Recipe Of The Day: Spicy Broccoli, Cheddar & Red Potato Soup

Nothing heats up the soul or the body like a bowl of fresh Broccoli & Cheddar Soup. Even though it is still hotter than we would like it be outside, eventually the colder temperatures are going to take over leaving us all in need of something to warm us up besides a few strong libations. This soup is hearty and delicious and can even go with some great shredded chicken or even eaten out of good strong loaf of your favorite bread that has been hollowed out. Whatever you choose to do, this dish is a nice alternative to all of the BBQ, salads and fried foods we have been tearing through all Summer long.

Enjoy.

(click Read More for the entire recipe)

Homemade BBQ Chicken Pizza

Nothing beats the feeling of doing something yourself. Whether it be changing your oil, cutting your own hair, doing your own taxes or feeding your family, we have said this time and time again doing something for yourself feels amazing. Today we hope to help you capture that same feeling by making your own pizza instead of ordering from the local delivery spot. Now you don’t need to use only our ingredients as your toppings, we just told you what we used for the night. Take this recipe, master it and make it your own. We love to hear when people take recipes and turn them into family nights or a romantic night with someone special.

Enjoy!

(click Read More for the entire recipe.)

Recipe Of The Day: Antipasto Salad Sandwiches

Stepping into a new restaurant for the first time for many people can be overwhelming. Every now and then new terms are used in place of what an item traditionally called thus completely turning off the patron without even knowing what the dish is. 

With a recent trip to a neighborhood Italian Restaurant behind us, a conversation came up about the term Antipasto and what should it include. Traditionally Antipasto (Plural Antipasti) means “before the meal” in Italian, and is often the first formal course in an Italian meal. 

It should include various cured meats, olives, pepperoncini, mushrooms, roasted garlic, anchovies, artichoke hearts, various cheeses and peperone (marinated small green bell peppers, which should not be confused with pepperoni.) 

Typically topped off with olive oil, this dish can take the place of any salad in a heartbeat. Although Antipasto is often compared to hors d’oeuvre’s, it should be noted that they are not the same, as Antipasto is served at the table and signifies the official beginning of a meal, whereas hors d’oeuvre’s are served as a snack before a meal begins.

We put together a recipe for an Antipasto sandwich that is truly amazing and will help introduce you to this staple in the Italian culture. Of course substitutions can be made to your liking, we are simply showing you a traditional version that we have taken a liking too.

Recipe Of The Day: Deep Fried Artichokes

Everyone loves artichokes, you just may not know it yet. Having the right person prepare an artichoke for your first time eating them is very crucial. they can easily be made to taste like an aloe vera plant and that ain't that cool. If this is your time eating them have no fear for they are fried, and what doesn't taste good fried?
Consider them the perfect appetizer to enjoy while having freezing cold libations such as: Beer, Vodka and Tonics, Gin and Tonics, Rum & Cokes, Patron shots... Ok you get the picture.
Please enjoy these and your drinks in moderation.

Recipe Of The Day: Smoked Chipotle Chicken Tortilla Soup

Chicken Tortilla Soup, is one of those things that you shouldn't live your life without knowing how to make or at the very least where to get a bowl of it thats worth eating. The weather is getting cold outside which means that it is time to prepare for the colder months that lie ahead. First things first, be smart and fully stock the bar in your house, because as we all know a perfectly blended libation is crucial to any great evening.

Second make sure you stay full of hearty and healthy meals that aren't overly heavy or else you will be asleep as soon as it gets dark outside. This recipe is perfect because its full of spicy flavors, warms you up on those cold days and it goes well with a wide variety of drinks.

The added smooth creamy texture from the avocados and smokey after tastes from the chipotle and cheeses creates a well rounded dish that needs nothing to accompany it but a strong cocktail.
Enjoy this dish like we do with a Hurricane, Rum & Coke, Sangria or Hennessy straight.

Recipe Of The Day: Grapefruit & Chicken Satay Salad

A couple of emails came in over the weekend for recipes that pulled together a quick and easy salad that could be taken to work. People are sick of the same old plain protein, usually chicken, over lettuce with loads of unhealthy dressing.

