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Home | Archives for Meghan Y. | Page 43

Boozy Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Smoothies

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Boozy Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Smoothies are the one cocktail that’ll satisfy your indulgent side without ruining all the work you’ve put into that summer bod. No one will even realize these smoothie cocktails are so healthy!

Boozy Chocolate-Covered Raspberry Smoothies | cakenknife.com

I just made you a healthy way to do cocktail hour (which means it’s ok to hit you with two cocktails this week, right?). Yep, I committed to making a healthy cocktail, or as my bestie Susannah lovingly calls it, “an oxymoron smoothie.”

You all KNOW me. I get on the healthy train as much as I can, but when it comes to my cocktails… Heaven help me, I can’t give them up. My affinity for cocktail hour at the end of the day is just too strong and I refuse to give it up. I also refuse to give up patio day drinking when the weather gets nice.  [Read more…]

Rocket Sandwich

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The Rocket Sandwich is a riff on a sandwich I fell in love with when I lived in Rome. It’s been upgraded with the much-needed addition of avocado and a peppery lemon spread that you’ll want to use on everything.

Rocket Sandwich | cakenknife.com

When I lived in Rome, after the first couple of days being there on my own, I realized just how expensive living on my own in a foreign country was. It took my roommates and I a couple days, a couple nice meals out and the exchange rate to smack us into reality pretty quick.

As soon as we realized how much we had to stretch our dollars, we went on the hunt for cheap eats around our apartment. There was this one sandwich shop with 3-euro sandwiches that actually tasted more delicious than all the pasta we’d been inhaling. [Read more…]

The Siesta Cocktail

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The Siesta Cocktail is a delightful combination of tequila, Campari and grapefruit juice. This drink isn’t too strong and gives you an extra boost of acidity and freshness with every sip.

Siesta Cocktail | cakenknife.com

Normally I am not a tequila girl. Save for the margaritas I love to down on Taco Tuesday, or anytime I dare to venture to The Rio in downtown Denver, I usually stay away from tequila.

I mostly attribute this to a particular friend who encouraged one too many tequila shots into my system throughout college and well into my mid-twenties. Tequila was 100% her go-to libation of choice, and it got me into trouble every single time.  [Read more…]

Breakfast Taquitos

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Breakfast Taquitos are a spicy flavorful breakfast that will wake you right up in the morning. They can be devoured the morning of, or you can even make them ahead and freeze them for the rest of the week. 

Breakfast Taquitos | cakenknife.com

I’m sure I’ve mentioned it before, but I’m not generally a big breakfast person. I reserve breakfasts for special weekend celebrations, brunches and the occasional nursing of a hangover. That is, except for taquitos.

Taquitos have been a weakness ever since college when I used to run over to the 7-11 to stuff my face with a couple before class each morning. Cereal in the food hall didn’t always cut it, you know?  [Read more…]

Sparkling Grapefruit Old Fashioned

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Sparkling Grapefruit Old Fashioned is a summery update on the classic cocktail with just the right splash of bubbles and citrus. I swap out traditional rye whiskey for bourbon because of bourbon’s slightly sweeter notes, ideal for this lighter take.

Sparkling Grapefruit Old Fashioned | cakenknife.com

I’m struggling a bit this week, I’m going to be real honest. I had an awesome Monday – I busted out recipes left and right, I met surprise deadlines and I felt so accomplished. Oh and did I mention that was all on about 5 hours of sleep?

Then I shattered an entire bottle of beer on Tuesday (epic explosion, it was all over the walls and down the stairs to the basement) and I dropped my camera battery on my toe yesterday, so my feet are now covered in cuts and bruises…

It’s like Monday was this shining, gloriously productive today and the rest of the week is seriously falling short. Self-inflicted injuries aside, I’m moving slowly through my work and I’m not getting nearly enough done before the long weekend (crossing my fingers I can still take a solid 2 or 3 days off at this point).  [Read more…]

Mixed Berry Vanilla Bean Cake

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Mixed Berry Vanilla Bean Cake is how I show my patriotic spirit – in dessert form! The red, white and blue cake starts with a flavorful vanilla bean cake and light-as-air lemon mint whipped cream frosting, topped off with all the fresh berries your heart desires.

Mixed Berry Vanilla Bean Cake | cakenknife.com

Memorial Day is this weekend. Anyone else wondering where the hell the year went, or am I the only one?

