Cooking Motivation

No doubt, the bean and I have been enjoying our summer.  However, I have been lacking a little in the craft and culinary areas.  I have either been putting my effort in keeping up the outside or we've been out having fun in the sun while we can.  Oh, and my little bean stopped napping too, which of course gives Mommy even less time.

So, in an attempt to get some of my mojo back, I have given myself a little challenge.  I went to our little local health food store and picked up some spices that I don't regularly use and I am going to try to plan recipes around the spices.  I have also purchased a half a dozen cookbooks in the past month or so (now if I could find the time to sit down and go through them all).

First up:

Chipotle Chili Powder

Here are some of the recipes that I have found:

Chipotle Flourless Chocolate Cake

Fiery Chipotle Baked Beans (I'd omit the chorizo though)

I want to try using it in place of regular chili powder in my butternut squash and black bean chili

Also want to try in tacos

And next:

Smoked Paprika
Goat Cheese With Paprika, Garlic, Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Capers a Bruschetta recipe
Smoky Black Bean Soup
Baked BBQ Tofu (always wanted to try backed tofu - worth a shot!)

 Fennel Seeds
Fennel Seed Focaccia with Kalamata Olives
Spicy Turkey Sausage With Fennel Seeds
Marinara Sauce (always looking for a new take)

Garam Masala
Butter Chickpea Curry
Chicken Makhani

I also ordered za'atar from Amazon.  It's an Arabian spiced commonly used simply on bread brushed with oil.  Absolutely delicious!  I grew up in the Middle East, so it is very nostalgic.

I will report back if I find any to die for recipes.  And by all means if anyone has a recipe using any of these spices, please share a link!!!