Nikoli’s Kitchen

Opening Doors with Lemon Basil Pesto

Hi everyone and welcome back to the latest episode of Nikoli's Kitchen! This week, I talk about being really overwhelmed recently to the point that I needed to set a schedule for myself, and I made a homemade basil lemon pesto for the first time ever! You are so amazing and I hope that wherever you are, and whenever you're reading this, you're living your absolute best life. Be good to others and love one another. Thank you so much for coming on this journey with me.
 
Featured Recipe for this Episode
1/3 c pine nuts
4 c basil leaves
1 c olive oil
8 cloves of garlic
Zest of 3 lemons
1/4 c lemon juice
1/2 c freshly-shredded parmesan cheese
1 t coarse sea salt
1 t black pepper
Add pine nuts to a large skillet and toast over medium heat, being careful not to let them burn (roll them around in the pan to toast them evenly).
Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend together until well-combined.
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
Please check out my segment of Heather's podcast at https://justheathers.com/nicholas-haskins/. Thank you so much for having me on the show Heather!
Watch me cook Keto Chocolate Chaffles LIVE with Tricia & Siana of 2 Girls on a Bench at https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1039494727!
 
Credits
"Crows" by Lucas King. Find this and more amazing music by Lucas and subscribe to him on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/user/LucasKingPiano!
"Garden Music" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

A Crisp and Fresh Chicken Pecan Salad!

Hello and welcome back to an all-new episode of Nikoli's Kitchen! In this week's episode, I talk about overcoming your immediate problems, recap my recent attempt to make dinner for Rebecca's parents for the first time, and I break down a recipe for a delicious chicken pecan salad that I made after watching an Arby's commercial. Thank you all so so much for listening and for your amazing support!
 
Featured Recipe for this Episode
3 boneless skinless chicken breasts2 T olive oil (for chicken, if searing)1 sweet yellow onion, chopped10 cloves garlic, minced1 Gala apple, chopped1 cup celery, chopped3/4 cup pecans, chopped1 cup red grapes, halved1.75 c plain Greek yogurt1 c light Mayo4 T honeySalt pepper
 
Bacon, cut into 1/2 strips1 avocado, dicedLarge slices of onion, marinated and grilled
Filet the chicken breasts and season them however you would like. I have done them marinated and grilled, and I've done them seared with salt, pepper, lime zest, and lime juice. Sear the chicken and cook it over mid heat until cooked through, approximately 4-6 minutes per side; if grilling, grill the filets on both sides over a hot grill for 4-6 minutes per side or until cooked through. Set aside to rest.Cut/chop fruits/veg/etc to roughly the same size and add to a large mixing bowl (do not add the avocado at this stage).Chop cooled chicken to same size as other ingredients and add to the bowl.Add yogurt, mayo, and honey. Add salt and pepper to taste.Mix well.Serve on a wrap or a toasted roll with grilled onions, avocado, bacon, or anything else as desired. 
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
Please check out my segment of Heather's podcast at https://justheathers.com/nicholas-haskins/. Thank you so much for having me on the show Heather!
Watch me cook Keto Chocolate Chaffles LIVE with Tricia & Siana of 2 Girls on a Bench at https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1039494727!
 
Credits
"Let me Think," and "Shadowed" by Lucas King. Find this and more amazing music by Lucas and subscribe to him on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/user/LucasKingPiano!
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

Quick Bites - White Peach & Strawberry Summer Sangria!

Hi everyone and welcome to another brand new quick bite from Nikoli's Kitchen! I'm trying to get my life arranged into a workable schedule, so I'm so sorry I wasn't able to get the chicken salad recipe out last week. Have no fear, it will be out on Monday! In the meantime, take a few minutes (that's all it takes!) and prep this incredibly fresh and bright summer sangria for your backyard BBQ. It's got wonderful notes from the peaches and strawberries and packs a beautiful little kick. Thank you all so much for listening, and thank you so much for coming on this journey with me.
 
