Stepping Up to Plate Tonight Is…Spanakopita & Sidekicks

SPANAKOPITA + BAKED KALE CHIPS + SPICED SWEET POTATO FRIES + FARMER’S CHEESE & APPLE PHYLLO CUPS

Spanakopita-Kale-Chips-Apple-Phyloo

Tonight’s special Easter plate appearance was made by Spanakopita, a stalwart Greek who frequently hangs out at diners across the U.S. Somewhat breaking with tradition, a smidge of kale mixes with his ancestral spinach but it hasn’t made him bitter in the slightest. How could he be when joined by Greek Yogurt and Honey Blend? Sweet, creamy, flaky and hearty, the two make a great pair.

Next up are Kale Chips and Spiced Sweet Potato Fries, both crisped in the oven rather than deep fried. They may be health fanatics but they’re always up for a veggie party.

As a fruit-heavy dessert, Farmer’s Cheese and Apple Phyllo Cup managed to snag an invite. Her slightly tart Granny Smith apple center is balanced with a bit of creamy farmer’s cheese and a few layers of delicate phyllo.

Happy Easter from Allspice & Ally!
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The Sleepy Surprise “Party”

SUPRISES + SWEETS + SAVORY CHEESECAKE

Savory Cheesecake Surprise Celebration

I’ve always had a penchant for throwing parties— especially themed parties. And although none were too elaborate, I’ve thrown a few surprise parties. It’s always fun to celebrate friends’ birthdays and it’s even better when you can surprise them!

This is Ellie. We’ve known each other since kindergarten. Not only is she one of my best friends, she’s also one of my sorority sisters.

Ellie_Collage

Because we now live in different states and she’s in medical school, we don’t get to see each other nearly as often as I’d like. But for her short summer break, we decided to go on a three-day road trip.

To kick off this road trip, however, I decided to throw her a surprise birthday party the day before we left. Unfortunately she couldn’t arrive until late in the evening so there was much less food, fanfare and friends than originally planned. Read more

Stepping Up to Plate Tonight is… Chive Gougères & Chums

CHIVE & GOAT CHEESE GOUGÈRES + BALSAMIC FLANK STEAK + MAPLE BALSAMIC ROASTED STRAWBERRY CAKE

Chive Gougeres, Balsamic Flank Steak and Roasted Strawberry Cake

Tonight’s plate appearance was made by Chive & Goat Cheese Gougères of the pâte á choux clan. Some may call her an airhead but you’ll never forget her delicate touch and light chive blossom fragrance.  Somewhat of a rebel, she has forgone her family’s traditional Gruyère and and styled herself in a creamy goat cheese. You’ll rarely find her without her mate Onion Jam, who’s secretly sweet on her— but because he’s a caramelized fellow, it’s a very poorly kept secret.

Following these two are longtime friends Flank Steak and Mushrooms who have just returned from a trip to the Balsamic Bath House. Giving them a welcome reprieve from their long soak is Snow Pea Pods, with his crisp exterior and fresh attitude. Some people believe he’s immature but most appreciate his slightly raw sense of humor.

Bringing up the rear is Strawberry Cake, whose personality traits reflect elements from all her friends.  Her own lightly crisped exterior is softened by a smattering of melted goat’s milk brie and fresh strawberries roasted in a maple balsamic bath. Topped with a kiss of powdered sugar, she might just be your new summer lover.

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Stepping Up to Plate Tonight Is…French Onion Soup & Friends

FRENCH ONION SOUP + MIXED GREENS + CHOCOLATE-ORANGE CAKE

French Onion Soup Dinner

Tonight’s plate appearance was made by French Onion Soup, a real class act born in the 18th century.  Don’t let the warm and comforting disposition fool you, this Frenchman has a streak of Port wine and isn’t afraid to tell you like it is.  Balancing out her more traditional companion is Mixed Greens, a sassy salad dressed in this season’s latest citrus vinegar.  As nutty as she is sweet, mandarin orange slices and toasted pecans round out her look.

Last but certainly not least is Chocolate-Orange Cake sporting a creamy yogurt hairstyle straight from Greece with orange zest highlights reflecting her bright personality.  Fresh from her oven-wide tour, she’ll make you, along with any scoop of ice cream, melt.

 

Hungry for more?  Check out related content.

The Floundering Fridge

Fridge

For an appliance, our side by side fridge/freezer unit is getting a little old.  Having dealt with twenty years of Thanksgiving leftovers without complaint, it’s been a dependable companion but late last Friday night it needed to take a few days off.

Our poor broken fridge.

By Saturday morning, ginger ice cream had turned to soup and the numerous bags of frozen vegetable bought the previous afternoon were decidedly soggy.

Yum.

Like children awakening on a particularly warm winter day, we were dumbfound by the unexpected thaw.  But instead of melted snowmen, we faced rapidly defrosting chicken breasts and turkey burger patties.
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