Tag Archives: comfort food

{first diy reuben sammy}

4 Apr

well i’m just full of firsts in 2024! especially in the kitchen!

recently, i randomly decided to make my own reuben sandwich at home. it is most certainly my all-time favourite sammy! there was a glorious place in denver called masterpiece delicatessen and they made THE BEST reuben sandwich! {recently found out they closed, bummer!} and since then, i’ve been trying to find a place that creates one in the same way… alas – to no avail, i have yet to.

BUT! – as usual, when i can’t find what i want, i try to make it myself. and i feel like i was able to artfully recreate this specialty in my own kitchen, and i must’ve eaten one every day for like a week – haha!

complete with homemade russian-style {aka thousand island} dressing and homemade saurkraut! 🙂

this totally hit the spot… perfectly toasted marble rye bread, superbly savory pastrami {sliced thin and stacked high, of course}, delightfully melty swiss cheese, crunchy and punchy {and gut-healthy} sauerkraut, and slightly sweet tangy russian dressing… *chef’s kiss*

what’s there not to love?!


nom nom!

{(not-the-first) homemade maryland crab soup}

7 Mar

i am undoubtedly a marylander in this one particular way… i could unabashedly eat crabs almost every day!

{also, i’m a poet and didn’t know it} 

okay, maybe not every day, but like… all the time.

if you know you know… in that, maryland is known for their blue crabs… caught fresh off the chesapeake bay and steamed in savory spices like old bay or JO and a bit of local beer… served piping hot with corn, potatoes, and sometimes hush puppies.

but also, recreated in a simple vegetable soup… which freezes comfortably and easily.

so, that’s what i did last summer… bought a bunch of steamed maryland blue crabs… hand-picked them all… saved (most) of the meat… added it to my homemade soup recipe… and froze it…

and NOW! i get to enjoy it in the colder months… share it with friends and family… and reap the benefits of my patience, self-control, and overall appreciation for homemade preserved food…

i sometimes also make a cream-of-crab soup/dip and i’ll mix the two… this picture/recipe below is classic maryland crab soup with a tomato base. my favourite preference for sure.

audrey michelle’s homemade maryland blue crab soup :

  • 28 oz. crushed tomatoes of choice
  • 32 oz. chicken and/or veggie/seafood stock
  • 1 can light beer (yuengling is my choice)
  • carrot
  • celery
  • onion
  • garlic
  • corn
  • potatoes
  • cabbage
  • green beans
  • tomatoes
  • fresh lemon
  • OLD BAY!!!
  • S&P to taste
  • 1 pound crab meat (or as much as you want!)

typically, i build my soup in “layers” – starting with sautéing the mirepoix mix in a little olive oil and/or butter… splashing some white wine in the pan, then adding the broth… next, the canned tomatoes (or blending a little of both and then adding to the pot)… then, depending on if you are using fresh or canned veggies – add those in layers also… if fresh – start with potatoes and a little crab meat… then add in green beans, cabbage, corn, potatoes, tomatoes, and lastly tomatoes… add old bay to your preferred taste, S&P, and finish with more crab meat. i like to layer in my crab meat for flavour but also because the meat will break down and “shred” as it’s cooked… therefore, the final step for me is to add in crab meat at the very end while it’s cooling (whether or not i’m freezing or serving immediately) and then i also serve it with a fresh jumbo chunk on top and a sprinkle of fresh parsley, squeeze of lemon, and more old bay.

this is hands-down my favourite soup of all time. have you ever had it?!


NOM NOM !!!

{inspired by : stracciatella}

1 Oct

this simplistically yummy soup was inspired by the same instagram account i mentioned in a previous post {see recipe here} which i stumbled onto one night while scrolling and searching for recipe inspiration. i had never heard of this dish, but then i did some research and found out that it is derived from roman culture and the word stracciatella actually translates to “little rags” – which i think is both adorable and poignant. it was created to use up kitchen scraps… as {in my humble opinion} some of the best meals always are!

this soup is so simple and easy to make. the chicken stock is the most time-consuming part of this recipe. sure, you can buy it… but homemade is best! in my kitchen, i tend to make chicken stock about once a week. i use it for everything and i sip on the bone broth a lot during cold winter months and/or freeze or can it for future use. and now that we are officially in the autumn season, and the weather is cooling down, i am truly enjoying this soup even more. although, i tend to enjoy soup year round.

as you know, we appreciate simplicity around here at food and foto. quality in = quality out. simple, healthy, clean ingredients lay the foundation and make for the most enjoyable meals.

this is one of my new favourite soups! so soothing, so comforting, so simple, and so delicious.