Featured Recipe for this Episode
3 white peaches, peeled and sliced2 c strawberries, sliced1 mango, peeled and chopped2 bottles of dry or semi-dry white wine2 c white rum1/4 c white sugar
Combine everything into a large pitcher and stir together. Refrigerate and allow everything to come together for at least 24 hours. Serve with a spoonful of fruit from the pitcher and enjoy!
Variations-
The mango is a bit pulpy and doesn't add as much as the other two, so omit it and add another 1 c of strawberries.If you're topping this off in a glass with some kind of soda (I'd recommend maybe Sprite or 7-Up or something of that ilk), then don't add the sugar. The soda will have more than enough sugar.Make it with brandy instead of rum.Add some raspberries or blackberries and make this with red wine instead of white!
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
Please check out my segment of Heather's podcast at https://justheathers.com/nicholas-haskins/. Thank you so much for having me on the show Heather!
Watch me cook Keto Chocolate Chaffles LIVE with Tricia & Siana of 2 Girls on a Bench at https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1039494727!
 
Credits
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

Layers of Flavor in Buffalo Chicken Dip!

Hi everyone! Welcome back to a brand new episode of Nikoli's Kitchen! With summer fast approaching in my part of the world I know you'll be headed out to a party with some friends and family, so why not whip up some Buffalo Chicken Dip? My version is far from the "boiled chicken" variety as I have worked to build layers of flavor within this dish to create something truly memorable and delicious. Please give it a shot and let me know what you think. Thank you all so much for listening, and thank you so much for coming on this journey with me.
 
Featured Recipe for this Episode
4 chicken breasts, fileted2 8-oz packages of 1/3 fat cream cheese16-oz fresh shredded cheddar cheese2-4-oz fresh crumbled bleu cheese5.3 oz (one small container) plain Greek yogurt1 large onion, sliced thin15-25 cloves of garlic, roughly chopped1 stick of unsalted butter2 c red hot (more or less to desired heat/taste)4 T dark brown sugar1/2 c white winesalt and pepper1 T fresh chopped sage
Filet and marinate the chicken breasts for at least 3-4 days.Leave cream cheese out to come to room temperature.Grill or sear the filets until almost cooked through (they will finish in the dip, so you don't need to cook them all the way through here). Roughly 4-6 minutes over mid-high heat (depending on thickness) or on a grill heated to 400°, flipping once halfway through.Let the chicken rest for approximately 10 minutes (save all those juices!).Add your cream cheese, cheddar cheese, bleu cheese, and yogurt to a large baking dish or crockpot.Heat a large skillet to medium heat and saute the onions with olive oil for a few minutes, adding a sprinkle of salt. Once they begin to sweat, add the white wine and 2 T brown sugar, cover and reduce the heat to low, allowing them to saute and soften for about 20 minutes.Remove cover, return the heat to medium and add the garlic and sage. Cook for 1 minute to perfume, stirring so they don't burn.Remove pan from the heat for a minute and reduce heat to mid-low, then return the pan to the heat and add the butter.Melt the butter, stirring continuously. Add red hot and remaining brown sugar and let it simmer to come together for just a few minutes.Preheat the oven to 375° or turn your crockpot to low.Shred the chicken (I just pull it apart with my hands) and add to the baking dish or crockpot with the juices from the chicken.Pour your hot sauce mixture into the baking dish or crockpot and stir until well-combined.For the crockpot, cook on low for around 4 hours, stirring a couple of times until the mixture is super creamy, hot, and bubbly.For the oven, bake covered at 375° for 35-40 minutes until super creamy, hot, and bubbly.
 
Featured Podcast
Please head to https://justheathers.com/ and check out all of the amazing content Heather is doing and all of the great things that she puts out into the world. A lot of the positivity that is infused into my show is because of Heather. She is an amazing person and she deserves your subscription!
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
Please check out my segment of Heather's podcast at https://justheathers.com/nicholas-haskins/. Thank you so much for having me on the show Heather!
Watch me cook Keto Chocolate Chaffles LIVE with Tricia & Siana of 2 Girls on a Bench at https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1039494727!
 
Credits
"Snowfall" by Lucas King. Find this and more amazing music by Lucas and subscribe to him on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/user/LucasKingPiano!
"Gift" by Jonny Easton https://youtu.be/UPpCvFSBZtA Check out his channel! https://www.youtube.com/jonnyeaston
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

Decadent Dark Chocolate Waffles!

