GW2 Roasted Dragon Haunch & Root Vegetables

Guild Wars 2 recently had a weekend beta event and I was able to participate since I've pre-purchased the game already. It took a little warming up to but once I got the hang of the awesome play style, I was in love.

When you talk about MMOs it's hard to avoid comparing it to World of Warcraft. It's the biggest MMO in the industry. It has a lot of clones. And it has very little competition. No one has been able to compete with might of Blizzard's biggest game. A lot of games get hype, have some promising things...and then inevitably flop for one reason or another. But of all the past games that were supposed to be 'wow-killers', I think only Guild Wars 2 actually has a really good chance.

There's tons of info about GW2 out there on the intarwebs now so you can find out a lot about it. I did my best to ignore it. My husband has been frothing at the mouth over this game but I wanted to  remain aloof. I didn't want to expose myself to too much about the game. I wanted to explore it for myself. It was epic! If you want more of my personal review information you can find it in a day or two here.

I really hoped this game would suck me in (and it did!) so I setup a crockpot to take care of dinner. Less time in the kitchen, more time playing. And I named dinner in honor of this awesome game. Oh and before I forget, I made a quick, how-to video for it too! Enjoy!





GW2 Roasted Dragon Haunch & Root Vegetables

6 Servings | Prep Time: 10 min; Cook Time: 6-8 hours | Apprentice

Mats:

• 3 lb Dragon Haunch (or Beef Chuck Roast if you're out)
• 1 tsp Garlic Powder
• 1 tsp Onion Powder
• 1 tsp Salt
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 2 tsp Thyme
• 1 8oz can Tomato Sauce
• 1 cup Water
• 1 Potato
• 1 Turnip
• 1 Onion
• 2 Parsnips
• 2 Carrots
• Kitchen Weapon Requirement: Crockpot/Slow Cooker

Craft:Mix together all the spices and rub most of them all over the roast. Place the roast in a crockpot on low. Chop the veggies into bite-size pieces and add to the crockpot atop the meat. Top with remaining spices and toss the veggies to coat. Pour tomato sauce over the veggies. Pour water over that. Cover and let cook on low for 6-8 hours. It's done when you can cut off a piece of dragon with a spoon.

Strategies: You can add whatever other veggies you also enjoy like celery and/or garlic.

LFM: Biscuits or Rolls

Cost:

• Beef Chuck Roast | $11.47
  
• Tomato Sauce | $0.33
• Potato | $0.65
• Turnip | $0.65
• Onion | $0.30
• Parsnip | $0.50
• Carrot | $0.20

Total Cost: $14.10
Cost Per Serving: $2.35

Category: Hardcore

GLaDOS' Chocolate Mug Cake

I have something to confess. I'd never played Portal until this last month.

/hang head in shame

Sometimes I just don't get the itch to follow a trendy game. It actually took my brother who talked to my husband who talked to me...to finally get me to take a look at the game. Conveniently it was on sale at Steam. So I gave it a try.

I was hooked. Simple introductions to the mechanics and easy puzzles that gradually got more difficult. It was really fun! I could see why a lot of people liked it. And I had a really good laugh (at myself) when I finally really understood the "cake is a lie" references. /facepalm@self. I have to say though, my favorite part was at the end of the testing when GLaDOS pulls the bait and switch. Talk about getting an emotional vested interest in a game! Then she cracked up me later with this comment that I'll never forget:


Didn't we have some fun, though? Remember when the platform was sliding into the fire pit and I said "Goodbye", and you were like, "No way!" And then I was all, "We pretended we were going to murder you." That was great.

But I'm no GLaDOS. I promise that this cake is no lie. You can make your own personal chocolate cake in less than 5 minutes. Which is good because that's all the time you have before you die from my neurotoxin. Then the cake will be all mine.

You will be missed. Goodbye.

P.S. (My other favorite quote from Portal2)

It's been a long time. How have you been? I've been really busy being dead. You know, after you murdered me. But I think we can put our differences behind us. For science. You monster.


GLaDOS' Chocolate Mug Cake

2 Servings | Total Time: 6 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 8 Tbl Flour
• 4 Tbl Sugar
• 3 Tbl Cocoa Powder
• 1 Egg
• 6 Tbl Milk
• 6 Tbl Canola Oil
• Splash of Vanilla Extract
• 2 Tbl Chocolate Chips
• 3 Strawberries
• Powdered Sugar

Craft: Mix together all ingredients. Divide and pour into 2 microwave proof coffee mugs. Microwave one at a time for two minutes. Remove the tops from the strawberries and slice in half. When the cakes are done, remove from microwave with pot holders, they're hot! Dust with powdered sugar and garnish with strawberries. This can be eaten from the mug or tipped out onto a plate.

Strategies:The cake will rise above the edge of the coffee mug. Don't panic! It simply does that while it's cooking. It'll go back down when it's done or when the heat stops.

LFM: The perfect dessert to compliment any meal.

Total Cost: < $1.00
Cost Per Serving: < $0.50

Category: Critical Hits, Cheat Codes, Phat Loot, Snackage

Inside Out Apple Cobbler

There are lots of games out there. TONS even. And we're not just talking computer games either. Consoles games too! But today's post I wanted to take yet another angle that sometimes I think us nerds and geeks out there forget about from time to time. The ever-humble board game.