Ok so yes, I might be silently freaking out about inching closer to my birthday, but I can take solace in the fact that it’s FINALLY looking like summer. I smell charcoal grills going every night in my backyard and I can already hear the reservoir calling my name for boat days…
[Read more…]

Cookbook Review: Koreatown + Kimchi Fried Rice

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Kimchi Fried Rice, or as Koreatown: A Cookbook calls it “Our Mildly Insane Kimchi Bokkeumbap” is quite possibly my favorite weeknight meal of the entire YEAR. It’s ridiculously flavorful, super simple and quick to make, and adding an egg on top basically makes it heavenly.

Cookbook Review: Koreatown + Kimchi Fried Rice | cakenknife.com

In an effort to get myself more acquainted with cuisines that are outside my comfort zone, I went directly for Koreatown for my next cookbook review. I’m not sure if it’s because of my previous obsession with PSY, my affinity for soju, or my overall lack of experimentation with kimchi and gochujang that hooked me into this cookbook, but after the introduction, I was in deep.

Cookbook Review: Koreatown + Kimchi Fried Rice | cakenknife.com [Read more…]

Watermelon Sparkler

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Watermelon Sparkler is a simple, refreshing cocktail that is ideal for any gathering, from BBQs to wedding receptions. It’s ridiculously easy to make and pairs with anything you can think of!

Watermelon Sparkler | cakenknife.com

Ok you guys. I need a cocktail.

I realize I am saying this very early in the morning, but I’ve kind of had a crappy past 24 hours. Yesterday was one of the biggest epic fail cooking days I’ve had in a lonnnnggggg time. When the first little thing went wrong, I remember saying to myself, “ok that’s your one, Meg. It’s all uphill from here.”

If only I knew…  [Read more…]

Grilled Lemon Kale Ricotta Flatbread

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Grilled Lemon Kale Ricotta Flatbread is the perfect grilled appetizer for your summer BBQ parties. It’s full of fresh, bold flavors and just a touch of Nielsen-Massey Vanilla’s Lemon Extract that brightens up the whole dish!  

Grilled Lemon Kale Ricotta Flatbread | cakenknife.com

Disclosure: I received free product from Nielsen-Massy Vanillas  and was compensated for my time as part of this post. As always, all opinions and recipe are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands that support Cake ‘n Knife!

Summer is here and that means one thing in my mind – it’s time to bust out the charcoal and start grilling all the things.

The typical staples are always in rotation on my grill – steaks, chicken, shrimp, vegetables, etc. Lately though, I’ve been all about the grilled pizzas and flatbreads. As much as I wish my oven and pizza stone would produce that crispy crust I love, it never works like the simple charcoal grill in my backyard does.

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Greek Stuffed Roasted Sweet Peppers

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Greek Stuffed Roasted Sweet Peppers are one of the easiest appetizers I’ve ever made, but that doesn’t mean it’s light on flavor! The Sabra olive tapenade hummus paired with the sweet and savory roasted peppers is a delicious way to start a meal, or satisfy a random afternoon craving.

Greek Stuffed Roasted Sweet Peppers

You guys, today is kind of a big deal.

Why is it a big deal, you ask? Is it because it’s Friday the 13th? Is it because I can’t wait to start the weekend? Nope, it’s because today is National Hummus Day! Bet you didn’t know that, did you?

Greek Stuffed Roasted Sweet Peppers

If you did know, you just earned uber brownie points in my world.  [Read more…]

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

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Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream is creamy, rich and studded with fresh blueberries and graham crackers. You won’t be able to stop at just one cone to cool off with this summer!

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream | cakenknife.com

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by the Cuisinart. As always, all opinions are my own!

I’m back to making ice cream again…

You know what that means – Meghan is trying to relieve stress! Making ice cream is just a soothing process for me, especially when it doesn’t actually involve too much cooking like this recipe right here.

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream | cakenknife.com
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Loaded Nachos

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Loaded Nachos are the burn-your-face-off snack you crave when you are in the mood for something spicy. With all your favorite toppings, these nachos are a fun addition to any party or to liven up a plain ol’ Saturday afternoon.

Loaded Nachos (Extra Spicy!} | cakenknife.com

You know when you just want to burn your mouth off, in the best way possible? I get these cravings for spicy food sometimes that just take over everything and I end up putting hot sauce on everything because I can’t find the right recipe to satisfy the craving.  [Read more…]

Bacon, Roasted Broccolini & Gruyere Quiche

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Bacon, Roasted Broccolini & Gruyere Quiche is packed to the brim with rich savory bacon, perfectly roasted broccoli and gooey gruyere cheese. This particular recipe is in honor of my mom and her love for quiche, but it makes a great brunch recipe anytime this spring and summer!

