Tomato Soup

It’s my first day back in Chicago after a great Christmas in Atlanta and I thought I would give a few of my new gifts a whirl – thanks for the pot utensil clip Mom and pot holders Michael and Libby! Even though we were one Klindt (well, now Schumacher) short this year, we had a lot of fun, eating, drinking, watching movies, and SLEEPING.  I am not sure about you, but when I have a chunk of time off, my body will shut down and go into hibernation mode for a while. 

Creamy Chicken Noodle Soup with Homemade Noodles

It has been rather chilly in Chicago over the past week (and when I say rather, I am talking about 0 degrees when I wake up with negative wind chills). Thankfully, I made a large pot of chicken noodle soup while it was snowing last Sunday which lasted me a few days.   The old Campbell’s Chicken Noodle Soup commercial kept popping in my head as I made it…the one where the snowman comes into the house and the snow melts away until you see a little red headed kid.  Since I didn’t want to venture out into the snow that day, I decided to be a little creative and made my own egg noodles, and they turned out AWESOME!!!  Definitely a great way to add a special touch to soup.  They tasted like little dumpling strips in my soup...yummmmm!  While I was making the noodles I realized I don’t own a rolling pin, so my noodles are a bit thick, but if you own a rolling pin, I am sure you can roll them out much better than I could with my hands. Enjoy!

Grandma Cole's Fudge Nut Bars

Christmas is in the air and there is no better place than Chicago during the holidays!  The lights are hung around town, there is a smell of Christmas trees when I walk down the street, and of course, fun holiday parties make it a magical time of year.  It also brings on some reflection of the year that has passed.  With this I would like to say THANK YOU to all of you who read my blog.  In just a little over a year, there have been ~4,700 pageviews!!  Not too shabby for a hobby of mine. 

Homemade Calzone

When I was growing up, calzones were a staple in our house.  It was something fun and customizable. Everyone could make their own (which decreased the number of arguments of what kind of pizza we were having).  And it was always fun seeing the dough rise. This weekend, I needed to use up some food in my fridge before it went bad and I thought this would be a great way to do it.  I had most of the ingredients in my fridge below, but feel free to make your own version…pepperoni and green peppers, veggie delight, chicken and spinach, anything your heart desires!  I decided to make one large calzone, but feel free to cut the dough in two.  Enjoy!

Banana Nut Bread

With the weather being cool, it is the perfect time for baking with the windows open!   I cranked up my music and danced around the kitchen while I whipped up the batter.  Usually it is a pretty good arm workout if you don’t use your Kitchen Aid blender, so I opted to put a little elbow grease into it, stirring to the beat of the music.  Don’t be afraid to get your hands in there too to help mix…especially when you are blending the sugar and butter together….it is much faster (and more fun) if you use your hands. 

Wedding Soup

There are moments that can remind you what life is all about…sometimes big and sometimes small.  Last weekend was one of those bigger moments, my sister’s wedding.  The amount of love and joy surrounding the weekend was very special to be a part of.  Two families coming together to create a day that will always be remembered.  From the week of prep leading up to the festivities to the kick-off with rehearsal to the main event and reliving stories the next morning at breakfast, lots of great memories were made.  

Italian Meatballs

The first official day of fall!  Although I am sad to see summer fading away, I am very excited for fall…one of the best times of the year.  Changing leaves, cooler temperatures, pumpkin spice lattes, and the return of football season.  With the cooler temps comes the urge to cook some classic comfort recipes and I decided to make an attempt at mastering the art of Italian meatballs.  From what I read, texture of the meatball is just as important as the taste.  I cannot even begin to describe how awesome they turned out! Even though I made quite a few, they were super easy to freeze and are just as good when reheated again (a great thing to come home to after a long week of traveling).  I paired them with spaghetti, but I could also see serving them with hoagie buns and parmesan cheese for a zesty meatball sub (great for watching football with friends on the weekend).  Enjoy!

Baked Tomatoes with Quinoa, Corn, and Green Chiles

65 degrees, sunny, and an early morning trip to the farmers market…a perfect fall day in my book!  One of the best parts of living in Old Town is the huge open air farmers market a block away.  With 20 bucks in my wallet and my reusable grocery bag I headed out this morning with a coffee in hand to pick up the ingredients I needed.  I was so excited to get everything on my list for this dish (excluding the quinoa and dried spices I had at home).  Since it was from Cooking Light I knew this was going to be a great dish – healthy and flavorful (farmers market veggies are the best!).  Even though this is a great veggie dish, I also think you could add in some turkey sausage into the mixture if you wanted a little meat in there.  It does take a little while to prepare everything, so it probably isn’t the best weeknight meal if you are looking for something fast.  It is well worth the prep time though! Enjoy!

