Poppin' Bottles {Happy 1 Year Blog-iversary!}

One year ago today, I sat down at my computer and clicked the "Create New Blog" button on Blogger, and then proceeded to sit there and think, "What the heck am I gonna call this thing?" for about 30 minutes. As always, I thought I'd do some browsing on the internet in hopes of being struck by inspiration, but instead got sidetracked by adorable kitchen accessories, Lilly Pulitzer dresses, and preppy monogrammed homegoods.

And so, The Kitchen Prep was born! {Because you know how much I love a play on words.}

I'm not going to get all mushy on you {as I have here & here}, but I really can't thank you enough for your support over the past year as I've learned by trial and error, bumps and bruises {and burns} about this amazing world of blogging. Whether you read The Kitchen Prep for the recipes or to get a laugh at my antics, I appreciate the fact that you stop by and absolutely love it when I know that there's someone actually reading all my rambling. So, THANK YOU!

Now, on to the celebration!

Our weekend was super busy {though lots of fun}, so we were barely at home long enough to throw together anything more complex than a bowl of cereal. And I almost freaked out when I realized that today, a day when I should obviously have something fabulous and celebratory to share with you, I had little more than some cold, leftover rice in my refrigerator. Nice going.

So, even though I will not be posting any fancy cake or amazing entree, I couldn't let you stop by without a champagne toast at the very least.

{I have not lost my mind. I used less expensive champagne for this recipe, but I thought the bottle of Dom Perignon we've had sitting around since our wedding almost 3 years ago would make a nice photo prop. No Dom was harmed in the making of this granita.}

Around Christmastime, I discovered the wonderful world of granitas {it started with this recipe}. They are basically slushies with a taste for the exotic. And they they are delicious.

This one is no exception. Champagne, fresh strawberry puree, grapefruit juice, lemon juice, and simple syrup all combine to form this sweet, tart, icy concoction. The recipe calls for some Grand Marnier soaked strawberry slices to top it off, but I figured we're boozing it up enough with the bubbly. {Plus, I didn't actually have any GM on hand.}

So, friends, I lift my glass to you and to the future of The Kitchen Prep. May your days be filled with laughter, and your glasses with champagne!

CHEERS!

Strawberry, Citrus, and Champagne Granita
Adapted from Epicurious

• 1 cup sugar
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 1/2 pounds large ripe strawberries
• 1 1/2 cups fresh grapefruit juice
• 1 1/2 cups dry Champagne {or whatever bubbly stuff you prefer. I used sweet sparkling wine}
• 1/2 cup fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup Grand Marnier or other orange liqueur {optional}

Combine 3/4 cup sugar and 3/4 cup water in heavy small saucepan. Stir over medium heat until sugar dissolves. Increase heat and boil 1 minute. Cool. Refrigerate syrup until cold, about 45 minutes.

Puree enough strawberries (about 6 large) in blender to yield 1/2 cup puree. Transfer strawberry puree to large bowl. Mix grapefruit juice, Champagne, lemon juice and chilled syrup into strawberry puree. Pour mixture into 13x9x2-inch metal baking pan.

Freeze Champagne mixture until icy at edge of pan, about 55 minutes. Whisk to distribute frozen portions evenly. Freeze again until icy at edge of pan and overall texture is slushy, about 40 minutes. Whisk to distribute frozen portions evenly. Cover and freeze until mixture is solid, about 3 hours.

{Optional} Meanwhile, slice remaining strawberries. Place in large bowl and toss with remaining 1/4 cup sugar and 1/4 cup Grand Marnier. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 30 minutes and up to 3 hours.

Using fork, scrape granita down length of pan, forming ice flakes. (Granita can be prepared up to 2 days ahead of time. Cover and freeze until ready to serve.) If desired, divide sliced strawberries equally among 6 wineglasses. Top with granita and serve immediately.

Rediscovered

Do you ever go through periods of time where you completely forget about {or outright ignore} certain items in your pantry?

You buy something without a particular purpose in mind and the next thing you know it travels to the pantry abyss, only to see the light of day when you go through one of your mad cleaning fits and declare that you will not rest until your kitchen looks like one of the pages of Real Simple magazine?

