I Heart Cooking Clubs

Some Like it Hot - And Spicy!

2012-01-30T00:00:00.054-05:00

Who feels like turning up the heat in the kitchen this week? Be it literally (chiles) or figuratively (warming spices), we're heading into spice territory with Tessa this week.

You choose your comfort level. Fresh chile peppers turned into an oil, a sauce, or sauteed into your favorite dish. Chile powder, cinnamon, anise, cardamom, nutmeg, ginger, or turmeric heating up your main course, a loaf of bread, or folded seductively into a sweet dessert. The possibilities are infinite.

What do you choose? A dish that'll bring out the beads of sweet on your forehead...or a dish that will melt someone's heart? Can't wait to see how you spice up the kitchen this week!

credit

Make and post your Some Like it Hot - And Spicy! post by Sunday, February 5th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the January Potluck theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

January Potluck with Tessa Kiros!

2012-01-23T00:00:00.000-05:00

It's that time again, time for a potluck party with Tessa Kiros!

Get out your favourite TK books and start bookmarking those dishes you have been salivating over, or that you actually have the ingredients for - your choice. ;-)

Whip up your awesome dish from one of Tessa's recipes and post on or by January 29th and link up with Mr. Linky, below. Need help? Check out our welcome page!

And have you had a chance to check out all the white foods we played with last week?

Looking forward to seeing what delicious dishes you bring to the potluck!

White As Snow

2012-01-16T00:01:00.005-05:00

The view outside your kitchen window is white as snow. You smile to yourself because this is a cook's dream. Your favorite room, your kitchen, has the best view in the house. A view of beauty and wonder, stillness and peace, magic and nostalgia.

You remember the days when you couldn't wait to get out there and roll around in the snow with your friends. But now you are older and you are content to stay inside where you are snug and warm. The snow still calls to you, but the kitchen calls louder.

You start off your adventure with a cup of coffee, or maybe even a hot chocolate. Of course you need that dollop, or two, of freshly whipped white cream.

As you putter about you imagine all the ways you will enjoy your day in the kitchen. The scent of fresh bread baking is the first thing to cross your mind. You can picture yourself slicing into loaf of white bread and slathering it with butter, peanut butter, or jelly.

Later on for dinner you'll enjoy a comforting dish blanketed in a lovely white cream sauce. Or, maybe today is the day for a glorious side of buttery white mashed potatoes? Pizzas and pastas laden with cheese. Or perhaps the stillness of the day challenges you to try that fancy fish recipe. You know the one. The one where the flaky white fish is bathed in a flavorful sauce.

But then your sweet tooth gets the best of you and you realize that you must have dessert. You start daydreaming about vanilla cakes, meringues as fluffy as the clouds, and warm and spicy rice puddings and before you know it your decision is made. Or is it?

Please make or post your White As Snow recipes by January 22nd. Don't forget to link your post of the week with Mr. Linky below and leave a comment afterwards so we don't miss you gorgeous recipe. If you're new to IHCC, just click on our Welcome post to get all of the details.

If you missed out on our rice is nice recipes then visit here.

Outside it is white as snow. What are you making in your kitchen?

I Heart Cooking Clubs *White As Snow* Participants

1. Heather - Italian Sausage & Potato Frittata
2. Kayte - Baked Fish Parcels
3. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Winnie the Pooh Waffles with Honey

4. Natashya - Skordalia
5. Deb In Hawaii--Skordalia
6. Michelle ~ Fusilli con Cavolfiore (sort of!)

7. Kim -Baked Feta
8. Andreas - Braised Endive
9. Donna-Gelato al limone

Rice is Nice!

2012-01-09T00:00:00.002-05:00

It's a simple, humble grain, but rice is the the most important staple food for a large part of the world's population.

Rice is Nice!

Rice is versatile. There are many different kinds of rice to choose from. Different colors, textures, sizes, and tastes. A rice for everyone

This week show how Rice is Nice! by picking a Tessa Kiros recipe that features rice.

Make all that Nice Rice a main course, a side dish, or even a dessert. Just make it a Tessa Kiros recipe, and post it by Sunday, January 15th.

Make sure you link up your Rice is Nice! creation using Mr. Linky below. Don't forget to leave a comment after you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss your fabulous rice dish. If you are new to IHCC, just click on our Welcome post to get all of the details.

If you missed spending last week, Under the Tuscan Sun, be sure to head on over and see all of the delectable dishes everyone brought!

Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Rice is Nice* Participants

1. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Mushroom Risotto
2. Kayte - Spinach Rice
3. Michelle ~ Shrimp & Spinach Brown Rice Risotto
4. Deb in Hawaii--Tomato Rice

5. Natashya -Tomato Risotto
6. Heather~ Smoky Tomato Risotto
7. Donna-fried risotto balls
8. Kim -Fried Risotto Balls

9. Couscous & Consciousness - Artichoke & Italian Sausage Risotto
10. JamieK

Under the Tuscan Sun

2012-01-02T00:00:00.084-05:00

photo credit: 100 Layer Cake

Even though my toes are frozen inside of my socks as I sit here, just saying the word...Tuscany...makes me feel all warm and toasty inside. The landscape, the sun, attitude, the food. Sigh. It's been my "main destination" for as many years as I can remember. I want to stroll through the vineyards, plucking fat, sweet grapes from the vine. I want to press the nectar from fresh olives. I want to tear off a hunk of a Tuscan boule and eat it with some locally made cheese and salami. And I definitely want to find myself a pig with the snout of a truffle detective!

photo credit: Purple Chocolat Home

Tuscany...to me...is all of this and so much more. Giant sunflowers, bowing their heavy heads. Rice and gelato and beets and mushrooms and chickens and lemons and fragrant herbs and a colorful veggies galore! So what do you say? Wanna cook up a Tuscan inspired meal and set a gorgeous Tuscan-scaped table amidst the vineyards? I'll be the one with a bottle of vino in one hand and a bottle of olive oil in the other...drunk on sunshine and happiness.

What will you bringing to our Tuscan table this week? Check out Twelve: A Tuscan Cook Book by Tessa for lots of food and inspiration!

photo credit: Tuscan Traveler

Make and post your Under the Tuscan Sun post by Sunday, January 8th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Winter Wonderland theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Under the Tuscan Sun* Participants

1. Chicken alla Pizzaiola
2. JamieK
3. Natashya - Fusilli con Cavolfiore

4. Heather~ Pane co' Santi
5. Andreas - Osso Bucco with Gremolata
6. Kim - Risotto with Artichokes and Sausage

7. Couscous & Consciousness - Cappuccino Fredo/Coffee Granita
8. Deb in Hawaii--Zuppa di Ceci

Winter Wonderland

2011-12-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

While it's not exactly a winter wonderland here in Toronto - yet - we've never had a winter without one and I kind of look forward to the first big snowfalls.

Sure, it turns slushy and annoying after the first week, but the initial blanketing of the land gives such a magical hush. You almost don't want to walk in it, to keep the pristine nature of the snow.

For those of us in snowy winter climes - now is the time for some serious comfort food. Long braises, roasts, stews, casseroles, and lots of starch. Hot chile, hot chocolate, and anything else with the word hot in it is also appropriate.

But not all of us intrepid I♥CCers live in snowy locales, in fact some of us live in downright warm places.

For them I have two messages - a) please make up the guest bedroom for me, and b) feel free to make a dish that reminds you of ice and snow. Something ice cold like gelato or ice cream would be perfect.

So grab your Tessa Kiros cookbooks, whip something up with Winter Wonderland in mind, and post on or by Sunday, January 1st.

Link up a permalink to your I♥CC post with Mr. Linky, below.

Need more information about linking or what the heck a permalink is? Check out our Welcome page.

*images from google images

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Winter Wonderland* Participants

1. Kim - Finnish Mustard
2. Heather~ Finnish Mustard & Baked Ham

3. Donna- cheese hand pies
4. Deb in Hawaii--(Vegan) Sausage & Potato Goulash

5. Natashya - Lasagne!
6. Andreas - New Year's Cake

Holiday Goodies

2011-12-19T00:01:00.004-05:00

Holiday goodies draw you in...their festive colors, their sweet and spicy scents, the care with which they were made...you can just feel the love.

Cakes, cookies, brownies, chocolates, fudge, candies, breads, nuts, syrups and sauces...just to name a few. Share the love with your family, friends, co-workers, neighbors, or even Santa. Holiday goodies make the best and most heartfelt gifts of the season.

Please make and post your Holiday Goodies dish by Sunday, December 25th. Please link your post, using Mr. Linky below. Please leave a comment after linking so we are sure to see your dish.

If you missed the Potluck last week, please head HERE to see all the dishes we shared.

Don't forget...we are cooking the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now, so be sure to make sure you are sharing a Tessa Kiros recipe.

We wish you the happiest of holidays!

1. Michelle ~ Honey Cakes (Melomakarona)
2. Kim - Banana Bread
3. Heather- Double-Vanilla Meringue w/ Sugared Cranberries

4. Donna- Chocolate cranberry cookies
5. Deb in Hawaii--Raspberry Sauce
6. Couscous & Consciousness - Finnish Mustard

7. Natashya - Gravlax with Dill Cucumbers
8. Yvette- Chocolate Cake w/ Icing

December Potluck with Tessa Kiros!

2011-12-12T00:00:00.002-05:00

It's time for our December POTLUCK!

POTLUCK week means that it is your chance to make the Tessa Kiros recipe of your choice. Maybe it's something warm and snuggly for a winter's day, a quick & easy dinner creation for a busy December night, festive holiday fare, or sweets for your cookie plate?

It's all good and it's all up to YOU!

The only thing we ask (why yes, we are picky like that!) is that you pick a Tessa Kiros recipe and make and post it by Sunday, December 18th. Make sure you link up your POTLUCK creation using Mr. Linky below. Don't forget to leave a comment after you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss your fabulous POTLUCK dish. If you are new to IHCC, just click on our Welcome post to get all of the details.