  • 8-12 oz chicken stock
  • 1-2 eggs, beaten
  • 1/4 cup parmigiana reggiana
  • 1/4-1/2 cup fresh spinach
  • S&P to taste
  • parsley, optional

a crumbled up parmigiano reggiano swirl via stovetop sauté pan – also optional. {but adds some great flavour and crunch!}

method :

heat stock on medium to high and wilt in spinach. drop in the egg{s}. stir in grated cheese and season as desired.


#sipsip #nomnom

{before & after}

24 Jul

chixpasta-1chixpasta-2

simple pasta w/ chix & veg

fusilli, roasted chicken, caramelized onions, green peppers, olives, and fresh tomatoes…

{homemade nutrient-dense beef bone broth}

7 Dec

bonebroth-1

it seems like bone broth is all the rage these days. everyone is talking about it, bloggers are writing about it, and i see articles in random magazines about it, too. i also find it funny that food has like, fads. i mean – i figure diets have fads because that is essentially what “dieting” is… but it just tickles me when i notice certain “food trends”… you know what i mean?! nevertheless, i’d be lying if i didn’t say i recently jumped on the bandwagon regarding bone broth. 😛

———

WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL WITH BONE BROTH, ANYWAY?!

– bone broth is ancestral food – our grandma’s grandmas probably made it all the time!

bone broth contains many nutrients such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus.

– bone broth is also high in beauty-supporting collagen and amino acids.

bone broth is comforting, and great for those days we feel “under the weather.”

bone broth supports a healthy gut and intestinal-lining.

– bone broth contains joint-supporting gelatin, glucosamine, and chondroitin.

bone broth is very cost-effective and you can control the ingredients when you make it yourself!

———

anyway, my cute little store sells beef bones with the marrow included, which is what you want for making broth.  i’ve read several articles and books about the benefits of ancient cooking and bone broth is something that always seems to be at the top of the list for overall health-boosting properties. i usually opt for a veggie broth when i am stocking the pantry.  however, i couldn’t pass up the opportunity to make something new from scratch.  i just love to create things. plus, understanding the health benefits of bone broth make it extra appealing to me.

after perusing several recipes and suggestions, i did what audrey typically does and i created my own version of bone broth.  this entire batch {which made about a gallon} cost me around $4.00. try comparing that to the stocks or broths you find in the store… it simply doesn’t.  nor does the nutritional value.

beefbroth-2

ingredient guidelines for bone broth :

– 2 lbs grass-fed beef bones

– 2 large carrots, chopped

– 2 celery stalks, chopped

– 1 yellow onion, chopped 

– 3 cloves garlic, chopped

– 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

3 or 4 sprigs fresh parsley {optional}

– 1 bay leaf {optional}

Continue reading

{fried green tomatoes}

1 Oct

happy october!  are you loving the fall colours where you live?! this is my favourite time of year – i just love autumn!  it’s also when i was born, so i feel most alive during this season.  i’ve also been feeling very lethargic and sleepy… but i suppose that just comes with the change in season and light.  i kind of wish i could just hibernate all winter… snuggle with callee more and eat tons of comfort food.

i’ve been wanting to make fried green tomatoes for a while now… what, being born in the south and all, it only seemed fitting.  i can’t believe i had never tried to make them before!  have you?!  when i spotted these perfect tomatoes, i was inspired and excited. so – i practiced the KISS method :

friedgreentomatoes-1

oh.so.simple.

friedgreentomatoes-2

and beautiful.

friedgreentomatoes-3

AND delicious!!!!

i fried my green tomatoes in real sweet cream butter after slicing them about 1/3 inch thick, then dipping them in flour, then egg, then bread crumbs with a little S&P.  i finished the ‘maters off with a topping of freshly-grated parmigiano reggiano. super simple, super easy, and super yummy!

{classics : grilled ham and cheese}

15 Mar

did ya’ll sleep in today?!  i sure wanted to… daylight savings always jolts my system.  takes me a week or so to get used to it – but goodness, do i love having that light in the evenings!!! i just look forward to the mornings catching up, ya feel me?!

i’m going to start my seeds for my garden this weekend and of course, i’ll be documenting the whole thing. i bought tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, chives, and leeks for now.  i have attempted to grow from seed before, but to no avail.  i learned my lesson with my lovely tomato plant last year and i just don’t think some kinds of lettuces grow well here.  SO – we are going to try again 😀

my awesome landlord has all the fixins’ to get my garden going and plenty of outdoor space in which to plant it all… one of the things i’ve wanted so desperately over the last couple of years was to have a garden. i’m so glad i can finally try!

grilledcheesematersoup-3

i do love me some good ol’ romaine lettuce from time to time – the crunch is so good.  not much nutrition going on, but i do find myself craving the fiber and just wanting something to put dressing on, mostly.

grilledcheesematersoup-4

it’s a comfort food kind of day.  grilled ham and cheese on 7-grain toast with roasted red pepper and tomato soup…

grilledcheesematersoup-5

it’s a childhood classic… grown-up style.

