Wild Rice Baguette Bites

I made these for a "purple-theme" event. Wild rice, also known as Forbidden rice, turns dark purple when cooked. Just slice baguette and toast in the oven. Then spread real butter on them and add a layer of wild rice. Cook rice according to package instructions--usually same rice-to-water ratio and cooks in about 45 minutes, just cook it in water, salt, and garlic powder. I topped them off with a slice of radish for more flavor and a contrasting color. They turned out delicious!

Deviled Eggs Gone Nice!

Have you ever wondered why Deviled Eggs are called "deviled?" My explanation is: deviled eggs typically include both egg yokes and mayonnaise, both packed with bad cholesterol. Now is that evil or what?! Hmm, let me see, it tastes great...but it's bad for you...hmm sounds deviled to me. But don't panic, I bare good news. I bring you the healthier alternative of deviled eggs. They are still a little evil (they still provide culinary pleasure) but with a kinder effect to your body. Many people opt for Deviled-Eggs-Gone-Nice by substituting the mayo with avocado. GENIUS! 

I'd like to take credit for the invention since I ALWAYS use avocado instead of mayo...but, I didn't come up with this version of deviled eggs. In fact, I would like to give credit to whom credit is due (and a big THANKS) but we don't really know who started the trend. Oh well, life goes on, so here is the recipe for our beloved DEVILED EGGS GONE NICE:

Ingredients

6 eggs

1 large avocado

3 tbs chopped fresh parsley or cilantro (save a little for garnishing)

1 tbs mustard

1 tbs extra virgin olive oil or lemon juice

1/2 tbs salt(or to taste)

1/2 tsp black pepper

1 tsp paprika powder (for garnishing)

Boil eggs for about 15 minutes. Once hard transfer to a bowl of ice cold water for a few minutes and then crack shells and gently remove them. Next, cut each egg in half--try to be as precise as possible-- and gently remove the egg yokes and place them in a small bowl. Add diced avocado, parsley/cilantro, mustard, oil/juice (note: cilantro will pair better with lemon juice while parsley goes better with the olive oil), salt, and pepper. Mash everything together until well mixed. Next, scoop out the mix and place about a spoonful in each egg-half. Lastly, sprinkle paprika and remaining parsley/cilantro on top. Transfer to a clean dish to serve. ENJOY!

Superbowl Food: Refried Beans Dip

Since we are in Super Bowl mode, I want to share this Refried Beans recipe with you. It has my own twist and little healthier-alternative to the typical refried beans recipe. Also, check out my Homemade Guacamole video--it's another Super Bowl favorite! You can use these beans as a dip, spread, stuffing, side dish, and much more if you get creative!  I'll be adding more recipes today as well! ENJOY!

Homemade Chunky Guac

This is one of my first video blogs! I do sound a little nervous but hopefully that'll improve with time. However, the star of this video is the guac, so test it out at home and ENJOY! 

CRANBERRY SANGRIA

Valentines Day is coming up, spice up the typical wine with cranberry juice and infusions of your favorite fruit! The beauty about sangria is that you can get creative and add pretty much any fruit or flavors you’d like. You don’t need an expensive wine and it so refreshing and appealing to the eye. Now, always try flavor combinations that go together and remember practice makes perfect.

Ingredients

 1 bottle dry red wine

1 cup cranberry juice cocktail

1 cup orange juice

½ cranberry liqueur

1 orange cubed

1 apple cube

1 pear cubed

Combine all ingredients in a pitcher throw in the fridge for at least 2 hours (the longer the better). Once ready to serve pour it in glasses with ice and if you want to spark it up add a little Sprite.

Suggestion: Sangria pairs up especially well with red meats, pork, sausages, and pasta. Also, include a little spoon to try the fruit in the glass. Enjoy!