Lime-Herb Cod on Crispy Garlic Potatoes

After being married for three years things can fall into a bit of routine. Routines are not at all bad, but I do think they are something to regularly revisit and challenge. Having a normal and consistent schedule provides a sense of security no matter how much some people say they hate it.

We can base seasons of our life around routines (or lack thereof). In fact the "Oh my God, I'm married!" moment came for me when our new way of living life together became normal, and my daily chores were just part of a routine. I found joy in that realization and think it was one of the best moments of my life.

Something that's fallen into a somewhat boring routine over the last few years are my dinner choices. For fear of wasting time and money I tend to stick with what I know in the kitchen and don't experiment too much. It's so easy to mindlessly walk through the market picking up the same old ingredients every time, but that's something I've vowed to change.

This weekend when shopping the grocery store I decided to break from the regular and pick up some cod fillets without any idea what to do with them or even what they would taste like. When I returned home I did what I always do in these critical situations - asked Pinterest (aka, my best friend). I soon came across this recipe and with a few of my own modifications made a delicious plate of herbed cod on perfectly crispy and garlicy potatoes. This will definitely become a part of my new routine, but don't worry I'll continue to accept new challenges each time I visit the market.

Read on for the recipe...

Glazed Almonds

Some dear friends of ours enjoy cooking amazing food as a hobby, and because we live so close we often do them a favor by helping them eat it. Our friends Celeste and Aubrey seriously make the best food, and are super generous in inviting us to dinner parties that include everything from starter cocktails paired with the appetizer to roasted chicken with some delicious vegetable in the prime of it's season. I've learned so much from Celeste and am hoping that she does start her much anticipated blog someday soon so that I can truly steal all of her secrets, but for now leaning over her shoulder and taking in the scents while I bombard her with questions will have to suffice.

When they invite us to dinner parties I'm often asked to make dessert with only one rule - I must be able to eat it. Since going gluten free almost 2 years ago, I've really steered away from baking and when I do it's usually something that I'm not able to eat because being the one gluten intolerant person in a group, I'm not going to make everyone else suffer with my modified recipes when they could enjoy the real deal.

Last time we were invited I needed to use ingredients that I had on hand, which at the time was not much. I looked through my cupboard and found some almonds, sugar, and chocolate chips which I knew was just about all I needed for some candied almonds.

Cold Brewed Coffee

As soon as the high temperatures hit, I couldn't wait to make the first cold brewed coffee of the season. On a hot summer day there's nothing more refreshing than a light and balanced cup o' joe on the rocks.

 I use my french press to make a cold brew, letting it sit overnight and pressing it in the morning for an instant dose of caffeine. If you don't own a french press, you can use the method here from smitten kitchen. 

Ooey Gooey Deep Dark Chocolate Cookies

 Need I say more?

Probably not...but I will anyways.

Sunday Sangria

The temperatures have been steadily climbing the last few weeks, and at 80+ last weekend I was struck with a craving for a sweet and refreshing sangria to sip while sun bathing on our roof.

Using the ingredients I had on hand, I based my creation off this recipe. It was my first attempt at Sangria and came out quite good. I used a previously opened sauvignon blanc, brandy, lime, apple, nectarine, and some frozen pinapple.

Cinco de June

Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorite holidays, partly because of the food, but also because it's the first to break up those long months of nothing. I can't understand why there are barely any holidays in the first half of the year. Luckily I've created some of my own holidays with my birthday in January and anniversary in March, but other than that there's just Valentines Day...and then Easter...and then nothing.

Since Cinco de Mayo is one of my favorites, I think it's perfectly fine to do a Cinco de Mayo post, one month later. So happy Cinco de June everybody! Here are the delicioso chilaquiles I made the morning after our cinco de mayo fiesta. Now I'm tempted to make them again...maybe for dinner tonight?

Sunday Mornings

Sunday mornings are the best. On a typical day our neighborhood is bustling with street vendors, cars, and visitors before 10am, but things start a little slower on Sundays, leaving room to sleep in and enjoy the still peacefulness that only downtown residents know.

I awoke a bit early this morning and headed to the market to pick up a few things for brunch before the morning rush. On the menu? Bacon wrapped eggs with potatoes, and gluten free pancakes with the freshest and sweetest of strawberries.