Pixelated CrumbPixelated Crumb is a Maryland-based food blog devoted to finding the simple joys in creating and devouring good food.2024-01-29T16:31:24Zhttps://pixelatedcrumb.com/Kristen Llobrerachocolate cranberry bars2023-11-23T02:18:00.000Zhttps://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/chocolate-cranberry-bars/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/3775b0da2447938edff5622921ba9a620f8b86b2-4080x3072.png" alt="chocolate cranberry bars on a plate" /></p>
<p>When my daughter was born 9 1/2 years ago, I thought my blogging days were over. To be honest, there were times I thought I would never eat an entire meal at the same time as my husband again, especially one where we both had full use of our hands and no wailing in the background. Luckily neither one of those turned out to be true.</p>
<p>While meals were difficult for a while, eventually our beautiful screaming banshee of a baby got older and stopped crying ALL OF THE TIME. And I got a few blog posts in, even in the earlier days. But the rest of life took over and there were always so many things to do. But that baby isn’t a baby anymore. She’s a nine-year-old who has developed quite an interest in baking and maybe even blogging.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/f006a54206fcfbc396f84e7a90f98e367221e206-4080x3072.png" alt="Chopped crnberries in a bowl with a bag of chocolate chips behind" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/2ff7754e10841882bcc5385c8e3f76c531f9c9a6-4080x3072.png" alt="chopped cranberries and chocolate chips in a bowl with white sugar sprinkled on top" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/bb9587ce3757f61c9d5585094f2f0eb554d6c492-4080x3072.png" alt="A child's hand mixing cranberries, chocolate chips, sugar, and cinnamon. " /></p>
<p>So when she asked last weekend if we could make something for Pixelated Crumb, we sat down with a bunch of cookbooks. We wanted something delicious—of course—that would be good for Thanksgiving and would be a good recipe for both kids and adults. I remembered these chocolate cranberry bars that I made a long, long time ago and showed the recipe to Mel. She was game, so we got some cranberries and went to work.</p>
<p>We made a few tweaks to the recipe. It calls for semi-sweet chocolate chips, but I always use Ghirardelli 60% chocolate chips. If you haven’t tried them, I highly recommend you to do so. There’s also no salt in the recipe, so we added some into the base to help accentuate the flavors. Mel and I worked together from start to finish—making the bars, setting up for pictures, taking pictures along the way, and of course eating them.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/032295a0d0b3a05c8b358bc8d73a14a3b0df3278-4080x3072.png" alt="brown sugar and oat mixture spread into baking pan across the bottoms and up the sides" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/a0d8e9ece1a48c8450ef847726de9a81847a2e66-4080x3072.png" alt="Baked Chocolate Cranberry Bars in the pan fresh out of the oven" /></p>
<p>It's a great recipe for kids to help with. They’ll enjoy getting out the chocolate chips, sorting cranberries, measuring, and mixing. The beautiful, vibrant red hue of the bars makes them suitable for holiday parties, but they’re so easy to make and store that they’re also perfect for a night in and sharing with family, taking to a potluck, or eating all on your own (we won’t judge). The contrast of the tart cranberries with the rich chocolate wakes up the tastebuds with a burst and pairs perfectly with the soft brown sugary oatmeal cookie-like base. We loved them, and hope you will too.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/9e5897ba2894d7159622a091482a10a3d6a77596-4080x3072.png" alt="Chocolate Cranberry Bars sliced and on a plate" /></p>
the maple leaf2023-11-17T02:37:50.829Zhttps://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/the-maple-leaf/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/47f77a4d05f4f09a17d9506971decc9b23f85a87-3072x3598.png" alt="two rocks glasses of Maple Leaf cocktail" /></p>
<p>Fall is in the air, even if daytime temperatures in Maryland these days sure doesn’t feel like mid-November. Walking my daughter to the bus stop along leaf covered sidewalks and hearing the crunch, crunch, crunch of leaves underfoot is one of favorite moments of each day. The sky has been clear blue and the trees are a beautiful mosaic of red, orange, yellow, and brown. I love this time of year. It's not just the colorful trees and the dry air I enjoy about fall, it's the food and drinks. Cinnamon! Apples! Pumpkin! Butternut squash! I could go on and on.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/46a4ec211b3bf04557ef40ad26a74b171143ad96-3072x4080.png" alt="Two rocks glasses with deep golden cocktails over large squares of ice" /></p>
<p>With the sun setting earlier, curling up with a good book and some tasty treats just seems instinctual. While mulled apple cider, with or without bourbon, is a lovely accompaniment to one of our house favorites, <a href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/chocolate-chip-pumpkin-cookies/">chocolate chip pumpkin cookies</a>, sometimes a cocktail is in order. I stumbled upon this Maple Leaf recipe quite randomly while perusing a Crate & Barrel store with my sister a year ago. I neither had, nor was familiar with amaro, one of the ingredients. I was intrigued though, and let me tell you, purchasing a bottle was definitely worth it.</p>
<p>Amaro is an Italian herbal liqueur that can be served chilled and served as a digestif, or mixed into a number of cocktails. Think herbs, flowers, aromatic bark, citrus peel and spices. It's a little sweet and a little bitter, and it adds complexity, rounding out the spicy rye, sour lemon juice, and sweet maple syrup in the Maple Leaf. Add a couple of drops of bitters—my current favorite is a black cardamom bitter I picked up from Bluecoat Distillers in Philadelphia last summer—and you’ve got the perfect fall drink.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/43c8f2b7e35db91d085d2d932752d9e90d53628c-4080x3072.png" alt="Bottles of jack's black cardamom bitters, salt water, maple syrup, rye, and amaro " /></p>
Welsh Currant Scones2023-03-16T21:09:00.000Zhttps://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/welsh-currant-scones/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/b74d58d112ccbc97ee9e122cb977e969755c033c-4032x3024.jpg" alt="Welsh currant scones" /></p>
<p>And just 7 years later, I'm back! I never consciously made the decision to stop posting recipes here, but life happened and it didn't seem possible to find the time to fit it in. Posts were already extremely few and far in between and it just got to a point where I felt like I didn’t have a moment to spare to spend time on a food blog.</p>
<p>So what changed? Well, my daughter is almost 9 (WHAT?), and I've realized I do have a little more time IF I consciously carve it out. Figuring that out will be a work in progress, but it seems worth it.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/b736204a11f030e4dec61c93b54c3b7e79c3fb56-4032x3024.jpg" alt="Cut up butter with Kerrigold wrapper in background" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/be198a164c0df2439b479c139cdb1154fb6931ad-4032x3024.jpg" alt="Currant scone mixture before mixing in the butter and shortening" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/0c72c5684beedc79fbc7afa0529afe18338d9b9f-4032x3024.jpg" alt="Currant scone dough" /></p>
<p>Two other things happened to help bring this blog back to life. First, my brother-in-law, Mark, transferred Pixelated Crumb to a new platform. Posts no longer take hours to load (only a slight exaggeration). There's still some work to do around look and feel, but the new platform and its lightning speed load times feels so momentous. Being able to quickly get to a recipe and seeing the pictures I took such time and care to take pop up so quickly gives me a little tingle every single time.</p>
<p>And that leads me to the second thing, a realization of how much I appreciate being able to easily access some of my favorite recipes. Well, not just access them, but sometimes just to remember they exist in the first place! I hope I'm not the only one who will have a favorite recipe that they make once a month or so only to forget about it altogether after a year or so.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e20e38ba2180837c8242c731d8074587d7e6a59b-3578x2912.jpg" alt="Welsh currant scone dough divided into thirds" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/f42af1d604033d13364c5882716bcf28bca0e433-4032x3024.jpg" alt="Cutting scones for cooking" /></p>
<p>Which leads me, at last, to today's recipe! While Saint Patrick's Day to people in the US may conjure thoughts of beer (green or otherwise), whisky, cabbage and potatoes, or possibly just a question of why we celebrate the day at all, for me, it's these scones.</p>
<p>For most of my life I've thought that this recipe came from a cookbook my mom got in Ireland, but I learned yesterday (!!) that it's from a Woman's Day magazine from 1988! Shocking. The magazine did a feature on scones and this is the only one my mom ever made. She says that they taste just like the ones she had on her trips to Ireland. Unfortunately I have yet to go, so I couldn't actually tell you. Someday I'll get to cross that off my list.</p>
<p>My paternal grandfather was deeply proud of his Irish roots, something that was passed on to my sister and me and we took St. Patrick's Day very seriously. We always had these for dinner on St. Paddy's Day (yes, <a href="https://paddynotpatty.com/">Paddy not Patty</a>) alongside the colcannon and beef stew my mom made. To be honest, as a kid I wasn't a fan of the cabbage or the stew, and I may have been somewhat bitter that I was the only one at the table who had never been to Ireland, but I sure did love the scones.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/0028b838eaccb5bcf8d6784e1afb3c0af57da3b3-4032x3024.jpg" alt="Scones on skillet cooking" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/2c6b35cbb7158e07d19df6bbb7195eb77d8f85cf-4032x3024.jpg" alt="Cooking currant scones on skillet" /></p>
<p>I still make these scones every year for St. Paddy's Day and my method for finding the recipe for the past several years has been to go to my email and search for this long email chain with my mom. Half of the emails are just me forwarding the photo of the recipe to myself so it pops up at the top of my email. There’s me, asking for the recipe, then a few years later my mom saying, "sending this just in case!" a few days before St. Paddy's Day. Sometimes I forward it to a friend. But always, it's mid-March. Next year, for the first time, I'll just come here to get the recipe and thanks to Mark, it's going to pop up at top speed.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/87b64bae92117f5d0dab0b2732d33c83813fa7a1-4032x3024.jpg" alt="Welsh currant scones stacked on plate" /></p>
