Spiced Fries

What goes better with the start of grill-out season than French fries?

But maybe this year, it's time to step up your French fry game with these.

Of course, I'm terrible at grilling, so I will be munching these with something simple like grilled corn or veggie burgers. There isn't so much finesse with those.

 Chili powder and cumin is my all time favorite spice combination, so of course, I loved these!

Seriously, the hotter spices with mellow potato is so good!

I changed these up a bit and baked them instead of frying them. They came out just as good and crisp.

But if you're set on frying them or you're just in a rush: use grapeseed oil heated to 350 degrees in a Dutch oven and cook them for 5-7 minutes.

Naked and Famous "Young Blood"

Adapted from "The New American Table" by Marcus Samuelsson

Ingredients

3 Idaho potatoes cut lengthwise into 1/4 inch sticks (about 2 pounds)
1 tbsp chopped parsley
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp mild chili powder
1/2 tsp. ground cumin
1 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tbsp. cornstarch
1/4 cup chickpea flour
4 cups vegetable oil
Spicy ketchup

Directions

Preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Rinse and soak the potatoes under cold running water for 20 minutes. Strain and pat dry.

Toss together the parsley, salt, chili powder, and paprika in a small bowl. Set aside.

Combine the cornstarch and chickpea flour in a large bowl. Add the potatoes and toss to coat.

Spray a baking sheet with oil, and spread the fries evenly on the sheet. Spray with oil.

Cook in oven for 35 minutes, checking every 10-15 minutes to turn fries to prevent burning, or until crisp.

Remove from oven and toss with spice mix. Serve with ketchup.

Murphy's Onion Soup

We've talked about my love affair with onions. 

And of course that translates to a love of onion soup.

And obviously, I'm always up for a new type of onion soup. 

I work at a library and this book and I have been skirting each other for months.

Almost all of the recipes use alcohol, but those pictures? *swoon*

(What can I say? I'm a visual gal)

I'm also a bit of a history nerd, so I love all the little Irish and brewing history facts in the book.

(Did you know the term "honeymoon" comes from the amount of mead made to last a month after the wedding? Or that the word "whiskey" actually comes from the Irish words for "water of life", uisce beatha, pronounced isk'ke ba'ha?

And fitting folk music to go with it:

Celtic Woman  "At the Celli"

Adapted from The Irish Spirit by Margaret Johnson (Serves 8 as a starter)

Ingredients

2 tbsp unsalted Kerrygold butter (or just unsalted butter)
3 large yellow onions, sliced
2 large red onions, sliced
4 shallots, minced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 bay leaves
1 tsp. dried basil
1 tsp. dried thyme
1 tbsp. dark brown sugar
3 cups homemade beef stock or low-sodium beef broth
1 cup Murphy's Irish stout
Salt and freshly ground pepper
1 cup (4 oz.) shredded Kerrygold Swiss or Blarney cheese for topping (instead of the usual Gruyere)

Directions

In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the onions, shallots, and garlic, and cook for 12 to 15 minutes or until the onions are soft but not browned. Add the bay leaves, basil, thyme, brown sugar, stock or broth,and stout. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and simmer, covered for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the onions are tender. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Preheat the broiler. Arrange 8 flameproof crocks on a baking sheet. Ladle the soup into the crocs and sprinkle with the cheese. Place under the broiler 4 inches from teh eat source and broil for 1 to 2 minutes, or until the cheese melts and starts to brown. Remove from the oven. Using oven mitts to protect your heands, place a crock in the center of each of 8 serving plates and serve immediately.

Buffalo Tofu Wings

We had wings like this at Northstar in Ithaca, NY, which if you ever get the chance, check it out!

They have a mac and cheese du jour and of course these wings are delicious.

If you can't make it out to New York, you'll have to suffice with these instead, which are an accurate replica of the real things.

Echosmith "Bright"

Adapted from Oh My Veggies

Ingredients

Buffalo Tofu Wings

1 (14-ounce) package extra-firm tofu, pressed

1 tablespoon cornstarch

Pinch of salt and pepper

2 tablespoons olive oil

1 tablespoon vegetable oil

2 tablespoons  hot sauce

Directions

Make the wings:

Preheat oven to 400ºF. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut the tofu into 6 slices, then cut each slice in half lengthwise so you have 12 sticks. Place the tofu sticks in a shallow dish and sprinkle them with cornstarch, salt and pepper. Gently roll them to coat—they'll break easily, so be careful!