If you missed our A Study in Scarlet last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the gorgeous red dishes everyone brought!

See you at the December POTLUCK!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *December Potluck with Tessa* Participants

1. Heather- Pumpkin Jam
2. Deb in Hawaii--Rotini w/ Red Pepper & Anchovy Sauce
3. Kim - Garlic and Black Pepper Broccoli Gratin

4. Couscous & Consciousness - Chicken with Coriander & Spinach Rice
5. Michelle ~ French Fries with Salt, Pepper, and Oregano
6. Natashya - Milk Rolls

7. Andreas - Beans with Olive Oil
8. natalia

A Study in Scarlet

2011-12-05T00:00:00.039-05:00

Red fruits and veggies are packed with antioxidants such as lycopene and anthocyanins which help fight heart disease and prostate cancer and could help reduce the risk for stroke and the leading cause of blindness in older people, macular degeneration. Antioxidants also soak up damaging free radicals. Don't forget to add red wine into that category! Even lean red meats are a nutrient-dense protein and a source of iron, zinc, and minerals including vitamin B12, niacin, and vitamin B6. As in all things- moderation.

So whaddaya say? Are you convinced to break out those scarlet-hued foods? Be it beef or lamb...red apples, bananas, cherries, cranberries, raspberries, strawberries, beets, radishes, pears, tomatoes, onions, chiles, beans...or a bottle of pinot noir, chianti, burgundy, cabernet sauvignon, or merlot...or anything else that fits the bill...head into the kitchen and start seeing red! We can't wait to see what you come up with this week!

Make and post your A Study in Scarlet post by Sunday, December 11th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Bean There, Done That theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

*All images sourced through Google Images

I Heart Cooking Clubs *A Study in Scarlet* Participants

1. Michelle ~ Reddened
2. Deb in Hawaii--Cranberry Syrup
3. Yvette - La pizza rossa

4. Heather- Dark Chocolate & Cranberry Cookies
5. Couscous & Consciousness - Stuffed Aubergines
6. Kim - Kokkinisto (Reddened)

7. Natashya - Beet Gnocchi
8. Andreas - Peppers with Feta

Bean There, Done That

2011-11-28T00:00:00.001-05:00

Beans. They seem so pedestrian. And yet - they are the workhorses of your pantry.

I know, you stocked up on dried beans for economical nutrition and the upcoming zombie-apocalypse and haven't been using them as often as you thought you would. That's okay. The beans forgive you. Beans are cool like that.

They wait patiently for you to remember to soak some overnight to make a dish, some even hang out in cans in case you forget.

I like refried beans. That's why I wanna try fried beans, because maybe they're just as good and we're just wasting time. You don't have to fry them again after all.
Mitch Hedberg

Beans offer good nutrition and body to a dish, and work magically with rice, corn and other grains. And herbs love 'em. Just ask them.

So get out your Tessa Kiros books and find a recipe featuring beans! Cook it up, post it, and link to Mr. Linky (below) to show it off!

In the meantime - have you had a chance to check out all the posts from last week? We had an outstanding Attitude of Gratitude going on!

Get your bean on and link a permalink up to Mr. Linky on or by December 4th.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

All photos from google images

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Bean There, Done That* Participants

1. Yvette - sausages and beans
2. Kim- Cannellini Bean Puree
3. Michelle ~ Baked Giant Butter Beans

4. Deb in Hawaii--Cannellini Beans w/ Olive Oil
5. Natashya - Cannellini Beans in Tomato Sauce
6. Heather - Farro & Cranberry Bean Soup

7. Torwen - Cannellini Bean Puree
8. Donna-Green bean souffle loaf

Attitude of Gratitude

2011-11-21T00:01:00.003-05:00

Which foods are you most grateful for?

Do certain recipes come to mind when you think of a bountiful table?

Please make and post your Attitude of Gratitude dish by Sunday, November 27th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed Orange Skies last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!


Happy Thanksgiving to all our American friends!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Attitude of Gratitude* Participants

1. Mika-Ludi's Chicken
2. Deb in Hawaii--Sage & Rosemary Mashed Potatoes
3. Heather - Chocolate Orange Pull-Apart Bread

4. Michelle ~ Olive Bread
5. Natashya - Pão Buns
6. Kim- Baked Butternut Squash with Butter and Sugar

7. Yvette - Chocolate & Cranberry Biscuits
8. Donna-Bussola
9. Andreas - Mixed Pulses Soup

Orange Skies...

2011-11-14T00:01:00.004-05:00

Orange is the new black this week with our Orange Skies...theme.

We will be making any Tessa Kiros recipes where orange-hued ingredients are featured in either a starring role or as part of a strong supporting cast.

Whether you choose recipes with oranges and citrus, salmon or shrimp, pumpkin and other squash, sweet potatoes or even red lentils (Hey, they look orange!), post your orange celebration by Sunday, November 20th.

Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed our Potluck last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

Oh yeah, apparently Orange Skies... is a song. If you are feeling trippy and want to get your psychedelic-folk-rock, carnival-and-cotton candy-loving, funky-self on, you can check out this link to the video courtesy of Natashya. ;-)

We can't wait to see your Orange Skies... creation!

***Photos courtesy of stock.xchng and Kahakai Kitchen

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Orange Skies-Tessa Kiros* Participants

1. Deb In Hawaii--Carrot Soup
2. Mika-Eggs with Bread and Butter
3. Heather - Mandarin Orange Jam

4. Yvette - Chicken drumsticks&wings with Orange tomato glaze
5. Kim-Little Spinach and Carrot Ramekins
6. Kitchen Flavours - Carrot Salad with Cardamom, Ginger and Lemon

7. Natashya - Carrot Soup
8. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Winter Squash Pizza
9. Andreas - Pumpkin Pizza

November Potluck with Tessa

2011-11-07T00:00:00.037-05:00

A quick update for those of you on Twitter, we've changed our hashtag to #I♥CC since our old one was so ruthlessly hijacked. Please add it (just copy & paste) to any posts you tweet for I Heart Cooking Clubs! Click on the #I♥CC on Twitter tab at the top of the page for more details and to see participants Twitter handles. Plus, if yours isn't on there, be sure to leave it in the comments so we can start tweeting your posts, as well. Thanks!
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It's POTLUCK time again. Time to make that Tessa recipe that you've had your eye, but just hasn't fit in with a theme yet. Or maybe it does down the line, but you just can't wait any longer! It's time for you to decide what you're in the mood for: a loaf of warm bread, a pot of steaming soup, a meaty casserole to satisfy you on a cold day, a plate heaped with colorful veggies bound to bring a smile to your face, or perhaps it's something sweet and sinful for dessert (or breakfast...it's your prerogative, afterall)!?

No matter your choice, we can't wait to see what you bring to the table this week. It's time for a virtual feast as varied as the people who have cooked it! So break out your Tessa books and head into the kitchen- it's time for a POTLUCK!

image credit

Make and post your From the Orchard post by Sunday, November 13th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the In My Pasta Bowl... theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *November Potluck w/ Tessa* Participants

1. Mika-Pork Schnitzel
2. Michelle ~ Pita & Baked Feta
3. Kayte - Baked Lamb with Rice-Shaped Pasta
4. Kitchen Flavours - Sauteed Potatoes with Egg and Tomato Pasta

5. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Banana Hazelnut Bread
6. Donna - veal involtini
7. Natashya - Simple Pork Souvlaki with Fresh Pita
8. Kim - Chocolate and Cranberry Cookies

9. Deb in Hawaii--Cranberry Sorbet
10. Heather - Chicken Cutlets w/ Parsley & Capers
11. Yvette-Ricciarelli (almond cakes)

In My Pasta Bowl....

2011-10-31T08:34:00.001-04:00

Is there anything more comforting than pasta? Okay, maybe good bread. And ice cream. And if you are serving pasta, good bread, and ice cream - I will be your best friend forever. ♥

This week at I♥CC, we are celebrating all things pasta! Short, long, fat or thin. Whole wheat, kamut, white, or corn. Dried, grocery fresh or homemade - the choice is yours!

Get out your Tessa Kiros cookbooks and pick out a great pasta dish to savour this week. Post on or by Sunday, November 6th and hook up with Mr. Linky, below.

We can't wait to see your noodles!

Link up below, and while you are deciding what to cook - check out last week's delicious Harvest Moon posts!

Link your Tessa Kiros I♥CC post of the week below. Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.
photos from google images
I Heart Cooking Clubs *In My Pasta Bowl* Participants

1. Mika-Spaghetti con Zucchini
2. Deb in Hawaii--Pistachio & Rucola Pesto
3. Kim - Pasta in Chicken Broth & some other goodies too
4. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Sautéed Tomatoes over Mafaldine Pasta

5. Michelle ~ Penne alla Senese (Penne w/ Sausage, Walnuts, and Cream)
6. Kayte - Pasta with Olives
7. Natashya - Spaghetti with Peppercorns, Anchovies, Tomato, and Lemon
8. Heather -Vermicelli Soup w/ Butter, Lemon, & Mint

9. Yvette - Spaghettini al pomodoro
10. Andreas - Pasta with eggs and fried breadcrumbs

Harvest Moon

2011-10-24T00:01:00.001-04:00

The flame-red moon, the harvest moon,

Rolls along the hills, gently bouncing,

A vast balloon,

Till it takes off, and sinks upward

To lie on the bottom of the sky, like a gold doubloon.

The harvest moon has come,

Booming softly through heaven, like a bassoon.

And the earth replies all night, like a deep drum.

So people can't sleep,

So they go out where elms and oak trees keep

A kneeling vigil, in a religious hush.

The harvest moon has come!

And all the moonlit cows and all the sheep

Stare up at her petrified, while she swells

Filling heaven, as if red hot, and sailing

Closer and closer like the end of the world.

