Pad Thai Inspired Noodles

When I lived in New York my friend Emily and I would have date night and cook vegetarian dinners. Prior to cooking with Emily, I really had no idea what a vegetarian dinner looked like. I thought maybe, salad? But that can’t be dinner all the time. Anyway we got to be pretty good that one day I got MORE ambitious and while browsing in a bookstore I bought a vegan cookbook. I’ll be honest, veganism seems foreign and impossible to me. I love, love, love cheese.

But this recipe is awesome.

Arroz con Gandules (Rice with Pigeon Beans)

Another Mariel original! Sort of. It’s really my version of a family recipe for this traditional Puerto Rican dish. My family has this dish for every holiday or special event. This past Thanksgiving, Ryan and I hosted for his family and I insisted that I had to make this dish. As I was simultaneously watching the turkey, potatoes, veggies, I had Ryan on the phone with my mom confirming that I was making the rice correctly. I was nervous, I wanted to have this staple dish and impress my in-laws. When the rice was done I opened the pot and steam flew in my face. It smelled delicious and looked right. And then, I tasted it AND IT WAS RIGHT! I literally danced in the kitchen that it tasted just like it always had throughout my childhood. Since then I’ve made this dish for my own parents (who were thoroughly impressed) and for friends. It seems sort of complex, and making rice in a pot can be daunting, but it’s actually pretty straightforward and not-very messy. It’s a great side to have for dinner after work or to wow dinner guests.

Pan-Seared Steak Marinated in a Spicy Soy Sauce

When I made – and promptly ate – this dish, I wasn’t thinking about the blog so as a result the pictures aren’t that good. Sorry. I’m not the best photographer and then I wasn’t paying attention to food aesthetics. But, this marinade was so good I had to share it. It has excellent, bold flavor that I haven’t often been able to get when I’ve made steak in the past.

If you’re not a fan of spicy this might not be the recipe for you. It’s not very spicy in the way of hot wings. Instead, it leaves a pleasant tingly feeling on the lips and mouth after each bit. It’s a nice after effect.

Tex-Mex Stuffed Peppers

When I think of a new recipe to make for dinner, I want it to be something that 1.) helps get us to eat our veggies 2.) is something Ryan will like and 3.) is sort of fancy but not too hard to do after work. This recipe was a great choice. It’s delicious, not too complicated, and looks impressive on the table if you serve it to guests.