<p>You might pause at the mention of shortening. Yes, these scones use a blend of butter and shortening, and no, you can't sub out the shortening. Truly, it does the most wonderful things for the texture. Unlike butter, shortening has no water content. It coats the flour and shortens the gluten making the scones soft and tender. It traps more air bubbles and has a higher melting point than butter, so it helps the scone hold its shape and gives them their wonderful texture. Using butter alone in this recipe would result in a greasy, flat slab.</p>
<p>The butter/shortening blend makes for a tender, almost melt-in-your mouth texture that is unlike any other scone I've had. Don't get me wrong, I love a properly executed thick, flakey scone (if you haven't tried the one from Cooks Illustrated, you must!). But these lush, golden-crusted scones speckled with tart currants are a St. Patrick's Day tradition I will never get rid of.</p>
<p>Of course these delicious scones can be made any time of year. In fact, I’m sure this is the year I start making them more often. My daughter LOVES them and it's so nice to have a real help in the kitchen, opposed to the "help" younger kids give that just makes more work for you. And just because these scones are a family tradition on March 17th, there's no need to save them for only once a year. I hope that you try them and enjoy them as much as we do.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/bf8cacffce9165f84ff41e9d2c13f564b1f5d062-4032x3024.jpg" alt="Welsh currant scones for St. Patrick's Day" /></p>
Choco-Mallows2016-02-11T21:29:45https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/choco-mallow/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/55f6a583b72dbae5a32344fd9daf4c4c8b76d526-1024x768.jpg" alt="Choco-Mallow candies" /></p>
<p>Have you ever had just what you need fall into your lap? Just before Christmas I needed to make a dessert to bring to a dessert potluck at work and, being short on time, I hadn’t figured out what that would be. I had a vague sense of what I wanted–something chocolately, but ideally with some red highlights to add some festivity–but above all else, I wanted something quick and simple. Being a working mom has really put a crimp in my baking style. And just when I was nearly out of time, a Facebook friend posted about a recipe for choco-mallows from the King Arthur Flour website. So there it was. A recipe that delivered the chocolate I was craving and it was already vetted by my friend who’s an avid baker (seriously, she makes a triple batch of cupcakes at the drop of a hat). Oh, and it is beyond simple to make.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/6923280b1fad36e5071b157e2015fa2d51c8927b-1024x768.jpg" alt="Choco-Mallow candies" /></p>
<p>It’s a great recipe any time of year, but holidays are always prime time for yummy treats and I know that Valentine’s Day is often a time when people who don’t often cook or bake want to make a special effort to show their love, so this seemed like a good time to share the recipe. Skip the pre-packaged candies and make your own!</p>
<p>If you can put ingredients into a bowl and stir, I promise you can make these. And you don’t even have to turn the oven on, so you don’t even have to worry about burning them! It’s about the easiest dessert there is after opening a box of brownie mix.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e2d0d640ba0052c2bd05374423d75dc94ac3fcc8-1024x768.jpg" alt="Choco-mallow candies" /></p>
<p>Whether you’re a baking fiend like my friend or a complete novice to the kitchen, no one will ever suspect how easy this candy is to throw together. With luscious, creamy chocolate enveloping the marshmallows, nuts, and cherries, you’ll have everyone swooning. They’ll think you’ve been slaving away in the kitchen for them, and you know what? That’s ok.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/c4565b9fb4058bb468e7e892ac6f08cdb6a27e9a-1024x768.jpg" alt="Choco-Mallow Candies" /></p>
Orange Gingerbread With Cream Cheese Frosting and Pomegranate Seeds2015-12-19T00:02:30https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/orange-gingerbread-with-cream-cheese-frosting-and-pomegranate-seeds/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/41318e47d406578c7c5aa32d5c386c5eb6814280-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Orange Gingerbread with Cream Cheese Frosting and Pomegranate Seeds" /></p>
<p>When I first started this blog, I was strongly committed to posting at least three times a week, but then I started to post more like twice a week. And then it was more like once a week, but I figured it was ok because the quality of the photos was so much better. It simply took me longer to create posts that I was happier with. Then I started posting only a couple times a month. And then I had a child. She’ll be 21 months in two weeks and this is the second post on the blog since she was born.</p>
<p>So what compelled me, in the middle of this busy season no less, to come back to the blog when I have a full time job and a toddler to try to keep up with? Well, when I saw a recipe for gingerbread with cream cheese frosting and pomegranate seeds, I just felt so compelled to blog about it. It’s just so <em>festive</em>. I wanted to indulge in it, and I wanted you to too. And so here you have it. A beautiful gingerbread cake totally worthy of any holiday celebration.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/f519fd4452126384459bf10357670a19c5b1e36a-1024x768.jpg" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/7260defd530cb2abb0342851e39e1446203e4ca7-1024x768.jpg" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" /></p>
<p>Ok, so full disclosure, the gingerbread itself is not my absolute favorite, but that’s because I really love <a href="https://www.cooksillustrated.com/recipes/6335-classic-gingerbread-cake">Cook’s Illustrated’s recipe for gingerbread</a>. It is so reliably good and full of gentle warmth. This gingerbread is really good, but it’s more likely to sink in the center and it doesn’t have as much ginger oomph without the addition of fresh ginger and ground pepper that Cook’s Illustrated calls for. This cake is simpler to make though, and has a lovely orange essence to it, which pairs perfectly with one of my favorite parts of this cake: the pomegranate seeds. Not only do the seeds provide a lush juice that combats the richness of the frosting, but these beautiful red orbs stud the cake like a sprinkling of rubies. If you want to put jewelry on your dessert, this is exactly the way to do it, and they are the perfect ornamentation for the Christmas season.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/8ceb24e93f04592f4a3971a7ea6c68b9faeb2aa9-1024x1024.jpg" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/ad6e5d89af6bc10ab7d8f97d815618eba13b8960-300x225.jpg" alt="OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA" /></p>
Red Wine and Fig Cranberry Sauce2014-11-23T22:35:47https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/red-wine-and-fig-cranberry-sauce/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/be8652e8243df0b4f86df5d117c4f2a918498c36-1024x768.jpg" alt="Red Wine and Fig Cranberry Sauce" /></p>
<p>It’s been pretty quiet here on Pixelated Crumb over the past several months, but I assure you, it has not been quiet in my home. The last recipe I shared with you was written at the end of March. Exactly one week after I shared <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2014/03/25/three-cheese-avalanche-pesto-pizza-with-chicken-bacon-and-cashews/">my favorite pizza recipe</a> with you, my daughter was born. My life turned inside out, the world seemed to spin simultaneously faster and slower, and sleep became elusive. Days and nights ran together. I spent my days pinned to a chair feeding Melanie, the only steps on my Fitbit coming from pacing around the apartment, rocking her, desperately trying to quiet her cries and lull her to sleep. I never expected motherhood to be easy, but nothing prepared me for the reality of being so depended upon. Who knew such a tiny little thing could be so incredibly demanding? Who knew a baby could cry for <em>hours</em> on end? Only every parent before me, I suppose. How did everyone make it look so easy?</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e8c0c28a08cd27953ca46245011f010ba4570979-1024x768.jpg" alt="Cranberries, Figs, Oranges, and Beaujolais Nouveau" /></p>
<p>I think <a href="http://fiveandspice.com/2013/10/08/cherry-tomato-cobbler-with-flaky-goat-cheese-biscuits/">Emily at Five and Spice described the “utter bliss combined with total desperation” of being a new mom</a> so perfectly. Being a mom is <em>hard</em>. Honestly, much harder than I ever could have imagined. But to look at your child – this tiny little human being that you made – is unparalleled. There are times when I’m utterly exhausted with so much to do, but I still find myself just sitting there looking at Melanie sleep. It’s like a campfire that you just can’t look away from. She makes this sucking noise when she’s sleeping that is music to my ears. I love that sound just as much as her shrieks of laughter. And her smile is like an ocean that swallows me whole. One flash of that gummy smile and I almost forget the hours that I was up with her in the middle of the night the night before. Almost.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/99f5188f0a6f6a2b0ec5b81dc48c22313c796c95-1024x768.jpg" alt="Beaujolais Nouveau" /></p>
<p>In the early weeks after Melanie was born, I often wondered how I had managed to eat all week without either my husband or I cooking (answer: lots of wonderful food from my mother-in-law and frozen Tikka Masala from Trader Joes). Melanie will be eight months in just over a week and we still haven’t resumed our old life of cooking. Our meals are simple and prepared as quickly as possible. We make lots of panini, quesadillas, and homemade pizza. Anything that requires minimal prep and cooking time. My baking has been limited to a few batches of <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/10/01/bourbon-and-chocolate-banana-bread/">banana muffins</a> and <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/10/30/chocolate-chip-pumpkin-cookies/">pumpkin chocolate chip cookies</a>. I miss cooking and especially baking so much, but we never seem to have enough time and our new apartment has maddeningly little counter space (oh yes, did I forget to mention that just a few months after having a baby we moved 400 miles away to Maryland for Joseph’s new job?).</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/58bb66122b22f5268a16373add6059a99c1e5989-768x1024.jpg" alt="Cranberries and Beaujolais Nouveau" /></p>
