The Full Kitchen

Culinary Adventures in a Tiny California Kitchen

Dangerously Delicious Seafood Salad Adventure

January 24, 2018 by Alyssa D in sides

Marie couldn’t have known that she created a monster on New Year’s Eve. Four of us gathered in Estes Park, Colorado, to ring in the new year at a cozy rental cabin — Marie, Daniel, Guillaume, and me. Marie and Dan took charge of the food and drinks. After a course of assorted cheeses and charcuterie on hearty bread squares, Marie presented us with a shrimp, mango, and avocado salad tossed in a lemony dressing. It was delicious. Dangerously so.

Pear and Chocolate Bundt Cake Adventure

December 14, 2017 by Alyssa D in dessert

I used to get angry at recipes that called for a stand mixer, mumbling some expletives before turning off my phone. It seemed like only newlyweds and professional bakers got to have these magic machines. Then Black Friday rolled around.

Korean Grocery Store Adventure

August 28, 2017 by Alyssa D in main course

This adventure starts with a mysterious memory. Recently a friend gave us a free trial of a meal kit delivery service. More curious than committed, we cooked several dishes for two from the box. One of them involved Korean rice cakes.

Flaming Cheese Adventure

August 07, 2017 by Alyssa D in appetizers

“Opa!” The unspoken rule at the annual Greek festival here is that someone shouts this every few minutes and the rest of the attendees answer in kind. Although the meaning remains fairly imprecise — “yay!” or “woooo!” or some other affirmative exclamation — I’ve found that “opa!” becomes the perfect thing to yell when setting alcohol-drenched fried cheese on fire.