#FoodPorn / Recipes for the Making

My gravitation and obsession with summer-fresh salads are very apparent in today's #foodporn. All these recipes and images of simple salads featuring the bounty of the summer's produce have me salivating as I type this. I also had to sneak in a couple refreshing desserts for today's post because they too, have caught my eye. Yum... I want to eat all of these right now and stuff myself silly.

(left to right:  stuffed fried squash blossoms  /  summer nectarine salad  /  no-bake peach tarts with ginger + coconut  /  summer corn salad  /  goat cheese + strawberries with mint balsamic  /  summer greek salad  / fresh lemon mouse  /   tomato salad with red onion, dill + feta  /  grilled baked potatoes with chive butter) 

#Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

If you have read any of my pregnancy breakdowns, then you know I have been craving fruits, veggies and sweets. I seriously cannot. get. enough. So, this week's edition of #foodporn is dedicated to all the foods I am wanting to stuff my face with. Now I just need someone to be baking and cooking these recipes to my heart's content whenever I get a craving.

(left to right: arancini with marinara sauce  /  blistered shishito peppers with whipped lemon goat cheese  /  goat cheese and strawberries with mint-balsamic  /  wedges with radish + green goddess dressing  /  buttermilk doughnuts in spiced sugar  /  shaved celery fennel radish salad with toasts  /  strawberry + tomato gazpacho  /  baked peaches + cream  /  fresh lemon mouse with berries)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

It is nearly memorial day weekend which is a holiday I feel is synonymous with grilling out, watermelon, ice cold brews and then of course, sweet popsicles. Seriously, is there a better way to end a holiday bbq than busting out an impressive but simple dessert to make your friends feel totally envious of your crazy kitchen skills?

I picked up a box of strawberry popsicles the other night at the store and have been gravitating to them to fulfill my sweet-tooth but that is more of a food-shaming activity I will enjoy in the privacy of my husband and dog. Some of these more grown-up flavor combinations and recipes are tempting me to get into my kitchen and test them out for myself. Now I just need to round up a gaggle of friends + family, invite them over for a bbq, pray the colorado weather will take a 180 so the sun will come out and then I will have all the elements for a kick-ass memorial day party... popcicles included.

(left to right:  tropical avocado popsicle  /  breakfast popsicles with granola  /  pineapple jalapeno popsicle  /  mango kiwi lemonade popsicle  /  brownie cow popsicle  /  mango chia seed popsicle  /  hibiscus lemongrass basil + honey ice  /  creamy pineapple sorbet  /  coconut salted carmel and chocolate popsicles)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

Carbs have been on my mind and a major component of my diet as of late. I cannot get enough, sweet, savory or anything in between. I have found some awesome recipes while perusing the interwebs as of late along with my other 'cannot get enough of foods', fruit. Today's #foodporn is a round up of all the foods I want to eat right now, in one sitting... without judgement. Look at these images and tell me you don't feel the same?!

(left to right: gruyere green onion waffles  /  gnocchi parisienne  /  banana icebox pie  /  shrimp + vegetable dumplings  /  pimento cheese  /  skirt steak with shallot pan sauce  /  traditional new orleans beignets  /  strawberry shortcake  /  walnut + bananas foster pancakes)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

This past weekend I hosted my family for our annual easter brunch. It was another successful holiday meal spent with those I love most and a couple of the new recipes I tried were a huge success... others need a bit more work in the kitchen before I serve them to guests again.

Easter brunch has been on my brain for the past couple of weeks and after our tasty meal this past weekend, I thought it would be fitting to share some of the recipes I have been drooling over with all of you. This post is also my attempt at distracting all of you lovely readers with some killer #foodporn so I can have an extra day to compile my weekend photos for an update. Is it working?