Till the gold fields of stiff wheat

Cry `We are ripe, reap us!' and the rivers

Sweat from the melting hills.

The Harvest Moon is a beautiful and magical time to celebrate autumn's beauty, color, and splendor. How will you enjoy the bountiful gifts of autumn? Will it be with spicy baked goods, something hearty and comforting, or maybe even a spooky treat? Whatever you chose is sure to be magical!

Make and post your Harvest Moon post by Sunday, October 30th. Don't forget to link your post of the week with Mr. Linky below so that we can all enjoy your harvest creation! Remember to leave a comment after just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Peasant Food theme last week, be sure to cruise over and see all the hearty and rustic dishes that everyone prepared. Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now. Please be sure that you've used or adapted one of her recipes for your post!
*Harvest Moon Poem by Ted Hughes

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Harvest Moon* Participants

1. Mika-Apple Bread with Cinnamon Sugar Topping
2. Deb in Hawaii--Penne w/ Pumpkin/Kabocha
3. Michelle ~ Baked Butternut Squash w/ Butter & Brown Sugar
4. Kim - Midnight Milky Way Bar Sauce

5. Heather- Seeded Mixed Brown Bread
6. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Mini Vanilla Cake Doughnuts
7. Kayte - Red Pepper Soup with Olives, Lemon Zest, and Yogurt
8. Natashya - Risotto di Zucca

9. Donna - winter squash fritters
10. Meredith-Sue's Biscotti

Peasant Food

2011-10-17T00:00:00.001-04:00

We are getting back to simple this week with our theme of Peasant Food.

Peasant Foods are rustic, traditional dishes that are specific to a particular culture and made from inexpensive and easily accessible ingredients and are usually homey and humble fare.

Peasant Foods were so called as they were the diet of peasants, tenant or poorer farmers and their farm workers, and other cash-poor people, making them perfect for today's economy.

Characteristic recipes often include hearty one-dish meals like soups, stews and casseroles, vegetables, beans, breads and pastas, so it should be easy to find a Tessa Kiros recipe to make and enjoy!

Make and post your Peasant Food post by Sunday, October 23rd. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the From the Orchard theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the fruit-filled fare that everyone made! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now...so if you've linked up, please be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

We can't wait to see what kind of delicious Peasant Food you discover!

(Paintings from top: 1. Peasants Breaking Bread, 14th Century Paris / 2. Peasant Woman Cooking by a Fireplace, Vincent van Gogh / 3. The Afternoon Meal by Evert Pieters / 4. Woman Grinding Maize, Diego Rivera / 5. The Meal by Paul Gauguin)

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Peasant Food-Tessa Kiros* Participants

1. Mika-Black-Eyed Peas with Spinach and Cornbread
2. Pierce - Rustic Roast Chicken with Delicious Potatoes
3. Heather ~Soutzoukakia
4. Michelle~Baked Chickpeas

5. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Rigatoni with Tomato, Eggplant, and Ricotta
6. Deb in Hawaii--Baked Feta w/ Lettuce Salad
7. Kayte - Sausages and Beans
8. Natashya - Rice Pudding

9. Kim - Risotto with Fried Egg
10. Andreas - Pasta with Pumpkin

From the Orchard

2011-10-10T00:00:00.058-04:00

Fall is in the air! Can you feel it? Can you feel it? Yeah, me neither. Crazy weather. But I'm still happy with the idea of it being Autumn. Leaves changing colors, colorful fruit hanging from trees, sweatshirts and pumpkins, and munchkins in costume. I'm holding out for a long, looooooong spell of crisp weather once these 80 degree days take their leave. I am totally ready to hop, skip, and pick my way through any orchards I come upon. There's just something so magical about fruit hanging from trees.

So, whether or not the temperatures admit it is fall (or perhaps it is simply Spring on your side of the globe), head out and start pulling fruit from trees then get busy making something delicious. Possibilities abound...from apples, pears,cherries, and plums...to oranges, lemons, limes, and kumquats...to pomegranates, crabapples, passionfruit, persimmons, or even guava! We can't wait to see what magic comes out of the trees, into your kitchen, and over to share with all of us!

Make and post your From the Orchard post by Sunday, October 16th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the October Potluck theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Tessa Kiros right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *From the Orchard* Participants

1. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Whole Wheat Pluot and Apple Pie
2. Mika-Pear Berry Crisp
3. Deb in Hawaii--Cooked Apples w/ Amaretti
4. Michelle ~ Apple Cake w/ Toffee Topping

5. Natashya - Mele Cotte con Amaretti
6. Kim - Pear and Blueberry Crisp
7. Heather ~Apple Bread w/ Sugar & Cinnamon Topping
8. Donna - Pomegranate and apple gelatin desserts

9. Kayte - Apple Cake with Toffee Topping
10. Couscous & Consciousness - Seville Orange Spoon Sweets
11. Meredith-Apple Cake with Toffee Topping

October Potluck with Tessa Kiros!

2011-10-03T00:00:00.001-04:00

We are overwhelmed with joy at how excited people are to cook from Tessa's recipes this term at IHCC!

Some people are still waiting on their books, so we felt it would be perfect to schedule a potluck at the beginning. You choose the dish that tempts you, from one of her gorgeous books or from the few recipes that are available online, whip it up - making any changes that suit you - and share your delicious results with us!

Tessa Kiros is a world traveller and, more importantly, a worldly cook. So throw open your boundaries and try something new this week. It's time for potluck!

While you are deciding what to cook, have you checked out the delicious Welcome dishes from last week?

Whip up your potluck dish and post on or by Sunday, October 9th. Link up with Mr. Linky, below, so we can all check out your beautiful dish!

Tessa Kiros recipes only please. New to IHCC or not familiar with Mr. Linky? Check out our Welcome page for more details.
I Heart Cooking Clubs *October Potluck with Tessa Kiros* Participants

1. Michelle ~ chickpea balls w/ yogurt on the side
2. Mika-Fun Dough
3. Deb in Hawaii--Risotto w/ Fried Egg
4. Tina Marie - Fasolada (white bean soup)

5. Heather ~ Pineapple, Cinnamon & Allspice Cake
6. Kayte - Baked Fennel
7. Meredith-Chicken with Cilantro and Spinach Rice
8. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Tomato Lasagna

9. Natashya - Focaccia con Cipolle
10. Donna- Spinach and ricotta cannelloni
11. Kim - Greek Yogurt with Sweetened Condensed Milk and Oranges
12. Couscous & Consciousness - Cranberry Sorbet

Welcome Tessa!

2011-09-26T00:01:00.004-04:00

A big WELCOME to our next chef, Tessa Kiros!

Tessa Kiros was born in London to a Finnish mother and a Greek-cypriot father. The family moved to South Africa when she was four and, at the age of eighteen, Tessa set off to travel and learn all she could about the world's cultures and traditions, and new ways of living and eating. She has worked in Sydney, Athens, and Mexico, and at London's famous Groucho Club. On a trip to Italy to study the language and food, she met her husband, Giovanni. They live in Tuscany with their two daughters.*

Due to Tessa's extensive travels, her recipes come from a broad range of cultures: Italian, Greek, Finnish, South African, and more. Her books are not only beautiful, but heartfelt, with warm thoughtful stories and passionate prose throughout. It's going to be a wonderful six months with Tessa!

All food is welcome food, but is there one particular dish you feel is more welcoming than others? What says welcome to you? A platter of cheeses and antipasto? A piping hot bowl of soup? A freshly baked loaf of bread? A gorgeous plate of pasta? Or, perhaps something to whet your sweet tooth?

Feel free to welcome Tessa with whichever dish you chose, but please make and post your Welcome Tessa dish by Sunday, October 2nd. Don't forget to link up with Mr. Linky so that we can all see your glorious creation. Please remember to leave a comment after linking up so that we're sure to see your post as soon as it goes up.

If you're new to IHCC, please see our WELCOME post.

And, if you happened to miss our very last week with Jamie (Cheerio, Mate!), please click HERE to be redirected to the links.

*intro to Tessa excerpted from Falling Cloudberries bookcover
I Heart Cooking Clubs *Welcome Tessa* Participants

1. Deb in Hawaii-Purslane Soup
2. Michelle ~ Patatosalata
3. Tina Marie - Greek Salad
4. Heather ~Pastitsio

5. Kim-Cinnamon and Cardamom Buns
6. Natashya - Pastine di Ricotta e Marmellata
7. Kayte - Baked Feta
8. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Ricotta Gnocchi with Tomato Pesto

9. Mika-Carrot Cake
10. Meredith-Fig Jam
11. Couscous & Consciousness - Chickpea, Feta & Coriander Salad

Cheerio, Mate! (Our Final Potluck with Jamie Oliver!)

2011-09-19T01:18:00.006-04:00

First things first... If you can't tell by looking around, starting next week there is a new chef in town. You came, you voted, and you selected Tessa Kiros as the chef we will be cooking with for the next six months!

Born in London to a Finnish mother and a Greek-Cypriot father, Tessa Kiros has traveled all over the globe while collecting inspiration, memories and recipes. Her gorgeous cookbooks are the stuff dreams are made of and we look forward to exploring the world with her.

But wait...

Before we welcome Tessa officially, we need to say Cheerio, Mate! to a very special chap, Jamie Oliver. Six months cooking with Jamie has flown by and it is time to say goodbye with one final POTLUCK!

It's time to make that Jamie recipe you have been putting off, or remaking a dish you loved. Whatever you decide to make, let's send Jamie out with a bang this week!

Jamie, we will miss getting naked with you! Thinking fondly of your rumpled "everyday bloke" good looks, your cheeky personality and your easy-peasy, tasty recipes. Even though we will be cooking with a new chef instead of spending time with you each week, you will always be in our hearts.

