Maple Frosted Almond Butter Blondies

I don’t mean to sound overly dramatic, but this might be one of my favorite recipes on the TIY.
I'm aware that it’s not smart to say this — and likely in a couple of weeks I’m going to say the same thing about another recipe — but right now I feel like I need to declare it.
Truth is, these blondies deserve this kind of love and outright favoritism. They’re simple and just so delicious.
If I could think of the perfect treat, it would be one of these Maple Frosted Almond Butter Blondies with a cup of (green) tea or a tall glass of (almond) milk.

Parmesan Lemon Crispy Broccoli

Let’s talk about broccoli, shall we?
My favorite way to cook it — and the word “favorite” doesn’t do enough justice to this addictive broccoli recipe — came about mostly by accident, also known in my kitchen as “I’m so distracted by Candy Crush I forgot about the broccoli in the oven...”
But to my own surprise they came out halfway charred and very crisp and looked much better than I though. So I took ‘em one step further and I sprinkled them with Parmesan cheese and lemon zest.
One word: uh-mazing.
What started as an accident became an intentional practice, and now it’s my favorite way to make broccoli.
Not only mine, as it’s pretty much the surest guarantee that Nephew and Niece will polish off an entire head of broccoli with dinner.

(5-Minute) Cinnamon Streusel Coffeecake in a Mug

There are many reasons to love coffeecake, but the fact that you can eat it for breakfast tops it on my list.
It’s like someone — just like myself — clearly wanted to eat cake at 7AM but was never allowed to because, say, their mother never let them.
But with coffeecake it’s different. So different that when your mom tells you that you can’t have cake for breakfast, you can answer:
“Hush Mom, this is not cake, this is Coffeecake. It’s completely different, you’re supposed to eat in the morning with coffee!”

Crock-Pot Honey Sesame Chicken

For someone who was all “Harrumph! There’s only one authentic recipe for Bolognese Sauce!”, I have some nerve telling you what I’m going to next, which is that I’m in love with an unapologetically 100% so-not-authentic Chinese recipe.
Actually, now that I’m thinking about it, this Honey Sesame Chicken is — just like General Tso’s chicken, wonton soup, hot and sour soup, sweet and sour pork, chicken balls, ginger beef, crispy beef, and lemon chicken — one of the quintessential American-Chinese recipes.
Dishes we think are Chinese but are considered foreign fare in China.

Salted Double Chocolate Almond Butter Brownies

I understand that when a website almost 6 years old has not one, not two, not three but nine brownie recipes, it’s possible - or at least highly likely - that the brownie category has been exhausted.
The archives are full.
I get it. I do.
Probably we should discuss about sesame chicken, coconut curry lentils or Ethiopian chicken stew.
Probably.

Mississippi Roast

Happy New Year guys!
I know, I know, we are well into the new year but I took a week off to recharge so I haven’t had the chance to wish you a Happy New Year yet.
I hope y’all started the new year with a bang.
Mine has been very chilled out so far. Ski, delicious food, good friends, good books, and no alarm clock. I recharged my batteries and it was incredible.
Now I’m back and it feels awesome. I’m so open to all that 2017 is going to bring.
Like the Counting Crows sang: maybe this year will be better than the last.
I have plenty of exciting recipes I can’t wait to share with you guys.
Starting with this Mississippi Roast.

(Vegan) Crock-Pot Thai Red Curry Lentils

Guys, I have a brand new crock-pot.
I found it under the Christmas tree, all wrapped by Santa Claus. How awesome is that?
But let’s start from the beginning.
About a month ago my old crock-pot died an unnatural death (I won’t tell you how though).
Since that day I felt lost and alone.
You see, I use my crock-pot many many times a week. I make a bunch of things with it: chicken tikka masala, pulled pork, roasted red pepper sauce, bolognese sauce, just to name a few.
I consider it one of the best inventions ever. I can't fathom going through a winter without a crock-pot.
So imagine how I was feeling. Mike without slow cooker -> disaster.

Loaded Superfood Chocolate Bark

Are you in need of a last minute gift idea?
Don’t worry, I have the solution for you guys.
This Loaded Superfood Chocolate Bark is the perfect festive present.
A ridiculously easy no-bake treat with Medjool dates, almond, goji berries, hemp seeds, and sea salt flakes all embedded into dark chocolate.
It’s salty, sweet, and crunchy with so much texture and so much good-for-you stuff in every bite. The perfect healthy-delish present or for impromptu holiday parties.

(Paleo & Vegan) Chocolate Pistachio Mousse

All I wanted to give you for Christmas was some chocolate mousse.
My logic was simple: Christmas means decadent meals and rich desserts. But in reality, more often than not, after a feasting on baked ham, roasted turkey, green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and gravy I find myself too full even for a cup of ginger tea, quite tired and, while we are being honest, like I need some Pepto and at least a solid 10k run.

New Year's Eve Beef Chili

What’s your ideal New Year’s Eve?
Mine is eating a delicious dinner with a group of friends at home.
Forget expensive venue tickets and long lines for food and drink. And don’t even get me started on New Year’s Eve in Times Square. I never go to Times Square unless I have guests.
To be honest, New Year’s Eve in Times Square is my own personal nightmare. Shoulder to shoulder masses, screaming drunks, and — worst of all — having to pee with no chance of getting to a bathroom just to watch the ball drop? No.Thank.You.
Partying at home with friends is definitely how I like to roll.
Cheaper, easier, and definitely safer than being out on the town.