Tag Archives: Cheese

Gouda and Smoked Tofu Grilled Cheese

Gouda and Smoked Tofu Grilled Cheese by Alison's AllspiceThis post is really more like an idea than a recipe.  Yes, the recipe for gouda and smoked tofu grilled cheese is written out in full below.  However if you know how to make a grilled cheese sandwich, then all you need to do is add some smoked tofu to have a hearty, cozy, and easy to make meal in only a few minutes.

The grilled cheese was one of the first things that I learned to cook.  I was just a kid probably getting in the way in the kitchen.  I imagine I was told to flip the sandwich while another was being made. Continue reading

Black Bean Taco Dip

Black Bean Taco Dip by Alison's AllspiceI can’t believe that December is in full swing already. This fall has flown by so quickly and now it is practically winter. During the fall, I don’t dive into pumpkin spice season so much. I do, however, love football food season. This black bean taco dip is one that I made repeatedly this year. 

The base for this dip is black beans, seasoned with onion and taco seasoning (garlic, cumin, chili powder and paprika). Then I add salsa to give the dip some more body, and of course flavor.  Continue reading

Purple Sweet Potato and Kale Mini Crustless Quiches

Purple Sweet Potato and Kale Mini Crustless Quiches by Alison's AllspiceFriends, it has been a busy fall as usual (busy but good), and I have not been posting as often as I like to. Today I have a great fall recipe for you to try, purple sweet potato and kale mini crustless quiches, and there will be many more recipes coming once winter break has started! 

So, more about quiches! 

Quiches are supposed to be more custard-like than a fritatta or egg bake because they have more dairy in them.  I love adding cottage cheese for a portion of my dairy because it adds a boost of protein.  The little chunks also create air pockets when baking, so this recipe will yield a light and fluffy quiche.  Continue reading

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad

Lemon Parmesan Kale Salad by Alison's AllspiceI have a secret to tell you.  I love making bread, and I have been making a lot of sourdough lately.  So much that I have to find inventive ways to use it to keep my supply fresh, like topping this lemon parmesan kale salad with toasted sourdough breadcrumbs.

Lemon parmesan is a classic pairing of flavors that cannot be beat.  Fresh lemon is bright and refreshing while parmesan is full of rich umami.  Adding toasted breadcrumbs takes this simple salad to the next level. Continue reading

Grilled Veggie and Halloumi Pitas

Grilled Veggie and Halloumi Pitas by Alison's AllspiceThese grilled veggie and halloumi pitas are a summertime favorite when it is too hot to cook in the house.  The halloumi cheese has a delightful squeaky chew and I adore its caramalized flavor off the grill.

My biggest concern when I started experimenting with grilled halloumi was that it would stick to the grill, and it does not!  In my experience, if the cheese isn’t wanting to loosen from the grate, it is not sufficiently browned yet.  It should remove easily when it’s ready to flip. Continue reading

Grilled Shrimp Tostadas

Grilled Shrimp Tostadas by Alison's AllspiceWhen I get out my charcoal grill, I don’t like to go back and forth between the house and the grill.  Instead, I just cook everything on the grill.  In this grilled shrimp tostadas recipe, you will grill both the shrimp and the corn tortillas to make the crispy tostada shell.

I find grilling shrimp on a stick much easier than one-by-one, and kabob sticks take up much less space than a grilling basket when it comes to storage. Continue reading

Apple Cheddar Kale Salad

Apple Cheddar Kale Salad by Alison's AllspiceIt is finally here.  It’s salad season!  I love this time of year because my garden is bursting with fresh lettuce, kale, and arugula. I will eat salad after salad until I grow tired, but that is far from the goal. The goal is finding ways to keep salad interesting, so I share with you this apple cheddar kale salad.

Apple and cheddar are a classic combination of sweet and salty.   Pair that with an apple cider vinaigrette to keep things savory and some sunflower seeds for crunch, and you have a winner salad. Continue reading

Portabella Cheeseburger

Portabella Cheeseburger by Alison's AllspiceI have had portabella cheeseburgers at restaurants that have really lacked luster.  The mushroom is too raw, lacks seasoning, and just doesn’t taste like a burger when you put it in a bun.  This portabella cheeseburger recipe is different.  Let me explain why.

First of all, this recipe is a two-step process that should be familiar to any cook.  Marinade, then cook, preferably on a charcoal grill.  The marinade starts to break down the mushroom, pulling out its moisture, and it adds plenty of savory seasoning. Continue reading

Seared Artichoke and White Bean Pasta

Seared Artichoke and White Bean Pasta by Alison's AllspiceThis recipe is a classic example of how good canned vegetables can be.  I have tried this seared artichoke and white bean pasta recipe with frozen artichoke hearts as well and found it to be a little too dry.  The artichokes that are canned in brine are better suited for searing because they don’t dry out as much while they caramelize.

The searing process adds not only a pop of color, but also bring out the sweetness of the artichokes beautifully.  It takes a little time, so be patient.  The end result is a delicious yet simple pasta dinner. Continue reading

Miso Butternut Squash and Spinach Spaghetti Pie

Miso Butternut Squash and Spinach Spaghetti Pie by Alison's AllspiceWho else thinks that pasta is comfort food?  I can eat pasta all day, and this miso butternut squash and spinach spaghetti pie hits the top of the list!  Why?  This recipe has a few things that other pasta bakes do not.

A spaghetti pie is unique because it is bound together by egg, just enough that the strands stick together making cutable wedges.  Most bakes fall part upon serving, or have loads of cheese holding them together. Continue reading