Pssst. I got to meet Ree Drummond last week. I was just about to crawl into my pj’s after the kids went to bed and I happened to see Eliana of A Chica Bakes mentioning on Twitter that she was at the book signing here in New York (lucky me because I’m never on Twitter). P.S. Eliana is super sweet and helpful.

I was out the door in a flash and ended up being third last in line. I was trying to play it cool and didn’t plan what I was going to say. By the time I got to the front, I was so tired (10:00 is past my bedtime – lame I know) that I just kind of stood there blankly having no idea what to say. Ree was so sweet and tried to start a conversation with me but my mind just froze up and no words came out of my mouth. She looked at me sympathetically and said “ok, well thanks for coming” and I said “thank you for coming” and then sheepishly turned around and left. Obviously, I’m great under pressure.

She was every bit as sweet as you would imagine. And, even though her night was ten billion times more tiring than mine, talking to and signing everyone’s books, she was very gracious. Even to the weirdo’s like me.

Isn’t the bookstore lighting beautiful? (Insert sarcasm font.)

I purchased a book at the bookstore when I went to the signing and a few days later I received my review copy. I was super pumped because I had fallen in love with the book and was so excited to be able to share it with you.

So far we’ve made these Grilled Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas and these Fluffy New Potatoes (called Twice Baked New Potatoes in the book). Both were super yummy! Not every recipe from the book can be found on the website and many of them are tweaked to be the best they can be or to have more specific instructions. I think it’s definitely worth it to get the book. I love flipping through books – so much less strenuous on the eyes and brain.

This cookbook has quickly shot up the list as one of my favourites. I know over the next weeks (months?) the recipes from this cookbook will make it into my meal planning a couple times a week. Seriously, I want to make every recipe. They all sound so delicious.

I’m so happy to be able to give one of these books away to one of you wonderful people. Since I’ll be mailing my review copy, and I know how much it sucks not to be able to enter giveaways, this giveaway is open world-wide. All you have to do to enter is leave a comment. If you like you can tell me what your favourite spring produce is. Mine is definitely strawberries or rhubarb – don’t make me pick! Only one entry per person please. The winner will be announced in Tuesday’s post. Good luck!

****This giveaway is now closed****

To say that 2011 went out with a bang would be an understatement. Two months ago we found out we were moving. One and a half months later we were flying across the ocean with our most precious possessions in tow (aka. our children) and headed on a new adventure, starting from scratch, in a new land.

After living in Norway for three years we had mixed feelings. The new move meant we were going to be living much closer to family (yay!), in an english speaking country (yay!), in a city known for its great food (yay!). But, it also meant leaving behind great friends, the only home we’ve known since starting our family and this amazing view.

Anyone else hear angels singing?

We’ve left behind nature for the big city. We miss it tons but are also looking forward to this next chapter in our lives and for the many more visits that we’ll be getting from family and friends.

So let me tell you a bit about our new home.

It’s got a Starbucks on every corner (one right outside our door in fact). It’s got amazing parks like this:

Skylines like this:

And, city views like this:

Have you guessed yet?

We moved to New York City!

It’s scary, exhilarating and… scary. Really, honestly, you can’t compare New York and Oslo. They are totally and completely different. It’s feeling like a pretty big culture shock. It took me a bit just to get used to the fact that everyone spoke to me immediately in english and I found myself having to double check the words coming out of my mouth.

I think the only thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that I have a small kitchen. But, my oven is huge! I am so excited about that. And the new place has an awesome island that will give me tons of workspace.

Being in a new city, with every type of food ingredient available to me, plus it being the new year, has got me thinking about my food goals for the next year. They’re not really health related but more – how I’d like to grow as a cook. I’m sure they’ll morph throughout the year and new ones will be added but these are what are on my mind right now.

1. Teach Max to Cook on His Own

Max loves working with me in the kitchen so I think it’s best that I capitalize on that while I can and teach him how to start taking care of himself in the kitchen. He doesn’t have to love cooking when he grows up but I do want him to be able to know the basics so that he doesn’t have to bach it like the rest of them.