Today's Recipe Of The Day Grapefruit & Chicken Satay Salad, is a light dish full of robust flavors and spice, but not so much flavor and additional ingredients that eating a salad is completely pointless.
Oftentimes we confuse ourselves into thinking that because we are eating a salad it doesn't matter what kind of dressing or additives we place on top. But that usually results in eating nothing but fats and oils in the form of a dressing and too much sodium when those tricky "salad toppings" come into play.

Take it from me, I didn't even touch salads until years of recent and this one right here, is perfect for those in need of some help sprucing up a healthy lunchtime / dinnertime meal.

Enjoy it tonight or make it ahead of time and take it to work. Make sure to keep the grapefruit in a bag or separate container until your ready to eat it, so that your lettuce does not get soggy, if you are planning to at this at a later time

Recipe Of The Day: Double Cheddar Hamburger w/ Grilled Onions

Nothing beats a hot hamburger loaded with flavor on a sunny day. Try this burger out at your next backyard BBQ and watch as the moistness from the meat and cheeses blends perfectly together, guaranteeing your guests will be asking for seconds.
The smokey flavor of the grilled onions is the perfect topper for this occasion and as such should be enjoyed with an ice cold beer such as a Frambois, Fat Tire or possibly a mint laced Mojito for those looking to lighten it up a bit.
And if that isn't enough to entice you to eat it, this recipe is an adaption to the very one used by Bobby Flay for his Hamburger throwdown, which he won.
Enjoy!

Recipe Of The Day: Spicy Sangria Shrimp

We got a recent request for a Shrimp recipe we had done at the top of last year, by a follower of the site who said they couldn't believe we were able to infuse the great flavors of both Sangria and Shrimp and have them come off lovely.

Well just so that we are clear, this recipe was a complete adaptation of something we had caught on a show, that we mixed with something we had tried at a restaurant in Huntington Beach, CA. The idea came after having numerous libations and copious amounts of Shrimp and then saying why not add a decent amount of spice and put these two flavors together.

Here is what we were able to pull off after a few tries at correcting our spice and alcohol levels.  Each and every-time we make this dish, it gets devoured before it has any sort of chance to cool down so we know we have done something right.

The greatest thing about this recipe is that all of the flavors go together wonderfully and nothing overpowers the fresh taste of the Shrimp.

Another Recipe In Honor Of National Egg Day: Egg Salad Sandwich w/ Avocado & Spinach

Heres another recipe in honor of the incredible edible egg. This sandwich is actually inspired by a close close friend of ours, who could not stand mayo in anything they ate. By seasoning it up a little bit and not overloading the sandwich with it, we made it quite delightful, as they agreed upon devouring a few recently.

Recipe Of The Day: Grilled Lobster Tails & Lemon Clarified Butter

Now who said we couldn’t give you an easy to follow recipe for lobster tails that resulted in the most juiciest flavorful pieces of gods greatest crustacean ever made? Ok so no one really said that we just wanted to act like we had a few haters who needed some calming down at the moment.

We do have to advise you as always that when cooking a dish such as this timing is crucial, do not over cook your lobster or else you will be mad at how tough your little treat has become. 

The Key to the butter to also keep an eye on your temperature and your fats. skim the top frequently, do not burn the butter. 

Also we ne know that with every good food must go a great drink, for this simple recipe we recommend a light Moscato wine, for those not into wines, try a Vodka Gimlet, the dash of lime sets off the seafood perfectly.

Enjoy!

Recipe Of The Day: Black Bean & Roasted Corn Summer Salad

This recipe is delicious, healthy, simple to make and affordable year round. This is one that can be served up hot or cold and can either be a main dish itself if your looking to go light or will work alongside just about main entree you wish to pair it up with. Usually served up along our classic pink peppercorn crusted steaks this time out we chose to let the salad speak for itself and take center stage.
The crisp texture of the smokey roasted corn mixed with the smoothness of the beans just sets this dish off perfectly.
Enjoy!

