How cool is it that dark chocolate is good for you?! It’s full of anti-oxidants, hardens your tooth enamel, helps keep your blood sugar levels under control, it’s good for your heart AND your brain…need I go on? My favorite … Continue reading
Author Archives: JoyAldrich
Chile Lime Pork with Carrot-Lime Escabeche
Have you ever participated in a recipe exchange? They are a lot like the chain letters we used to try to avoid in the 80′s (and probably long before that!). With the advent of e-mail came the “send this to … Continue reading
Berries with Limoncello
Here’s something I’ve been thinking about a lot lately – “the cycles of life”. As a kid, we grew up going to birthday parties for our friends, and to the weddings of our parents’ friends and family members. I still … Continue reading
Grilled Salmon and Quinoa Salad
One of our favorite things to do on winter weekends is to get together with our friends, Rob and Cathy, and drive up to the Cascade Mountains to let our doggies, Charley and Sadie, run and play in the snow. … Continue reading
Nescafe Frappe
The sun came out in Seattle yesterday. Yep. That’s right. Sun.in.Seattle – IN APRIL! And when we see that rare yellow ball in the sky I just can’t help myself, I get a lil’ giddy. I took my puppy to … Continue reading
Mushroom Pot Pies with Parker House Crust
This post has been in-the-works for several weeks now. I was immediately inspired when I first read Chef Michael White’s recipe for these vegetarian pot pies in Food and Wine magazine. You see, I usually cook dinner for our friends, … Continue reading
Quick and Easy Korean Beef
I’m pretty sure I’ve told you that I was born in Korea – right? And, I can make Bulgogi to prove it So, you can imagine that as I scroll through my favorite foodie blogs from day-to-day, I’m very attracted … Continue reading
Mediterranean Grilled Artichokes
I really enjoy a challenge – especially when it involves food! My good friend, Colleen, recently hosted our girls’ group, The 9 Chicks, at her lovely home on the beautiful island of Hawaii. On the first night on the island, … Continue reading
Creamy Baked Orzo
Are you fan of breakfast casseroles? Well then, I’ve got a treat for you today. Bonus: it would also be lovely served with a salad for brunch, lunch OR dinner. Basically, it’s delicious any time of day. Typical breakfast casseroles, … Continue reading
Product Review: West Bend Egg Cooker
I’m a bit of a minimalist when it comes to kitchen gadgets. The only one visible in my kitchen is my beloved VitaMix. I’ve got a microwave, toaster, food processor and stand mixer tucked away in cabinets where I … Continue reading
Vanilla Bean Almond Milk and Va-nana-rama Smoothie
My friend, Cathy, recently attended a two-day Raw Foods cooking class. I was a bit very skeptical. Why in the world would you spend two days learning to not cook?! Well, let me tell you, she did come home with … Continue reading
3.14 Day (It’s Pie Day tomorrow!)
I’m such a N-E-R-D when it comes to numbers. If I look at the clock and it happens to be 11:11, I exclaim, “It’s 11:11 – make a wish!”. When it’s 12:34, I have to point it out. I silently … Continue reading
Cream of Parsnip Soup
I’m often asked, “Why do you write a food blog?”. The following story is just one of the very many that exemplifies the most important reason: I love connecting with people who are passionate about food and cooking. A year … Continue reading
Julia’s Hash Browns
I love Sunday breakfast! It’s fun to make a big breakfast on Sunday since there is no rush to get out of the house. I even have a Sunday Morning playlist on my iPod for just such an occasion. I … Continue reading
Easy-Peasy Weeknight Baked Ziti
Yesterday, the weather here in Seattle looked like anything but Spring. It was a brisk 43°F and the rain was blowing sideways for most of the day. It’s days like yesterday that make me grateful that I’m not a mailman, … Continue reading
UWKC Top Chef & Exec Night 2013
On Thursday night, Mary and I joined emcee Tom Douglas (Seattle restauranteur and recent guest judge on Top Chef Seattle) in cheering on four local celebrity cheftestants as they chopped and sautéd with four pros from Tom Douglas Restaurants. The … Continue reading
No Bake Banana-Peanut Butter Granola Bars
I’ve been on a banana kick lately. I just can’t get enough of them. Does that ever happen to you? I. Crave. Bananas! Banana bread. Vana-rama Smoothie. Banana and Greek Yogurt. So, when I discovered Nothing But Banana, Flattened at … Continue reading
Salmon Sashimi with Ginger and Hot Sesame Oil
Oh, Boy! Have I got a luscious treat for you today. Now, before I get into it, I want you to keep an open mind. I did, and I’m soooooo happy about it. I read just a little tidbit about … Continue reading
Big Al’s Super Secret Special Sauce
