Turkey, black bean & pepper quesadillas with spicy apricot salsa

I don't know how it's possible, but I always seem to forget about quesadillas.

Allow me to pause while you pinch yourself.  You're not dreaming.

Standard bread sandwiches are just more familiar and, therefore, easier for my brain to recall in stressful times.  Stressful times = when my stomach is sending my brain impatient and borderline angry messages demanding sustenance.

But, every now and then, the universe sends me a sign puts an entire show on TV about quesadillas and the nudges me in the right direction.

Sloppy Joes

If you've ever hosted friends or family for dinner, you've most likely put some time and effort into planning the menu.

Early in my cooking life (which is later in my real life, relatively speaking) I thought the way to my guests' hearts and stomachs was with fancy food: marbled steaks, roast chickens, and any dish whose name contained foreign words.  "Au gratin" this and thing-I-had-to-Google-in-order-to-pronounce that.  The name of the game was to impress.

Turns out that same game had other names like "uncertain new recipe" and "expensive and difficult to find ingredients" and "sweating bullets when guests arrive." 

Fortunately, there were never any true meltdowns or burned dinners that required a call to Domino's.  The food was good, conversation enjoyable, and the evenings pleasant.  What more could you ask for?

Breakfast "hot dogs"

I don't know if you've heard, but I have a thing for planning.  And making lists. "Spontaneous" is a word that hasn't even met the rest of my vocabulary.

The last time I used "spontaneous" was when making the itinerary for my recent trip to Las Vegas.  And it went something like this: "1:30-4:00pm - Plan to be spontaneous!"  True story.

For the record, we did use that time to totally indulge our whims.  Our lunch ran late -- gasp! -- and we traipsed around with reckless abandon, stopping at a mega mall and for two desserts, none of which were on the itinerary -- rebels on the run!

Fast Friday: Smashed avocado and chick pea wrap

(looks around nervously) I'm hesitant to even mention this in fear of jinxing things, but I must -- how about this weather, East Coast people?!

I cannot believe how lucky we've been over the past few weeks.  With the exception of a quick shower here and there, it's been absolutely incredible outside.  Look in the dictionary next to "perfect summer weather" and you'll see our forecast.  Low 80s and sunny with a gentle breeze.  Unreal dot com!

No A/C needed since it's been so pleasant with the windows open.  And, no A/C needed because this girl has managed to avoid turning on the oven.  That surely won't last because I've got a baking itch, but the accidental ban it has resulted in some pretty spectacular dishes so far.

Pizza with chicken, peppers, and spinach

Just in time for summer, I've rekindled my love for our Friday night pizza-making tradition.  There's nothing like cranking up the oven to nearly 500 degrees when it's a sweltering 90 degrees outside.  What can I say?  Nothing can get between me and my love for pizza.  

It seems a bit cruel that the options for pizza toppings increase ten-fold when it's hottest and least ideal for oven cooking of any kind.  Matt loves to point out that the baking/oven bug bites hardest at this time of year.  I love to point out that he doesn't seem to have a problem with it when he's stuffing his face with delicious food.  Agree to disagree, mmkay? :)

Lighter old fashioned meatloaf

Springtime Summertime seems to be in full swing around these parts, and I'm totally on board!  The will-it-or-won't-it weather of spring is not my jam, so I'm loving these super sunny and nearly-hot days of the past week plus.

This weekend, Matt planted cherry tomato seedlings and transferred the flourishing basil to bigger pots.  I'm so, so, soooooooooooo excited to devour the fruits of his labor.  Homemade pesto!  Fresh salsa!  Basil cookies!  And, my oh my, caprese salads.  I could legitimately eat the classic combination of tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella every day for the entire summer.  I love it!

Alas, it isn't yet technically summer for another month, and those little seedlings aren't ready to feed us.  But my appetite has switched over to summer mode, and I'm craving fresher dinners.  Like meatloaf!

Chicken meatball subs

Whenever I think of meatballs, I get this warm fuzzy feeling all over.  My stresses melt away, my mind becomes clear, and my stomach and mouth smile simultaneously.  I mean, meatballs, guys!

I think it's safe to say that meatballs make nearly everyone happy.  They've inspired movies, games, and even songs.  Okay, so that song isn't the most cheerful, but it's mourning tone confirms what I said about meatballs: everybody loves 'em!  

