An Inspired Cook

An Inspired Cook
  • Home
  • About Me
  • Recipes
  • Cheli – Z – Magic
  • Travel
  • Goodwill Hunting
  • Kitchen Remodel
  • 10 Years
    • Nostalgic Friday

      Posted at 8:41 am by NativeNM, on May 16, 2014
      Nostalgic-Friday-10

      Awhile back I went through some boxes in the basement and came across my old Westerner cup.  Growing up in Tucumcari, the Westerner Drive Inn was the place to be on any given night for Rattler Burgers or Westerner Tacos.  Oh, how I miss those tacos . . .  The Westerner is no longer in business, just a shell of a building left standing, but every time I think about it I get nostalgic. There are a few places in New Mexico that I find myself reminiscing about.  Blakes Lotaburger has been a New Mexico tradition since the 50’s for those Lotaburgers with green chile, and just recently Kat and I went to the Frontier Restaurant down on Central in Albuquerque which has been around forever.  It’s located near the UNM, a few blocks from where Joe and I had a little apartment when he was going to college.  All those years we lived so close and I never ate there even though it was famous for it’s New Mexican cuisine.  I thought I had all the time in the world to experience The Frontier among other things but time and circumstances changed.  The Frontier is known for their jumbo cinnamon rolls, green chile cheeseburgers and Frontier burritos as well as other breakfast, lunch and dinner specialties.  We each had a Frontier Burrito with fries on the side generously sprinkled with melted cheese and green chile.  It was an awesome experience all around, especially the atmosphere, Southwest art deco and food.  So if you are ever in the neighborhood, pick up a Lotaburger or stop by the Frontier for a giant burrito.

      Continue reading →

      Share this:

      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Recipes, Red or Green, Side Dishes | 0 Comments | Tagged Blakes Lotaburger, Frontier's Green Chile and Cheese Fries, Green Chile and Cheese Fries, Lotaburger, Nostalgic Friday, Westerner Drive Inn
    • Sweet and Salty Granola Bars

      Posted at 9:05 am by NativeNM, on May 6, 2014
      Sweet-and-Salty-Granola-Bars-8

      If your family is like mine it goes through a lot of granola bars.  Granola bars are great to pack sack lunches, quell the late afternoon hunger pains and to take along a favorite hiking trail.  In the last few years our vacations have taken us on hiking and backpacking adventures where the need for lightweight food staples are a must.  Granola bars that contain fruit, nuts and peanut butter are almost always sought after for the energy they provide. By making granola bars at home you can create flavors from fruits, nuts and grains that reflect your own personal tastes.  I went to Sprouts where you can find a bounty of bins and barrels full of different types of grains, dried fruits and nuts to choose.  I plan on trying some different combinations this summer but in the meantime, here’s a simple “no bake” granola bar that brings out a little bit of salty and sweetness with some peanut butter to bind them together.

      Continue reading →

      Share this:

      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Breakfast, Recipes, Snack | 0 Comments | Tagged Caramel Bits, No Bake Granola Bars, Oats and Rice Cereal, Peanut Butter, Pretzels, Sweet and Salty Granola Bars
    • Tortellini with Grilled Veggies and Herbs

      Posted at 8:49 am by NativeNM, on April 29, 2014
      Grilled-Veggies-and-Tortellini-3

      We’ve been dodging April showers this past week.  They’ve been more like downpours than showers at times.  The first day we had a reprieve I wanted to get outside and pop the cover off the grill.  Over the winter month’s I used the wok to cook my veggies but today I thought I would cook outside and enjoy some sunshine.  I sliced some zucchini, baby bella mushrooms and onion that tasted fantastic with a drizzle of lemon flavored olive oil, salt and pepper.  I paired the veggies with some tortellini, tomatoes and herbs to make a healthy vegetarian pasta dish.