Indeed without board games there'd be no evolution into electronic games. You could even go so far as to say Dungeons & Dragons is the founding father of all fantasy genre techy games. But it seems like many board games follow particular patterns. It's hard to think outside the box and come up with a new board game. (And it's starting to get that way with electronic games too.) Especially one that will draw the attention away from the Wii/360/PS. And yet, occasionally, someone does come up with something awesome!

Apples to Apples has become one of my all-time favorite board games. It's not even really an original idea. Just a new twist on a classic. It's a word game, mixed with poker, mixed with chance, mixed with a dictionary and topped with hilarity! Part of the fun is playing with people you know really well and guessing what they'll guess! It brings a whole new level of fun to the table.

So I figured a fitting tribute to this game would be exactly like it. A new twist on some classic games. This is apple cobbler. Tastes very much like it but certainly doesn't look like apple cobbler. It's fun and different and oh-so decadent! It's awesome by itself, for a snack or as the perfect finishing dessert to a lovely meal.

Inside Out Apple Cobbler

2 Servings | Total Time: 30 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 2 Large Apple
• 1 Tbl Brown Sugar
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 1 Tbl Butter
• 4 Tbl Old Fashioned Oats

Craft: Wash apples and scoop out the core, being careful not to go through the bottom of the apple. Mix cinnamon, oats, and brown sugar then stuff it inside the apples. Top with butter. Pour about a half cup of water into a pot with lid. Gently place apples in the water. Cover and turn heat to medium. Bring water just to boiling then lower heat and cook apples until tender, about 20 minutes.

Strategies: This is such an easy and delectable dessert you can just put them in the water, cover and leave it until the timer goes off. Plenty of time to get that class quest done.

LFM: This dessert compliment any dish.

Cost:

• Large Apple | $1.00
  
• Brown Sugar | $1.00
  
• Old Fashioned Oats | $1.00

Total Cost: $3.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.50

Category: Phat Loot

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Fancy Pants Caesar Salad

You know that guy. The one who's always got the strategy and who's always trying to get people to follow the strategy and berates them for not following the strategy and blames other people for failure of said strategy? The guy who some dolt made raid leader and now that guy insists on different ranks for the elite and privileged raiders that he deems smart enough or dedicated enough to get first pick of loot. The guy who demands you have all the approved addons installed or you won't do it right. The guy who has to make a rule for everything so no one can exploit 'the system'. He doesn't trust anyone to behave honorably so he's got his guild laws and raid laws and a different punishment for every law to make sure you feel punished for breaking a law.

I have dubbed that guy Mr Fancy Pants. Because he's that guy who can't keep things simple and straight forward. I have also named a salad after him. I mean sure, you can have a perfectly workable Caesar salad for dinner. The salad part is probably the easiest, simplest part. You could even add some chicken and it'd still be a straightforward salad. But this salad is just going overboard. A plain ol' salad is just too simple. It's not fancy enough! You need more crunch, more juicy tomato, more creamy avocado! More, I tell you! More!

Fancy Pants Caesar Salad

2 Servings | Total Time: 8 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 Chicken Breast
• 1 bag Caesar Salad Kit (with croutons, cheese, bacon bits & dressing)
• 1 Celery Stalk
• 1 Carrot
• 1 Roma Tomato
• 1 Avocado

Craft: Place the chicken breast on a well oiled indoor appliance grill. Close the lid and let cook for 6 minutes. When done let rest for 1 minute then dice. Meanwhile, dice the celery and carrot. Chop the tomato and slice the avocado. Open your salad kit. Divide the lettuce into two large bowls, top with remaining ingredients and drizzle with dressing.

Strategies: You certainly don't have to have all the extra toppings but it adds a lot more healthiness, deliciousness, and umph to it!

LFM: Serve with any kind of fruit or rolls.

Cost:

• Chicken Breast | $1.00
  
• Caesar Salad Kit | $3.00
  
• Celery | $1.25
• Carrot | $1.25
• Roma Tomato | $0.50
  
• Avocado | $0.75

Total Cost: $7.75
Cost Per Serving: $3.88

Category: Raid Night, Critical Hits

Southern California Fruit Wrap

Southern California has many appealing attractions. Warm weather and the center of everything interesting, SoCal is the place where it's all at. Hollywood. Universal Studios. Disneyland. Knotts Berry Farm. Warner Brothers Studios. Six Flags Magic Mountain. Sea World. Chinatown. Catalina Islands. Little Tokyo. Beverly Hills. LA and San Diego Zoo. Museums and Beaches as far as the eye can see. Not to mention every game development company based in Cali. (The best part IMO!)

And farms full of delicious, succulent, foods. These fruit wraps are the a pinnacle of everything awesome about Southern California. Juicy, sweet, a little tart and smooth.
They're beautiful too. Perfect colors, all arranged neatly and perfectly visible through the simple rice wraps.

Southern California Fruit Wrap

6 Servings | Total Time: 10 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 6 Rice Papers
• 1 Medium Banana, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Pineapple, thinly sliced
• 3 large Strawberries, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Spinach, sliced thinly

Craft: Take a rice paper sheet and put it in a shallow dish of warm water. After about 10-20 seconds, depending on temp, it should be soft and pliable. It will be sticky once wet so be careful not to let it touch itself or fold. Carefully take it out and put it on a plate. Place 1/6th of all the fruit and spinach in the center, facing the same direction. Roll up the rice paper burrito style. Repeat for remaining. Let dry on a ceramic or glass plate.