Pick your final Jamie Oliver recipe from one of his books or online and join in the final POTLUCK fun by posting your dish by Sunday, September 25th.

Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous potluck creation!

Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

New to IHCC and not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Ready, Breadie! theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious bread creations that everyone made!

Don't forget! We are still cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver for another week...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

So Jamie, Cheerio, Mate! And we will see you all at the POTLUCK!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Cheerio Mate! Final Potluck with Jamie* Participants

1. Tina Marie - Crispy Sticky Chicken Thighs
2. Couscous & Consciousness - Blue Cheese, Fig & Walnut Flatbread
3. Kim-Top Five Jamie Recipes
4. Natashya - Jamie's Perfect Roast Chicken

5. Michelle ~ Crunchy Garlic Chicken & my favs
6. Deb in Hawaii-Pukkolla
7. Heather ~the wrap-up
8. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Spinach and Mushroom Calzones

9. Andreas - Farro Salad with oven-baked Vegetables
10. Meredith-Roasted Chicken Thighs with Creamy Butternut Squash and Chiles

Ready, Breadie?

2011-09-12T00:00:00.061-04:00

Heads Up: Don't forget to vote for our next chef! It's "girl-time" for the next six months, so head on over to the sidebar and vote for the person YOU most want to cook, bake, explore in the kitchen with. Choose from Diana Kennedy, Madhur Jaffrey, Tessa Kiros, and Claudia Roden.

But this week, we're getting our bread on! Brush aside those fear of the yeastie beastie's and head into the kitchen to bake up something beautiful and golden! Jamie has some fantastic bread recipes, most of them based on one specific master recipe. The possibilities are endless.

Maybe your favorite is a simple baguette. Maybe you want it swirled with cinnamon and studded with raisins? Perhaps loads of fresh herbs are your bag. maybe you want to toss it out into a disk and top it with glorious meats, veggies and cheeses? Or even a sweet or fruity bread to soak up your morning coffee?

While we're hoping everybody gets lost in a bakers wonderland, as always, our theme is open to interpretation. Want to use a glorious loaf of bread to make a killer sandwich? Or perhaps some custardy french toast? Maybe you are in the mood for some bread pudding or something topped with toasty bread crumbs (okay, maybe that's pushing it a bit, but...). Go on, get your bread on!

Make and post your Ready, Breadie? post by Sunday, September 18th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Condiments! theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

*all photos via Google Images

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Ready, Breadie?* Participants

1. Deb In Hawaii--Eggplant & Mint Bruschette
2. Tina Marie - Focaccia

3. Natashya - Rosemary and Raisin Bread
4. Heather ~ Raisin Rosemary Bread

5. Kim-Banana and Honey Rolls

Condiments!

2011-09-05T08:56:00.002-04:00

“Condiments are like old friends-highly thought of, but often taken for granted.”
Marilyn Kaytor

Not anymore! This week is all about the supporting cast - the condiments! Those hard-working and highly flavoured additions that make a meal delicious.

Ketchups, mustards, salsas, chutneys, jams, pickles, mayo.... sweet or savoury. Our toppings are tops!

So get out your mortar and pestles, blenders, food processors or machetes - whatever you use to get the perfect consistency on that perfect Jamie Oliver condiment - and show us what you've whipped up!

Post your J.O. condiment on or by Sunday, September 11th and link up with Mr. Linky below.

Can't wait to see your condimental creations!
*

And, did you get a chance to check out the Back to School posts from last week?

Link up your Jamie Oliver condiment post to Mr. Linky below, leaving a comment after.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

all photos from google images
I Heart Cooking Clubs *Condiments!* Participants

1. Kim-Simple Cheesy Mustard
2. Deb in Hawaii-Guava-Yuzu-Vanilla Jam

3. Michelle ~ Winter Crunch Salad w/ Mind Blowing Sauce
4. Heather~ Roasted Strawberry Vanilla Bean Jam

5. Meredith-Honey Lemon Glazed Carrots
6. Natashya - Salsa Verde

Back to School!

2011-08-29T00:01:00.004-04:00

It's Back to School time!! Are you ready to dust off those lunchboxes and fill them up with goodies?

Sandwiches, soups, salads, veggies and dips, yogurt and fruit, maybe some homemade treats or a special drink?

If you're not busy packing lunches, maybe you'd like to end summer with a bang by making one last special summer supper. Pack yourself, your family, or your friends a special picnic and head outdoors. Soak up the sun!

However you celebrate Back To School is up to you! Make and post your Back To School dish by Sunday, September 4th. Don't forget to link your post of the week with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your Back To School recipe. Please remember to leave a comment after to be sure that we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Back To School* Participants

1. Deb in Hawaii--Butternut Squash Muffins (w/ Blueberries)
2. Michelle ~ Chicken Korma

3. Natashya - Frittelle di Spaghetti
4. Kim-Fresh Strawberry and Vanilla Jam

Soups, Salads and Sammies!

2011-08-22T00:00:00.003-04:00

What's better than a big comforting bowl of soup, a fresh, crispy salad, or a thick, hearty sandwich?

They are the simple pleasures of life and we are celebrating them here at IHCC.

This week we are all about Soups, Salads and Sammies with Jamie.

Make your favorite out of the three, or make it a combo plate. Make your dishes for lunch, dinner, or even a midnight snack. It's up to you. Just pick a Jamie Oliver recipe (or recipes) from one of his books or online and post it by Sunday, August 28th.

These are all Jamie Oliver dishes--mostly from his website and the work of David Loftus

Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous Soup, Salad or Sammie creation and remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Potluck last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought!

Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Soups, Salads & Sammies-Jamie* Participants

1. Deb In Hawaii--Bread & Tomato Soup
2. Tina Marie -Minestrone Soup
3. Meredith-Good Old French Bean Salad

4. Natashya - Reuben-ish Sandwich on Rye-ish Bread
5. Michelle ~ Roasted Carrot/Avocado Salad & Sweet Potato & Chorizo Soup
6. Heather ~ Sweet Corn and Shrimp Chowder

7. Andreas - Quinoa Salad
8. Kim-Pea and Mint Soup

August POTLUCK!

2011-08-15T07:48:00.001-04:00

It's that time again! Pick a recipe...any recipe (any Jamie Oliver recipe, that is). Head into the kitchen and have a little fun...then post about it and link up here so that we can all get hungry! Can't wait to see what everybody brings to the POTLUCK this week.

Make and post your Let's Get Naked! post by Sunday, August 21. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the time for dessert! theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

*I Heart Cooking Clubs* August Potluck Participants

1. Deb in Hawaii-Spaghetti w/Sweet Cherry Tomatoes, Marjoram & Olive Oil
2. Michelle~ Sweet Runner Bean Stew
3. Tina (Penne Pasta with Eggplant, Tomatoes and Mozzarella)

4. Heather ~ Sweet Cherry Focaccia
5. Natashya - Zucchini Carbonara
6. Lucia - Creamiest White Beans and Leeks

7. Kim-Chicken and Zucchini Kebabs

Time for Dessert!

2011-08-07T23:59:00.002-04:00

That's right, it's time to get our sweet on with our sweet chef, Jamie Oliver!

This week it is all about desserts. Hot and gooey, crisp and chewy, cold and creamy - you name it!

Get out the sugar! Whip up a dessert from one of Jamie Oliver's recipes - online or from one of his books. Blog it, link it, and tell us about it!

Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, on or by Sunday August 14th, so we can all enjoy your cool and fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

*All these delicious photos are from JamieOliver.com, by David Loftus.
*IHCC bears no responsibility for the weight you will gain this week! ☺

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Time for Dessert!* Participants

1. Tina Marie -Orchard Eve's Pudding
2. Michelle ~ Parfaits using JO's Granola
3. Natashya - Orchard Eve's Pudding

4. Deb in Hawaii--Peach Crumble
5. Heather ~ Pukka Pineapple w/ Mint Sugar
6. Andreas - Raspberry-Yoghurt Popsicles

7. Kim-One Minute Berry Ice Cream

Brit Bites!

2011-08-01T00:01:00.002-04:00

This week we're cooking up the food of Jamie's homeland and the possibilities are endless. Grab your cookbooks, and a pint or two, and get ready for a fun week of culinary traveling.

Which British dish will you choose?

Maybe you'd like to start your day with the Full Monty?

Perhaps you'd like to try your hand at a classic?

There's always room for a little Roast Beef and Yorkshire Pudding.

Naturally, there might be some fish and chips in your future!

Hungry for Dessert??

How about Sticky Toffee Pudding, Eton Mess, or Banoffee Pie?

And last, but not least...if you're feeling especially British...

there's always the quintessential tea and scones!

Make and choose any British inspired recipe by Jamie Oliver and post to your blog no later than Sunday, August 7th! Don't forget to link your post to Mr. Linky below so we can all see your Brit Bites! Remember to leave a comment after you link up just to be sure that we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed out on all our cool creations last week, click HERE to be directed to our We Be Chillin' theme.

*photos courtesy of JamieOliver.com, freewebphoto.com, and yahoo.com

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Brit Bites* Participants

1. Michelle ~ Welsh Rarebit
2. Deb in Hawaii--Breakfast Eggy Crumpets

3. Tina Marie - bangers and mash
4. Natashya - Minty Mushy Peas

5. Kim-Fish and Chips

We Be Chillin'!

2011-07-25T00:00:00.003-04:00

A little to much sweatin' going on in your neck of the woods?!

Well... chill, baby, chill!

This is your lucky week because We Be Chillin' with Jamie Oliver!

Yep, since many of us are dealing with extra-warm weather right now, it is time to turn off that oven and bring out the cold foods.

Salads, smoothies, cold soups, fresh fruit, raw veggies, ice cream or other frozen treats...

Really any kind of cold food you can imagine...

So if you want to Be Chillin' in your hood, just make any Jamie Oliver recipe featuring cold foods and post it by Sunday July 31st.

Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your cool and fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Bevvies theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious "sippables" that everyone made!

Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *We Be Chillin' with Jamie* Participants

1. Meredith-Mixed Berry Champagne
2. Tina Marie - Summer Chickpea Salad
3. Natashya - Cherry Jellies

4. Carol - Red Pepper Summer Soup
5. Kim-Smashed Spiced Chickpeas
6. The Mothership Tomato Salad

7. Heather~ Mango Lassi
8. Deb in Hawaii--Greek Salad Gazpacho

Bevvies Week!

2011-07-18T00:00:00.041-04:00

Fancy a Bevvie? Any bevvie will do. Be it a fruity smoothie for breakfast on a hot morning...or an ice creamy milk shake after (or instead of) your meal...or a perhaps a cocktail (because it's five o'clock somewhere)...break out the chilled glasses! Or maybe you're more in the mood for something warming or soothing or even laden with caffeine...that's okay, too!

Maybe you even want to use your favorite bevvie as a prime ingredient in a recipe? No problem at all. Whaddaya say? Wanna break out the bevvies with us (and Jamie) this week? Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Make and post your Bevvies Week! post by Sunday, July 24. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the July Potluck theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

*I Heart Cooking Clubs* Bevvie's Week Participants

1. Deb In Hawaii--Lemon Grass Mojitos
2. Carol @ Always Thyme - Cinnamon Orchata

3. Cherry Champagne
4. Kim- Banana, Peanut Butter, and Honey Smoothie

5. Heather~ The Amazing Date Shake

July's Potluck!

2011-07-10T23:59:00.008-04:00

It's that time again! You get to choose what kind of food or drink to make for July's Potluck with Jamie Oliver!

That special recipe you've had your eye on, or an easy-peasy one that will keep your time in the kitchen to a minimum. Maybe you want to try your hand at a condiment, spicy side dish, or dessert!

...Maybe you want to try your hand at homemade barbecue sauce or salad dressing. Or a roasted chicken with all the fixings. Or perhaps a dish from a different country.

...Or maybe you want to make some hot sauce. But not too hot! Anything goes for Potluck - anything Jamie, that is!

Muppets - Swedish Chef - Hotsauce by beautifulcynic

Just whip up that special something from Jamie's repertoire, post it on or by Sunday, July 17th, hook up with Mr. Linky and leave a comment after posting. It's that easy!

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

And check out last week's Fun in the Sun dishes!
I Heart Cooking Clubs *July Potluck with Jamie* Participants

1. Couscous & Consciousness - Pasta e Ceci
2. Heather ~ Rustic Tortilla Soup
3. Pam - Crispy Grilled Trout

4. Deb in Hawaii--Tuna Ceviche in Baby Romaine
5. Kim Sorbetto di Limone
6. Corina - Stir Fried Duck with Asparagus & Green Beans

7. Carol -- Mexican Street Salad
8. Natashya - BBQ Chicken
9. Andreas - Caponata

Fun In The Sun!

2011-07-04T00:01:00.002-04:00

What's your idea of fun in the sun?

Is it a picnic for two under a tree?

An outdoor feast fit for a crowd?

Maybe it's a cool treat that takes the edge off on a hot day.

Tell us all about how you have fun in the sun! Make and post your Fun in the Sun! post by Sunday, July 10th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Fire Up the Grill! theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Fun In The Sun* Participants

1. Deb in Hawaii--Ciabatta Sandwich of Grilled Vegetables w/ Pesto & Mozzarella
2. Michelle ~ Stir Fried Corn w/ a bunch of stuff
3. Heather ~ Mexican-inspired Slaw

4. Quay Po Cooks
5. Natashya - Jamie's Favourite Coleslaw
6. Kim- Mexican-Style Corn

7. Meredith-Carrot and Cilantro Treat For All

Fire Up the Grill!

2011-06-27T00:00:00.003-04:00

Get ready to Fire Up the Grill! and cook with Jamie this week.

Whether you grill like this...

Or like this...

There is a Jamie Oliver recipe for you.

Want to grill up some steak, fish or chicken? Grill some pizza or bread? Fruit or veggies? Maybe you want to whip up a side dish from Jamie to serve at your next barbecue?

It's up to you!

Just make and post your Jamie Oliver Fire Up the Grill! inspired creation by Sunday, July 3rd. Then link your post to Mr. Linky below. Leave a comment after you post, so we make sure we don't miss anyone. New to IHCC and need more direction? Check out our Welcome post here.

If you didn't get a chance to Get Fresh with Jamie last week, be sure to head on over and check out all of the delicious dishes everyone brought!

(Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!)

Fire Up the Grill, get fired up yourself, and let's get to grillin'!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Jamie--Fire Up the Grill!* Participants

1. Michelle~ Thyme Grilled Mushrooms
2. Deb in Hawaii--Grilled Asparagus w/ Olive Oil, Lemon & Parmesan

3. Carol - Thai Chicken / Caprese Salad w Grilled Peppers
4. Kim- Evolution Potato Salad

5. Natashya - Worcester Steak'n'Shrooms

Get Fresh with Jamie!

2011-06-20T00:00:00.019-04:00

Who else is excited for all this fabulous summertime produce popping up in our gardens, at our farmer's markets, in our CSA baskets, and in our local grocer!?

I love the colorful variety of everything from jewel-toned berries to dark greens to pale asparagus shoots and I've even seen a few cherry tomatoes popping up.

Let's celebrate the beginning of summer's bounty this week. From pizza to pie to pasta to salad to ice cream and anywhere in between...what will you cook or bake up this week with Jamie? We can't wait to find out.

Make and post your Get Fresh with Jamie! post by Sunday, June 26. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Pops is Tops! theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Get Fresh With Jamie!* Participants

1. Heather ~Strawberries w/ Lemon & Mint
2. Deb in Hawaii--Cherry Tomato, Caper & Balsamic Sauce (w/ Pappardelle)
3. Kitchen Flavours - Broccoli with Asian Dressing

4. Sweet Cherry Tomato & Sausage Bake
5. Kim- Pecan Vanilla Ice Cream with Maple Syrup
6. Carol - Rice Pudding with Quick Strawberry Jam

7. Natashya - Jamie's Dressed Asparagus
8. Meredith-Stir-Fried Corn with Chili,Ginger,Garlic and Parsley

Pops is Tops!

2011-06-12T23:59:00.012-04:00

It is the time of year to honour our dads, step-dads, fathers of our children, and even men who are like fathers to us. It is easy to take them for granted, they are always in the background, taking care of things, mowing the lawn and doing other important dad things. Some of us have lost our fathers along the way but that is all the more reason to pay tribute to him on Father's Day. And what better way to honour your Pops than with food?

Jamie Oliver is a great dad who loves his children and also loves good food. Two excellent qualities in a man!

Choose a Jamie Oliver dish from one of his books or online, something for that special Dad in your life. Post it on or by Sunday, June 19th and link up with Mr. Linky, below.

What will you make for your top pops? Steak on the grill? Mac and cheese? Beer-battered fish and chips.. with beer? Show Pops he's tops!

Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed last week's Potluck theme, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought!

Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Pops is Tops!* Participants

1. Yvette - Homemade granola with berry compote
2. Heather~ Midnight Skillet Breakfast
3. Deb in Hawaii--Mahi-Mahi with Jamie's Salsa Verde

4. Carol -- Corn Chowder
5. Natashya - Melanzane alla Parmigiana
6. Kim- Crispy & Sticky Chicken Thighs with New Potatoes and Tomatoes

7. Meredith-Tender and Crispy Chicken with Sweet Tomatoes

June Potluck!

2011-06-06T00:01:00.003-04:00

It's time for Potluck again, the week where we leave all decisions up to you! As the chef of your own kitchen, you decide which Jamie Oliver recipe to create this week. However you chose your recipe is up to you.

Many of us will chose and create a recipe based on whatever bits and bobs we have laying about. While some, who are wonderfully organized, will chose from a list of "must make" recipes and shop accordingly. Still others will have no choice but to cater and give in to the cravings that creep up as the week progresses. Whatever your choice, we have no doubt that it will be delightful... just like Jamie!

Make and post your POTLUCK post by Sunday, June 12th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Something's Fishy theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *June Potluck* Participants

1. Meredith-Simple Tomato Sauce
2. Danielle- oatmeal raisin cookies
3. Deb in Hawaii--Frozen Fruit Smoothies
4. Michelle ~ Banana Blueberry French Toast

5. Yvette - Wicked Chicken with coleslaw
6. Natashya - Strawberry Martinis!
7. Carol (Southern Pecan and Apple Salad)
8. Heather ~Cheat's Dessert

9. Kim-Mozzarella & Chili Crostini
10. Andreas - Braised Peas with Spring Onions and Lettuce

Something's Fishy!

2011-05-30T00:00:00.001-04:00

Something's Fishy at IHCC!

This week we are focusing on all things Fish and Seafood and lucky for us Jamie Oliver has an ocean's worth of recipes to choose from.

So find a fish or seafood dish from one of Jamie's cookbook or online...

Bake it, grill it, broil it, steam it, deep fry it, or cook it any way you like...

Let's get fishy!

Make and post your Something's Fishy! dish by Sunday, June 5th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation!

Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed last week's Mad About Herbs theme, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought!

Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Something's Fishy!* Participants

1. Michelle ~ Jacket Potato w/ Shrimp & Marie Rose Sauce
2. Kitchen Flavours - Fish Pie
3. Deb in Hawaii--The Nicest Pan-Baked Sole (Tofu!)
4. Heather~ Spaghett alla Puttanesca (w/ or w/out Tuna)

5. Corina - Fish with Spinach, Olives and Tomatoes
6. Yvette - Salt cod soup(zuppa di baccala)
7. Natashya - Pesce alla Griglia with Salmoriglio
8. Kim-Asian Shrimp Noodle Soup

9. Meredith-Roasted White Fish and Leeks
10. Carol - Chargrilled Squuid w Rustic Guacamole

Mad About Herbs

2011-05-23T00:00:00.016-04:00

"Herbs are absolutely at the cornerstone of all genius cooking." ~Jamie Oliver

"They (herbs) are absolutely the cornerstone of all historic medicine." ~Jamie Oliver

"Herbs can really rock your cookin'." ~Jamie Oliver

So, whaddaya say? Are you ready to get rockin'? Head into the kitchen with Jamie this week and put those gorgeous herbs to use...whether they be the more delicate, leafy herbs or the hearty, woody herbs...whether you use a mixture or one simple herb...whether they are the focus of your dish or a well-placed punctuation mark...let's rock our cookin' this week! Can't wait to see what you come up with☺.

Make and post your Mad About Herbs post by Sunday, May 29. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Potluck! theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Mad About Herbs* Participants

1. Natashya - Caramelle with Fresh Herbs, Ricotta, and Black Olives
2. Michelle ~ Summer Tomato Pasta
3. Meredith-Sausage Rolls
4. Carol - Beautiful Breakfast Tortilla's

5. Danielle- Southern Sausage Stew
6. Kitchen Flavours - Spaghetti Bolognese
7. Tina Marie - Stir fried Shrimp with Cilantro
8. Deb in Hawaii--Wild Rice Salad

9. Heather~ Bacon-Wrapped Cod w/ Rosemary
10. Yvette - meatballs with pasta
11. Kim-Baby Farfalle with a Creamy Smoked Bacon and Pea Sauce
12. Couscous & Consciousness - Greek Salad

Potluck Time with Jamie!

2011-05-15T23:59:00.005-04:00

It's that time again! The sky is the limit. Did I say the sky? I also meant the sea. And also the land. Yessiree, you choose any Jamie Oliver recipe you want to follow, play with, add your own spin to... Whether it be side dish, main, something for the grill, sticky dessert, simple salad or cocktails for two. As long as it is a Jamie Oliver dish, it counts!

May Potluck with Jamie!

Whip up your fabulous May Potluck dish and post on or by Sunday, May 22nd. Then link up a permalink with Mr. Linky below and leave a comment so we can all check out what you created!

New to IHCC and unfamiliar with Mr. Linky or how to participate? Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

Meanwhile, check out the Plenty'o'Pasta from last week! Lots of great pasta ideas!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *May Potluck with Jamie* Participants

1. Natashya - La migliore frittata di gamberetti e prezzemolo
2. Yvette - pancakes USA stylie
3. Deb In Hawaii--Creamy Rice Pudding
4. Michelle ~ Chicken & Leek Stroganoff

5. Carol - Simplest Chicken and Leek Stew
6. Danielle- Pancakes U.S.A Stylie
7. Kim-Ground Beef Wellington
8. Lucia - Sweet Cherry Tomato and Sausage Bake

9. Heather~ Warm Bread, Pancetta, & Poached Egg Salad w/ Parmesan
10. Couscous & Consciousness - Salad of Cannellini Beans, Chorizo & Tomatoes

Plenty-o-Pasta

2011-05-09T00:01:00.002-04:00

Can you ever have too much pasta?

Jamie doesn't think so and neither do we!

Jamie has plenty-o-pasta recipes, so pick one and get to cooking.

Make and post your Plenty-o-Pasta dish by Sunday, May 15th. Don't forget to link your post with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your pasta recipe!!

Please remember to leave a comment after linking just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you didn't get a chance to see last week's theme Mum's the Word, head on over there now. You never know if one of those dishes will catch your eye.

*photos courtesy JamieOliver.com
I Heart Cooking Clubs *Plenty-o-Pasta* Participants

1. Tina Marie (Sausage Carbonara)
2. Danielle- Proper Blokes' Sausage Fusili
3. Natashya - Killer Mac and Cheese
4. Joanne - Salmon Baked with Pesto and Green Beans

5. Deb in Hawaii--Classic Tomato Spaghetti
6. Heather~ Spaghetti Fritters
7. Carol - Pasta with Brie
8. Couscous & Consciousness - Fettucine with Spinach, Crab & Lemon

9. Andreas - Pasta with Sausage
10. Lemon Linguine
11. Kim-Baked Camembert Pasta

Mum's the Word!

2011-05-02T00:00:00.002-04:00

It's no secret that this is the week to celebrate Mums and Moms and we are cooking up dishes that (not only) a Mother will love!

Mum's the Word!

So if you are a Mum yourself...

You are cooking up something special for your Mum...

Or your Mummy...

Make one of Jamie's fabulous recipes from his cookbooks or online that shows your love.

Make and post your Mum's the Word! dish by Sunday, May 8th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation!

Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you didn't already, be sure to check out all the fabulous Potluck Creations from last week.

Don't forget, we're currently cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver ...so if you've linked up a post, please be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes!

Can't wait to see what you make!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Mum's the Word!* Participants

1. Deb in Hawaii--Oatmeal with Banana & Cinnamon
2. Tina Marie - Grilled Tuna with Peas!
3. Yvette - Tagliatelle with asparagus, crispy pancetta and parmesan
4. Natashya - Lemony Risotto with Herbs and Broccoli

5. Michelle ~ Summer Chickpea Salad
6. Danielle- Tropical Fruit Salad
7. Baked Brie w/ Rigatoni & Spinach
8. natalia - Lemon Drizzle Cake

9. Kim-Shrimp and Avocado with Marie Rose Sauce
10. Melodie - Elderflower-gin cocktail
11. Tammy Lou ~ Chicken Salad

It's POTLUCK time!

2011-04-25T00:00:00.037-04:00

And you know what that means...ANYTHING GOES ! Well, as long as we're still talking Jamie Oliver, that is. He does offer crazy variety, after all...

Choose that dish or dessert or bread or sweet that you've had your eye on for a while...or clear away one of your bookmarks...or pick something at random. Come as you are...we won't judge...we're just happy to have you. What will you bring to the party this week?

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Make and post your POTLUCK post by Sunday, May 1. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Chicken and the Egg theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *April Potluck with Jamie* Participants

1. Tammy Lou ~ Deep Pan Pizza
2. Deb in Hawaii--Quick Salmon Tikka w/ Cucumber Yogurt
3. Heather ~ Sesame Seed Toffee Snaps
4. Tina Marie ( zucchini and lemon AND fried polenta)

5. Eats Well With Others - Vegetable Jalfrezi
6. Natashya - South Indian Fish Curry
7. Kim- Fruit Scones for the Royal Wedding!
8. Lucia - Grilled Cod with Pancetta and Pea Mash

9. Yvette - Frozen fruit smoothies
10. Andreas - Mac'n'cheese
11. natalia - Chocolate dried fruit and nuts tart
12. Melodie - Mushroom croutons

Chicken and the Egg - Which Comes First?

2011-04-17T23:59:00.003-04:00

Ah, the age old question.
Well, which comes first in your heart anyway.
Anyone who has seen Jurassic Park will realize that eggs have been around a lot longer than chickens...

The real question is - what are you going to cook up this week?

Will you be doing a roast chicken for the family? A frittata for the one you love? Chicken or egg salad for your lunch box? Or maybe you are thinking fancy - a soufflé, or chicken liver paté.

Choose a chicken or egg dish from one of Jamie Oliver's recipes - in his books or online - cook it up and post on or by Sunday, April 24th.

Link your post up with Mr. Linky, below, and leave a comment after so we don't miss your delicious dish!

New to IHCC? Check out our Welcome page.
And don't forget to check out all the delicious April Showers dishes.

Now, you have a chicken to catch. Or an egg. Run!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Chicken and the Egg* Participants

1. Tina Marie - Chicken and Mushroom Pasta Bake
2. Yvette - Charred eggy bread with stawberries and honey
3. Michelle ~ Potato and Chorizo (Andouille) Omelette w/ a Kinda Parsley Salad
4. Kim- Barbecue Chicken

5. Tammy Lou ~ Pancetta wrapped chicken ~ Green grits with a fried egg
6. Deb in Hawaii--Chicken Korma
7. Natashya - Thai Chicken Noodle not-so Soup
8. Heather ~ Chicken Korma

9. natalia - Jamie Oliver’s Favorite Curry Sauce – Chicken Version
10. Melodie - Partridge with bruschetta

April Showers

2011-04-11T00:01:00.004-04:00

April showers bring May flowers.........

but they also usher in a gorgeous abundance of fresh produce in every dazzling color. Very soon the markets will be brimming with beautiful and bountiful treasures begging to be used in fresh and exciting dishes. A treasure trove of beautiful ingredients awaits us.

How do April Showers inspire you? Will you find yourself running to the market in your raincoat OR will the rain keep you inside? Whether you decide to stay in or wander out, there is a Jamie recipe for you!

Make and post your April Showers dish by Sunday, April 17th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so that we can all enjoy your recipe!

Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

Wanna get happy? Head over here to check out last week's Happy Days recipes.

Don't forget to tune in to Jamie's Food Revolution which airs on ABC this Tuesday, April 12th at 8/7 central.
I Heart Cooking Clubs *April Showers* Participants

1. Tina Marie - cheesy peas
2. Michelle ~ 1 Minute Berry Ice Cream
3. Tammy Lou ~ Steak with "grilled" chips and blueberry fruit crumble
4. DeeDee
5. Heather ~ Chicken and Leek Stroganoff

6. Deb in Hawaii--Very Simple Curry and Cilantro & Lime Rice
7. Natashya - Insalata di Gennaro
8. Melodie - Split pea soup
9. Kim- Shrimp Stir Fry with Sugar Snap Peas
10. yvette - blackened barbequed pork

11. Andreas- Asparagus and Potato Tart
12. Roz ~ Farfalle Carbonara with Spring Peas
13. natalia - Pot-roasted Pork in White Wine with Garlic, Fennel, and Rosemary
14. Lana - Beef Tagine

Happy Days with Jamie!

