Red Lentil Dal

This easy Indian dal is ready in under an hour, and makes a satisfying vegetarian lunch or dinner. Serve with rice or naan. This soup also keeps well and can be frozen for up to three months. Continue reading “Red Lentil Dal” »

This easy Indian dal is ready in under an hour, and makes a satisfying vegetarian lunch or dinner. Serve with rice or naan. This soup also keeps well and can be frozen for up to three months.

Continue reading "Red Lentil Dal" »

banana toffee cake

For absolutely no reasons other than I Wanted It and It Sounded Good and Also I Had Two Sad Bananas and Didn’t Want To Make Banana Bread, earlier this fall I got really caught up in making sticky toffee banana puddings, except by pudding…

banana toffee cake

For absolutely no reasons other than I Wanted It and It Sounded Good and Also I Had Two Sad Bananas and Didn’t Want To Make Banana Bread, earlier this fall I got really caught up in making sticky toffee banana puddings, except by pudding I mean British for cake or sometimes a steamed cake and sometimes just the dessert course entirely (did I do this right? please help your confused American friend). Sticky toffee pudding is usually made with dates and almost every person I’ve ever told that to who has had it but doesn’t peruse recipes for fun and entertainment (crazy!) has found that baffling, but indeed, there are dried dates that have been soaked and blended until smooth and added to a lightweight brown sugar and butter cake that is ladled — I mean, truly soaked — with a warm toffee/butterscotch sauce and an enormous spoonful of unsweetened whipped or clotted cream and sometimes sprinkled with a few flakes of sea salt and it’s just unbelievably, unforgettably decadent.

what you'll needmashed bananaeasy batterindividual cakessmall cakestoffee sauce

This is that, but for bananas. Yet this is resolutely, indignantly not banana bread. There is no cinnamon nor nutmeg. I wanted this to taste like a cozy winter cake so there’s dark brown sugar, vanilla, and even a spoonful of molasses or treacle for extra gravitas, trust me, it works here. It’s blissful with the sauce and the cream and, no matter what else you make on New Years Eve, be the only thing people are still talking about the next day. (I mean, unless your behavior is particularly legendary, in which case, the cake will happily cede the spotlight.)

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Your Top 10 Recipes of 2019

What. A. Year. Twenty-nineteen was an absolute whirlwind around here (more about that tomorrow). Time seems to be at a welcome standstill for a moment while we’re…

The post Your Top 10 Recipes of 2019 appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Cookie and Kate's 2019 top 10 recipes

What. A. Year. Twenty-nineteen was an absolute whirlwind around here (more about that tomorrow). Time seems to be at a welcome standstill for a moment while we’re in between holidays.

Today I’m sharing your favorite recipes of 2019, and tomorrow I’ll share a few more of mine. I’m so happy that these recipes have been successes in your kitchen. I know that trying a new recipe is an investment of your time and resources, and I try my hardest to make sure each recipe proves worthwhile.

After reviewing these recipes, it seems that you all were craving lightened-up, veggie-packed comfort foods and internationally-influenced main dishes this year. Me, too, my friends. No wonder we all get along so well.

Coincidentally, all of these recipes are seasonally appropriate for this time of year. Stay warm and cozy out there!

vegetable baked ziti recipe

1) Baked Ziti with Roasted Vegetables

Easily gluten free

“I just made this tonight and omgggg it was sooo good! My husband loved it too! For the veggies I used mushrooms, squash, and broccoli, it was amazing, definitely adding this to the monthly rotation!! Love your recipes!” – Marissa

Continue to the recipe...

The post Your Top 10 Recipes of 2019 appeared first on Cookie and Kate.

Life Changing Green Rice Porridge (Instant Pot, Vegan)

I don’t use the term life changing lightly, but this rice porridge recipe fits the bill. It’s a one pot, effortless, green, nutrient-packed twist on one of my favorite things to eat.

Continue reading Life Changing Green Rice Porridge (Instant Pot, Vegan) on 101 Cookbooks

I don’t use the term life changing lightly, but this rice porridge recipe fits the bill. It’s a one pot, effortless, green, nutrient-packed twist on one of my favorite things to eat -congee. Also commonly referred to as rice porridge. This version incorporates a lot of chopped spinach. A lot. Enough spinach that your body will notice.

Life Changing Green Rice Porridge Recipe

The Cooking Method

I make this porridge in an Instant Pot. You can also make it in a thick-bottomed pot on the stovetop – no Instant Pot necessary. Although, that method requires more babysitting. Similar to this Instant Pot Congee with Brown Rice and Turmeric, you put your rice into the pot, add water or broth, walk away, and start daydreaming about toppings.