Strategies: Wrap individually in plastic wrap and store in the fridge or eat immediately. You can find rice paper sheets at any oriental market and sometime in the oriental section of your local grocery store.

LFM: Serve as dessert or with a big breakfast.

Cost:

• Rice Papers | $1.00
• Medium Banana | $0.50
• Pineapple | $1.50
• Strawberries | $1.50
• Spinach | $1.00

Total Cost: $5.50
Cost Per Serving: $0.92

Category: Rez Plz, Expansions

Shyvana Jumbalaya

I tried to think of a fitting introduction to this fiery, tasty, dish. It's fast and simple but oh-so-tasty. It's got a punch of heat if you want it but it can be as mild as ketchup if you don't. When I sat down to ponder what to call it, my thoughts turned to League of Legends.

I like the game. I don't participate in the PvP since that aspect of any game doesn't appeal to me very much. But I do enjoy the simple Co-op vs. Bots. It fulfills that need for something simple, quick and easy to play. Just like this dish fulfills the occasional need for something simple, quick and filling.

As I started to think about each of my favorite champions, one in particular came to mind. The colors and heat of this dish pointed me at one of the more devastatingly powerful champions. Shyvana, the Half-Dragon.

Her short story intrigues me as much as her abilities and fighting capabilities do. I will willingly admit to being something of a lore junkie. Not quite a nerd. I don't know everything. But I love to learn more and always enjoy a good story. Shyvana's story is one of those that I wish there was more to read. It sounds so fascinating. How does a female dragon come to fall in love with a male human? And then give birth to a forbidden half-dragon child, knowing the consequences would go badly for herself and her lover? It makes a lore-junkie-wannabe-writer's mind turn! Turn I tell you!

Can I also mention that this being a dragon-related post feels highly appropriate for the Chinese New Year? Happy Dragony New Year!

Shyvana Jumbalaya

4 Servings | Total Time: 15 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 Tbl Butter
• 1/2 Onion
• 1/2 Green Bell Pepper
• 4 Green Onions
• 1/2 Kielbasa Sausage
• 1/2 can Tomato Paste
• 1/2 can Tomato Sauce
• 3 tsp Hot Sauce, optional
• 1/4 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, more if desired, optional
• 1 tsp Pepper
• 4 cups Brown Rice, cooked

Craft: Dice onion, bell peppers, green onion and sausage. Melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sausage and cook until browned. Add onion and bell pepper. Add tomato paste, tomato sauce, hot sauce, red pepper flakes and pepper. Stir until combined. Add rice and green onions. Reduce heat to low, cover and cook, stirring occasionally for 8 minutes.

Strategies: Anytime you cook rice, cook an extra couple cups and refrigerate or freeze it for meals just like this one.

LFM: Serve with salad and fresh fruit.

Cost:

• Onion | $0.50
• Green Bell Pepper | $1.50
• Green Onions | $1.00
• Kielbasa Sausage | $2.50
• Tomato Paste | $0.25
• Tomato Sauce | $0.25
• Brown Rice | $0.50

Total Cost: $6.50
Cost Per Serving: $1.63

Category: Casual

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

1UP Quesadillas

I got the best Christmas present ever. I know everyone says that but I really did. I also have the best younger sister in the world for giving this present to me. A genuine, original, trusty-but-dusty, Nintendo. Yes, one of these:

I know you're probably thinking that isn't exactly the best Christmas present you've ever seen. But it is for me. So many memories of learning to play my first video games on this baby. Learning cuss words I wasn't supposed to know at 5 years old from my babysitter when she kept trying to shoot that laughing dog on Duck Hunt. Zelda was too expensive but my cousins had it so I got to play that sometimes too.

But most of my time was spent on Super Mario Brothers. My older sister figured out a trick to get infinite lives. I never could do it so I had to depend on collecting those handy green 1 UP mushrooms. So getting my hands on a Nintendo again had me thinking about mushrooms and their many delicious uses. Not to mention health benefits for a longer gaming life of your own!

By the way...I don't recommend collecting green mushrooms to use in this dish. Bella mushrooms will do just fine. These are perfect to have when you want a quesadilla but you're kinda tired of the same ol' same ol' mexican flavors. This is stuffed full of carmalized onions, mushrooms, tangy swiss cheese and the most perfect steak sauce ever created. Your mouth will be watering before they've even finished cooking. I promise!


1UP Quesadillas
4 Servings | Total Time: 20 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 8 Corn Tortillas
• 10 tsp Butter, unsalted
• 1 small Onion, diced
• 1 cup Baby Bella Mushrooms, diced
• 1 Tbl A1 Steak Sauce
• 4 Slices Swiss Cheese

Craft: Melt 2 tsp of butter in a sauté pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until carmalized. Add mushrooms and cook until soft. Remove from heat, add A1 sauce and toss to combine. Butter one side of each tortilla. Place, butter side down in a pan over medium-low heat. Add ¼ of the mushroom filling and ¼ of the cheese. Place another tortilla on top, butter side up. Cover and let cook 1-2 minutes until browned on bottom then flip and cook uncovered 1-2 min more. Repeat for remaining tortillas.

