Year in Review

2019: Sense & Edibility’s Year in Review

December 31, 2019

What in THEEEE hell is going on, you guys? Dead serious, I’m looking back at 2019 like, “WHYHOWWHENWHEREWHAT!?!?!” Seems like it was just 2 days ago that we were ringing in 2019 and now we’re over here checking for a whole new decade!?!? Since there’s no stopping the inevitable, I want to take a look…

Shrimp and grits is played out. Yeah, I said it.

Shrimp and grits is played out. Yeah, I said it. I'm on a mission to make Merlot Braised Short Ribs and Grits the next big thing. I just need to work on a name...Ribs and Grits? Gritty Ribs? I'll tweak it and get back to you. Braising rib meat is a hands off way to tenderize one of the toughest cuts of beef. Learn some of my favorite cooking techniques, and tuck a few under your belt, to impress your people. Of course, my Cheesy Garlic Grits are the preferred vessel for soaking up that silky smooth merlot sauce. Pasta, rice, or mashed potatoes are some other tasty options. https://senseandedibility.com/merlot-braised-short-ribs/

Word on the street is that it's #nationalhuggingda

Word on the street is that it's #nationalhuggingday. I'm going to morph it into National Making Out Before Your Husband Deployed Day. I'm pretty sure it'll take off. I'm so glad this stage our lives is over. My husband's last deployment to Iraq was 3 years ago, but I can still feel a pit in stomach every time I look at this image. I showed it to the twins and they said, " We almost made it through that day without crying." As if crying because your dad was going to a combat zone was something to be ashamed of. Silly kids. I'm honored to be among the few who can say they are a #militaryfamily and proud to have supported our service member, but I'm glad it's behind us. Hug whoever you've got and remember those who have a loved one deployed.

If you're going to claim to be a cheese lover, you

If you're going to claim to be a cheese lover, you'd better be about that life!! If that cheese pull ain't on point, take it back to the kitchen. It's National Cheese Lover's Day and I can't think of a better way to celebrate than with this FIVE Cheese Macaroni and Cheese recipe. We don't do mac and cheese with one or two cheeses, no, my friend. We go hard around here. https://senseandedibility.com/baked-macaroni-cheese/

This post isn't a debate! So don't @ me about sug

This post isn't a debate! So don't @ me about sugar vs. butter and salt. I'm a Yankee. I eat cream of wheat, not grits. Ya girl doesn't have to be from the south to make a memorable bowl of grits, and neither do you! This post IS about how these grits got me past the most important round of auditions on a competitive cooking reality TV show. Click the link in my bio to read what went down. https://senseandedibility.com/cheesy-grits-garlic/

It's National Hot Toddy day, which is only fitting

It's National Hot Toddy day, which is only fitting seeing as how my throat is on FIRE because mountain cedar season in CENTRAL TEXAS IS THE DEVILLLLL!!! My recipe soothes the throat and soul with a generous nip of good ol' Irish whiskey. https://senseandedibility.com/classic-hot-toddy-with-whiskey/

Tell me a quirky food habit of yours!🤔 ONE of m

Tell me a quirky food habit of yours!🤔 ONE of mine is my obsession with turning everyday things into something edible. Seriously! From candle scents to cocktails- I'm trying to make recipes from what I see, smell, and taste. Every year I make copious amounts of Coquito (#recipeontheblog) and this year was no exception. It's a must for most Puerto Ricans (and many other Caribbean Hispanics) during the holidays. In fact, I made so much Coquito, I needed some way to use it all up. Drinking that much may be frowned upon in some cultures. This Creamy Coquito Cheesecake, with its Coquito topping, is the love child of my obsession with creating and my abundance of booze. While I made mine with traditional Coquito, which includes rum, feel free to use alcohol free Coquito or even eggnog for your dessert. https://senseandedibility.com/coquito-cheesecake/

If you've never made Cream Puffs at home, I have

If you've never made Cream Puffs at home, I have news for you: you've wasted money. Don't kick yourself just yet, though. Once you get the hang of making the Pâte À Choux dough, you'll have unlimited access to all sorts of desserts and appetizers. Not only will you have the base for these Valentine's (or any Day) Cream Puffs, but you'll also be able to make profiteroles, eclairs, and their savory counterpart: gougères (cheese puffs)- anytime you crave them. So, let's throw the checkbook out of the window- because, I mean, who even uses checkbooks anymore- and bake at home. https://senseandedibility.com/valentines-day-cream-puffs/

Mais Cher, it's nearly Mardi Gras season and this

Mais Cher, it's nearly Mardi Gras season and this King Cake needs to make an appearance at your festivities. This version is filled with pockets of cinnamon-sugar filling and cream cheese and decorated with festive sprinkles. Scale yours back or let the good times roll! https://senseandedibility.com/mardi-gras-king-cake/