pole. For years after roughing it in Milan, I craved the soft, buttery pasta of Italy and sought to learn how to make it on my own. Now, I'm going to show you how and share my favorite spaghetti recipe with you. 

Gluten Free Thai Green Curry Fishcakes

Friday, July 26, 2013

Traditional fish cakes get a spicy Thai twist with this flavorful and easy recipe!
Thai Green Curry Fishcakes from www.anyonita-nibbles.com
Feeds 2 adults; 1 toddler

Thai green curry. Now that is a dish that's close to my heart. My most memorable experience, though, is when I was pregnant, past my due date by about 9 days and desperate for Callum to come out and debut. In a last ditch attempt, the husband and I waddled to our favorite Asian restaurant and I had the Thai green curry...with extra spice. Unborn Callum must not have liked the burn of the capsacian because he kicked and rollicked like mad! Unfortunately, he didn't take heed of my not-so-subtle eviction notice and stayed put for another five days!

Feeling broody (British for having baby fever) and a bit nostalgic, I wanted to make a Thai green curry inspired dish and this one fit the bill! It's simple to make and perfect for an appetizer or (if you make a few more) served with rice as a main. If you like a bit of spice and exotic Thai flavors, you'll love these fishcakes.

How to Get the Most Out of Google+ Comments

Thursday, July 25, 2013

How to Get the Most Out of Google+ Comments

Written by: on
How to Get the Most out of Google+ Comments from www.anyonita-nibbles.com
Last week, we talked about Google's new comment spam policy and what it means for both hobby bloggers and professional bloggers. If you missed it, get caught up and find out if you're spamming your own blog!


This week, we'll continue on in the Google vein but look at how to activate Google+ comments on your blog as well as ways for getting the most out of the Google+ comment system. I'll try to simplify the Google+ comment system and show you the pros and cons of it as well.

Update: in the fall of 2013, I signed into Blogger & my G+ comments had vanished! Without warning, none of my blog's comments were visible. I was forced to swap back to traditional Blogger comments. In doing so, this meant I had no hope of recovering any G+ comments. While I am still a fan of G+ comments, I no longer use them on this blog.


Gluten-Free Copycat Sonic Watermelon Fresh Fruit Slush

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

A watermelon slush is a perfect refreshing drink that can be enjoyed for pleasure or as part of a detox regime!
Copycat Sonic Watermelon Fresh Fruit Slush from www.anyonita-nibbles.com
 Waters 4 thirsty adults or 2 dehydrated adults

Ah, Sonic. That mecca of drinks and sundaes. Where burgers and rollerskates mix and tater tots get the business with chili and cheese. Growing up, Sonic was always a popular spot to pull in and have a drink after school. Unfortunately, Sonic hasn't made it's way across the pond and there are no drive-in fast food restaurants either.

 Inspired by the drinks of my childhood, a hint of nostalgia and with fresh watermelon to use up, I pulled out the blender and made this refreshing cooler. It's clearly not alcoholic (although that could easily be rectified) but my husband and I sipped this on the couch after Callum had gone to bed while watching TV.

Tasty Tuesdays #20 + New Co-hosts

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays!

This link party is all about sharing recipes! Joining in is easy; just click "You are Next" and copy/paste the URL of a previously unlinked blog post's URL. Choose a flattering photo to upload and then click some of the other great posts in the party and meet new bloggers!

Why should you link up to Tasty Tuesdays?

Linking up to parties and leaving comments on other posts is a proven way to increase traffic to your blog and grow your blog's followers!

All Tasty Tuesdays participants get guaranteed Pinterest exposure; we pin every post you share because this party is about everyone getting exposure for their blog! Due to Google's algorithm changes regarding comment spam, I have had to adjust my commenting style and as Tasty Tuesdays #19, I will no longer be leaving comments on every post. Instead, I will now share a different link each day on various social media sites. I will also still continue to pin every link that complies with the rules of the party. Be sure to follow our Tasty Tuesdays board on Pinterest!


All Tasty Tuesdays featured bloggers get added to a beautiful roundup and get followed on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, G+, Google Friend Connect and Bloglovin'! Here's how we do features on Tasty Tuesdays:

Featured from last week's party
Over the last few weeks, this link party has really grown, so for today's features, I wanted to show off some of the newbies and say "Welcome!" Even if I didn't feature you and you're a newbie to the party, a very big "Welcome!" to you as well and thanks to you all for joining us!