Strategies: You can replace the swiss with cheddar if desired. Also, speed things up using a food processor to dice your mushrooms and onions.

LFM: Serve with a green garden salad and apples!

Cost:

• Corn Tortillas | $1.00
• Onion | $1.00
• Baby Bella Mushrooms | $1.75
• Sliced Swiss Cheese | $2.25

Total Cost: $6.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.50

Category: Raid Night, Troll Fuel

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Taris Flatbread Pizza

Taris used to be a planet full of cities. Apparently they got on the Empire's bad side and got themselves infested with a plague of Rakghouls. And bombarded to ruins and rubble. The Republic just the left the place alone for a good long while but now it's time to go try and re-inhabit the place. Why? I have no clue. Unfortunately the rakghouls are running wild and so is the plant life. It makes for epic scenery but it's bad for civilization. I couldn't tell you what to do about the rakghouls but I do have some ideas for the plants! Just hang with me for a moment of reflecting ranting.

Did you notice how Taris just goes on and on and on and on! I've never encountered so many quest hubs before Taris and not after Taris either! Don't get me wrong. I like questing. Love it even. But Taris doesn't change much from hub to hub. It's the same thing over and over. Fight the rakghouls, over and over. It just wears on a person! For those of you who are on Taris right now, my sympathies. But take heart, there is an end to the madness.....eventually. And at the end you'll find the bonus quest chain. And then it'll end too. And you'll never have to go back! ....except maybe once or twice for class quests. I'm doing a terrible job of reassuring you aren't I? Moving on!

The abundance of plant life on Taris had me craving some cheese covered veggies. And what better excuse to get it than to put it on a pizza! Pizza is one of those classic foods that crosses over the stereotyping lines. Pizza is a favorite of nerds and jocks alike. No one can resist the call of pizza. The gooey cheese. The crispy crust. The hot, cooked-to-perfection toppings. I've showed you before how to make quick Poor Man's Pizza. But here's another version that takes just a tad longer but keeps truer form to the classic pizza. Except for maybe the toppings because everyone needs variety. And honestly, where are you going to find pepperoni on a force-forsaken planet like Taris?


Taris Flatbread Pizza

8 Servings | Total Time: 15 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 8 Flour Tortillas
• 4 Tbl Pesto
• 1 cup Spinach
• 1 can Great Northern White Beans, rinsed
• 2 Roma Tomato, finely diced
• 1 Red Onion, thinly sliced
• 1 Red Bell Pepper, finely diced
• 1 cup Broccoli Florets
• 8 Mushrooms, thinly sliced
• 1 Zucchini, thinly sliced
• 1 cup Mozzerella Cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Feta Cheese
• 8 Tbl Parmesan Cheese

Craft: Preheat oven to 450° F. Place the tortillas on two greased baking sheets. Spread pesto on each tortilla then layer veggies/beans and top with cheese. Bake for 6-8 minutes or until tortillas are brown and crunchy and cheese is melted.

Strategies: You can slice it pizza style like the picture above or you can fold it in half  and eat it taco style! And if you lack pesto, tomato sauce works just fine.

LFM: This is an all in one meal but I recommend any kind of fruit for dessert!

Cost:

• Flour Tortillas | $1.25
• Spinach | $2.00
• Great Northern White Beans | $0.50
• Roma Tomato | $0.75
• Red Onion | $0.75
• Red Bell Pepper | $1.50
• Broccoli Florets | $1.00
• Mushrooms | $1.00
• Zucchini | $1.00
• Mozzerella Cheese | $2.00
• Feta Cheese | $2.50

Total Cost: $14.25
Cost Per Serving: $1.79

Category: Raid Night, Critical Hits

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Alderaan Appleflax Waffles

Poor Alderaan. Even in the past they can't catch a break. In the future they get blown up by the wanna-be-a-moon Deathstar. In the time frame of ToR Alderaan is literally a warzone. The Sith Empire trying to take it over and the Republic fighting to keep it. Either way, lots of explosives involved. And explosives are only fun for the people lobbing them. Unless you're suicidal like the trooper in the vid. Course it's hard to tell if he's really having fun with that...

Anyway! It occurred to me that peeps on both sides of the conflict could use some cheering up. And what better way to cheer up the blown up than with waffles! Everyone loves waffles. Some people love them more than life itself.

These particular waffles are delectable. Like having apple pie for breakfast. And healthy too! Low sugar, whole wheat and they'll be sure to fill you up for hours and hours. Especially if you keep munching on them like I'm prone to do.


Alderaan Appleflax Waffles

4 Servings | Total Time: 35 min | Journeyman

Mats:

• 1 1/4 cup Unbleached All Purpose Flour
• 1/3 cup Ground Flaxseed
• 1 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp Ground Nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp Ground Ginger
• 3 Eggs
• 1 1/4 cup Milk
• 1 Tbl Canola Oil
• 1 cup Apple Pulp (from juicing apples, no seeds/peel/stem) or 2/3 cup Applesauce

Craft: Mix all ingredients together until well combined. Pour 1/3 cup of batter per square onto a greased waffle iron. Cook until well browned. Repeat until batter is gone.

Strategies: Use low sugar or sugar free syrup. Or use fruit as a topping instead of syrup.