(left to right: blueberry muffins  /  baked doughnuts with pink glaze  /  mini ham + cheese quiche  /  orange and radish salad with pistachios  /  bacon, pepper jack + jalapeno scones  /  mixed berry dutch baby  /  monte cristo strata  /  kumquat buttermilk panna cotta  /  make ahead 'ham + cheese' breakfast casserole)

Food Porn // Recipes For the Making

It's been a few weeks since I put together a round up of recipes that have me wishing I could jump through my computer screen and eat my way through the images that have me drooling in my seat. Seriously, I have to give some major credit to food photographers, food stylist and prop stylist... they make me so hungry! 

It's still citrus season and spring is on the cusp of arriving which has me still infatuated with all things citrus but also highly anticipating fresh peas, seafood dishes and lighter fare. Enjoy today's #foodporn.

(left to right: toast with lemony pea mash  /  citrus seared scallops  /  parmesan + black pepper popcorn  /  pasta frutti di mare  /  grilled fish tacos  /  mixed citrus salad  /  coconut key lime pie  /  honey cloud pancakes  /  avocado cream dip)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

Welcome back after your holiday weekend. This time of year I crave warm hearty dishes that have layers upon layers of delicious flavor. Cooking and baking in the winter is the best, espeically if done in your pjs while listening to the fire crackle or soft background music. You might have to tend to the stove a bit more but I never seem to mind when the house feels cozy and the kitchen smells so good. It's time to enjoy some #foodporn

(left to right: chili cheese polenta bowls  /  chicken and waffles  /  make-ahead egg + tomato breakfast skillet with harissa  /  cheese puffs  /  braised short rib beef stew  /  creamy cauliflower leek soup  /  steak with chimichurri sauce  /  sage roasted cauliflower + chickpea pasta  /  brussel sprout salad with pancetta + cranberry)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

I had a couple amazing potato dishes over the holiday weekend which has now turned into a bit of a potato obsession ever since. What I love most about this vegetable is its versatility; you can add endless ingredients to change its flavor and you can cook them so they are crispy or soft. Depending on how you prepare them, potatoes can be a tasty side dish or hold their own as a filling main course. Simply put, the potato is like a chambray shirt in clothing, a neutral couch in a living room or the constant drumb beat in a song; it holds its own and is the vehicle to which you build upon.

(left to right: crispy loaded hassleback potatoes bites  /  kielbasa pepper onion + potato hash  /  mini herbed pommes anna  /  toasted-nut + brown butter topped sweet potato casserole  /  duchess potatoes  /  loaded tot kabobs  /  homemade potato gnocchi  /  bacon-wrapped tater bombs  /  crispy brown-butter gnocchi with caramelized mushrooms)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

I have been in a breakfast rut for about six months. My go-to breakfast of oatmeal with nuts + dried fruit got a bit old after awhile and I have yet to find something hearty and easy to make before heading into the office. Today's recipes could all be contenders to get my morning routine back on track. Enjoy today's installment of #foodporn.

(left to right:  grapefruit brulee  /  spiced earl-grey milk tea  /  asparagus ham + egg cups  /  mango coconut chai pudding  /  strawberry rhubarb oatmeal crisp  /  chai seed jams  /  elevated egg mcmuffin  /  pumpkin french toast bake  /  coconut-banana oat bowl with back-sesame quinoa cereal + mango)

Recipes for the Making // Halloween Edition

Every year for halloween, we make a big pot of chili before heading out with our nieces (and previously ryan's youngest sister before she got too old) to trick-o-treat around the neighborhood. The kids barely touch their food because they are too excited but for me, this is one of my favorite parts of the night; everyone coming together and telling stories, talking about costumes and eating a wonderful meal together... I am so rooted in tradition sometimes! 

I found some seasonally appropriate recipes for today's #foodporn... all perfect additions if you are heading out to a halloween party or wanting to add a little extra holiday fun to your family dinner before trick-o-treating begins. 

