Air fried kale leaves on a plain white background

How to Make Kale Chips in an Air Fryer

by Evin // January 16, 2024 // No Comments

Kale chips are a healthy and delicious alternative to traditional potato chips. My cousin Katie makes THE BEST ones and I could eat a whole head of kale prepared in this way. Ok, two heads. Surprisingly, they’re easy to make... Continue reading →

My Favorite 3 Parsnip Recipes

by Evin // December 5, 2023 // No Comments

Parsnips have a unique sweet and earthy flavor that is similar to a carrot but with a slightly nuttier and sweeter taste. They are a great addition to soups, stews, and purees, and can be roasted or mashed to bring... Continue reading →

Banana Bread Just Like Grandma Makes

by Evin // September 26, 2023 // No Comments

Banana bread has a comforting, homey feel that many people associate with childhood memories or warm, cozy afternoons. It’s a combination of sweet, ripe bananas with spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg creates a delicious and comforting flavor that many... Continue reading →

Vegan Coconut & Orange Rice Pudding

by Evin // January 4, 2022 // No Comments

The other night, I made too much basmati rice to go with a curry for dinner so I spooned the extra cooked rice into a medium-sized soup pan and improvised this recipe. It turned out wonderfully! I ate some warm that... Continue reading →

Vegan Peach & Apricot Crumble

by Evin // December 23, 2021 // No Comments

There’s no excuse to not enjoy summer’s bounty in autumn or winter, especially with modern canned food options. I made a delicious crumble using things I had on-hand in my cupboard and it’s even dairy-free and vegan. You can cut... Continue reading →

Homemade chunky cranberry sauce in a glass bowl with a spoon

Homemade Cranberry Sauce

by Evin // November 23, 2021 // No Comments

I can’t believe I’m even writing this down, but someone was impressed I make my own homemade cranberry sauce when I mentioned it and I had to tell them it’s SO easy. And fairly essential in Ireland where canned cranberry... Continue reading →

Make Your Own Pumpkin Spice Latte at Home

by Evin // September 2, 2021 // No Comments

One of the best treats of autumn is a hot beverage cupped in mittened hands on a chilly day. I personally prefer hot chocolate, but sometimes there is a sweet drink that draws me in, like the Pumpkin Spice Latte... Continue reading →

Sun-dried Tomato and Herbs Orzo Salad | EvinOK

Vegan Sun-dried Tomato and Herbs Orzo Salad

by Evin // July 20, 2021 // No Comments

When we were living in California, one of our favourite treats from the Italian deli markets was a flavour-filled orzo salad. They varied, but always went well with anything from roast chicken to grilled fish. After moving to Ireland, I... Continue reading →

Chilled Beetroot Soup

by Evin // July 13, 2021 // 4 Comments

It was July 2011 in Cork City and a typically mild day. My belly was just starting to get bigger as I reached the third trimester of my pregnancy. I was craving some weird foods. My stomach was repulsed by normal... Continue reading →

Rocket and Roast Tomato Quiche

by Evin // June 15, 2021 // No Comments

I love quiche! But when I make quiche I never like it as much as when someone else makes it. So, I asked my chef friends Kate and Ali for their advice and both encouraged me to no skimp on full... Continue reading →

Evin’s Vegan Cocoa Cake

by Evin // April 27, 2021 // 2 Comments

In having enjoyed friendships with a few vegans over the years, I’ve learned that it is a very restricting way to dine. Even when restaurants and speciality grocers carry products, it is difficult to find delicious items such as rich... Continue reading →

Mushrooms – Good Things Come In Small Packages

by Evin // September 8, 2020 // No Comments

Mushrooms can so easily be overlooked in the grocery market. Not only are they small, but also a pale khaki color. At first glance, it makes you wonder who first thought of picking a mushroom from the dirt in a... Continue reading →

Clafoutis – Equally Good for Breakfast, Brunch, or Dessert

by Evin // July 14, 2020 // No Comments

Clafouti or Far Breton is one of my favorite French treats. Easy to prepare, delicious to enjoy, and good for breakfast, snack, or dessert. Like most French dishes, it is best created using full-fat ingredients and will not be the same if you opt for margarine and skim milk. Continue reading →

19 Refreshing Lettuce-free Salads

by Evin // June 30, 2020 // No Comments

Salads do not always need to be green or pasta. This week's three salad recipes are delicious, healthy, and vegetarian (use egg/dairy-free bread for vegans)! It might be ideal for those family members who dislike eating their greens. Continue reading →

Pasta Sauces Without Tomatoes

by Evin // April 28, 2020 // No Comments

There are few things more delicious than mom's spaghetti and meatballs, but sometimes tomatoes aren't what you're craving. This week's recipes are pasta sauces that are deliciously free of tomatoes. So, wear your favorite white shirt and dig in! The Chicken Soup Sauce is one of my favorites. It evolved as I tried to duplicate a taste I enjoyed in a restaurant a decade ago. I never did achieve the same flavors as I remember, but this came from my playing in the kitchen. If you are serving chicken or want to bring a bit of elegant to noodles, try the vegetarian Artichoke & Wine Sauce. Of course, if you are not fond of the slight bitterness in artichokes, you may wish to skip this recipe since I embrace it and go one step further by suggesting capers be added. I hope you enjoy these. Continue reading →

Bowl with beef chili topped with cheddar cheese and chopped scallions

Three Chili Recipes: Hearty, Vegan, and Cincinnati-style

by Evin // April 14, 2020 // 2 Comments

Anyone who enjoys chili probably has a favorite recipe. The perfection of chili is that ingredients can be omitted, added, or doubled to suit your family’s preferences. Much like stew, chili is a hot, filling meal in itself. Its American origin is traced back to cowboys in the southwest. Lengthy cattle drives inspired the creation of what we now know as chili. After all, isn’t necessity the mother of invention? Rumor has it, the cowboys would plant the herbs, peppers, and onions used in the stew when headed in one direction, then harvest their plantings on their return trip. With chopped beef and a hot fire, chili was invented! Continue reading →

Vegetarian Potato Salad - All American Recipes for Independence Day – EvinOK.com

All-American Menu for July Fourth

by Evin // June 28, 2018 // No Comments

Celebrating America's Independence Day is one of those occasions that creates fun memories and brings people together for a relaxed, enthusiastic, and fun party. If you're craving a bit of classic American cuisine this July 4th, here are recipes to help you in the kitchen: Sean's Blue Cheese Burgers, Julie's Potato Salad, Tomato Corn Salad, American Apple Pie (for cooks with helpers), and Chocolate Ice Box Pie (for cooks short on time/help). Continue reading →

Homemade Jalapeño Bites

by Evin // June 21, 2018 // No Comments

A quick little post with an old recipe from when I lived in California. We used to make these all the time and because they’re baked, not fried, it is a healthier alternative to the Jalapeño bites found in bars.... Continue reading →

Green Asparagus – Sprouting In A Garden Near You

by Evin // June 14, 2018 // No Comments

I am fascinated by foods, such as asparagus, that withstand the test of time and trends. Its existence in the Mediterranean during ancient times secured its popularity with ancient Greeks and Romans, and early Egyptians. The Greeks named the sprouting green for its tendency to be the first to shoot up from the ground each spring. The same goes for asparagus today, since we all know that its arrival in our local market means spring is here! Continue reading →