LFM: Serve with fruit or fruit juice and bacon or sausage.

Cost:

• Unbleached All Purpose Flour | $2.00
  
• Ground Flaxseed | $3.00
• Eggs | $1.00
• Milk | $2.00
• Applesauce | $1.25

Total Cost: $9.25
Cost Per Serving: $2.32

Category: Rez Plz

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Not "The Oatmeal Option"

This meal is in honor of Elisa from ecwrites.com. On 11/18/2011 she will be releasing her first book, "The Golden Sky." It is her journal from a time in her life full of trials and the loss of her son. Here is the quote from the back cover of her book. You can also order her book and read other writings of hers at the link below.





    
"The "death home" gave my son a really nice funeral, the kind I'd never wished to attend.  When they tried closing his casket, I nearly fell on my face, not wanting them to shut the lid on my baby.

        We lost it after that, totally cemented in our grief.  Cade got into drugs, joined a rock and roll band, and even grew out his damn hair.  At the time, I was sick of "the oatmeal option" (the only food we had), so I kicked Cade out of the house, and started modeling and working as a diesel mechanic.  That was how I met Earl, an old man and unlikely best friend; the "big sag," a middle aged woman who still flashed folks; my neighbor, the stripper next door, and "The Cowboy," a man who fell in love with me. 

        It was slow at first, but Cade reverted back to the man I'd busked with years before.  It wasn't until I killed a rogue skunk, and my daughter nearly choked on a fry, that I gave my husband another chance.  But could our marriage recover from the death of our son?" -EC Stilson

Not "The Oatmeal Option"
4 Servings | Total Time: 30 Minutes | Apprentice
Mats:

• 2 tsp garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 1 tsp cornstarch
• 1 tsp veggi oil
• 1 lb sirloin tips, thinly sliced (Stir-Fry Beef)
• 3 tbl veggi oil
• 1 medium onion, thinly sliced
• 2 cups fresh green beans, trimmed
• 1/4 cup beef broth
• 1 tsp soy sauce
• 1 cup uncooked rice 

Craft: Cook rice according to package directions.  While rice is cooking, in a large mixing bowl, combine garlic, pepper, cornstarch, 1 tsp vegetable oil. Add beef, mix well. In a wok, heat 2 tbl oil over high heat for 1 minute then add beef; cook and stir for about 2 minutes or until beef begins to brown. Transfer beef to a bowl and set aside. Heat remaining 1 tbl oil in wok. Add onion; cook and stir until tender. Mix in green beans and broth. Cover and reduce heat to medium. Simmer for 4 to 5 minutes, or until bean are tender-crisp. Stir in soy sauce and beef. Cook, stirring constantly for 1 to 2 minutes or until heated through. Serve over hot rice.

Strategies: You can substitute the rice for ramen noodles if cooking rice makes you nervous.

Cost:

• Meat | $4.50
• Green Beans | $0.59
• Rice | $1.00

Total Cost: $6.09
Cost Per Serving: $1.52

Categories: Raid Night, Critical Hits

El's Extreme Tacos

Whenever there's a great game released it creates a ripple effect across the internet. People blog about it, make videos about it, create websites around it, and make guides for it. Some of these fan sites are generalized and others are specialized. El's Extreme Anglin' is a fan site dedicated completely to only one aspect of World of Warcraft. Fishing.

There's not a single question you could ask about fishing in WoW that El's doesn't have the answer to. They've got everything. Guides for leveling fishing. Where to find fish. The best places to farm achievements. How to get your pets and titles. Even a list of every food buff you can get from cooking fish! These awesome fish tacos are a tribute to such a great fan site that's always been there over the years and is still going strong!

El's Extreme Tacos

4 Servings | Total Time: 15 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 16 Taco Shells
• 2 Tilapia Fillets
• 1 Tbl Canola Oil
• 1 cup Sour Cream
• 1 pkt Taco Seasoning Mix
• 1 Tbl Cilantro
• 1 Tbl Lime Juice
• 2 cups Lettuce, shredded
• 1 cup Cheddar Cheese

Craft: Cut tilapia into 1" pieces. Heat oil in a skillet. Season tilapia with 1/2 of the taco seasoning packet. Fry tilapia until cooked through and no longer translucent, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, in a small bowl mix together sour cream, cilantro, lime juice and the rest of the seasoning packet. Stuff tacos with fish, cheese, lettuce and sour cream mix.

Strategies: Get more bang for the buck by adding finely diced tomatoes, onions, celery and bell peppers to your tacos. Pre-made taco shells are great when you're pinched for time but home fried taco shells are excellent for more flavor.

LFM: Serve with rice or a tropical fruit salad.

Cost:

• Taco Shells | $1.00
• Tilapia Fillets | $2.00
• Sour Cream | $1.00
• Taco Seasoning Mix | $0.50
• Lettuce | $0.50
• Cheddar Cheese | $2.00

Total Cost: $7.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.75

Category: Raid Night

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Whiptail Saute

 For a time, Whiptail had it's hay-day. It grew, you picked it and within moments it was back again, for you to pick, again. And so on and on it went. Many, many farmers spent many many hours farming these ever present nodes in Uldum.

You would initially think that such a flood of the herb would have driven the costs for it on the AH to drop dramatically. Curiously though, it didn't. So where was all of this Whiptail being sold?

