Spices Archives - Cooking In Stilettos™

Mini Southwestern Chicken Pot Pies Make Dinner Easy #CampbellsSauces #Client

February 1, 2015 By Aly 3 Comments

I made a delicious meal with Campbell’s® Sauces as part of a sponsored post for Socialstars. #CampbellsSauces

What is the first thing you think of when you hear “Chicken Pot Pie”? For me, the thought of a cozy comforting dish comes to mind. Who doesn’t love chicken, potatoes and crisp veggies bathed in a creamy sauce simmering away under a flaky crust, right?

Growing up, chicken pot pie was a family favorite as there was always a stash of pre-made individual pot pies in the freezer. Now that I am older, I would love to serve pot pies more but you know my issues with pie crust – pie crust and I are on barely speaking terms. Eventually we’ll reconcile but to make it from scratch and on a busy weeknight, to quote that classic song, “Ain’t No Way.”

One of my pantry staples are Campbell’s® Sauces and their Chicken Pot Pie Oven Sauce allows me to get home from the 9to9, assemble some ingredients, grab either some puff pastry or pre-made pie crust from the fridge and, in about 50 minutes or so, I have a hot and bubbly pot pie ready for dinner. If I want to customize it, their Oven Sauces give me the freedom to add a bit of spice or change the flavor profile depending on my mood….

Homemade Adobo Seasoning

August 11, 2011 By Aly 7 Comments

Forget the store-bought version – Homemade Adobo Seasoning is so easy to make and adds a delicious spice to your favorite recipes!

This post contains affiliate links to products I trust and love in my kitchen. Thank you for supporting Cooking In Stilettos.

I don’t know what kicked off my long term love affair with adobo seasoning – but I can assure you that ever since I started cooking, my pantry has never been without a jar of it. I often use it in many dishes much like my beloved Aleppo Chili Pepper and Smoked Paprika but those are confessions for another day.

I remember when I first learned to cook, one of the best pieces of advice I got from my friends Maria and Milly were “Don’t forget the Adobo” and I couldn’t believe how much flavor this little spice blend brought to my dishes, especially my Arroz con Pollo. Recently, I was leafing through Ingrid Hoffmann’s cookbook and Daisy Martinez’s cookbook and I saw that both of my fave Latina chefs had recipes for adobo. I thought “hmm…. it doesn’t seem complicated to make, I have most of the ingredients on hand” and a culinary experiment was born….

Fab Friday – Cooking In Stilettos Edition

October 1, 2010 By Aly 2 Comments

Ahhh the fall – what a wonderful season. Sadly, Philly got hit was a quasi-monsoon last night. I’m having flashbacks to hurricane days of the past – fighting an overwhelming urge to go to the grocery store and stock up on milk, bread and other “hurricane pantry” must-haves. I need a distraction so let’s check out this week’s Fab Friday selections featuring some fresh new stuff from one of my happy places, Williams-Sonoma…

Fab Friday-Cooking In Stilettos Edition-10.1.10

1. Christian Louboutin “Petite Fee 100mm booties” I know, I know – they are FAR from practical but seriously, aren’t these gorgeous. I know, again with the shoes as art but still – looking at these makes me less inclined to look at the raging mud-colored Schuylkill river that is getting ready to flood.

2. The Smoking Gun. Now THIS is a gadget. Want to add a little smoky flavor but don’t want to fire up the grill during a blizzard, well – check out The Smoking Gun. Quite the interesting little product, no?

3. Williams-Sonoma Spice Collection. Now, for those that can’t go to Dean & Deluca or the local Philly Italian Market, did you know that Williams-Sonoma has some of those fab hard to find spices and they are top quality. Alex Guarnaschelli was yippin’ about adding a touch of Aleppo Chili to her grilled cheese on one of her recent episodes and I couldn’t find Aleppo Chili at any of the local grocery stores. Williams-Sonoma came to the rescue and I picked up that along with a few others that can now be found in my pantry.

4. Williams-Sonoma’s Cooking At Home Cookbook. When I was at Williams-Sonoma the other day, I spotted this cookbook on display and was drawn to the copper on the cover. With every page turn, I got sucked in, finally determining that this is a must have cookbook for this fashionista’s kitchen. Fun factoid – did you know that Chuck Williams, one of the founders of Williams-Sonoma just celebrated his 95th birthday. And, another interesting note – did you know he still edits the Williams-Sonoma cookbooks. Happy Birthday Chuck!

5. Williams-Sonoma has been on my list of “Happy Places” since I discovered my culinary passion back in my Orlando days. When I’m having one of those days, I know I can always zip over to the Williams-Sonoma in King of Prussia or in Ardmore and suddenly my day is so much better. No matter what I need, I know I can count on Brian in King of Prussia and Erin in Ardmore to help me find it. Now, if only Williams-Sonoma sold Louboutin along with their Le Creuset 😉

Hope you have a fabulous weekend – and stay out of the rain!

What’s Cookin’ – Chipotle Spiced Shortribs

September 2, 2010 By Aly 1 Comment

Check out a great recipe that is perfect for fall weather – Chipotle Spiced Shortribs over at the latest edition of Western Mass Women Magazine.

Colin Cowie’s New Summer Line for HSN…

May 6, 2009 By Aly 4 Comments

Colin Cowie debuted his Spring/Summer line for HSN today and, I have to confess, I spent quite a bit of time with my jaw to the floor going over the products. Some of the products, I had heard about in advance but my poor wallet is screaming at me. Thankfully I was able to get cash back from Mr. Rebates but still… eeeks! I did, however, control myself with a couple purchases I’m still thinking about.

When it comes to entertaining, I swear by his products. I’ve found that they are durable, beyond classic and top quality. I’ve been more than pleased with my past purchases and when I’ve had a great experience, I tend to be brand loyal.

I splurged on his Appetizer Plates which I felt will be a great accent to my dishes that I bought from his line previously.

Appetizer Plates

For perfect entertaining, check out this wood and porcelain chip and dip server

and matching 3 bowl wood and porcelain server.

Square Server

I was looking at this wire cloche plate cover for outdoor grilling. I’m not a fan of bugs to say the least and this looks like it might help…

Wire Cloche

Finally, check out this three part server – love love LOVE! Not only would this be great on the countertop but also in the bathroom.

3 Part Server

Colin also has been showcasing his new gourmet food line. The first to garner my attention: the Spice Collection from Urban Accents and, well, you all know I’m a sucker for anything spice related.

Spice Collection

Couple that with his Urban Accents All Natural Dryglaze Spice Rub Collection and, yes, I’m a goner. Check out that Bombay Blitz. Expect a more detailed review when I get them in.

Dry Rub

HSN has some great deals and if what you are looking for is sold out, rest assured, they are getting more in. He’s already hinted that his fall line is going to be phenomenal so be prepared. Also, the price point on all of the items is reasonable and even some deals (like the plates which I bought a couple months ago and are now marked down to $30. ARG!)

To quote him earlier today “The best investment in life is to invest in family and friends.” So very true…