cooking ala mel

healthy recipes and the occasional craft

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Chocolate Chai Cut-Out Cookies

Next weekend is the 50th anniversary of Doctor Who!  To say I’m excited is a complete understatement.  I’ve been gearing up for this moment for a long, long time.  I originally wanted to make a TARDIS cake, but that sounded a bit too complicated for how much time I’ve had lately (that is, very little).  I decided on some delicious cut-out cookies instead.  TARDIS cookies!!

This post is going to be mostly pictures… because TARDIS cookies!  But these are super simple to make, and you don’t even need to frost them (although you can if you want).  They’re cookies that stand well on their own but are best with a cuppa (in true British style to go along with Doctor Who).  I adapted a recipe for chai cut-out cookies that my sister always makes into chocolate.  Because chocolate is always better!

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Buckwheat Corn Muffins (Gluten Free)

It’s officially cold here in Buffalo.  That means I want soup.. all. the. time, which I’m sure you’ve noticed.  And lots and lots of tea.  One of my favorite pairings for a nice spicy, warming bowl of soup is cornbread muffins!  I served these up with some chipotle black bean soup (which I am still perfecting and will share with you once I’ve gotten it figured out – I almost failed horribly my first run-through).

I’ve been a bit slow in posting this week, because, well.. we got a new kitten, and you better believe I’ve been playing with him (and the other two kitties) any free chance I get.  And making sure they don’t attack each other.  All are getting along splendidly now, except for a few choice hisses from Nymeria when she’s a little tired and cranky.  Anyway, meet our new fluffy guy, Morty!  Be sure to follow me on Instagram if you want to see lots of kitten pictures.. he is such a little ham [Read more…]

Miso Soba Noodle Soup

With Alex traveling for the week, I wanted something quick that I could heat up for lunch and/or dinner.  It never makes much sense to cook up a big meal for just me, anyway.  I cooked up a big pot of this soup on Sunday, and I’ve been eating it all week long.  Warm and comforting without being heavy.  Just what I needed!!

Whenever we go out for sushi, I always love the miso soup.  I was really craving it, but I wanted it to be more substantial, so I found a lovely recipe for a miso soup with soba noodles – something I actually had in the pantry!  I adapted it to fit all of the ingredients I had on hand, and I was so pleased with the results.  It satisfied that craving for miso soup, and it was enough for an entire meal with the noodles, tofu, mushrooms, and spinach!