Comments (0)

By Adrianna, November 27, 2009

I guess you could say that the food truck culture has officially taken its grasp on LA and is here to stay. It seems like every bar you go to in this town, right outside a  food truck is waiting to tempt you with menus that easily compete with any brick and mortar restaurant around. No longer does a food truck mean a roach coach serving up scary meat that you don’t want to think about. Now it means breakfast at all hours of the night, or grilled cheese, chinese peruvian food, and of course, the founding father of the truck food: Korean tacos from Kogi BBQ.

I mean, it shouldn’t surprise anyone. There’s a ton of culinary talent in this town; food trucks have given those talents, who lack huge start-up money and a year get it off the ground, an opportunity to shine.

Continue reading 'Nom Nom Truck'»

Comments (7)

By Caroline, November 23, 2009

It’s a sage-filled Thanksgiving here at A Cozy Kitchen! I swear, Adrianna and I did not plan on both making dishes that include sage, but hey, if it ain’t broke don’t fix it, right?

For all of my childhood, one of the greatest moments at Thanksgiving was when the sweet potato casserole that my aunt made was pulled from the oven and added to the epic spread of food. It evolved a bit over the years, first being topped with toasted mini marshmallows, and eventually progressing to a candied nut topping. It didn’t matter to me what you topped it with though, only that sweet potatoes were about to be consumed.

Continue reading 'Maple Sweet Potato Casserole with Sage-Butter'»

Comments (3)

By Adrianna, November 22, 2009

Thursday’s a big day for me.  Not just because I love cooking and it’s the biggest cooking holiday of the year, but this Thanksgiving is the first time I get to cook for it in 3 years.  First, there was was a massive renovation at my parent’s house where the kitchen literally did not exist.  We went out to eat.  And then the past two years they sort of dreaded the cleaning and cooking and the hoopla of Thanksgiving, which was heartbreaking for me.  The idea of having a simple holiday sans stress was attractive so, again, we went out to eat.  I fought for a cooked meal every year, but lost every time.  But this year it’s different.  We’re cooking.  I think they missed it  so since it’s going to be a big deal I wanted to make sure I was prepared.

Continue reading 'Apple, Sausage, and Parsnip Stuffing with Fresh Sage'»

Comments (7)

By Caroline, November 20, 2009

Aren’t you glad that bathing suit season is over? It can’t be a mere coincidence that the holidays are not only filled with decadent desserts that you only eat once a year, but also big, baggy sweaters that hide away any extra inches those foods bring with them. Just another reason to have not just one, but two pieces of this insanely good pie. Actually, if want to go ahead and eat the whole thing, I really couldn’t blame you. And I promise not to tell a soul.

Continue reading 'Chocolate Chip Pecan Pie'»

Comments (7)

By Adrianna, November 18, 2009

I think we all secretly enjoy sick days…at least a little.  Sure, you’re sick and that sucks, but there’s really nothing better than having an excuse to be cozy in bed during the middle of the day, watching television with mug in hand.  So last week when I went home sick, I was pretty excited that all of that was in my near future.

When I got home I immediately put on my pajamas, turned on the television, grabbed my computer to answer a few emails and got in bed.  Playing in the background was an episode of Martha Stewart, solely dedicated to the vendors at the Brooklyn Flea.  I was only half paying attention until a woman, who was a ricotta vendor there, began making Lemon-Poppy Seed Ricotta Pancakes alongside Martha.  I was totally in love.

Continue reading 'Lemon-Poppy Seed Ricotta Pancakes'»

Comments (3)

By Caroline, November 16, 2009

Okay, I know this probably isn’t the prettiest pie crust you’ve ever seen, however, you know what makes this one so interesting? It IS the first one that you’ve ever seen that was made by me! Yes, you are looking at my first attempt at making a homemade pie crust. What do I think after all this? That making the crust took twice as long as making the whole rest of the pie, including the baking & cooling time. However, I can’t recall ever eating a flakier pie crust in my life, so for me, this was worth the extra time and effort.