Hello everyone and welcome back to another brand new episode of Nikoli's Kitchen! In this week's episode I am talking all about CHOCOLATE! During this year's Livestream for the Cure I whipped up some Keto Chocolate Chaffles with the amazing ladies from 2 Girls on a Bench (see all that information below), and I decided to merge their chaffle recipe with my buttermilk waffle recipe and the result was Out. Of. This. World. Also this week, I talk about failing at making a burger and how I try to make my life so positive. Thank you SO MUCH for taking the time to listen to the show. I love you, and I appreciate so much that you've tuned in to another episode. Thank you.
 
Featured Recipe for this Episode
1 c all-purpose flour1 c almond flour1/4 c sugar4 t baking powder1/2 t salt4 eggs1/2 c melted butter8 oz 1/3 fat cream cheese1/2 c cocoa powder1 t pure vanilla extract1-1/2 c milk
Add melted butter, eggs, vanilla, and cream cheese together in a bowl and blend together (make sure the butter isn't still hot when combining with the eggs or you'll start to cook them).Add flours together in a separate bowl and add baking powder, cocoa powder, sugar, and salt. Mix together.Add dry ingredients to wet ingredients and stir to combine.Mix in milk, stirring as you go to combine. Add more milk if you want your batter a touch thinner.Cook on a waffle iron until nice and crispy, 1 minute per side.
 
Featured Podcast
2 Girls on a Bench is Tricia and Siana, two frustrated writers who love to procrastinate. Please subscribe to them at https://twogirlsonabench.podbean.com/! (NSFW Warning!)
 
Keto Chocolate Chaffles w/ Whipped Cream (from this year's Livestream for the Cure):
KETO CHOCOLATE CHAFFLE
1 egg 1 oz cream cheese 2 T almond flour 1 T unsweetened dark cocoa powder 2 t monk fruit sweetener1 t vanilla extract 1 t baking powder
Spray waffle maker w/ cooking spray.Whisk together egg, cream cheese, almond flour, cocoa powder, monk fruit, and vanilla. Pour chaffle mixture into the center of the waffle iron. Cook for one minute and flip, then cook for another minute.Top with Keto Whipped Cream!
KETO WHIPPED CREAM
1 c heavy cream1 T monk fruit sweetener1 t vanilla extract
Combine the cream, sweetener, and vanilla in a large bowl (or the bowl of a stand mixer).With the whisk attachment, mix on mid-high speed until soft peaks are formed.
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
Watch me cook Keto Chocolate Chaffles LIVE with Tricia & Siana of 2 Girls on a Bench at https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1039494727!
 
Credits
"Empty Bones," "Crows," and "Now & Forever" by Lucas King. Find this and more amazing music by Lucas and subscribe to him on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/user/LucasKingPiano!
"Meditation Impromptu" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 Licensehttp://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

Season Premiere - Grilled Sweet Corn!

Welcome to the brand new Season TWO of Nikoli's Kitchen!!! We are back and ready to rock with some format changes and so much food to talk about. Since the last season, Rebecca and I have bought a grill, and we've been grilling so many things left and right, so this week's featured recipe breakdown- in this grilling special- is grilled sweet corn! Thank you all SO much for all of your amazing support. You are so wonderful. Thank you so much for all of your support, and thank you so much for coming on this journey with me.
Recipe Links for this Episode
Watermelon SaladChocolate CakeButtercream Frosting
Featured Recipe for this Episode
5 ears of sweet corn1 gallon of fresh water5 T salt4 T black pepper2 T chipotle pepper1 onion, quartered20 cloves of garlic
Add water and spices into a large stock pot with onion and garlic.Bring the brine to a boil and let it boil for a few minutes.Remove from heat and allow to cool completely.Add your ears of corn (unshucked) into the stockpot and refrigerate for 24 hours.Heat your grill up to 450°.Grill your corn for 8-10 minutes in the husk, turning every couple of minutes until the husk is nice and charred on all sides.Shuck the corn and place back on the heat for about 30-60 seconds per side to caramelize the sugars in the corn and brown it nicely.
 
