Meghan Y., Author at Cake 'n Knife

Southwestern Shrimp Flatbread

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON March 22, 2017 // 1 Comment

Southwestern Shrimp Flatbread is a crispy crunchy extravaganza of flavor that will have your taste buds jumping. The marinade packs a ton of flavor into the shrimp, which is perfectly complimented by a variety of vegetables. The southwest kick is in every single bite!

Flatbreads never get old for me. The crispy, crunchy bread is a vehicle for basically any flavor combination you can think of. From savory to sweet, spicy to fruity, you can pack a ton of variety on top of these thin crusts!

I used to live off of flatbreads in college. Once I moved into a house with an actual kitchen, I would make flatbreads and quesadillas on alternating nights (I would work in a baguette for dinner here and there too, but that’s besides the point). [Read more…]

Spicy Green Bloody Mary

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON March 17, 2017 // Leave a Comment

A Spicy Green Bloody Mary is a tangy twist on the classic brunch cocktail with just the right amount of heat. The tomatillo, yellow tomato and cucumber base for the Bloody Mary mix is refreshing and light, so you can cure whatever hangover you might be plagued with – or just make your weekend brunch that much better!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day, folks! What kind of shenanigans do you have in store for this day of Irish?

What will I be doing, you ask?

Well, after I get through a day of work, I will be opening some beers and enjoying a Jameson cocktail while pigging out on tons of corned beef and potatoes and marathoning Buffy before it leaves Netflix on April 1st. [Read more…]

Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse Brownie Parfaits

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON March 16, 2017 // 2 Comments

Bailey’s Chocolate Mousse Brownie Parfaits are just the decadent dessert you need to cap off a night of Irish indulgence. The three-ingredient Bailey’s chocolate mousse is layered with brownies, stout whipped cream AND whiskey caramel… Seriously. Get ready to swoon, people.

This is the guilty pleasure dessert you’ve been waiting to indulge in all year long.

You know, that one dessert you’ve been dreaming of ever since you started that whole diet thing at the beginning of the year. Remember?

Well, this is it.

Say goodbye to dreams of only eating healthy and start embracing those indulgences once again. [Read more…]

Irish Corned Beef Reuben Wrap

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON March 14, 2017 // 6 Comments

An Irish Corned Beef Reuben Wrap is a quick and easy way to get your reuben fix, with an Irish twist! The corned beef paired with classic reuben flavors and a creamy stout spread makes this version of your favorite sandwich even better than you could imagine. Wrap it all up in a Flatout Flatbread Original Light flatbread, and you’ve got an Irish celebration in your mouth!

I’ve already told you about my love of corned beef around St. Patrick’s Day when I shared my Irish Corned Beef Nacho Bites last week, but I have another love I want to share with you today that has to do with oh-so delicious corned beef.

The reuben sandwich.

Many a reuben sandwich have sat on a plate only to be devoured moments later. The traditional recipe of pastrami, pickled tangy sauerkraut and creamy thousand island dressing makes the reuben one of the more unique flavor combinations in the sandwich world.

It’s one of those sandwiches that I don’t eat every single time I grab a sandwich, but when I do, I treat it more like a religious experience that should be respected and cherished. [Read more…]

Irish Corned Beef Nacho Bites

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON March 10, 2017 // 1 Comment

Irish Corned Beef Nacho Bites are the bite-sized Irish/Mexican mash up that everyone will scramble to devour. Meaty corned beef tops cheesy potato coins along with all the loaded nacho toppings you know and love. These bites make a great appetizer or snack for whatever you have planned this St. Patrick’s Day!

St. Patrick’s Day is exactly one week from today and I am kind of (really OMG totally) excited about it! Now that I am actually studying up on my whiskey and beer every night, I feel like I’m actually going to get real enjoyment out of the holiday (instead of just a hazy hangover the next morning).

No, I won’t be hitting the bars until 2am, watching people getting hammered on green beer this year. Instead I’ll be celebrating all of my favorite Irish things – well, food and drink things at least. Because DUH, it’s me.

