McCrady's Review

Ivan and I used to love going to McCrady's. We would go on special occasions to enjoy a bottle of good wine and a cheese plate. Most recently, Ivan and I went the week before Valentine’s Day. Because of our experience, I thought it important to put it in my blog. When you go to a restaurant, whether its casual or fine dining, the one thing you expect is consistency. Our latest experience with McCrady's had us more than disappointed. It appears they have made huge cutbacks on portions, therefore leaving you with a large check and an empty stomach. For example- their cheese plate used to be our favorite. 3 Cheeses set up on a butcher block accompanied by dried fruit, olive oil, nuts, and fresh bread. You couldn't beat it, the plate was amazing. When we went back this past February we ordered the cheese plate only to find out that is has drastically changed. Now the 3 cheeses are set on a slate board. There is only one small slice of each cheese and the accompaniments are just flavored jelly. The bread reminds me of wheat thins. For the same price and the same description, the two cheese plates couldn't be more different. Here are some photos to show you.

Tortilla Soup

 I am always looking for new ways to spice tortilla soup up- I finally found a way to make it that I LOVE. The dish is so simple and quick to make- yet the different dimensions of flavor make this meal one of my favorites to not only eat but make.

BBQ Chicken Grilled Cheese

These sandwiches taste sinful, they are that good! The melted cheese, BBQ chicken, and avocado just  melt in your mouth. I am getting hungry just thinking about these sandwiches.:)

Lemon and Herb Roasted Chicken served over Mashed Potatoes

I rarely eat chicken off the bone. There is something about picking out bones while I eat that doesn't always sit well with me. When I saw these huge split chicken breasts at the store, I just knew I could make it work. I thought that roasting the chicken with lemon and herbs and serving it over mashed potatoes would be a yummy and hearty dinner. With some spanish flare (sazon), this chicken was moist when I cut into it yet the skin had the perfect crunch.

Spaghetti Squash Pesto Pasta

I apologize for the lack of photos. I made this for friends and forgot to take pictures. If you trust me- you really need to make this dish! You can serve it vegetarian or add some kielbasa or shrimp to the dish. This is a healthy yet hearty dinner. If you are cooking for more than 2- you can just cook 2 spaghetti squash (instead of 1) but keep the rest of the recipe the same.

Italian Wedding Soup

I have made Italian Wedding Soup many different ways. Tonight I wanted to use beef meatballs instead of chicken and pancetta meatballs.Always good to switch things up! 

Anyway- they turned out perfect. The cheesy beef was such a compliment to this soup and I will definitely make this variation again. Two thumbs up!

Chicken Bog

Ivan's first memories of chicken bog (which I had never even heard before I met him) was as a child. His best friend's mother would make the boys chicken bog when he would stay over for dinner. When I did some research on how to prepare it, I thought to myself... well this is not a pretty meal. It reminds me a lot of gumbo. I really like a good gumbo- but it is not the most beautiful dish to look at. Chicken bog is the same.. It is so simple to make, yet extremely flavorful. Because you cook the rice in the same water as you previously cooked the chicken, the flavors absorb throughout the entire dish. If you have not made this before- I highly recommend you try it. You  will not be disappointed, I promise!

Copycat Chick Fil A Fried Chicken Sandwiches with Sundried Tomato Mac and Cheese

I don't like eating fast food for many reasons. I do however like to eat fried food, you could fry about anything and I will eat it. I like to take meals that I enjoy either ordering for delivery or at the drive-thru and making them my own. Usually when making fried chicken you have to marinade the chicken in seasoning for 4+ hours before cooking. With this recipe, you don't have to think ahead. When your ready all you have to do is coat the chicken and fry it. This is by far one of my favorite fried chicken recipes (obviously why Chick Fil A is so sucesseful!)

Bocadillos

Bocadillos are such a simple yet delicious snack or meal. Today I made some for lunch for Ivan and I with my new lens I got for Christmas!  All you need is fresh bread (I used a french baguette), ham, cheese of your choice (I used swiss), mayo, and some butter. I pressed them on my panini press and wahlah!

Punta Cana

My family went on a week long vacation to Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic. The trip was amazing and we had a blast relaxing, drinking pina coladas, tanning, snorkeling, and of course eating. not only that but Ivan and I got engaged! Here are some photos. Additionally, I now have a wedding blog ( katandivan.blogspot.com ) that you can check out for updates on our wedding.