While I won't deny that meatballs are great atop a plate of pasta, sometimes I want less fuss and more meatball.  I can't be the only one who finds it slightly frustrating to have a bite of meatball on the end of my fork and can't seem to get the pasta twirled around it to stay in place long enough to travel to my mouth.  I end up ditching the pasta and saving it for another bite; it's delicious but not the most ideal vessel.  Meatballs or bust!

Copycat Mad Mex chick pea chili

Last week, a group of us went out to celebrate our great friend Natalie's 29th birthday.  The birthday girl chose the place and, boy, did she choose wisely: Mad Mex!

Mad Mex is a local gem when it comes to Mexican food.  There are a few locations in western PA, one of which is nestled in the heart of Pitt's campus.  When I think of Mad Mex, I'm reminded of many nights we spent there during college, sipping on their famous margaritas.  Natalie always seemed to end up there after a pharmacy school exam, and many of us caved under pressure and joined her there, too.  :)  To this day, I have yet to taste a better and fresher strawberry margarita!

The food menu is totally overwhelming, partly because it's massive and partly because everything I've ever ordered has been delish.  Nachos, burritos, quesadillas, tacos, enchiladas... yum!  This particular evening I was craving something warm and satisfying but not too filling since there was dessert to be enjoyed after dinner.  (I brought homemade funfetti cupcakes for the birthday girl's treat!)

Penne with roasted vegetables and sausage

First, s'more cupcakes.  And now this -- pasta with roasted summer vegetables and sausage.  Summer is almost, sorta, kinda, ok not technically yet but who cares basically here!  At least according to my appetite, anyway.

Yes, I realize spring has barely begun, but I'm no fan of spring.  I love certain things that occur during the spring months like Easter, the introduction of oodles of new cute dresses in stores, and the NHL playoffs.  But I do not like the weather of spring.  30 degrees in the morning and 60 by day's end?  No, thank you.

Cajun shrimp frittata

Fun fact: I'm a bit of a wimp when it comes to spicy foods.  I can tackle my own weight in sugar without any problem, but a smidge of cayenne pepper can render me useless in a matter of seconds.

On the contrary, Matt puts hot sauce in/on practically anything.  Eggs, burritos, Chinese food, soups, hash browns, hot dogs, burgers, even pizza.  I've learned that I should operate on the assumption that he'll add either a dash of Frank's Red Hot Sauce or Cholula (his favorite) to his food, so I put the bottles on his end of the dining room table.

It's easy enough for Matt to spice up his food at home without having any effect on my meal or tender taste buds.  The problem arises when we're out at a restaurant, and he wants me to try a bite of his dish.

Fast Friday: Chicken fajitas

Do you have a fear of making certain restaurant foods at home?

Um, believe it or not, I do.

Maybe fear isn't quite the right word, so let's just say I'm incredibly hesitant and usually unwilling to make certain dishes in my own kitchen.  At the time, I'll say it's because I don't have the right tools or that the ingredients are too "out there" or pricey.  But really because, deep down, I'm worried they won't taste as good as I think they should.

What's funny, though, is that the dishes that fit that description in my head are wide-ranging, from fancy to exotic to downright homey. 

Like eggs benedict.  Fancy pants city, people.  I've made it at home once, and the hollandaise (or, as Matt calls it, holiday) ended up with the consistency of melted butter, not thick and creamy like it should've been.

Or lobster ravioli.  It's safe to say that I'll never, ever make that from scratch.  Lobster, nope.  Homemade pasta, definitely nope.  And the patience to combine them?  Hellllllllllllllllllllll no.

Still yet, chicken tikka masala from India Garden.  This is, hands down, Matt's favorite meal in the world.  A few months ago I almost summoned the courage to make it but chickened out (no pun intended).

I'd like to think the average home hook, or even above average, isn't making any one of these on a semi-regular basis.  (If you, however, make eggs benedict for your entire household on a weekly basis, please refrain from commenting and sharing that fact with other readers.  And, you know, please come visit me at your earliest convenience. Thanks!)  All three dishes are relatively complex and even a bit exotic.  Not your standard everyday fare.

Unfortunately for me my ego, most folks wouldn't lump chicken fajitas into that category.  What's so daunting about seared chicken and vegetables in a humble tortilla?

My all-time favorite three bean & beef chili with Fritos

Everyone's got one.

A guilty pleasure TV show?  Gossip Girl.  Hands down.

A way to distract one from eating the entire pre-Halloween stash of candy?  Knitting.  Yes, knitting.

