Category Archives: Recipe Experimentation

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Herbed Goat Cheese and Prosciutto Wrapped Grissini’s

Posted on April 26, 2012 | 2 Comments

Last night the final 6 Idols sang songs from the legendary band Queen, plus a tune of their choice. Since Freddie Mercury was quite the fan of Indian food, I kicked off last night’s performance round with some Spicy Indian Kebabs with a Masala Dipping Sauce. Tonight, a rich appetizer and bubbling toast to the legendary rock band.

For tonight’s recipe I reached out to one of the best cooks I know, my best friend. Back in college, whether it was a late night post “studying” snack or mid morning breakfast, she knew how to hook a roommate up. So here’s to Melanie and her inspired appetizer dish!

Check out tonight’s recipe, featured on Yahoo! Music’s Reality Rocks blog, HERE!

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Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Indian Spiced Kebabs in a Spicy Masala Sauce

Posted on April 25, 2012 | Leave a comment

The top 6 are performing on American Idol so in honor of tonight’s theme I’ve cooked a “Queen” inspired dish for Yahoo! Music editor Lyndsey Parker and her Reality Rocks blog. Apparently the British front-man, Freddie Mercury, loved Indian cuisine so I came up with a spicy and delicious snack in his honor!

One of my favorite Indian (some argue it’s more English) dishes is Chicken Tikka Masala. Cooks Illustrated has an amazing recipe for  the popular entree so I’ve used a version of their Masala sauce as the foundation for my dish. The rub for the chicken turned out way better then I expected. I have a multitude of Indian spices tucked away in my spice drawer so I thought, what the hell, I’ll let my nose guide me…and it worked!

Word to the wise, if you don’t remove the seeds from the Serrano it is VERY spicy, but if you’re in to burning your face off like I am, I would leave them in.

Check out tonight’s recipe on Reality Rocks HERE!

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Soy Lime Marinated Chicken with Balsamic Corn Relish

Posted on April 21, 2012 | 3 Comments

I made this chicken recipe the other night and had to share it with you guys. I’m not really sure where the recipe originated but it was passed on to me by my brother. I made a few changes of my own and it turned out absolutely delicious. The balsamic vinegar in the corn relish pairs beautifully with the soy lime marinated chicken and cilantro rice.

I didn’t plan on documenting this meal so I don’t have pics for every step, but once I starting smelling all of the amazing flavors in the dish I had to post it.

Give it a whirl. It’s healthy, easy and delicious!

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Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Citrus Ceviche in Mini Fillo Shells

Posted on April 19, 2012 | 2 Comments

Last night on American Idol the top 7 had a Redux and I was serving up a “Redo” of a classic snack with my Nacho Popcorn. For tonight’s results show and the theme, Then and Now, I decided to take a classic seafood dish and add a little twist.

I didn’t get the chance to check out all of the performances, just those from leading ladies Hollie, Elise, and of course Jessica. I thought all three gave strong performances but my girl Jessica blew it out the park. She has depth and soul to her voice that you absolutely would not expect just by looking at her. Absolutely amazing.

Who do you think will be sent home tonight? Let me know in the comments below.

Check out tonight’s recipe on Lyndsey Parker’s Reality Rocks blog HERE!

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Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Nacho Popcorn

Posted on April 18, 2012 | Leave a comment

The past week has been one of those non-stop, no time to be stressed out, coffee chugging type of weeks. From 5 year old birthday parties in San Antonio to full time jobs and full time hobbies…I needed a snack I could literally make in under 15 minutes.

This week on American Idol the top 7 (redux) will be singing songs from “Then and Now”, and I’m cooking up snacks for Yahoo! Music’s Lyndsey Parker and her Reality Rocks blog. Tonight’s recipe is a classic snack (then) with a modern twist (now). My only comment from last week’s results show is….Jessica Sanchez….REALLY??

I have to apologize for the low quality pics this week. I didn’t have the Nikon camera with me in San Antonio so the old reliable point and shoot had to work. This recipe turned out insanely  delicious and it took everything for me not to eat the entire bowl by myself.

Check out tonight’s recipe on Reality Rocks HERE!

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Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Stuffed Mini Bell Peppers

Posted on April 12, 2012 | 2 Comments

Last night the remaining 7 Idol contestants sang songs from the last decade. My question is, why haven’t they been doing this the entire time?? I actually listened to the contestants and asked myself, would I buy their album. Watching a teenager sing songs from the 50′s, 60′s, etc does nothing for me in regards to thinking about them beyond the Idol stage.

