I FEEL LIKE COOKING
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • #fabin40
    • Appetizers and Starter Recipes
    • Soups and Salad Recipes
    • Side Dish Recipes
    • Main Course Recipes
    • Miscellaneous Recipes
    • Desserts and Treats Recipes
    • Photo Gallery
  • Blog
  • About
  • Connect
    • Resources
    • Giving Back
    • Learn
    • The Common Cook Education Series
  • Buy My Cookbook
  • weebly test

what I'm making right now...

Recipe Writing Often Requires a Muse. Who Better Than The White Dog for Inspiration?

5/19/2017

0 Comments

 
Blog writing and recipe development is time consuming. I'm not complaining, mind you. Nothing is more satisfying that inventing new flavors and serving it to hungry people. But sitting at my computer, writing out drafts, formatting the recipes, Photoshopping images...it all takes effort. And most of the time I am by myself.

But today, things changed. My
 friend Vicky, (who is now my landlord since we've moved in during the construction of our home,) asked me if I wanted some company while I work in my little office niche.

"How about some White Dog Therapy?" she happily suggested. "Someone to keep you company as you create!" What an awesome idea, I thought. And soon Duncan was leaping up the stairs to the bonus room to help me feel, well, "inspired."
Picture
The pasta you can't resist.
Picture
The FACE you can't resist!
I think I'm learning some valuable lessons by having a royal canine at my feet. First of all, if you want someone to pay attention to you, it helps if you are sporting a prop. Stuffed, preferably, and matted with slobber; yes..yes. That's it. Surely no one will ignore me now! And I find myself thinking that carrying around something in your jaw does indeed give you a sense of purpose.

Next, big, warm, dark, honest eyes are absolutely essential to being desired. I often wonder if he gets tired of having everyone say, "Awwww! You are the most beautiful dog, ever!" I doubt it...but I wonder.

​But the kicker, that "I am a wise dog and I know all," strategy for getting people to do whatever you want, is to cuddle at the feet of said person and cuddle like there's nothing else on the planet you need to be doing. (Sans chasing squirrels.)  I can tell you, it works for me.
Picture
Picture
Picture
So what did I do with all the furry inspiration? Was it a value added experience? Was I inspired to do something incredible? Yes, and no. Yes, because when you have more softness in your world, everything seems a little brighter and happier. No, because I couldn't seem to stop laughing and playing with Prince Duncan and quite frankly didn't get that much done.

Sounds like a perfect day to me.

Picture
Picture
Picture

RECIPE: Mexican Chicken Penne Pasta with Sundried Tomatoes and Artichoke Hearts

Serves 4 / Click here for printable version.
  • Ingredients
  • Method
<
>
​About 1.5 to 2 C uncooked wheat penne pasta
½ lb chicken breasts, skinless, cut into small chunks
¾ C corn, canned or frozen/thawed
1/3 C red onion, chopped finely
1 6.5 oz bottle marinated artichoke hearts
1 4 oz can Ortega chiles, drained and diced small
1/3 C sundried tomatoes in oil, cut into large chunks
3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
1 T of taco seasoning mix
Salt and pepper to taste
2 T light olive oil
Bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the pasta until al dente. Time your preparation so your chicken mixture is ready for your pasta RIGHT when the pasta is ready. Don’t let perfectly cooked al dente pasta cook longer!
In a large saucepan, heat the oil and add the corn, onion and Ortega chiles, and a little salt and sauté for about 2 minutes. Add the chicken and the taco mix, and keep the pan on medium and sauté until chicken is about halfway done, for about 3 minutes. Add the marinated artichoke hearts, oil and all, and the sundried tomatoes. Nestle the rosemary on top and let simmer for about 3-4 minutes until chicken is done. Add a little salt and black pepper. (The artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes are very salty, so you only need enough to balance the flavors.) When pasta is ready ladle the pasta in with a large spoon. It’s okay if a little of the pasta water gets added. Toss and serve with a bit of cracked black pepper on top and crusty bread!
0 Comments

A Moveable Feast.

5/12/2017

0 Comments

 
I forgot how awful moving is. Awful. -- Aaargh! --- Bllllggggrrhhh. ---- OOOommmmmllllfffffkkkk. (And other grunting sounds.)

Yes, awful. And after 8 years it's even ickier because I'm getting older. That shrieking sound of a tape gun will echo in my head for months to come. So, only soft sounds for me until I stop quivering.

