This Cookbook Got Me Out of My Kitchen Slump — and You'll Want to Try It!
Pandemic-related stress manifests itself in different ways. Some people want to curl up in a ball and nap all day while others have harnessed all of their energy into trying that new hobby they've been meaning to explore. Despite being home and near my kitchen all the time, my passion for cooking completely fizzled at the beginning of March. Gone were the days of testing new appetizers, meal-prepping, planning dinners, and making soup from scratch. Instead, my husband took over dinner duty while I futzed around on the computer.
Determined to get back on the horse, I was excited to learn that Kylie Mazon-Chambers had released her first-ever cookbook, Share + Savor: Create Impressive + Indulgent Appetizer Boards for Any Occasion. Known by her Instagram handle — @cookingwithcocktailrings — to her 103,000+ food-obsessed followers, Kylie's new book centers on delicious and inventive appetizers meant to be shared.
A sucker for a cheeseboard any day of the week, I figured it was time to put on a podcast and get cooking after months of takeout.
A sucker for a cheeseboard any day of the week, I figured it was time to put on a podcast and get cooking after months of takeout and watching The Sopranos on the couch. After cracking open Share + Savor: Create Impressive + Indulgent Appetizer Boards for Any Occasion and reading a few recipes, I realized that most of the dishes weren't overly difficult to make and had easy-to-find ingredients. Plus, there's a ton of cheese involved, so I was immediately sold.
Although I needed to give myself a small pep talk before heading to the grocery store for the ingredients one Sunday morning — the slump had consumed me by this point! — I was eager to make a few dishes I could be proud of. Keep reading to see some of my favorite recipes from Kylie's new book, all of which are perfect for an afternoon spent with your loved ones.
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Cranberry-Orange Brie Puff Pastry
Is there anything better than warm and flaky puff pastry? Um, we think not, especially during the colder months. This Cranberry-Orange Brie Puff Pastry recipe is easy to make and so tasty in every way. Simply roll out your thawed puff pastry dough and cut into 20 equal squares before freezing it for 15 minutes. To make the filling, combine 1/2 cup of orange juice, a tablespoon of orange zest, 3/4 cup of sugar, and two cups of cranberries. Pro tip: if your supermarket doesn't have fresh cranberries, try rehydrating the dried variety!
After taking the dough out of the freezer and brushing it with egg wash, put a cube of brie cheese and a spoonful of your cranberry mixture in the middle before baking your treats for 15 minutes at 425 degrees.
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Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Fig Crostini
My favorite recipe out of the bunch is this Bacon, Blue Cheese, and Fig Crostini, as it truly blends all of my favorite things together. Start by cutting up and lightly toasting a French baguette. Then fry a few strips of bacon and chop them into smaller pieces. Once that's done, assemble the crostini by adding your mission figs (I used fig jam and it tasted great!), blue cheese, and bacon for the perfect bite.
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Tabbouleh
In an effort to add a healthy option to my spread, I made Kylie's Tabbouleh, a combination of diced vegetables, chopped herbs, and bulgar that's the epitome of refreshing. A vegan option that's still packed with protein, all you have to do is cook the bulgar according to the instructions on the package, slice up an English cucumber and a cup of cherry tomatoes, and chop some herbs. Kylie's recipe calls for fresh mint, parsley, and green onion, which I highly recommend. Once combined, drizzle your creation with some fresh lemon juice and olive oil.
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Order Share + Savor: Create Impressive + Indulgent Appetizer Boards for Any Occasion
Anyone who wants to try out delectable appetizers — or start cooking again, like me! — should order a copy of Share + Savor: Create Impressive + Indulgent Appetizer Boards for Any Occasion ($20, originally $22). It makes for a great gift for yourself or someone you love!
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