<p>I was talking to my friend, Lisa, about Thanksgiving the other day, and we ended up talking about cranberry sauce. Cranberry sauce is one of my favorite things to make. It’s so rewarding to see a pile of nearly inedible berries turned into a beautiful sauce and all with so little effort. And watching the berries pop in the pot is just as mesmerizing as a campfire. My sister-in-law, Jordan, makes an incredible port and fig cranberry sauce that just _makes _a Thanksgiving meal. With all the rich overload of turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, and all the other usual suspects, you really need some bright acidity to cut through the indulgence and round everything out. Cranberry sauce is a necessity at Thanksgiving, and the wine here adds depth and refinement.</p>
<p>Inspired by Jordan’s cranberry sauce, last year I set out to make bring a new cranberry sauce to my family’s Thanksgiving table despite a very good family recipe of our own. I was intrigued by David Leibovitz’s cranberry sauce with figs which uses Beaujolais Nouveau. If you’re not familiar with it, Beaujolais Nouveau is a very young red wine made in France that’s released the third week of November. To be honest with you, it’s sort of like the Kool-Aid of wine. It’s light and very fruity. Perfect for cranberry sauce!</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/997f3f525a4833719cb9e9961fac4408f3aba7fb-1024x768.jpg" alt="Diced figs" /></p>
<p>My sister wasn’t so sure about this new recipe, so we served this red wine and fig cranberry sauce alongside our more traditional recipe that we’ve been making for years. Now, I’m not going to say it was a competition or anything, because it wasn’t, but my cranberry sauce was the first to run out. Just sayin.’ It’s neither too sweet nor too tart, and though it is studded with lovely dried figs plumped up with wine, it is still very much about the cranberries. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (may I suggest doubling the recipe?), spoon it over some good quality vanilla ice cream or <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/06/17/the-most-perfect-buttermilk-belgian-waffles/">buttermilk belgian waffles</a> and pat yourself on the back for making such a fine, versatile dish.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/777ec0479c16838494c9a6a2c9dd7a5b83e355b6-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Red Wine and Fig Cranberry Sauce" /></p>
<p>This year, more than any other year, I know how much I have to be thankful for. I’m thankful not just for Melanie, but for all the moms and dads in my life (especially my own) who have supported me and taught me so much about being a parent. I am especially grateful for my wonderful husband who couldn’t be a better father and without whom I couldn’t possibly get through each day. And I’m thankful that I’m finally beginning get back into the kitchen. Happy Thanksgiving, everyone!</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e0455dd179a2ae20c4a4ad652a9930a4f086be64-1024x768.jpg" alt="Red Wine and Fig Cranberry Sauce" /></p>
Three Cheese Avalanche Pesto Pizza With Chicken, Bacon, and Cashews2014-03-25T23:20:11https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/three-cheese-avalanche-pesto-pizza-with-chicken-bacon-and-cashews/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/fcd131592e0f9fa5932396fc55e84576b043bbf2-1024x768.jpg" alt="Three Cheese Avalanche Pesto Pizza with Chicken, Bacon, and Cashews" /></p>
<p>When my sister and brother-in-law first moved to Athens, OH a few years ago for my sister’s new job, they were less than thrilled about the dining options in town. But while the food options were somewhat limited and the number of non-chain restaurants were even more limited, they managed to find some really great gems in town ranging from an awesome hotdog dive to a great Middle Eastern restaurant. My favorite though, is <a href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/three-cheese-avalanche-pesto-pizza-with-chicken-bacon-and-cashews/avalanchepizza.net">Avalanche Pizza</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/54a4b4e3a801f037a28b887a5d97e98c0def50e9-1024x768.jpg" alt="Putting Tomato Sauce on Pizza Dough" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/eb422a29c3df90bbd12d441e567b40cdaedf7eb4-1024x768.jpg" alt="Tomato Sauce on Pizza" /></p>
<p>Avalanche sells <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/07/05/ohio-food-love/">bread at the farmer’s market</a> on Saturdays in the summer that makes me want to cry it’s so good. As great as their bread is, it’s no surprise that their real focus, pizza, is no disappointment. The first time I visited, my brother-in-law pulled out their menu and we all gathered around to pick out a couple of pizzas. They were excited about the pesto chicken pizza, which they had had and really liked, but frankly it sounded a little weird to me because it had cashews. They really wanted to get it though, and I wasn’t going to get in the way of my hosts getting what they wanted, so we ordered the pesto chicken pizza and they let me pick another one. I have no memory of what the other one – the one I picked – was. My skepticism of the pesto chicken pizza vanished the second I took a bite. After that, all other pizzas paled in comparison.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/c3c5c1805e18c3a5d7e241dc633e70f88a764004-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chicken, Bacon, Cashews and Tomatoes for Chicken Pesto Pizza" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/5ccfa3fdae883fa0fc153503afbe8616ebd92c1f-1024x768.jpg" alt="Three Cheese Avalanche Pesto Pizza with Chicken, Bacon, and Cashews before going in the oven" /></p>
<p>Packed with tomatoes, bacon, chicken, cashews, tomato sauce <em>and</em> pesto, this pizza was bursting with soul-satisfying flavor. I never would have thought to put nuts of any kind on pizza, but I was completely sold. They add a nice crunch and the nuttiness plays perfectly off of the other ingredients. I generally prefer pizzas with tomato sauce, but I also really love pesto, so I am completely on board with a pizza boasting both. And who can complain about bacon on pizza?</p>
<p>It’s got to be the most innovative and satisfying pizza I’ve ever had, so when Joseph suggested that we make our own version at home, there was no need to twist my arm. It’s now our favorite pizza that we make. We made it for my sister and brother-in-law when they visited last fall and they said our version was even better than Avalanche’s. Now, they may just have been tired and hungry from traveling, or perhaps just buttering us up hoping for a larger slice of chocolate cake for dessert, but I’ll take a complement when I get one. Whether or not it’s better than Avalanche’s is irrelevant. All I know is that it is one amazing pizza and while we don’t make it that often, it is guaranteed to make me very, very happy.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/8c4f57ac4ba0696e85fc0ee9134eacfad8a21c20-1024x768.jpg" alt="Three Cheese Avalanche Pesto Pizza with Chicken, Bacon, and Cashews" /></p>
Peanut Butter Brownie Bites2014-02-22T22:09:24https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/peanut-butter-brownie-bites/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/ae8ba428b946683e4594738dfb7e58df3262fa50-1024x768.jpg" alt="Peanut Butter Brownie Bites" /></p>
<p>I’ve got a growing number of chocolate peanut butter treats appearing on this site and there is one primary reason for that: my husband. Now, I’m in no way saying that I don’t love the combination of chocolate and peanut butter, but whenever I want to do something nice for Joseph, I tend to think towards the chocolate and peanut butter spectrum because he <em>loves</em> this combo.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/c2a8e6362fc6445ce24e9b9e4193fae27e673877-1024x768.jpg" alt="Swirling peanut butter layer into brownie layer" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/6db0aefb3455b653120a928043b41fddfe48ff52-1024x768.jpg" alt="Swirling peanut butter layer into brownie layer" /></p>
<p>Joseph was recently out of town for a few days for a conference and I wanted to have something nice for him when he returned, and these peanut butter brownie bites seemed like the perfect thing. They’re easy to make and they certainly met the chocolate and peanut butter criteria. I made sure I had all the ingredients I needed and was all set to make them. But then we were walloped by a huge snow storm.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/033a75b2ad272e1bcbae0a7501fa8bd9dc565fea-1024x768.jpg" alt="Peanut butter brownie bites" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/af1ab6d910e053f6b3248ba9e445940b751adf38-1024x768.jpg" alt="Spreading chocolate ganache over peanut butter brownie bites" /></p>
<p>I was just a few weeks into my third trimester in all it’s glory (oh, the back pain!!), and our neighbor, knowing I was home alone, did all of the shoveling and even cleared our car off for me. I was so overwhelmed by her generosity that I headed straight to the kitchen and made her one of my very favorite cookies, the <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/05/09/perfect-chocolate-chip-cookies-from-cooks-illustrated/">perfect chocolate cookies from Cook’s Illustrated</a>. Now, I try to be a nice wife, but frankly, that was the only baking I was up for that day, so I just made sure to save a couple of cookies for Joseph. He didn’t complain, but I was still eager to try the peanut butter brownie bites.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/fe47193df10d08db3b90e84053bea635920d9502-1024x768.jpg" alt="Peanut Butter Brownie Bites" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/00802a21db785f7a932174474411d8115738b704-1024x768.jpg" alt="Peanut Butter Brownie Bites" /></p>
<p>I finally got around to making them a few days later for a dinner with some friends and they were quickly devoured. They were such a hit that I decided to make them again for the Super Bowl, and they were once again gobbled up. There’s nothing so satisfying as seeing people go for seconds and thirds of your baked goods. But when you’ve made a good thing (brownies) better (hello peanut butter) and then top it with creamy ganache? You’re bound to make some friends.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/d2225199c80b02cf8d705ade422ab76d7d234f7f-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Peanut Butter Brownie Bites" /></p>
