Red Velvet Cupcakes

I thought I might share something sweet for Valentine's Day, though I can't really take any credit for these treats other than the fact that I toted the camera and provided the company during their creation. My pal was hit with the itch to make cupcakes this week, and while I have made my fair share of cupcakes over the years, I had never made (or witnessed the making of) these kind. This recipe can serve as an easy guide to baking these, and I can promise you that you will wonder just where these have been all of your life (kind of like a true love, no?). I'm pausing for your very warranted eye rolls, but wishing you a February 14th filled with something sweet.

Corn Cheddar "Chowder"

I meant to post this yesterday, but since I just had a nasty run with food poisoning this week, I had to wait until I could even look at photos of food to get it posted. This recipe has been a staple for me for years now, though I have modified it slightly. I rely on this recipe that my momma sent me a few years back, though I have come to modify the regular milk for goat's milk and the butter for "fake butter" (i.e. dairy free beyond the old cheddar, and for this version, I used goat cheddar). It's delicious either way, and it's a great take on a chowder without the use of heavy creams. My favorite part is the abundance of thyme (my favorite spice) and the fresh red peppers as garnish. Enjoy!

Goat Chese, Asparagus, and Chive Pasta

One of my resolutions for 2012 was to try to cook & bake more regularly. Original? No. Direly needed? Yes. I have always said that I am a rubbish cook, but guess what? It's kind of a lie. I'm not really that great, and I'm not really that bad, and overall, I'm really just not very motivated. I eat really well, but I make do without a sincere effort. I decided that the blog may help me with my resolution, providing a creative avenue that motivated me to get going. So far? SO GOOD. I have been cooking up a storm in my wonderful little kitchen, amidst new vinyl playing and a small cat purring, and after careful consideration and twitter polling, decided that I will start sharing some recipes here. 

This meal was perfect for a bitterly cold evening, as it provided just the right amount of comfort without being too rich. I'm a huge fan of goat cheese, but even if you aren't, I am thinking this dish will strike your fancy. I adapted my dish from this recipe, using a dairy free substitute for butter and adding a lot of fresh garlic. I steer clear of cow's milk, but I bet it would be just that much tastier with the real deal. Vegetarians could easily skip out on the sausage, or substitute with fakes. Yum. Enjoy!