About

Hello and welcome to The Quick & Dirty Kitchen! I created this blog on a whim, and now I can say writing it has become a favorite hobby. Why do I blog? Q&DK …

*        Encourages me to try new recipes & techniques

*        Serves as my personal recipe journal, which I love to share

*        Pushes me to learn more about photography and improve (little by little!)

*        Allows me to be part of an amazing food blog community

Why The Quick & Dirty  Kitchen?

Growing up I was surrounded by great cooks, and great food.  I, however, didn’t develop a love of cooking until I realized I could cook in my own style and create tasty dishes without following recipes tsp. by tsp. I could do it my way – who would have thought?  So what is my way? I like to cook with a lot of experimentation and flexibility. Because I’m a busy person, I don’t want to sacrifice taste and nutrition due to time restraints (and I don’t want to eat dinner at midnight). I like to cook quick meals with whole, real foods. I want to know my plate and its impact on our planet. I want to honor my body and soul by eating what I love, what loves me back, and by practicing moderation.

Why should I read Q&DK?

This blog is for folks who are both new to the kitchen and those simply searching for quick, whole foods recipes. All recipes posted on this site have been tested and tasted by me, and most likely others at my dining table. Recipes are adjusted as needed and I photograph prior to eating. If a recipe doesn’t pan out, you won’t see it here. If I think it’s really spicy or super sweet, I will tell you. I often give suggestions on how to change recipes based on what you have in your pantry or for dietary restriction reasons. I hope to encourage everyone to make more meals at home and to toss aside any culinary fears. Anyone can create healthy, inspiring, and flavorful meals to nourish body and soul!

How should I read Q&DK?

You can browse recipes using the category or monthly archive drop down-menus located on the right side of the page. You can also search for recipes using the search box at the bottom of the page. If you want to print, share, email, etc. simply click on the recipe title and go to the bottom of the post – there you will see several option buttons for your convenience. Please share recipes you enjoy and feel free to post comments or questions!

Now that I know more about recipe writing “etiquette” I am attempting to go back to my earlier posts and revise for easier reading. However, if you have a question on any recipe, use the comment box and I promise to get back to you ASAP.

I use a few shorthand references in my recipes: S/P = salt & pepper (preferably fresh ground); Splash (liquid) = about 1 tbsp.; Dash (dry)= about 1 tsp.

What is your food philosophy?

The key to my food philosophy is moderation, moderation, moderation. I think this is the best way to not only maintain a healthy lifestyle, but also to enjoy that lifestyle. You can find plenty of healthy recipes on Q&DK but I don’t subscribe to any “diet” that asks you to eliminate an entire food group. I believe the best approach for a long-term lifestyle you can manage and enjoy, is a whole-real foods diet (lots of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, healthy protein).

Moderation and variety go hand in hand. I’m a huge fan of the Real Food concept and highly recommend Nina Planck’s book Real Food.  I highly suggest her website for great links to other Real Food sites that will also provide great information on Real Food diets. Real food is self-explanatory, no artificial or processed foods. I try to use as little processed foods as possible, usually the most “processed” foods you’ll see in my recipes are canned vegetables/beans or tuna.  I am not a fan of artificial sweeteners or fake stuff in general and so I tend to use real butter, real eggs, and real sugar. Feel free to adjust based on your own dietary needs.

How do you feel about product reviews?

From time to time I will review products and food-oriented books or movies. I only review products I have a genuine interest in and never review for compensation. Likewise, my “Quick & Dirty Favorites” are all products I use regularly and like to share because I love, not because someone asked or paid. If you have a product you think readers would find exciting, please use the contact information below. I will provide honest feedback, photos, and links to your product.

How do I contact you?

I welcome comments on my recipes and other posts. I must approve your first comment and all spam will be deleted! Do not include a link or website unless it is food-based, not advertising-based.

Contact the Quick & Dirty Cook at:

thequickanddirtycook@gmail.com

Who is the Quick & Dirty Cook?

I live in Atlanta, Georgia with my amazing husband Peter and a cat named Alpha, who happens to think she is a dog.  I thought I would love practicing law, but turns out the classroom is my true calling. I left the practice of law to join Teach for America where I taught middle school social studies in a Title I school. I now teach remarkable children from around the world at the Fugees Academy (help us build our school!). I love running, yoga, and travel. I believe everyday should be lived with passion, exploration, and growth.

Cheers!

Learning a thing or two about greenhouses, Ecuador

Those that laugh together, stay together!