Skillet Shortcut Shakshouka

This one-dish dinner became the culmination of a "Chopped"-like personal challenge. My fridge was bare on a Monday evening (I had yet to make my weekly grocery run), and I was only left with four ingredients: an avocado, tomato, half a sweet onion, and eggs. Being the kitchen nerd that I proudly am, I found myself in the Williams Sonoma outlet the morning beforehand and collected some cute-but-totally-unecessary gadgets. Amongst the pile of new linen napkins, a spiralizer, and spoons, I bought a 6-inch mini cast iron skillet. Adorable and affordable, might I add! The low and slow cooked onions and tomatoes created a rich base for boiled eggs and diced avocado, all of which I could prep, cook, and eat in one skillet. The result? A shortcut shakshouka, my official go-to dinner for one.

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Makes 1 serving

2 eggs 1 roma tomato, diced 1/2 sweet onion, diced 1/2 avocado, diced 1 tablespoon olive oil Sprinkle of mozzarella cheese Fresh herbs on hand, minced

1. Heat olive oil in a small cast iron skillet on medium heat. Add onions, cooking until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, add tomatoes and continue to cook for another 5 minutes.

2. Turn broiler on high. Create two spaces in the skillet to carefully crack the eggs. Leave skillet on the stove for 2 minutes, then turn off stove and add to the broiler for 2 more minutes, until egg whites are cooked through.

3. Return skillet to the stove and top with sprinkled cheese and herbs. Add avocado and enjoy immediately.

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Snow Day Simplicities

The wintry mix has dusted over the surface of Memphis and, similarly, dusted a calm over my typical Monday stresses. After a lazy morning of perusing on Pinterest, I've created a mood board to, well, match my mood...and I hope match yours! Enjoy the day, friends. white out

Donna Hay buttermilk panna cotta Tassike vanilla bean tea Paris Paper & Clay danish mug Lemon almond cakelets The Faux Martha carrot cake donuts A cake for no occasion

A Cheesecake Keepsake

I'm leaving the highly-coveted chocolate ingredient to the experts (i.e. last week's feature on Tessa of Chocolateria Tessa) rather than fussing with them in my own kitchen prior to Valentine's Day. I have crafted a light-as-air mini cheesecake to savor the simplicity of a typically over-the-top holiday. Don't be overwhelmed with unnecessary colorful frostings or other Valentine's fluff; a smooth, white treat is all you need.

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The size is perfect to split with your significant other, though I think you'll be surprised by your ability to finish your own serving fairly quickly (or, at least, I was...). Or, if you're one to prefer a square or two of chocolate, bake these sweets as keepsakes for friends, family members, or dinner guests. A tiny rose or lavender garnish will elevate the dessert to the finest level of elegance.

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Makes 6 mini cheesecakes

1/4 cup sugar Zest of 1/2 lemon 1 large egg 1 8-ounce package low fat cream cheese 1/8 cup heavy whipping cream 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. Whisk all ingredients until smooth. Pour into six lined muffin tins.

3. Bake for 20 minutes, until set. Refrigerate for 3 hours before serving.

I have an older version of mini cheesecakes here with graham cracker crust and caramel topping!

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Winter Citrus and Avocado Salad

IMG_3202 I am so ready for summer, people. Though this morning's cinnamon rolls warmed me up, I have learned to button up my summer sass and, instead channel my inner "sunshine" in the kitchen.

Inspired by The Yellow Table Cookbook, my arugula and citrus salad proves that winter cuisine can be colorful despite grey skies. The in-season oranges sweeten a spicy arugula base, and the varying hues are so out of-this-world. Eight friends and I enjoyed ours on Thursday evening at our first progressive dinner party. I prepared locally-grown mushroom bruschetta, spinach and artichoke dip (with extra cheese), and a classic cheese and honey board. Our next door neighbors brought on the beef tenderloin, mashed potatoes, and green beans. I have to admit that this salad (and a great wine selection) brought the entire evening together!

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Makes 8 servings

10 ounces arugula 1 navel orange, peeled and segmented 1 blood orange, peeled and segmented 2 honey tangerines, peeled and segmented 1/2 cup almonds or pistachios 1/2 lemon 1 avocado, quartered and sliced Your new favorite salad dressing

1. Place arugula in a large serving bowl. Sprinkle orange segments, avocado slices, and nuts. Squeeze lemon over bowl to keep citrus fresh and bright.

2. Directly before serving, gently toss in the salad dressing. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Serve immediately.

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A Box of Chocolates

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"Life is like a box of chocolates." Or, at least, my life is lately. IMG_3052

Tessa, an adorable second-generation chocolatier from my old stomping grounds of Austin, has an eye for style and a taste for artisanal authenticity. The recipe, the family ties, the packaging, and the hand-scripted notes collectively create a refreshing brand. Perhaps it's my public relations mouth talking, but I am so impressed with Tessa's ability to merge old tradition with a modern, fresh face. I don't even know Tessa personally, but I can align with her approach as I click through the classic Chocolaterie Tessa site and break off a bite of a salted caramel milk chocolate.

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The chocolates are miraculously so tiny yet so detailed. I loved the heart flourish in my box, which I'm sure is a holiday-themed move.

I know I am not the only one who fears biting into an unexpected, non-labeled chocolate (gooey colored jam, no thank you). Tessa relieves that fear factor instantly! Though she doesn't label her individual squares, the curated package celebrates the beauty of chocolate in its purest form. A few nutty and fruity flavors will be unveiled; but don't worry, you're getting plenty of ganache and truffle, too.

With only a little over a week before Valentine's Day, I urge you to order online now! My Memphis delivery arrived in a few short days, and I'm still savoring the last few chocolates. Tell Tessa that Caramelized sent you!

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Brie Mine

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IMG_3149 I was first inspired by the cheesy emphasis (get it?) on Valentine's Day when I stumbled upon a clever "Brie Mine" card last year at Paper Source in Austin. Though I would have rather been the recipient than the giver of such an appropriate tagline, I bought it anyway and signed it for Alex.

I'm planning a date night in next weekend, and we never fail to begin with a cheese board of some sorts. This time, I'm all about the sweet simplicity of a cheese and honey pairing. Step aside, jams and jellies: We're relying on just a tiny drizzle of irresistible Nature Nate's honey to complement the salty nature of cheese.

The following cheeses and honey are perfect pairs for you and your Valentine's date -- who I am sure make a perfect pair, as well.

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Parmigiano-Reggiano: The nutty overtones of this classic don't just go with pasta (though I can't wait to sprinkle some over my Gremelli pasta from Porcellino's). Ditch the cracker, break off a bite of the firm block of cheese, and add a dot of honey for a flavorful combination.

Blue: The stinky and bold blues surprisingly contrast nicely with a clover honey. It'll cut out the spice and sharpness that cause most to turn their heads. Be bold this Valentine's, right?

Creamy bries and goat cheese: These are a given. Supplemented honey with a hint of orange or lemon zest, you'll be tempted to eat it for appetizers, main courses, and dessert!

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Now, get yourself some Nature Nate's raw honey and enjoy the romantic, sweet holiday. Share your own Nature Nate’s honey creations on social media using @naturenates and the hashtag #HoneyMakesItBetter.

This post is in partnership with Nature Nate's. Thank you for supporting my sponsors!