Whiskey, beer, corned beef, cabbage, and Guinness stew are all on my menu this year, but the real star is going to be these oh-so tasty bites of corned beef and potato goodness. [Read more…]

Orange Black Velvet

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON March 9, 2017 // 1 Comment

An Orange Black Velvet is a citrus twist on the classic Guinness cocktail. A dash of orange bitters adds a tart flavor to the cocktail that brings out the richness of the creamy Guinness and bubbly sweet champagne. This is the one cocktail you should be sipping on this St. Patrick’s Day!

Before people start screaming at me for defiling a classic cocktail, just slow your roll and taste it.

I know it seems wildly unorthodox to add anything to an already perfect drink but (and don’t throw rocks at me for saying this) that’s just because you don’t know how perfect the cocktail can truly be.

I know, I’m packing a lot of confidence into this recipe but I really am that confident that you are going to scream “OMG HOW HAVE I NEVER TRIED THIS BEFORE?!” after the first sip (ok ok, mayyyybe the second sip – ya know, to acclimate the palate and all, first). [Read more…]

Curried Nut Mix

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON March 7, 2017 // 4 Comments

This Curried Nut Mix is made for all those snackers out there that are looking for a way to shake up their snacking routine. With a ridiculous variety of nuts packed into every handful, this easy-to-make recipe bursts with a sweet curry flavor that’ll hold you over til dinnertime.

Are you a snacker? I 100% AM.

My days are mostly spent grazing instead of eating a full breakfast and lunch. The only true meal I like to leave room for every day is a ridiculous, typically carbo-loaded, dinner.

You only live once, right?

Sometimes I’ll get the urge to dig into a giant fried chicken sandwich at lunchtime, but most days I’m sitting with a plate of varied nuts, fruits and other snacks, grazing whenever I feel like it. [Read more…]

Almond Butter Yogurt Coffee Cake

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON March 2, 2017 // 3 Comments

Almond Butter Yogurt Coffee Cake is just what you need to start your morning off right this week. Indulgent coffee cake made with almond butter and vanilla yogurt is moist and rich without being too sweet. The tart lemon cream cheese frosting is just (literally) the icing on the cake!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Stonyfield and WoodStock Foods. While I was compensated and given free product in exchange for this post, as always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

One of my fondest memories growing up was brunch at my grandma and grandpa’s house every Sunday.

The entire family including my mom’s four siblings and their children (and grandchildren) would descend like a force upon the house, filling it with food, laughter and love.

We would always gather in the kitchen together as my mom made eggs and my uncles bickered about the bacon. There was also endless amounts of coffee and some sort of baked treat from doughnuts to coffee cake to muffins. [Read more…]

48 Hour Foodie Guide: Beer Lover’s Guide to Boulder

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 28, 2017 // 1 Comment

Do you love all things food and beer? Take a couple of days to hit up Colorado with my 48 Hour Foodie Guide: Beer Lover’s Guide to Boulder! From restaurants to breweries to tap houses, this travel guide is the ultimate vacation for all the ultimate beer and food lovers out there.

You all know how much I love Denver and one of the main reasons I have such love for the city is its proximity to Boulder. Boulder is a big outdoorsy town that everyone loves to jaunt up to so they can hike, bike, run, and play with the Rocky Mountains as a gorgeous background.

Of course, I am not the most outdoorsy type… So when I head up to Boulder, I am heading up there for two things. Beer and food.

If you didn’t already know, Boulder is quite the destination for beer and food lover’s of all kinds. There is a wide variety of breweries with some of the best food you’ll find anywhere in Boulder to indulge in, creative tap houses and other treats that taste buds of all sorts flock to. [Read more…]

Tikka Masala Chicken Chili

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 27, 2017 // 1 Comment

Tikka Masala Chicken Chili is a wonderful mash up of one of my favorite Indian dishes and my favorite soups – chili. Served up with warm naan, the deep and rich flavors in this chili are a comfort on those few chilly nights we still have left this winter. You won’t believe what a little dollop of plain yogurt and squeeze of fresh lime juice will to do complete the dish!

