Good (Food) Reads

I’ve spent the better part of the last week in the beautiful Arizona desert (seriously, the desert is gorgeous – especially in spring when everything is blooming!) and it has definitely colored my picks for this week’s installment of Good (Food) Reads. I know St. Patrick’s day is just a few days away and I should probably be posting green cocktails, Guinness cupcakes, and corned beef recipes, but it is to think about other things when you’re surrounded by great tamales, prickly pear lemonade, and (just being honest) In-and-Out Burger. With that in mind, here are this week’s Good (Food) Reads. Enjoy!

Let’s get the shame out of the way first, shall we? I’m not much of a fast food gal, but when I’m in AZ, I always stop at In-and-Out Burger for a cheeseburger animal-style with extra crispy fries. Yum. If you’re not familiar with the not-so-secret-secret menu at In-and-Out, here’s a little cheat sheet to help you on your next visit.

BBQ Chicken and Quinoa stuffed peppers. Now we’re talking. Gluten free, light, and still packing a flavor punch. Make them and you won’t be disappointed (via Iowa Girl Eats).

Are you a fan of cilantro? I love it and put it on everything in the summer. It is definitely one of those herbs that people love to hate, though. NPR explores the truth behind the “my genes make me hate it” rumors. And if you’re a cilantro lover like me, here’s a great recipe for a Mexican Chopped Salad with Cilantro Lime Vinaigrette.

Another desert favorite: Prickly Pear Lemonade. I always get a tall glass to drink while perusing all the yummy goods at the Queen Creek Olive Mill (and now they sell Prickly Pear Balsamic Vinaigrette!), but I’ve never tried to make my own. Anyone know where a girl can get some prickly pear juice in the midwest? Have any good recipes you want to share? I think I’m going to start with this one.

The one thing I have to eat whenever I am in Arizona? Tamales. Try as I might, I’ve just never found one that comes close to the tamales available around here. The secret is to find a local who has an in to someone who makes them. And then buy at least a dozen. Trust me on that one. I’ve never attempted to make my own, but have always wanted to. I might try this recipe for Green Chile Chicken Tamales via Epicurious. What say you, Lane? A little blog experiment?

Well friends, that’s it for this week. Let us know if there are recipes you think we need to feature here on the ole blog! We love to share!