Bacon, Roasted Broccolini & Gruyere Quiche | cakenknife.com

I’m officially back from Vegas and oh my gosh that was one of the best trips I’ve been on in a long time. I will say, five days in Vegas is a wee bit longer than I can typically handle but it was totally worth the slight queasiness and exhaustion I brought back with me to Denver.  [Read more…]

Bacon Parmesan Quick Bread

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Bacon Parmesan Quick Bread is a super fast bread recipe that comes together in 30 minutes! No waiting for dough to rise and it goes great with anything you’re having for dinner.

Bacon Parmesan Quick Bread | cakenknife.com

The bread is BACK, you guys. It was only a matter of time before I baked up a fresh loaf to share with you. The only problem with baking up a quick bread like this? It’s gone that very same day. Even if it is just me, myself and I (well and Kya, you know, to clean up the crumbs).

This bacon parmesan quick bread is one of those recipes I’ve had in my back pocket for years whenever I either forgot to get bread for a dinner I was hosting or just desperately need bread in my life. Generally I’m too lazy to leave the house when I have a serious craving, and this recipe gets me happy in record time. [Read more…]

Blackberry Sage Gin Smash with Candied Sage Leaves

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Blackberry Sage Gin Smash with Candied Sage Leaves is a deliciously fresh cocktail that really brings out the floral notes in the gin. If you are a gin girl (or boy!) like me, you can’t skip this one. 

Blackberry Sage Gin Smash with Candied Sage Leaves | cakenknife.com

This drink has officially edged out my classic gin & tonic fix as my all-time favorite gin drink, and that’s saying something.

The past few weeks have been a bit tough, I’m not going to lie. I have been feeling this restlessness, probably brought on my too much work and too many online dating fails. I literally had one guy call me “Aphrodite, my love goddess” in an opening message the other day. Seriously, dude? I mean, I’m flattered in a way but that can’t possibly be how you really talk. If it is… Just. No.  [Read more…]

Perfect Garlic Agave Pizza Crust + a Dreamfarm Giveaway!

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Perfect Garlic Agave Pizza Crust is the only pizza crust recipe you’ll ever need. It’s sweet, savory and just a touch spicy, then it’s slathered down with a sweet and spicy honey butter that will have you obsessed after the first bite.

Perfect Garlic Agave Pizza Crust + a Dreamfarm Giveaway! | cakenknife.com

Anyone who knows BeauJo’s knows the beauty of dipping your crust in honey and enjoying the sweet and savory deliciousness that swiftly follows. For those of you who have not been exposed to this, get your butt to Idaho Springs, CO and experience it NOW.

I’ll wait.  [Read more…]

Sake Sangria

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Sake Sangria is bold and fruity with just the right touch of sweetness to go along with your next backyard BBQ. It comes together in minutes so you can make it the night before or 5 minutes before the party. No waiting required!

Sake Sangria | cakenknife.com

So there’s this sushi place in downtown Denver that has this sake sangria that I’m basically obsessed with. It’s this fruity, boozy drink that goes down super smooth and then hits your with a pleasant buzz a few minutes after you polish off that first glass.

Honestly, I am now a bigger fan of sake sangria than sake or sake cocktails…. Combined. Don’t judge.  [Read more…]

South of the Border Hummus

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South of the Border Hummus is a super simple way to mix things up using Sabra hummus and your favorite fresh ingredients. Grazing before dinner just got much more interesting. Welcome to the Unofficial Meal! 

South of the Border Hummus with Sabra Hummus | cakenknife.com

Is anyone out there a crazy grazer like I am? Half the time I’m eating it’s never an actual meal. It’s me pulling out a little bit of this, a little bit of that, tasting as I cook along the way, or just catching up with friends and family as I eat and eat and eat.

South of the Border Hummus with Sabra Hummus | cakenknife.com

There’s a long-standing tradition in my family of congregating in the kitchen before any meal and that always leads to grazing. Whether it’s my uncle trying to sneak a bite of bacon before brunch or my cousins sneaking oyster crackers before the big Christmas Eve dinner, we’re always getting our grub on before meals. 

[Read more…]

Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls

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Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls are warm, gooey and packed with chocolate hazelnut flavor. You can’t go wrong with a few of these and a cup of coffee in the morning!

Mini Nutella Cinnamon Rolls | cakenknife.com

So what do you do when the weather is supposed to be crap all weekend and you might get snowed in?

You bake. Not just any baking though, you bake with Nutella and cinnamon. Then your home turns into a chocolate hazelnut cinnamon filled explosion that you can revel in while you pretend that you don’t have to shovel anytime soon.