I don’t know where you are at, but here in Denver there’s still a chill in the air. Well, sometimes at least. Then other times it’s 70 degrees and sunny and you’re wondering if spring is coming in early.

Then the bitter cold drops in, the snow starts to fall and the roads get slick with black ice, reminding you yet again that “oh hey, this is Colorado and you’ll NEVER know how to dress appropriately. Ever.”

So some serious warming up was needed this past week. I love my favorite chili recipe to death and I’ve made it this season a few times already. This year however, I started to get a little sick of it.

Shocking, right? I NEVER thought that would happen, especially given my affinity for the cheddar cheese and Fritos I load up every bowl with. [Read more…]

Beignet and Coffee Cocktail Shake

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 24, 2017 // 2 Comments

Beignet and Coffee Cocktail Shake is a boozy, coffee-spiked glass of rich beignet that’s 100% drinkable, to the point of being dangerous. The mashup of beignet and coffee in this shake is a creamy, dreamy mixture that will have you throwing Mardi Gras beads in no time. Let’s celebrate Fat Tuesday right, shall we?

Don’t hate me for putting something so rich and delicious in front of your face on a Friday morning. I’m really not trying to torture you. It’s all in preparation for the weekend!

Fat Tuesday is right around the corner and I saved my favorite Mardi Gras recipe for last…

Just take a moment to take in all of this beignet and coffee deliciousness that’s sitting in front of you. [Read more…]

Hatch Green Chile Gumbo

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 23, 2017 // 7 Comments

Hatch Green Chile Gumbo is your favorite Louisiana dish with a green chile Colorado twist! The smoky and spicy green chiles bring this classic Mardi Gras recipe to a whole new level of savory flavor.

Short weeks are both a blessing and a curse… while I still worked a little on Monday, I took a good chunk off and that felt great.

That is until I woke up on Tuesday realizing just how much work I needed to cram into four days. Not to mention the overall disorientation that comes during a short week.

Today is Thursday right? Am I crazy? I feel like it’s Wednesday! [Read more…]

Citrus Jalapeno Chicken Tostadas

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 21, 2017 // 5 Comments

Citrus Jalapeño Chicken Tostadas with Creamy Avocado Sauce brings a whole new level of spicy citrus flavor to the dinner table. Sweet and spicy glazed chicken piled up on crispy tostadas with a tangy grapefruit salsa is a fiesta in your mouth!

The moment I sat down to write this out, one of my favorite Latin songs came blasting on. I think it’s a sign of the universe approving of this recipe in a big way.

Or maybe I just have too much love for this song (Danza Kuduro by Don Omar – don’t judge, this song is my fuel).

I love crunchy tostadas. The crispy tortilla acts like a little plate that I can load up with whatever tasty deliciousness I want. You’ve seen me make them bite-sized and stacked in Greek Hummus Tostada Stacks, and all the way back to the first tostada I ever made all by my lonesome. [Read more…]

Chorizo, Jalapeño & Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 17, 2017 // 2 Comments

Chorizo, Jalapeño & Sun-Dried Tomato Pizza will take your average pizza night to a whole new level of deliciousness. From the spicy flavors in the chorizo and jalapeño to the savory and tangy flavors in the sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese, this pizza is an off-the-charts recipe everyone will be grabbing seconds of!

Remember that whole road trip I went on back in August from Portland alllllllll the way back to Denver? Along the way, the Man and I stopped in Salt Lake City where we attempted to have a meal out on the town.

However, some little furry critter was freaking out in the motel room and couldn’t handle being out on a patio, so the what were we to do?

Well, we loaded up on some beers and then drove over to a pizza place in downtown Salt Lake City for a movie and pizza night in. Little did we realize just how bomb dot com that pizza place would be… [Read more…]

Grapefruit Daiquiri

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 16, 2017 // 4 Comments

A Grapefruit Daiquiri is my little shot of sunshine into a classic daiquiri. Instead of using only lime juice, I add a little fresh-squeezed grapefruit juice for an added touch of sweet and tart flavor. With only 4 ingredients, this simple cocktail is ideal for happy hour tonight!