2. Find Healthy Snacks

This is on my list every year but you can never have too many healthy snacks. We most often eat fruit for snack time but I’d love to find more travelling snacks as well, since we have a new city to explore during the day and I don’t want to be tempted to eat out all the time.

3. Find More Substitutes for Store-Bought Products

This has been an ongoing goal for me and one that I find fun to conquer. I’ve got a lot of homemade versions of store-bought products already on the blog, but there’s always a new one to master and pretty much anytime I eat out I mentally break down the dish to figure out how I can recreate it at home.

4. Eat More Meatless Meals that the Whole Family will Enjoy

There are many benefits to eating the occasional meatless meal. It’s cheaper, healthier (usually) and often quicker to make. I’d love for our family to eat a meatless meal once a week but we’ll see how it goes. I’ve got a meat-loving husband and bean-hating son to contend with so it could get tricky. But I’ll be sure to share the successes with you.

5. Do More Canning

Last year I got hooked on canning. It was so much easier than I ever expected. Really, there’s nothing too intimidating about it. This year I hope to do small batches of canning all throughout the year. Because it’s fun and extremely satisfying and it makes you feel like you’re pretty much as domesticated as they get.

6. Decorate More Cakes/Cupcakes & Find the Best Basic Recipes

This one is more on the selfish side. I love decorating and baking cakes and I put it off for a long time after my son was born. But, I’d like to start fiddling with it more again. And, what better place than New York to do that right?

I’ve got a certain little girly’s first birthday coming up in a month so I’m in full brainstorming mode. We may not have many people to invite yet but there will be cake!

I’ve found my favourite chocolate party cake and vanilla frosting but I’m still on the search for the perfect vanilla cake, chocolate frosting and a plethora of other cake basics.

I’ll be sure to keep you updated on these food goals as I find recipes and techniques that help me conquer them.

Do you have any food goals this year? I’d love to hear about them. Maybe there are some that I can help you with? Just let me know, I love a good challenge. :)

P.S. Stay tuned for a new recipe coming up on Friday!

We’re still not in our place yet. Two more days. And, then there’s the matter of furnishing and moving all our stuff in. Should be tiring, good fun.

I can’t wait to get back into my own kitchen and start cooking from scratch again. We’ve been eating way too much take-out and frozen foods, I’m ready for some good and healthy homemade meals. Soon… soon. :)

Since I’m not able to bring you any new recipes quite yet, and since it’s the popular thing to do this time of year, I thought I’d share some of my best recipes from the past year. I always enjoy looking back on other people’s posts and being reminded of some of the deliciousness I’ve missed or forgotten, so I hope you enjoy it too.

Popular Posts from 2011

These are the posts that readers seemed to love the most and for good reason – many of them make it to our table on a regular basis.

In no particular order..

Healthier General Tso’s Chicken

No-Bake Granola Bars

Homemade Shake ‘n Bake

Rhubarb Crisp

Hoisin Chicken with Noodles and Green Beans

Peanut Buster Parfait Ice Cream Cake

No-Churn Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream

Homemade Wheat Thins

Pecan Crusted Chicken and Apple Salad with Maple Balsamic Vinaigrette

Things We Make Often

As well as many of the recipes above, these are my favourites from last year that have become regulars at our house.

Tropical Barbecue Chicken Pizza

Chicken Salsa Ranch Wraps

Homemade Egg McMuffins

Easy Almond Granola

Nutty Chocolate Chip Cookies

Perfect Burger Buns

Quick Chicken Parmigiana

Quick Mexican Rice with Beans

Summer Chicken Stew

Perfect Party Cake and Frosting

Simple Parmesan Baked Risotto

Happy New Year Everyone!

I can’t wait to see what 2012 has in store.

It seems that every Christmas something comes up that I’m not able to keep up my posting schedule. And, that is so sad because I love Christmas and all Christmas related things. I’m always a little disappointed that I haven’t been able to share even a fraction of the millions of ideas running through my head. So this year I thought I’d make up for lost time and do a weeklong theme so I could get some of it out of my system. :)

So, this week is going to be all about Sugar Cookies. We’re going to start off with a yummy Christmas sugar cookie recipe and then move on to some fun and different ideas of what you can do with it. I’m really excited about this week and I hope you enjoy it as much as I enjoyed making it for you. I can’t wait to get started!