C’mon! We all have them, right?! I’m talking about treasured family recipes that the whole family loves so much they make it on the menu of every family get-together. For my family that recipe is Big Al’s Super Secret … Continue reading
Made With Love
Happy Valentine’s Day, Everyone! Mary and I celebrated by spending a few hours decorating Betty Crocker’s Sugar Cookies together (one of our fav things!). It’s not a holiday I feel the need to make a big “to do” about. I … Continue reading
White Center Field Trip – AM Itinerary
Hey, Bourdain! On your recent Layover in Seattle while you tried to answer the question, “Why is Seattle so awesome?” you missed a few things. I’ll just forgive the fact that you dissed on Dave Matthews THREE times, and that … Continue reading
February Giveaway: Food for Thought
I’ve got a refrigerator, freezer and pantry full of food, yet I still find myself running out to the grocery store to get a few ingredients to get dinner on the table. That often makes me feel a little guilty. … Continue reading
Buffalo Chicken Pizzette
It’s almost here: Super Bowl weekend! What’s not to love about a weekend filled with great commercials, spectacular halftime entertainment, football and snack-y food?! Alright, I’ll be honest. It’s really all about the food For some reason, I don’t feel … Continue reading
Mame Mia! Dip
This dip gets it’s creative name from the fun combination of multi-cultural ingredients (edamame and pesto). Get it? I guess this could be considered a “healthier” dip than most (i.e. it’s not a heavy, cream-based dip and the edamame is … Continue reading
Pina Colada
Aloha from Maui! It’s my last day here on Maui. I think I’ll celebrate (?) with a Piña Colada Party at sunset. The truly beautiful thing about Hawaii is that people ALWAYS take time out to enjoy the sunset. It’s … Continue reading
Muhammara Dip
What do you do when you receive an e-mail with the subject line: “Phenomenal!”? In my case, I opened it, read it and promptly saved it to my “Recipes” folder. And, there it sat for a year. I did not … Continue reading
Bob’s Red Mill Hearty Whole Grain Bread Mix
Caroline is gluten- and dairy-intolerant. I am not. But when I needed a quick and filling lunch on-the-go yesterday, she served me the most delicious, hearty, crunchy bread that is both gluten- and dairy-free. Instead of wheat flour, it’s made … Continue reading
Our January Giveaway!
This contest has closed. Congratulations to our winner, Avis Peterson! Happy New Year, Everyone! I hope you’re ready for another fun-filled year with us here at A Passionate Plate. We want to kick off the year right – by getting … Continue reading
Parker House Rolls
Parker House Rolls Print Recipe type: Bread Author: A Passionate Plate Prep time: 1 hour Cook time: 20 mins Total time: 1 hour 20 mins Serves: 8-10 Ingredients 3 cups all-purpose flour 1 cup instant potato flakes 2 tsp. salt … Continue reading
Mushroom Stock
Mushroom Stock Print Recipe type: Soup Author: A Passionate Plate Prep time: 15 mins Cook time: 1 hour Total time: 1 hour 15 mins Serves: 8 Use this stock in the delicious recipe for Mushroom Pot Pies with Parker House … Continue reading
Mayan Chocolate Pudding
The winter solstice starts today and marks the end of the 13th baktun, or cycle, of the Mayan calendar. The hubbub about a calamity supposedly occurring on 12/21/12 comes from a Mayan stone carving made in 700 A.D., which predicts a major … Continue reading
Tallahassee Lassies
A couple of years ago, I was trying out cookie recipes in advance of the busy Christmas season because I needed something REALLY special. I’m sure you know what I mean. There are certain events (i.e. cookie exchanges with serious … Continue reading
Palmiers
Today, I’d like to share with you a lovely blog post by our friend, Margretta. She is a teacher and she has a lovely food blog called miseenplace.us. I was feeling really sad today when I read her latest article … Continue reading
Slow Cooker Tuscan White Bean Soup
Oh, yeah!!! I’m LOVING my new slow-cooker. It’s a lil’ like magic. I’m not lazy, but sometimes I just don’t want to spend an hour in the kitchen getting dinner ready – especially this time of year. There are lights … Continue reading
Frozen Frangos
It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas! So much about this holiday is nostalgia, don’t you think? I was just telling some friends last night that my favorite childhood memories were of the way my family celebrated this holiday … Continue reading
Seattle Fish Company
We thought it was time to share a secret with you. A great place for fish and chips you’ve probably never heard of… unless you live in West Seattle. Come to Seattle! When you do, you should definitely go to … Continue reading
Slow-Cooker Weeknight Chili
