Fall Highlights

Even though I haven't had a lot of time to blog in the autumn months, I did manage to get out and

enjoy my "new" home! Michael and I really jumped right into the whole Colorado thing. We shop almost exclusively at Sprouts, we bought a Subaru, and we rescued a shelter puppy. Here are some highlights (recipes included) from our recent jaunts around Denver and beyond. 

First up, HIKING

 

Rocky Mountain National Park to see the Elk, the fall colors, and the beautiful Rockies

Took Rocky (aforementioned rescue pup) to Elk Meadows in Evergreen, CO.
Off leash for canines and great hiking for humans.

And, of course, my old stomping grounds. Beautiful Boulder

Next, DATE NIGHTS

We were wedding- gifted a "Culinary Date Night" at Cook Street in Denver. Best. Gift. Ever. (Thanks, Nadings!) If you're looking for a gift for a Denver local, cooking savvy or not, I highly reccommend a Cook Street gift card. Included is two glasses of perfectly paired wine and a little appetizer spread (because, let's face it, cooking on an empty, sober stomach is no fun). Then, you get to cook a little, taste a little, watch a little, then sit down to enjoy the fruits of your labor. We went to an Italian-themed night (perfect for the Mazzanti's) and learned how to make chicken saltimbocca, tiramisu, and gnocci fonduta (gnocci with a cheese sauce).

The chicken is so good and so easy and I re-created it in the picture below. Here's how: salt & pepper a chicken cutlets, lay fresh sage leaves across the top, and wrap in a couple slices of prosciutto. Meanwhile, heat an olive oil and butter combo in a skillet (preferably oven proof). Once the chicken is wrapped, cook it in the skillet until brown (seam side down- the seam being where prosciutto ends meet). The goal is not to cook through, just to get some color and seal the prosciutto seam. Transfer the chicken into the over and bake at about 350-degrees for 10-15 minutes. If you so desire (and you should), deglaze the pan with a little Marsala wine (or any wine), a bit more butter, and a touch of chicken stock. Pour over cooked chicken and possibly some mashed taters. BUONISSIMO!

Of course, the BRONCOS

Living in Denver wouldn't be complete without Bronco's Sundays (and stellar sunsets). Healthy marriage rivalries are fun, too (as long as the Broncos beat the Chargers).

And last but not least, the new love of our lives- ROCKY

 

One of the best things about Denver- dog-friendly bars. Our fav (pictured above) = Denver Beer Co.

Now, I'll leave you with a couple recipe wins from the last couple months:

Pasta with Chicken and Sun Dried Tomato Cream Sauce

Cook 1lb of pasta (I like penne) al dente.

Cook 3 cloves minced garlic in olive oil. Add chicken pieces (seasoned with salt, pepper, and SMOKED paprika for color and kick) and cook until browned. Add 1 small jar of Sun Dried Tomato tapenade (available in pasta sauce aisle), 1 cup half and half, and 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese.

Reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining.  Stir pasta into the sauce, then add the pasta water as needed to loosen up the sauce. Here, I added crushed red pepper because we all know who my husband is. Serve as is or with a little parsley garnish. Tastes great leftover!

Homemade Gingerbread Latte 

I am a sucker for Starbucks' seasonal drinks- especially their Gingerbread Latte. And as much as I support Starbucks and LOVE the "red cup season," I found a copy-cat recipe that is as good as the original. Get the syrup recipe here: http://www.sweethappylife.com/2012/easy-family-recipes/drinks/homemade-starbucks-gingerbread-latte/

Add to espresso or plain old coffee (my style) and steamed milk. Top with some fresh grated nutmeg and enjoy in a monogrammed coffee cup outside on an unseasonably warm day with your puppy :)

3 Ingredient Pumpkin Cake- Cookies

Stir together 1 15oz. can pure pumpkin, 1 box spice cake mix, and 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice.
Drop golf ball sized dollops onto a greased cookie sheet and bake at 350-degrees for 10(ish) minutes.
"Raisins would be good in these," says Mom...
"Chocolate chips would be good in these" says me...
(we know whose add-in sounds better)

They're great plain or top with cream cheese frosting (cream cheese + powdered sugar + milk)

 Thanks for reading! Happy cooking! Or baking! Or hiking! Or Whatever-ing!