​But now I am happy to report, it's done! We're out. We're closed!!! And all of our stuff is PACKED into 3 storage units until we finish our small cottage. Now... what to do during the transition?  ---- COOK!!!
Picture
Don't let me do this again...ever.
Picture
Where our home WILL be.
Picture
Where our home is NOW.
There are a lot of things that have to happen to fulfill a lifelong dream of building a home for ourselves. Permits, grading, septic fields, garages, and more. We're content to take it a day at a time, and relish just being alive and healthy. I think the key to enjoying the simple life is simply not having too many expectations. It's about noticing, as the movie says, "the collateral beauty" that exists in the midst of trouble. And I believe that. Everywhere are blessings and miracles. Even when you're stooped over a furniture dolly.

And in the meantime I know that what endures is nourishment. Especially nourishing others...my favorite thing. Because we are staying with friends, who have been gracious enough to open their home and tolerate having roommates until we transition into our trailer and construction begins, cooking lots of food will be easy.
So what did I cook in the midst of cardboard, inventory lists, and limited kitchen items?
  • Pizza, for starters, at our new digs, when we brought over the first load of personal items.
  • Pasta made quickly with pesto I had previously frozen because my food processor was packed.
  • A lovely sauteed chicken with mushrooms and port wine sauce because I love showing off.
  • The easiest and quickest chocolate pecan cake because it was 10:00 pm and I was STILL hungry.
  • And finally, a delicious Thai soup with potatoes, peppers, a little bit of curry and ginger and gorgeous basil. 

READY? Let's eat!:

Picture

Cheese, Artichoke, Tomato & Olive Pizza

Yes, you want lots of salty cheese. No, you don't need pepperoni to make it amazing. My favorite pizza features San Marzano tomatoes, artichoke hearts, kalamata olives, onions and basil. I use parmesan, pecorino, and mozzarella cheese...with abandon. I put the crust on an oiled sheet pan which makes it so crispy and good! And then you decide on the ingredients that make you happy!
Picture

Picture

Sausage, Pepper, Peas and Pesto -- And PASTA!

I'm in love with She's Pesto fresh and local pesto. Just thaw it and make anything perfectly wonderful! I cooked some Jimmy Dean hot sausage, and added yellow pepper, peas, parmesan, olive oil, salt and pepper and about 1/4 C of her pesto. Toss with olive oil if needed and garnish with basil. The best quick meal EVER.
Picture
Picture

Chicken with Baby Bellas, Port Wine
​and Cream Sauce over Rice.

You're getting the gems here. These are my go-to lovelies. And this one makes chicken so dressy. Simply saute your chicken, and remove. Then melt a little butter and cook your mushrooms. Deglaze with port wine, add the chicken back in, cook until done, add cream. The BEST salt and pepper make it uncomplicated and unforgettable.
Picture

Picture
Picture
Picture

Quick Pecan Chocolate Chip Dessert Bread/Muffins

Serves 6 / Click here for printable version.
  • Ingredients
  • Method
<
>
2 cups flour
1/2 C sugar
1/4 C brown sugar
1 t salt 
2 t baking powder
1 egg
1/4 C oil
3/4 C cream 
1 T vanilla
1/3 C semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/3 C pecans 
3 T maple syrup
2 T butter to grease baking dish
Combine flour, sugars, salt and baking powder in large bowl. Grease a loaf pan with butter. Mix the cream, oil, egg, vanilla and syrup in another bowl. Mix the wet into the dry using a spatula, just until all the flour in incorporated. Don’t over mix. Then fold in the pecans and chocolate chips. Pour into the pan, bake for 35 minutes at 375 degrees F. Can also do these as muffins.
 
Serve with a drizzle of honey and whipped cream!

Potato Pepper Thai Soup

A bag of potatoes and some coconut milk was the inspiration for this hearty soup. And it doesn't need any meat to feel and taste so satisfying. 

​Russets, red pepper, gorgeous purple asparagus and sweet onion swim happily in a sauce of olive oil, butter and the coconut milk. Flavored with fresh ginger, curry powder, a little thyme, and a sprinkling of cilantro, try this no-meat dinner as soon as you can!
Picture
Picture
Picture
0 Comments

    Watch my short video about getting comfy in the kitchen.

    Click the image to buy the book!

    Picture
    Picture
    CLICK to find us on FACEBOOK!
    Searching for a special recipe? Use ingredients as KEY words and find one of our delicious recipes FAST!

    RSS Feed


    Meet the Cook...

    My name is Camine Pappas  and I love to create beautiful and delicious food that anyone can make. My signature style centers around a love for combining things in a way you might not expect as I work to find a hidden combination of colors, textures and flavors from the things that are in my pantry and/or easy to obtain.

    Want to get spontaneous with me? It's pretty exciting. Let's all find out what happens when, "I Feel Like Cooking."