It wasn't.

Okay then, where was it being hoarded?

It wasn't.

The fact is, it was being milled. I mean, why not? Inks are, after all, far more profitable than mere herbs. But when you leave an inscriptionist to mill so many herbs non-stop, he will eventually have a large pile of excreted herbs that no longer have the ink in them, but may be a waste to simply throw away. So a few clever cooks gathered the piles of pulped Whiptail and brought it to their fires and seasonings to see what they could come up with.

 Sorry about the picture quality!

Whiptail Saute
6 Servings | Total Time: 15 Minutes | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1/8 cup water
• 1 bunch pulped Whiptail, or fresh spinach, rinsed and stemmed
• 1/3 cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 pinch salt
• 4 teaspoons lemon juice

Craft: Bring the water to a boil in a skillet over medium heat. Add spinach all at once, and reduce heat slightly. Cover, and let cook for about 3 minutes, or until spinach is not quite tender. Stir in the cream cheese and lemon juice, and season with salt. Cook, stirring, until the cream cheese is melted and well blended. Serve immediately.

Strategies: Try other seasonings like garlic or onion powder to change up the flavor a little.

LFM: This dip is wonderful with bread, crackers or chips!

Cost:

• Spinach | $1.89
• Cream Cheese | $1.19

Total Cost: $3.08
Cost Per Serving: $0.51

Categories: Expansions, Raid Night, Snackage

Tatooine Pasta

I am super excited to play SWTOR, and involve myself in the Star Wars Galaxy.  You see, I am very much a fantasy type person.  I am into dragons and castles and mages and all of that awesome stuff that WoW has.  Sci-Fi really isn't my thing, but I grew up on Star Wars and Star Trek.  I have a link with them that goes further back than even my having played Warcraft 1.  I have been watching Star Wars since the dawn of my time.  There is going to be so much cool lore to immerse myself in as well. Take for instance, the famous planet of Tatooine.  Everybody knows and loves Tatooine, the home planet of Anakin Skywalker and his more righteous children Luke and Leia.  It is a dry desert planet with nearly no vegetation, but it has been in every Star Wars movie and is the most iconic of the planets.  Reminiscing about this planet led me to crave a certain dish that reminds me of hot weather and the need for something to spice up the day. 

Tatooine Pasta
6 Servings | Total Time: 45 Minutes | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 lb cooked chicken or ground beef
• 1 pkg taco seasoning
• 2 cups Ranch Dressing
• 1/4 cup chopped Onion
• 1 can Kidney or Pinto Beans, drained
• 1 can Corn, drained
• 1 cup cheese, shredded or cubed
• 8 oz Bowtie Pasta

Craft: Cook pasta according to package directions. If your meat is not cooked, do so now. Drain pasta and run under cold water to cool. Cool meat as well if necessary. Combine all ingredients together and mix well.

Strategies: You can add any vegetable to this that you would like, it is versatile that way. :)

LFM: Serve with a side of Nacho Dorritos and use them as your 'utensil' for best results.  You can try Ranch Dorritos but they don't add the same flavor that Nacho does.

Cost:

• Meat | $1.99
• Taco Seasoning | $0.99
• Beans | $0.59
• Corn | $0.59
• Cheese | $1.50
• Pasta | $0.98

Total Cost: $6.64
Cost Per Serving: $1.11

Categories: Casual

Spicy Cheaterfish Melt

Few people have ever been able to catch the cheaterfish in WoW. And those who have caught them, didn't know it. More often than not, the all powerful Warden catches the cheaterfish. Then it chops them up and serves them to you on a silver platter. Or in a tin can. In this case, we're taking the pouch-packaged kind and turning it into a fast fixin' lunch!'

It doesn't require a stove or that 'broiler' thingy. Just a toaster and a microwave. But even the microwave is optional if you're running short on time. Just throw the bread in the toaster, spread it with lemon pepper tuna and a slice of pepper jack cheese. I also like putting tomatoes and alfalfa sprouts on it for some juiciness and a little crunch that doesn't hinder the spicy flavors.

Spicy Cheaterfish Melt

2 Servings | Total Time: 5 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 2 slices Bread
• 2 slices Pepper Jack Cheese
• 8 Grape Tomatoes
• 1 pkg Lemon Pepper Tuna
• 1 Tbl Mayo
• 1 cup Alfalfa Sprouts

Craft: Toast the bread. Slice the tomatoes in half. Mix tuna with mayo. Spread 1/2 cup Alfalfa sprouts on each slice of bread. Then add half the tuna to each slice. Top with cheese and tomatoes. Microwave for 30 seconds.

Strategies:

LFM: Green Salad, Carrots & Ranch Dressing

Cost:

• Pepper Jack Cheese | $1.00
• 8 Grape Tomatoes | $1.00
• 1 pkg Lemon Pepper Tuna | $1.00
• 1 cup Alfalfa Sprouts | $1.00

Total Cost: $4.00
Cost Per Serving: $4.00

Category: Troll Fuel

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Muja Chicken

On the planet of Gala, Qui-Gon Jinn and Obi-Wan Kenobi fought to uncover a secret plot to undermine the dying queen's wishes of a democratic government.  Their role as Guardians of Peace takes Qui-Gon to the Hill People, a separatist faction whose leader is the true heir to the throne.  While in Hill country they find a fruit known as Muja.  It is so delicious they send it back to the Jedi Temple where the master chefs prepare it it many ways.  It is made into juice, muffins, even fruit filled donuts.  But the best recipe is the Muja Chicken.  