Buttermilk Herb Vinaigrette

 Don’t you just love when you order a meal at a restaurant that hits the nail on the head?  A few weeks ago I transitioned to a new role at PepsiCo and a few of my new teammates took me out for lunch at a place called Sepia.  Being that this was the Monday after my sister’s bachelorette party I figured I should choose something in the salad section after a weekend of indulging.  My taste buds were so blown away it inspired me to try and replicate it at home.  A major aspect of it was the dressing, but another unique part of the salad was that it had shaved fennel on it.  I would definitely recommend adding it in for a subtle but unique twist. 

Southern Peach Cobbler

Okay, so I have been on a peach-kick lately, but can you blame me?  A few weeks ago I was thinking through what types of recipes I would want to try and share and it got me thinking…I am someone who loves to cook, I am from the south, and even more specifically the Peach State.  To me, 1 + 1 + 1 = Southern Peach Cobbler.  I figured a cook with southern roots should know how to make a damn good peach cobbler.  So I set out to find a recipe. After reading a lot online and watching videos on how to make a perfect fluffy yet golden crisp batter I found a recipe that sounded like a winner….and it was!  The only improvement recommendation  I have is that I think you should make a little more of the batter than it has below (it tastes so good you will want a little more!).  

White Peach Sangria

Having a party anytime soon? Are you tired of serving the same old thing…beer and wine?  Well, kick things up a notch with this REALLY easy and yummy white peach sangria recipe.  And since peaches are in season, it is the perfect time of year to make it!  Make sure your peaches are ripe and not too hard…you definitely want them nice and juicy…especially the ones you puree.  Make sure to load it up with lots of fruit and give the flavors time to come together.

Roasted Banana Pudding

Ahhhhh, Chicago in the summer…you really can’t beat it, especially when you have some special visitors.  Last weekend was perfect…well maybe about 5 degrees a little too cool for a true summer day, but that was probably a little better for my Grandma and Aunt who were visiting.  After three years of trying to explain where we live, they finally got to see it and explore the city. 

Classic Macaroni Salad

Two of my favorite people came to town to visit…one of my greatest friends, Katherine, and my boyfriend (even though he doesn’t know it) Justin Timberlake came in for his concert.  With Katherine being a former Chicagoan, it was an easy weekend, touring some of our favorite hangout places, finding some new cute (and reasonably priced boutiques), and probably indulging a little too much in wine, but hey…that’s what you do with friends.  

Blueberry Crumb Cake

I believe the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers” but for me “June showers brings Lindsay’s travels.”  June was a fun filled month starting with my 29^th birthday on the 15^th.  One more year before the next decade starts...that feels really odd.  Ann and I rang in my 29^th birthday at the AMAZING Peninsula Spa here in Chicago.  It was my first experience at a high end spa (something other than Spa Envy), and it was worth every penny.  From the relaxation rooms with these recliner/beds with big down comforters where you can nibble on apricots to the sun deck where we sipped champagne and had some shrimp cocktail in our robes with fabulous views of downtown Chicago and lastly the supremely relaxing treatments…it was a great way to ring in my birthday and spend time with my sister.  That was the end of relaxation in June as the next two weekends I was on the road for a tour de showers. 

Portobella Mushroom Burger with Oven Fries

Happy Father’s Day to all the Dad’s out there!!  Seeing as Dad’s usually own the title “Master Of The Grill” I thought I would share a scrumptious (and a little healthier I might add) substitute for the tried and true burger.  Whether Mom is taking over the cooking duties tonight or you just don’t feel like firing up the grill, this recipe is a crowd pleaser and super easy.  I also loved the oven fries…so good and a healthier spin fries.  I will say that I left the fries in a little longer and put it under the broiler a few minutes to really crisp them up, but feel free to cook them according to the directions for a less crispy. 