2011-04-04T00:00:00.002-04:00

We all want to be happy...

So this week we are having Happy Days with Jamie!

For our current chef, Jamie Oliver, Happy Days means delicious food and good times spent with family and friends enjoying it! Making for happy days in the kitchen and all around.

So what foods and dishes give you Happy Days?

...Maybe something healthy?

...A good breakfast?

...A fresh and fabulous salad?

...Or something decadent?

...A baked treat?

...Something made with chocolate?

Choose whatever Jamie Oliver recipe that makes you jump for joy!

Make and post your Happy Days with Jamie! dish by Sunday, April 10th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation!

Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

Come on... get happy and join us for some Happy Days with Jamie!

If you didn't already, be sure to check out how everyone "got naked!" with Jamie last week.

Don't forget, we're currently cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver ...so if you've linked up a post, please be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Happy Days with Jamie!* Participants

1. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Blueberry Breakfast Pancakes
2. DeeDee at Fairfield Manor, Fish and Chips
3. Tina Marie - Roasted Carrots and Beets with Pork Chops
4. Deb in Hawaii--Avocado, Pancetta & Pine Nut Salad
5. Natashya - Garlic, Thyme and Anchovy Baked Potatoes

6. Nilam - Onion Soup for The Cold
7. Tammy Lou ~ Cod with prosciutto, radicchio, capers and lemon
8. Melodie - Pulled pork, thyme and Taleggio pizza
9. Heather ~ Onion Baguettes
10. Arlene - Pot Roast Pork

11. Corina - Tomato and Olive Couscous Salad
12. natalia -Black Forest Swiss Roll
13. Kim- Pasta Pepperonata
14. Roz ~ ~ Sloppy Joe's ala Jamie
15. Allison - Lemon Jam Jar Dressing

Let's Get Naked!

2011-03-28T00:00:00.037-04:00

Are you ready to get naked with the one and only Naked Chef? We are so excited to welcome Jamie Oliver as our new chef here at IHCC and cannot wait to get closer...and explore the meaning of "naked"...over the next six months.

Jamie has at least ten different cookbooks to choose from, cooking shows galore (both current and on DVD), plus a magazine and numerous online resources to find his recipes (see our sidebar for links), so without further ado, let's all get ~~naked~~ comfortable with Jamie this week by picking any of his recipes and getting our hands dirty. I know Jamie would approve.

Make and post your Let's Get Naked! post by Sunday, April 3. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Arrivederci Giada theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Jamie Oliver right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of his recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Let's Get Naked!* Participants

1. Deb in Hawaii--Chickpea, Leek & Parmesan Soup
2. Tammy Lou
3. Heather ~ Oatmeal w/ Banana, Poppy Seed, Cinnamon & Toasted Almonds
4. Melodie
5. Lucia - Homemade Fettuccini with Vodka Sauce

6. Lucia - Pappardella with a Ragu of Tiny Meatballs
7. Beth Anne - Fresh Asian Noodle Salad
8. Tina Marie (plain ol' bacon and eggs)
9. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Pasta Peperonata
10. Natashya - Spinach and Mushroom Risotto with Goat Cheese

11. Michelle ~ Garlic, Thyme, & Anchovy Baked Potatoes
12. Kim- Roasted Carrots with Orange, Garlic and Herbs
13. natalia -Salmon with Green Beans Cherry Tomatoes and Olives
14. Andreas - Lentils with Wild Garlic

Arrivederci Giada

2011-03-20T23:59:00.003-04:00

A wise man once said,

"We're here for a good time, not a long time

So have a good time, the sun can't shine everyday."

Okay, maybe it was Trooper, but that doesn't make it any less true.

This is our last week of cooking with the lovely and talented Giada de Laurentiis, whose enthusiasm and vitality is infectious both in life and in the kitchen. We have learned a lot from her and are sad to see our time with Giada come to an end.

But, like all ends, a new beginning also unfolds. Stay tuned next week for our first week of cooking with Jamie!

For now, let's send Giada off in style. A goodbye party with love and gratitude. Now is the time cook up that special treat you have been putting off. Let's have a going away party!

Whip up your going away goodies or dishes, link up with Mr. Linky, below, on or by March 27th, and leave a comment to let us know you've posted!

New to IHCC? Check out our Welcome post for more details.
I Heart Cooking Clubs *Arrivederci Giada* Participants

1. Michelle ~ Dirty Risotto
2. Tina Marie - Dirty Risotto and Eggplant
3. Kim - Recipe Recap & Favorites
4. Chicken Piccata

5. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Spaghetti Marinara with Vegetarian Meatballs
6. Yvette - Arrivederci Dinner
7. Deb In Hawaii--Salmon w/ Lemon, Capers & Rosemary
8. natalia - Lemon Ricotta Cookies with Lemon Glaze

9. Heather ~ Chocolate, Brie, & Basil Panini
10. Natashya - Chicken with Balsamic BBQ Sauce

It's Spud Week and....The Vote Is In!

2011-03-14T00:00:00.005-04:00

It's official!! The voting poll is closed and the people have spoken. The new chef we will be cooking along with for the next six months is the one and only, Jamie Oliver ! Jamie's passion and love of food, along with his endless bevy of cookbooks and recipes, is going to make for an exciting and adventurous six months. We can't wait!

But, before we get started on our new adventure with Jamie, we have two more wonderful weeks left with the Princess of Italian Cooking, Giada De Laurentiis.

This week at I Heart Cooking Clubs it's Spud Week! To ring in St. Patrick's Day, we are combining our love of Giada with our love of the ever popular potato. Sounds like a match made in heaven!

Whether your spuds are the star of the show, tucked away in a stew, or sitting on the side lines, there is sure to be a recipe for you. Giada has a large array of potato recipes ranging from side dishes, to soups and stews, to homemade potato chips, and even a recipe for tilapia with purple potato crust.

You might even choose to go all out and make gnocchi from scratch. Giada has recipes for both traditional potato gnocchi, as well as recipes for sweet potato gnocchi. Don't have time to make the gnocchi from scratch, no problem! Grab a box at the market and whip up one of Giada's many gnocchi recipes. The sky's the limit!!

Looking for more potato recipe and ideas? Click HERE to be directed to the Food Network website where you will find a list of some of the many recipes containing potatoes.

Please make and post your Spud Week recipe by this Sunday, March 20th. Please be sure to connect your post with Mr. Linky below so that we can all be sure to see your recipe. Also, please leave a comment after linking up to Mr. Linky so that we are sure not to miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

Didn't get a chance to stop by last week's potluck? Head over HERE to check out all the tasty dishes everyone brought.

*photos courtesy yahoo.com and foodnetwork.com

*Spud Week* Participants

1. Tina Marie - Baked Mashed Potatoes with Parmesan Cheese and Breadcrumbs
2. Michelle ~Broiled Zucchini and Potatoes with Parmesan Crust
3. Yvette - Roasted baby potatoes with herbs
4. Kim - Broiled Zucchini and Potatoes with Parmesan Crust

5. Natashya - Gnocchi with Thyme Butter Sauce
6. Heather- Gnocchi bathed in Brown Butter and Thyme
7. natalia - Bacon and Pancetta Potatoes
8. Deb in Hawaii--Creamy Artichoke (& Potato) Soup

9. Meredith-Parmesan Potato Pancake
10. Tammy Lou
11. Spicy Sausage and Potato Soup

March Potluck with Giada!

2011-03-07T00:00:00.003-05:00

Time is running out! Only three more weeks to cook with Giada before we switch to our new chef! (BTW Did you vote for your favorite yet? The voting poll is on the side bar and currently it looks to be an epic battle between Rick Bayless and Jamie Oliver with Bobby Flay a ways behind. Of course there are still several days to vote and as we have seen before it is really anyone's game down to that final deadline--so vote for your top choice to make sure your voice gets heard!)

But I digress... back to our current chef and theme! This week is our final Potluck with Giada. Time to cook one of those last Giada recipes you have tabbed in her books or bookmarked on Food Network but have not yet got around to making...

So whether you are craving decadent or healthy, sweet or savory, pasta or salad, cocktail or dessert, breakfast or dinner, Potluck is the time you get to pick any Giada recipes your little heart desires...

Get to zesting, and start cooking up your selected Giada Potluck creation!

Make and post your March Potluck! dish by Sunday, March 13th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation!

Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you didn't feed your fever for our Spring Fever! theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious "springy" dishes everyone brought!

Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Giada De Laurentiis through the next three weeks...so if you've linked up a post, please be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes!

See you at the March Potluck!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *March Potluck with Giada!* Participants

1. Yvette- Croissant Panini
2. Beth Anne - Arancini di Riso
3. Yvette- Chicken tetrazzini
4. Natashya - Sundried Tomato and Chickpea Crostini

5. Deb in Hawaii--Melon & Mint Slush
6. Lyndsay The Kitchen Witch
7. Michelle ~Pecorino Romano with Apples and Fig Jam
8. Lana - Butternut Squash Soup

9. Kim - Deep-Fried Bocconcini with Garlic and Tomato Chutney
10. Andrea ~ Torta de Pasta

Spring Fever!

2011-02-28T00:00:00.058-05:00

***A quick announcement before we talk about this week's theme...IT'S VOTING TIME! That's right. One more month of cooking with Giada...then we bring a guy into the kitchen. Who do you want to spend the next 6 months with? Rick Bayless...Bobby Flay...or Jamie Oliver. Those are your choices. I've got to say, I'm looking forward to spending time with whichever guy wins the vote...I enjoy them all! Check out the sidebar and place your vote. The poll will stay open for 2 weeks. Then we'll have 2 more weeks to gather books, recipes, websites in preparation for the winner!***
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I've got it. Oh yeah, I've got it bad! What do I have? A fever. SPRING FEVER! Please snow...please, Please, PLEASE go away! I want tiny green buds and pastel flowers and refreshing rains. I want asparagus spears poking their tips through the soil. I want tiny red strawberries, packed with sweet juices. I want baby lettuces and spring garlic and fleshy little apricots. Not to mention tangy rhubarb and sweet little peas and peppery watercress.