      Continue reading →

      Share this:

      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Entree, Recipes | 0 Comments | Tagged Fresh Herbs, Grilled Baby Bella Mushrooms, Grilled Onion Slices, Grilled Zucchini, Tortellini, Tortellini with Grilled Veggies and Herbs
    • Grapefruit Margarita Sorbet and Popsicles

      Posted at 8:22 am by NativeNM, on April 25, 2014
      Grapefruit-Margarita-Sorbet-11

      I am not shy about how much I love sorbets.  Sorbets are so refreshing and take little time out of your day to make.  I’ve been a little obsessive lately trying different fruity combinations and this is definitely one of the best!!  I am partial to citrus flavors and the fusion of grapefruit, lime and margarita is hard to beat.  Joe and I kept stopping by the freezer for “just a taste” and it was gone in no time.  So I made a smaller batch and poured into popsicle molds to see how they would freeze.  It was like a frozen margarita on a stick, a fun adult treat that we will be enjoying a lot this summer!

      Continue reading →

      Share this:

      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Dessert, Recipes | 0 Comments | Tagged Fresh Grapefruit Juice, Fresh Lime Juice, Grapefruit, Grapefruit Margarita Popsicles, Grapefruit Margarita Sorbet, Lime and Margarita Sorbet, Pre-Mixed Margarita, Simple Syrup
    • Latin Salsa Chicken

      Posted at 9:25 am by NativeNM, on April 22, 2014
      Latin-Salsa-Chicken-19

      In the mood for some meat and potatoes . . . I found a recipe for Latin Pork and Potatoes in the local paper that looked intriguing.  It was an easy one pot meal but the list of ingredients seemed to be a bit on the bland side.  So I changed it up subbing in chicken thighs for the pork chops and adding salsa flavors to the pot.  It was an amazing blend of flavors with chicken so tender and juicy surrounded by potatoes, onions, green chiles and garlic in a brothy tomato base.  It made a hearty meal with a hunk of french bread on the side to sop of any leftover juices.

      Continue reading →

      Share this:

      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Dutch Oven and Cast Iron, Entree, Recipes, Soups, Stews and Chili | 0 Comments | Tagged Braised Chicken, Latin Salsa Chicken, One Pot Chicken Dish
    • Southwest Deviled Eggs

      Posted at 9:02 am by NativeNM, on April 18, 2014

       

      Green-Chile-Deviled-Eggs-7

      One thing my family always asks for is deviled eggs for Easter.  It’s like a guilty pleasure that we indulge in every year and just wouldn’t be the same without a platter filled with them.  I always make my “Classic Deviled Eggs” and I will again this year but the cook in me wants to try new things.  I’ve always wanted to try this recipe that I’ve had tucked away for many years from Chile Pepper Magazine.  It has all the ingredients a New Mexican would love with a little bit of green chile, chives, cilantro and lime juice.  Combined with the cooked egg yolk a mixture of mayo and sour cream will make a savory filling which will be a perfect compliment to a sweet slice of honey ham.

      Continue reading →

      Share this:

      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Recipes, Side Dishes | 0 Comments | Tagged Green Chile, Hard Boiled Eggs, Southwest Deviled Eggs
    • Lemony Brownies

      Posted at 9:20 am by NativeNM, on April 15, 2014
      Lemony-Brownies-11

      Josh and I recently went home to NM for Spring break where the trees were in full bloom. They were so beautiful and vibrant with the colors of light and dark pinks, purples, yellows and white. Here in the Midwest it’s just beginning to feel like Springtime with the lush green grass coming back to life and blossoming flowers on the fruit trees.  It puts me in the mood for a fresh and citrusy treat.  For me, lemons and sunshine go hand in hand and a lemony dessert seems just the thing this time of year.  I thought it was the perfect time to make some Lemony Brownies.  I have to give my sister Kat credit for turning me on to this delicious treat.  She told me they were one of her favorite things and that I would love them . . . I have to say, they are delicious!

      Continue reading →

      Share this:

      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Dessert, Recipes | 2 Comments | Tagged Lemon Glaze, Lemon Zest, Lemonies, Lemony Brownies
    • Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet

      Posted at 8:53 am by NativeNM, on March 18, 2014
      Strawberry-Lemonade-Sorbet-13

      A few warm days is all I need to get in the mood for Springtime.  Any day with sunshine and above 50 degrees is a day to be outdoors and watch the Robins that have just returned home.  It’s a sure sign that Spring is just around the corner when the trees begin to bud and my outdoor herbs start to break through the ground.  I think of lemons in Springtime with the colors of sunshine.  Some fresh squeezed lemonade would be refreshing but what I really wanted was some sorbet.  Along with a bag of lemons, I found some bright red strawberries to add to the mix for a Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet.  A frozen treat that was not too tart and not too sweet.  