No? That's just me then? Oh.

A lot of the things that wind up in this area of my pantry are given to me by my Mom. She is known for giving away almost entirely full bags {or wholesale club sized boxes} of perfectly good stuff because she tried it and didn't like it, bought too much of it, or couldn't eat it because it wouldn't work with her diet du jour. {A lot of times I think she's just being nice and stocking my pantry since she knows I go through the basics so quickly}.

Such was the case with a bag of organic coconut sugar I {re}discovered earlier this week. I know I've seen it a bazillion times since she gave it to me, but it somehow fell into the "I have no idea what to do with this, but it looks interesting, so I'll figure it out later" category.

Well, I figured it out.

Used in place of brown sugar, this little gem sweetened up a pretty yummy glaze for a fish dinner that would have most likely been pretty blah otherwise. {Incidentally, coconut sugar has a low glycemic index and is supposedly better for you than other sweeteners. Who knew?}

Sorry for the tiny pic. Blogger refuses to resize this one. :(

I'm kinda glad I ran out of an ingredient and was forced to scavenge through my pantry. You should go check out what you've got in yours. It could lead to the next great culinary discovery. Or just a really delicious dinner.

Soy-Glazed Fish with Sauteed Zucchini & Rice
Adapted from Real Simple

2 tablespoons brown sugar {or coconut sugar if you happen to have it}
1 tablespoon low sodium soy sauce
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1/4 teaspoon fresh grated ginger {or 1/8 teaspoon ground ginger powder}
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
kosher salt
1 to 2 10-oz. package{s} cod loins {thawed}

Optional sides:
White or Brown Rice, Quinoa, Couscous, etc.
Zucchini {2 medium or 1 large, cut how you like it}

Prepare your choice of starch {some suggestions listed above}.

For Fish:

Set oven to broil. {500 degrees}

In a small bowl, combine first 6 ingredients. Mix to form a thick paste. Set aside.

{If you'd like sauteed zucchini as a side, this is the time to make it because the fish cooks in under 10 minutes. I usually just cut it up and add it to a hot pan with 1 tbsp olive oil on medium high heat, sprinkle lightly with kosher salt, and sautee until slightly browned & caramelized in parts. Easy & one of my fave ways to eat zucchini. But you choose whatever veggies make your heart sing.}

Place fish on a foil lined {broiler safe}, baking sheet, and brush fillets with about 1 teaspoon olive oil. Lightly sprinkle with salt & pepper if desired.

Broil until the fish is opaque throughout, 5 to 7 minutes. Baste with the soy mixture twice during the last 2 minutes of cooking.

Serve on a bed of rice with sauteed veggies.

PINtervention

How many of you have become hopelessly obsessed with Pinterest? {Raising hand}

C'mon... don't be shy. You can come clean, there are no secrets here. {At this point, you've got to have plenty of dirt on me, so we're even.} ;)

For those of you that haven't yet discovered Pinterest {or are still on the "waiting list"... what's that all about??}, I'll tell you a little about it. Pinterest is a site where you can can keep a visual collection of ideas, pictures, and bookmarks on categorized "Boards", just like you might keep a bulletin board or vision board at home. The only problem with it seems to be that once you sit down and start browsing Pinterest, it's nearly impossible to pry yourself away.

It happens without warning. Starts out with a few innocent clicks and leads to digital idea hoarding. Because, you know, you might actually find the time to brilliantly repurpose every single empty container in your house and find the perfect scrap pieces of wood to build yourself a custom table/cabinet/shelving unit/headboard.

The worst part about Pinterest? You spend so much time finding GREAT ideas that you don't ever get up from behind the computer screen long enough to try them out. And then you feel guilty. Which makes you spend some more time clicking around trying to find pretty things to make yourself feel better.

It's a vicious cycle, folks. One that leads to trips to Home Depot, a longer "Honey Do" list, and more Nutella recipes in your life. {Which isn't necessarily a bad thing...}

You've been warned.

Anyway, now that I've thoroughly forewarned you about getting sucked into the madness, I must share with you a recipe that I found and actually made. It was love at first pin.