(left to right: roasted root vegetables  /  caramel apple bar  /  black spaghetti with garlic parmesan + sun dried tomatoes  /  candy corn milkshake  /  blood spatter cookies  /  spider bites  /  roasted red pepper deviled egg pumpkins  /  poison toffee apples  /  smoking ghost cocktail)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

October is in full effect and if you read my post yesterday, then you know that I am head-over heels for fall everything. So, it is only fitting that the recipes I'm featuring in today's post honor this glorious season! Grocery stores and farmers markets will be flooded soon with mushrooms, squashes, nuts, pumpkins, apples and more... I am on a mission to cook them all and you should too!

enjoy today's installment of #foodporn

(left to right: strozzapreti with mushrooms + ricotta  /  asian-inspired red quinoa salad  /  crazy sexy bean chili  /  poached chicken coconut soup with chunky vegetables  /  sweet-n-spicy roasted butternut squash pizza with caramelized onions + bacon  /  rosemary roasted veggies  /  sweet & spicy almond clusters  /  fricassee of chanterelles  /  tandoori chicken burger)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

The dip in temperature is making me crave comfort food that warms you up from the inside. I love quick dinners as much as any 9-5 employee but there is just something so therapeutic and relaxing about cooking a dish that takes a few extra steps before it hits the table to enjoy. Biscuits, risotto, fried chicken, soup... I want it all. From my stomach to yours... here is today's #foodporn.

(left to right:  maple candied bacon  /  garlicky chicken thighs  /  mushroom brie omelet  /  pumpkin risotto with pancetta  /  hatch green chile cheddar biscuits  /  simple cauliflower soup  /  cheese grits with bacon + green onions  /  harvest tacos  /  thomas kellers risotto)

Food Porn // Recipes For the Making

I know a lot of barbecuing will be taking place this weekend but this weeks' #foodporn still resonates with any cook who will be in charge of making a side dish or wanting something fresh and seasonal. I also have to give my mom some kuddos here on the blog, she found a delicious recipe from jennifer jasinski; owner and executive chef from denver's rioja that I am salivating over. Please enjoy...

(left to right: colorado peaches with cabrales + ham  /  fig + ricotta flat bread pizza  /  eggplant summer squash-tain  /  spicy pesto fettuccine with cilantro shrimp  /  gouda-grits with smoky brown butter shrimp  /  citrus fennel + shrimp salad  /  salt + pepper heirloom tart with whipped feta  /  spaghetti with clams + roasted cherry tomatoes  /  seared scallops with summer veggies)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

I hate to say this aloud (well technically I am typing it but... you know what I mean right?) but I feel like summer is coming to an end. The weather in denver is steadily in the low 80's, fall fashions are popping up in store-front windows and every where I turn I see signs that my favorite season is peaking its lil head our way. Or, maybe I am kinda hoping for a long crisp fall so I can start using my oven again! There are so many recipes begging for me to use the last of summers harvest, but in a warm way that does not include the bbq. While I love summer grilling, there are just so many recipes that I want to start sauteing, roasting, baking, simmering and searing.

Enjoy today's #foodporn and make a silent prayer with me if you too, are hoping for fall to greet us soon.

(left to right:  fried green tomatoes with basil goat cheese  /  rosemary potato stackers  /  pickled jalapeno peppers  /  blackberry jam custard donuts  /  chili verde  /  grilled romaine lettuce with blue cheese  /  apricot clafoutis  /  baked goat cheese cigars with honey + thyme  /  heirloom tomato + basil fritatta)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

Do you ever crave food that is not practical to make? I sure do... especially in the summer. For example, I don't have air conditioning at home (gasps and scared faces... I know!) so in the summer months, I refrain from using my oven at all costs. However, this is when I crave baked goods, lighter renditions of comfort food (like this chicken lasagna) and recipes that use the oven for a component in a dish. Some day, in my next house, I will have a/c and will pump that sucker so strong that I will have to wear socks & a sweatshirt in the house to stay warm. And yes, then I might use my oven to whip up something delicious. Until then... I will just have to look at these images and dream.

Here is today's #foodporn. Please enjoy! 

