Care's Kitchen

Bacon cheeseburger with peanut butter Sriracha ketchup ~ Say what?!

2013-05-24T08:43:00.001-04:00

I didn't want to like it.

I said I wasn't going to eat it.

After the editors at SheKnows asked me to come up with and then photograph a peanut butter based topping for a cheeseburger, I thought to myself...

'Ummm... OK? I guess I can do that, but I'm not going to try it.' (Pretty closed minded for this food blogger girl who says she'll eat anything...)

Cheese? Peanut Butter? Beef? Lettuce, tomato, onion?

Well, I don't know if it was the heap of crispy bacon on top that brought it all together or the sweet, savory, earthiness of this burger's "special sauce" ...but not only did it work...it was every last bite delicious... impossible to put down!

Damn you Sriracha!
Damn you bacon!
Damn you peanut butter, ketchup, beef, cheese and healthy stuff on top!
YOU ARE DELICIOUS!
On your own AND ALL TOGETHER!?

Don't forget the ice cold beer (if you're of age of course) ...you'll find my post here at SheKnows: Bacon cheeseburger with peanut butter Sriracha ketchup recipe

Grilled flat iron steak with chimichurri sauce and grilled bread

2013-05-23T12:55:00.001-04:00

A few days ago I posted a Grilled honey-balsamic chicken with red onion plum sauce... this next recipe is similar in nature as it's a grilled meat with a fresh and vibrant accompanying sauce ~ a classic chimichurri.

Chimichurri (in my opinion) is one of those simple, must have on hand at all times in the spring and summer! It goes with just about everything...grilled meats, breads, rice, veggies ~ you name it ~ chimichurri makes it better!

Another rustic dish perfect for communal alfresco dining...the grilled bread is a must and a spinach arugula salad makes a perfect side! ON THE TABLE IN UNDER 30 MINUTES - you'll find my post here at SheKnows: Grilled flat iron steak with chimichurri sauce and grilled bread

Grilled honey-balsamic chicken with red onion plum sauce recipe

2013-05-21T11:40:00.000-04:00

I love to cook rustic style food...especially this time of year when grills are blazing, kids are outside playing and people are coming and going...

This grilled honey-balsamic chicken with red onion plum sauce recipe is simple to throw together and beautiful to plate. Serve with a crusty bread, a large green salad and a crisp cold rose or iced tea and let them help themselves! Cheers!

You'll find my post here at SheKnows: Grilled honey-balsamic chicken with red onion plum sauce recipe

3 Indulgent desserts!

2013-05-16T16:16:00.003-04:00

Strawberry Ice Cream Cake

Black Bottom Candy Bar Pie

Chocolate Molten Cakes

I did not come up with these recipes, but the editors at SheKnows gave me an assignment to make and photograph them so the pictures are mine ~ this is a tough gig. ;)

In the attached link, it notes any of these 3 desserts would be perfect for a Memorial Day celebration - but I think you'll agree - they would be welcome any time of year! You'll find the post and recipes here at SheKnows: 3 Indulgent desserts

Ginger-scallion scallops with soy-citrus soba noodles

2013-05-14T13:49:00.001-04:00

This one is delicious and so simple to prepare!

Measure out all ingredients first and this Ginger-scallion scallops with soy-citrus soba noodles can honestly be on the table in under 20 minutes!

You can even leave out the soba and just serve scallops and sauce over scallions and fresh greens!

Light, refreshing, flavorful food! You find my recipe here at SheKnows: Ginger-scallion scallops with soy-citrus soba noodles

Ham and cheese puff pastry stromboli

2013-05-06T18:02:00.000-04:00

Not so much a recipe... but inspiration or an idea....

I made this Ham and cheese puff pastry Stromboli one day when I had an extra puff pastry sheet leftover in the fridge. I rolled it out, threw on some ham and cheese and put it in the oven. A few minutes later...instant, fun lunch for the kids!

Another one where you can certainly hide in some veggies...you find more photos and the "how to" here at SheKnows: Ham and cheese puff pastry Stromboli recipe

The Kentucky Hot Brown

2013-05-02T21:07:00.000-04:00

Here we have a classic Kentucky Derby Day recipe...The Kentucky Hot Brown!

Make a tray of these, a few mint juleps (or pour yourself a Bourbon on the rocks) and...

...may your horse win big!

You'll find more information and the recipe here at SheKnows: The Kentucky Hot Brown

Sparkling berry mojito recipe

2013-05-01T10:55:00.000-04:00

Fresh berries come to life in this beautifully refreshing Sparkling berry mojito!

Perfect for a sunny weekend afternoon with friends! Make in pitchers and enjoy!

