Hot Cocoa Cookies

As an aspiring chef or baker or whatever I am, I end up making a lot of desserts. And why not? Dessert is as tasty as it is popular, and there are so many to choose from! This time I was in the mood for cookies, since I had yet to post any cookies here in Screw Your Diet. Not just any cookies, though. These cookies are like a cup of rich hot chocolate topped with marshmallows, and they will blow your mind.

Mongolian Style Grilled Porkchops

When it comes to pork products, I mostly tend to stick with what I know best – bacon. This time, however, I decided to grill myself some porkchops. As you can see from some of my previous posts, I’m a particular fan of Asian style rubs and sauces, so when I happened upon a recipe for Mongolian style porkchops and dipping sauce, I knew I had just hit pay dirt. I’ve never been to Mongolia, and have probably never eaten anything authentically Mongolian, so my frame of reference is limited. Sure made for some tasty chops, though!

Mascarpone and Chocolate Ganache Brownies

Brownies are one of those timeless, quintessential dessert items that no household should be without. There are so many different ways to make them that it’s easy to find a recipe to suit almost any taste. I’ve been on a bit of a mascarpone cheese kick lately after discovering how delicious it could be, so I went and found a brownie recipe that would make use of it as well.

I expected a decent batch of brownies out of it, but what I didn’t expect was something so rich, decadent, and almost fudge-like, though not overpoweringly sweet. It may look almost exactly like the chocolate cake I posted previously, but we’re dealing with a whole other class of dessert here.

Smokin’ Scovilles Turkey Chili

The summer time may not be the most ideal time of year to eat chili, but I’ll be damned if that’s ever really stopped me. I’ve been enjoying chili ever since I was a kid, and as I grew older, I wanted it progressively spicier. So with a slab of ground turkey in hand, I set out to make chili for myself, preferably with enough heat to make me sweat while eating it. I’m happy to report my mission was a success. This recipe is not for the faint of heart, but it sure is tasty!

Scottish Farmhouse Eggs

Eggs. You can do about a million things with them. In any quest for breakfast, they’re pretty much an essential ingredient. But instead of poaching, hard boiling, scrambling, etc., I wanted to try something a little different this time. So I scoured the internet and happened upon something interesting – Scottish Farmhouse Eggs. This ridiculously simple recipe makes a great family breakfast or brunch item, and even the most novice of chefs can put it together quickly and easily.

Strawberry and Mascarpone Swiss Roll

For my latest baking adventure, I wanted to try something a little different, and preferably a little easier than a fruit pie. When I stumbled upon a picture of a delicious looking strawberry Swiss roll, however, I knew. It was love at first sight, I didn’t care whether or not it was simpler to make than a pie, I only knew I had to have it.

It called for a couple of ingredients I don’t typically keep on hand, however – mascarpone cheese and Marsala wine – so after a quick trip to the market, I set about the task of creating that glorious dessert you see above. It’s not especially difficult, but it definitely requires a bit of…finesse.

Blackened Ahi Tuna on Stir Fried Buckwheat Soba Noodles

So, let me begin this post by saying I’m not a huge fan of cooked fish these days. I used to love the stuff – salmon, halibut, tilapia, etc., - I loved it all. Over time, however, I grew less fond of cooked fish and more fond of sushi, which, of course, is typically raw. There is one fish, however, that boldly straddles the line between cooked and raw with grace and style. That’s right, I’m talking about tuna.

Tuna is an incredibly versatile fish, and I enjoy it both cooked and raw. What I’ve found recently though, is that tuna is even better seared – cooked on the outside, rare on the inside. Truly the best of both worlds! I’ve seared my fair share of tuna steaks in my time, both ahi and albacore, and I have to say, this is my favorite recipe yet. Try it and I’m sure you’ll agree!

Mixed Fruit Pie

Pie. Who doesn't love a good pie? Fruit, pumpkin, buttermilk, pecan - you name it, and if it's contained within a pie crust, I'll eat it. I decided it was time to take on the daunting task of creating a pie of my own, having never attempted to make one before now. After rummaging through the cabinets and the fridge, I decided on mixed fruit, since that's what I happened to have laying around. I made it work, and you can, too, so check out the recipe down below.