(left to right:  anna's gazpacho  /  toasted walnut pesto + caramelized nectarine pizza  /  s'mores dip  /  milk bar crack pie  /  white cheese + chicken lasagna  /  soft pretzel wreath  /  lentil tacos with tomato-relish salsa  /  watermelon + tomato wedge salad  /  squash blossom quesadillas)

Weekend BBQ

If you are anything like me, you have been scouring the internet looking for mouth-watering recipes to make at your 4th of july bbq's this weekend. I think holidays are synonomus with food and making something that looks delicious will taste even better if you put your love and heart into it. I have 2 major bbq's that I am hosting this weekend and a couple of these recipes might be making their debut. Here is this week's #foodporn, bbq edition!

(left to right:  strawberry shortcakes  /  sticky bbq beef ribs  /  grilled corn on the cob with roasted jalapeno butter  /  green bean slaw  /  blistered shishito peppers  /  classic cheeseburgers with grilled potato wedges  /  beer can chicken  /  all star berry tart  /  stuffed + grilled jalapenos)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

I'm back with another installment of drool-worthy recipes that are making my stomach growl and wishing I was getting my grub on. Ugh! Seriously though... enjoy today's #foodporn, compliments of your's truly! 

(left to right:  vegetarian verde enchiladas  /  smoky baby back ribs  /  grilled shrimp vietnamese spring rolls  /   fish fingers two ways  /  watermelon pico de gallo  /  veggie b l t  /  quick refrigerator dill pickles  /  shanghai soup dumplings  /  grilled chicken with bbq sauce)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

I'm back with another installment of recipes that are practically begging to be made. aka... #foodporn! When I was at the grocery store the other day, I lingered in the produce department way too long but I could not help myself; the summer is upon us and the fruits and veggies are exploding off the shelves. Bright colors, sweet flavors and great textures to add into recipes. Please enjoy!

(left to right: asian grilled chicken skewers  /  vegan soft-baked pretzels  /  seafood paella  /  shaved asparagus + whipped ricotta pizza  /  sweet potato 'bun' sliders  /  spring salad with white beans, avocado + radish  /  labneh (yogurt cheese with rosemary)  /  pickled radish + lemon marscapone crostini  /  caprese avocado salad)

Food Porn // Recipes for the Making

I must be craving warm weather as I cannot get enough of the patio cocktails (I call them porch-pounders) that are all over the internet. Seriously, grab an ona pitcher, crack the ice-cube trays and load up on the produce, it is time to get boozy in a porch swing!

(left to right:   strawberry, lime, cucumber + mint water  /  summer basil lemonade  /  strawberry mint lemonade  /  raspberry peach prosecco punch  /  raspberry peach lemonade  /  cinnamon hortacha  /  matcha mint iced tea  /  summer fruit sangria  /  strawberry rhubarb margarita)

Easter Brunch

Brunch is my favorite meal of the day and easter is the perfect holiday to host a brunch for friends and family. For the past few years I have done just that; baking up a bunch of savory + sweet dishes, getting a honey baked ham (technically this is my sister's job which I am beyond grateful for), brewing big pots of coffee and setting up the bloody mary bar for all to enjoy. Over the years we have had a mix of guests join our easter brunch and it has easily become one of my favorite traditions. I love that our annual festivities always include a bit of chaos in the kitchen, playing board games and sitting in the sun on my front porch when we are stuffed to the brim. 

We are putting our easter brunch on hiatus this year but I thought I would still share some of my favorite brunch recipes in honor of this sunday's holiday. Please enjoy!

(left to right:  fennel and smoked salmon salad  /  sausage + broccoli rabe frittata  /  ultimate sticky buns  /  watermelon orange + feta salad  /  frittata with mixed herbs, leeks + parmigiano-reggiano  /  honey + ricotta turnovers  /  the best hash browns  /  perfect bacon cooked in the oven)

and while I am a couple days early, happy easter to all of my lovely readers! I am beyond grateful for your continued support and viewership of my little corner of the internet. THANK YOU!