Featured Podcast:
Please check out Verbal Diorama at https://www.verbaldiorama.com/! Her podcast is all about the legacy of movies you know and movies you don't, and you cannot miss her amazing personality and knowledge.
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I got to channel my inner book nerd and sit down with Melissa of Brook Reading to talk about Eugene O'Neill's "A Long Day's Journey into Night!" It was split up over two episodes you can find at https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-124 and https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-125! 
I had the pleasure of heading to InSessionFilm to talk with JD and Ryan about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Check out our in-depth discussion at https://insessionfilm.com/movie-podcast-zack-snyders-justice-league-422/!
It was such a joy to go back home again and sit down with Justin and LoySauce to talk about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Tune in to the conversation at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/zack-snyders-justice-league-review-nick-returns/!
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
 
Credits
"Ali," "Starlight Memories," "Understand," and "Let me Think" by Lucas King. Find this and more amazing music by Lucas and subscribe to him on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/user/LucasKingPiano!
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

Quick Bites - Livestream Spice Challenge!

Hello everyone and welcome to a brand new Quick Bite for Nikoli's Kitchen! If you're listening to this on release day then the 5th Annual Livestream for the Cure is in FULL SWING and we're on our quest to raise $15,000 for the Cancer Research Institute. Please check it out at https://twitch.tv/livestreamforthecure! As part of our goal this year, every $3,000 we're doing a spice challenge where I've cooked some spicy food with increasingly hot spices, peppers, and sauces, and I just wanted to let you guys know what is planned. Thank you so much for listening, and thank you so much for coming on this journey with me. You are incredible and you deserve so much love and happiness in your lives. 
 
For the past four years I've been honored to host the Livestream for the Cure, a charity that raises money for the Cancer Research Institute and for cancer immunotherapy, which is training the body's immune system to fight cancer. Since then I, with my co-hosts on Epic Film Guys, have raised over $30,000 thanks to amazing podcast partners and content creators who give their time and money to be part of the event. This year's event is our fifth, and we're looking to add $15,000 to that total, our biggest single year goal to date. Please tune in May 19th - 23rd for 50+ hours of content from podcast partners and creators around the world. Learn more at livestreamforthecure.com.
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I got to channel my inner book nerd and sit down with Melissa of Brook Reading to talk about Eugene O'Neill's "A Long Day's Journey into Night!" It was split up over two episodes you can find at https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-124 and https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-125! 
I had the pleasure of heading to InSessionFilm to talk with JD and Ryan about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Check out our in-depth discussion at https://insessionfilm.com/movie-podcast-zack-snyders-justice-league-422/!
It was such a joy to go back home again and sit down with Justin and LoySauce to talk about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Tune in to the conversation at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/zack-snyders-justice-league-review-nick-returns/!
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
 
Credits
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

Quick Bites - Livestream for the Cure

Hello, good morning, hi everyone! Welcome to a special Quick Bite from Nikoli's Kitchen. This one is all about this year's Livestream for the Cure, and specifically about the menu I'll be preparing on-site this weekend. This is the first time in a very long time I've made a coordinated menu over an extended period of time so I am eager for the challenge in the kitchen. If I haven't already, I'll be breaking down these recipes in season 2 of the show, so make sure you stay tuned! Thank you all so much for listening. I love your beautiful faces, and I hope you have an absolutely amazing day. You are incredible and you deserve so much love and happiness in your lives. 
 
For the past four years I've been honored to host the Livestream for the Cure, a charity that raises money for the Cancer Research Institute and for cancer immunotherapy, which is training the body's immune system to fight cancer. Since then I, with my co-hosts on Epic Film Guys, have raised over $30,000 thanks to amazing podcast partners and content creators who give their time and money to be part of the event. This year's event is our fifth, and we're looking to add $15,000 to that total, our biggest single year goal to date. Please tune in May 19th - 23rd for 50+ hours of content from podcast partners and creators around the world. Learn more at livestreamforthecure.com.
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I got to channel my inner book nerd and sit down with Melissa of Brook Reading to talk about Eugene O'Neill's "A Long Day's Journey into Night!" It was split up over two episodes you can find at https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-124 and https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-125! 
I had the pleasure of heading to InSessionFilm to talk with JD and Ryan about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Check out our in-depth discussion at https://insessionfilm.com/movie-podcast-zack-snyders-justice-league-422/!
It was such a joy to go back home again and sit down with Justin and LoySauce to talk about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Tune in to the conversation at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/zack-snyders-justice-league-review-nick-returns/!
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
 
Credits
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

Quick Bites - Roasted Tomato Soup & Homemade Grilled Cheese!

