Just Putzing Around the Kitchen

Smoked Salmon & Cream Cheese Egg Crepes

The problem with being addicted to Food Network is that it makes me want to eat all kinds of things I can’t have (because it’s midnight and I don’t have deep fried bacon in the house), and definitely should not have (seriously…don’t let me eat fried bacon). Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives is the worst. Every…read more »

Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse

Oh man, guys. I just realized that I missed my blog’s 3-year anniversary! Goddamnit. February was a terrible time for blogging, and I am a terrible blogger. But hey, better late than never, right? So, happy 3 years, Just Putzing Around the Kitchen! And, dear readers, thanks for sticking around so long! Have some strawberry…read more »

S’mores Blossoms

Wow, it has been forever and a half since my last post, huh? Sorry guys. It’s been a little busy around here. No time to cook during the week, and no light to take pictures after work even if I did have the energy/motivation to cook. I would try to be a better person/blogger/fiance and…read more »

Steamed Pork Buns (Bao Zi)

Last year, for Chinese Lunar New Year, I made…a Strawberries & Cream Pie. Super delicious, but not exactly culturally relevant/appropriate. This year, I was determined to be a Good Chinese Girl and actually cook something Chinese. After all, it’s my dad’s zodiac year, and I wanted to make something in honor of his special year. Steamed…read more »

Omelette in a Mug

So, once again, Dan has abandoned me for the mountains of Tahoe. And guys? It’s pretty great. (Sorry Dan!) The house is quiet, my Kindle is loaded with new murder mysteries just waiting to be read, I’ve got The Hunger Games playing on TV, and there are two sleepy cats purring up a storm on either side…read more »

Open-Faced Portobello Burger

Happy Martin Luther King Day, everyone! And, happy Inauguration! Did you guys watch the festivities on TV this morning? I did, and let me tell you…the view from my couch this year was way better (and warmer) than it was in 2008 when my friends and I packed into the National Mall to see the action. And,…read more »

Chocolate Dream Cupcake Bites with Whipped Chocolate Frosting

I woke up this morning with the most intense craving for chocolate. Visions of chocolate cupcakes with mile-high buttercream frosting, gooey chocolate chip cookies, chocolate-swirl ice cream, and moist, fudge-y brownies danced through my mind. But, since none of those things are allowed on my wedding diet, there was nothing immediately available in my pantry or fridge…read more »

Apple Crunch Pie Apple Cups

For me, the hardest part of dieting is cutting back on desserts. More lean protein, less carbs? Fine, hand me the chicken breast, and I’ll give you the bread basket. More fruits and veggies? Awesome! I love fruit, and can do some serious damage to a pile of greens. But when I see a plate…read more »

Spinach & Mushroom Pita Pizza

Happy 2013, everyone! Did you guys eat as much over the holidays as I did? Man, it was ridiculous. Between all the parties and family dinners and weddings, I am stuffed to the gills with good food. Cookies, cake, fudge, roasts, steaks, biscuits, pies, potatoes, pasta…the list just went on and on. Everything was fabulously…read more »

Triple Chocolate Candy Bar Brownies

You know how sometimes, when you’re on a diet, and you’re trying to be really good and not eat too many carbs or bad fats or refined sugars, somehow instead of losing weight you end up gaining weight because thinking about all the things you’re not supposed to eat just makes you crave those things…read more »