Chocolate Almond Meringues2013-12-23T22:28:16https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/chocolate-almond-meringues/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/69b57373d34ca434ba180353be14649e089f72b2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Meringues" /></p>
<p>One of my very favorite Christmas cookies is a meringue – the <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2010/12/23/forgotten-meringues/">Forgotten Meringue</a>, a vanilla meringue with chocolate chips – and I was excited to try another recipe out this Christmas. I figured I really couldn’t go wrong with chocolate, almonds, and a Dorie Greenspan recipe.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/746c894bb6fbfc04867a767fa98b3e66956f8e65-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Meringues" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/0a2fc081f8b48723f7a4172374cf3d86145db11c-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Meringues" /></p>
<p>Meringues are the perfect holiday cookie, not just because they’re deliciously light and airy, but because they are healthy! Ok, they’re not healthy…but compared to most cookies they are. They’re a welcome departure from all the rich butter-laden cookies that abound this time of year. They’re low in cholesterol (many meringue recipes are actually cholesterol free), low in fat, and gluten free. My diabetic friend has even informed me that they’re low carb and a great diabetic option. So lighten up your cookie spread a little with some meringues this Christmas! It’ll make you feel better when you realize you’ve had eight cookies, but half of them were meringues, which barely count, right?</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/a1af3fba5cd88489cd04535cb6040acf44d6286b-800x600.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Meringues" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e81bb2a6acbfdd9b21ef50e9ab882d343e5db233-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Meringues" /></p>
<p>These meringues are flavored with ground almonds and cocoa powder and get some extra chocolate oomph from some finely chopped bittersweet chocolate. I like these cookies – really I do, I like them a lot – but I don’t love them in the same way that I love the Forgotten Meringues. In truth, that may be due to sentimentality in large part. We’ve made the Forgotten Meringues for every Christmas that I can remember, and they’ve simply become a part of Christmas for me. But if you like chocolate and you like meringues (and how could you not?), you’re going to love these.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e7934e9bf6c6b9278c77e6adc72fcea432361f93-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Meringues" /></p>
Dark Chocolate Almond Thumbprint Cookies With Fleur de Sel2013-12-21T23:59:40https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/chocolate-almond-thumbprints-with-fleur-de-sel/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/c5f0fc6ee85adb6dab3a854601f7999ddaa46618-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Thumbprints with Fleur de Sel" /></p>
<p>By far the most popular recipe on the site is the one for <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/01/11/chocolate-turtle-cookies/">chocolate turtle cookies</a> (with very good reason – it’s one of my favorites too!) and I thought it was about time for another thumbprint cookie recipe. This one comes by way of <a href="http://food52.com/recipes/17837-almond-thumbprint-cookies-with-dark-chocolate-and-sea-salt">Food52</a> and is such a great, easy cookie to add to your holiday repertoire. Just look at the ingredient list – only 9 ingredients, and one of them is optional! I even happened to have everything on hand already, including <em>exactly</em> 3/4 cup of almond meal, left over from making some chocolate almond meringues (recipe coming soon!).</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/c8911087fdbdbbe0be63619188bfac4e0a57b961-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Drizzling chocolate in Chocolate Almond Thumbprints with Fleur de Sel" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/8cc03f985893affb4ddb4ec5e6191be22b5d412c-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Thumbprints with Fleur de Sel" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/7a9e58a79b246d0db0a553cedff4ed13a05de3d3-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Thumbprints with Fleur de Sel" /></p>
<p>Sure, thumbprint cookies might be a little bit more involved than a drop cookie since you have to make an indent in each of the cookies, but really, that doesn’t take much effort. I couldn’t believe how easily the shortbread cookie dough came together and melting the chocolate mixture and spooning it into the cookies is even easier. Sprinkle some salt over the top, and you’re done! No one would ever guess how simple these beautiful little cookies are.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/aa3f4538a42188c563d9c264ec70945656b3ab74-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Thumbprints with Fleur de Sel" /></p>
<p>The Food52 recipe calls for sea salt, but I still had some fleur de sel from when I made the <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/02/13/dark-chocolate-cherry-ganache-bars/">dark chocolate-cherry ganache bars</a> a while back, and I figured this would be the perfect time to put it to good use. And if you’re wondering about the lemon zest in the cookie, that just subtly brightens it all up. Feel free to skip it if you don’t have a lemon on hand.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/b8023b72ddb30b81266258a53d61e80821b9d3da-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Thumbprints with Fleur de Sel" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/f46c80e8da51696dcd3e174263c79289cd75af32-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Thumbprints with Fleur de Sel" /></p>
<p>Nestling fleur de sel studded dark chocolate in the nutty, buttery shortbread is a match made in heaven. I promise, you will not be disappointed.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/ee5dcdf33e06f415d12a4cfcdf127ea58dc5201c-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolate Almond Thumbprints with Fleur de Sel" /></p>
Chocolaty Dulce de Leche Duos2013-12-15T00:44:00https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/chocolaty-dulce-de-leche-duos/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/0fffdd64480ef4c6ebfe90272c6de9a66ca939e8-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolaty Dulce de Leche Duos" /></p>
<p>I had never had dulce de leche before I spent a summer in Santa Cruz, Bolivia over 10 years ago. In fact, I’m not sure I had even heard of it before then. But one taste of the sweet, sticky, caramelly spread and I was instantly hooked. I was in Santa Cruz volunteering as a supervisor for <a href="http://www.amigoslink.org/">Amigos de las Americas</a> and was often in a rush to get out of the door in the morning, but not without having my bread and dulce de leche. It always seemed like an indulgent breakfast – I was essentially starting the day off with dessert – but hey, do as the locals do, right? It certainly gave me something to look forward to when my alarm when off in the morning!</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e27fb0f11e7621a53302d80fa945e6cfbc813cf7-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolaty Dulce de Leche Duos" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/3cf1ec6834e1da4d4401b5ccd64f69e75b865466-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolaty Dulce de Leche Duos" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/d0ceffc2e5f33c2d1227ec0ccb6556abda5079cf-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolaty Dulce de Leche Duos" /></p>
<p>When I came back to the States after 3 months of bread slathered with dulce de leche, I went into a bit of withdrawal. It’s probably better that I didn’t know then how easy dulce de leche is to make, or I would have eaten it by the gallon. Ok, I confess, I still haven’t made it myself, but it’s basically just sweetened condensed milk that’s heated up slowly until it becomes thick and creamy. Sounds easy enough, right? But these days it’s much more accessible in grocery stores (often in the international aisle), making these chocolaty dulce de leche duos even easier to make.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/da2571b3843a4a575772d7a0421f1f83717b58d1-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolaty Dulce de Leche Duos" /></p>
<p>I came across the recipe in Dorie Greenspan’s <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Baking-Home-Yours-Dorie-Greenspan-ebook/dp/B00BVTMIOA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1387080797&sr=8-1&keywords=baking+from+my+home+to+yours"><em>Baking: From My Home to Yours</em></a> and knew I had to have them. I’ve been woefully behind in my holiday baking this year, in large part because I’ve been having horrible back pain (one of the less fun consequences of pregnancy), but I was encouraged by the short list of ingredients and straightforward construction. I often steer clear of sandwich cookies, not because I don’t love them – I do – but because they take more time. I ignored the little voice in my head telling me to turn the page because the temptation of cookies made with dulce de leche <em>and</em> filled with dulce de leche was just too strong.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/182e2a5c9e8f0e74b4d7faeb2203d24decf51b2d-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Chocolaty Dulce de Leche Duos" /></p>
<p>The cookies really are quite easy to make, but they do take a little more time. The process will go faster (and be more fun!) if you have an extra pair of hands to help assemble, but it is totally doable on your own. Greenspan’s original recipe doesn’t call for chocolate at all, though she suggested it in the sidebar, and I was far too enamored with the idea to not take on the extra step. If you ask me, it’s totally worth the extra few minutes to melt some bittersweet chocolate to sandwich with the dulce de leche. Whatever you decide, you won’t be disappointed. Biting into these cookies is like coming in from the cold and wrapping yourself in a warm embrace.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/a1d613f7105d7ec630dbddd361870c89df94404e-1024x768.jpg" alt="Chocolaty Dulce de Leche Duos" /></p>
Apple Butternut Squash Gratin2013-11-24T10:13:53https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/apple-butternut-squash-gratin/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e1f957d1233dcacbb7322c3e3f0f4743232213d9-1000x750.jpg" alt="Apple Butternut Squash Gratin" /></p>
