Survey Says...Your Feedback is Requested

When I started this blog I didn't really have a purpose in mind - back then I didn't know anyone that blogged, but a friend suggested I start one to share my discriminating tastes with the masses. I assured my friend that there were no masses, but though it might be fun to try my hand at writing. So the blog began.
As you can tell, I didn't really get in to it and let it go for a few years before picking it up and dusting it off last year. But, I'm still not sure what my purpose is, obviously it's about food, but why? and further do people read it, like it and/or tryout the recipes?  I don't know. And that my friends is why I've devised a little homework project for you...
Below I've created a little survey to get some feedback on what people like and want in a blog, with that guidance I'm hoping I can tweak the blog into something we all can love. So please take the survey and leave as much detail as possible so I can improve this little blog of mine. Thanks in advance for your participation!
Loves Denver's Dining Diva

Homemade Vanilla Ice Cream with Carmel Sauce

Summer's Now in Full Swing, Days in the Sun call for a nice Iced Dessert - Enter Homemade Ice Cream. I've been craving Jen's delicious Carmel Sauce so I made Vanilla Ice Cream so I could have both! Homemade Ice Cream is really quite simple, you start with the basics and can add whatever flavors you want. Click here for a Super Chocolaty Recipe! Now back to some Sweet and Simple Vanilla.

The Deets

2 Cups Heavy Cream

2 Cups Milk (I used 1%)

6 Egg Yolks

1 1/2 Cup Sugar

1 TBS Pure Vanilla Extract

1 tsp Pure Almond Extract

The How To

Bring Cream and Milk to a Simmer over Medium-Low Heat

Separate Yolks from Whites in a Medium Bowl (make sure your bowl is big enough for all ingredients)

Whisk Egg Yolks to a Smooth Mellow Yellow 

Slowly Whisk in Sugar until Smooth

Once Smooth, SLOWLY add Milk Mixture 1/4 at a time - careful not to scramble the Egg mixture

Return to Heat  over Medium-Low and Slowly bring to 170 Degrees (Stir regularly to avoid scalding the bottom)

Let the mixture cool for 30 minutes 

Add Vanilla and Almond and Mix Well

The Next Step is the Hardest - refrigerate mixture for 4 hours to allow to cool & set

Once the Mixture is cooled add it to your ice cream maker and proceed according to your machine's directions (usually about 20 minutes)

And Don't Forget the Carmel Sauce (Jen's Delicious Recipe)

The Deets

1/4 cup Butter

1/2 cup packed Brown Sugar

1/2 cup Heavy Cream

1/2 teaspoon Kosher Salt

1 1/2 teaspoons Vanilla Extract

The How To

Melt butter in a medium heavy-bottomed saucepan over medium heat. 

Add the sugar, cream and salt and whisk until well blended.  

Bring to a very gentle boil and cook for about five minutes, whisking occasionally.

Remove from heat and add one teaspoon of the vanilla extract whisk until combined.

Let cool slightly.

Enjoy your Creamy Deliciousness!

Dinner Salad : Redefined

During the Summer the blistering Heat Zaps my Motivation to Cook Dinner more often than I'd like to admit.  On Nights like this Salad for Dinner is a Life Saver. In order to make a Salad into a meal you need some good lean protein, like Chicken and/or Egg (which came first?), and some healthy fats from Avocado and/or Cheese. This is a Light yet Hearty Summer Meal perfect for a Hot Summer Night.

The Deets (for 2)
4 Cups Spinach
4 Baby Peppers
1 Tomato or 1 Cup Grape Tomatoes
1/2 Cup Shredded Carrots
1/2 Cucumber
1 Avocado
2 Hard Boiled Eggs 
   (I don't like yolk so I make my salad sans yoke)
1/4 Shredded Cheese (Tillamook Sharp Cheddar)
4 Oz Chicken Breast 
   (Usually I cook my own but today I used Precooked)
1 Handful of Raw Almonds Roughly Chopped
Dressing of Choice - this is a good salad for Ranch Dressing

Look at those beautiful Greens!