A morning routine at work before getting down to business?  Log in, get water, check Gmail, and check CNN People.com.  Don't judge me, please.  I get my "real" news during breakfast from Good Morning America.

But, I digress.  If you are much less superficial than I am or just as much so but don't openly admit it, I bet you can agree with this next one:

Everyone's got a favorite chili recipe.

One that you know like the back of your hand.  One that will cure whatever ails you, be it the first cold of the season or simply an intense hungry for a delicious hearty meal.  And one that you are proud to serve to anyone who comes a'knockin'.

I live for chili that's that good.  Don't you?

Barbecue chicken pizza

I now truly understand the notion that distance time makes the heart grow fonder. And hungrier, thankyouverymuch.  After almost a month-long hiatus, Pizza Fridays returned last week in a big and bold way much to Matt's and my delight!

The nice weather has put us in a constant mood for grilling and al fresco dining.  Since we don't have a grill or porch, we've made slight adjustments and used our beloved Griddler to cook up anything and everything: burgers, salmon, shrimp kabobs, and enough chicken to feed a small army.  All to be enjoyed while sitting in folding chairs out on our rooftop.  Goodness, I love pre-summer :)

But pre-summer tends to make my appetite change slightly and crave slightly lighter versions of my favorite foods.  A stomach full of a heavy dinner is not conducive to evening walks, that's for sure.  So I've been on the prowl for tiny tweaks to lighten our favorite meals, like pizza. 

All that's required is a little smart meal planning.  I shredded aforementioned excess chicken earlier in the week and set aside extra vegetables used for other meals, as well as my favorite barbecue sauce, to use for the pizzas.  I've said it before, and I'll say it again: double duty ingredients are where it's at!  Looking at my grocery list, I realized that I could finally make that BBQ chicken pizza I've been dreaming of for month.

Philly cheesesteak Sloppy Joes

So far, it's been a very busy week, preparing for my trip to west coast tomorrow.  That's right, I'm headed to Los Angeles for a long weekend!  I'm far too excited to focus on anything for more than a few minutes (V.A.D.D. = vacation attention deficit disorder), be it work or TV shows.  Heck, I've even become a big fan of circuit training at the gym this week because I can jump from one exercise to the next.

My serious case of V.A.D.D. has even affected my cooking.  No matter how delicious the final product, I just can't find it in me to stand in the kitchen for 45 or even 30 minutes preparing dinner.  Thank goodness I had some great shortcut dinners planned that cut corners on time but don't skimp on flava'.

On Monday, I shared a easy peasy salmon marinade with you.  But today I've got a real doozy for you.  A fast and healthy twist on a classic keystone state sandwich: Philly cheesesteak sloppy joes!

It was a man meal that made Matt grinning from ear to ear.  (Say that five times fast.)  All of the ingredients you'd expect in a traditional Philly cheesesteak sandwich but with a twist.

Tomato vegetable casserole

Matt is quite a catch, let me tell you.

He makes me laugh all the time, challenges me, and is the most caring and selfless person I know.  He's super handy around the apartment and will pretty much eat anything I put in front of him without any complaints.  It's a good thing because we're getting married in, whoh, 23 days!

As far as food goes, he has only two serious dislikes: cucumbers and black olives.  And he's not crazy about broccoli, but will gladly devour it with enough cheese and seasonings.  Matt's always willing to try anything and readily succumbs to the "close your eyes and open your mouth" new recipe test.  Let's add "way too trusting of Katy" to his list of wonderful qualities.

Regardless of whatever meals I impose on him, he is still a man.  And men love meat, choosing a steak over vegetables 100% of the time.  So I try to keep this in mind when I plan dinners.  While I may be okay with pasta and a salad for the night, he's gotta have protein.  Meal plans regularly have entries like this: "Monday - fall harvest salad with apples, walnuts, roasted butternut squash, goat cheese -- add chicken for Matt."

White chicken chili

I love being first!  First place, first to reply to invitations, and first born (because I had so much say in that matter).  It can be a bit annoying at times... even for me.

But, most of the time I'm knocking down the door first is because I'm just so excited for that particular thing/event/person/whatever.  So, let me be the first to wish you a happy autumn!  Today the calendar still says summer, until Friday when fall begins.  And wouldn't it be nice to start the descent into cooler weather with a warm bowl of chili?

Uh huh, mm hmm.  I thought so.  White chicken chili for the win!  And cornbread muffins with oh-so-festive papers, circa last season at Target.  How cute are these?!

Like I said, incredibly excited, this time regarding holidays and food. 