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the tofu wings in the skillet and cook them on each side until lightly browned and crispy, 3-5 minutes on each side.

Transfer the tofu to the baking sheet. In a small bowl, whisk together the hot sauce and coconut oil until the oil is fully incorporated. Drizzle the sauce onto the tofu and gently toss to coat. Bake for 10-15 minutes, turning over halfway through cooking time, until the tofu is crispy.

 Serve with additional hot sauce, if desired, and ranch dressing with celery sticks.

Indian Fried Chicken with Yogurt Sauce

I'd been eyeing this chicken for so long because frankly, there are so many good chicken recipes it can be hard to decide what to make.

If you're in that position let me just stop you right here. This is the chicken recipe you've been waiting for.

On its own it's a perfectly spiced wonder. With the yogurt sauce it adds another dimension of flavor that works well the spice of the breading and marinade.

New Politic "Harlem"

From Food52

Ingredients

For the chicken and the marinade:

6 boneless, skinless chicken thighs

1tablespoon Kashmiri red chili powder or Hungarian hot paprika

1/2 teaspoon ground coriander

1 tablespoon lemon juice, plus more as desired

2 cloves garlic, crushed

One 1-inch piece ginger, grated

Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

For the seasoned coating:

4 tablespoons cornstarch

2 tablespoons rice flour

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons Kashmiri red chili powder or Hungarian hot paprika, divided

1/4 teaspoon salt and fresh ground black pepper, or to taste

1 egg, beaten

Neutral oil, for deep-frying

For the yogurt sauce:

1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1/2 clove garlic, crushed

Salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

Directions

Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and place in a shallow container. Set aside. 

To make a marinade for the chicken, whisk together the chili powder, ground coriander, lemon juice, garlic, ginger, salt and pepper. Taste and add more lemon juice as desired. Rub into the chicken pieces and marinate for at least an hour, ideally overnight. 

To make the seasoned coating, stir together the cornstarch, flours, 1 teaspoon chili powder, and salt and pepper. Set aside. 

Heat the oil in a deep pot to 375º F. Dredge the chicken pieces in the beaten egg, then through the seasoned flours. Carefully deep-fry the pieces, four to five pieces at a time, for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from the hot oil, using a slotted spoon, and drain on a paper towel-lined plate. 

To make the yogurt sauce, whisk together the yogurt, cumin, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon chili powder, garlic, and salt and pepper. 

Serve the chicken pieces warm with the yogurt sauce on the side for dipping. Usually this recipe is served as an appetizer, but it also make for a great entrée.

Leftovers Club: Glazed Coconut-Lime Shortbread

I made these for the Leftovers Club. If you haven't done it you should check it out. 

These were easy to make and easy to eat. 

A little bite of sunshine.

Perfect to get your summer mood on.

And for music to help with a mini-vacation:

"Island in the Sun" Weezer

Adapted from The Flying Brownie by Shirley Fan

Ingredients

• 2 1/4 cups flour
• 1 cup sweetened shredded coconut
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temp
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 heaping tablespoon freshly grated lime zest

• 1 cup confectioners' sugar
• 2 tbsp lime juice
• 1 tsp lime zest

Directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line an 8-inch square pan with parchment paper, leaving extra for overhang; set aside.

Make the shortbread: in the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the butter and granulated sugar until light and fluffy. Add the vanilla and lime zest; mix until combined. Add the flour, coconut, and salt and mix on low speed until combined. Transfer the mixture to the prepared pan and firmly press into the bottom of the pan. Bake until the edges of the shortbread are golden, 30 to 35 minutes. Let the shortbread cool in the pan.

Meanwhile, make the glaze: in a small bowl, mix the confectioners' sugar, lime juice, and zest until well combined.

Fajita Mac and Cheese

Well, as a senior just graduating high school moving away from home for the first time in a few months, I've been trying to savor the homely comforts: AKA mac and cheese. 

In case you didn't know, beef, bell peppers, and cheese are one of my favorite combos, and they make this comfort food even more homely.

Also, with the chilly weather here this week, (winter in June anyone?) baked mac and cheese is just the thing to warm you up.

So there are three perfectly good excuses reasons to eat this mac and cheese. 

Besides, it's delicious.

