#jenncooks

[sidewaysstories]

Bye Bye Miss American Pie

Don McLean was on to something with pie.  I love pie.  Of course, I generally love all foods and desserts - pie is one of my many loves.  I’ve always tried to find the perfect apple pie recipe use fresh apples (not cooking them before baking them in the pie).  For my Jenn Cooks, I’ve found some that were pretty good, but I think I’m the verge of something really great with my latest attempt.  

The pie was delicious - it was sky high with apples that didn’t cook down too much; it was sweet but not overly; the apples had the perfect slightest hint of crunch but were soft.  The only thing that I need to work on is the juice factor.  For some reason, my pie was extra.  Extra juicy.  I’m not sure why, but I have a few ideas of how I’m going to remedy this.  I’ll report back after I’ve tried it a few more times.  In the meantime, drive your chevy to the levy or drink some whiskey and rye...to be continued...

[sidewaysstories]

Black Horse and the Cherry Tree

Fully into summer and almost into fall, I’ve had cherries on my mind.  A lot.  And, clearly, cherry themed music on my mind (thanks KT Tunstall).  To satisfy the cherry itch, I decided to try this recipe from Smitten Kitchen for my Jenn Cooks series - which is quickly in danger of become a Jenn Bakes series instead.  I love the recipes from Smitten Kitchen, so I was sure, this would be delicious.  It did not disappoint.  The nutty buttery goodness with the softened cherry...just absolute perfection!

[sidewaysstories]

Easy Korean Beef Bowls

As a Korean American, I thought it fitting that I actually try to make something Korean-ish for the Jenn Cooks series.  I’m not sure how authentic it is (I’m sure it’s not super), but you know what?  It was super tasty, and in my book that counts for something! 

After scouring the internet, I decided on using this recipe by Damn Delicious.  I’ve used some of her recipes in the past and really enjoyed them, and this one looked relatively easy - critical for a quick weeknight meal.  The broccoli is just a quick roast with olive oil mixed with a little sesame seed oil, sesame seeds, and ginger powder and garlic powder.  The rice is just long grain white rice that I cooked in my rice cooker because it just wouldn’t be the same without sticky rice!

Overall, this recipe is definitely a keeper and I’m sure I’ll be adding it into my weeknight rotation!  

[sidewaysstories]

A Recommitment Series...

After subconsciously uncoupling from my blog, I’ve decided to take the plunge and recommit to this little piece of the internet I get call my own.  And what better way to show my commitment to the blog than launching a new series?  I’m calling it Jenn Cooks which really covers cooking and baking.  Essentially, in the series, I’m going to try to bake or cook something new at least once a week.

For the inaugural Jenn Cooks post, I’m sharing this beautiful fresh strawberry pie!  Everything with this is homemade (except the pie crust - I cheated with that) but it’s also so extremely easy!  You’ll start with a baked pie shell.  I was so eager that I forgot to put beans or some other sort of pie shell weight in the bottom before pre-baking.  Don’t make my same mistake or do (it didn’t impact how delicious it tasted!)  

Then you’ll make a fresh strawberry sauce and slice your berries.  Lastly, chill and serve with fresh homemade whipped cream!