Shrimp & Artichoke Hearts with Rice

The past two years I have used up all my vacation on long weekends to see friends, weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, Christmas and Thanksgiving, and I haven’t actually been able to get away for a true vacation.  So, a few months ago I decided I was booking a flight and heading to the beach no matter what.  I didn’t care if anyone could come with me (even though I tried to find some takers).  Fortunately for me, my Dad has a beach house in the Gulf of Florida and he offered it up as an option for me to get away.  I jumped at the opportunity (free place to stay and my Dad’s cooking…win win!!).  

Buckeye Balls

Oh man, it has been a few weeks since posting.  Time can fly sometimes.  Over the past month there have been some fun events happening…the search and purchase of the bridesmaid dresses and my mom’s retirement from teaching (go mom!). 

Searching for a bridesmaid dress is an interesting and overwhelming experience…so many colors, styles, and fabrics to choose from.  Ann, being the great sister she is, pretty much gave me full reign to pick whatever I wanted. 

Corn & Black Bean Salsa

Finally! Warm (well somewhat warm) weather in Chicago that lasts more than a day!  It has been fun to see Chicagoans emerge from their winter hibernation.  Everyone is looking forward to summer barbecues and spending time outdoors.  In celebration of that and the fact that Cinco de Mayo is one week away, I thought I would share my ‘famous’ corn and black bean salsa recipe.  Okay, okay, maybe it isn’t famous, but it is AMAZING, and I plan on entering it in our Quaker Cinco de Mayo salsa competition this week (fingers crossed!).  This one is definitely a keeper and a crowd pleaser.  Don’t be shy with the lime juice and salt…it makes the difference.

Tuna Noodle Casserole

Man, time can fly sometimes and the past few weeks have been GREAT.  I got to hang out in Cincinnati for a weekend with friends and see the old stomping grounds.  Lots of fun, laughs, coffee,  walks, food, wine, smores  and maybe even a tear or two from me (I blame it on the wine).   Sometimes it can be hard to have your closest friends spread across the country, but when we get together it is that much more fun.  I got to see my two favorite dogs in Cinci, Hank & Lucy who gave me lots of doggy kisses.   

Spaghetti Pie

Recently I have been on a “tour de Klindt Family Recipes” so that I can 1. Indulge myself a bit and 2. Get all the recipes written and photographed to share with all of you!  This one was introduced to our family when my little brother was born (if I am remembering the story correctly).  A friend of my mom’s dropped off a frozen casserole of spaghetti pie to my parents to help them out a little bit when our family expanded to 3 kids (outnumbering our parents).  

Roasted Broccoli

This week I was inspired by a friend’s Facebook post of what she was having for dinner…well, as a side for dinner…roasted broccoli.  When cooking broccoli I usually do the standard (okay maybe a little boring) steamed with a little butter and salt – quick easy and to the point.  As I started looking up roasted broccoli recipes I began to understand why people rave about it. I loved it when I tasted the end product.  It was an explosion of flavor in each bite with a combination of garlic, lemon juice, parmesan cheese, and of course, broccoli.  This is a great side dish that will spice up any dinner plate. 

Quinoa Buffalo Chicken Bites

As many people know, I love buffalo chicken…I love buffalo wings, I love buffalo chicken sandwiches, I love buffalo chicken dip, and now I have found a new love…buffalo chicken bites made with quinoa.  I stumbled across a blog while looking up new recipes called ‘So Very Blessed’ and found some great recipes using quinoa all in bite sized pieces.  As I am writing this it is bringing up great memories of grabbing dinner with my friend Susan in college at First Run…they had great buffalo chicken sandwiches!  Anyways, quinoa is a great grain (along with oats – what what) and has been coming back in vogue the past few years because of its nutritional benefits. 

Tomato, Chard and Gruyère Casserole

I plucked this recipe out of Food & Wine magazine a while ago so excited to make it and I am not sure why I have waited so long because it is REALLY good!  It is a rustic dish that is perfect for Fall and Winter (and definitely paired well with the rainy/gloomy day we are having here in Chicago with Smash on in the background).  It is a very hearty dish but could be used for either a main dish or a side.  The one criticism I have is that the prep time does take a while (lots of chopping!) but it is worth it and I am sure there are ways to cut it back (like cooking the swiss chard the day before and slicing the tomatoes). A perfect option for a vegetarian plate at a dinner party.  I would definitely recommend cutting it in half or 2/3rds because it makes A LOT of food and most people don’t have a dish that can handle this size casserole.