Chubby Hubby Bars

If you love the ice cream version of this stuff, you will want to marry the bar version. {Ha, and it has the word "hubby" in it! So clever.}

I adapted the recipe I found on Pinterest just a bit because I wanted to include some homemade Peanut Butter Caramel I had seen on an episode of Throwdown with Bobby Flay.



I also added a little malted milk powder into the cookie dough {which also happens to contain semi-sweet chocolate chips and chopped up pretzel pieces... yum} to mimic the Vanilla Malt Ice Cream that all the Chubby Hubby goodness comes swirled into. 

I have a feeling finds like these are only going to make my Pinterest addiction worse... but this is definitely a recipe you'll want to "repin"!

*You can follow me AND my addiction on Pinterest by clicking here.

Chubby Hubby Bars
Adapted from a recipe found Cookies & Cups through Pinterest


For the Peanut Butter Caramel
From Food Network


1/4 white sugar
1/4 water
1/2 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup smooth peanut butter
1/8 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon corn syrup
Pinch of salt


1. Heat heavy cream in microwave or in a small saucepan until steaming {not boiling}.
2. In a small saucepan, heat sugar and water on high heat without stirring until it boils. Allow syrup to turn a light amber color. Keep an eye on this as it can burn very easily.
3. Carefully {it will bubble & boil} add heated heavy cream and whisk. Allow to cook for another 30 seconds to a minute.
4. Remove from heat and wisk in peanut butter, vanilla, corn syrup, and salt until smooth.
5. Pour into a heat safe bowl and set aside to cool.


For The Cookie Base:
2 sticks softened butter
1/2 cup white sugar
1 1/2 cups brown sugar
2 eggs
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 1/2 cups all purpose flour
1/4 cup malted milk powder {I used Carnation Malted Milk Powder}
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/4 cup heavy cream
Approx. 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
Approx. 1 1/2 cups salted pretzels, coarsely chopped
Pretzels for garnish

1. Preheat oven to 350. Spray a 9×13 pan lightly with cooking spray.
2. Beat butter and sugars until light and fluffy.
3. Add eggs and vanilla, mix until incorporated.
4. On low speed add in salt, baking soda, malted milk powder, and flour a little at a time, mixing until just incorporated.
5. Using a wooden spoon or spatula, stir in approx. 1 cup of the chocolate chips and pretzel pieces by hand, as not to break up the pieces too small.
6. Spread in prepared pan and bake for 25 minutes. Let cool completely.
7. When cooled pour peanut butter caramel over the bars and spread evenly.
8. Chill in fridge for 15 minutes to set caramel.
9. On the stovetop or in a microwave safe measuring cup, heat 1/4 cup cream until steaming, and while hot, pour over approx. 1 cup chocolate chips in a small bowl. Whisk until smooth and chocolate is completely melted. Carefully spread chocolate over set caramel. While still wet, add pretzels for garnish if desired.
10. Put back in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or until chocolate is set.
11. Cut into squares when ready to serve.

Printed Thermal Tote Giveaway Winner!

Good morning, everyone!

Thanks so much for entering the Printed Thermal Tote Giveaway from Thirty-One!

And the winner is.......

Renee W. {bored2quickly} who chose the Black Parisian Pop as her favorite print!

Congratulations, Renee, enjoy your thermal tote and let us know if you have any good recipes for snacks that you plan to carry in it! ;)

Speaking of good recipes, I started off the morning on the right food with some Fluffy Breakfast Biscuits from The Purple Spoon. They caught my eye from the FoodBuzz "Today's Top 9" sidebar, and I knew I had to make them.

They are most definitely fluffy and delicious!

I practiced self control and allowed myself ONE biscuit {though the whole tray was calling my name}, and I'm freezing the rest for an easy weekend morning {or afternoon, or evening...} treat. Give them a try if you're looking for something easy and scrumptious to make.

Thanks again for participating in my very first giveaway! Don't stray too far, I plan on having lots more fun giveaways coming up!

I also have a decadent post scheduled for Monday that you won't want to miss... have a fabulous weekend, everyone!

