This recipe is inspired by a fantastic dish eaten in Las Vegas. It was probably the highlight of the trip. Spicy, and juicy with a flavorful roasted garlic sauce. This chicken isn't quite the same as the dish served at Mesa Grill in Las Vegas, but for an introvert it's perfect. Prepared in my own kitchen, without the glaring lights and noise of the Vegas strip. Vegas, sadly, I don't think we'll be back. But thanks for the inspiration for this great chicken!

What do you do with an excess number of jalapeños? Poppers might be the logical route, but they're not my favorite appetizer. Jalapeño jelly would also be a good option, but I did not have any canning jars on hand. I did however, have a whole chicken and some potatoes. Roasting the chicken with diced jalapeño spread under the skin and folded into mashed potatoes used up a few of the peppers I had on hand and the result was a mildly spicy chicken with really great jalapeño flavor. If you don't like spicy food, this recipe is still for you. It is barely spicy, I would rate it a 1 or 2 out of 5 on a spice scale.

I love a good hearty chili. Vegetarian, traditional, or this white chili it doesn't matter. I also love one pot meals. Hearty and satisfying; easy to throw together and heat up well for leftovers the next day. White chili is Ryan's favorite, and I've been working hard on a recipe that lives up to his expectations. I think I've finally got it.

Ryan and I are what you would call "fair-weather fans". Not really into any sports at all, when our friends in Michigan were all watching the Michigan/Michigan State college football game yesterday, I honestly didn't even know it was going on until I logged into Facebook! Instead of watching football, we spent the day in Portland at the World Beard and Mustache Championships. It was awesome. I learned so much about mustaches and beards! Although we don't care for sports much, I do love a good game day party. It doesn't really matter to me what sport is television or what team we're cheering for, if I get to eat good party food, drink a couple of microbrews, and spend time with friends then I'm in. And it's a great excuse to make a double batch of my favorite guacamole recipe.

There's a really great Peruvian restaurant in my hometown, Kalamazoo Michigan. My mom and I stumbled upon it one day, looking for a late lunch. Wanting something different than the standard small town, chain restaurant, fare, I spotted the small sign advertising El Inka in a strip mall across the parking lot. It was wonderful. Had I not been so engrossed by the meal, I would have snapped a few photos with my phone.