Cooking with Coley

What does planning a wedding and buying a house equal? A super busy schedule! That’s what’s going on in my life, so my sincerest apologies for neglecting my blogging duties. So, I thought that I at least owe you all a tip. Love baked potatoes but hate those unhealthy toppings? Sour cream and butter add a lot of extra cals, so how about adding something equally delicious but far more nutritious. One word for you - Tzatziki. My lovely fiance is the one who started this habit in our house,... (more...)

Before we move forward into the new year–with resolutions, personal goals, plans for a bigger and better year–it seems only fitting to stop and reminisce over the best of 2011. For me, much of that has to do with food. The foods and restaurants that were memorable and impactful–those that will continue to be my favorites in 2012 and beyond. So please join me as I recollect… Restaurant Highlight: I’ve been to plenty of new restaurants in 2011–some new for me and... (more...)

I had planned to grill turkey sausage patties for dinner the other night, but we didn’t have gas for the grill.  It was time for plan B. Plan B? Hmm, what would that be? As I scolded myself for not going to the grocery store that week, it hit me… why not utilize the Nueva Cocina rice I received for review?! Rice + turkey sausage. It was practically an instant meal.  I sauteed the turkey sausage patties with some chopped red bell pepper and then added in the rice.  No extra seasoning... (more...)

I’ve been making quite a bit of pasta lately.  Not only have I had a lot of great ingredients on hand, but pasta is a quick dinner fix on week nights. It’s one of those foods that is fun to get creative with–there are no limitations if you ask me.  From different sauces, to veggies, to seafood and meats, you’re likely to have something to spice up a pasta dish. Recently, Allen’s sent me a couple samples of its Popeye Spinach for review. I don’t traditionally... (more...)

OK so what do I know about Texas? Fair question.  I am not even a BBQ expert by any means.  But what I can tell you is that I am eating Sweet Cheeks’ Mac and Cheese for breakfast right now because I can’t resist the leftovers sitting in my fridge.  They deserve to be eaten–even at 10am.  The food is that good. We went to this new hot spot in Fenway last night. With a smokey aroma luring in all of Boylston Street and Top Chef runner up, Tiffani Faison, essentially cooking in... (more...)

I was recently invited by the Jamaica Tourist Board, along with select other bloggers and press, to attend a culinary tour and experience the tastes of Jamaica. Awesome right? Unfortunately, due to a full-time job, I was unable to make it work.   So instead, a close friend of mine went in my place.  As the editor of Cocktail Enthusiast and booze aficionado, Kevin was the perfect candidate for Jamaican rum tastings.  But in addition to his expertise of cocktails and spirits, Kevin has a refined... (more...)

The candy is all gone and the excuse to dress up is over, but you don’t have to wait until next year to be inspired by the season. I received a fun tip from Nueva Cocina on what to do with those pumpkins that you didn’t get around to carving.  It’s creative and healthy, so I’d thought I’d pass it along! Tip:  Don’t toss those pumpkins, use ‘em to make something yummy!   Here’s their recipe: PUMPKIN FIESTA RICE What you’ll need: 1 Package... (more...)

I’m not much of a baker.  That is until apple season comes along.  For some reason every fall after an outing in the orchard, I’m compelled to make something sweet.  Perhaps it’s the concept of picking something fresh from its roots and assisting in its evolution into a new form. Without a garden of my own, it’s rare I get to have my hand at this. Well anyways, last year it was apple pie, and now this year I bring you a caramel apple cupcake recipe adapted from Every Day... (more...)

A dear friend of mine recently visited Boston with her husband and spoiled me with gifts and attention. An “engagement gift” of sorts, she not only treated me to a delicious dinner at Tico in Boston, but she bought me a wonderful assortment of Italian favorites including a fine bottle of Chianti, homemade orecchiette pasta and Frantoia Olive Oil. In addition to some amazing ingredients, Katie’s husband, John, selflessly handed over a family recipe for Pesto Genovese (proper pesto... (more...)

The day is finally about to arrive. A day that will forever change grocery shopping in Massachusetts as we know it. Wegmans is about to open. Just one week from today (October 16) will be the grand opening of Wegmans Northborough.  It’s a must-go-to store for anyone who wants value and service when they grocery shop. Wegmans first opened in Rochester, NY in 1930. Since then, store locations have spread across central NY and even more recently into Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Virginia.... (more...)