How to Make Greek Yogurt

My absolute favorite thing to have for breakfast is plain yogurt with some fresh fruit and granola.  I usually buy plain yogurt and sometimes as a treat, I'll buy Greek yogurt.  Greek yogurt is thicker than normal yogurt, but it's also way more expensive.  I decided I was going to take matters into my own hands and make my own Greek yogurt.  It's significantly cheaper (just the cost of milk), you don't need a fancy machine, you can control what's in it, and I don't know why but I am very excited to be making my own yogurt.

One of my Favorite Sandwiches

In high school I used to make myself this sandwich all of the time.  It is sweet, salty, crunchy, tangy, and delicious.  It's also super simple and makes a great spread for brunch.

Basic Tomato-Basil Sauce

One great way to always be able to whip up an impressive meal last minute is to have a stash of basic tomato sauce handy.  This way you can jazz it up to make different dishes but you've already done half the work ahead of time.

Low East Side Spot #1- Fong Da Bakery

In an effort to explore the area where I now live (Lower East Side), I'll be writing the occasional post highlighting some of my favorite spots in the neighborhood for cheap, delicious food.  The other day I was waiting for a friend by the subway stop near my house when something caught my eye.

Why You Should Never Buy Kale Chips

There are a couple of things that I am adamant people should make rather than buy, and kale chips are one of those things.  At around $6 for a little package of these crunchy greens, I consider it ridiculous that anyone shouldn't just make these themselves.  Especially since you can season them to taste like whatever you want them to when making them yourself.  It only takes 20 minutes and costs a fraction of the price.  Do it!

One of my favorite things to wake up with

I've never been a big coffee drinker, but since living in my new apartment that has changed a bit.  I have started making myself macchiato's in the morning, and I've found that not only do I like the taste but I enjoy the ritual of making it.  It's an easy way to treat yourself first thing in the morning and think of the money you'll save in the long-run by not buying $4 coffees on your way to work.

Banana Bread

Read on for one of my favorite things to make.  This is the easiest banana bread and it is soooo delicious.

Israeli Couscous with Sauteed Vegetables

Often thought to be a grain, couscous is actually a tiny semolina pasta that is commonly used in middle-eastern dishes.  Israeli couscous is regular couscous's fat cousin, and I actually prefer it to regular couscous because it has more substance to it.  It's just as versatile as pasta and is great for making a dish that you can eat all week when you're living on a budget.  The following dish is simple, fast and you can always change it up to make it with whatever vegetables you happen to have in your kitchen.

Rugelach inspired by Israel

It's no secret that I am a huge fan of foreign markets.  I like the smells, the sounds, the people-watching, and most importantly the tastes.  When I recently visited Israel, the markets there did not disappoint me in the slightest.  The first market we went to was the Shuk in Jerusalem.

Curry Coconut Lemongrass Bars

I always like taking traditionally savory ingredients and incorporating them  into a dessert.  These bars look like normal lemon squares but have an unexpected twist that makes them a whole lot more interesting.  The flavors blend together very nicely for a delicious and addictive treat.

Fig and Almond Coffee Cake

The other day I had a craving for coffee cake.  Not just any coffee cake, but the kind with huge chunks of streusel on top and dusted with powdered sugar.  I looked up several recipes and decided to go off of one by Martha Stewart, but made some of my own changes.  The result was a deliciously moist cake with a fig filling and an almond streusel topping.  New Years resolutions are for quitters so enjoy this decadent cake for a sweet start to the new year.

Chewy Oatmeal Raisin Cookies

If you're looking for a soft, chewy, oatmeal raisin cookie with just a hint of spice then look no further.  This cookie is delicious and highly addictive.  The trick is to not over-bake it and to chill the dough before putting it in the oven.  Now that I've given away my secrets, read on for the full recipe.