Sunday, December 11, 2011

Recipes I Love

Whenever I find myself stumped on what I should make for dinner, Mel's Kitchen Cafe has the perfect, fun, creative, easy idea. I've made her Garlic Tuna Pasta with Asparagus, her Lemon Cream Pasta with Chicken, her Skillet Chili Mac, her Tuscan Macaroni and Cheese Bake, her Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya, her Chicken and Rice with Coconut Milk and Pistachios, and most recently, her Hot Pizza Dip Bites. As soon as I saw this recipe, I knew I had to try it. I just love miniature versions of things, packed with all the same great flavor. I made mine with a bunch of different toppings: turkey sausage and olive, chicken apple sausage, and turkey pepperoni.


Definitely the cutest recipe I've seen in a while. My family enjoyed them very much, too. Looking forward to trying another of Mel's fantastic recipes soon.

7 comments:

  1. Hi Jen!

    Excuse my manners--haven't drooled this much since teething as a baby. Better remember next time to bring a handkerchief along...even the link examples shared above looked absolutely scrumptious--double thumbs up to Mel's Kitchen Cafe.

    Self-reminder to venture back to this post before the Super Bowl, how could a single post be packed with so many great ideas. Just wondering aloud, Jen, Is Mel's dish "Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya" a delicacy w/roots in New Orleans?

    Have a great week!

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  2. You are right, Al. Those pizza bites would make a fantastic snack for a super bowl party. Jambalaya does indeed have its roots in New Orleans. Mel's version is not as spicy as an authentic New Orleans jambalaya, but it's still a New Orleans classic.

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  3. Hey Jen!

    Thanks for confirming my "educated guess" about Mel's "Chicken and Sausage Jambalaya" dish...which can be attributed to your clear, consise and engaging writing style...simply made the connection from reading your interesting posts, where jambalaya seems to be a word associated w/New Orleans.

    Is it fair to say that a spicy New Orleans jambalaya dish is rooted in Cajun style? What's an ideal beverage to drink with this epic treat?

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  4. I would agree that a spicy New Orleans jambalaya is rooted in Cajun style. Lots of Cajun food is spicy. If you want to balance out the spice with something mild and refreshing, I'd have jambalaya with a nice, cold glass of milk, but I'm not sure the Cajun would agree. They'd probably recommend a mint julep, or maybe a margarita, something festive.

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  5. Hi Jen!

    What an interesting answer, "a cold glass of milk". Sounds good...makes perfect sense actually, creating a smooth blend/balance between before and after tastes.

    Speaking of balance, New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees had a terrific outing as the Siants' high-powered offense, and stingy defense beat the Vikings yesterday afternoon. If these guys continue to peak at this stage of the season, there may be plenty of mint juleps and magaritas raising many a toast down in New Orleans.

    Not sure what your travel plans are as we head into the holidays, but want you to know I'll be peeking in here again tomorrow, and then head eastward for the holidays. With that in mind, back here again next week to see what's on tap here at your Epic Treats? Should our electronic paths not cross again until then, Happy Holidays to you and yours, Jen. Shalom

    PS: You mentioned you were going to be doing some baking, what treats did you decide upon? Any pics

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  6. That's great to hear that the Saints are doing well. I will make a post before tomorrow, as I just baked some cookies last night. This weekend I am headed to San Luis Obispo to celebrate Christmas with my aunts and uncles, so that'll be nice. I'll be sure to do more baking before then. Enjoy your travels, and thanks for the Shalom. :)

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  7. Safe travels, Jen, and thanks for taking time to post before heading out to celebrate with your family...am scrolling up^ to read your latest...

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