    Archives

    April 2022
    March 2022
    January 2022
    November 2021
    October 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    May 2020
    June 2019
    April 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015
    October 2015
    September 2015
    August 2015
    July 2015
    June 2015
    May 2015
    April 2015
    March 2015
    February 2015
    January 2015
    December 2014
    November 2014
    October 2014
    September 2014
    August 2014
    July 2014
    June 2014
    May 2014
    April 2014
    March 2014
    February 2014
    January 2014
    December 2013
    November 2013
    October 2013
    September 2013
    August 2013
    July 2013
    June 2013

    Categories

    All
    12 Winter Recipes
    Acorn Squash
    Anise Glaze
    Appetizers
    Apple Butter
    Apple Butter Walnut Spice Cookies
    Apple Rice Salad
    Apples
    Apricot Salsa
    Arctic Char
    Artichoke Hearts
    Artichoke Stuffed Chicken
    Asian
    Asian Sauces
    Bacon
    Bad Experiments With Food
    Baked Beans
    Baked Chicken
    Baked Cod
    Baked Fish
    Bananas
    Bean Stew
    Beef Gravy
    Beef Sate
    Beef Stew
    Beets
    Bing Cherry Cookies
    Biscuits
    Black Beans
    Blackberries
    Blueberries
    Blueberry Muffins
    Blueberry Pie
    Blueberry Sauce
    Bourbon Bread Pudding
    Bourbon Caramel Sauce
    Brandied Cherries
    Bread Pudding
    Bread Sticks
    Breakfast
    Broccoli Slaw
    Brown Rice
    Brown Sugar Chicken
    Brown Sugar Pork Ribs
    Brunch
    Bruschetta
    Brussel Sprouts
    Burgers
    Butter
    Butternut Squash
    Cactus Pear
    Candied Beets
    Cantaloupe And Oranges
    Caramel
    Caramelized Bananas
    Carnitas
    Carrot
    Carrots
    Cauliflower
    Cheese
    Cheese Pasta
    Cheese Stuffed Chicken
    Cherries
    Cherry Chutney
    Chicken
    Chicken Burgers
    Chili
    Chipotle Chicken
    Chocolate
    Chocolate Chip
    Chocolate Muffins
    Chowder
    Christmas
    Chutney
    Cinnamon Rolls
    Coconut Milk
    Cod
    Coffee Chili Steak Rub
    Cognac Roasted Veggies
    Cold Vegetable Salad
    Comfort Food
    Cookies
    Cooking With Friends
    Cooking With Wine
    Corn Muffins
    Corn Pudding
    Corn Salad
    Cranberries
    Cranberry
    Cranberry Chocolate Cookies
    Cranberry Sauce
    Creamy Soup
    Creamy Zucchini Soup
    Crepes
    Cuban Inspired
    Cucumber Relish
    Cucumber Salad
    Custard
    Date Muffins
    Dates
    Desserts
    Diet
    Dinner
    Easy Dinners
    Easy Soups
    Eggplant
    Enchilada Hand Pies
    Enchiladas
    Espresso Balsamic
    #fabin40
    Farmers Market
    Fennel
    Figs
    Filet Mignon
    Fire Roasted Tomatoes
    Fish Sauce
    Football Food
    Fried Eggplant
    Fried Green Tomatoes
    Fruit
    Garnishes
    Gazpacho
    Ginger
    Gingersnaps
    Girlfriends
    Gluten Free
    Goat Cheese
    Golumpkies
    Granny Smith Apples
    Grapefruit Pear Slaw
    Grape Relish
    Halibut
    Hand Pies
    Heirloom Carrots
    Heirloom Tomatoes
    Herb Butter Roasted Chicken
    Herbs De Provence
    Holiday Meals
    Holiday Recipes
    Ice Cream
    Iced Cookies
    Indian Food
    Italian Chicken
    Italian Food
    Italian Meatballs
    Jalapenos
    Jam
    Kalamata Olives
    Lake Norman Magazine
    Lamb
    Lamb Meatballs
    Lamb Stew
    Lemon
    Lemon Cookies
    Lemon Cream Sauce
    Lemon Crumble Bars
    Lemon Custart
    Lemon Pasta
    Lemon Tart
    Lemon Thyme
    Lemon Vinaigrette
    Lentil Salad
    Lime Ginger Honey Syrup
    Lime Juice
    Ling Cod
    Main Dishes