<p>I first made this apple butternut squash gratin for my sister’s baby shower last year and it was completely devoured. Not a crumb was left. I was a little sad because once I had had a taste of it, I was already dreaming about leftovers. I’ve been meaning to make it again every since, but it somehow slipped from my mind and then the next thing I knew, it was spring. When a good friend and his mother made the trip up to have dinner with us earlier this fall, this gratin instantly came to mind. It just seemed like the perfect dish. Warm and satisfying, while being perfectly seasonal with roasted butternut squash, sautéed apple, fresh rosemary, nutty gruyere, and a dash of cream, all topped with crunchy, garlicky breadcrumbs, this gratin is both deliciously sweet and savory. It is also guaranteed to make your house smell absolutely amazing.</p>
<p>The dish is substantial enough to serve as a main dish, pairing beautifully with a harvest salad of pear or apple, walnuts, and gorgonzola, but it would work equally well as a side to any fall meal. It would be an especially nice accompaniment to a Thanksgiving dinner, especially if you are looking for something that will work for both your vegetarian and meat-eating guests alike.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/9a8aaa2f655c8e2e395729ef8e1befde0a12f1ab-1000x750.jpg" alt="Sliced Butternut Squash" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/c17a8ccdb1e382176b2bcb533552ec27f801e66d-1000x750.jpg" alt="Apple Butternut Squash Gratin" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/cf9a91fef4f838b74567401a6b43b721fc0ca579-1000x750.jpg" alt="Apple Butternut Squash Gratin" /></p>
<p>I’ve been thinking a lot lately about how thankful I am, and it honestly has nothing to do with Thanksgiving being just around the corner. It began when I was writing <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2013/11/07/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/">my last post</a>. As painful as that experience was, I am so incredibly thankful because things could have been so much worse. What I didn’t mention in the post is that my miscarriage happened just a couple of days before the Boston Marathon bombings and a week before my neighborhood was on lockdown while they searched for the bombers. While I mourned the loss of my baby, I was immensely grateful to have all of my limbs and most especially for the safety of my friends and family. I am aware of just how precious life is and I am so thankful every time I feel my baby girl kick and punch her way around my womb.</p>
<p>I have been overwhelmed by the kind words that have tumbled in since my last post. I admit, I felt a little like I was putting myself out on a limb writing that post, and I was a little wary of hitting the “publish” button, but I never expected the response that I got. I have really appreciated all of the thoughtful messages that I received. I am so very thankful for many things, including all of you.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/f2e91c174d46921a7e32c999d9d58bc7d8cbdb47-1000x750.jpg" alt="Apple Butternut Squash Gratin" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/57e952fefd268793fbb6863308e3ff5b422b895d-1000x750.jpg" alt="Apple Butternut Squash Gratin" /></p>
<p>The recent events in the Philippines have helped me realize once again how lucky I am and how many things in my life I take for granted. Now with over 5,200 confirmed dead, 23,000 people injured, 1,600 missing, and four million people displaced, I am at a loss for what to say. The destruction caused by Typhoon Haiyan is simply staggering. I am so thankful that Joseph’s family there is safe, but I am heartbroken for the entire country and all those affected. Please, in this season of giving, consider giving whatever you can, large or small, to relief organizations working in the Philippines such as the <a href="https://www.redcross.org/donate/index.jsp?donateStep=2&itemId=prod4650031">American Red Cross</a>, the <a href="http://ushare.redcross.org.ph/">Philippine Red Cross</a>, <a href="https://secure.savethechildren.org/site/c.8rKLIXMGIpI4E/b.8855857/k.E53D/Donate_to_the_Typhoon_Haiyan_Childrens_Relief_Fund/apps/ka/sd/donor.asp">Save the Children</a>, and <a href="https://secure.unicefusa.org/site/Donation2?df_id=16500&16500.donation=form1">UNICEF</a>.</p>
<p>I know that I have so much to be thankful for as I gather with family to celebrate Thanksgiving. I look forward to eating good food and spending valuable time with them. Life is short and you never know what lies ahead. We should all spend more time gathering with loved ones and celebrating all that we are thankful for over heaping plates of food made with love.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/4279e7133018e7d0b63c9cf066f9bf3a396656b2-1000x1000.jpg" alt="Apple Butternut Squash Gratin" /></p>
Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls2013-11-07T23:32:04https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/pumpkin-cinnamon-rolls/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/04278011baa9a43581ca6355271e3207878ff3b8-1000x1000.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls" /></p>
<p>You may have noticed that things have been quieter than usual here on Pixelated Crumb this year. It’s not that I’m not cooking, baking, and eating, and it’s not that I haven’t been itching to share fabulous, seasonal recipes. It’s just been…well, it’s been an interesting year.</p>
<p>I found out that I was pregnant in early February and at just about the same time, my appetite went a bit haywire. I didn’t really want to look at food, let alone take pictures and write about food. I was basically in a semi-permanent state of always feeling a little awful (sometimes just straight up awful) and so unbearably tired. Foods that I had loved suddenly repulsed me. I got through the first 12 weeks knowing it would get better and that it would all be worth it.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/fea468486fbe091d3d898b34e11cb970f0562637-1000x750.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls" /></p>
<p>But when I went in for my first ultrasound at 12 1/2 weeks, the doctor, after reviewing the sonogram the technician had just taken, came in the room and told us how very sorry he was. I couldn’t understand what he could possibly be talking about. Why would he be sorry? This was such a happy thing! New life! Soft baby skin and tiny little toes! It took a while for the news to sink in. Despite the fact that my body had kept carrying on being pregnant, the baby simply had not developed.</p>
<p>Over the past several months, I have written this blog post over and over in my head. I have gone over and over what I had to say, but it would fill a chapter in a book to say everything I wanted to say: how I declined a D&C and took meds that forced a miscarriage, how I had to take two rounds of the medicine for it to finally kick in, how intensely painful it was, how my parents drove eight hours to be with me, how I stared at pregnant women and couples with newborn babies with anger and resentment deep in my heart, how guilty and ashamed I felt for that anger and resentment, how kind and supportive my friends and family were, how I felt betrayed by my body, how responsible I felt no matter how many times the doctor and midwives told me that nothing I had done had caused this to happen, how my coworkers who didn’t even know why I was out of work for a week brought me flowers, how it took so much longer than I thought it would to recover, how I got macarons and Jeni’s ice cream in the mail from great friends, and how I never felt closer to and more in love with Joseph.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/8c2044aca672e89eb2bae206b31acf0c579756db-1000x750.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls" /></p>
<p>I certainly knew that a miscarriage was no picnic, but I never imagined how incredibly painful – both physically and emotionally – it would be. I felt like I had lost a part of myself and had to live with that aching loss every day. In the days and weeks following the miscarriage, I began to wonder if I would ever even want to try again. I was terrified of the thought of having to go through that again. I heard stories of women who, after two, three, four, even five miscarriages, went on to have healthy babies, but instead of finding these stories encouraging, I was horrified. Going through that once was hard enough, the idea of going through it multiple times was more than I could bear.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/c6c744eaa1d625fe465cdae3ac12bbe899a0c75c-1000x750.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls" /></p>
<p>Our culture has this strange thing about miscarriages. It’s a bit of a taboo topic, and I don’t think it’s commonly known how common it is. You’re not really “supposed” to tell people you’re pregnant until you’ve gotten through the first, less predictable trimester all because you might have a miscarriage. Then, if you do miscarry, you don’t tell anyone about it, and you’re expected to go on with your life while this heavy loss weighs down your soul. I had told a few people that I was pregnant, and yes, it was very hard to share the news, but I don’t know how I could have gotten through the next few months without having them to lean on. Still, I kept it mostly to myself and every time someone asked me how I was, all I could think was, “I had a miscarriage. I lost my baby.” Instead I would reply, “Fine. Kind of tired. How are you?”</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/8c7309246bf51ed981c9d5a3009c8f29de0ad06d-1000x750.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls" /></p>
<p>I thought bitterly about this unspoken burden, and swore that if I did ever get pregnant again, I would be so vocal about it, I would be screaming it from the rooftops. But instead I was quieter. I was so afraid of what might happen. We told our immediate family and a couple of close friends. Then I started to tell more and more people, but would often add on, “yeah, well, I had a miscarriage last April,” almost as a disclaimer. Who knows what might happen?</p>
<p>Now, at 20 weeks pregnant, I’m more afraid of the lack of sleep I’m going to get and how we’re going to pay for college. Sure, anything could still happen, but I’m feeling confident. I’m less tired, I feel stronger, I’m enjoying all the wonderful fall foods, and most of all, I am so excited to meet my baby girl in the spring.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/0975288fb4c0f14e586864a91463f8b1638d98a6-1000x1000.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls" /></p>