Giveaway Winner

I really loved reading about all of your favourite Christmas foods last week. You all have some pretty wicked awesome traditions and yummy food. I’m considering taking Santa’s job just so I can sneak some of your leftovers while you sleep. :) Thanks so much for sharing!

And the winner of one 16×20 inch canvas print from Easy Canvas Prints is…

Ellie Delancey who said:

“Is eggnog a food? Because I can’t wait for some spiked eggnog. Last year I made eggnog cupcakes and I may need to revisit that recipe again this year…”

Congratulations Ellie! I’ll be sending you an email later today so you can collect your prize. :)

I’ll see you all tomorrow with a tasty sugar cookie recipe. Don’t forget to bring the milk! ;)

Camping food is just so much fun and I’m sure we’ll get out there sometime yet this summer. These are some of the things that I would consider making and bringing along with me on our next camping trip.

For the Drive

Pack-along treats to munch on the way to your destination.

Maple Walnut Apple Chips

No-Bake Granola Bars

Peanut Butter Popcorn Crunch

Fig “Newton” Crumble Bars

For Dessert:

Cookies and bars are great portable desserts.

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies

Caramel Cappuccino Walnut Bars

Jumbo Cashew Cookies

Peanut Butter Oatmeal Sandwich Cookies

For Breakfast:

Make pre-made breakfast items that can be eaten immediately upon rising, or pack along a baking mix to make pancakes over the fire.

Homemade Baking Mix

Easy Almond Granola

Double Chocolate Raspberry Muffins

Blueberry Sour Cream Muffins

Cottage Cheese and Yogurt Parfaits

Finger Food:

When you’re eating outside, foods you can hold in your hands are a must.

Ham, Cheese and Fruit Kabobs

Homemade Pita Pockets

What foods do you pack when camping?

Since I haven’t been around very much lately I thought I’d try to add a ray of sunshine to your day through some springtime eats. I’m more then ready for spring and summer. It’ll make getting outside with the kidlets so much easier. My poor boy has been spending far too much time inside this winter and I think we’re all ready to get outside without ten layers of clothes on. Can you imagine walking outside without taking twenty minutes to get ready first? That thought surprises (and comforts) me every year.

So, in hopes of spring and brighter days here are some spring treats to ward off the winter blues.

Pasta Primavera

Pasta Primavera literally means “Spring” Pasta and it’s no wonder with it’s fresh and light flavours. Follow the link for how to enjoy this favourite during winter months.

Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie

This Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble Pie was one of our favourite desserts this summer and marked my first ever “cooking” video.

Rhubarb Crunch Coffee Cake

If you’re looking for a good baking project this weekend this Rhubarb Crunch Coffee Cake makes a tasty breakfast or snack.

Sun-dried Tomato, Feta and Basil Bruschetta

My mouth starts to water as soon as I see this Sun-dried Tomato, Feta and Basil Bruschetta. It makes a great appetizer or side dish and would work great if you plan on firing up the grill.

Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate

If you want a shot of spring in a glass this Strawberry Lemonade Concentrate has all the bright flavours that make me excited for the days ahead.

Homemade Pita Pockets

These Homemade Pita Pockets are probably one of my favourite things to bring along on a picnic. Stuff them with a fruity chicken salad, close your eyes and imagine green grass and warmer days.

Mango Strawberry Sherbet

I love the flavor and ease of preparation of this Mango Strawberry Sherbet. No ice cream maker required!

Tropical Slush

A cool Tropical Slush is the perfect way to add some “warmth” to your days. This large batch makes it perfect for serving to a crowd or storing in the freezer in smaller batches for sporadic cravings.

Cool Strawberries and Spice Soup

This Strawberries and Spice Soup made me a believer in cool, fruity soups to fight off the heat of the day. The warm spices make it even a little bit winter friendly. ;)

I’m hoping to have some new recipes for you next week. In the meantime enjoy some thoughts of spring, it’s only a month away!

I finally got back into the kitchen last weekend. Oh how I missed it! It felt so good to be back in there working away. I whipped up this couscous one evening for dinner and we all enjoyed it. Fast is definitely the key these days and side dishes don’t come much quicker than this.