People often ask me how Mary and I work together. “Do you have meetings to plan your posts? Do you have everything on a shared calendar? Do you get along?” The answer to all of those is “YES!”. Listen. We’re … Continue reading
Canlis’ Special Salad
Oh, my! I’m soooo disappointed in the way Canlis’ Special Salad was portrayed in last night’s episode of Top Chef: Seattle. First of all, I really did want to get this post done before they filmed at Canlis (but I … Continue reading
And the winner is…
Before I tell you who won our latest “Top Chef Season 10: Seattle” Giveaway, I hope you’ll watch this fun little movie I shot at Seattle’s Pike Place Market today. You’ll see the World Famous Pike Place Fish Market, lots … Continue reading
Turkey Chowder
Well, you had to know this was coming: left-over turkey recipes. Mary made some ah-maz-ing looking Curry Turkey Salad Sliders today and I made Turkey Chowder. As far as I’m concerned, the meal made with the left-overs from Thanksgiving is … Continue reading
Make Ahead Dinner Rolls
Today it occurred to me that Thanksgiving is less than a week away. At first, when I realized that the BIG Turkey Dinner was quickly approaching I got a little lot anxious. You know the feeling: your mind starts whirling, … Continue reading
Thai Curry Butternut Squash Bisque
Our book group met last night. We read Brave New World Revisited (P.S.) and I have to say, that is the kind of book that book groups were created for. It was so controversial, and thought provoking, and a little disturbing … Continue reading
Field Trip: Seattle’s Melrose Market
It’s Top Chef: Seattle Wednesday! Mary and I took a field trip to Seattle’s Melrose Market last week since we hear it’s one of the spots used for filming. We couldn’t believe that neither of us had been there because it … Continue reading
Five Turkey Tips
It’s time to start thinking about Thanksgiving turkey! Since I only cook a full turkey once a year, it does take a little jogging of my memory to remember the steps involved and the timing of those steps that lead … Continue reading
Giveaway – Top Chef Season 10 SEATTLE!
THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED. CONGRATS TO OUR WINNER, Cecily Metzger. What she won: a wonderful assortment of goodies from Market Spice including: Mexican Vanilla, Market Spice Tea, Market Spice Spiced Cider Mix, Market Spice Seafood Seasoning Rub (Salt Free) and a … Continue reading
Roasted Pumpkin Seeds
I forgot to mention pumpkin carving in my last post: Spooky Halloween Treats. No, I didn’t. I was listing the things I like about Halloween, and pumpkin carving is not one of them. I enjoy getting the viral messages with … Continue reading
Spooky Halloween Treats
Urban Legends. Ghost Stories. Haunted Houses. Trick-or-Treat. Costumes. Spooky Halloween Treats. These are all the things I love about Halloween. Do you remember the one about the kidney thieves? or the licked hand? or, my favorite, “aren’t you glad you … Continue reading
Bloody Eyeball Soup
Scar-rrrry! Eyeballs staring up at you from a bowl of rich, red Roasted Tomato Soup. Bloody Eyeball Soup Print Recipe type: Soup Cuisine: Halloween Treat Author: A Passionate Plate Prep time: 1 hour Cook time: 45 mins Total time: … Continue reading
Crooked Witches Fingers
Another easy, tasty, scar-rrrry treat. Simple shape Cheddar Cornmeal Cracker dough into “fingers” and top with an almond. Increase baking time to about 30 minutes since the dough will be thicker. EnJOY!
Eyeball Poppers
This one couldn’t be easier! Simply stuff Peppadew Peppers with cream cheese (I used garden veggie flavor) and top with a sliced green olive stuffed with pimento. Done!
And the winner is…
Thank you to everyone who entered our October best bake sale COOKBOOK Giveaway! Once again, we selected a winner randomly from all of the entries. Congratulations to Sara from the food blog threecleversisters.com who voted for the Almost Black They’re So Cocoa … Continue reading
Touch of Grace Biscuits
Happy Sunday morning! Just look at that lovely pan of Touch of Grace biscuits. Those are not the biscuits you buy in a can (you remember pressing the seam with a spoon and that “P*O*P!” sound the can made, right?!). … Continue reading
Apples – Orchard to Market
I love that we have been offered so many opportunities to connect to the food we eat as “food bloggers”. Most recently, Mary and I were invited to tour Stemilt Growers in Wenatchee, Washington. What I expected was a visit … Continue reading
Ginger Carrot Soup
Fall is in the air! Do you agree? That crisp breeze that gently blows through the trees causing the leaves to rustle and gently fall to the ground. The lower angle of the sun. Sweaters and wool socks beckoning you … Continue reading
best bake sale COOKBOOK Giveaway!
