cooking ala mel

healthy recipes and the occasional craft

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Chipotle Hummus

Lately, I’ve been putting hummus on absolutely everything.  It’s great with veggies and crackers (the usual suspects), fantastic on sandwiches, and it’s even good mixed in with quinoa as the “sauce.”  I think I might try it mixed into my favorite mac and cheese next!

Chipotle Hummus | cooking ala mel

This time, I made chipotle hummus for a bit of a smoky kick.  It’s easy to control the heat in this recipe by varying the amount of chipotle peppers you use, so if you aren’t a fan of spicy things, you can still enjoy this hummus with the flavor from the peppers.

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Mexican Chicken Quinoa Casserole

I’ve been reading, reading, reading, pretty much all the time since about Wednesday of last week.  Today I took a break to go shopping and stock up on groceries and kitty supplies before classes start again next week, and oh.  my.  COLD.  It took me about 2 hours to thaw out once I got back in (we’re back in the single digits with a negative windchill).  I may or may not be wearing fingerless mittens right now.  I’m definitely not planning on taking any other silly breaks from reading like the one today, unless it means turning on the oven.  And oh, it will mean that before the week is out, that’s for sure!

Mexican Quinoa Chicken Casserole | cooking ala mel

With how cold it is outside again, I needed something super filling and warming.  This casserole really hit the spot, AND it’s healthier than your usual casserole dish.  Greek yogurt makes it creamy, and it’s fullll of protein with the quinoa, chicken, and black beans (and the yogurt, too). [Read more…]

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten Free)

This year, I have an extra long winter break due to my university starting an intersession between the fall and spring semesters.  I have one full week of break left, and I’m trying to make the most of it before the hectic spring semester begins.  I’ve been taking advantage of being able to sleep in, stay up late and read (or watch) anything I want to.  I’ve read 4 books over the past few days, and I’m nowhere near done!  The apartment is getting some much needed organizing, as well.

Double Chocolate Chip Cookies (Gluten Free) | cooking ala mel

For my sister’s cookie party this year, she made chocolate monster cookies, and they were by far my favorite cookie of all the ones we tried (and there were a lot of good cookies).  I’m a sucker for chocolate, that’s for sure.  I didn’t bring any cookies back to Buffalo with me, and I was kind of kicking myself for that as I immediately got a craving for her chocolatey cookies soon after getting back.