<p>Since I’ve been gone so long, I wanted to share something especially warm, comforting, and evocative of all that fall has to offer. And since I’ve got a bun in the oven, cinnamon buns just seemed fitting. The pumpkin in these cinnamon rolls is on the milder side, but with just the right blend of spices and of course some heavenly cream cheese frosting slathered on top. The recipe makes quite a number of cinnamon rolls so you can serve it to a crowd, or, do what we did and drop half of them off with friends. You can do most of the work the night before so that in the morning, all you have to do is roll out of bed, pop these in the oven, count your blessings, and indulge in some sweet, hot pumpkin cinnamon rolls straight out of the oven.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/d172411cec5a778979c0ac933530a573bf5ebb23-1000x750.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Cinnamon Rolls" /></p>
S’more Nut Bars2013-09-19T22:39:44https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/smore-nut-bars/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/a660e794506fa76f724974f0dd94236157b61c21-1000x1000.jpg" alt="S'more Nut Bars" /></p>
<p>It’s hard to believe that summer has come and gone already. Just a week ago temperatures here in Boston were in the high 90s, and now it’s certifiably chilly. As much as I love fall baked goods, I couldn’t help but make one last dessert to bid farewell to summer. This is the ultimate ode to a favorite summer dessert of mine: s’mores. And with this recipe, you can easily have this summer classic any time of year so that when January hits, you can still get your fix of smooth, creamy chocolate, marshmallows, graham crackers, and nuts. No campfire necessary.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/ba2fbaa4dd1e49aeedf4107812de60b44a3b4951-1000x751.jpg" alt="OXO baking tools" /></p>
<p>The other big incentive for baking these s’more nut bars was to take part in <a href="http://www.oxo.com/">OXO</a>‘s Bake a Difference campaign, benefiting <a href="https://www.cookiesforkidscancer.org/">Cookies for Kids’ Cancer</a>. Cookies for Kid’s Cancer was founded to raise money for research to develop new, improved treatments for pediatric cancer. September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month and OXO is working hard to raise money to for Cookies for Kid’s Cancer to help combat the number one disease killer of children in the U.S.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/744bcd1f9cb4fc0a4a5d08955a4d4f5f01dec85e-1000x750.jpg" alt="Chocolate Ganache" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/7eae9504d27101f292cd136ff64b1fbef9d97347-1000x750.jpg" alt="Marshmallows" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/92614ab39dbf4a4716b2057c83dab88351b7ee8c-1000x750.jpg" alt="Marshmallows, nuts, chocolate ganache" /></p>
<p>Now, I’ve always been a fan of OXO because of their great products and their commitment to this cause only makes me love them more. Not only are they partnering with food bloggers and donating $100 for every blog dedicated to the Bake a Difference campaign, but they are also donating a portion of <a href="http://www.oxo.com/c-626-bake-a-difference.aspx">select products</a> to Cookies for Cancer. Know what that means? All you need to do is do a little shopping to help this great cause – just keep your eye out for specially marked OXO products bearing the Cookies for Kids’ Cancer logo. Want to know what else you can do? <a href="http://www.oxogoodcookies.com/get_involved">OXO has a number of ways you can get involved</a>.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e4191e9f39cd93cacd001691299469883eeabc4d-1000x751.jpg" alt="S'more Nut Bars" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/32ead0cbbf8221e26b68348039633efed815711b-1000x750.jpg" alt="S'more Nut Bars" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/18e3c66235693ad502af80f82d2bd0a12dc24c50-1000x751.jpg" alt="S'more Nut Bars" /></p>
<p>Make sure to check out the other posts from food bloggers blogging for this great cause on OXO’s <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/oxo/bake-a-difference/">Bake a Difference Pinterest board</a>. With the cooler weather it’s definitely time to get some inspiration for some great baking recipes!</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/f45c70f1196e8345b2a8af8c38cb88da14036106-1000x750.jpg" alt="S'more Nut Bars" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/ca7e8ed64a4d11c69e5866f24f676c067c51dd7f-1000x750.jpg" alt="S'more Nut Bars" /></p>
<p><em>Disclosure: I received an OXO Good Brownie Tool set, including a brownie spatula, 6 piece measuring spoon set, a 6 piece measuring cup set and a silicone pastry brush. All opinions expressed here are my own and I was not compensated for writing this post.</em></p>
Cuban Avocado, Pineapple, and Watercress Salad2013-06-23T22:40:18https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/cuban-avocado-pineapple-and-watercress-salad/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/73b24e82700cfd2a1ea0064ca299fe6d46837124-1000x750.jpg" alt="Cuban Avocado, Pineapple, and Watercress Salad" /></p>
<p>April was an unusually rough month for me. Some personal things came up that were pretty hard to deal with, followed closely by the bombings at the Boston marathon, and then a shootout <em>and</em> a manhunt for the bombing suspect in my normally very quiet neighborhood. It was all a lot to take in and I had been desperate to get out of town for a little bit and get some much needed R&R.</p>
<p>The opportunity finally came when my wonderful aunt and uncle offered up their beautiful house on the pond while they were visiting my cousin in Texas. Joseph and I spent the weekend taking it easy, sipping Champagne and eating cheese, reading, napping, and watching the birds on the pond.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/fd44c7dde4bb72bb75626f9b64cd13c4f96c3dff-1000x750.jpg" alt="Sitting out at the Pond House" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/c6cb2c0a80229ac7f50a323da3850113c95b7e95-750x1000.jpg" alt="Sparkling Rose" /></p>
<p>A favorite part of the weekend was when the lighting hit the house just right and suddenly became an amateur photographer’s dream come true. I got so lost in the excitement of taking photos that nothing else mattered. All in all, it was a perfect weekend where the toughest decision faced was whether to sip on beer or wine while sitting on the porch with my feet up.</p>
<p>The other big highlight of the weekend was without a doubt this salad. Joseph and I both concluded that it was the most amazing salad that we had ever had. With the creamy avocado, luscious broiled pineapple, peppery watercress, and a hint of cumin in the tangy dressing, this salad has it all. While each component brings so much to the recipe, the sweet and tangy pineapple is particularly outstanding.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/1a8e53dbfef53e15bf28ca6a496c9905af79821b-750x1000.jpg" alt="Slicing pineapple with OXO Pineapple Slicer" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/1dd8843d5ef5ca3ce86f4ccd2fb03ed727f69533-750x1000.jpg" alt="Slicing pineapple with OXO Pineapple Slicer" /></p>
<p>I’ve mentioned <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/02/01/pineapple-and-cucumber-guacamole/">my love of raw pineapple before, as well as the mild allergy I think I have</a>. Luckily once pineapple is cooked, it doesn’t seem to affect me and I can eat as much as I want. Less luckily, however, the enzymes hurt my skin when I cut it, leaving me with burning hands while I try, in vain, to enjoy my pineapple. The last time I had cut a pineapple I declared that I would never cut another one. That all changed when I received an amazing box of goodies from the great folks at <a href="http://www.oxo.com/">OXO</a>.</p>
<p>In my mind, the star of the box was the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-Ratcheting-Pineapple-Slicer/dp/B005LCT5I0/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1372027095&sr=8-2&keywords=oxo+pineapple+slicer">pineapple slicer</a>. Even if you don’t have any allergies, cutting pineapple can be kind of a pain. Of course you can buy the pre-cut pineapple from the store, but it’s much more expensive and less fresh. With this great little gadget, all you have to do is lop off the top of the pineapple, screw the slicer in, and pull the pineapple out! It comes out in one long magical ribbon of pineapple, ready to be eaten (or broiled or grilled!). It’s so easy that there’s no excuse not to buy your own pineapple whole and save lots of money. Added bonus? Once you’ve removed the fruit, you’re left with the outer shell of the pineapple, perfect for serving a fruit salad in!</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/2af0c2d532068c35dd7fdd26162fb56792fa174e-1000x750.jpg" alt="Broiled Pineapple" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/f65c5475c576f41d35d66afb948ec0c84a030949-1000x750.jpg" alt="Broiled Pineapple" /></p>
<p>Want to know what the sleeper prize in the OXO box was? Never in a million years would I have thought I needed to buy a special spoon just for avocados (ok, technically it’s not just for avocados for, but so far that’s all I’ve use it for), but this spoon has won my heart. It actually comes as part of a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/OXO-Grips-2-Piece-Fruit-Scoop/dp/B008O0MN2Q">set of two fruit scoops</a>: a larger one for large fruits like melons or mangoes and a smaller one for kiwis or avocados. In the summer I am constantly cutting up avocados to put in a salad or make guacamole with and frankly, I never knew what I was missing. This little spoon scoops out the avocado so quickly and cleanly with it’s perfectly sized scoop and sharp edge, making prep a snap. We’ve been using the larger scoop for mango, which works pretty well, except the sharp edge cuts through the mango skin a little too easily.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/f50cf906fa1aa910fbbf75bb33aef257fc0d77fa-1000x750.jpg" alt="OXO fruit scooper in action: Avocado" /></p>
<p>Whether or not you’ve got a pineapple slicer, you’ve really got to give this salad a try. Cool, creamy, sweet, with just a hint of spice, it’s got a little bit of everything and I’m not kidding – I think it’s the best salad I’ve ever had. Impress your friends at the next barbecue or make a big bowl and keep it all to yourself (I won’t judge).</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/6b06473c02670cfecb1d6f1754425bd28add1f13-1000x750.jpg" alt="Cuban Avocado, Pineapple, and Watercress Salad" /></p>
<p><em>I received these kitchen tools from OXO free of charge, but all opinions expressed here are my own.</em></p>
<p><em>**It is not too late to contribute to the <a href="https://secure.onefundboston.org/">One Fund</a>, **providing assistance to the victims and families of those affected by the Boston Marathon bombings. To make a contribution of any amount, go to <a href="https://secure.onefundboston.org/">www.onefundboston.org</a>.</em></p>