Hi everyone and welcome back to another Quick Bite from Nikoli's Kitchen! I know it's late and I'm so sorry I never got another chance to upload an episode last week, but between getting my new computer and prep for Livestream for the Cure I didn't have a second to spare. That said, I'm back and rocking a recipe for Roasted Tomato Soup with grilled cheese made from homemade bread! The recipe in full is listed down below. Thank you all so much for listening! I hope you are all doing wonderfully this spring, and I'm sending so much love and positive energy out your way.
 
For the past four years I've been honored to host the Livestream for the Cure, a charity that raises money for the Cancer Research Institute and for cancer immunotherapy, which is training the body's immune system to fight cancer. Since then I, with my co-hosts on Epic Film Guys, have raised over $30,000 thanks to amazing podcast partners and content creators who give their time and money to be part of the event. This year's event is our fifth, and we're looking to add $15,000 to that total, our biggest single year goal to date. Please tune in May 19th - 23rd for 50+ hours of content from podcast partners and creators around the world. Learn more at livestreamforthecure.com.
 
Roasted Tomato Soup & Homemade Grilled Cheese!
~| Soup recipe is based on the recipe from Roger at The Kitchen Counter Podcast which can be found here. |~
16 roma tomatoes, quartered1 red onion, thickly sliced1/2 c baby carrots, cut in half20 cloves of garlic1 red bell pepper, charred and thickly sliced2 c fresh basil leavesBalsamic vinegarOlive oil2-1/2 c Heavy cream or do a mix of cream and milkSaltPepper
Preheat the oven to 450°.Toss your tomatoes, onion, carrots, garlic, and pepper into a large bowl.Drizzle them with balsamic vinegar and olive oil (about 2 T each) and add salt & pepper to taste.Pour onto a baking tray and roast on the center rack for 30 minutes or until your tomatoes start to darken and your onions and garlic begin to caramelize.Remove from the oven and pour the contents into a large stock pot. Add your basil and cream/milk and use an immersion blender to blend it smooth (add more milk to desired consistency, I like this soup to be thick and hearty).Heat on the stove at mid-low for about 10 minutes, long enough for everything to come together and get nice and hot.Serve immediately.
 
4-1/2 c bread flour1 c all-purpose flour3 T melted butter2 egg yolks1-1/4 c whole/evaporated milk1 c water3 t yeast2 T sugar1-1/2 t Salt Olive oil
Add milk and water to a large measuring cup or bowl.Add sugar.Heat in a microwave until it is warm to the touch, around 105-110°.Add the yeast and stir. Allow the yeast to proof for 10 minutes or so.Add bread flour, AP flour, and salt to a large mixing bowl.Pour in your melted butter and egg yolk and about 1-3/4 c of your liquid yeast mixture.Mix together with your hands and add more liquid or flour as needed until the dough reaches the desired consistency. It should pull away from the bowl and be tacky but not stick to your hands. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and knead the dough for 5-8 minutes or until dough reaches the correct elasticity. Form into a ball.Coat the inside of the mixing bowl with a little olive oil and place the dough ball inside.Cover with a damp towel for 90 minutes and let it rise.Remove the cover and turn your dough out onto a floured surface. Separate this into the amounts of bread you're making.Using your hands and being careful not to overwork the dough, stretch your dough into a rectangle as wide as your bread loaf pan and about 1/2" thick.Roll the dough up and pinch closed at the seams.Place in greased bread loaf pans and cut diagonal strips across the top of the bread. Cover with the towel for another 60-90 minutes.Preheat the oven to 350°.Remove the towel and brush a layer of melted butter over the top.Sprinkle coarse sea salt over the top.Place in the oven on the center rack. Toss some ice cubes into the bottom of the oven which will give the bread a nice crispy crust. Bake for 30-35 minutes or until golden brown on the top.Remove from the oven and allow to cool, then turn out onto a cooling rack to let it cool the rest of the way.
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I got to channel my inner book nerd and sit down with Melissa of Brook Reading to talk about Eugene O'Neill's "A Long Day's Journey into Night!" It was split up over two episodes you can find at https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-124 and https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-125! 
I had the pleasure of heading to InSessionFilm to talk with JD and Ryan about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Check out our in-depth discussion at https://insessionfilm.com/movie-podcast-zack-snyders-justice-league-422/!
It was such a joy to go back home again and sit down with Justin and LoySauce to talk about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Tune in to the conversation at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/zack-snyders-justice-league-review-nick-returns/!
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
 
Credits
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

Quick Bites - Flourless Banana Bread Muffins

Hi everyone and welcome to another Quick Bite here from Nikoli's Kitchen! The first season is over, but I'll still be delivering weekly goodness into your ears every Thursday with these quick episodes all about super delicious recipes. This week I'm talking about flourless banana bread muffins! The recipe is down below. Please check it out and make it and then let me know how you enjoyed it! Thank you so much for listening!
 