You'll find my post and recipe here at SheKnows: Sparkling berry mojito recipe

Mexican-spiced baby back ribs with chipotle honey glaze recipe

2013-04-29T18:22:00.000-04:00

Low and slow makes these ribs fall off the bone delicious! You can cook these ribs in the oven (in the attached recipe) or go ahead and throw them on the grill!

The trick is low temp and slow cooking...so set it and forget it! When they're ready, you'll have your family and friends begging for your secret!!!

You'll find my post here at SheKnows: Mexican-spiced baby back ribs with chipotle honey glaze recipe

Bisquick quiche with asparagus, cheddar and crispy prosciutto recipe

2013-04-27T07:58:00.002-04:00

Bisquick quiche...because sometimes we all need a shortcut.

You'll find my post here at SheKnows: Bisquick quiche with asparagus, cheddar and crispy prosciutto recipe

Fried fish tacos with avocado cream sauce

2013-04-26T09:09:00.003-04:00

Every day is a perfect day for fish tacos...but especially beautiful, sunny Fridays in the spring and summer!

The fish is fried on the stove top in a bit of olive oil, but can just as easily be seasoned and grilled!

The avocado cream sauce, chopped crisp lettuce, onion, cilantro and fresh lime juice, will make you feel like you're eating at a seaside taco shack in Baja, California! (Your favorite HOT SAUCE a must! We used Chipotle Tabasco!)

You'll find my recipe and post here at SheKnows: Fish tacos with avocado cream sauce

Cobb salad endive boats

2013-04-23T12:07:00.003-04:00

I've made these before...but I wanted to make them again and rephotograph...

These Cobb Salad Endive Boats are addicting little bites that should be served along side your favorite dressing. Perfect for Mother's Day brunch or any garden chic party...find endive that's medium sized so you're able to fit in all of that goodness!

A fun bite-sized appy to make when you have leftover chicken breast (No chicken breast? Ham works too or leave the meat out all together...) you'll see my post here at SheKnows: Cobb salad endive boats

Garden skillet pizza with homemade deep dish style dough

2013-04-18T20:45:00.000-04:00

The dough is simple to prepare, yields two and is ready in an hour! It's a flaky type dough, similar to that of a Chicago style deep dish pie...

In the attached recipe I left the pizza white...with lots of vegetarian toppings, cheese and basil...but the great thing about homemade pizza ~ is you decide what goes!!!

You'll find my post here at SheKnows.com: Garden skillet pizza

Grinding meat at home for homemade burgers ~ a step by step

2013-04-16T14:44:00.000-04:00

NO PINK SLIME!!!

NO FILLERS!!!!

JUST 100% WHOLE BEEF GOODNESS!!!!!

Chuck, sirloin...salt and pepper!

To see step by step photos (and a cameo by my husband) please visit my post here at SheKnows.com: How to grind meat at home for homemade burgers

Herb quinoa salad with toasted pine nuts and lemon

2013-04-07T10:18:00.000-04:00

Bring this healthy and beautiful quinoa salad to your next picnic or backyard party!

The fresh herbs and lemon make it light and refreshing, while the sauteed onion, sun dried tomato and toasted pine nuts give it a 'bite' and pack it with flavor!

Best served cool or at room temperature...you'll find my simple recipe here at SheKnows: Herb quinoa salad with toasted pine nuts and lemon

3 Perfect Brunch Sandwiches!

2013-04-06T09:28:00.001-04:00

Host a better brunch and leave your guests thinking you had it catered with these three delicious brunch sandwiches!

Open-Faced Curried Egg Salad Sandwich

Brie, Prosciutto and Pear with Arugula and Honey Whole Grain Mustard Sandwich

Crab Cake BLT Sandwich

You'll find my post and recipes here at SheKnows.com: 3 Perfect brunch sandwiches

Roasted poblano macaroni and cheese

2013-04-03T16:05:00.002-04:00

Roasted poblano macaroni and cheese is an adult version of the all time favorite comfort food! I used penne rigate because it's what I had on hand, but any small pasta/macaroni would do!

The dish can be kept vegetarian by leaving out the crunchy bits of freshly cooked bacon, but the bacon does add to the overall flavor and texture of the dish.

I hope you'll like it as much as we did! Cheers! Carolyn :)

You'll find my recipe here at SheKnows.com: Roasted poblano macaroni and cheese

Unique Deviled Eggs ~ 3 delicious recipes!

2013-03-26T12:39:00.000-04:00

Let's take a closer look at each type...

Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with Dill and Caviar

Feta and Caper Deviled Eggs garnished with Chives

Curried Deviled Eggs topped with a sliver of Grape

The attached link at SheKnows.com gives you the simple recipes to prepare the exact tray at the top of this post.

