Monday, March 26, 2012

Pinterest. It's What's for Dinner. #1


The best of:

I pinned these because, according to the people of Pinterest, these are the best ever chocolate chip cookies. We're big critics over here at the Wilson household. Cookies are practically a food group-- at least to my husband who was caught eating packaged cookies literally as I was putting these on the cookie sheet. I'd have to say, though...these were not amazing. I'm actually not even sure I'd make them again, but they don't go into the "terrible" category either. Just meh. I brought some over to a friend's house and I asked her what was wrong with them and she told me it was the sweetness factor. Perhaps more sugar needed? The "secret" ingredient of cornstarch gave them an interesting flavor, I think.

The batter was really fluffy-- almost like soft serve ice cream.


Weber Vegetable Grill Basket
I was making roasted asparagus this week and thought of how I needed to own a BBQ veggie basket so I didn't have to roast my small or cut veggies in the oven during the summertime.












I bought this on Amazon and it was on my doorstep the next day. I cannot wait to try it out! I've been wanting one of these ever since my friend's husband made us dinner one evening-- he BBQ'ed the green beans and I think they were the best I've ever had. Apparently you can even put marinated pieces of meat/seafood and marinated veggies in here. I'm also thinking fish tacos, veggie burgers that don't always hold up well on the grill, and pineapple chunks! We will be testing it out this week.
Source: amazon.com via Brandy on Pinterest

These people think I care about this.























Aromatic Noodles with Lime Peanut Sauce
Made this with onions, broccoli, string beans, carrots, fresh ginger, fresh garlic, fresh lime juice, and peanut butter. Mmm. It was good but must add sauce right before eating, otherwise the noodles will soak in the sauce and it will be dry. Unless you add gobs of oil-- which I have a hard time recommending.


Frozen Yogurt Drops
I saw these a few times and decided to pin because I had two containers of yogurt with expirations drawing near. I didn't want to waste them and knew I could freeze them in larger discs of yogurt for single-serve use in smoothies. It was hugely successful and a great way to save some cash buying the yogurt that is about to expire in 2-3 days for half price at the grocery store. And a bonus is that it adds the chill and slightly icy consistency I love in smoothies.


Still in the queue:

No-Bake Strawberry Icebox Cake 
This is made with graham crackers, a whole lot of whipping cream, strawberries, chocolate ganache, and a few other ingredients. It looks elegant and I cannot wait to make it. I was thinking about making it for our neighbors. I'll keep you posted.


Chocolate Nachos
These remind me of the nachos we had over Christmas when we visited South Padre Island, TX.


Creamy Avocado Yogurt Dip
I love avocados. There are certain foods that I don't consider unhealthy, no matter the fat content. Avocados, nuts, yogurt, and hummus are all on the list. It's loaded with protein as it's made with greek yogurt-- something I don't love plain but it makes a great base to replace the sour cream in many recipes and dips! My only apprehension with this recipe is wasting two whole avocados if I don't like it. Hah.


Sweet Potato Cakes with Sour Cream and Chipotle Black Bean Salsa
I'm just starting to jump on the sweet potato bandwagon. I've been a skeptic my whole life because I always hated how people prepared them so sweet. I'm not one to like my vegetables coated in sugar and marshmallows. I just assumed that was the only way people ever made them, so I avoided. And once again, my friend's husband (also known as "gourmet husband") came to the rescue and made these amazing, spicy sweet potatoes. I loved them. And recently I've had them in the version of french fries and loved them as well. I'll be honest though-- a regular ol' russet potato still tastes better to me, but at least I'm branching out!



Roasted, Spiced Chickpeas
Here's another item I don't loooove. Chickpeas. I love them smashed, but for some reason I don't love to eat them whole. I'm hoping this little recipe will bring some edge to the ol' garbanzo bean. Crunchy = good. Spicy = good. Virtually fat free = good. Can't go wrong, right?


Make anything exceptional based on a Pinterest recommendation lately? It really is my favorite way to document recipes I've made and want to make.

13 comments:

Lj82 said... [Reply to comment]

What are the chances they have extras of the handsome little boy holding the vegetable tray? Because I would like one overnighted to me. ha. :)

katie illingworth said... [Reply to comment]

I love that he's just chillin' with his diaper. So cute and laid back. Love it.

Sneaker Teacher said... [Reply to comment]

I'm so impressed with all of your culinary endeavors considering you have a new baby at home. I stocked up on frozen stuff and I have the feeling I won't be cooking anything during the first few weeks maybe even months.

Emily said... [Reply to comment]

Oooohhh can you report back on the avocado yogurt dip? That sounds good and healthy-ish. I've been using Pinterest to scope out new recipes...however all of mine have been of the dessert variety!

That basket sounds like a great idea. Might have to get one!

LookItsJessica said... [Reply to comment]

Baby B already a little foodie! Love it!

Kelly said... [Reply to comment]

I'm with LJ. I love B's face!

Jill said... [Reply to comment]

Love his little face!!

I made those chickpeas all excited because one I dont care for them much but I thought I knew they are good and packed with protein, well they were terrible. I must have done something terribly wrong. :( maybe you will have better luck!

Ben and Katie said... [Reply to comment]

Sooooo...what times dinner being served?
Wanna move to wa and cook for me...you know you want to!! :)
Prob going to have to try the sweet pot ones and dip!!

Brooke said... [Reply to comment]

I feel the exact same way about sweet potatoes! I make sweet potato fries now, but I put spicy seasoning on them. I'll have to repin your pancakes...

Melissa @ A Dozen Years Later said... [Reply to comment]

I made those cookies too and didn't think they were the best ones ever.

I love the recipe for the sweet potato cakes. I would love to try that.

I made the copycat Starbuck's Iced Lemon Pound cake last night. It was amazing.

Alison G. said... [Reply to comment]

So glad to hear the yogurt drops work! I have a feeling those will be a big hit around our house in the summer. The avocado yogurt dip is sooo good! For some reason the tang of the yogurt didn't overpower the dip the way it usually does. Definitely a good use of avocado!

Renel said... [Reply to comment]

I have a great recipe for garbanzo/chickpeas with honey and cinnamon but they take about 1 hour to bake. They are really very tasty. I'll find it and send it your way.

Shell said... [Reply to comment]

Brandy, you have made me very hungry looking at all those pictures!