So your trying to watch your intakes of sweets, that was your new years resolution, right? But I know your still craving something sweet… don’t worry, I have a treat for you, so fast and simple and healthy! Chia seeds are very high in those omega 3’s and yogurt has your good probiotics and protein and with only a small amount of sugar this pudding is one your kids will even love. 
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{Lighter} Chicken Fajita Casserole
Hi there! I am Megan from The Housewife in Training Files. I am so honored to be a contributor to My Cooking Spot! What an amazing little blog this is.
I have a special place in my heart for quinoa and for many reasons. You can even say I am tad bit obsessed. And for good reasons! A quick cooking, gluten free whole grain that is a nutritional powerhouse. It contains more antioxidants, protein and fiber than any other grain; which is the perfect reason for me to substitute any recipe that calls for rice, couscous and even pasta!
When I think of winter, I immediately curse Mother Nature, kidding, sorta. No really; I immediately think of comfort dishes. Cheesy, gooey dishes that are so rich they keep you full and happy for hours on end! One evening I was feeling like a bit of a fiesta so I set out to make a lighter dish that was a way less time consuming than making a full Mexican spread. Let’s be honest, I had a margarita calling my name. [Read more…]
Holiday Spiced Dutch Baby
The seasonal fruit selection at our Seattle area farmers markets has plummeted to our standard winter options of apple and pear varieties. While there are plenty of tasty things to be made with both fruits, I thought I’d share what can be made with some of the other goodies I routinely pick up at the market. Quality wise – there’s nothing better than farm fresh eggs and butter. Both blow their store-bought counterparts away. At the Ballard Farmers Market, my favorite eggs come from Stokesberry Farm and butter from Golden Glen Creamery.
While thinking of recipes to highlight these two everyday ingredients, I immediately gravitated towards one of my favorite indulgent breakfasts. Dutch Babies, also known as German Pancakes, are incredibly simple to make and are a great canvas for all kinds of special flavors or additions. Now that we’re deep into the holiday season, I thought it was about time to create a holiday spiced version – perfect for enjoying in front of a morning fire on a cold blustery day.
Ginger Asian Pear Crisp
It’s that time of the year when the number of farmers markets in Seattle plummets down to just a handful of hearty markets which run year round. One of my favorites, the University District Market recently pivoted its location from a parking lot to the street. I wasn’t so sure about the move when I first heard about it – but the with new addition of some of my favorite vendors from the Broadway Farmers Market, it’s now holding the title of my favorite market in Seattle.
My original thought for this month’s farmers market sourced recipe was to make a simple apple crisp. However, after walking the new market and spotting oodles of pears in the many booths convinced me to try just a little something different.
I’ve never actually eaten an Asian Pear before, so I figured what better time to try baking with some. The Mair Farm-Taki booth had both some excellent looking pears and fresh ginger, so I came up with this special spiced crisp. This final version came with me to a little dinner party and it turned was a huge hit. Even better, the single portion I had left made a fantastic warmed up breakfast the following morning.
