I love trying to trick people into thinking they’re eating something they’re not. No, I’m not mean spirited or a trickster, I simply enjoy surprising people with unexpected ingredients. A ‘cream’ sauce that doesn’t contain an ounce of dairy, a ‘blue cheese’ dressing that doesn’t have a bit of cheese, a dessert that has beans in it. You get the idea. Now don’t get me wrong, I’m a dairy loving and meat eating individual. I just like the idea of messing with people’s tastebuds.
Category Archives: Recipes
three-day weekend milkshake
I remember going to a Red Robin (don’t judge, I was young!) in college and discovering the world of booze-filled milkshakes. At the time, Red Robin was a place to splurge on ginourmous burgers and bottomless soft drinks and lemonades. One visit, I made the choice to venture away from my favorite Very Berry Raspberry Limeade, from the bottomless beverage section, and opted for a Baileys Irish Cream milkshake. Booze and dessert in a glass, it’s efficient and delicious. Continue reading three-day weekend milkshake
the cheagan vegan
Since moving back to Portland I’ve made a point of taking in the Pacific NW that I somehow forgot existed. I’ve reconnected with the beauty of my home state through a series of hikes. One of the great things about living in Portland is that it’s easy to get to a number of spectacular hiking spots in 60 minutes or less. I’ve even taken to identifying wildflowers during my hikes. Yes, I’ve become that nerdy person. Getting into nature has reintroduced me to my surroundings and has given me a new appreciation for the Pacific NW. Continue reading the cheagan vegan
quintessential austin in a glass
I was in Austin last week, and visit number three really sealed my love for the quirky capital of Texas. My husband and I spent a few days biking our way through the bar, restaurant and food cart-lined streets that populate the unconventional beard-clad, music and food-obsessed city. Continue reading quintessential austin in a glass
whatcha gonna do with all those eggs?
Call me old fashioned, but I just don’t get why people opt to use plastic eggs for Easter egg hunts. It’s wasteful and not as tasty as the real thing. Plus, isn’t egg decorating part of the fun of non religious Easter traditions? No judgement, just my non parent opinion. Continue reading whatcha gonna do with all those eggs?
put the lime in the coconut
What seems like overnight, spring has hit Portland. Cherry blossoms and daffodils are blooming throughout the city and local tulips in vases are strewn throughout my house. One day it’s 73 degrees and sunny and the next it’s overcast and rainy. Yep, spring is here. Continue reading put the lime in the coconut
it’s bitchin’
My husband has a tendency to bring home edible treats from his work trips. Dumplings from Southern California, Nutella from Belarus, you name it, he has probably hauled it home. Continue reading it’s bitchin’
churn, baby churn
It has been unseasonably springlike in Portland the past few weeks. I’m talking between 65 and 70 degrees for days. I’ve got to admit, the Bay Area-like weather has made the transition back to Oregon a lot easier than I thought it would be. It also makes me feel like taking advantage of the weather in ways I didn’t in California. Because in the back of my mind I have this sinking feeling that the rain is waiting to surprise us in April. Continue reading churn, baby churn
time to party, with tea eggs
This year my husband and I are hosting our eighth annual Chinese New Year party. Our first party was in 2008, and we had just moved to the Bay Area. Now, eight years later, we’re combining a housewarming Chinese New Year party in our new home in Portland. Continue reading time to party, with tea eggs
a portland chinese new year
On the eve of Chinese New Year I’m feeling that twinge. The twinge of wishing I was back in the Bay Area at my mother-in-law’s house making dumplings for the holiday. The twinge of wishing I was hanging out with my husband’s family celebrating the new year. Instead, we are going to check out a promising Taiwanese/Chinese restaurant in Portland. They make their own Chinese sausage and serve a lot of my husband’s Taiwanese favorites. I’m hoping we’ll be able to talk to the owners and find out where they source their ingredients and if they’re interesting in adopting a Caucasian daughter figure. Ok, maybe not the latter, but I definitely would love to talk with them. Continue reading a portland chinese new year
planks and sticks 