To add to my already-overflowing bowl of excitement, I've kinda become obsessed with Pat and Gina Neely lately.  If you're not familiar, think Paula Deen as a married couple.  They are absolutely hilarious to watch, a perfect cooking ying and yang.

And, because it's the bottom line that really matters, their recipes are totally gratifying and yummy.  They wowed me with Pat's burgers.  And I've made a few other things not featured that were equally rockin'.  It may take some time to earn my culinary trust, but once you've got it, I'm yours for life, baby!

Ham & asparagus frittata

Wine?  Wisdom?  My retirement fund?  (One can only hope...)

But really, I'm talking about my cast-iron skillet!  You know, the one that I received as a birthday gift last summer.  By not cleaning it other than a light scrub with salt to remove cooked bits of food, the skillet has become practically nonstick and is so seasoned that I swear I could cook a plain egg and it'd come out tasting fabulous.

Well, I took that plain egg idea a step further when I busted out yet another frittata last night for dinner: ham and asparagus frittata!

You might say I've developed quite an obsession with frittatas.  Easy, quick, incredibly adaptable with whatever ingredients you've got.  Apples.  Bacon.  Goat cheese.

You also might ask why on earth I'm sharing another frittata recipe with you.  It's because this was, by far, my most favorite frittata to date!

Ham, pepper & potato hash

Happy Monday!  Feeling rested and rejuvenated after a long weekend?  Or are you feeling like you need some more time to regain your energy after a fun and packed weekend?  Either/or.  My weekends have belonged in the latter category for the past month, but this most recent one was a much-needed lounge fest!

Sure, there was a very thorough cleaning of the old apartment on Saturday morning, but the rest of my time was spent finally enjoying the new apartment and enjoying the overwhelming feeling that this is my new home!  Everything has been long unpacked and found its place in the new abode, and I've become familiar enough with my surroundings that I'm getting into a comfy little groove.  There were evening walks around the new 'hood with ice cream pit stops (weekend tally = 3: Razzy Fresh, Baskin Robbins, and Cold Stone, in case you're wondering).  And I discovered my walk to church is even shorter now -- 0.7 miles.

And then came the lounging.  Ohhhhhhhhh, the lounging.  I shook things up and bought groceries on Saturday (gasp!) and had the whole afternoon to do whatever I wanted.  And what did I do?

Roasted red pepper, mushroom & chicken sandwich

Have you ever gone somewhere and eaten something and couldn't get it out of your head?  It happens to me quite a bit.  Well, more often these days.  You see, I was on a streak of something like 10 days having dined out for at least one meal.  Easily record-breaking, possibly impressive, and slightly gluttonous, I know.  

Lots of visitors and celebratory meals for one occasion or another has us touring the city's culinary offerings.  We hit up many of the usual places but one new place that made quite an impression on me: Coca Cafe in Lawrenceville.  Fresh salads, creative sandwiches, and fragrant soups.  Fun fact: A sampling of the Tuscan French onion soup inspired me to make some at home.  Anyway, the service is spunky and friendly and the food is just so fresh.  Not just the ingredients, but the concepts.

Exhibit A: Roasted red peppers and portobello mushrooms, caramelized onions, chicken, Jarlsberg cheese with ricotta on thick toasted sourdough bread.  I'll give you a minute to reread that and let everything sink in.

Cornbread & beef skillet pie

I'll admit that I've done more than enough moaning and groaning about winter wearing out its welcome here in western PA.  But, that negativity is behind me, and I've welcomed warm temperatures with open arms (and an empty stomach).  I like to think that mother nature and I have turned over a new leaf.  Started a new chapter.  We're totally Ross and Rachel circa the second season of Friends (hint: they're together).

So, if everything is sunshine and daffodils, someone please explain to me why I've all of a sudden started craving hearty cold weather comfort foods!  It's like I have a secret wish for snow and brutally cold temperatures to linger.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  Bring on spring!  Apparently, I've subconsciously realized that the days for soups and casseroles are numbered, and I better squeeze in as many as possible before it's too late.  You know, when just the thought of turning on an oven causes beads of sweat to form on my forehead.

Having wrestled with the idea of possibly longing for a few more weeks of cool weather, I've come to the only logical conclusion possible: if loving aromatic fingers-and-toes-warming one pot meals is wrong, then I don't want to be right!   But, if you're going to point the finger of blame, please direct it toward the cornbread and beef skillet.  It made me do it.