A collection of recipes featured on www.anyonita-nibbles.com

Gluten Free Marinated Char-Grilled Chicken

Monday, July 22, 2013

Rev up the chicken at your next barbecue with this amazingly mild and flavorful herb spice!
Chef's Essentials Marinated Char-Grilled Chicken from www.anyonita-nibbles.com
Serves 2 hungry adults & 1 toddler
There's nothing better than flame-licked, char-grilled juicy chicken. For this delicious and flavorful chicken, you only need three ingredients. Allowing your chicken to marinate is crucial for this recipe as it imparts flavor all the way through the meat. I've made this dish twice, once using plain, unflavored yogurt and once using Greek yogurt, but I prefer the tang and bite of the Greek yogurt. Also, I served this with grilled corn on the cob and coleslaw.

While you're here, don't forget to enter my new giveaway! Up for grabs is a spice bundle from Chef's Essentials including the rub used in this recipe, a 10% off voucher from new online market place, Ananasa, as well as an "Eat It" wall chart from the Kitchen Gift Company, helpful for those embarking on a healthy diet lifestyle or parents who'd like to chart their children's exploration of new foods. Due to the nature of these prizes, this giveaway is open to UK entrants only only.

Gluten Free Fresh Cherry & Buttered Almond No Churn Ice Cream

Friday, July 19, 2013

This ice cream is a fun play on the classic butter pecan flavor. It gets updated to use trendy, superfood almonds and fresh, seasonal cherries are also added in for a bit of a bite!
Fresh Cherry and Buttered Almond No Churn Ice Cream from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

Makes about 1/2 litre or 2 gallons

My dad's favorite ice cream is butter pecan. As a kid, I used to hate it! I always thought: why would you put nuts in ice cream when you could have chocolate chips or cookies? I'd still choose a good Oreo cookies and cream ice cream over anything with nuts, but this frozen treat is fast becoming a new favorite!

The almonds get the butter business the way pecans usually do and they really impart their nutty flavor as well as a buttery smoothness. Pairing them with fresh cherries, just makes sense. The tartness is undercut slightly by the cream and sugar, but echoed with the cherry juice, creating a delicious combination of flavors that's slightly complex: a little bit salty and a whole lot sweet.

Did I mention that you don't need an ice cream maker? This no churn ice cream goes straight from the pot to the freezer, and since there's no milk in it, you don't have to worry about pesky ice crystals making your scoops crunchy.

Don't forget to link up your best Man Food recipes at #GetHimFed! You'll find the link up plus features from last week's party here.

#GetHimFed#2 + Features

#GetHimFed man food link party from www.anyonita-nibbles.com
Welcome to #GetHimFed with Jess from Hungry Harps and me! :)

We have all heard the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” It’s true – and any good woman knows it! Not only do men love to satisfy their hunger with something delightful on the palate, they are also in love with the fact that their meals are made, with love, by the women in their life. Sometimes they are even eager to please back after tasting a recipe that was whipped up for them – and those are the ones we are looking for at #GetHimFed!

Are you spamming your own blog? What to do about Google's comment spam policy

Thursday, July 18, 2013

Are You Spamming Your Own Blog?

Written by: on
Are you spamming your own blog? What to do about Google's comment spam policy from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

 

Welcome to the Blogging Crash Course! 

Helping you grow your blog into the powerhouse you know it can be!
Are you spamming your own blog? What to do about Google's comment spam policyThe Golden Rules of Guest Posting from www.anyonita-nibbles.com
Last week, we looked at the golden rules of guest posting. This week, we're deviating from the schedule and are going to discuss comment spam.


Don't skip over this post, guys! It's vitally important and relevant especially if you host link parties or reply to all of the comments on your blog.

We're going to discuss what Google deems as user-generated spam, what their new regulations regarding spam mean for your blog and how to protect yourself.

I've had a Google Alert set up to monitor this topic for quite a while now and in the last few weeks, the momentum has really picked up. Now's the time to share what I've found with you.

Two Ways with Pineapple: Roasted Pork & Pineapple Tacos & Pineapple Puff Turnovers

Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Pineapple Puff Turnovers from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

Roasted Pork and Pineapple Tacos from www.anyonita-nibbles.com
Seasonable Recipes from www.anyonita-nibbles.com As the weather warms up, I naturally head straight to the pineapple section at the farmer's market. You just can't beat fresh, sweet pineapple. I love it so much and always challenge myself to find new ways to use it each summer. This year, I've come up with two equally tasty dishes to feed my pineapple obsession: my take on the classic puff pastry turnover with gleaming pineapple jam and a quick weeknight taco meal featuring this versatile fruit.

