Tag Archives: Reality Rocks

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers Returns January 16th!

January 6, 2013 By in Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , , , , 1 Comment

2012 ended with a bang and things haven’t slowed down yet since my final recipe posted on Lyndsey Parker’s Reality Rocks blog last May. Things definitely look different since I made my appearance on American Idol back in Season 10. New judges, new talent and of course, new recipes!

To commemorate my return to cooking (yes I know…I have seriously been slacking on my food posts) I thought I would post my top 5 favorite snacks from last season’s Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers. So get your taste buds ready for a new season of tasty nosh!

What kind of snacks do you want me to recreate for the Season 12 American Idol season?

Toasted Ravioli with Marinara Dipping Sauce

Toasted Ravioli with Marinara

Lasagna Cups with Spicy Ground Turkey

Lasagna Cups with Spicy Ground Turkey

Sausage Pinwheels

Sausage Pinwheels

Wonton Pizza Bites

Wonton Pizza Bites

Taco Packets with Avocado Cream

Taco Packets with Avocado Cream

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Grilled Peaches with Vanilla Almond Whipped Cream

May 23, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , Leave a comment

As promised, here’s today’s second recipe in honor of tonight’s American Idol finale. I wouldn’t consider myself much of a baker. Actually I never bake anything, but I have a major sweet tooth. One thing I do love to make is whipped cream!

It’s peach season in Texas, and what goes better with peaches then whipped cream. Actually ice cream probably does but I had to set some limits somewhere. This is a pretty brainless recipe but sometimes those are my favorite kinds.

Check out today’s (and yesterdays) recipes on Lyndsey Parker’s Reality Rocks blog HERE!

Ingredients

Serves 4

  • 4 peaches, slightly ripe
  • 1 cup heavy whipping cream
  • 1 cup confectioners sugar
  • 1/2 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1/2 tsp almond extract
  • 1 tsp cinnamon
  • Honey
  • Zest from one lime

Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium high heat. Spray with cooking spray to prevent sticking. Slice the peaches in half.

Grill, skin side down, for 4-5 minutes.

While the peaches are grilling pour the whipping cream in a large mixer, make sure the bowl and whisk are ice cold, and mix until stiff peaks are about to form.

Add the sugar, vanilla and almond extract.

Continue to blend until still peaks form.

Make sure you don’t over whip the mixture or it will turn into a buttery consistency.

Remove the peaches from the grill.

Slice into wedges, around the pit.

Put the slices from two halves in a small ramekin. Sprinkle with the cinnamon.

Drizzle with a bit of honey.

Top with a spoonful of whipped cream and sprinkle with the lime zest.

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Avocado and Tuna Sandwich Bites

May 23, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

In honor of tonight’s finale on American Idol I’m posting two recipes today. Last night I combined two of my favorite things, sour cream and pesto, for the aptly named snack, Sour Cream Pesto Crackers. For today’s recipes I’m throwing in another quick snack and something sweet.

Avocados are amazing this time of year so I try to squeeze them in as many recipes as possible. I’m still holding on to the “good fat” rule on these so I don’t feel bad throwing them in to sandwiches, salads, anything Mexican food related, etc etc.

So for my first recipe I’m playing around with canned tuna and creamy avocado.  If you want to go light on the mayo feel free. The creaminess of the avocado prevents the sandwiches from being too dry.

Check out today’s recipes on Yahoo! Music’s Reality Rocks blog by the fabulous Lyndsey Parker, HERE!

Ingredients

Yields 24 Sandwich Bites

  • 2 (5oz) cans chunk light tuna in water, drained
  • 1/4 cup reduced fat mayonnaise
  • 1/2 tsp fresh thyme, finally chopped
  • 1 tsp kosher salt and pepper, divided
  • 1 large avocado
  • 1/2 tsp fresh lime juice
  • 6 slices sour dough bread

Mix the tuna, mayo, and thyme together in a small bowl.

Season with 1/4 tsp of kosher salt and pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

In a small bowl mash together the avocado, lime juice and remaining salt and pepper.

Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Using a serrated knife cut the crust from the bread.

Spread a heaping spoonful of the tuna mixture onto a piece of bread.

Top with the avocado.

Top with another piece of bread and cut into quarters.

Side note: If tuna isn’t your thing swap out with your favorite chicken salad. Try my recipe here!