Chicken Paprika

I am sitting here in good ol’ Northwest Arkansas Airport waiting to head back to Chicago and really not in the mood to respond to the emails waiting in my inbox.  People watching is at a minimum (because there aren’t many people here) and usually you don’t want to be working on presentations in this airport (because a majority of people in it are from competitor manufacturing companies here to call on Walmart).  

Chicken Divan

Well hello friends!  Did you miss me?  I missed writing (and cooking).  Sorry I have been a bit MIA – life has been a tad busy lately.  In short: BIG presentation, wedding dress shopping, Susan visiting, Nielsen friends happy hour, and trip to Louisville, OH for another round of wedding dress shopping and tastings.  Such a whirlwind few weeks and I am exhausted, but had so much fun and have a great report card:

Buffalo Chicken Dip

Super Bowl XLVII is two days away and PepsiCo is the official sponsor of the halftime show!  Unfortunately the Falcons blew it in the playoffs, so I am not really rooting for anyone, but I am excited to watch a good game, great commercials, and eat even better food! Do you have your menu planned yet?  If not, this buffalo chicken dip is a WONDERFUL option.  One of my greatest friends, Katherine Riethman, graciously passed along her highly requested recipe.  Literally every event we had, whether it was a Super Bowl party, birthday gathering, watching the Oscars, or just having a fun night in with friends, we always requested that she bring her fabulous buffalo chicken dip…so much so that she probably got sick of making it. 

Creamy Chicken and Spinach Pasta

Nothing cheers me up more than being curled up on the couch while HUGE snowflakes fall outside the window on a Sunday afternoon while doing a little work.  Each January at PepsiCo, the insights teams are working to analyze what happened the prior year…the good, the bad, and the ugly to inform future strategy.  This usually entails a few later night work days.  Since cooking is a release for me after a long day, I try and have quick options on hand that I can throw together....something ‘Real Simple.’  That is exactly where I found this recipe, in Real Simple, one of my favorite magazines.   I tend to find a good amount of recipes in there that include rotisserie chicken as an ingredient to make cooking times quicker.  If you plan correctly over the weekend, you can have rotisserie chicken with some greens as a side and then use the leftovers the next night in a dish like this…two dinners in one!  I definitely recommend to use gemelli…it is a nice change from the basic penne.  Enjoy!

Crock Pot Flank Steak with Mushrooms, Onions, and Blue Cheese

Ahhhh, the joys of a three day weekend.   This weekend I packed my bags and headed to Cleveland to meet James Theodore Gibbs – it was love at first sight.  Phil swooped him up from his rock n’ play sleeper and brought him over to introduce me to him.  After about a half a second I asked if I could hold him.  I was a little nervous as I haven’t had much experience holding a baby and didn’t want to do anything wrong or wake him up.  Phil passed him off to me and like a good father does, made sure I had a squirt of hand sanitizer to rid me of germs from the plane (the flu season is a rough one this year!).   I was absolutely amazed at this little life in my arms.  The first night James did so well…I only heard him cry once. 

Baked Mac & Cheese

T-Minus 9 months.  That is the time I have left to whip my booty back into shape for Ann’s Wedding.  Actually, in exactly 9 months I will probably be suffering through hangover as it will be the day after Ann and Matt’s wedding, but I digress.  While I was at home for the holidays I had one of those moments when everything clicked.  I knew I was going to be stress free from work for almost two weeks and I would have zero excuses to not work out.  Libby was heading back to her family for Christmas so she left her dog Moxley in our care, making him a great buddy to kick-start my workouts and go for long power walk/jog.  Despite getting caught in a down pour and pretty cold temps, Mox and I had a great time.  I am proud to say that I have kept up my workouts even after returning to reality (aka work). 

Monkey Bread

Hello friends!  Sorry about the delay in posting…it has been a fun, relaxing, exciting, and even a little nerve racking few weeks over the holidays.  I have been thinking a lot about family recently, what it means, who it includes, past memories and future ones to come.  You will understand why when I explain.  First, my big sister, Ann, and her boyfriend (well, now fiancé) got engaged!!  Something that has been in the works for a long time, but has finally happened.  I couldn’t be more excited for them and proud that my sister found a such a great guy (not only to her but to our family as well: ER visits, resume writing, negotiating skills, lawn rototilling, chandelier hanging, etc to just name a few things he has done over the years with our family).   Congrats and cheers to you both!!  I can’t wait for the year of wedding planning to come.