Since pineapples are in season at the moment, you'll be able to get them for pennies from your local market. Even better, they'll be super sweet and full of juicy goodness! That's what eating seasonably is all about, after all!

I've got plans on Sunday! What about you?

Tuesday, July 16, 2013


Anyonita from wwww.anyonita-nibbles.com

What's up, bloggers? I'm Anyonita (ann-yo-nita) & I'll be at Blog On on Sunday where there'll be free wine & some mahoosive goodie bags! (Seriously, have y'all seen the size of those things?!)

Tasty Tuesdays #19 + Seven Wonderful Watermelon Recipes

Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays!

This link party is all about sharing recipes! Joining in is easy; just click "You are Next" and copy/paste the URL of a previously unlinked blog post's URL. Choose a flattering photo to upload and then click some of the other great posts in the party and meet new bloggers!

Why should you link up to Tasty Tuesdays?

Linking up to parties and leaving comments on other posts is a proven way to increase traffic to your blog and grow your blog's followers!

All Tasty Tuesdays participants get guaranteed Pinterest exposure; we pin every post you share because this party is about everyone getting exposure for their blog! I also make sure I leave a valuable comment on each post because if you've taken the time to link up on my blog, it's the least I can do! Be sure to follow our Tasty Tuesdays board on Pinterest!


All Tasty Tuesdays featured bloggers get added to a beautiful roundup and get followed on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, G+, Google Friend Connect and Bloglovin'! Here's how we do features on Tasty Tuesdays:

Featured from last week's party
It's watermelon season! While watermelon is tasty simply sliced into wedges, it's even better blitzed into slushies and coolers! Here are are seven delicious way to enjoy watermelon this season:

7 Wonderful Watermelon Recipes Roundup from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

Gluten Free Margarita Chicken & Clementine Quesadillas

Monday, July 15, 2013

Margaritas and quesadillas are a match made in heaven!
Margarita Chicken & Clementine Quesadillas from www.anyonita-nibbles.com
Clementine and coriander is an unusual combination, but unbelievably refreshing and perfect for summer! Often thrown together in salads, chicken and clementine are complement each other perfectly--the zesty burst of the citrus enlivens the somewhat bland chicken. The combination of coriander (cilantro) and chicken is far less radical but just as delicious. Combining all three result in a trifecta of summery deliciousness that beckons after a long, lazy day in the sun.

Inspired by a recipe I'd seen repeated all over Pinterest for margarita chicken, I loved the idea of incorporating the flavors of a classic drink into a family-friendly meal time. I also wanted something at little less flamboyant than the 28-ingredient recipe that inspired this meal. Are you kidding me?! Who has time to make a meal for a family that requires 28 ingredients? No beuno!

My take on this recipe is family-friendly, quick to whip up after a long day and only requires 10 ingredients without skimping out on the flavor! Even better is everyone loved this meal including my toddler, Callum. That's got to be a win, right?

Chocolate Zucchini Cake Guest Post

Sunday, July 14, 2013

Chocolate Zucchini Cake from www.anyonita-nibbles.com
Are you guys ready for another guest post? Today, we have Britney from The Princess and Her Cowboys sharing an amazingly healthy take on a chocolate cake!

Hey all! I'm Britney from The Princess & Her Cowboys, where you'll find anything from DIY projects and stories to recipes. I am so excited to share here with Anyonita!

One of my favorite things about summer is zucchini. I grew up with my mom using it to make delicious bread and now I'm going to share an addicting recipe from my grandma--Chocolate Zucchini Cake.

Baked Crab and Mushroom Wontons Guest Post

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Baked Crab & Mushroom Wontons from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

Today, I'm pleased to welcome Kristin with an amazing recipe for baked wonton! How delicious does that look, guys? And, as Kristin points it; it's full of healthy, natural vitamins and nutrients! Excellent!

Hi, my name is Kristin and my blog is Dizzy Busy and Hungry! I am glad for the opportunity to do a guest post here at Anyonita Nibbles. Thanks, Anyonita, for having me!

First, let me share a little bit about myself. I am a busy mom of 2 teenage boys, and I also work full-time, volunteer in a few different capacities (at church, at the kids’ schools, and with the boys’ Scout troop), and I play keyboard and sing in a soft-rock band. In addition, I am a breast cancer survivor, so I also work with newly diagnosed women to help them get through those first few tough and scary months after diagnosis. Therefore, as you can imagine, I am pretty busy! With all that going on, as well as having two active boys to shuttle around to various activities, I need a plethora of quick and easy meals to make for my family. Quick and easy are not the only requirements, though, because I also want the dishes to be healthy and family-friendly, with ingredients that fit into my budget.