{post “soup-or-bowl” post}

3 Feb

soooo – the broncos lost the superbowl.  yeah, in like a MAJOR WAY!  *sigh*

i’ll leave the rants for the professionals – all i’m going to say is it’s a good thing i was surrounded with fun people and lots of delicious food.

broncos-1 broncos-2

it was a “soup-or-bowl” party – bring a soup or a bowl of salad. i brought maryland crab soup.  so i thought i’d share the recipe 🙂

marylandcrabsoup-7

i had never made this before – though i remember eating it almost every day for lunch when i was living in aberdeen, maryland many years ago.  my favourite little cafe on the side of the highway always had the biggest vat of it simmering all day and it smelled so amazing!

i just made it based on what i remembered and “winged” the rest… Continue reading

{organic beef roast}

8 Jan

organicbeefroast-4

i don’t eat a ton of red meat.  however when i do, i prefer it be as local, organic, and grass-fed as possible.

organicbeefroast-1

have you ever had grass-fed beef?  you may think to yourself, “what do you mean, don’t all cows eat grass?” when you think of a cow, you picture a field or pasture and you see them eating grass, right?!  well, you may be surprised to know that most cows are actually fed a grain or corn-based diet – that stuff is in everything!… again, i encourage you to do your own research.

there is lots of fresh, organic, local, grass-fed beef where i live.  and that makes me so happy!  i have mentioned before that i don’t really subscribe to any “diet” per se – but if i had to pick a category to fall into, i would say my diet is totally intuitive and mostly organic.  and it varies all along that spectrum.  this time last year, i was totally vegan and coming off a major 2-week cleanse of only veggies, fruit, kombucha, and water. i remember around christmas, trying some of the ham at whole foods one day and i actually spit it out. and now, i can’t seem to eat enough meat!  so i’m just listening to my body and rolling with it.

organicbeefroast-2

i recently bought this adorable little crock-pot, which is perfect for the tiny home, and it fits about a 2-pound roast just perfectly!  it only has one setting – ON. but it totally does the trick!

Continue reading

{whatever wednesday – adjusting to my small kitchen}

11 Dec

hey friends.

memorning-1

{i just want to preface this by taking a moment to express my gratitude to the Universe for being ALIVE and well.  i had quite a scare last week and it has given me a whole new perspective on life…} 

as you may have noticed, i haven’t been writing as much over the last few weeks. i plan to update you on my life very soon… there have been even more changes 😉  but i haven’t been creating as many recipes lately.  for a few reasons, really… but fret not, creating and cooking and fotographing will recommence very soon.

part of it is becoming acclimated in my new mini kitchen.  as a reminder, this is what i’m working with :

kitchen-1

i LOVE my tiny home, don’t get me wrong… i’m just trying to find my niche and the best way to cook as i fotograph… it is somewhat of a challenge right now. a few final changes are coming together in the kitchen, i just need to start coming up with recipes again. Continue reading

{sometimes ya just want comfort food…}

3 Aug

i love to embrace my southern side with some good ‘ol down-home comfort food cookin’…

bbqchix-1

like smoked chicken drumsticks, mac and cheese, a brownie, and the best rootbeer ever.

chilicornbread-1

or a big bowl of chili and side of cornbread with some ginger ale…

what are some of your favourite go-to comfort foods?!

{miss L’s farm fresh eggs}

29 Apr

misslindaseggs-5

nothing says “spring” quite like fresh eggs.

farmeggs-web-1

i feel like the luckiest girl in the world to have eggs “gifted” to me from time to time…

farmeggs-web-3

one of my co-workers has chickens… and she shares her eggs with some of us when she has a bounty…

farmeggs-web-2

she’s given them to me several times now… Continue reading

{thirsty thursday} a comfy classic paired w/ a perfect homebrew

25 Oct

i’ve been craving slash eating a lot of this lately :

classic grilled cheese and tomato soup… only, as per usual, i mix it up a little.

i use the most healthy bread i can find.  usually something a little more dense like a multigrain – or in this case, a flax-seed bread.  i opt for organic when i can… bread is expensive!  and, instead of traditional tomato soup, i buy this from pacific foods.  OH EM GEE, it is so delicious!!  the red pepper makes it just a tad more flavourful and sweet and when you dip your grilled cheese in it, HOLY SMOKES!!  just – just, do me a favour and go buy some.  and then tell me how you’ll never want to buy any other tomato soup again… Continue reading