Noah and the Whale "Shape of My Heart"

Ingredients 

• 3 cups whole milk
• 1 small onion, halved
• 2 bay leaves
• 3 whole black peppercorns
• 1 clove
• 1/2 pound macaroni
• 1tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup (1/2 stick)unsalted butter
• 1/3 cup all-purpose flour
•  4 oz jalapeno Jack, grated, divided
• 8 oz sharp Cheddar, grated
• Pinch of grated nutmeg
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 medium onion, halved and thinly sliced
• salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3/4 cup panko breadcrumbs
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• lime wedges and tortilla chips for serving

Directions

Bring the milk to a simmer over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent it from boiling over. Add the onion, bay leaves, peppercorns, and cloves to the milk. Allow the milk to steep for 30 minutes. Strain the milk, and discard the solids.

While the milk steeps, preheat the oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a 13 x 9 inch baking pan. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Cook the pasta until it is just beginning to soften to the al dente stage. Drain the pasta, run it under cold water, and return it to the pot.

Combine the chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. Mix well, and set aside.

Heat the butter in a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir in the flour and cook, stirring constantly for 1 minute, or until the mixture turns slightly beige, is bubbly, and appears to have grown in volume. Increase the heat to medium, and slowly whisk in the steeped and strained milk. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Reduce the heat to low, and simmer the sauce for 2 minutes.

Reserve 1/2 cup of the jalapeño Jack. Add the remaining cheeses to the sauce by 1/2 cup measures, stirring until the cheese melts before making another addition. Stir in two-thirds of the seasoning mixture and all of the nutmeg.

Heat 1 tbsp of the oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the onion and 2 garlic cloves, and cook, stirring frequently for 5 to 7 minutes, or until the onion is browned. Add the red pepper and remaining seasoning mix.

Pour the sauce over the pasta, add the onion mixture, and stir well. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and transfer the pasta to the prepared pan.

Combine the breadcrumbs, parsley, and remaining garlic, and remaining olive oil in a small bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top of the dish, and then sprinkle with the breadcrumbs.

Bake the casserole for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the cheese sauce is bubbly and the crumbs on the top are deep brown. Allow to sit for 5 minutes, then serve, garnishing each serving with lime wedges and a few tortilla chips.

Mint Cheesecake with Chocolate Chip

I made this awhile back, so I'm afraid I lost the picture for it. It was such a good photo too! Anyway, as St. Patrick's Day is coming up, I thought I'd get my green on with mint cheesecake. Mint and chocolate are just the perfect combination for desserts.

Also, whose pumped for the Flash coming back this Tuesday?! I'm not really a big TV person, but the Flash has gotten me hooked, and I am so excited to find out what happens next with the time travel.

"Drink the Night Away" by Gaelic Storm

Ingredients

Crust
30 fudge mint cookies, crushed (1 3/4 cups)
2 tbsp butter, melted

Filling
4 oz semisweet baking chocolate
3 8 oz packages of cream cheese
1 cup sugar
4 eggs
1/3 cup creme de menth (substitute 1/2 tsp of peppermint extract)

Directions

Heat oven to 300°F. Wrap foil around bottom and side of ungreased 9-inch springform pan. In large bowl, mix crust ingredients with fork until crumbly. Press in bottom and 1 inch up side of pan. Bake 12 minutes. Cool 30 minutes.

In small microwavable bowl, microwave chocolate on High 45 to 60 seconds, stirring once halfway through microwaving, until melted. If necessary, continue to microwave on High in 15-second increments, stirring until smooth. Set aside.

In large bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar with electric mixer on medium speed, scraping bowl frequently, until smooth and creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating until smooth after each addition. Stir in liqueur. Pour filling evenly over crust.

Drop 8 to 10 tablespoonfuls melted chocolate randomly onto filling, allowing chocolate to sink into filling. With table knife or small spatula, cut through chocolate and filling to swirl for marbled design.

Bake 1 hour 10 minutes to 1 hour 20 minutes or until set 2 inches from edge of pan. Remove from oven; run knife around side of cheesecake to loosen. Return to oven; turn oven off and open door slightly. Cool cheesecake in oven 1 hour. Remove from oven to cooling rack; cool at room temperature 1 hour. Refrigerate 3 hours. To serve, remove side of pan.

OPTIONAL: Spoon whipped cream into decorating bag with large star tip; squeeze bag to pipe cream around top edge of cheesecake. Garnish with Andes mints.