To prepare a dozen of each type of egg ...just triple the recipes! So easy and so addicting!
CLICK HERE ---> Unique Deviled Eggs

Crispy Chicken Thighs with Mashed Potatoes and Kale ~ Tonight's Dinner!

2013-03-20T17:26:00.001-04:00

As mentioned in the attached post, this complete dinner takes a little bit of multi-tasking in the kitchen, but it's nothing you can't handle!

It's feel good, comfort food at its finest...so grab that adorable (or manly man) apron, rustle up a few pots and a pan ~ and start making magic!

You'll find the recipe and "how to" here at SheKnows.com:

Crispy chicken thighs with braised kale and mashed potatoes recipe

Grilled Greek chicken pitas with simple tzatziki sauce

2013-03-15T15:44:00.001-04:00

This is definitely one of our favorites! It's quick and easy...super fresh tasting and delicious!

I like to serve these grilled chicken pitas in wax paper bags...it helps catch any ingredients that want to escape and makes them feel authentic and fun!

Use your favorite fresh pocketless pita ~ as a good warmed pita makes all the difference.

You'll find my recipe here at SheKnows.com: Grilled Greek chicken pitas with simple tzatziki sauce

Cheers, Carolyn

Grilled cheese sandwich with brie and red onion marmalade

2013-03-13T18:58:00.000-04:00

The red onion marmalade takes some time to cook down, but I promise it's worth the time (mixed with a few other ingredients) to get that super condensed, caramelized onion flavor!

If you can't make the marmalade a day in advance, or you simply don't have the patience to wait for it to simmer; caramelizing red onion in butter until soft, translucent and fragrant makes a suitable substitute.

Either way...the sweet, intense flavor of the onion pairs beautifully with an earthy, creamy brie. As always, the higher quality brie you use, the better the sandwich will taste....

But I guess that last point goes without saying.

But I said it anyway...

Because I can't help myself...I love talking about brie.

In fact, if I have another baby and it's a girl, I may name her Brie.

Or Olive...I love Olives too.

Rosemary's cute...but then I think about the movie "Rosemary's Baby" and I'm not so sure?

But anyway...make this sandwich because even if you spend 30 minutes photographing it (to get the 'perfect shot') it's equally delicious at room temperature.

You'll find my recipe here at SheKnows.com: Grilled cheese sandwich with brie and red onion marmalade

Cheers! Carolyn

Pan-seared Salmon with Corn and Edamame Succotash

2013-03-07T13:30:00.000-05:00

I heart salmon.

I love it sushi style, Asian style, smoked, cold, warm...for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Here we have a pan-seared salmon over a succulent, organic corn and edamame succotash. The richness of the salmon pairs perfectly with the fresh, crisp flavors of the vegetables.

At first glance, you might think that's the salmon's crispy skin on top of the fish...but it's not.

Pan-searing the salmon flesh side down first, then flipping the fish over and placing it in the oven to finish cooking, will result in a restaurant-style, crisp, seared top!

You'll find the recipe, the "how to" and a TOP SECRET in my attached post at SheKnows.com: Pan-seared Salmon with Corn and Edamame Succotash

Cheers! Carolyn

BLT Pasta Salad

2013-03-06T07:43:00.001-05:00

We inhaled this BLT Pasta Salad!

Even my husband (who is not the biggest sun-dried tomato fan), agreed that the use of the sun-dried tomatoes in the recipe were crucial to its overall flavor.

Be sure to use a high-quality bacon...it makes a huge difference!

You'll find my recipe (and some other things to consider adding to the salad) here at SheKnows.com:
BLT Pasta Salad

Cheers! Carolyn :)

Curried chickpea-stuffed peppers with almonds and yogurt

2013-03-05T07:42:00.001-05:00

I note this in the attached post ~ but these curried chickpeas are equally delicious on their own...over rice or stuffed into a pita with some leafy greens and additional yogurt on the side.

Completely vegetarian. Completely healthy. Completely filling and delicious!

You'll find my recipes here at SheKnows.com:
Curried chickpea-stuffed peppers with almonds and yogurt

Cheers! Carolyn

...For the record...I don't love this picture, but it's really hard to get the best shot when all you want to do is EAT the subject ;)

Scotch Eggs

2013-03-01T15:42:00.000-05:00

What I love about the Scotch Egg (besides the obvious) is its ability to look super fancy (imagine it sliced on a bias and placed atop a beautiful salad and served to the Queen of England) OR...

plated rustic, pub-style...in a dimly-lit bar with no knife...no fork...but a grainy Dijon mustard and perhaps some chunks of cheddar.

Another recipe perfect for St. Patrick's Day or any day...you'll find my recipe here at SheKnows.com:
Scotch Eggs