at home with ann

While I do still make food that isn't quite baby friendly (this week's mouth burning chipotle corn chowder, for example), I prefer to make one meal that we all enjoy.  It makes me so happy to eat with my little guy and see him try new foods, even if he mooches off my plate.  These quinoa pizza bites were popular with everyone.  I love quinoa, but on it's own it can taste a little bitter and boring.  The herbs give it good flavor, and dried oregano always makes me think pizza.  These were easy to make, although a spazzy potholder move resulted in yet another burn on my wrist.  My cooking theme of the winter has been, how many things can I break or injure myself with in the kitchen.  Must slow down.  C and I will be having the leftovers today, and I can't resist anything that comes out of the mini muffin tin.  Easily customizable to suit your tastes, I can even see serving these as party appetizers if made bite-sized. Quinoa Pizza Bites...

I've had my Irish last name for nearly four years now.  While I'm not sure I'll ever get on board with traditional boiled dinner - Corned Beef and Cabbage doesn't do it for me, I did want to try some Irish themed dishes to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.  We had Guinness Beef Stew, which was delicious, and tasted even better as leftovers.  For dessert I was inspired by my latest issue of Martha Stewart Living to make Sticky Toffee Pudding.  I strayed from the original recipe a bit, and had to nearly double the cooking time, but I think it came out well.  The toffee is amazing, but after you eat this you will likely go into sugar shock.  Sticky Toffee Pudding modified from Martha Stewart Living Cake 6 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for dish 1 1/2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for dish 8 ounces dates, pitted and chopped (about 1 1/4 cups) 1 cup boiling water 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon baking powder 1/2 teaspoon...