At least that’s how it goes in my head.  [Read more…]

Sparkling Bourbon Peach Lemonade

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Sparkling Bourbon Peach Lemonade is a fizzy, summery cocktail that goes with those picnics and BBQs you’re already planning. The fruity cocktail packs a kick and goes with any food you can think of!

Sparkling Bourbon Peach Lemonade + A KitchenAid Sparkling Beverage Maker Giveaway! | cakenknife.com

It’s about time we started thinking about what we’re going to drink at summer picnics and BBQs, isn’t it? Really, it’s never too soon to start thinking about this if you ask me. You all know how firmly I believe cocktails are an important part of my everyday survival, and they are even more important when there’s food involved.

Sparkling Bourbon Peach Lemonade + A KitchenAid Sparkling Beverage Maker Giveaway! | cakenknife.com

The source of this cocktail actually starts out with an old old old obsession with soda. I was brought up on Diet Coke (which I can no longer stand, funny enough) and in my teenage years I worked my way over to normal Coke, then back to the diet sodas once I gained about 10lbs. Of course it wasn’t too long before everyone started telling me how horrible diet sodas are for you because of the chemicals involved. I tried and tried to give it up, but those bubbles had me hooked and I knew no other way to get them into my diet without getting yelled at.  [Read more…]

Raspberry S’mores Bars

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Raspberry S’mores Bars are my excuse to have s’mores year round, especially when I don’t have a fire (or gas stove) handy. The raspberry dark chocolate ganache is the fruity chocolate indulgence you’ve been craving.

Raspberry S'mores Bars | cakenknife.com

Do you ever just take a moment to reflect on your overall ridiculousness and say to yourself, ‘danggggggg girl… You’re a special kind of special.’ Well, or guy for those of you men out there who can relate.

I swear, half the time I am completely put together and the other half of the time… well I’m a special mess from time to time. A great example is when someone asked me what the cover art was for Death Cab for Cutie’s Codes and Keys, and before I could even speak, I was doing the Jimmy Fallon hashtag symbol with my fingers. *face palm*

I think I might spend too much time on social media.  [Read more…]

BLAT Blue Cheese Crostini

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BLAT Blue Cheese Crostini are a fun take on the classic sandwich, given a little extra flavor with the blue cheese crumbled on top. It’s a simple appetizer that’s perfect for picnic!

BLAT Blue Cheese Crostini | cakenknife.com

I only have a few really simple and fun appetizers in my back pocket and this is one of them. I might be a little OCD in my need to be prepared, but I swear, it’s limited specifically to food. What can I say? I’m one of those people who always likes to know where my next meal in coming from.

Sidenote: what is with these drink dates that last hours and don’t include food? If you are asking me to grab a drink at 6:30 and want to hangout until 9, there better be some freakin’ food. Who doesn’t eat dinner?! WRONG. Just. WRONG. *end rant*

[Read more…]

Lemon Thyme Sidecar

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Lemon Thyme Sidecar is just the right classic cocktail for your springtime happy hours. The thyme simple syrup brings a sweet, herbaceous flavor to this cocktail that is irresistible. 

Lemon Thyme Sidecar | cakenknife.com

There are few things in this world that I can say I truly loathe. They include running out of Nutella, the dating games we have to play, waiting for an important email or text, and, arguably most important, skipping cocktail hour.

I’m sorry, but cocktail hour is a vital part of my life and my functionality. It serves as a very important reward at the end of the day for me. If I get through work, working out, and making a healthy meal for myself, I’ve earned a freaking cocktail.  [Read more…]

Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce & Peas

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Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce & Peas is the one pasta dish you need to make the official crossover from winter to spring recipes. It’s rich and creamy with a bright, acidic finish and the pop of sweet green peas gives it the extra burst of freshness you’re craving right now.

Ricotta Gnocchi with Lemon Cream Sauce & Peas | cakenknife.com

It is FINALLY warming up in Denver (of course, the moment I say that means it’ll snow tomorrow…). It’s been so up and down with the weather lately, I’m both suffering from the head cold that’ll never go away and feeling deprived of the happy sunshine I need to survive. Now that it seems like we are in the clear here, I’m ready to start embracing the spring recipes I’ve been pinning all day, erry day.

That is the main reason I made this dish. The melt-in-your-mouth ricotta gnocchi is the ultimate vehicle for this lemon cream sauce that’s both rich and bright in every bite. Add a pop of sweet green peas in every bite and you have just the right blend of winter and spring classic dishes to help you let go of winter and usher in spring with a flavor explosion in your mouth.  [Read more…]

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