Blackberry Moscow Mule2013-05-08T23:27:25https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/blackberry-moscow-mule/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/6baefde396bc784ba4a59c71d2bc938544b22542-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Blackberry Moscow Mule" /></p>
<p>I honestly didn’t even know exactly what a moscow mule even was, but that didn’t stop me from making a variation of it last weekend. It all started when I saw an email in my inbox a couple weeks ago from <a href="http://www.eatboutique.com/">Eat Boutique</a> titled <a href="http://www.eatboutique.com/2013/04/29/blackberry-moscow-mule/">Blackberry Moscow Mule</a> and I couldn’t wait to try it for myself. The photos of the cocktail were gorgeous and inspiring, and frankly, just about everything that comes from Eat Boutique is kind of amazing so I had to give it a try.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/4345caf9d1df2e119b83ba05e7417454ab9d9826-1024x768.jpg" alt="Blackberry Moscow Mule" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/0344c3a4b465b541c51b6cb48eb3b14075546ea4-1024x768.jpg" alt="Blackberry Moscow Mule" /></p>
<p>Now, thanks to Google, I know what a moscow mule is. In case you are as unfamiliar with it as I was, it’s a cocktail of vodka or gin, mint, and ginger beer. It’s traditionally served in a copper cup, but, if you’re like me and don’t happen to have any lying around, any glass will do. But this special variation has the wonderful addition of blackberries and lime which makes for a lively and refreshing drink in a beautiful, deep purple hue. Blackberry and lime go together perfectly, making this the perfect drink for the spring that has <em>finally</em> come to Boston, while the ginger beer makes it more interesting and complex. The vodka makes the drink a little more fun, but is added only in moderation so you can easily sip on a couple of these throughout the afternoon.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/99f32bf7a85d5602697bb62343720c3174913100-1024x768.jpg" alt="Blackberry Moscow Mule" /></p>
<p>Maggie on Eat Boutique points out that this is the perfect drink to make your mom for Mother’s Day, and I think she’s really onto something there. It’s a beautiful drink for a beautiful mom. My own mother deserves not just a lifetime of cocktails served to her on a silver platter, but so much more than I could ever even dream of giving her. Not only did she change my diapers, kiss my booboos, dispel my tantrums, drive me to soccer practice, calm my tears, and put up with my moody adolescence, she taught me to be a better person. She has always been an inspiration to me and she has always, <em>always</em> dropped everything at the drop of a hat if I needed her. Words cannot even begin to express my gratitude for everything she has done for me.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/13f184ab8566503fd5418ee74c05dc95c9dbd430-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Blackberry Moscow Mule" /></p>
<p>I have been blessed to have a number of important motherly figures in my life including a caring grandmother, a wonderful mother-in-law, two amazing aunts, and two close family friends who I have always known I could turn to if I needed help. To all the moms of the world, whether official or not, thank you. Thank you for your never ending patience, your compassion, and your strength. You make the world a much better place.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/32f5e2fa17365297f1f5a9a5e291d01ec0b0533b-1024x768.jpg" alt="Blackberry Moscow Mule" /></p>
Lemon Blueberry Cake With Lemon Cream2013-03-30T22:34:06https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/lemon-blueberry-cake-with-lemon-cream/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/519f6589fac31813ab65b129455ba8d386a81dc5-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Lemon Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream" /></p>
<p>Spring has finally come to Boston. With a snow storm just a week and a half ago, I can’t even begin to express my relief to have a weekend full of sun and warmth. Everyone is whispering cautionary reminders of the April 1st blizzard a few years ago, but I am holding on to hope that we’ve seen the last of the snow. I’m ready for flowers, asparagus, fresh strawberries, and – at long last – the warmth of sun on my skin.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/776a687ee0a6054048675b45b17b2e0ce9d39bf2-1024x681.jpg" alt="Lemon Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/ae1eef0edf1447fb5462c5d64783673080ec2d51-1024x681.jpg" alt="Lemon Blueberry Cake" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e40707ac4d2ab54d3991bc00039073067bab374d-1024x682.jpg" alt="Lemon Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream" /></p>
<p>My mind has been somewhat consumed with a batch of lemon blueberry muffins earlier this week that I wasn’t all that happy with. I’ve been eager to give the recipe another try with some tweaks, but when I saw this recipe for a lemon blueberry cake with lemon cream on <a href="http://thekitchn.com/">The Kitchn</a>, I had to put the muffins aside and give the cake a try.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/fc62196091e49f6dbad85e5671c5e5b1d0cc205c-1024x681.jpg" alt="Lemon Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e2cb602f838fa7efddf93697c2b93ee0ffd419b9-1024x681.jpg" alt="Lemon Blueberry Cake" /></p>
<p>Simple, bright, and unfussy, the cake is just what I was hoping for. It’s perfect for an early spring weekend full of hope for a final end to winter. The cake is moist and full of juicy blueberries with a light pop of lemon and is irresistible still warm out of the oven. Of course you could skip the lemon cream, but I beg you to take the extra five minutes to make it. It’s so easy to prepare and it is positively heavenly. If you love lemon even half as much as I do, you will wonder how you ever lived without lemon cream.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/6f53a5439e4e7b4c60aa7f1ede61b536fcb680d2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Lemon Blueberry Cake" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/df99701cce48de589c91ff773d75bdec52eefe4e-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Lemon Blueberry Cake with Lemon Cream" /></p>
Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs With Blue Cheese Dressing2013-01-29T23:11:52https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/buffalo-chicken-meatball-subs/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/315d3e70f1b4b672d2db885c7be19fe51e434878-1024x791.jpg" alt="Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs" /></p>
<p>Last week I shared my favorite vegetarian game day food, the <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2013/01/19/roasted-vegetable-enchiladas/">roasted vegetable enchiladas</a>. It’s packed with smokey, roasted veggies and is utterly delicious. But if you’re looking for something a little on the guilty pleasure side, well, you’ve come to the right place.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/2ddbb74a61635c49f51e01c186d54e773bdc8b01-681x1024.jpg" alt="Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs" /></p>
<p>I was vegetarian for a while, so I don’t think I had ever had buffalo chicken wings until after I had graduated from college. My first job was in the heart of Georgetown, and I was young and had so few responsibilities. My friends and I used to to trek over to <a href="http://www.mcfaddensdc.com/">McFaddins</a> for beer after work and it was there that I had my first wing. Someone else had ordered them and I took one red, sticky wing with some skepticism, and then instantly fell in love. I began to crave their super spicy wings. I was crushed when our new hangout spot slowly gravitated back towards Georgetown, to <a href="http://mrsmiths.com/v1/index">Mr. Smith’s</a>. Sure, it was more convenient and more laid back, but they just didn’t have the wings!</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/86372d9435fcda527e810a40bf9a03ad3ac7d585-1024x682.jpg" alt="Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs" /></p>
<p>A few things have changed since then. Joseph and I moved to Boston and began life on a grad school budget. I took work more seriously and had to work later. I grew older and less energetic than the 23 year old me that went out all the time…. And I had nearly forgotten all about my love of buffalo chicken wings when, about a year ago, I saw <a href="http://www.ladygouda.com/2011/01/you-deserve-some-buffalo-chicken.html">this post</a> on <a href="http://www.ladygouda.com/">Lady Gouda’s blog</a>. Buffalo chicken meatball subs. With blue cheese dressing. Blue cheese dressing! Do you know how much I love blue cheese?! Where had this sandwich been all my life?</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/4bc5fe4871ceaad724e6584aa9ca6eddcac2bd3e-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs" /></p>
<p>And even though I’m not a huge football fan, I absolutely love getting swept up by the excitement of the game and picking out football party food. I knew that I <em>had</em> to have these meatballs for the Super Bowl. And they were every bit as amazing and decadent as I had hoped. Plump chicken meatballs smothered in homemade buffalo sauce and loaded up with with blue cheese dressing is as perfect a football meal as I can imagine. Just start out with some amazing guacamole (<a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/02/06/guacamole/">regular</a> or <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/02/01/pineapple-and-cucumber-guacamole/">with cucumbers and pineapple</a>!) or <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/02/04/healthy-five-layer-dip-with-baked-chili-tortilla-chips/">healthy five layer dip with baked chili tortilla chips</a> and finish it all off with the <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/02/04/chewy-brownies/">best brownies known to humankind</a>. Football has never looked so good.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/dee41d391af9865e79c7b0c57e66957f4ca1738e-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Buffalo Chicken Meatball Subs" /></p>
Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas2013-01-19T23:50:47https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/roasted-vegetable-enchiladas/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/8e4d2083107b532619f2adb75bcf4f0fdf2dff62-1024x731.jpg" alt="Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas" /></p>
