appetizers

Chipotle Fruit Salsa

June 2, 2014 by Erica

My favorite recipes on this blog are the ones that I can’t stop eating. Like, the ones that I keep taking back out of the fridge, despite my best intentions, for “just one more bite.” I mean, when it comes to sharing recipes, if I can take it or leave it, it’s probably not worth sharing, right?

Well, this salsa is definitely one worth sharing. But I mean that in the most hypothetical of terms, because I’m only willing to share the recipe for it. The actual eating? Well, sorry, the buck stops there.

Two times I have made this salsa. Two times I have intended to bring it to get-togethers. Zero times has it left the house.

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Sun Dried Tomato Spread

May 12, 2014 by Erica

I am feeling a little sentimental today.

This weekend I was back in Massachusetts for my bridal shower, which my mom hosted down at my parents’ beach house. Eleven women that I love spent the whole weekend showering me with affection, pouring me wine, and celebrating my happiness. It. Was. Wonderful.

There’s something about everyone I love – and live so far away from! – coming together to celebrate me that just gets me. I think it’s safe to say that I’m going to be quite emotional at my wedding. Good thing I picked bridesmaids’ dresses with pockets – someone better bring the tissues!

In addition to reminding me how lucky I am, this weekend also reminded me of several of my mom’s recipes I can’t believe I forgot. One orzo salad in particular that I hope to bring you soon… oh man is it good.

Food is definitely love in my family!

As a bridal shower present, Nate’s mom had sent a huge box of spices, salts and other goodies out to Salt Lake a few weeks ago, and a huge bag of sulfite-free julienned tomatoes was one of the ingredients I was most excited to cook with. I knew they were destined for this recipe as soon as I saw the big orangey-red bag of them.

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Spicy Red Lentil Chipotle Hummus

February 14, 2014 by Erica

Spicy Red Lentil Chipotle Hummus

Happy Valentine’s Day, my loves!

I didn’t really do the Valentine’s recipe thing this year, as you can see. Though at least this hummus is red? Yeah, it’s a stretch.

But before we get to the food, a shout-out to my valentine.

Snowy Engagement Photos

The man who puts up with me for better and for worse, and is so supportive of everything I do. The man who washes the whole sink full of dishes when I am too stressed out to even function. And who just poured me another glass of wine as I type this.

He’s a keeper, and I am so lucky he’s mine!

Poor guy has a super stress case of a valentine this year, but that’s besides the point.

And the point, of course, is this red lentil hummus.

Spicy Red Lentil Chipotle Hummus

Did you know you could make hummus with red lentils? It is super protein-packed, and tastes surprisingly similar to regular hummus, actually. And I’ll be honest, it’s great for when you forget you’re out of chickpeas.

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Fresh Corn and Jalapeno Griddle Cakes

May 30, 2013 by Erica

Fresh Corn and Jalapeno Griddle Cakes

Memorial Day has passed, and that means it’s (unofficially) summer!

If I had any white pants, I would wear them to celebrate. But I don’t – and the days in Utah that are both a) between Memorial Day and Labor Day and b) cool enough to wear pants are few, if they exist at all – so I’ll settle for eating fresh corn instead. Does that sound like a good plan?

Fresh Corn and Jalapeno Griddle Cakes

I thought so, too.

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Healthy Super Bowl Food

February 2, 2013 by Erica

Healthy Super Bowl Food | coffeeandquinoa.com

So, it occurs to me that you may be looking for something tasty to bring to a Super Bowl party tomorrow.

And that maybe you left it to the last minute.

And that maybe you and I have that in common.

I’ve posted a bunch of football appetizers on this blog lately, just none this week because… let’s face it, I’m already over the Super Bowl. I’m pretty much the ultimate fair weather Pats fan, and as soon as they were out, I was, too.

I’ll be in it for the commercials tomorrow, and of course the food… so let me share a few suggestions. These appetizers will make you more than welcome at anyone’s house this Sunday!

Buffalo Brussels Potato Skins with Lightened Up Blue Cheese Dressing – My favorite appetizer of all time, and they even have green stuff hidden in there. Oh my goodness. This is an awesome veggie alternative to wings.

Healthy Super Bowl Food | coffeeandquinoa.com

Healthy Leek and Gruyere Sweet Potato Skins – If you prefer sweet potatoes, these are totally for you. You can use sharp cheddar instead of the gruyere so they won’t be stinky!

Healthy Super Bowl Food | coffeeandquinoa.com

Chipotle Black Bean Dip – One of my favorite healthy dips, and super easy to throw together.

Healthy Super Bowl Food | coffeeandquinoa.com

Extra Creamy Hummus – This is also super fast to whip up a batch of, and is perfect if you want something healthy to munch on.

Healthy Super Bowl Food | coffeeandquinoa.com

Simple Guacamole – Everyone likes guacamole.

Healthy Super Bowl Food | coffeeandquinoa.com

And if you’re hosting the party, here are a few suggestions for easy dinners to make:

Vegan Three-Bean Chili – You can double the recipe to make an enormous pot of this. No one will go home hungry!

Healthy Super Bowl Food | coffeeandquinoa.com

Roasted Red Pepper, Mushroom, and Caramelized Onion Pizza – OK, so the pictures aren’t the best, but this is seriously delicious. Top with the cheese of your choice!

Healthy Super Bowl Food | coffeeandquinoa.com

Chickpea Tacos with Guacamole – And finally, my most-pinned recipe recently. You won’t believe how quick these tacos are to make, and they’re a great healthy alternative to meaty tacos with cheese and sour cream.

Healthy Super Bowl Food | coffeeandquinoa.com

Can I put in a shameless plug here for you to like Coffee & Quinoa on Facebook? That way, when I post an urgent plea for someone else to wash my dishes, you can be notified immediately. I KNOW, right?! Also, Pinterest, because then we can play a fun game called “what is Erica going to blog about next week?” It’s usually pretty obvious what’s on my mind when I pin five beet cake recipes in a row (hint hint). And if you’d rather spend Sunday ignoring the Super Bowl and repinning baked good recipes… well, I’m right there with ya!

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

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