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Sour Cream Pesto Crackers

May 22, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Another year has passed and another musical hopeful is about to be crowned Season 11’s next American Idol. Last year I had the amazing opportunity to make it to Hollywood and sing for the trifecta of judges. It was an eye opening, exciting, and growing experience. Because of my screen time Lyndsey Parker, Music Editor of Yahoo! Music, invited me to guest blog during the rest of the season and provide themed recipes every week. Apparently my food didn’t suck that bad because she had me back this year!

Over the last few years I’ve definitely learned A LOT about food and writing my own recipes. I also got a new camera so the pics are leaps and bounds better then last year. So for this week’s finale I’ve come up with three recipes for the two night event. Head over the Lyndsey’s Blog, Reality Rocks, to view all three recipes or wait until tomorrow to get the final two right here!

What have been your favorite Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers recipes this season? Let me know in the comments field below.

Check out all three finale recipes HERE!

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ cup fresh basil leaves, divided
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/3 cup shredded parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp pine nuts
  • 1 large garlic clove
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced (around 1 tbsp)
  • 1/4 tsp Kosher Salt and cracked black pepper
  • 1 tsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 20 table water crackers
  • 1 red pepper (cayenne, Serrano or jalapeno), thinly sliced

Combine a cup of basil and the next 6 ingredients, through the salt and pepper, in a food processor.

Pour the olive oil through the spout while blending.

Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly.

Fill a piping bag with the pesto mixture. If you don’t have a piping bag pour into a zip lock bag and snip the bottom corner.

Pour a dollop of the mixture on top of each cracker.

Chiffonade the remaining ¼ cup of basil.

Sprinkle a few of the basil ribbons on top of each cracker.

Top with a slice of red pepper.

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Barbeque Steak Sliders

May 17, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Tonight is results night on American Idol and we’re one week away from the season 11 finale. I’ll be doing things a little differently next week so make sure you check back on Tuesday for my finale grub!

To keep the “homecoming” theme going I decided to go with an obvious choice in Texas cuisine, barbeque. These little suckers turned out delicious! I ended up just sitting over the dutch oven eating the cabbage with a fork…thank you butter, you complete me!

The barbeque sauce is an ode to my grandfathers famous recipe. It didn’t turn out exactly like his because well, he would probably have to kill me if he gave it to me, but this was equally tasty. It a little less sweet then traditional BBQ sauce but it pairs beautifully with the Chianti soaked cabbage. Okay I’m hungry, make it, you will be happy!

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

Ingredients

Cabbage Slaw

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 2 small sweet onions, vidalia or yellow, sliced
  • 1/2 head red cabbage, sliced
  • 1/4 cup red wine, chianti
  • salt and pepper
BBQ Sauce


  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tbsp light brown sugar
  • 1 tsp barbeque seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp onion powder
Sliders


  • 1 lb marinated flank steak (I used Peppercorn marinated)
  • 6 whole wheat rolls

Heat the butter in a large dutch oven over medium high heat.

Saute the onions until tender.

Add the cabbage.

Cook for 3-4 minutes until slightly tender. Season with salt and pepper and add the wine. Reduce the heat to medium low and cook until the cabbage is tender, stirring occasionally.

While the cabbage cooks mix together the ketchup and next 4 ingredients, through the onion powder, in a medium bowl.

Set aside.

Heat an outdoor grill or indoor grill pan over medium high heat and spray with cooking spray. Add the steak and grill for 2 minutes on each side for medium rare and 3 minutes or medium.

Remove from the heat and rest. While the meat is resting slice the rolls and heat on the grill for 1-2 minutes.

Once the meat has rested for 3-4 minutes slice into thin pieces.

To assemble top the rolls with the meat.

Drizzle with the barbecue sauce.

Finish off with the cabbage mixture.

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Queso Bites

May 16, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , , , 3 Comments

First things first, I LOVE VEGAS!!! I just got back from my first trip to Sin City last night and had an amazing time with my girlfriends. I will definitely be posting some pics from the trip soon.

This week is so crazy so I needed a quick snack for tonight’s Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers. The final three contestants are visiting their hometown’s tonight on American Idol so in honor of my hometown I’m going for quick, easy, and of course, Mexican Food.

You can’t go out to eat in Dallas without seeing Queso on the menu. It’s a must have snack and the epitome of comfort food in my opinion. Velveeta is perfect for making these cheese bites because they slightly congeal (yay processed cheese) after sitting for a few minutes. Make it…your taste buds will thank you!