I’ve been roaming down memory lane lately for inspiration and I keep landing back at the classic daiquiri I made last year.

Something about a classic cocktail really gets me into that happy zone of creative thinking.

I’ve been hitting a groove lately. The ideas are flowing, the kitchen disasters are at an all-time low (*knocks on wood*), and I am seriously loving the recipes I’m putting out into the universe. [Read more…]

Pan Fried Curry Ricotta Gnocchi in Chile Lime Brown Butter Sauce

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 14, 2017 // 6 Comments

Pan Fried Curry Ricotta Gnocchi in Chile Lime Brown Butter Sauce is going to expand your mind into a whole new world of flavor. The deep and savory flavors in the easy-to-make gnocchi pair perfectly with a rich and spicy brown butter sauce. It’s weeknight pasta night, done right!

Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

I know I should probably be filling your screens with heart-shaped foods right about now, but I feel like I did enough of that last week with these cookies to cover ya.

Instead, I’m bringing you a new twist on ricotta gnocchi to make for dinner this week. [Read more…]

48 Hour Foodie Guide: Fremont Street

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 13, 2017 // 3 Comments

The party never stops in Las Vegas! Instead of sticking to the Strip the whole trip, it’s time you experienced all that Fremont East has to offer. This 48 Hour Foodie Guide: Fremont Street is how you can eat and drink your way through my favorite part of Las Vegas!

I’ve been to Las Vegas more times than I can count, but it was only in the past year that I discovered one of my favorite areas in the city – Fremont Street. Now I am not talking about the Fremont Street Experience (well not completely). I am talking about just east of that are, where the giant covering ends and the true Fremont experience can begin. I remember walking this street with my BFF blog buddy Susannah for the first time and just being swept away by all the variety of food and shops in the area. There’s a little bit of a hipster/indie feel to these couple of blocks and a whole lot of deliciousness that awaits you. As you transition from the covered casinos and wide sidewalks into Fremont East, you’ll notice the crazy all-consuming Las Vegas vibe is diminished, but you still see a peppering of neon all around you. [Read more…]

Double Chocolate Chip Raspberry Waffles

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 10, 2017 // 4 Comments

Double Chocolate Chip Raspberry Waffles are the OMFG breakfast you’ve been waiting for. When you stack fluffy chocolate chip and chocolate chocolate chip waffles together, it’s an explosion of sweet bliss in every bite. Douse it all in a heaping helping of smashed raspberry compote and chocolate sauce; then sprinkle on the powdered sugar. Jaws will be hitting the floor in no time.

Be mindful, all yee who enter here… for there is no hope of dieting in this place.

EVER.

I’m getting a little dramatic with my introductions this week aren’t I? I suppose I’m in a bit of a mood with all the running around, hustling and stressing I’ve been doing this week. All I know is kitchen dance parties, puppy snuggles and plenty of chocolate are the things keeping my brain somewhat sane. [Read more…]

Spiced Truffle Martini

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 9, 2017 // 1 Comment

A Spiced Truffle Martini is the one cocktail every dark chocolate lover needs to indulge in for cocktail hour. The spirit-forward drink finishes with a rich blend of warming spices, making it the ideal nightcap.

My love affair with dark chocolate is a long and sordid tale of lust, guilt, avoidance, and secrecy…

It’s comfort food, indulgence and escape all in one.

Dark chocolate and I have this connection deep within, and there are times I wish I could be with it always.

Be with it. Eating it. It’s the same thing basically. Having some on hand at all times is a total necessity. It lives in my nightstand, my office drawers and various other hiding places around the house. Whenever you hear (well read technically) about me being stressed, you can bet I am munching on some dark chocolate as I write like a crazed loon. [Read more…]

Vanilla Bean Cardamom Sugar Cookies

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 7, 2017 // 9 Comments

Vanilla Bean Cardamom Sugar Cookies are thick, soft, and chewy, just like you like ’em. The comforting and rich vanilla bean and cardamom flavors really come through, making this sugar cookie like none other!

