Over the holidays we spent several nights entertaining with our families. Given the responsibility of coming up with some different appetizer and finger food dishes, I turned to Pinterest. I had already created a Finger Food and Appetizer board so it was easy to go there and pick a few items that would work.

We needed food that was good for a casual get-together, not too greasy or unhealthy (good-bye buffalo chicken bites) and could be prepared ahead of time.

Here is what we made and all of them ended up being huge crowd pleasers. I also loved that they were so easy to do and required little prep time.

Pears with Goat Cheese, Cranberries and Pistachio

This was so simple and requires no cooking skills. Simply slice the pear, toss in fresh orange or lemon juice, add some goat cheese and press in a few dried cranberries and pistachios. I used orange juice and herbed goat cheese.

Find original recipe and picture from Sweet Potato Chronicles.

Baked Brie with Cranberries, Honey and Orange Zest

The recipe said fresh cranberries, but since I already had dried cranberries from the pears I just went with that to be more cost effective. No one noticed.

Find original recipe and picture from Real Simple blog.

Grilled Zucchini Roll-Ups

We had to take advantage of being in Southern California and having access to a grill. These roll-ups I found (and pinned) on Cooking Light were great. The biggest challenge was thinly slicing the zucchini by hand, so I’d recommend using a mandoline if you have it.

Original recipe and picture from Cooking Light recipes.

Have you tried any recipes from Pinterest? How did it turn out?

*Here is one of the deleted posts from last week that was lost with it’s first few comments. Apologies if it’s a repeat for you. I’m still working on fixing a few links and pictures in old posts. Note to self–don’t let hosting expire*

If you look through some of my past recipe/food posts you will see The Steamy Kitchen blog mentioned several times and there is a reason.  I love Jaden’s simple yet seriously delicious recipes.

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I’ve been eying her book for awhile and recently splurged for the purchase when my local Border’s was going out of business and tempted me with discounts. The book is The Steamy Kitchen cookbook and it’s my new favorite.

Her book is just as wonderful and amazing as the blog.  Honestly I sometimes find Asian cooking intimidating and I’m Chinese.  I always feel like it’s too labor intensive, difficult and I’d have to spend a small fortune on Asian ingredients in some store that was not convenient to get to.  That is where Jaden’s expertise comes in.  Her recipes are easy to follow and no strange ingredients.  Even if there is one that you normally would not have on hand, she will give you a simple substitute.  Not to mention the writing in the book is similar to the blog, personable, funny and easy to read with detailed instructions that include pictures.

Every recipe looks absolutely wonderful and I’m tempted to cook only Asian food for a week straight.  However, I must pace myself or I’ll gain unnecessary amount of weight.

Do you cook any favorite Asian recipes?  What’s your most loved cookbook?

Disclaimer: This is not a sponsored post. Just sharing some I love and am excited about. Although Jaden and Ree (The Pioneer Woman) were recently in San Francisco for BlogHer.  I told my husband that I hoped I would run into them. He said they’d think I was crazy although he does love every recipe I make from their cookbooks and blogs. I told him he just doesn’t understand the blogging world. I never did run into them to find out.

No idea why, but I have been on a tofu kick lately.  It’s cheap, stays good for a long time, is easy to cook and is healthy.  We’ve been using tofu for stir fry, soup, tacos, pizza and just by itself.

Here are a few tofu recipes that I’ve been making at home lately.

Tofu and Soba Noodles with Lemon Ginger Dressing (via Steamy Kitchen)

Love the extra little kick the cayenne pepper gives the dressing.  I’ve also been loving homemade dressing, but that is another story.

Tofu Steak (via Tasty Kitchen)

Love the texture and I like to serve along with a noodle or rice dish and top with the flavors and sauce from that dish.  Make sure to get as much water out as you can.  After slicing I put between paper towels and rest a pan lid on top gently pressing.  This helps the tofu not to break apart as much.

Next on my list of tofu recipes is this Spicy Eggplant and Tofu Stir Fry.

Do you like tofu? Any good recipes to try?

Remember when I told you I was going to make these Sriracha Chicken Hot Wings?

Well I made them the other night.  And all Mark could say was “Whoa these things are nuclear!!”  They were seriously hot.  Our lips were left with this tingling burn.  Water helped as we ate away, but was of no use in the burning aftermath.  This could only be remedied with delicious ice cream.

But they were good.  I’d maybe recommend taking the Sriracha down a notch and I’d say we both like spicy food.  If you have ever used with the stuff you know it packs some serious heat.  Think of consuming 1/4 cup and that is what we did.  We also added some extra soy sauce and some thai sweet chili sauce we had on hand.

Verdict? I recommend them.  Just be prepared with some ice cream for dessert.

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I don’t if it’s because I’m 1/2 Chinese, grew up eating lots or rice, make excuses to eat or what.  I don’t last too long without some type of Asian food and need a good rotation of all types.  Or I get cranky.  It’s true, ask my husband.  Luckily he also loves a good Asian meal and happily indulges my cravings.

Usually this means we are running out to a delicious dinner of Chinese, Japanese or Thai.  But lately I’ve been more determined to cook.  My mom is an amazing chef of Chinese food.  I’m trying to get some of her recipes, but she doesn’t write anything down.  So I try observing, writing as fast as I can and taking a few pictures as it is the only way to get her recipes and it’s not always a successful recording.

While I try to get my mom’s secret Chinese recipes (I’ll share), I have found some pretty delicious recipes online that I want to try.

Asian Noodle Salad by Pioneer Woman found via Tasty Kitchen

This salad just looks refreshing and delicious with all the veggies.  I’d also maybe add in some stir fried tofu.

Spicy Ginger Soba Chicken Salad found via Tasty Kitchen

The marinade for the chicken alone sounds delicious.  I find ginger and garlic to be like a taste of home.  As most of my my mom’s Chinese recipes involve those ingredients.

Sriracha Chicken Wings by White on Rice Couple

Ok, maybe not a super traditional Asian dish.  But Sriracha sauce is awesome.  Add it to anything for a spicy kick.  Plus Mark LOVES hot wings.  So Asian hot wings are perfect for both our tastes.

Crockpot Pho Recipe by Steamy Kitchen

I love Pho and I love my crockpot.  I’m super curious to try this recipe and see if it’s as delicious as the $4 bowl I get at my local Vietnamese restaurant.

Chinese Fried Rice by Steamy Kitchen

There are lots of versions of steamed rice.  My favorite is my mom’s but I find these recommendations and tips from Steamy Kitchen to be super helpful.

Now the hard part is to decide which one to make.  The best part of eating at a restaurant is to order a bunch of dishes, eat family style and take home some delicious leftovers.  At home I’m only likely to make 1 maybe 2 dishes otherwise there is a pile up of dirty bowls all over the kitchen.  Can’t help it if I get a little crazy in the kitchen, it tastes good.  At least that is what I tell Mark when he asks how I create such kitchen disasters.

What types of food do you get cravings for?