{thirsty thursday} — smashed fingerling potatoes

11 Oct

i have been craving mashed potatoes ever since long before our first frost on october 5th – {what the heck?!} — and i finally made some at home.  you wouldn’t think mashed potoatoes would be a “seasonal” food, but apparently according to some, they are. i tend to think of them as a seasonal-transcendant food, but i also tend to think against the grain – whatever.

typically i use creamer potatoes for my mashed taters, and i use a special kind of butter that leaves every guest asking, “what did you put in those mashed potatoes?!?!?!!!”  i take a lot of pride in making some mean mashed potatoes.  it’s one of my few specialties.  not a super difficult dish by any means, but i do think that i was a potato farmer in a previous life, no doubt… so i pour a lot of my soul into my mashed potatoes.  and as we all know, my soul tastes like butter… 🙂

this time i opted to try something new.  i decided to make “smashed fingerling potatoes” instead.  a slightly different potato, but still a creamier texture.  and i used a different butter.  no matter, it still turned out amazing. Continue reading

{meatless monday} — buttercorn squash soup

8 Oct

i am fully aware that “buttercorn” is not  a word… remember how i like to make up names for my dishes?!  well, this was no exception.

and i’m so fully in autumn mode it’s not even right.  and it’s not just because we got hit with some snow this week.  i’ve been ready now for weeks.  i thrive in the fall, i love this time of year!!  and yes, part of it is because i have a birthday approaching! 🙂  but i just love the food autumn brings.  i’m finally ready to put away the salad fork and bust out the soup spoon more often… i’m ready for root vegetables, squashes, potatoes, yams, and soups!!!!

squash was on sale a couple weeks ago – 10 pounds for 10 dollars.  so i snagged up 3 different kinds – spaghetti, acorn, and butternut.  i always use my spaghetti squash as pasta, so i knew what to do with that… and i was going to try to make the butternut squash as soup anyway – then i thought, well why can’t i just use BOTH kinds of squash in the soup?!

and so i did. Continue reading

{meatless monday} mushrooms as the main dish

1 Oct

i seriously LOVE mushrooms.

i could eat them with every meal.  and sometimes it seems like i do. contrary to what many people think when they meet me, i’m not a vegetarian or vegan and i do not follow a rigid diet plan of any kind — however, i do try to eat about 80-90% fruits and vegetables every day.  i find that mushrooms make a great meat substitute, mostly for the texture. some of my favourite meat substitutes are mushrooms.  the texture is great, there is such a variety, and i just LOVE the flavour!  of all kinds, really… i don’t necessarily find the need to “substitute” my meat, it’s just that i find my body doesn’t crave the meat as much as it does fish or beans or other proteins.  every now and again i’ll have a burger or once in a blue moon i’ll have a steak, however i can’t remember the last time i did that. point is – mushrooms are great!

Continue reading

{foodie friday} — colourful “pey”tato casserole

28 Sep

sometimes “foto friday” morphs into “foodie friday” – and by sometimes i mean there is a first time for everything 🙂

it’s getting to be that time of year, when i just want to load up on comfort food like this and be lazy and gain 10 pounds of winter weight and not even sweat it — i’ll take it off in february.  for now, bring on the fireplace, the couch, and the spuds!

this is about as basic as it can get, though… of course, with a little audrey flair! Continue reading

pre-cleanse “last meal” comfort food

15 Jul

haha – okay, i’m actually not going to eat this today, but i did a couple weekends ago.  and i have a feeling after my upcoming 5-day juice and veggie cleanse, i’m going to want a big ol’ bowl of this!

biscuits and gravy.  — a southern classic.

many people do not know this about me – but i was born in south carolina. i usually like to say “i’m from all over” because i didn’t live there past my second birthday, but i guess it was long enough to learn to like collard greens and biscuits and gravy, hehe. actually – growing up, my grandma used to do a lot of southern cooking, which is where i learned how to prepare my carrots the way i do. i seldom eat biscuits and gravy anymore, but occasionally it’s just good comfort food. Continue reading

celery root mashed potatoes w/ seasonal garlic scapes

18 Jun

i have to say, these were pretty amazing!!!! i wanted to try two things with this dish – both the celery root and the garlic scapes.  i had been told by a few people that celery root goes well in mashed potoatoes.  and i love to experiment with mashed potatoes – definitely one of my favourite vegetarian staples!  so, i did 🙂 Continue reading

classic grilled cheese and tomato soup {with a twist}

16 May

nothin’ says “comfort food” quite like grilled cheese and tomato soup!  all gooey and cheesy, spilling over the sides as you dip small bites into the bowl… nom nom. Continue reading