Life Changing Green Rice Porridge Recipe

Let’s Talk about Toppings

Here you see lime, crushed kale chips and toasted nori, toasted pumpkin seeds (or pepitas), hemp seeds, and jungle peanuts. The tofu is sliced thinly, drizzled with shoyu, and draped over the porridge. Sometimes I spike the whole situation with sriracha sauce, sometimes I don’t.

Life Changing Green Rice Porridge Recipe

Getting the Rice Porridge Just Right

I’ve settled on a ratio of brown rice to white rice that works really well. You’ll see that reflected in the recipe. It’s one part white jasmine rice to two parts brown jasmine rice. You can optionally pepper that rice blend with 1/4 cup of other quick cooking grains or pulses if you like – French lentils, adzuki beans, Job’s tears, etc. Or not, totally your call!

Life Changing Green Rice Porridge Recipe

I know I say this often, but feel free to use this recipe and ratio as a jumping off point. Next time I might add a bunch of chopped herbs, and use another favorite broth in place of water. I often spike the rice blend with a scoop of quinoa.

I hope you love this rice porridge! It’s nutrient-packed and green. Simple to make. Made with whole foods. Delicious anytime of day. One pan magic. And, the perfect hearty, satisfying canvas to load up with your favorite toppings.

Lastly, for anyone looking for more Instant Pot recipe inspiration, I’ve set up an Instant Pot recipe category – all my favorite successes are featured there. Or, if you you’re on the lookout for good soups & stews, here’s all the soup recipes. And, for reference, this is the Instant Pot I used for this recipe: Instant Pot DUO Plus 6 Qt 9-in-1 Enjoy!

Continue reading Life Changing Green Rice Porridge (Instant Pot, Vegan) on 101 Cookbooks

Easy Champagne Cocktails

Nothing’s more festive than bubbly champagne cocktails! They’re easy to make, and add class and style to any celebration. Are you ready to celebrate? Champagne has been a festive drink for centuries. Of course, you can just pop the cork and drink it straight up (which Alex and I do, often!). But why not try a champagne cocktail? The tangy, bubbly sparkling wine is perfect with all sorts of flavors, from lemon to St Germain to cranberry. Even just adding one or two ingredients to champagne really alters the flavor and adds depth. And of course, holding a glass says, “Hey, I’m someone with sophistication and class!” Ready to toast? And now… the best easy champagne cocktails to try! When to serve champagne cocktails The champagne cocktails are so festive, they work well for almost any occasions! Here are some times we can imagine serving them, though it’s not an exhaustive list! Champagne cocktails are perfect as a: New Year’s Eve drink Christmas or holiday drink Bridal shower drink or bachelorette party drink Girls night drink Celebration drink (job, anniversary, baby, etc!) Dinner party drink Romantic dinner drink Brunch drink (Mother’s Day, etc) What type of champagne should I buy? With […]

A Couple Cooks – Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Nothing’s more festive than bubbly champagne cocktails! They’re easy to make, and add class and style to any celebration.

Champagne cocktails

Are you ready to celebrate? Champagne has been a festive drink for centuries. Of course, you can just pop the cork and drink it straight up (which Alex and I do, often!). But why not try a champagne cocktail? The tangy, bubbly sparkling wine is perfect with all sorts of flavors, from lemon to St Germain to cranberry. Even just adding one or two ingredients to champagne really alters the flavor and adds depth. And of course, holding a glass says, “Hey, I’m someone with sophistication and class!” Ready to toast?

And now… the best easy champagne cocktails to try!

When to serve champagne cocktails

The champagne cocktails are so festive, they work well for almost any occasions! Here are some times we can imagine serving them, though it’s not an exhaustive list! Champagne cocktails are perfect as a:

What type of champagne should I buy?

With champagne and most alcohol, the higher the quality, the better the flavor. We use the rule: buy something in the medium price range, and you’re usually safe. That is: don’t buy the cheapest bottle. But don’t go overboard on the most pricey one either! Usually middle of the road in price is a good quality bottle.

Also, make sure to buy “Brut”, which means dry. If you’d like to geek out more on champagne, head to 5 Things to Know About Buying Champagne.

Print
Champagne cocktail

“The” Champagne Cocktail


1 Star2 Stars3 Stars4 Stars5 Stars (5 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)

  • Author: Sonja Overhiser
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 0 minutes
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 drink

Description

The Champagne Cocktail is a classic drink that’s festive and elegant, perfect for celebration. The sugar cube makes it sparkle!