Oh, Paula...

Source

Well, it's time to get all serious on you. {Hey, you in the back, please stop giving your neighbor bunny ears.}

I know, I know. You came here for cake, not for a lecture. But bear with me since this relates to our favorite topic around here: yummy food.

As I'm sure you've probably heard, Ms. Paula made a big announcement last week that has really set off an interesting reaction from the masses. She shared publicly that, three years ago, she was diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes.

Now, I have to tell you that I actually am quite fond of Paula Deen. She is loveable. She is flawed. She is real. She seems like the type you'd want to be around for a good laugh or a great buttermilk biscuit. Like a sweet, nutty Aunt or neighbor that knows exactly how to cheer you up.

That said, I also realize that the food she has built her multi-million dollar industry upon leaves a lot to be desired in the nutritional department. She turns the food pyramid upside down on it's head and suggests creamed corn and fried okra count as healthy vegetables. {I wish they did, too, friends.}

But let's be real. We know that the woman cannot possibly believe that. We know that throughout the years, there's a good chance that she has been advised and counseled on her personal eating habits and has quite possibly been given access to professionals that help direct her in not keeling over live and in person on the set, with a stick of butter in her hand. {That might drop ratings, huh?}

Source

So, why are people freaking out about her so-called "dishonesty"? Is it because she should have come clean about the true effect of years spent eating Southern fare?  Is it because she is now profiting from being the spokesperson for a pharmaceutical company that sells diabetes medication? Would her honesty really have stopped anyone from making poor food choices? We have known for years that junk food = unhealthiness = medication unless you commit to change. Yet, obesity in our nation is still at an all time high.

The expectation for her to bring her deep-fried image to a halt after years of success bolstered by that very premise puzzles me. She was hired to come into our living rooms and weasle her way into our affections with warm, cheesy grits.  When I turn on Paula's show, I watch knowing what I'm about to get. It's the place I go when I want to get recipes for something naughty. {And half the time, I don't even use as much butter as she calls for!} Changing from Paula's Home Cookin' to Paula's Wholesome Cookin' just wouldn't have the same ring {or quite frankly, credibility}, and let's face it, the same viewership.

Being mad at Paula is like pulling through the McDonald's drive-thru daily and then getting upset when cholesterol levels rise and pants don't fit. Or like putting celebrities who drink, smoke, and do drugs on trial for giving the impression that their bad behavior is safe for us to mimic because you can still be rich, famous, good looking AND stoned out of your noodle. {Ahem, Mr. Sheen}

Perhaps what has really caused this reaction to Paula's news is fear. A sinking feeling of accountability that has struck hearts and stomachs around the nation. The realization that even if we are eating copious amounts of fat and sugar because that's just what Southerners do or because someone told us it tastes real good, we are still putting ourselves at higher risk for illness. The thought that we have to take personal responsibility for our actions or we may be in real trouble.

So tell me, should I put a warning label on every recipe I share on this blog that exceeds daily caloric limits? {Sometimes I actually do. Despite all the sugar and fat, my husband & I are actually pretty healthy eaters.} I give my readers the benefit of the doubt because I feel like they're smart enough to know that "treat" really means treat.

I know not everyone feels the same, and I can understand the other points of view, but I just thought I'd bring up an important topic and see if anyone cares to chime in.

Regardless of your opinion, I hope you will always continue to do what is right for your situation so that you can live your best life. Make it count, y'all! ;)

"Chai" Love You

Steve makes fun of me all the time {for various & sundry reasons} because he is amused by the fact that I always have to end each meal with a little something sweet.

I won't deny it.  Whether it's some fruit, a piece of chocolate, or a pint of some ice cream... I look forward to that moment when I can indulge my sweet tooth.

I've also become quite fond of having a nice hot cup of something to sip on in the evenings. Most of the time it's hot cocoa {which goes great with Homemade Vanilla Marshmallows}, decaf coffee {because I'd rather not be bouncing off the walls into the night}, or, more recently, a soothing cup of tea.

But to be quite honest, I haven't always been a huge fan of hot tea. That is, until I tried Chai.