“Couscous is often confused as a grain but it’s really a pasta. It makes a quick and simple side dish because it’s cooked just like instant rice. You boil liquid, stir in the couscous and let it sit until absorbed. It’s also great for winter because it’s filling, comforting and carb-laden.”

Read more and get the recipe on Smithfield.com

Oh yes, I also wanted to mention that I’ve been included in Circle of Moms “Top 25 Foodie Moms“. I’d love your vote to help me move up in the ranks. :)

One last thing. A little glimpse into my life as of late:

The sleepless nights are definitely worth it.

I actually took the photo of the rice casserole above while I was in labour. It may not be my best work but I was determined to get it done! :) That doesn’t mean the recipe isn’t delicious though. While I was in the hospital my post on Smithfield went live for Ham and Dumpling Soup. It is a delicious and comforting soup that’s perfect for snow days, especially if you keep some Homemade Bisquick Mix on hand in your fridge. Today I’m sharing my recipe for Ham, Broccoli and Rice Casserole along with a few tips on how to adapt recipes to suite your family or your fridge.

I’ll be taking the next couple of weeks off to adjust to my new family and spend some much needed time with my mom. Although, I will be popping up occasionally to share some of my posts for Smithfield and give a little update. Before I take my leave I’ll get to the part that you’re all waiting for.

Meet baby Allison.

Before

After

Yes, my poor baby girl had to be wrapped up in her brother’s baby blankets for the first week but Grandma brought lot’s of girly stuff from my family and friends at home so she is bathed in pink now. :)

I’m so excited to get to know this little person and am looking forward to sharing more of our adventures and eats with you soon.

We’re very lucky and have a perfect view of the fireworks across the whole city from our living room window and deck (as you can see in the photo above). It was a great way to bring in the New Year. The girls all cozy on the couch and the guys on the deck snapping photos. Even Max got up and watched the fireworks with us. They were going off since three in the afternoon so when the real show began he was far too excited to sleep.

I don’t normally make New Years resolutions. But, I have been inspired to do so this year because I’m feeling like I need a little kick in the pants.

One of my New Years resolutions has to do with you. I started feeling like I was losing myself by the end of the year and my content was suffering. I don’t want to be posting things just to fill the empty space. With the next baby coming in just one month I know that I’ll have even less time to update the blog and I feel like it’s better to have a longer gap and better quality posts.

In light of that I have put together a short three question survey for you to fill me in on what you’d like to see more of on Kitchen Simplicity and what you think should go. Your feedback means the world to me and knowing what you want helps me to start heading in the right direction and also makes it enjoyable to do so. :)

The survey is anonymous so feel free to be completely honest. It will pop up on your screen so after your done come on back and I’ll share my top ten posts from 2010 with you (if you can’t see the pop up just follow the link at the end of the post).

Top 10 Posts of 2010

I’ve been having so much fun reading other people’s top posts from 2010 that I thought I’d share them today too. It’s kind of fun looking back at the year and discovering what people like and I thought it was suitable for today.

Here are my top ten posts from 2010 (according to views).

#10 Quick & Cheesy Chicken Pot Pie

#9 Banana Chocolate Chip Pancakes

#8 Strawberry Cheesecake Mousse Towers

#7 Sweet & Sour Chicken Balls

#6 Thin Crust Pizza Dough

#5 Red Onion Vinaigrette

#4 Three No-Bake Thanksgiving Appetizers

#3 Moist Vanilla Cake

#2 Homemade Bisquick Mix

#1 Three No-Bake Easter Treats

Thanks so much for making 2010 such a great year. I’m looking forward to what the future holds for us all together. And, don’t forget to take the survey so that I can try to make your year here that much better. :)

From the post:

“One of the things I love about Christmas is that each family has their own traditions for how they celebrate the holiday. I am big on traditions. It gives you something to look forward to and get excited about each year. And, there’s something comforting about knowing what to expect.”

Read more about my favourite Christmas tradition, plus get my mom’s recipe for taco dip on Smithfield.com.

P.S. I know there hasn’t been much recipe sharing around here lately but I promise to change that soon. Goodies headed your way next week!