Gluten Free Ginger Peach Doughnuts with Twinings Gingersnap Peach Tea Glaze

Friday, July 12, 2013

Don't just drink your tea; eat it, too!
Ginger Peach Doughnuts with Twinings Gingersnap Peach Tea Glaze from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

I have a real treat in store for you today! My first ever doughnut recipe! Also, don't  forget to stop by and link up at my new link party, #GetHimFed!

A few days ago, while in the grocery store, my husband spotted this box of what looked like squashed peaches. We went over to investigate the flat, UFO-like fruits and were taken by their name! They're actually called doughnut peaches! My brain started working and I thought, why not incorporate these peaches into actual doughnuts?!

A plate of Douhgnut or Saturn peaches from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

#GetHimFed#1

Welcome to #GetHimFed with Jess from Hungry Harps and me! :)

We have all heard the saying, “The way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” It’s true – and any good woman knows it! Not only do men love to satisfy their hunger with something delightful on the palate, they are also in love with the fact that their meals are made, with love, by the women in their life. Sometimes they are even eager to please back after tasting a recipe that was whipped up for them – and those are the ones we are looking for at #GetHimFed!

Participator Button for #GetHimFed Fridays
<div class="Participator Button for #GetHimFed Fridays" style="width: 153px; margin: 0 auto;"> <a href="http://www.anyonita-nibbles.com"> <img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDpMErA_dsE8-mcpz8091DZIPmd8_7Yo2WB2yaRRml_nrTnAmSOuP9EURtyi-EPvwbq3fGVOmE4x2JpFXDo06Sf3-aMRW1pE3phVQqG4_GppHrsTH5OcJ1R5vuzTe050DfECQOqZaQVy5x/s1600/Aubergine.jpg" alt="I participated at #GetHimFed Fridays" width="153" height="153" /> </a> </div>

The Golden Rules of Guest Posting + 56 Printable Kitchen Labels for Foodies

Thursday, July 11, 2013



The Golden Rules of Guest Posting

Written by: on

The Golden Rules of Guest Posting from www.anyonita-nibbles.comWelcome to the Blogging Crash Course! 

Helping you grow your blog into the powerhouse you know it can be!

Last week, we looked at how to optimize photos for Pinterest. This week, we're changing direction and talking about guest posting.


We're going to quickly cover a wide range of topics under the umbrella of guest posting and look at the benefits of it from the guest's point of view and the host's point of view.
56 Printable Kitchen Labels for Foodies from www.anyonita-nibbles.com
We'll also talk about the etiquette of guest posting and how to turn readers of your guest post into repeat visitors to your blog. Finally, we'll explore the options of charging for guest posts on your blog.

But before we jump in, I've got a freebie for you! These labels can be printed on normal paper and fastened to whatever receptacle you use for storing the appropriate herbs and spices with Mod Podge or they can be printed on sticker paper.

Just click the image to download the PDFs; print them out and use them to organize your kitchen! I've used all of the herbs and spices I have on my own spice rack to populate this list, so by no means is this exhaustive. More herbs and spices will be added as well as other kitchen cupboard staples.

Update: This freebie is no longer available for download. 

Gluten Free Nesquik & Nutella Popsicles

Wednesday, July 10, 2013

Beat the heat this summer with this quick & delicious, chocolate lover's popsicle!
Gluten Free Nesquik & Nutella Popsicles from Anyonita Nibbles
 
Have I mentioned that Manchester is in the throes of a heatwave? Average summertime temps here are 55 to 60. For much of last week and all this week and forecast for all of next week, temps are hovering around 70. It's lovely but hard work without any air conditioning. So, we've been looking for other ways to stay cool and incorporating lots of water play into our routine including splashing around in the bath at the hottest part of the day!

I've been seeking out edible ways to cool down as well! A friend shared with me a link for Nutella popsicles and I thought they were intriguing. In true, Anyonita Nibbles style, I've played around with the recipe and made it my own. The addition of the Nesquik really amps up the chocolatey flavor of these. They're finished off with a final ribbon of rich Nutella before being dabbed with sugar dots.