Ingredients

  • 1 sugar cube
  • 5 dashes Angostura bitters
  • Squeezed lemon peel
  • 1 glass champagne (10 tablespoons)*
  • For the garnish: Lemon twist

Instructions

  1. Make the lemon twist garnish, if using.
  2. Add a sugar cube to bottom of a champagne flute**. Add 5 dashes of bitters to the sugar cube. Use a vegetable peeler to peel off a small strip of lemon skin. Squeeze the lemon skin into the flute to release the oils.
  3. Fill the glass with champagne and serve immediately: watch how the sugar cube makes the bubbles sparkle! Garnish with a lemon twist if desired (here’s how to make a lemon twist).

Notes

*You’ll get about 5 drinks per 1 bottle of champagne. **You can also serve this drinks on the rocks in a cocktail glass. Follow the same instructions, just place the ice in the glass with the sugar cube, then top with champagne. The drink will have a more subtle flavor.

  • Category: Drink
  • Method: Cocktail
  • Cuisine: Cocktails

Keywords: Champagne Cocktails

A Couple Cooks - Healthy, Whole Food, & Vegetarian Recipes

Vegetable Samosas with Mint Cilantro Chutney

Crispy Vegetable Samosas with a bright, spicy cilantro mint dipping sauce is just what your Friday night needs. The dough, filling, and chutney can be made ahead of time. They are also easy to freeze. Make samosas now, and save some for later…

Crispy Vegetable Samosas with a bright, spicy cilantro mint dipping sauce is just what your Friday night needs. The dough, filling, and chutney can be made ahead of time. They are also easy to freeze. Make samosas now, and save some for later!

Continue reading "Vegetable Samosas with Mint Cilantro Chutney" »

This 2-Ingredient Cocktail Is Argentina’s Most Popular Hangover Cure

What do you get when you combine a storied Italian hangover remedy and a beloved American cure-all?

Argentina’s go-to cocktail, but of course. Read More >>

What do you get when you combine a storied Italian hangover remedy and a beloved American cure-all?

Argentina’s go-to cocktail, but of course.

Read More >>

The Best (& Worst) Home Trends of the 2010s, According to You

A month ago, a friend directed me to a Reddit thread from earlier this year in which this Redditor posted a question about the home trends we’ll regret in 20 years. It got well over 2000 posts about everything from painted floors to barn doors and…Jo…

A month ago, a friend directed me to a Reddit thread from earlier this year in which this Redditor posted a question about the home trends we’ll regret in 20 years. It got well over 2000 posts about everything from painted floors to barn doors and...Joanna Gaines—but the discussion around open shelves was particularly heated. “This really is one of the dumbest trends. People tear out top cabinets to put in those shelves and lose a ton of space,” said one Redditor. Oops, I remember thinking, I rather like open shelves.

The last decade has given us a lot of really distinctive (and divisive) home décor trends: the dominance of the all-white kitchen, the rise of the subway tile backsplash, the growth of direct-to-consumer furniture brands, an interest in natural, sustainable materials, and…millennial pink (I’ll admit, I never really got that one—reminds me too much of Pepto Bismol). Some started and ended as passing fads (remember the backward books trend? No? How about this holiday trend?), others graduated to full-blown trends, and some, like midcentury modernism, got so integrated into modern living, we’re not sure when and how we lived without them.

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Recipe | Chewy Chocolate Candy Cane Cookies

I feel like this week is like the movie Groundhog Day for my blog. Because last week I posted recipes involving sweet potatoes and candy canes. And this week? More sweet potatoes and more candy canes. I was going to save this Chewy Chocolate Candy Cane…

I feel like this week is like the movie Groundhog Day for my blog. Because last week I posted recipes involving sweet potatoes and candy canes. And this week? More sweet potatoes and more candy canes. I was going to save this Chewy Chocolate Candy Cane cookies recipe for next week, but I want to post it in time for holiday baking. Because it’s really good! (And if you don’t have candy canes on hand, you can use starlight mints too. I made these again to update the photos and they are just as good. Peppermint candy is peppermint candy, right?) I am not a crispy cookie person. For me, it’s all about the chewiness. And these cookies are the easiest, chewiest, yummiest cookies I make. The basic chocolate cookie is one of my go-to recipes (yup, it’s the one I used in my Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Ice Cream Sandwiches) and I add whatever I have on hand to finish them. Toffee pieces, peanut butter chips, dried cherries, chopped nuts—they’re all great in these cookies. So since it’s Christmas cookie season, I decided to try adding broken candy cane pieces. They’re not the prettiest cookie, it’s true, but they make […]