Pineapple Coconut Date Wheat Bread

It started with buttermilk and dried pineapple. I made a blueberry buttermilk gelato last week, which I wasn't completely satisfied with. Hence, the missing recipe. But, I digress. So anyway, I had some buttermilk left and didn't want it to go to waste. I also had some dried pineapple that came in my tasting box from http://www.foodzie.com/. Hmmm, what to do? Ah ha! When in doubt, make bread.

This bread is super easy and perhaps a tinsy bit healthy with the fruit, wheat, and limited oil. If you need a mind vacation, I suggest taking a bite of this bread. I promise you'll start thinking of a tropical island. 

Back in the saddle again.

I'm back baby! Several months ago my camera broke, which caused me to feel kind of hopeless on blog posting. But, I just recently got a new cell phone that happens to have a pretty decent camera. So, I'm back in business.

I plan on posting at least once a week. I'm getting really serious about cooking, so much in fact that I enrolled in Culinary school, which begins May 16th. In conjunction with posting recipes, I will also be giving a glimpse into my adventures in the classroom. I'm really excited about this new chapter in my life and I hope you follow me on Domestic Relish as I follow my dream!

Feta Lamb Bites with Mediterranean Cous Cous

The first time I ever had Greek food was at a Greek Fest held at a Greek Orthodox church in my hometown. I automatically fell in love with the cuisine and have returned to this festival many times over the years. I love the simplicity of Mediterranean cooking. I had never tried lamb, until I had Greek food. I admit at first, I wasn't a fan. I felt the lamb had too strong of a flavor. Luckily, I tried it again, and fell in love. I believe the key to lamb is in the seasoning. The right combination of spices accentuate the exotic flavor of this meat. In this recipe, I mixed mint, rosemary, cumin, garlic and cinnamon. It might sound strange, but I promise you it works!

Feel Better Soon! Dark Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies

Ever heard the phrase "If I go down, we all go down"? Apparently, this philosophy has been adopted by my family. First, my son got an ear infection. Then my husband and I both got a sinus infection. Next thing I know, my daughter has pink eye, which is ironic since it's in both eyes! And, being the ugly, highly contagious funk that it is, I have become it's next victim.  It's been an ongoing nightmare for a week now.  So, obviously we need something to make us feel better...cookies! Pair a couple of cookies with a cold glass of milk and you've got a dynamic duo sure to put the pep back in your step.

Banana Bread

It's cold outside, and I'm looking for comfort. I've got 3 bananas and an idea.....Banana Bread. I made this recipe for Christmas, and included 1/2 cup dates, 1/2 cup unsweetened coconut flakes, and 1/2 cup walnuts. Unfortunately,  I didn't have those things on hand, but I highly recommend making it that way. However, either way you have a comforting, warm slice of Heaven. I prefer to eat mine still warm and slathered with butter and my daughter likes it with a smear of peanut butter. I imagine this would be good as a French toast too! The possibilites are endless!

Caliente Brownies

Ever heard the song, "Baby, did a bad, bad thing", by Chris Isaak? Well, every time I make these brownies, that song starts playing in my head. These brownies are a sinful blend of cinnamon, cayenne, and melted dark chocolate chips. And, yes maybe they aren't heart healthy, but they will do wonders for your mood! You might have noticed that the picture of the brownie I posted is slightly undercooked. Well, that's because I can't wait for them to set. Is that bad?

Oh, My! Turkey Pot Pie Soup and Hearty Biscuits

Today, I took my little boy to the doctor's office and found out the lil' gherkin has an ear infection. Whenever I was sick, as a little girl, my Mom always made me Chicken Pot Pie. It always made me feel better. So, of course I thought this would be the perfect thing for my lil' one.  However, I decided to make my Mom's version with turkey instead, since I made turkey and stock yesterday. And, rather than thickening it up with a flour slurry like she does, I whisked in a Béchamel sauce. And, because lil' gherkin loves biscuits, I nixed the traditional pie crust.