<p>Is football getting in the way of your New Year’s resolution to eat healthier? Well lament no more, because these enchiladas are absolutely deeeelicious and they are loaded with healthy veggies.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/7111e4cc531d0689f62a8f243d57af2b0814a0b3-1024x682.jpg" alt="Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/5f7ddd60aa16c1afadf04336c68426567d267695-1024x682.jpg" alt="Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas" /></p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/77ff29b74568589e8ef15dcc60d884dec53513b4-1024x682.jpg" alt="Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas" /></p>
<p>Joseph first made these enchiladas for me a year and half ago after one of my knee surgeries and afterwards I only vaguely remembered some yummy thing with sweet potatoes. When he made it again and I wasn’t hopped up on painkillers, I begged him to make it again and again and again. I adore roasted veggies and am especially in love with sweet potatoes and poblano chilies together. If you’re not familiar with poblanos, they’re the mild peppers typically used to make chilis rellenos.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/cb77f3b375d2dbe90d70f232ab932306405e64f0-1024x682.jpg" alt="Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas" /></p>
<p>The caramelized sweetness of the roasted sweet potato with the subtle heat and snap of the poblano is intoxicating, made even more harmonious with some smokey ancho chili powder (made from dried poblanos!), smoked paprika, and chipotle powder. Loads of other roasted veggies pack these enchiladas not just with tons of nutrients, but also lots of great flavors. Frankly, I start drooling at the mere mention of roasted vegetables and this recipe has a particularly great medley.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/2f543442944e259fb77efddf5fb149c2fa23786b-1024x682.jpg" alt="Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas" /></p>
<p>We made this over the holidays and both my mom and sister were begging for the recipe after just one bite. In my opinion this dish stands perfectly on its own, but if you wanted to add some meat, some shredded chicken or pork would work well. The enchiladas are quite easy to throw together, especially since they’re stacked enchiladas so they’re assembled more like a lasagna rather than the more time consumed rolled enchiladas. Just leave some prep time for slicing and roasting the veggies and you’ll be all set.</p>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/a9ef46851ac2d455e8956e45248d85f64931c393-1024x731.jpg" alt="Roasted Vegetable Enchiladas" /></p>
Best of Pixelated Crumb 20122013-01-04T21:16:29https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/8d27d107aff2c94f87d2bdeb01e727fe57d4548e-800x555.png" alt="Top 10 of 2012" /></p>
<p>Happy New Year, everyone! I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday. I for one have started out 2013 with a bang, becoming an auntie (again – I already have two amazing nieces on my husband’s side)! My sister gave birth to a beautiful 9 lb 4 oz baby named Lexi yesterday.</p>
<p>It’s been a pretty great year for Pixelated Crumb and a great year of eating. Here’s a look back at the most popular posts over the year.</p>
<h3 id="number-10:-three-layer-chocolate-cake-with-marshmallow-frosting" tabindex="-1"><strong>Number 10: <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/09/19/three-layer-chocolate-cake-with-marshmallow-frosting/">Three Layer Chocolate Cake with Marshmallow Frosting</a></strong> <a class="direct-link" href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/#number-10:-three-layer-chocolate-cake-with-marshmallow-frosting" aria-hidden="true">#</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/ff5fd3b5fc61b947712d94f8e30a8335a305e7fb-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Three Layer Chocolate Cake with Marshmallow Frosting" /></p>
<p>Phew! This one almost didn’t make the cut, but I’m so glad it did because it’s one of my very favorite cakes. The gooey marshmallow frosting is sinfully good and the cake is so perfectly moist and chocolatey. It’s also my dad’s favorite cake, so it always makes me happy.</p>
<h3 id="number-9:-perfect-chocolate-chip-cookies-from-cook's-illustrated" tabindex="-1"><strong>Number 9: <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/05/09/perfect-chocolate-chip-cookies-from-cooks-illustrated/">Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookies from Cook’s Illustrated</a></strong> <a class="direct-link" href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/#number-9:-perfect-chocolate-chip-cookies-from-cook's-illustrated" aria-hidden="true">#</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/f7bbafe7978bb0a7cc000b9073b5eb75926bfb3b-1024x682.jpg" alt="Perfect Chocolate Chip Cookie from Cook's Illustrated" /></p>
<p>These giant cookies are rich and brimming with butterscotch notes from the browned butter so it’s no wonder this was a popular one.</p>
<h3 id="number-8:-cadbury-egg-brownies" tabindex="-1"><strong>Number 8: <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/04/07/cadbury-egg-brownies/">Cadbury Egg Brownies</a></strong> <a class="direct-link" href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/#number-8:-cadbury-egg-brownies" aria-hidden="true">#</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e9bcedc9b7ab15f3620f2e380fccae9c0018a5a1-1024x682.jpg" alt="Cadbury Egg Brownies" /></p>
<p>If you’re anything like me, you’re a little embarrassed to admit that you love Cadbury Eggs. Solution? Make your own in brownie form! So much more mature and sophisticated.</p>
<h3 id="number-7:-pumpkin-cinnamon-roll-pancakes" tabindex="-1"><strong>Number 7: <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/10/06/pumpkin-cinnamon-roll-pancakes/">Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes</a></strong> <a class="direct-link" href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/#number-7:-pumpkin-cinnamon-roll-pancakes" aria-hidden="true">#</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/e4406cdabd8bbd565fcde700b9e6c5c4bfa44887-1024x682.jpg" alt="Pumpkin Cinnamon Roll Pancakes" /></p>
<p>These pancakes are the most decadent, sinful, and delectable breakfast I’ve ever had. They are A-M-A-Z-I-N-G.</p>
<h3 id="number-6:-s'mores-pie" tabindex="-1">Number 6: <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/08/24/smores-pie/">S’mores Pie</a> <a class="direct-link" href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/#number-6:-s'mores-pie" aria-hidden="true">#</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/209c90ee7d8c6110354380337e53e25b69c3962d-1024x682.jpg" alt="S'mores Pie" /></p>
<p>This, in my mind, is one of the funnest things on Pixelated Crumb. Toasted marshmallows on top of a decadent chocolate filling in a graham cracker crust that’s easy to make? It’s the new way to have s’mores any time of year!</p>
<h3 id="number-5:-rainbow-cake" tabindex="-1">Number 5: <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/03/25/rainbow-cake-and-a-giveaway/">Rainbow Cake</a> <a class="direct-link" href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/#number-5:-rainbow-cake" aria-hidden="true">#</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/5eb5e46eaee6f89970400ddfc46feb978a1a38fd-1024x1024.jpg" alt="Rainbow Cake" /></p>
<p>Well…on second thought, maybe this is the funnest thing on the site. How can you beat a six layer rainbow cake? It’s more than enough to scare away the dull and the mediocre and brighten everyone’s day!</p>
<h3 id="number-4:-oven-baked-garlic-fries-with-garlic-aioli" tabindex="-1">Number 4: <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/05/31/oven-baked-garlic-fries-with-garlic-aioli/">Oven Baked Garlic Fries with Garlic Aioli</a> <a class="direct-link" href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/#number-4:-oven-baked-garlic-fries-with-garlic-aioli" aria-hidden="true">#</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/29b897d8220c25d5a740345d4edd39dbb9e3ded0-1024x682.jpg" alt="Oven Baked Fries with Garlic Aioli" /></p>
<p>This is the one and only savory dish that made it onto the top 10 list so I guess it just proves how good it is! These crispy golden fries may look like a guilty indulgence, but they’re baked in the oven, not fried, and the “aioli” is made from a blend of mayo and yogurt!</p>
<h3 id="number-3:-chocolate-chip-peanut-butter-pound-cake-with-peanut-butter-glaze" tabindex="-1">Number 3: <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2011/09/13/chocolate-chip-peanut-butter-pound-cake-with-peanut-butter-glaze/">Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Pound Cake with Peanut Butter Glaze</a> <a class="direct-link" href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/#number-3:-chocolate-chip-peanut-butter-pound-cake-with-peanut-butter-glaze" aria-hidden="true">#</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/d20de9dc31b31850ad792f9932a9d929c2f6931c-1024x681.jpg" alt="Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Cake with Peanut Butter Glaze" /></p>
<p>If there’s one thing I’ve learned from food blogging, it’s that people love their chocolate and peanut butter. This cake is a simple way to meet that delicious end.</p>
<h3 id="number-2:-ultimate-chocolate-peanut-butter-cake" tabindex="-1">Number 2: <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/03/05/the-ultimate-chocolate-peanut-butter-cake/">Ultimate Chocolate Peanut Butter Cake</a> <a class="direct-link" href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/#number-2:-ultimate-chocolate-peanut-butter-cake" aria-hidden="true">#</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/21f486f8bfae78b1a557155d0d91b5a39a2097a2-1024x1024.jpg" alt="the ultimate chocolate peanut butter cake" /></p>
<p>This cake is the ultimate in chocolate and peanut butter indulgence, so it’s really no surprise that it’s the second most popular post. How could anyone resist the chocolate ganache dripping off of the peanut butter frosting?</p>
<p>And finally…</p>
<h3 id="number-1:-chocolate-turtle-cookies" tabindex="-1">Number 1: <a href="http://pixelatedcrumb.com/2012/01/11/chocolate-turtle-cookies/">Chocolate Turtle Cookies</a> <a class="direct-link" href="https://pixelatedcrumb.com/posts/best-of-pixelated-crumb-2012/#number-1:-chocolate-turtle-cookies" aria-hidden="true">#</a></h3>
<p><img src="https://cdn.sanity.io/images/19meoehr/production/788cb97ce8e7bce8dd1a41831ca8c6fa28c6c71a-1024x682.jpg" alt="Filling Chocolate Turtle Cookies with Caramel" /></p>
<p>I think the photo pretty much says it all – that soft gooey caramel nestled in a pecan encrusted cookie is mighty tempting. These cookies are by far the most popular recipe on the blog – this post had more than 6 times as many hits in 2012 than the runner up, the ultimate chocolate peanut butter cake!</p>
<p>Happy New Year! Wishing you lots of great eating in 2013!</p>