Sauteed Spinach with Bacon

Sauteed Spinach w/Bacon
original Joelen recipe
1-2 packages fresh baby spinach leaves

5 slices canadian bacon, diced3 cloves garlic, sliced2-3 tablespoons buttersalt & pepper to taste1/2 cup low sodium chicken broth
In a saute pan, melt butter and saute garlic and bacon.When bacon is crisp, add chicken broth and spinach; toss until it wilts.Serve immediately.

German BBQ Potato Salad

I made the following for my Oktoberfest event. You can read and get other recipes from the event HERE.
Joelen’s German BBQ Potato Saladrecipe adapted from HERE
6 large potatoes (about 2 pounds)1 cup Bermuda onions, chopped3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped2/3 cup rice wine vinegar1/3 cup water1/3 cup salad oil4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled1 egg2 teaspoons [...]

Dates Wrapped in Bacon

The following recipe was made and shared at my Tapas party. You can read about the event and view links to the other recipes shared HERE.
Dates Wrapped in Baconshared at the event by Fatimarecipe from here
6 slices very lean bacon,7 inches long,halved crosswise12 pitted medjool dateslight brown sugar (optional)
Soak 12 tooth picks in water for [...]

Braised Chicken with Onions, Garlic, and Balsamic Vinegar

The follow recipe was shared at my Balsamic Vinegar Tasting Event. You can read and view links to other recipes that were featured HERE.
Braised Chicken with Onions, Garlic, and Balsamic Vinegarshared at the event by Maryrecipe from Gourmet Magazine
6 bacon slices (4 ounces), cut crosswise into 1/4-inch-wide strips (lardons)1 (3 1/2-pound) chicken, cut into [...]

Can you Carbonara?

Several years ago, I went to Europe (specifically, Paris and London) for my birthday. I’ve always treated myself to travel on my birthdays and its a great reason to get out and see the world. While in Paris, I remember having dinner with my friend, Jodi. I’ll never forget what I ordered – Spaghetti Alla [...]

Wild for Wildfire Salad!

One of my favorite salads comes from a regional restaurant chain, Wildfire. It’s a restaurant where I’ve celebrated some memorable occassions such as past birthdays of mine, family members and friends, and even our engagement party. In fact the last time I went to Wildfire was 2 years ago, which was when we had our [...]

BBQ Potato Salad

We made the following dish during the Tailgating Cooking Class I hosted. You can view pics of the event HERE.
BBQ Potato Salad
2 lbs red potatoes
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1/3 cup sour cream
2-3 tablespoons spicy brown mustard1 tablespoon BBQ rub seasoning3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
2 hard boiled eggs, chopped
1/2 cup crispy bacon, crumbled
1/4 cup chives or [...]

BLT – Bacon Lovin’ Treat

Another day at home so for lunch, I decided to make a long time favorite… BLTs. Rather than cooking up the bacon on the stovetop, I baked it in the oven. It’s easier, less clean up and allows more effective use of my time.I didn’t toast the bread, but still good nonetheless. Ideally, I would [...]

8 Layer Salad

8 Layer Salad
Combine your preferred amounts of the following building from bottom to top in a trifle bowl. Allow salad to chill at least 2 hours or even overnight before serving.
LettuceCarrotsTomatoesCornPeasShredded Cheddar CheeseSalad Dressing seasoned with garlic powderChopped Bacon

Hungry for Hungarian!

Every first Saturday of the month, the Un-Gourmet International Cooking Club gets together to create an amazing pot luck dinner highlighting various cuisines around the world. I’ve been a part of this talented group for over a year and it’s steadily growing. We’ve even been featured in a local magazine, Time Out Chicago! Tonight we [...]