Discovering Creativity In The Kitchen

I love anything homemade, but sadly I was not born with the “Martha Stewart” gene. I failed at sewing in middle school, my drawing ability does not reach much farther than a flower and my pumpkin carving skills could use some work (if Alex Brosnahan and Beth Turner read this I know you are laughing at some of my failed attempts).

Over the years I did have some moments of success, I could make a pretty mean friendship bracelet and my best friend Ana and I were nearly in business making rubber band necklaces in high school. However, it was not until I found my place in the kitchen that I truly discovered a place I could put my creativity to use.

I have always loved food, so it’s only natural that’s where I have discovered the biggest connection. While I would love to be able to sew and draw, it never felt natural to me the same way being in the kitchen did.

When it comes to cooking and baking the beauty is effortless, as the food often speaks for itself. A salad can make a beautiful presentation simply by being thrown together, and the simple addition of cranberries and walnuts can add an entirely new dimension. Sometimes creativity in the kitchen is hidden from the eye, but is definitely noticed by our taste buds.
My approach to the kitchen is that anything is worth a try and inspiration can be found anywhere. I am sharing two recipes below that are full of simplicity, but offer their own touch of uniqueness. Hopefully they inspire you to find your own source of creativity in the kitchen.

Macaroni and Cheese with Spinach
Adapted from Recipe Girl

Ingredients:
8 oz pasta
¼ cup all-purpose flour
½ tsp salt
2 cups nonfat milk
1 ¼ cup Quattro Formaggio Cheese (Sold at Trader Joe’s a blend of Parmesan, Asiago, Fontina and Provolone cheese)
1 ½ cups fresh spinach

Directions:
1) Cook pasta according to package directions.
2) As the pasta cooks begin preparing the cheese sauce. Combine flour, salt and milk in a saucepan and stir to combine. Continue stirring, until thick.
3) Remove from heat and stir in the cheese until well blended.
4) Combine the pasta and cheese sauce and add spinach. The spinach will wilt from the heat of the pasta and sauce.
5) Serve and enjoy!!!

Open- Faced Baby Broccoli and Chicken Sausage Sandwich with Cherry Tomatoes


Ingredients:1 loaf of crusty bread, such as Ciabatta, sliced into 8 pieces
1 ½ cups baby broccoli
3 links of shicken sausage, sliced ( you can also use pre-flavored chicken sausage, such as roasted garlic)
½ cup cherry tomatoes
2 cloves garlic, sliced
1/2 cup olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
8 slices of fresh mozzarella cheese
salt and pepper

Directions:
1) Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.
2) Slice the bread and set aside.
3) In a large skillet combine the broccoli, tomatoes, garlic, chicken sausage, olive oil and balsamic vinegar. Cook until heated through.
4) Spread the mixture across the sandwiches and top with cheese. Add salt and pepper.
5) Bake for 15 minutes or until cheese melts.
6) Serve and enjoy.