Going Fishin'

Last week, I had the pleasure of being invited to dine at recently opened Tin Can Fish & Oyster House.  Growing up in Virginia, seafood was always a part of my diet.  Since moving to Atlanta, where I'm closed in by land and no water, finding seafood *good seafood* can be difficult.  So I was super excited!

our centerpiece

The menu was reasonably price and our waiter was amazing!  We started with appetizers:

"southern" style oysters served w/collard greens on top!

Appetizer Platter: crab balls, crawfish & grits & bang-bang shrimp

By the time we ordered our main dish, I was already stuffed.  I did manage to get grouper, with sweet chili sauce.  Not to mention hush puppies & saffron rice...whew!

my dinner

Blackened salmon, saffron rice & fried green tomatoes

By the time we left, we were over-stuffed...not to mention the cocktails we consumed too!  Dinner & service was perfect!  As much as I love cooking, it's nice to get out and enjoy a meal that someone else has prepared!


check out their menu!

Tex-Mex Chicken

Ahhhhh...finally. I've arrived.  It's been a while since I've blogged, partly due to needing inspiration and the other part just due to life...

Recently, I found an easy and seemingly delicious recipe for Tex-Mex Chicken here. So, I tried it...

Fairly simple:

First, I tossed the chicken in: chili powder, cumin, salt & pepper.  Dredged it in flour and browned it in a cast iron skillet of melted butter.

Once the chicken was done, transfer to a plate.  In my skillet I added a bit more butter & corn, a jalapeno and salt.  Cook corn until brown.

Next, add the chicken to the corn along with lime juice and oregano. (the recipe states that at this step, you can add water too if you like).

Sprinkle cheese over the mixture and broil until cheese melts & browns a bit on top.

I served mine with warm tortillas!
                                                                                    

My Inspiration

Lately I've been a bit uninspired as far as trying out new recipes and frolicking around my lovely city.  In an effort to try to get inspiration, I love to peruse one of my favorite websites Taste Spotting.  This website is perfect if you're in need of culinary inspiration. The website's tag line is "a community driven potluck".  Love it.  Here are some pictures that are inspiring me to get back in the kitchen:

Snickerdoodle Pumpkin Ice Cream Sandwiches. photo: Pennies on a Platter

Coffee Cognac Cooler. Photo: Crumpets & Cakes

Vertical Pear Salad. Photo: The Novice Chef

Chicken Curry. Photo: Big 2 Beautiful

Red Velvet Chocolate Chip Cookies. Photo: How Sweet it Is

Happy Monday...what's inspiring you today?

The Basics

The other day I came across an article on one of my favorite blogs.  The article lists 10 basic recipes that all cooks should know.  Though I agree with most of the items listed, I took it upon myself to make my own list.

1. Macaroni & Cheese *
2. Mashed Potatoes
3. Pizza Dough
4. Simple Syrup
5. Vinaigrette (any flavor) - the provided link is for a champagne vinaigrette that I love to make!
6. Spaghetti Sauce
7. Gravy
8. Chocolate chip cookies
9. Biscuits
10. Fried Chicken

* this is the closest recipe that I could find close to how I prepare my own mac & cheese.  Of course I like to add extra and unnecessary things...gourmet cheeses, extra seasonings, but it's delightful.  


Your thoughts?

Maple Banana Sauce

 

I love breakfast!  Going to breakfast or brunch on a Sunday is definitely one of my favorite things to do.  Because of my absolute love for breakfast foods, I don't mind experimenting and trying new breakfast recipes.  I found this lovely recipe for maple-banana sauce and I knew I had to try it.  It's ridiculously simple & equally delicious.

All you'll need is:

1. bananas
2. maple syrup
3. butter

And magically you get this delicious sauce that will liven up your normal Sunday brunch at home.


I tweaked the recipe a bit and added a touch of cinnamon.  I think next time I may add some type of liqueur...

My Fave Food Blogs

A lot of my spare time is spent reading other food blogs.  Lately I've noticed that I've picked up quite a routine in the blogs that I like to keep up with and so...I've developed a list of my favorite food blogs/websites!  The list could go on forever, but here's an abbreviated list (in no particular order):

1. Cupcakes & Cashmere
2. Slashfood
3. Yum Sugar
4. The Hazel Bloom
5. The Pioneer Woman
6. TasteSpotting
7. Smitten Kitchen
8. Chow
9. Running with Tweezers
10. Apartment Therapy The Kitchn (yes it's spelled correctly)

What are your favorite foodie blogs?