One of my favorite things in the world is the first bite of a warm, chewy cookie fresh from the oven.

A thick sugar cookie can truly solve a lot of the world’s problems (or at least it puts things in enough perspective so all those little problems in your life don’t seem SO huge).

I say we could all use a handful of problem-solving cookies in the world right about now, wouldn’t you? [Read more…]

Spicy Lasagna Dip

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 3, 2017 // 2 Comments

Spicy Lasagna Dip is packed with spicy Italian sausage, roasted tomatoes, fresh herbs and all the cheese your heart could ever want. This easy dip comes together in only a few steps and tastes just like lasagna, but made in SO much less time. You won’t even miss the noodles once you take that first gooey bite!

I can’t believe it’s February. We are officially three days into the second month of 2017… Where did January go?!

I officially have been to the gym once (yes, once) and I am making no traction on this whole “I’m going to keep the house somewhat picked up” thing.

So much for New Year’s resolutions, am I right?

At least there’s one more football game this weekend (another thing I can’t believe is coming to a close as well…). You all know I wouldn’t leave you high and dry without at least one more recipe to bust out while you are watching the game this Sunday (or, erm, the commercials… yea that’ll be me because I am not really a fan of either team this year)! [Read more…]

Red Velvet Truffle Cake for Two

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON February 2, 2017 // 3 Comments

Red Velvet Truffle Cake for Two is the romantic luscious dessert you and your loved one will swoon over finishing together on Valentine’s Day! Moist, rich red velvet cake is layered with a velvety chocolate truffle frosting, creating an indulgent dessert perfectly portioned for two (plus a little leftover for a midnight snack ????).

Disclosure: I received free product and compensation from Sprouts as part of this post. As always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

I have a little secret to tell you all… I kind of love Valentine’s Day.

Not for the cards and the flowers, and not even for the boxes of chocolates or going out for an indulgent dinner. I love it as a reminder to take a moment to have a night in with the person you love the most in this world.

Going out to dinner on Valentine’s Day has never been my jam. I always liked staying in, whether it was a cheap picnic of sandwiches and wine on a picnic blanket (indoors of course because Colorado in February = COLD) or a fancy meal of filet mignon topped off with a couple pours of that whiskey saved in the cellar. Cooking together, eating together, relaxing in the fatty indulgent moments that immediately follow… [Read more…]

Weeknight Cheese Board

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON January 31, 2017 // 3 Comments

A Weeknight Cheese Board for any random weeknight? I say YES. Cheese boards don’t just have to be for fancy occasions. A little spread of meat and cheese plus a glass of wine at the end of any day is well-deserved!

Sometimes work days are just wayyyyyy too long, aren’t they? I feel like I’ve been working like a madwoman and then running from event to meeting to another event so much that my brain is mush.

Obviously my brain is still functioning on some level, as I sit here and attempt to sound somewhat coherent, but ahhhhhhhhh I’m a little bit spent.

You know what is one of the most relaxing experiences in the world??

Saddling up to a little mini cheese board spread with a bottle of wine and whoever you come home to at the end of the night. There’s something about just grazing on a variety of different flavors and textures that instantly calms me. [Read more…]

Veggie Guacamole

POSTED BY Meghan Y. ON January 30, 2017 // 2 Comments

Veggie Guacamole is a vegetable-packed, spicy guacamole that will have everyone gathering around the table (yes, even those crazy health nuts you know). With all those vegetables packed in there, you don’t have to feel guilty about loading up chips with a heaping scoop!

Guacamole is my “healthy food”. I am not the best at controlling my urges for food, so when I feel like I need to get a little more vegetables into my system I’ll reach for the guacamole.

However, avocados, onions and jalapeno aren’t nearly enough when you’ve been living off of all those holiday treats and sweets… [Read more…]