The How To

Chop It Up

Mix It Up

Serve It Up

Plate, Pray & Enjoy!

Cheever's Cafe

Cheever's Cafe is a great little spot for a fun and fancy lunch or a special dinner. Cheever's is located in midtown Oklahoma City. My dinning companions on this fine day were 3 of my favorite girls here in Oklahoma; even though there were four discerning diners we stuck to two great dishes, one not so great appetizer and a fantastic dessert.

First up: The Appetizer  Roasted Chicken and Pepper Jack Strudel

This dish is billed as "Roasted Chicken Breast, Green Chilies and Pepper Jack Cheese Sandwiched between layers of flaky Filo Dough". It was bad, so bad in fact that I can't think of one nice thing to say about it. It tasted like canned chicken or tuna mixed with mayo. It was flavorless and dense and not at all appealing. The Strudel is a massive Fail and earns a first on the Dining Diva: a zer0. That's right zer0 Diva Stars for this sad excuse of a dish.

Moving on to happier dining memories: The Seared Ahi Tuna Salad

This salad was fantastic! The Tuna was seasoned and seared to perfection. The Greens were Crisp, the Tomatoes ripe and the Mangos, Strawberries and Blueberries were all perfectly sweet. The Salad was topped with feta and a lemon vinaigrette. If you've read this blog at all you know that I am not a fan of dressing, but this dressing was actually good and I used some of it. This was a perfect dish for a hot summer day. Light and Fresh with a depth of flavor. The Ahi Tuna Salad gets an 8/10 Diva Stars

The other dish of choice was the Lobster Mac & Cheese. The Mac & Cheese is a bowtie pasta in a fontina-jack sauce with chunks of grilled lobster. (Sorry for the lack of photo - it was too good to wait)
Again, if you've read this blog at all, you know I've got a thing for mac&cheese, but I've got a special spot for Lobster Mac & Cheese. To date the best Lobster Mac I've ever had was at the Wash Park Grille in Denver, this lobster mac was as good if not better!  It was delicious and included actual chunks of lobster.  The Lobster Mac&Cheese also earns an 8/10 Diva Stars.

On to Dessert! The Wild Huckleberry Creme Brulee

Creme Brulee is one of those desserts that is one of 2 things: pure perfection or a complete and utter failure.  Cheever's Huckleberry Creme Brulee is divine. The custard is perfectly creamy, the sugar is perfectly caramelized and the huckleberries are sweet, tart and perfect. The Creme Brulee earns an 8/10 Diva Stars.

Cheever's is definitely a Diva Do. The Ambience is bright, the Service is good and over all the food is Delish! Be sure to bring some great company and enjoy a good meal.

Super Red Juice

     Since I've now been back on the blogging wagon for just over a year, I figured it was time to start establishing a posting pattern.  I've been trying to Post once a week, which seems to be a good posting schedule with everything else I'm balancing.  Sometimes I have so many ideas that seem too similar I'm not quite sure what to blog about without it seeming mundane versions of the same thing - one week it's all about juicing, another month is all dessert plus I am also trying to get back to my roots of restaurant reviews, so to keep things balanced, here's the new plan:
     Once a month I will post at least one of the following: a dessert, a meal recipe, a juice and a restaurant review.  Now that we're on track lets get started! This Month's Juice is About as Red as it gets. Rich with vitamins, antioxidants and flavor.

The Deets
2 Apples
2 Pears
10 Strawberries
4 Carrots
1 Beet (look at that rich, colorful, vitamin-filled beet!)

The How To
Clean all your Fruits & Veggies
Quarter your Apples & Pears
Peel your Beet
Juice Away

Happy, Healthy Independence Day!

Pork Chops with Cherry Chutney

Looking for Something Unexpected? 
Spice up the Usual Chop with a Burst of Fresh Summer Flavors. 
I was feeling creative in the kitchen and decided to mix some fresh summer fruit into the usual Chop. The flavors were fresh and bold, sweet and savory, pure deliciousness! Be sure to make the chutney at least 30 minutes ahead of time in order to let the flavors meld.