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

Ingredients

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 cup yellow onion, diced
  • 1/4 cup red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 tbsp jalapeno, seeded and minced
  • 1/4 pd lean ground sirloin
  • 1 tsp chile powder
  • 1/2 tsp cumin
  • 1 can original rotel
  • 1 pd original velveeta cheese (small brick), cubed
  • bag of tostitos scoops
  • 1 tbsp cilantro, minced

Heat the oil over medium high heat in a large dutch oven.

Saute the onion

Red bell pepper

and jalapeno until tender.

Add the sirloin, chile powder and cumin and saute until the meat is cook through.

Reduce the heat to medium and stir in the Rotel and cheese.

Stirring frequently cook until the cheese is completely melted and smooth. Assemble the tortilla chips.

Scoop some queso into the scoops.

Sprinkle with the cilantro.

Let them sit for 2-3 minutes. The cheese will congeal slightly making them into little cheese bites. Serve on a large platter.

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Veggie Kebabs in a Balsamic Glaze

May 10, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , , 4 Comments

Last night the remaining 4 contestants on American Idol sang songs from the great state of California and songs “they wish they had written”. Does anybody else think Phillip Phillips is a mini Dave Matthews (enter sarcasm here)?? No  but seriously, the guy is definitely talented but I feel like I’m staring at a carbon copy from about 20 years ago. On another note Joshua and Jessica were amazing as usual. They definitely deserve to be in the finale.

The season is winding down and so is Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers but don’t worry, I’ll be experimenting in the kitchen all year long. For tonight’s recipe I’m carrying on the California vibe with some tasty Veggie Kebabs. It’s about to be swimsuit season so why not munch on something healthy and delicious.

Check out tonight’s recipe on Reality Rocks HERE!

Ingredients

  • 8 cremini mushrooms, stems removed
  • 1 squash, 8 1″ pieces
  • 1 zucchini, 8 1″ pieces
  • 1/4 red onion, 8 circular cuts
  • 1 red bell pepper, 8 circular cuts
  • olive oil
  • salt and pepper
  • 8 small mozzarella balls
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 shallot, minced
  • 1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
  • 8 wooden skewers

To assemble the veggies remove the stems from the mushrooms.

Slice the squash and zucchini into 1″ circular cuts.

Using a 1″ cutter make 8 round cuts for the bell pepper and onion.

If you don’t want to make the circles, just cut the veggies into bite size chunks.

Heat an outdoor grill or inside grill pan to medium high. If you’re using an outdoor grill soak the skewers in water for 15-20 minutes. Skewer the veggies starting with a mushroom, squash, zucchini, onion, then top with the bell pepper.

Brush with the olive oil.

Grill until the veggies are tender with a nice bite, rotating until you get those beautiful grill marks all the way around.

While the skewers are grilling heat the butter in a saucepan over medium high heat. Saute the shallot until softened.

Reduce the heat to medium low and add the balsamic vinegar.

Cook until slightly thickened and reduced.

Remove the skewers and season with salt and pepper.

Place a mozzarella ball at the end of each.

Place on a large platter and top with the balsamic glaze.

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Avocado Tortilla Roll-Ups

May 9, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , , 2 Comments

The top 4 are singing songs from the Golden State tonight on American Idol so I thought I  would do something easy and healthy(ish). After last week’s culinary brit invasion I needed something simple and quick. When I think California I think about the beach, beautiful people, and keeping your waste line  in check. So what better snack is there then some creamy avocado wrapped in a whole wheat flour tortilla. Of course I had to add some cheese and sour cream to make it that much better (I told you healthyish)!

There’s only a few weeks left until the finale but you can still check out my recipes on Yahoo Music’s own, Lyndsey Parker, and her Reality Rocks blog! Okay, sales pitch over, make this shiz…it’s super tasty!

Check out tonight’s recipe feature HERE!

Ingredients

  • 1 large avocado
  • 1/4 cup light sour cream
  • 1/2 lime, juiced
  • 1/4 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/4 tsp chile powder
  • 1 tsp jalapeno, finely chopped
  • 6 whole wheat tortillas, or 3 super sized tortillas
  • 1 cup colby cheddar cheese blend, shredded
  • 1/2 cup loosely packed cilantro, rough chop
  • Cholula chili garlic hot sauce

Make sure you get some perfectly ripe avocados.

In a large bowl mix together the avocado and next 5 ingredients, through the chile powder.

Add the jalapeno.

Mix until smooth.

Smear the avocado mixture onto the tortilla leaving a small border.

Sprinkle with the cheese.

Sprinkle with the cilantro.