A trio of Nesquick and Nutella Popsicles from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

They're so quick to make and use three ingredients you probably have in your cupboard already! If you make them before breakfast, they'll be ready for lunch time when little hands would enjoy helping you dredge these in soft, silky Nutella and crunching them in small bowls of sugar dots or sprinkles.


Tasty Tuesdays #18 + 10 Stunning Food Photos

Tuesday, July 9, 2013

Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays!

This link party is all about sharing recipes & food-related posts! Joining in is easy; just click "You are Next" and copy/paste the URL of a previously unlinked blog post's URL. Choose a flattering photo to upload and then click some of the other great posts in the party and meet new bloggers!

Why should you link up to Tasty Tuesdays?

Linking up to parties and leaving comments on other posts is a proven way to increase traffic to your blog and grow your blog's followers!

All Tasty Tuesdays participants get guaranteed Pinterest exposure; we pin every post you share because this party is about everyone getting exposure for their blog! I also make sure I leave a valuable comment on each post because if you've taken the time to link up on my blog, it's the least I can do! Be sure to follow our Tasty Tuesdays board on Pinterest to see your post and all the rest from the party!


All Tasty Tuesdays featured bloggers get added to a beautiful roundup and get followed on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, G+, Google Friend Connect and Bloglovin'! Here's how we do features on Tasty Tuesdays:

Featured from last week's party
Let's face facts. We eat with our eyes and judge food by the way it looks. This week, we wanted to share with you 10 truly stunning plates of food from savory to sweet. Be sure to click the links below the photos to view these photos; they're worth seeing full size, trust us!

Bst in SHow A Roundup of Stunning Food from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

Best in Show Part 2 A roundup of stunning food from www.anyonita-nibbles.com

Gluten Free Kale Berry Smoothie

Monday, July 8, 2013

Kale Berry Smoothie
Summertime has finally arrived here in Manchester. The weather's balmy and the nights are ever-so-slightly cool, but temperatures are holding steady around the low to mid 70s. Here in Manchester, that's hot back in in North Carolina, with these temperatures at summertime, we'd be grabbing the scarves and jackets!


One thing's sure no matter where you are: summer is the perfect time for cool, refreshing smoothies. Slipping in some extra greens is an added bonus, too! This smoothie is one of my favorite! Made with kale, fat free strawberry Greek yogurt, a tiny drizzle honey and raspberries and blackberries. Delish!

Product Review: Schwartz 2 in 1 Mediterranean Chicken Pasta & Cheesy Crumb Topping

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Schwartz 2 in 1 Mediterranean Chicken Pasta with Cheesy Crumb Topping Product Review
I'm not a from-the-packet mom. Although it sometimes takes more time and requires loads of organization, I prefer to cook things for my family from scratch. I think it's more nurturing and that you can really feel the love when you make things yourself. You can also adjust the flavor and the seasoning to reflect your tastes.

I'm not anti from the packet by any means. I understand the need for quick food without having to put loads of effort into it. After a long day nothing seems more appealing than the satisfying rip of a packet, pouring the content into a baking dish and bunging it in the oven before retreating to the solace of the sofa.

Gluten Free Ouefs en Cocotte avec Chorizo et Mascarpone

Friday, July 5, 2013

Ouefs en Cocotte avec Chorizo & Mascarpone

Ouefs en Cocotte avec Chorizo et Mascarpone is fancy French for: Eggs in Pots with Chorizo and Mascarpone. Or more colloquially still: Baked Eggs with Sausage and Cheese. No matter what you call this dish, the verdict is the same. It's pretty freaking delicious. 

I first heard about this dish in Paris. When I was about 6 months pregnant, my husband and I went on a roadtrip from Manchester, around Normandy and Brittany, to Paris. It was nice enough, but a bit annoying since I couldn't eat soft cheese, runny eggs, most seafood or drink wine. Probably not the best time to go France! The entire time I was there, I kept seeing this dish on the menus ouefs en cocotte, ouefs en cocotte and I desperately wanted to try it! Instead, I engorged on McCafe for the whole two weeks we were away, eating cheeseburgers and macarons.

A few weeks ago, we went a little bulk buying crazy and got a bumper of chorizo from Costco and needed a way to use it before it spoiled. For inspiration, I turned to Rachel Khoo's Little Paris Kitchen cookbook and almost immediately spotted her recipe for ouefs en cocotte. Without a bun in the oven, I shouted, "Hells yeah!" and went to preheat the oven. (Yes, I really shouted that.) Take note, my recipe differs greatly from Rachel's. She has a more classic version of this dish in her book.