How 'bout you? Have you got the fever? Well, head into the kitchen with Giada and make something that represents SPRING to you! Be it the ingredients, the memories, the anticipation, Spring Break, you name it...what's your interpretation?

Make and post your Spring Fever! post by Sunday, February 6th. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Potluck theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Giada De Laurentiis right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *Spring Fever* Participants

1. Mary w/Roasted Veggie Lasagna
2. Beth Anne - Strawberry Nutella Panini
3. Andrea at Nummy Kitchen -- Strawberry Mango Spring Rolls
4. Kim - Pastina with Peas and Carrots

5. Deb in Hawaii--Salmon in Lemon Brodetto with Pea Purée.
6. Chicken Marsala
7. Natashya - Ice Caffe Latte
8. Tina Marie - Sundried Tomato Garlic Corn Muffins!

9. Roz - Baked Orzo with Fontina and Peas
10. Meredith-Linguine with Shrimp and Lemon Oil

February Potluck with Giada!

2011-02-21T00:01:00.039-05:00

Ready for another fabulous Potluck with Giada?!

Time to pick out one of those recipes that you have had your eye on. You know the ones; the recipes with the bright glossy photos that make you pause every time you see them. That make you go hmmmm, and your mouth starts to water just a bit... that's it. We have only one month left with the lovely Giada De Laurentiis, and now is the time to make sure you cook up those dishes that have been haunting your dreams.

Perhaps you have a few winter dishes that you want to cook up before spring finally arrives. One last blast of pure comfort food while the snow still flies.

Find and cook up that Giada dish that tempts you so; post it and link up with Mr. Linky by Sunday, February 27th.

New to IHCC and not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

Link your Giada posts that you cooked up this week here.

Don't forget to check out all the wonderful Noodle dishes from last week!

photos from google images
I Heart Cooking Clubs *February Potluck with Giada!* Participants

1. Michelle ~ Fried Mozzarella Sticks
2. Natashya - Roasted Pork Loin with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

3. Kim - Gorgonzola and Porcini Risotto
4. Deb In Hawaii--Lemon Chicken Soup w/ Fideos Noodles

5. Meredith-Marinara Sauce

Using Your Noodle

2011-02-14T00:01:00.013-05:00

This week at I Heart Cooking Clubs we're using our noodles!

ALL NOODLES ARE INVITED TO THE PARTY!

With numerous pasta recipes ranging from soups and salads to appetizers, main courses, and even desserts, there is a Giada recipe for you! You can even choose to use your noodle for breakfast in a frittata! The possibilities are endless.

Some of you might even be feeling adventurous enough to try your hand at some homemade pasta. If so, Giada has a great instructional video on how to make fresh pasta HERE.

If you really want to have fun using your noodle, you could try your hand at something crispy and crunchy like these crave-worthy Fried Ravioli with Marinara.

Now that's a good way to use your noodle!

Need a quick pasta recipe that is ready in less than 20 minutes? There is bound to be a "quickie" pasta dish to get you through the week.

HAVE FUN USING YOUR NOODLE!

Please choose and post your Giada recipe by Sunday, February 20th. Don't forget to link your post for this week's theme with Mr. Linky below, so everyone can see how you used your noodle! Also remember to leave a comment after each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

New to IHCC and not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed "That's Amore" last week, be sure to head on over and see how everyone expressed their love.

Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Giada De Laurentiis right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her many recipes for your post!

*photos courtesy Food Network

Using Your Noodle Participants

1. Beth Anne - Linguine with Olives and Breadcrumbs
2. The Country Cook- Fiery Angel Hair Pasta
3. Tina Marie- Angel Hair Pasta with creamy mushroom sauce

4. Rigatoni with Steak Sauce
5. Natashya - Rigatoni with Mushroom and Crab Sauce
6. Deb in Hawaii--Rigatoni with Red Pepper, Almonds & Bread Crumbs

7. meredith-pennewithspicytomatosause
8. Kim -Penne with Shrimp in Herbed Cream Sauce
9. Michelle ~Linguine w/ Shrimp & Lemon Oil

That's Amore!

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What is Amore you ask? Well... perhaps Dean Martin sums it up best...

"When the moon hits your eye

Like a big-a pizza pie
That's amore
When the world seems to shine
Like you've had too much wine
That's amore

Bells'll ring
Ting-a-ling-a-ling
Ting-a-ling-a-ling
And you'll sing "Vita bella"
Hearts'll play
Tippi-tippi-tay
Tippi-tippi-tay
Like a gay tarantella

When the stars make you drool
Joost-a like pasta fazool
That's amore
When you dance down the street
With a cloud at your feet, you're in love
When you walk in a dream
But you know you're not dreamin', signore
'Scusami, but you see
Back in old Napoli, that's amore!"

That's Amore! is our theme this week.

Which of Giada's recipes say amore or love to you?

Is it a big pizza pie?
Some pasta fazool?
Something elegant?
A bite of something sweet and decadent?
A festive cocktail?
Chocolate perhaps?

Whatever you choose, when it's made with love...then my friends...That's Amore!

Decide which Giada recipe best shows your love, post it by Sunday, February 13th and don't forget to link your post for this week's theme with Mr. Linky below, so we can all share the love. Also remember to leave a comment after each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

New to IHCC and not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed "You Are Such a Meatball!" last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious meatball-filled dishes everyone brought.

Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Giada De Laurentiis right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her many recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *That's Amore!* Participants

1. Arlene-Braised Short Ribs with Tagliatelle
2. Giada's Strawberry Crumble
3. That's Amóre MEATBALL SUB ~girlichef
4. Natashya - Artichoke and Tuna Panini!

5. Beth Anne - Steak with Balsamic BBQ Sauce
6. Roz - Italian Sausage and Pepper Subs
7. Kim - Hazelnut Chocolate Chip Cookies
8. Michelle Petite Filet w/ Gorgonzola & Mushroom Sauce

9. DebinHawaii--Foil Wrapped Salmon & Saffron Harvest Grains
10. Couscous & Consciousness - Amaretti Torta
11. Meredith-(fixed link!)Toasted Pound Cake with Mascarpone and Amaretto

You are Such a Meatball!

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On top of spaghetti,

All covered with cheese,

I lost my poor meatball,

When somebody sneezed.

It rolled off the table,

And on to the floor,

And then my poor meatball,

Rolled out of the door.

It rolled in the garden,
And under a bush,
And then my poor meatball,
Was nothing but mush.

The mush was as tasty
As tasty could be,
And then the next summer,
It grew into a tree.

The tree was all covered,
All covered with moss,
And on it grew meatballs,
And tomato sauce.

So if you eat spaghetti,
All covered with cheese,
Hold on to your meatball,
Whenever you sneeze.

Giada eating Meaballs at Meatball Madness-photo credit: Food Fashionista

We all know that Giada loves her meatballs. And so do we! Whether you decide to carefully place them on top of spaghetti...float them in a bowl of soup...pile them into a bun...or scatter them on a pizza...just bring on the meatballs! That's right, head into the kitchen with Giada and start rolling. It's all about the meatballs this week!

Make and post your Meatball post by Sunday, February 6. Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.

If you missed the Potluck theme last week, be sure to head on over and see all of the delicious dishes everyone brought! Don't forget, we're cooking through the recipes of Giada De Laurentiis right now...so if you've linked up, be sure that you've used/adapted one of her recipes for your post!

I Heart Cooking Clubs *You are Such a Meatball!* Participants

1. Michelle~ Baked Ziti w/ Meatballs
2. Mary w/Mini Chicken Meatballs
3. DebinHawaii--Turkey Meatballs & Couscous w/ Apples, Cranberries & Herbs

4. Natashya - Polpette and Spaghetti
5. Kim-Bucatini All'Amatriciana with Spicy Fontina Meatballs
6. Turkey Meatballs & Tomato Sauce

7. Meredith

January Potluck with Giada!

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This is it! Time to choose one of those fabulous Giada dishes you have had your eye on and cook it up, bake it up, blend it up - the sky is the limit! Do you realize that we are well on our way to the end of our six months with Giada? Time to start catching up on those dishes that keep calling to us, the ones that haunt our dreams. Yeah, for me that quite often means pasta - thankfully Giada is the master (mistress?) of pasta. No shortage of dishes to choose from.

But she also offers quite a lot of breakfast, brunch, appetizers, soups, salads and healthy fare. And of course her sweet tooth is legendary. So much to choose from!

Go through your Giada cookbooks, or her recipes online - prepare whatever of her recipes you desire and post it on or by Sunday, January 30th. Link up your post to Mr. Linky so we can all enjoy your creations!

Meanwhile, have you had a chance to check out what everyone made for California Dreaming last week?

Looking forward to seeing what you come up with for this January Potluck with Giada!
(Recipes from Giada only, please)

Don't forget to link your post of the week's with Mr. Linky below, so we can all enjoy your fabulous creation! Remember to leave a comment after, each week that you use Mr. Linky to link your post, just to be sure we don't miss anyone.

Not sure what a permalink is? Check out our Welcome post.
I Heart Cooking Clubs *February Potluck with Giada!* Participants

1. Michelle ~ Fried Mozzarella Sticks
2. Natashya - Roasted Pork Loin with Roasted Garlic Vinaigrette

3. Kim - Gorgonzola and Porcini Risotto
4. Deb In Hawaii--Lemon Chicken Soup w/ Fideos Noodles

5. Meredith-Marinara Sauce