Drizzle with the hot sauce.

Roll the tortilla up.

Repeat with the remaining 5 tortillas. Place in the fridge until ready to serve.

Cut the chilled tortilla rolls with a serrated knife into 1″ pin-rolls.

Bon Appétit!

Snackin’ with Sarah Sellers: Fish Bites with French Fries & Summer Slaw

May 3, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , , 3 Comments

Last night was 60’s/Britpop night for the remaining 5 contestants on American Idol so I decided to cook up a hodgepodge of traditional pub grub (think Bangers and Mash and Shepards Pie), for Lyndsey Parker’s Reality Rocks blog. I’m keeping the English theme going for tonight’s recipe with a take on (in my opinion) the most popular dish to come from across the pond.

One of the fondest memories of my trip to England when I was a kid was sitting on a park bench with a grease soaked newspaper, filled with crispy cod and beautifully fried chips (french fries to us here in the states). That moment I now blame for my obsession with deep fried potatoes, flaky white fish and tangy fried fish dips –  i.e. tartar sauce, malt vinegar and of course, cocktail sauce.

So tonight, I’m busting out the Canola Oil and filling up the dutch oven. Time to fry some sh**!!

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

Ingredients

Slaw

  • 1/4 head red cabbage (around 1 cup), thinly sliced
  • 1/4 head green cabbage (around 1 cup), thinly sliced
  • 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
  • 1 mini red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 mini yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 mini orange bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 avocado, sliced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt and pepper
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 2.5 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • pinch of sugar

Fish and Fries

  • 1 12oz can shiner bock
  • 2 cups flour
  • 1 tbsp old bay seasoning
  • canola oil for frying
  • 2 russet potatoes, cut into steak fries
  • 1 pd cod, cut into 1/2 inch chunks
  • kosher salt and pepper
  • cocktail sauce for dipping

Preheat oven to 225 degrees.

Soak the cut potatoes in a large bowl of cold water.

To make the slaw combine the red cabbage and the next 8 ingredients, through the lemon zest, in a large bowl.

In a small bowl whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil and dash of sugar. Season with a dash of salt and pepper.

Pour over the slaw mixture and mix until well combined.

Taste and adjust seasoning accordingly. Keep in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

In a large bowl whisk the shiner bock, 1.5 cups of the flour and the old bay until smooth.

The batter shouldn’t be too runny, but make sure it’s not too heavy for the fish.

Chill in the fridge until ready to use.

Fill a large dutch oven with the canola oil around 2 inches from the bottom (roughly 3 cups). Using a candy thermometer heat the oil to 375 degrees. Drain the potatoes and make sure to thoroughly dry them. Fry the potatoes in badges.

Fry until golden brown.

Remove from the oil and place on a cooking sheet lined with paper towels. Season with salt and pepper.

Keep warm in the oven.

Season the remaining 1/2 cup of flour with salt and pepper. Working in batches dip the fish in the beer batter, shaking off any access batter.

Dredge in the flour.

Drop in the hot oil (using a slotted scoop) and fry until golden brown.

Put the fish on a paper towel to drain access oil.

To serve make little cones out of parchment paper and place in highball glasses. Fill with the slaw, a few french fries and 4-5 nuggets of fish.

The perfect bite: a giant fork, some slaw, a piece of fish, and dip it into your favorite cocktail sauce!

Bon Appétit!

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

April 26, 2012 By in Recipe Experimentation, Snackin' with Sarah Sellers Tags: , , , , , , , , 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!

8 Servings

Ingredients

  • 1/4 pd prosciutto , thinly sliced
  • 2 oz fresh goat cheese
  • 1 tbsp fresh thyme, finely chopped
  • 16 Grissini Breadsticks
  • Bottle of your favorite champagne/sparkling wine for toasting

To assemble the breadsticks set up a mini assembly line. Start with the Prosciutto, followed by the goat cheese, thyme, then the Grissini.

Using a butter knife smear a small amount of goat cheese on each piece of Prosciutto.

Sprinkle with the thyme.

Place two Grissinis, starting at the top, on the prosciutto…

Wrap around until sealed.

Sprinkle the breadsticks with the remaining thyme and serve with a cold glass of bubbly.

Sparkling wine pairs beautifully with rich food, especially cheese. For tonight’s recipe I went with Crémant De Bourgogne from the Burgandy region in France. It wasn’t too dry or too sweet, it paired beautifully with the rich proscuitto and goat cheese.

Bon Appétit!