The Chutney Deets 
12 Red Cherries Pitted and Quartered (about 1/2 cup)
3 Sweet Baby Peppers Diced
1/2 Shallot Finely Sliced
2 Basil Leaves thinly ribboned (roll leaves and thinly slice into ribbons)
1 TBS Lime Juice
1 TBS Olive Oil (EVOO)
Salt and Pepper to Taste (1 tsp sea salt and 1 pinch fresh pepper)


The Chutney How To
Chop ingredients and combine in a bowl
Add Lime Juice, Olive Oil and Salt and Pepper
Allow to rest for about 30-45 minutes so flavors can meld
Once flavors have concentrated Toss into sauce pan for 2-3 minutes for a quick saute

Now on with the Chops
I prefer Center Cut Boneless Chops
Season with Salt and a Touch of Pepper
Heat Fry Pan over medium; add a touch of EVOO
Sear Chops on Each Side for 3 Minutes
Remove from Heat and Allow to Rest
Top Chops with the Cherry Goodness

Add a Grain like Wild Rice or Quinoa and a nice Salad and Dinner is Served.


Plate, Pray & Enjoy!

Fresh Lemonade a Toast to Summer!

Happy First Day of Summer! What's one sure fire way to make it feel like summer? Lemonade! Lemonade is simple to prepare and is a crisp refreshing treat even on the hottest summer nights. I prefer my Lemonade a little on the tart side, so if you've got a real sweet tooth, add a bit more sugar. Here's the How To on my favorite summer drink.

The Deets
7 Lemons for juicing (approximately 1 1/4 Cups Lemon Juice)
1 Lemon for looks
2 Cups Warm Water
3/4 Cup Sugar (I like mine tart - if you want it sweeter add more sugar)
2 Cups Ice

The How To
Juice your Lemons - Remember  if you are using a juicer the lemons need to be peeled or the juice will be bitter

Mix the 2 cups of warm water and sugar to create your base
Add Lemon Juice to sugar water base
Mix Well
Add 2 Cups of Ice
Slice remaining Lemon and add it to the lemonade
Let sit until 1/2 of Ice is melted

Enjoy Your Summer!

Bagel Sandwiches for a Quick Fix

Sometimes we all need an easy dinner.
Tonight was one of those nights.
So CarboLoading Bagel Sandwiches it is.

The Deets
(for 2)
2 Bagels (Einstein Brothers Whole Wheat)
Thick Cut Chicken (I used Carving Board Turkey)
Extra Sharp Cheddar
Spicy Sprouts (Alfalfa & Radish Sprouts)
Spinach
Tomatoes

The Assembly 
Toast Bagels
Add Cheese while Bagels are hot to melt it a bit
Add toppings

Serve with Salad, Kale Chips or another healthy side and dinner is served.

Plate, Pray & Enjoy!

Summer Breakfast Scramble

Summer is almost here, flavorful, fresh produce is abundant and fresh light dishes are on my mind.  This time of year makes me crave healthier food, full of fresh flavors!  Even Breakfast gets a quick fresh overhaul. Today's dish: Vegetable and Goat Cheese Scrambled Eggs.

The Deets for One
2 Eggs
6 Mushrooms Roughly Chopped
1 Large handful of Fresh Spinach - Chopped
1 Large handful of cherry tomatoes Quartered
1/8 Cup Crumbled Goat Cheese
1 TBS Milk
Salt to Taste

The How To
Sear Mushrooms until desired doneness (I like mine cooked well)

Add Spinach and Tomatoes for a quick Sear

In a Bowl Scramble Eggs and Milk
Add Goat Cheese
Add to Pan over Medium Low

Scramble for 3-4 minutes or until Eggs turn white

Plate, Pray & Enjoy!

Kale Chips

If you haven't noticed by now, I have a thing for Kale.  It's really, really healthy and I can make it pretty darn tasty these days.  Kale is great sauteed, pureed, in a smoothie (in moderation) and as chips! I also have a thing for crunchy salty snacks. Hence the Kale Chip - crunchy, salty, delicious...oh & healthy! 