If you’re debating on whether you should take on such an endeavor yourself there are a couple things to consider. If you’re looking for a recipe that is quick and easy, I wouldn’t put this on my “to do” list. However, if you’re aiming for highest-quality possible, then homemade pie crust is the only way to go.

Continue reading 'Cream Cheese Pie Crust'»

Comments (12)

By Adrianna, November 15, 2009

Everyone, please meet my go-to. You all have a go-to, right? Let’s first discuss what constitutes as a go-to….Well, it’s usually one of those super easy, simple meals that you know will be a crowd pleaser.  And best of all, a go-to is something you can make sans recipe and probably, if your life depended on it, with your eyes closed and one hand tied behind your back.

You see, me and this dish have a history. A long history that first started with me making it as a side dish to a roast lamb on Easter. (This dish won against the lamb, by the way.)  And then it made a dinner at a pot luck dinner with some supper club friends. And then I served it to some friends along side a salad for a light, vegetarian dinner.

Continue reading 'Cauliflower and Brussels Sprout Gratin'»

Comments (3)

By Caroline, November 11, 2009

For a long time I’ve had a love-hate relationship with granola bars. My idea of the perfect granola bar is something chewy, delicious, not too sweet, and that serves as a satisfying snack. I always want to like the store-bought ones, but time and again they disappoint me.

Every few months I’ll be in a grocery store and will wander past a large display of some new variety of granola bars and will then somehow convince myself that these are the bars I have been looking for all my life. Ten minutes later, I’m in the checkout line with a basket filled with granola bars, only to get home and discover that these are no different than any other bar I’ve ever had. They’re  either bland or too sweet and I still feel hungry after eating 5 of them.

Continue reading 'Granola Bars'»

Comments (10)

By Adrianna, November 9, 2009

Like everyone on planet earth, the sight of the weekend makes me giddy. Sure, most of it has to do with not having to go to work, but the biggest part? 1.) Being able to wake up at my leisure 2.) Drinking coffee in mismatched pajamas 3.) Make whatever I fancy for breakfast.

This weekend’s breakfast of choice?  Gingerbread Pancakes.

Don’t tell autumn, but I’m already looking ahead. It’s not my fault, I swear. I think I’ve been brainwashed or something.  The other day I was shopping in the mall and caught myself singing along to the Christmas music. Christmas music before Thanksgiving! It seems like every year they break it out even sooner than the one before.  So, forgive me, autumn–don’t blame me.

Even if you’re not in the mood to embrace winter or Christmas, please make these. They’re worth it. They’re a little spicy, perfectly sweet (not too sweet), moist, but not mealy, and totally amazing.

Continue reading 'Gingerbread Pancakes'»

Comments (1)

By Caroline, November 5, 2009

It’s finally starting to feel like fall here in LA. Well, kind of. For a few brief days a cold front will settle in and I actually have to reach into the back of my closet to find a jacket to wear. Then, the summer heat will come back with a vengeance and I immediately trade in the jacket for a tank top and flip flops. However, on those few brisk days I’ve finally found myself with the desire to embrace the autumn season in my recipe choices.

Continue reading 'Pumpkin Coeur a la Creme'»

Comments (3)

By Adrianna, November 3, 2009

Sometimes there are moments that make me super grateful I have good friends. Wonder what I’m talking about? Well, I’ll name off a few instances in the past few days that have proven to me that without friends I’d be too drunk for my own good, an unattractive eater and an insecure Mexican wrestler.

First there was Ryan who said, “Did you know that when you eat, you open your mouth as big as it can open? Even if it’s for something tiny, like an almond.” Hmm…thanks, Ryan. I didn’t know that. Thanks. That makes me feel really attractive.

Then there’s Ian, who on Saturday night, when I drunkenly demanded another shot, said, “Sure, Adrianna. I’ll make you another shot.” He didn’t protest and instead poured juice into a shot glass and handed it to me and watched me, unknowingly, down the juice and then I cheered. (This actually happened, seriously.)

And then Travis who told me (when I was in my Halloween costume), “You’re a really hot Mexican wrestler!” Friends are there to make you feel really good, even when you look like Nacho Libre.

Continue reading 'Butternut Squash Apple Soup'»