Muja Chicken
6 Servings | 1 Hour | Apprentice

Mats:

• 6 skinless boneless chicken breast
• 1 1/2 (1 oz) pkg dry onion soup mix
• 1 (10 fl oz) bottle Russian-style dressing
• 1 cup apricot preserve

Craft: Preheat oven to 350°. Place chicken in casserole dish. Mix other ingredients together and pour over chicken. Cover and bake for 1 hour.

LFM: This has a lot of sauce and goes really well when served over rice.

Cost:

• Chicken | $5.99
• Russian Dressing | $1.79
• Onion Soup Mix | $0.59
• Apricot Preserve | $2.15

Total Cost: $10.52
Cost Per Serving: $1.75

Categories: Hardcore

Sholazar Parfait

Situated in the icy lands of Northrend, Sholazar Basin is a tropical paradise to ease those numb, adventuring fingers of yours. It's almost surreal and more than a little bizzarre to find a jungle zone in Northrend. I mean, it's called the Roof of the World. We're talking polar ice caps here. But there it is, a creation of the titans, filled with tropical creatures, warm rivers, thriving vegetation, and very wild wildlife.

This change in temperatures has you going from craving a hot Black Coffee to searching for a cool cup of Kungaloosh. But with the abundance of fruit in the basin, why not a tastier treat to beat the heat? It's fast and easy too so you can get back to that level grind.

Sholazar Parfait

1 Servings | Total Time: 5 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 cup Vanilla Yogurt
• 1 small Banana
• 1/2 cup Pineapple Chunks
• 1/4 cup Granola or 1 Granola bar, chopped
  

Craft: Slice the banana. In a cup or bowl layer 1/3 of the fruit and 1/2 cup of yogurt. Layer it again and top with fruit and granola.

Strategies: Try it with some shredded coconut too!

LFM: Perfect for breakfast by itself or for dessert.

Cost:

• Vanilla Yogurt | $0.75
• Banana | $0.50
• Pineapple Chunks | $1.00
• Granola | $0.50

Total Cost: $2.75
Cost Per Serving: $2.75

Category: Rez Plz, Expansions, Phat Loot, Snackage

Talandra's Rose Flatbread

I have been an herbalist at heart for as long as I can remember.  I have always found herbs fascinating.  When I was twelve I started my own herb garden growing things like mint and lavender, parsley and basil.  So naturally when I started playing WoW I had my first professions practically handed to me on a silver platter with my freaking name on it.  Herbalism and the accompanying Alchemy.  I loved creating potions and elixirs from the various herbs found around the map in game.  However I was not terribly found of having to find the herbs.  Wouldn't it be so much easier to just grow an herb garden like IRL?  Or even go down to the grocery store and buy them dried in a bottle on a shelf?  Alas, this may not be an option available in game, but it is one for your kitchen IRL.  Today I present you with one of my favorite appetizers, Talandra's Rose Flatbread.

Talandra's Rose Flatbread
4 Servings | Total Time: 5 Minutes | Apprentice

Mats:

• 1 10-ounce fully baked thin pizza crust (such as Boboli)
• 1 Tbl Extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tsp minced fresh rosemary
• 1/4 tsp Sea salt
• 1/4 tsp Pepper

Craft: While barbecue is heating to medium or oven is heating to 400° brush 1 side of pizza crust round with oil, then sprinkle each with 1/2 teaspoon rosemary, sea salt, and pepper. Place on grill or in oven, seasoned side down. Brush top with oil, then sprinkle with remaining rosemary, sea salt, and pepper. Cook until just golden, about 2 minutes per side on the grill or 6 minutes in the oven. Cut pizzas into wedges and serve.

Strategies: You can make this with your own home made pizza dough and adding a little sprinkle of mozzarella cheese.  Also try changing out the herb to basil or oregano or a combination of your favorites.

Cost:

• Pizza Crust | $5.00

Total Cost: $5.00
Cost Per Serving: $1.25 
*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your price may vary.

Categories: Troll Fuel, Snackage, Expansions, Raid Night, Critical Hits

Game Cube Hash

I love older games and game systems. Call me crazy but there's something about dusting off something you haven't played in a bit that hits you in the nostalgia gland. I'm a big Zelda fan. And I know that The Wind Waker for the GameCube was one of those love/hate games. Some people really loved it, some people really hated it. I think I'm somewhere in between. My favorite Zelda games were from the N64. So the graphical differences took some getting used to but the game play was still awesome as expected from this franchise. And don't get me started on how excellent Twilight Princess was.

Anyway! (I'm such a Zelda geek) This dinner is to pay homage to the GameCube and all the fabulous games that go with it. Everything is chopped up into cube shaped making this a fun and colorful pixelated dish. It's also absolutely superb as breakfast!

