Popcorn Friday: Honey Mustard Popcorn

This week's popcorn is a shout out to all you honey mustard fans! I know you are out there and having lived with a honey mustard enthusiast in my early college years, I also know how fanatical you can be for this flavor.

I must share that this popcorn flavoring has proved the most difficult of the Friday Popcorns thus far. Now before you're scared away, let me reassure you that it won't be difficult for you to recreate.

In fact, it's actually quite easy. I strive to make my popcorn snacks quick and easy. I imagine you eat your popcorn as I do ... as a crunchy late night snack or for eats during a weekend movie night.

Vanilla Bean Ricotta with strawberries & toasted coconut

I've had some gorgeous vanilla beans burning a hole in my kitchen cabinet for several months now.

There are many good uses for a vanilla bean pod . I considered flavoring my sugar canister, making sweet treats and even a savory treat with the vanilla. I finally settled on dessert. A light dessert.

How to eat healthy when dining out: Tips from 5280's Food Editor

Last week I shared my interview with 5280's Food Editor, Amanda Faison. I promised you a second installment from our interview - one exploring the topic of eating healthy at a restaurant.

As you know, The Salted Spoon is a health-minded food blog. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to ask about healthy tips from the person who's job requires eating out often and indulgently.

Popcorn Friday: Cajun Corn

Dan has been in the mood for something a little spicy this week. He is the spice lover in the family, not me. This usually means he adds Cholula to his dinner.

But his desire for spicy food inspired a new popcorn flavor - Cajun. Its got a touch of heat but not too spicy for me to enjoy alongside him.

New Dine & Dish rating

Hi fellow dining out enthusiasts!

I'd like to introduce my new restaurant review rating system. You might have seen its first appearance in the D&D: ChoLon. Well, it is pretty simple. A rating of Salted Spoons...



Each D&D restaurant will be awarded Salted Spoons, with a maximum rating of 5 spoons. Spoons are awarded based upon several factors including food fare, libations, service, atmosphere and overall dining experience. Of course, the greatest factor earning spoons is the central part of dining out - the FOOD!

Likely, the lowest score you will see is a 3 Salted Spoon rating. I typically don't bother writing if a restaurant isn't at least deserving of 3 spoons.

Cheers to enjoying all 5 spoon restaurants!

5280's Best New Restaurants and Q&A with Food Editor

"Our food scene has never been more vibrant..." reads the first line of 5280's article on Best New Restaurants. I couldn't agree more with this sentiment.

We had nearly 300 restaurants open in 2011 and while several have vanished as quickly as they appeared on the Denver dining scene, the good ones have only gotten better.

I recently had the opportunity to talk with 5280 magazine's food editor, Amanda Faison, who shared with me all that goes into narrowing down restaurants to the small list of 8 best.

Popcorn Friday: Truffle Cheese Popcorn

Continuing with my Friday night feature, I've got another flavored popcorn to share with you! And this one is ABSOLUTELY DIVINE!

Comfort food is so IN right now! It has been so for a few years already. There's no sign of its popularity slowing either. One of those uber popular comfort food dishes is Marconi & Cheese. And there's several takes on it...Lobster Mac, Truffle Mac...

Raspberry Breakfast Muffins

I've been testing out recipes for an upcoming baby shower for my friend. Breakfast muffins are always appropriate for such an occasion.

Dan has been my happy taste tester - with a full mouth, he approves!

In this recipe, I swapped half the flour with whole-wheat flour for a healthier muffin. I also toasted them lightly to get a crunchy top. This toasted muffin top pairs nicely with the soft raspberry center.

Foodie Event: The Big Eat

Tickets are on sale now for The Big Eat, a Denver foodie event featuring signaure fare from 50 local restaurants.

While this is the 6th year of The Big Eat, it will be my first time!

Join me! Tickets are $25.

Get your tickets here: The Big Eat tickets.

New Series & Garlic Herb Popcorn

I sure do love my salty, crunchy snacks! And I am a huge fan of popcorn.

Popcorn is a staple in my snacking diet. It's a satisfying alternative to other fat-laden salty snacks such as potato chips.

The good news - popcorn is a natural, healthy source of fiber. And inherently, popcorn is a healthy snack choice...it's all the stuff we do to it - adding butter, butter and more butter - that takes popcorn over to the dark side.

Dine & Dish: ChoLon Bistro

When entering ChoLon Bistro, a downtown dining hot spot, a friendly staff greets you with the ease and class of an long-time established restaurant. In their second year, ChoLon has carved out a particularly blissful section of the Denver dining scene - modern Asian cuisine.

ChoLon Bistro's Restaurant Week menu was served family style allowing dinners to try many dishes. We, along with my family, tasted nearly all the menu offerings.

A statement piece - a sesame crisp - served dramatically upright started off the meal. For dipping was a sauce with the strong, familiar flavors of chili powder.

Colorado Green Chili - Guest Post from SonnemanLand

Hi Foodie Friends....I've got a treat for you. My sister is guest posting! She is actually the person who got me into blogging in the first place!

You can read more about her life as mom to the adorable Josie at Sonneman Land. Take it away Meg......

Hi Everyone! I’m Megan, Kelly’s sister, and I too love food and trying new recipes. But sometimes you need staples you can always fall back on and this here is exactly that. Green Chili, it’s on of my favorite things to eat any time of the year, although getting fresh chilies is seasonal.

Shamrock Smoothie

With an anticipatory festive spirit and inspirations from St. Patrick's Day signature color, a GREEN smoothie is born!

It's loaded with vitamin C, potassium and heart healthy mono-unsaturated fat.