      Continue reading →

      Share this:

      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Dessert, Recipes | 6 Comments | Tagged Fresh Squeezed Lemon Juice, Fresh Strawberries, Lemon Sorbet, Simple Syrup, Strawberry Lemonade Sorbet
    • Chicken Cacciatore

      Posted at 8:38 am by NativeNM, on March 14, 2014
      Chicken-Cacciatore-17

      In need of some comfort food, I’ve got the perfect dish.  A bowl of chicken cacciatore with some creamy polenta will make you feel right at home.  It’s one of the most flavorful dishes you could make and the chicken practically falls off the bone.  So easy to make, everything goes together in a dutch oven to simmer for 30 minutes to an hour.  I love it with a side of creamy polenta but it depends on the mood.  The spicy tomato gravy is so delicious you can pair it with pasta, rice or even mashed potatoes.  

      Continue reading →

      Share this:

      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Dutch Oven and Cast Iron, Entree, Recipes, Soups, Stews and Chili | 4 Comments | Tagged Bone in Chicken Legs and Thighs, Chicken Cacciatore, Polenta
    • Steak and Green Chile Pizza

      Posted at 8:59 am by NativeNM, on March 11, 2014
      Steak-and-Green-Chile-Pizza-12a

      A few years ago California Pizza Kitchen had a steak pizza on the menu that had seasoned steak and green chile.  It was my favorite pizza with a thinner crust, spicy tomato sauce with freshly roasted chiles and seared steak.  No longer available, I decided to make my own version.  The perfect sauce would have been Rotel tomato sauce, but turns out it’s been discontinued too, can’t find it anywhere.  Oh Rotel . . .  how could you, I loved that sauce and used it for many of my recipes, what to do now?  I had to find an alternative which I did after a trip to the Mexican market.  In the end it all came together with a new thinner crust that had a light crunch in every bite and tasty pieces of seared steak and roasted chiles.  It’s definitely a keeper and staying on my menu!

      Continue reading →

      Share this:

      • Share on Pinterest (Opens in new window) Pinterest
      • Share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Facebook
      • Share on Reddit (Opens in new window) Reddit
      • Share on Tumblr (Opens in new window) Tumblr
      • Print (Opens in new window) Print
      • Email a link to a friend (Opens in new window) Email
      • Share on X (Opens in new window) X
      Like Loading...
      Posted in Bread, Pizza and Calzones, Recipes, Red or Green | 0 Comments | Tagged Roasted Green Chiles, Skirt Steak, Spicy Tomato Sauce, Steak and Green Chile Pizza, Thin Pizza Dough
    ← Older posts
    Newer posts →
    • July 2026
      S M T W T F S
       1234
      567891011
      12131415161718
      19202122232425
      262728293031  
      « May    
    • Previous Posts

    • Recipe Categories

    • Search

    • Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

    • Follow me on:

      • Pinterest
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
    • Things I Like

      • Penzey’s Spices
      • Tasteful Olive
      • New Mexico Photographs by Bill Tondreau
      • A Melancholy Moose
      • A Melancholy Moose on Etsy
      • The Woks of Life
      • Proud Italian Cook
      • Muy Bueno
      • La Bella Vita Cucina
      • Back Road Journal
      • Memories of My Mother
      • Hatch Green Chile
    • An Inspired Cook

Blog at WordPress.com.

An Inspired Cook
Blog at WordPress.com.
  • Subscribe Subscribed
    • An Inspired Cook
    • Join 380 other subscribers
    • Already have a WordPress.com account? Log in now.
    • An Inspired Cook
    • Subscribe Subscribed
    • Sign up
    • Log in
    • Report this content
    • View site in Reader
    • Manage subscriptions
    • Collapse this bar
Loading Comments...
%d