Miranda's Kitchen Adventures

I'm currently facing a bit of a challenge with my photography. The recent time change has significantly impacted my ability to capture quality photos in the evening, which is precisely when I'm preparing dinner! This has been quite frustrating. While I have some potential blog topics, they aren't what I feel like sharing right now. I refuse to disappoint my readers, so I'm taking a brief hiatus, about a week, to re-evaluate my goals for the rest of the year. Don't worry, I'll be back next week feeling completely refreshed. I genuinely enjoy this blog and have so much more to share with you all! I'm also really looking forward to the new year and all the exciting things to come. I'm always open to your suggestions and comments, so please feel free to connect with m e here . In the meantime, I thought it would be fun to share some of my current favorite things with you! I'm slowly but surely learning to knit! While searching for knitting inspiration, ...

Casseroles aren't my usual go-to. While I have a select few I genuinely enjoy, I've never been a huge fan overall. I realize that for a busy mom like me, they should be a weekly staple, but I have to be honest: I'm just not keen on "cream of whatever" soups. I'll use them occasionally, but I try to minimize processed foods whenever possible. I'm no saint, but I do make a conscious effort! I recently stumbled upon this delicious casserole recipe on Pink Parsley's blog while searching for a chicken tortilla soup recipe I made a few weeks ago. I knew I had to try it, and I'm so glad I did! I kept the ingredients the same but tweaked the prep to fit my busy schedule. I hope you give it a try soon! Ingredients 2 Bone-in chicken breast, cooked, cooled and shredded 1 shallot, chopped 1/4 cup red onion, chopped 2 cloves of garlic, chopped 1 to 2 chipotle in adobo, chopped 1 medium tomato, diced 5 cups crushed tortilla chips 2/3...

The holiday season, a cherished time for reconnecting with friends and family, is fast approaching. With multiple gatherings on the horizon—work, close friends, and family—it's a bustling yet beloved period. One of my favorite traditions is hosting a small, intimate dinner for close friends between Christmas and New Year's. For this special occasion, I love to elevate the experience by using my finest dishes and glasses. It's a highlight of the year, offering a precious opportunity to see those I care about most, even if our busy schedules permit it only once a year. I cherish these moments dearly. No matter the type of gathering you're attending this year, the following recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser! Ingredients Yields 8 servings 3 cans Garbanzo beans 1/3 cup Plus 1 tablespoon Tahini 3 cloves of garlic, chopped 2 tbsp. lemon juice 1/2 tsp. ground cumin 3 to 5 tbsp. cold water Salt to taste 1 tbsp. Olive oil Directions Combine a...

This "Fancy" appetizer is my absolute favorite, and it's always a hit! I've made it for countless bridal showers, baby showers, and other gatherings, and it consistently steals the show. Just this past weekend, I had the pleasure of making it for a baby shower I hosted for my boss's daughter, Joanie. I truly love hosting events like this! This particular shower was a collaborative effort between three of us, and everyone did a fantastic job. I've even included a few pictures from the event below. This dish would be a perfect addition to any gathering, especially Thanksgiving! Ingredients For the grit crackers 3 cans chicken broth 1 1/3 cups quick-cooking grits 1/2 cup cheddar cheese, shredded 1/2 tsp. salt 1 tsp. garlic power 4 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided Freshly ground pepper For the Filling: 1 pkg. cream cheese, at room temperature 1/3 cup parmesan cheese 2/3 cup cheddar cheese, shredded and divided 1 tsp. chop...

This popular recipe has been circulating on Pinterest and food blogs for some time. I first made this delicious bread last winter, and it was an instant hit! It's incredibly easy to prepare, with a significant portion of the "prep time" being inactive. While it does require some advance planning, the delicious outcome is well worth the effort. Initially, I prepared a small batch of cream cheese glaze to drizzle over the bread. However, for this batch, I opted for a twist and incorporated reduced apple cider into the glaze. I'm so glad I did—it transformed the flavor, giving the bread a delightful caramel apple essence! Ingredients for the dough: 3 cups all-purpose flour 1/4 cup granulated sugar 2 1/4 tsp. (1 envelope) active dry yeast 1/2 tsp. salt 4 tbsp. unsalted butter 1/3 cup whole milk 1/4 cup water 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1 tsp. vanilla extract for the filling: 1 cup granulated sugar 2 teaspoons ground cin...

Curious how I take my coffee? I'm an iced coffee fan, even in winter, with a splash of flavored syrup and a touch of half-and-half! My secret for week-long enjoyment is making cold-pressed coffee every Sunday. If you're wondering what cold-press coffee is, it's a simple method for creating a concentrated coffee that you can store in your fridge. All you need are ground coffee and water, and you'll find the instructions below. This spiced syrup is the perfect addition to your morning coffee, no matter how you like to drink it. It adds just the right amount of warmth to make those cool fall mornings feel cozy. Pumpkin Spiced Iced Coffee Ingredients 8 oz. Cold-Press Coffee 4 tsp. half and half 3 tsp. Pumpkin Spice Syrup Ice Directions In your favorite glass add the ice, coffee, half and half and syrup.  Mix until combined.  Enjoy! Cold-Press Coffee Ingredients 8 oz. of your favorite coffee, ground 2 Quarts Cold Water Directions In a l...

Wow! We had a super fun and busy October! We kicked off the month with our first family vacation to the beach, complete with a few silly moments. We wrapped up the month with a fun Halloween and can't wait to get started on November! Here’s a recap of our October adventures: Beach Vacation Highlights: Arrival at the Beach: We closely monitored the weather due to Tropical Storm Karen, but thankfully, the storm broke up, leaving behind some impressive waves. Lucy's Beach Fun: Lucy loved the beach, especially playing in her blow-up pool – a big hit! Jacob and My Time Alone: We enjoyed some quiet time on the beach while Lucy napped. Jacob's Sand Adventures: Jacob absolutely LOVED playing in the sand! Beach Message: I had to commemorate our trip with a message written in the sand. Night Out: Gabe's parents joined us for a few days, allowing us to enjoy a fun night out. Sweet Lucy: Our sweet Lucy enjoying the beach. Sibling Love: Even after a week of non-stop togeth...