Yipeeeeee! It’s time for another A Passionate Plate Giveaway. This time it’s a wonderful book for a great cause: best bake sale COOKBOOK by Gretchen Holt-Witt. Not only is this book filled with the most amazing sounding recipes and beautiful pictures, … Continue reading
Grilled Black Cod with Cherry Tomato Salsa
Time and time, again, I learn the lesson that the BEST meals come from the best SEASONAL ingredients. And not only does this philosophy result in a lovely meal, but it is typically quicker and healthier since it does not … Continue reading
Shrimp Ceviche
This is my biggest hit of the summer! And, please ~ next year, when I start to complain around mid-June that summer has not arrived in Seattle, remind me that summer stays in Seattle well into September! It’s 80° in … Continue reading
Sriracha and Bacon Deviled Eggs
Mary made me this beautiful and delicious birthday cake for my special day, and I had hoped to return the favor. But, of course, my long-time friend is traveling, again. In addition to being a savvy business woman, terrific chef … Continue reading
CMT Awareness Month and Magic Chocolate Cake
Sometimes, life gives you opportunities to try to make a difference. In this case, it’s also giving me an opportunity to move outside my comfort zone. And, according to this graphic: This is where the magic happens! So, here goes… … Continue reading
Jalapeño Chili Creamed Corn
You know what I get excited about? My Venti Americano every morning. Watching my dog, Charley, field her ball with the skill of a pro baseball player. The view of the sapphire-colored water as we approach to make our landing … Continue reading
Steak Tacos with Pico de Gallo
It’s here! That time of year where we all get back to a schedule. The days get a little more hectic and we find ourselves realizing that planning ahead and getting organized is the key to sanity. Isn’t it funny … Continue reading
Heirloom Tomato Salad
Sometimes, simplicity is the best recipe! Especially when you are working with beautiful, fresh, local ingredients. Check out this fabulous display of tomatoes I found at our local market yesterday: I just couldn’t help myself – I bought just over … Continue reading
Rainbow Birthday Cake
I need to take a break from our Harvest theme to tell you about Ana’s Rainbow Birthday Cake (but don’t forget to enter our latest giveaway!) My niece, Anastasia, recently turned 6. When I asked her what kind of cake … Continue reading
Bread & Butter Pickles
Remember Aunt Jeannie? She’s my sweet great auntie that did her best to consolidate all of Grandma Dorothy’s recipe cards into one, online document before my grandma passed away. Well, once again, I find myself feeling so grateful for this very … Continue reading
Pepper Jelly
Are you new to canning? Do you love the beautiful bounty of brightly colored bell peppers that fill your garden (or become VERY affordable this time of year)? Are you tired of panicking about the perfect hostess gift as you … Continue reading
Happy Birthday, Julia!
“Find something you’re passionate about and keep tremendously interested in it.” – Julia Child Yesterday my mom asked Mary, “What gave you the idea to start A Passionate Plate?” Mary told her it was her way to rekindle her passion … Continue reading
Thai-style Marinated Cucumber Salad
Do you love Thai food as much as I do? I just can’t get enough of it! The flavors are all so fresh. And bold. And healthy (unless I lose control and order that amazing “Crack Chicken” – listed as … Continue reading
National Watermelon Day – Agua Fresca
Happy National Watermelon Day! It’s Seafair Weekend here in Seattle which means: air shows featuring the Navy Blue Angels, hydroplane races on Lake Washington, water balloons, sun screen, cocktails, beer and lots of WATERMELON! Is there anything more refreshing on … Continue reading
Strawberry Ice Cream Shortcake
Here’s another fun (and super-easy) way to enjoy the best of the summer strawberries. Strawberry Ice Cream Shortcake can be made with homemade ice cream. I made mine with Dreyer’s Slow-Churned Ice Cream. It can be made with homemade pound … Continue reading
BBQ Chicken Chopped Salad
I think I’ve mentioned that I’m not a huge fan of left-overs? I just find it boring to eat the same thing over and over, again. But, I’m also not a fan of wasting perfectly good food. Since I’m often … Continue reading
BBQ Spice Rub
BBQ Spice Rub Print Recipe type: Condiments and Sauces Author: A Passionate Plate Use this rub on chicken, pork chops, ribs, steak or fish. Sprinkle the surface of the meat generously with the rub and then mist with olive oil … Continue reading
Corn Dog Bites
A couple of my favorite kids came over for lunch yesterday. Natalie and Kiki were in town for their Irish Step Dance Camp (they recently danced at the Miss Washington pageant), and Justin was along for the ride (and lunch!). … Continue reading
Corn Salsa Salad
Ahhhh…the bounties of summer! Mind you, it really hasn’t felt a whole lot like summer around here (it’s a chilly 64° here in Seattle today), and I don’t have my own garden like Mary does, but we do have a really … Continue reading
Thai Grilled Chicken
I have ALWAYS dreamed of becoming an astronaut! Just one year after I was born, Apollo 11 landed on the moon and Astronauts Armstrong and Aldrin walked on the moon. A few years later, I watched from the beach as … Continue reading
Watermelon and Sweet Onion Salad
Watermelon brings back so many memories from my childhood summers. Beautiful platters of red, white and green triangles dotted with shiny, black seeds. Standing in the sand on the beach eating as many of the juicy slices as I … Continue reading