Game Cube Hash

4 Servings | Total Time: 30 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 4 slices Bacon
• 6 Gold Yukon Potatoes
• 4 oz Smoked Ham
• 1 Green Bell Pepper
• 1 Yellow/Orange Bell Pepper
• 1 Red Bell Pepper
• 4 Green Onions
• 2 Tbl Parsley, chopped
• Salt
• Pepper
• Sour Cream 
• Salsa
  

Craft: Cook Bacon in a large skillet with lid. Remove from pan when done, leaving bacon grease in the pan. Dice potatoes, ham, and bell peppers into 1/4" cubes. Roughly chop the green onions and parsley. Cook the potatoes in the skillet, covered for 5-10 minutes or until potatoes are cooked through but not yet browned. Add ham and bell peppers. Sprinkle with salt and pepper if desired. Cook 5 more minutes. Crumble bacon and add back into the skillet. Add green onions too. Cook a few minutes more then pour into a large bowl. Garnish with salsa, sour cream and parsley.

Strategies: You can use fully cooked leftover baked potatoes for this recipe to cut the cook time in half!

LFM: Fresh fruit or canned tropical fruit salad. Also good with a sunny-side-up egg on top and yogurt or a parfait on the side.

Cost:

• Bacon | $2.00
  
• Gold Yukon Potatoes | $1.00
• Smoked Ham | $3.00
• Green Bell Pepper | $0.50
• Yellow/Orange Bell Pepper | $1.00
• Red Bell Pepper | $1.00
• Green Onions | $1.00

Total Cost: $9.50
Cost Per Serving: $2.38

Category: Casual, Rez Plz

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Warlord Gorchuk's Chicken Salad

Flying over Silithus today to go put out some bonfires had me reminiscing. I recalled what Silithus looked like Pre-AQ Patch. I remembered wandering around and being impressed with the changes (and killed by new mobs) after the AQ Patch. I remember gathering (oh the grinding!) all those blasted supplies so we could finally open the gates to the new raid instances. Not that my guild was raiding anything but MC and ZG back then but that's not the point! The epicness (and never-want-to-do-again-edness) of it all was a great moment in memory.

Since I started on that train of thought you KNOW I had to go to youtube and start watching all the WoW Machinimas from my favorite makers. Namely Oxhorn, Nyhm, and Crainius. But today I was mainly watching Oxhorn. So this is for you Ox and that gold farmin' Gorchuk too!

Warlord Gorchuk's Chicken Salad

4 Servings | Total Time: 10 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 12 oz bag Broccoli Slaw Mix
• 1 cup Chicken, cooked, diced
• 1 can Water Chestnuts, diced
• 1 cup Snow Peas
• 1 can Mandarin Oranges
• 2 Green Onions
• 1/4 cup Olive Oil
• 2 Tbl Rice Wine Vinegar
• 1/2 Tbl Soy Sauce
• 1/2 Tbl Seasame Oil
• 2 tsp Sugar or 4 Sweetener Packets

Craft: Drain the water chestnuts and oranges. Chop the snow peas and green onions. In a large bowl, toss together the broccoli slaw, chicken, chestnuts, snow peas, oranges and green onions. In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, vinegar, soy sauce, seasame oil and sugar. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss.

Strategies: If you don't have any chicken, this salad is just fine without it. Or try some pork!

LFM: Croissants!

Cost:

• Broccoli Slaw Mix | $1.75
• Water Chestnuts, diced | $1.00
• Snow Peas | $2.50
• Mandarin Oranges | $0.50
• Green Onions | $1.00

Total Cost: $6.75
Cost Per Serving: $1.69

Category: Raid Night, Troll Fuel

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.

Freya's Fried Rice

Freya, Keeper of Ulduar and the Protector of Sholazar Basin. Like the other watchers and keepers in Ulduar, she was charged with making sure Yogg-Saron did not escape from his imprisonment. But again, like all the others in Ulduar, she eventually became corrupted by the maddening influence of the Old God.

Before that time when she was his puppet, however, she was dedicated to her Conservatory within Ulduar's great halls. Here she groomed the landscape and encouraged the vigorous growth of lush plants. With plants in such abundance it's not surprising she found a scrumptious combination of foods to keep her titan's body fit and fueled. I imagine it was pretty popular with the other Keepers too!

Freya's Fried Rice

4 Servings | Total Time: 25 min | Apprentice

Mats:

• 2 cup Long Grain White Rice, uncooked
• 4 cups Beef Broth
• 2 Eggs
• 4 Green Onions
• 8 slices of Bacon
• Soy Sauce
  

Craft: Combine rice and beef broth in a pot. Bring to a boil then reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes. Meanwhile scramble eggs in a large tall-sided skillet. When done, remove from skillet and set aside. Cook bacon in skillet. When done remove from skillet and set aside, leaving grease in pan. Chop green onions and sauté for 1 minute in skillet. When the rice is done, add to the skillet and stir, gently scraping up any browned bits. Crumble bacon and add to the rice. Add eggs and desired amount of soy sauce. Stir until combined and heated through.

Strategies: This is a great recipe to use any leftover meats or veggies that you have. You can also easily do a meatless fried rice by using mushrooms instead of bacon and vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

LFM: Spinach Salad and jello for dessert!

Cost:

• Long Grain White Rice | $0.50
• Beef Broth | $1.25
• Green Onions | $1.00
• Bacon | $2.50

Total Cost: $5.25
Cost Per Serving: $1.32

Category: Raid Night

*This meal contains staple items such as spices that you may or may not have in your pantry so your cost may vary.