    Mandarin Oranges
    Maple Bourbon Plum Sauce
    Maple Syrup
    Marinara
    Meatballs
    Meatloaf
    Meat Loaf
    Meat Sauce
    Mendelbrot
    Mexican Beef
    Mexican Food
    Microgreens
    Minestrone Soup
    Mini Pepper Poppers
    Mint
    Mint Caper Salsa
    Mirepoix
    Muffins
    Mushrooms
    Mushroom Savory Tart
    Mushroom Soup
    Nectarine Spice Cake
    No Bake Cookies
    Oatmeal
    Olive This Ingredients
    Omelet
    Orange Cheesecake Squares
    Orange Rosemary Glazed Tri-color Carrots
    Oranges
    Orzo Pasta
    Pad Thai
    Pancakes
    Parmesan Chicken
    Pasta
    Pasta Salad
    Pastry
    Pastry Class
    Paula Deen Quick Rolls
    Peach Chutney
    Peach Galettes
    Peanut Bean Sprout Fried Rice
    Peanut Butter Cookies
    Peanut Butter Mousse
    Peanut Crusted
    Pecan Scones
    Penzeys
    Persian Lime
    Pesto
    Pesto Mashed Potatoes
    Pickled Slaw
    Pie Disasters
    Pineapple
    Pineapple Salsa
    Pizza
    Pizza Dough
    Plum Sauce
    Poached Fish
    Poached Pears
    Poblano Peppers
    Pork Belly
    Pork Carnitas
    Pork Chops
    Pork Loin
    Pork Or Chicken Salad
    Pork Ramen Stir Fry
    Port
    Port Wine
    Port Wine Reduction
    Potatoes
    Potato Gratins
    Pot Pies
    Pound Cake
    Preserves
    Prosciutto
    Proscuitto
    Puff Pastry
    Puff Pastry Tartlets
    Pumpkin Buttermilk Cake
    Pumpkin Buttermilk Glaze
    Pumpkin Muffins
    Pureed Parsnips
    Purple Asparagus
    Purple Sweet Potatoes
    Quinoa
    Radicchio
    Radish Fennel Salad
    Raisins
    Rice-a-roni Beef Soup
    Ricotta
    Risotto
    Roasted Beet Salad
    Roasted Tomatoes
    Roasted Vegetables
    Rosemary Chicken
    Rules For Dieting
    Saffron Recipes
    Salad-dressing
    Salmon
    Salmon Patties
    Salsa
    Sausage
    Sausage Casserole
    Sausage Rolls
    Sauteed Fish
    Scallops
    Scone
    Seafood
    Serrano Honey
    Sesame Oil
    Shortcake
    Shortcut Desserts
    Shrimp
    Shrimp Linguini
    Side Dish
    Side Dishes
    Slow Cooker
    Slow Roasted Chicken
    Snap Peas
    Soup
    Soups
    Sour Cream Raisin Pie
    Southern Fried Chicken
    Spaghetti
    Spanish Rice
    Speculoos Cookie Butter
    Spicy Orange Chicken
    Spinach
    Sriracha Sauce
    Steak
    Stew
    Stews
    Stir Fry
    Strawberries
    Strawberry Glaze
    Stuffed Manicotti
    Stuffed Peppers
    Stuffed Puff Pastry
    Sugar Cookies
    Superbowl Food
    Sweet Balsamic Vinegar Recipes
    Sweetened Condensed Milk
    Sweet Peppers
    Sweet Pickle Vinaigrette
    Sweet Potatoes
    Sweet Potato Pancake
    Syrup
    Taco
    Thai Flavors
    Thai Peanut Sauce
    Thanksgiving Dessert
    Tilapia
    Tomatoes
    Trail Mix
    Trout
    Truffles
    Turkey And Ground Beef
    Turkey Meatballs
    Turnips
    Twisted Puff Pastry Rounds
    Tzatziki Sauce
    Veal Stew
    Vegetables
    Vegetable Salads
    Vegetable Soup
    Vietnamese Food
    Vinaigrette
    Vodka Sauce
    Wedding Food
    White Chocolate
    White Fudge
    White Wine Cream Sauce
    Yellow Split Peas
    Yogurt
    Zoodles
    Zucchini

Home

RECIPES

BLOG

Connect

Copyright © 2018, Camine Pappas, All Rights Reserved
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • #fabin40
    • Appetizers and Starter Recipes
    • Soups and Salad Recipes
    • Side Dish Recipes
    • Main Course Recipes
    • Miscellaneous Recipes
    • Desserts and Treats Recipes
    • Photo Gallery
  • Blog
  • About
  • Connect
    • Resources
    • Giving Back
    • Learn
    • The Common Cook Education Series
  • Buy My Cookbook
  • weebly test