The Deets
1/2 Bunch of Kale (about 6 leaves)
1 tsp Olive Oil
1 tsp Sea Salt


The How To
Preheat oven to 375
Cut Kale into large pieces (about 4 pieces per leaf)
Toss Kale in Olive Oil
Lay out on baking sheet and sprinkle with salt
Bake for 15-20 minutes at 375.

Enjoy your healthy crispy snack!

Prosciutto and Mozzarella Stuffed Chicken Breast

     The Weather is Lovely, it's warm and sunny, but not so hot that you don't dare cook.  I love this time of year, I love that things are growing, the bugs aren't too thick and it's just the right temperature to leave the door and windows open for a nice spring breeze. 
     This is a great recipe for a day like today, it's also great on too hot to cook days since you can toss it on the grill.  In case you haven't noticed I have a soft spot for Italy, I studied abroad in Rome one summer and fell even further in love than on my previous Euro-Tour. I love the lightness and freshness to Italian cooking, of course there are some great "stick-to-your-ribs" Italian meals, but I prefer the lighter side of Italian cooking most days. I'm sure you're thinking Prosciutto & Mozzarella are light? Yes, Yes they are if done properly. Now Let's get cooking.
The Deets
4 Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 Slices Prosciutto
4 Slices Fresh Mozzarella
4 Fresh Basil Leaves
1 TBS of Olive Oil
Salt & Pepper to Taste
The How To
Slice a "Pocket" into each Chicken Breast at the thickest spot - be careful not to cut all the way through

Wrap a slice of Prosciutto around a slice of Mozzarella & top with a Basil Leaf (what a lovely gift!)

Stick the Mozzarella "Gift" into the Chicken Pocket

Drizzle Each Chicken Breast with Olive Oil and Sprinkle with Salt and Pepper
Heat a Grill Pan (or your Grill) to Medium Heat
Cook Chicken for 6 minutes on each side, only turning once

Once Chicken is cooked through Remove from Heat, fix your sides and Plate. Today I served it with Whole Wheat Penne Pasta, a nice green Salad and Grilled Garlic Bread as sides.

Plate, Pray & Enjoy!

It's Not Easy Being Green - The Greenest Pasta You'll Ever Eat

Warning! This may not be the prettiest meal I've ever created! But it's healthy and delicious so go with the flow of the green and enjoy this veggie overloaded pasta dish. I love pasta! Normally I eat whole wheat, but occasionally, I'll buy something different - like spinach spaghetti.  Today's dish is chock full of healthy veggies, lean protein and flavor - that makes up for it not being pretty right?

The Deets
(for 4)
2 Chicken Breasts
One Package Spinach Pasta (Whole Foods 365 brand)
1 Cup Chopped Kale
1 Cup Grape or Cherry Tomatoes cut in half
1 Cup Mushrooms, roughly chopped
1/2 Shallot
4 Cloves Garlic
2 TBS Olive Oil
1/8 Cup White Cooking Wine
1/8 Cup Chicken Broth
Fresh Parmesan to Top

The How To
Cut Chicken Breasts in Half
Add 1 TBS Olive Oil to Skillet and Heat over Medium High
Add Garlic and Chicken
Cook until Brown

Remove Chicken from Skillet

Add Shallots and Mushrooms to Skillet
Once Mushrooms and Shallots are well sauteed Remove Garlic

Add Chicken Broth, Cooking Wine, Shallots and Mushrooms

Add Remaining Vegetables and cook until wilted
Cook Pasta According to package directions

Add Cooked Pasta to Vegetables and mix well

Top with Fresh Parmesan
Add Chicken

Plate, Pray & Enjoy!

Steak Quesadillas: A Quick Fix for the Midweek Rush

Quesadillas are a great quickie meal. There are so many varieties, cheese, veggie, chicken, pork, steak...  Quesadillas are great because you can do the prep work ahead of time and have dinner on the table in about 15 minutes total.  Today's version used extra steak from last night's dinner.
*Time Saving TIP* On nights that I have extra time in the kitchen I try to plan ahead for busy days and cook up a little extra, whether it's making extra servings of the entire meal for leftovers, chopping extra vegetables or cooking an extra chicken breast, chop or steak to add to the next days meal.  Planning ahead is way easier than you'd think and it saves so much time!

