You will be pleased to know that my lengthy absence since introducing this cooking series has not been due to a case of food poisoning. On the contrary, I bear good news in the form of a couple of not only edible but tasty dishes. (The fact that there is a spinach-feta theme going is not really the natural chef in me trying to demonstrate the incredible range of preparation in food….no, to be honest, I had extra leftover ingredients, and wanted to save a trip to the grocery store. As a college student though, this approach does save money!)

Credit to these recipes go to Allrecipes.com –a site that I highly recommend. It’s a huge sharing database where ordinary folk submit their own homemade or family recipes of all kinds of food and cuisine imaginable, and the dishes are given an average rating out of five from users who have tried and tested them. In addition, people often leave personal reviews that offer valuable advice and alterations they made to give you a heads up on your own attempt. Another useful tool the site provides is its measurement converter, where you can enter in the number of people you want to serve and the quantities of ingredients are accordingly changed. Doesn’t get any easier!

After the jump, learn how to make a gorgeous Strawberry Spinach Salad! (more…)

I am on a serious mission this summer. I, Victoria, do solemnly swear that come September I will have mastered the exquisite execution of a full course meal. This isn’t so much a quest to become the female Gordon Ramsay in order to impress my family and friends than it is about just making them think that I am a fantastic chef. All I need is one killer appetizer, entree, and dessert. Never mind the fact that I will probably serve that same meal every time on a different plate under a different name —I shall enjoy what temporary praises and adorations there may be for my newly acquired signature dishes.

Prior to this undertaking, the only form of cooking I’ve ever done was stick my mother’s dishes in the microwave. My mother is an absolutely phenomenal cook who can make just about anything. She is also a control freak and guards her territory, the kitchen, like a hawk. I can’t count the number of times she’s shrieked at my brother and I for entering bare feet without our slippers, or the number of “Out!”s we’ve been greeted with upon trying to sneak a look –a look, not even a taste –at what was brewing, frying, or baking.

(more…)