Author Archives: Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

Chicken Tinga

Posted on February 1, 2012 by Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

Chicken Tinga is one of my favorite things to make. It’s easy, it’s quite forgiving in that you don’t need to be too exact, and it has that unmistakable smoky flavor thanks to chipotle. Because it’s a shredded chicken recipe, … Continue reading →

Posted in Cilantro, Coriander, Cumin, Garlic, Matt Armendariz | Leave a comment

Meatballs with Spicy Cranberry Sauce

Posted on January 13, 2012 by Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

I love Party Season. I get to see friends and family and all the familiar faces I don’t see regularly. What I love even more is that we’re all together with food and drink, which makes me love Party Season … Continue reading →

Posted in Appetizer, Cranberries, Sage, Thyme | Leave a comment

Arancini

Posted on January 6, 2012 by Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

Continuing with my party theme (what can I say, I love getting together!), these arancini (or little fried tiny rice balls) make take a little while longer to assemble, but I’m here to tell you that they are utterly fantastic. … Continue reading →

Posted in Vanilla Extract | Leave a comment

Spiced Granola

Posted on November 30, 2011 by Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

I’m not one of those people who thinks that granola needs to be sent off to a Happy Breakfast Place, forced to live there forever. Me? I could happily snack on granola all day long, and I usually do. It’s … Continue reading →

Posted in Breakfast, Cinnamon, Granola, Holiday, Matt Armendariz, Snacks, Vanilla Extract | Leave a comment

Roasted Curry-Spiced Brussels Sprouts

Posted on November 21, 2011 by Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

I can’t remember a time when I didn’t enjoy Brussels Sprouts and I’m pretty sure I have my mother to thank for that. Their green, earthy cabbage-like flavor makes them a perfect side dish for holiday roasts and all sorts … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinnamon, Curry, Matt Armendariz, Thanksgiving | Leave a comment

Vanilla Brined Thanksgiving Turkey

Posted on November 16, 2011 by Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

I look forward to Thanksgiving more than almost any other holiday. It’s a time to slow down, even for just a day, and share the season with those most important to us. Friends, family, acquaintances and old companions spend the … Continue reading →

Posted in Matt Armendariz, Old Hickory Smoked Salt, Thanksgiving, Vanilla Extract | 1 Comment

So long, farewell…

Posted on March 14, 2011 by Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

Folks, can I just tell you how wonderful it’s been being a Spice Islands Flavor Explorer? My stint is almost up (rumor has it that a pretty fantastic guy is taking over the reins) but I just wanted to take … Continue reading →

Posted in Matt Armendariz | 41 Comments

Spiced French Toast

Posted on February 21, 2011 by Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

One of the earliest recipes I learned to make as a child was French Toast. I suspect I was allowed to cook it because it’s messy even for adults and how could a five-year old mess it up? You’ll be … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinnamon, Matt Armendariz, Vanilla Extract | Leave a comment

Acaraje with a Spicy Shrimp Filling

Posted on February 4, 2011 by Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

Of all the places I’ve visited, Brazil has never been one of them. And for a boy who grew up listening to Brazilian pop and jazz music as well as one who’s flown over and around the country of Brazil … Continue reading →

Posted in Matt Armendariz | 3 Comments

Pistachio and Saigon Cinnamon Custard

Posted on January 19, 2011 by Matt Armendariz (from MattBites.com)

This recipe is based on a dessert from Cookshop, located in New York City’s Chelsea neighborhood. It’s a wonderful restaurant that has received accolades for their American cuisine with a nod to Mediterranean flavors and preparation. While dining with the … Continue reading →

Posted in Cinnamon, Matt Armendariz, Vanilla Extract | 3 Comments