I got hooked on Chai when I used to frequent Starbucks as my "office" and happened to have an excess of Starbucks gift cards. There is something so snuggly and comforting about the flavors in Chai Tea. Cinnamon, cardamom, ginger, cloves, and pepper combine to form a warm, comfy blanket in tea form.

So, imagine my elation when I found this recipe for White Chocolate Chai Tea. Holy. Moly.

Combining a sweet treat and delicious hot tea blends both of my evening indulgences into one amazing treat... one that even Steve joined me in sipping on. I can't imagine a sweeter way to end the day.

White Chocolate Chai Tea
via Lindt USA

Yield: 4-5 servings

2 cups water

2 chai tea bags {I use Twinings French Vanilla Chai}

2 cups Milk

1 (3.5 oz) Bar Lindt White Chocolate, chopped or 3.5 oz of white chocolate chips 

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1.Boil water in a saucepan (or microwave), add tea bags, remove from heat.
2. Allow to steep five minutes then discard tea bags.
3. Heat milk until steaming in saucepan or microwave.
4. Place chocolate in a small bowl and pour ¼ of steaming milk over chocolate, stirring until chocolate is melted.
5. Stir chocolate mixture into hot milk; add chai and vanilla extract.
6. Serve hot in tea glasses or mugs.

TKP's First Giveaway!

Did you know that The Kitchen Prep's 1 Year Blog-iversary is quickly approaching? {Eeek!}
I would say that calls for a celebration! And as we all know, no celebration worth attending is complete without fun presents {and champagne, of course, but I'm having a hard time checking your I.D. from here. :P}!

Luckily, I have the perfect gift to give away to one lucky reader: An adorable printed Thermal Zipper Tote from Thirty One! With this cute little tote, you'll have a fashionable way to carry your TKP recipe leftovers to work, school, or wherever you please. And guess what? You even get to choose your own print! {I like the Paparazzi Dot and Parisian Pop, but check out the Cupcakes print if you're feeling whimsical!}

Paparazzi Dot

If you're feeling a little sassy, the Wild Zebra print might be more you!

Thirty One is a company that sells charming yet functional totes, purses, and accessories {including aprons!} that make it fun and fashionable to be organized. Many of their items can be personalized {and I do love a good monogram}, making them great gifts to give or to add to your own wishlist.

So, how do you get your hands on this sweet little tote? It's easy!

*** This giveaway is now closed!*** Thank you for entering and stay tuned for the next giveaway!

TO ENTER THE GIVEAWAY (REQUIRED):


1. Click on this link, then comment below by telling me which Thermal Tote print would be your favorite for carrying tasty treats! {Just click the "Monthly Specials" link on the red bar across the top of the page, then click on the January monthly specials picture of the zip tote on the left side of the page to see the different prints available.}

 

WANT EXTRA ENTRIES?

For each of the items completed below, you will receive one additional entry. You MUST leave a separate comment for each entry to count. If you're ahead of the game & you've already done any of the things below, they do count, just let me know in a separate comment that you've already done it.


1. Become a Follower of The Kitchen Prep.
2. "Like" The Kitchen Prep on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/thekitchenprep
3.  Go to today's post on The Kitchen Prep's Facebook page and click the share button below the picture of the Thermal Totes. Include the following text in the box above the picture: Check out @The Kitchen Prep today for a fun giveaway! Enter at: http://bit.ly/AggtxE

THE FINE PRINT:

• This giveaway is open to USA residents only and will run until Friday, January 20, 2012 at 11:59 pm EST.

• One winner will be chosen via a random number generator. Winner will be announced on the blog and on Facebook on Monday, January 23, 2012. The winner will be responsible for contacting me via contact form with Name, Email, and mailing address for receipt of prize.

• Winner will have until Wednesday, January 25, 2012 to claim the prize or another winner will be chosen.

• Winner will receive the Thermal Zipper Tote as described above, without monogramming.

• Product will be shipped by Thirty One consultant providing the giveaway.

I have so many exciting things lining up for this year... and it's only January!

Alright, enough of the blabber... get to commenting below to enter! Good luck, everyone!