With that said nobody really blew me away. There were no bombed performances by any means but nobody gave me goosies either (yes I’m channeling my inner JLo). Jessica and Elise were my favorites of the night by far.

On to the food…

Since the contestants were singing modern songs I’ve been cooking up fun, current snacks for Lyndsey Parker and her Reality  Rocks blog. I was trying to find some inspiration for tonight’s recipe and saw the most beautiful, adorable bag of mini bell peppers at the store. I’ve been completely obsessed with red bell peppers lately and couldn’t resist. They’re sweet with just a hint of spice and perfect for a light dinner or appetizer.

Check out tonight’s recipe featured on Yahoo! Music HERE!

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Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Baked Zucchini Chips with Green Goddess Dipping Sauce

Posted on April 11, 2012 | Leave a comment

This week’s theme on American Idol is Songs From This Decade. Ummm yeah, for some reason this really stumped me. All I could think about was gluten free everything and Iron Chef. I was a little afraid (or lazy) to tackle gluten free and honestly the “modern” stuff they do on Iron Chef is light years beyond anything I can do.

So when I was coming up with tonight’s recipe for Yahoo! blogger Lyndsey Parker and her Reality Rocks blog, I was thinking quick, simple, healthy, and fun! Fried zucchini sticks are one of my favorite snacks but since Weight Watchers is putting a serious damper on my fried foodie tendencies right now, I came up with an alternative.

Happy Eating!

Check out tonight’s recipe featured on Reality Rocks HERE!

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Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Lemony Pasta Salad

Posted on April 5, 2012 | Leave a comment

Hair metal, parachute  pants…..and pasta salad? Yes pasta salad was huge in the 80′s. That fun colorful fusilli wrapped in herbs and whatever else mom had on hand that day. So for tonight’s Top 8 result’s show on American Idol I’m whipping up (literally) the quickest recipe I’ve done to date. And I get an excuse to use up some extra veggies sitting in the fridge.

I didn’t watch last night’s episode but from the recaps I’ve been reading the song list seemed a little weak. As my friend Lyndsey Parker said, how do you have an 80′s night without Depeche Mode or Duran Duran. Blasphemy.

Did you watch? Who was your favorite?

Give this recipe a try. It’s easy, flavorful and delicious. Don’t forget to check out tonight’s dish on Reality Rocks HERE!

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Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Wonton Pizza Bites

Posted on April 4, 2012 | 2 Comments

Everything seems to make its way  back around, especially the 80′s. No matter how much I wanted the decade of acid washed jeans and New Kids on the Block to remain in my rear view mirror forever, alas, it’s back. But like most reincarnations the heart and soul is in tact, but with a little different look.

So in honor of tonight’s 80′s themed American Idol episode I’m doing a little recreating of my own. As an 80′s baby one of my favorite after school snacks was pizza bites. I had some extra wonton wrappers left over from my Lasagna Cups recipe so I thought I would make a healthier version of the old school classic.

Tonight’s recipe is featured on Lyndsey Parker’s Reality Rocks blog. Check it out HERE!

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Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Guacamole Salad

Posted on March 29, 2012 | Leave a comment

You know that moment when you see yourself about to do something that not only you’ll regret, but it’s like you see yourself in slow motion, doing it, yet you do nothing to stop it. It was like I was having an out of body experience when I decided to not just sprinkle, but DUMP chile powder and cumin all over my beautiful green guacamole. As soon as I did it my heart stopped as I watched it turn from a beautiful shade of green to putrid brown. FAIL!

Don’t worry, I didn’t make that mistake while writing this recipe. You can sprinkle in the small amount of spices into your guac with confidence that you will not defile it like I did. Of course I still ate it, and it was quite good, but it was like having a bite of guac with a pound of spices. I will definitely NOT be making that mistake again.

Moving on…

This week I’m cooking up recipes from my culinary inspirations in honor of the top 9 American Idol contestants singing songs from their idols. All year long I’ve been providing tasty (catastrophe aside you can eat this with confidence) treats for Lyndsey Parker and her Reality Rocks blog. Last night i took some inspiration from Mario Batali with my Lasagna Cups with Spicy Ground Turkey. Tonight, I’m taking a cue from my ultimate culinary Idol, Bobby Flay.

Bobby Flay just speaks my language. Peppers – check! Spices – check! Southwest cuisine – my fuel! So for this recipe it was a no brainer. My favorite snack besides chips and salsa combined with some sauteed peppers and crispy romaine. Damn I’m hungry again.

Check out tonight’s feature on Reality Rocks HERE!

Happy Eating!

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