How to Optimize Photos for Pinterest

Thursday, July 4, 2013

How to Optimize Photos for Pinterest

Written by: on
How to Opitmize Photos for Pinterest

How to Optimize Photos for PinterestWelcome to the Blogging Crash Course! Helping you grow your blog into the powerhouse you know it can be!

Last week, we looked at the importance of watermarking photos. This week, we continue our photo discussion and talk about how to optimize your photos for Pinterest. 


If you haven't read the watermarking photos post, then I suggest you start there and then come back as watermarking is especially important for Pinterest. 

This week we're going to talk about a few Pinterest tips to help with getting your photos noticed, including titles, the often overlooked alt text, file names and keyword best practice. If you've wondered how to get your photos on the search results pages of Pinterest, then this is the tutorial for you! All right, let's go!

Gluten Free Patriotic Fruit Braid for July 4th

Wednesday, July 3, 2013

Patriotic Fruit Braid
Sugar Bee Crafts Red White BlueToday we're doing something completely new! I'm on a guest posting staycation! That means this post was written for Sugar Bee Crafts but instead of appearing over on that blog, it's going to be here! How cool is that idea?

When Mandy first announced the theme for these guest posts, I was stumped. I didn't want to share the same old patriotic desserts we've all seen a hundred times. I wanted something delicious and enticing. Something that you would remember and that you could make in 20 minutes. That's where the idea for this Patriotic Fruit Braid came! It's a follow on from my Turkey & Stuffin' Braid with Cranberry and Pistachio, this is just the dessert version! It's also filled with my homemade blueberry freezer jam, too!

Cute & Clever Treats For Kids + Tasty Tuesdays #17

Tuesday, July 2, 2013

Welcome to Tasty Tuesdays!

This link party is all about sharing recipes & food-related posts! Joining in is easy; just click "You are Next" and copy/paste the URL of a previously unlinked blog post's URL. Choose a flattering photo to upload and then click some of the other great posts in the party and meet new bloggers!

Why should you link up to Tasty Tuesdays?

Linking up to parties and leaving comments on other posts is a proven way to increase traffic to your blog and grow your blog's followers!

All Tasty Tuesdays participants get guaranteed Pinterest exposure; we pin every post you share because this party is about everyone getting exposure for their blog! I also make sure I leave a valuable comment on each post because if you've taken the time to link up on my blog, it's the least I can do! Be sure to follow our Tasty Tuesdays board on Pinterest to see your post and all the rest from the party!


All Tasty Tuesdays featured bloggers get added to a beautiful roundup and get followed on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, G+, Google Friend Connect and Bloglovin'! Here's how we do features on Tasty Tuesdays:

Featured from last week's party
Last week we had so many yummy kid-friendly recipes that I thought it would be nice to feature some of the most viewed ones! There's something for every kid here including gluten-free treats, dairy-free treats and even paleo treats! 


Rory O'Connell's Gluten Free Grilled Cod with Roast Cumin and Tomato and Coriander Simple Sauce

Monday, July 1, 2013

Rory O'Connell's Grilled Cod with Roast Cumin and Tomato and Coriander Simple Sauce
You know that saying, behind every great man there's a great woman? Well behind every great chef there's a great cookery teacher and for many of today's chefs, it's Rory O'Connell. When I was asked whether I'd like to review a recipe from O'Connell's new publication, I was excited and a little nervous!

I've been aware of O'Connell's culinary clout for years and thought I would be intimidated by the recipes in the book. I coudn't have been more wrong! In the sample of the book I received, O'Connell explains each recipe thoroughly, telling readers step-by-step what needs to be done. So, with some fresh cod in the house, I couldn't resist this delicious dish from O'Connell's Master It: How to Cook Today book.

My family loved it--the flavors were simple yet powerful. I enjoyed learning a new technique with the simple butter sauce and will be using it again in the future, I'm sure. The combination of cod and cumin is one that I'd only ever encountered in a curry, but now love the flavors without the usual heavy curry sauce associated with them. The other great thing about this dish is how quickly it comes together! I was finished cooking and dinner was in the table in 20 minutes. For a fresh and healthy weeknight supper, you can't beat that.

Before serving, I added baked sweet potato nibs and peas since I always try to serve two vegetables with every meal for Callum, my toddler. If you followed O'Connell's recipe and didn't add the sweet potato and peas, this would be filling enough for lunch or a light dinner.

I was provided with a preview copy of Rory O'Connell's Master It: How to Cook Today book, but all opinions of the dish and book are mine and have not been purchased or influenced.

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