Humpday Happenings...

This is a long overdue update...

First breakfast of 2015...

enjoying some home cooking: Ina Garten's Herb-Baked Eggs Recipe...

finished off Book 3 of the Arcana Chronicles...Dead of Winter

New recipe I found that I've made 3x already...

First time making blueberry pancakes...(thinking of you Ian!)

satisfied a craving...(thanks D!) purchased from Thu Hien Restaurant

As you can see I've been mostly keeping myself busy with breakfast, lunch and dinner and I can safely say no more rookie in the kitch! Still lots to learn, but I've come a far way! Hope you've been able to add some delish recipes to your repertoire as well!

Holiday Season...Xmas 2013

Happy Monday Everyone! Only 2 nights sleep until Christmas! (happy dance!!!)

Since I won't be posting on Christmas Day I thought I'd update you on what's been happening/and will happen...

Finished wrapping gifts for friends and family...

We're having Christmas Eve dinner with C's family, and on Christmas day we're having lunch with my family. Planning to make this for our Christmas Lunch Potluck...

Ina Garten Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

Salted Butter Chocolate Chip Cookies ( will update with a photo once made)

This year I also haven't done a wish list as my only wish was for an iPad mini, but I did find some great ideas for gifts. I just haven't had a chance to update a post with it, so I apologize but here are my past ones...Homesense, MAC (new version) Plus my Secret Santa fulfilled my stocking stuffer wish list this year. (the candles are beautiful if you're still stuck on ideas.)

Lastly, Wishing you and yours a Happy Holidays! If you're travelling, safe travels! And even if you don't celebrate at this time of year, I hope you at least get to have a wonderful meal shared with good company!

Rookie in the Kitch...Peach and Blueberry Crumbles

Prepping ingredients...

I cut the recipe to make two...

Close up shop, check out the oozing goodness...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I made this one night for dessert and thought I'd try something different than the usual boxed cake(love you Betty Crocker!). I was always daunted by making anything from scratch and heavily depended on premade mixed/boxed. This however was fairly easy and it came out perfect! You can substitute the fruit for whatever you like. In this case I love peaches, and "old man" loves blueberries. Best of both worlds:) I will say it's quite filling, I was only able to eat a quarter of it and saved the rest for the next day. This is great for a cozy night in and served with a lighter main course.

Ina Garten recipe - found in Barefoot Contessa at Home pg 197

Readers if you try this would love to see pics :D feel free to leave them as a comment here or @kngap on Instagram!

Happy baking!!!

Rookie in the Kitch...Tomato Feta Pasta Salad

Prepping ingredients...

I used whole wheat pasta and bocconcini instead...

Close up shot...

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. Here's another recipe from Ina and she does not disappoint. This recipe is easy and quick. I've already made it again with pesto. Delish! Great as a side or summer picnic/potluck dish!

Ina Garten recipe - found in book Barefoot Contessa at Home pg 81

Readers if you try this would love to see pics :D feel free to leave them as a comment here or @kngap on Instagram!

Happy cooking!!!

Rookie in the Kitch...Lasagna with Italian Sausage

Prepping ingredients...

Meat mixture...

Cheese mixture...I skipped on the goat cheese and forgot the egg oops...

Assembly...(I used 6 sheets of De Cecco brand lasagna pasta)

Baked for 30 minutes at 400 degrees F or until sauce bubbling

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I remember making lasagna in home economics class back in the day at school. I've longed to make it again and was ecstatic when I found a recipe in Ina Garten's cookbook. They didn't have Italian turkey sausage at my local market so I opted for a mild sausage instead(2). I used a 9 x 7.25 x 2.75 baking dish. I cut the recipe in half and this would be perfect for 4.

sneak peak of the side...upcoming post

Ina Garten Barefoot Contessa- Family Style p. 100

Readers if you try this would love to see pics :D feel free to leave them as a comment here or @kngap on Instagram!

Happy baking!!!

Rookie in the Kitch...Smoked Salmon Frittata

Prepped ingredients...p.184

I cut the recipe in half and that would be perfect for 4...

I baked mine for about 40 minutes or when fork comes out clean...

Smoked Salmon Frittata, fresh peaches and Chedder Cheese and Chives Biscuit

My Verdict: Praiseworthy. I LOVE Ina Garten! This was the first time I tried this recipe, and am eager to substitute the smoked salmon for bacon next time! I couldn't find any heavy cream at my local market so I used milk instead (gave up on making my own heavy cream, curdled both times). :( I also skipped the cheese...

Ina Garten - Barefoot Contessa

I loooooveee her cooking show and I own 3 cookbooks from her, Highly recommend!!!

Readers if you try this would love to see pics :D feel free to leave them as a comment here or @kngap on Instagram!

Happy baking!!!

Girl's Xmas Dinner + Secret Santa...

C's Turkey and K's Stuffing...

I made Mashed Butternut Squash using Ina Garten's recipe...

L's Squash and Tapioca Che...

After several hours of slaving in the kitchen, I decided to take a nap. Unfortunately I overslept and came late:( I had my gf snap a few pics before they attacked the turkey...
Other menu items: Ceasar salad, baked yams, wine and satsuma oranges...(sorry no pretty pictures)...

And my Secret Santa gift... 

Missoni Bear

Proceeds go to OrphanAid Africa

Wishing Everyone a Safe and Happy Holidays, may it be filled with joy, good food and company!!!