Recipe Of The Day: Cedar Plank Salmon

With Salmon being in season year round (ok that is true in Southern California because we have an abundance of health conscious people who demand that it constantly be made available for consumption) and so many great recipes existing solely for this great fish, there is no reason you shouldn't add it to your diet.
Todays Recipe Of The Day is all about easy cooking, easy cleaning and great eating. Cedar Plank Salmon can be made both indoors and outdoors and yet it will be able to still pack those amazing flavors and aromas.
This recipe is one we use every 4th of July and anytime we have a guest over who doesn't partake in any of the meat dishes we are serving.
Remember to Take The Time To Presoak Your Planks or else you will be left with a big blaze of fire and smoke on the grill or in your home and that is never a good thing.
Enjoy.

Recipe Of The Day: Shrimp Spring Rolls w/ Cucumber Yogurt Dip

Continuing on with our Shrimp theme from yesterday, we wanted to give you a bit of crunch this time with your shrimp. We decided what could possibly be better than some crunchy fried Shrimp Spring Rolls with a cool cucumber yogurt dip?
This recipe is an adaptation from one we picked up years ago from a longtime friend, the cool cucumber dip helps to evoke Earthy flavors and the sweet & saltiness of the shrimp.
Truly refreshing with a cold Heineken or a Rum & Coke (fruit punch for you youngsters please, your time to drink grown up libations will arrive soon enough.)

Recipe Of The Day: Champagne Risotto

Risotto is a tradition rice dish served in Italy. Usually cooked in a rich broth and containing great ingredients such as parmesan cheese, meats, fish or vegetables this dish is a sure fire hit that will steal the show from whatever main entree your serving it alongside. The name literally translates to little rice and is the most common way of cooking rice in Italy.
This version we have kicked it up a little with the help of some good champagne which only helps to add to final creamy texture you should hopefully be awarded with. Be careful as over cooking, over stirring and not adding the broth when needed will ruin this dishes flavors and textures.

Recipe Of The Day: Grilled Chicken & Roasted Pear Salad

This time of year people are finding themselves outside more, looking to lighten up in the weight department and in need of some serious nutrients due to the sudden amount of alcohol they are consuming.
This salad mixes the best of a few worlds and allows you to feel light and full of energy after tearing up a few plates instead of ready for a nap. The dressing goes perfect with the crispy chicken and roasted pears and sits wonderful on top of the mixed greens.

Recipe Of The Day: Ropa Vieja

Ropa vieja, which is Spanish for "Old Clothes," is a popular dish of the Canary Islands, Cadiz, Greater Miami and the Caribbean, especially Cuba,Panama, Puerto Rico, and the Dominican Republic. It is a shredded flank steak in a tomato sauce base. 

For those of you that are lucky enough to live in or near by an area that has some sort of influence from any one of these nations you already know what kind of deep flavors come from Ropa Vieja. But if your unaware of the amazing food that comes from each and every single one of these spots, let us introduce you to a slow cooked favorite of ours that melts in your mouth with each bite.  This is to be enjoyed with cold beer, rum & Coke, mint mojitos & Tequila shots. 

Recipe Of The Day: Chipotle Chicken Fajitas

There is nothing like having some good homemade food to start off your work week. Especially when the dish is healthy and loaded with delectable flavors. The subtle piquant aromas and tastes supplied but the adobo chiles, cayenne and paprika are what truly gives this dish its depth. Don't forget your pico de gallo and guacamole. I enjoy this usually with a side of roasted corn and Jalapeno peppers and our secret recipe sweet pinto beans.

Recipe Of The Day: Baked Macaroni & Cheese

We are posting this up a little late due to the extensive and oftentimes painfully grueling taste testings we have been performing with all the vicious hot sauces pouring in.
One of our good friends from way before day one of the site hit us up and asked how we perform that lovely dish we call Baked Macaroni & Cheese. Baked Macaroni & Cheese is really simple and as long as you don't overcook any of these precious ingredients you will be in for a great treat that sticks to the ribs and goes great alongside just about EVERYTHING.
Enjoy this recipe and remember that the leftovers go great the next day, when turned into fried mac & cheese. But now were just giving up too much info...