Measuring Cups, Optional

Prom 2014 Photo Backdrop

categories: DIY, Posts

I’m super excited to be adding a new feature to the blog– a DIY section.

Much like everyone else obsessed with Pinterest, I’m convinced that I can craft pretty much anything with some Pin-spiration. I found that I am filled with unexplainable joy when I craft for the people I love. Lately, for parties, Birthdays, Engagements, Holidays, and Gift-Giving, I’ve been pulling together some pretty neat DIY projects that I would love to share with my readers. So in addition to all the delicious recipes you’ll find on MCO, you’ll also be able to see some of my side projects. Enjoy! (more…)

Bacon and Puff Pastry Wrapped Asparagus

categories: Posts, Recipes, Vegetables & Sides

Over the weekend, we celebrated Mother’s Day. The boys and I usually take mom out for a bottomless brunch at a fancy restaurant, but this year we decided to change it up a bit… a simple brunch at home. The weather was gorgeous on Sunday, so we were able to eat outside on my parents’ deck. Obsessed with party planning, I picked our theme and started working on decoration ideas and drafting a menu almost a month in advance. Needless to say, I consulted Pinterest. Although I did all the cooking and craft making, the boys really came through for me, helping me prepare, decorate and pick up last minute things. It was absolutely gorgeous — a Pinterest-worthy party, if I should say so myself. (more…)

Broccoli and Cheese Stuffed Chicken

categories: Chicken, Posts, Recipes

Last week I overdid it on red meat. I had lamb chops, a burger, kubbeh, and steak (and probably more that I can’t really remember). I’m pretty sure I had red meat at least once everyday for the entire week.

Generally, for health and preventing high cholesterol reasons, I limit my red meat intake to twice a week – three times max. But last week was a little out of the ordinary meal-wise. While I’m all about free lunches at work, it’s hard to keep track of what I’m eating when I’m hovering outside of a conference room waiting for leftovers and will honestly be willing to awkwardly stand outside the door of a concluding meeting for leftover Roti –it’s that good. I’m thinking I might have had red meat for lunch and dinner on some days. (more…)

Lemon Poppy Seed Cake with Strawberry Glaze

categories: Desserts, Posts, Recipes

The weather is finally getting beautiful here in DC, which only means one thing… Cherry Blossoms. A gift from the Japanese in 1912 as a token of friendship between the two countries, these beautiful flowers bloom for only as long as 14 days, usually around the end of March/beginning of April. Since my birthday falls on April 4, and I’ve grown up in the DC area, I am absolutely convinced that they bloom just for me! (more…)

Garlic Rosemary Lamb Chops

categories: Lamb, Posts, Recipes

Simplicity is so underrated.

When it comes to cooking, the less steps, the better. At least in my personal opinion. Roasted lamb chops sounds pretty complicated, but in fact, it isn’t. I’m telling you, your friends and family will be so impressed when you bring out this elegant-looking dish. They’ll have no idea that it was actually easier to whip up than some of your side dishes. (more…)

Roasted Cauliflower and Lentil Salad

categories: Posts, Recipes, Salads

It’s the first day of spring! Finally. It certainly feels like spring today with the sun shining and temperatures inching up to 60 F. With warmer weather we’re reminded that we’ll be peeling off our layers and trying to fit into our short shorts in a couple months. I, for one, realize how pale this extra long winter has made me and how badly I need to get back to the gym to work off the nice layer of fat I’ve accumulated to keep me warm (or so I rationalize). (more…)