Back to the Quesadillas! Here is the simple version of a Quesadilla.

The Deets
(for 2)
4 Tortillas (I used Whole Wheat)
1/2 Steak cooked and seasoned to taste
1/2 Cup Shredded Cheese
6 Mushrooms
1/2 Jalapeno
1/2 Tomato
add other toppings as desired

The How To
Heat Skillet over Medium Low Heat
Spray with Cooking Spray
Add Tortilla & Toppings
Cook until Cheese Bubbles

Once Cheese begins to bubble, remove from pan and place on baking sheet
Top with second Tortilla
Place in Oven and Broil on low until brown, about 3 minutes

Add some black beans & a salad and dinner is ready. (Yes, even on Quesadilla night you still need to eat your greens)

Plate, Pray & Enjoy!

Coconut Cake

Happy Mother's Day to All the Mothers, Moms, Mommies, Mamas, Grandmothers, Grammas, Grannies, etc. 
Last month My Mom and Gramma came to visit, so I made them an early Mother's Day Dinner. We had a delicious dinner of Grilled New York Strip Steak, Seared Sea Scallops, Roasted Vegetables, Quinoa and PopOvers. After a Celebratory Meal you Must have Dessert! My Mom Loves Coconut, so I made the following cake. Mom says it's a winner, so on with the Cake!
*I apologize for the lack of step by step photos - too many backseat cooks in the kitchen*


The Deets for the Cake
3/4 Cup Butter (1 1/2 sticks)
1 1/2 Cups Sugar
3 Eggs
1/2 tsp Pure Almond Extract
3/4 Cup Coconut Milk
1 3/4 Cups Flour Sifted (If you want a light & fluffy cake you must sift your flour!)
2 tsp Baking Powder
1/2 tsp Salt
1 Cup Shredded Coconut


The How To on the Cake
Cream Butter & Sugar until light & fluffy
Add Eggs & Almond Extract
Beat until Smooth and Creamy
Gradually add in Flour, Baking Powder, Salt and 1 Cup of Coconut
Once Dry ingredients ar incorporated, Slowly add Coconut Milk
Mix until Smooth


Preheat Oven to 350 Degrees
Grease and Butter 2 9inch round cake pans
Divide Mixture between pans
Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown


Frosting Deets
1 1/4 Cup Sugar
1/4 Cup Coconut Milk
1/4 Cup Heavy Cream
3 Egg Whites at room temperature
1/2 tsp Cream of Tartar
1 Cup Butter (2 sticks)
1 tsp Pure Vanilla Extract
1/2 tsp Pure Almond Extract


Frosting How To
Bring Sugar and Coconut Milk to a Boil
In Mixer Wisk Eggs until foamy
Slowly add in Cream and Cream of Tartar and Wisk until slightly stiff
With mixer running, Slowly add Sugar Mixture (Slowly as to not scramble the Eggs)
Add Butter and Vanilla & Almond Extracts and mix until Smooth


Assembly Deets
1 Cup Shredded Coconut - Toasted
12 Strawberries thinly sliced


Assembly How To
Trim Cakes
Spread 1/4 of the Frosting on bottom cake
Layer strawberries and sprinkle 1/2 of toasted coconut
Add top layer
Frost Cake and top with remaining toasted coconut and strawberries

Plate, Pray & Enjoy!

Citrus Sweet Pepper Salad

Every Meal Needs a Salad.  And Every Salad should have a little personality.  Today's Salad Creation is Citrus Sweet Pepper Salad. It's a little spicy, a little tangy and all around delicious!
The Deets
3 Sweet Peppers (Yellow, Orange & Red)
1 Mandarin Orange
Salad Greens (Spinach, Romaine & Watercress)
1 Handful of Raw Almonds

The Construction
Thinly Slice Peppers
Peel and Cube Mandarin Orange (reserve ends for juice)
Tear Salad greens to desired size
Chop Almonds
Mix together & squeeze Orange Juice over salad

Plate, Pray & Enjoy