For the past four years I've been honored to host the Livestream for the Cure, a charity that raises money for the Cancer Research Institute and for cancer immunotherapy, which is training the body's immune system to fight cancer. Since then I, with my co-hosts on Epic Film Guys, have raised over $30,000 thanks to amazing podcast partners and content creators who give their time and money to be part of the event. This year's event is our fifth, and we're looking to add $15,000 to that total, our biggest single year goal to date. Please tune in May 19th - 23rd for 50+ hours of content from podcast partners and creators around the world. Learn more at livestreamforthecure.com.
Please pick up a shirt and help support the 5th Annual Livestream for the Cure at https://shop.upstatemerch.com/livestreamforthecure/shop/product-detail/1000371! All proceeds go toward our goal of a future #Immune2Cancer! They are only available through the end of April, so get one today!
Pick up a mug and help support the Livestream for the Cure at https://www.redbubble.com/i/mug/Livestream-For-The-Cure-2021-by-epicfilmguys/75286813.9Q0AD! All proceeds go toward the goal of a future Immune to Cancer! 
 
Flourless Banana Bread Muffins
~| This is a direct adaptation of my banana bread recipe; this can also be prepared in one large 10" loaf pan or two small 8" loaf pans, bake time is 50-60 minutes in that event. |~~| If you want to make this with half flour or with all flour, omit the baking powder. |~
1 stick unsalted butter at room temperature1 cup dark brown sugar (if desired)3 egg whites1/4 cup milk1 t vanilla6 ripe bananas, loosely mashed1-1/2 cups almond flour1-1/2 cups ground nuts (I used pecans)1 t baking soda1-1/2 t baking powder1 T cinnamon1/2 t nutmeg1/2 t allspice1/2 t salt24 silicone cups or paper cupcake liners
Preheat oven at 350°. In a large mixing bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar unless you are omitting the sugar- if so, just skip to the next step.Mix in eggs, milk, and vanilla until well-combined.Mix in bananas, being sure to leave large chunks of banana (I simply crush my bananas by hand into the wet batter). Stir until combined.In a separate bowl, combine your almond flour and ground nuts (I've also done just 3 cups of almond flour in these as well and it works just as well; try to make your ground nuts consistent in size to your almond flour).Add baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt; whisk together until everything is well-mixed.Combine dry ingredients into the wet ingredients and stir together ONLY until they are combined- do not overmix here.Fill your cupcake pan(s) with paper liners or line a large baking sheet with silicone cups and spray with cooking spray.Fill each cup with 1/4 c of batter (should have enough for 24 muffins).Bake for between 20-25 minutes or until a fork stuck into the middle comes out clean.Remove from the oven and cool. 
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I got to channel my inner book nerd and sit down with Melissa of Brook Reading to talk about Eugene O'Neill's "A Long Day's Journey into Night!" It was split up over two episodes you can find at https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-124 and https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-125! 
I had the pleasure of heading to InSessionFilm to talk with JD and Ryan about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Check out our in-depth discussion at https://insessionfilm.com/movie-podcast-zack-snyders-justice-league-422/!
It was such a joy to go back home again and sit down with Justin and LoySauce to talk about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Tune in to the conversation at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/zack-snyders-justice-league-review-nick-returns/!
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
 
Credits
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

Season Finale - Lemon Parmesan Cream Sauce

Hello and welcome to the season finale of Nikoli's Kitchen! It has been such an amazing season thusfar, and the first half of today's episode is dedicated to reflecting on what I've learned and the ways I've grown since beginning the show last November. Then, in the second half, stay tuned for the full breakdown of lemon parmesan cream sauce!! I just want to take a moment to thank everyone for listening to this show- whenever you started listening, or however many episodes you've listened to. You are so amazing. Thank you all so much for listening, and thank you so much for coming on this journey with me.
 
For the past four years I've been honored to host the Livestream for the Cure, a charity that raises money for the Cancer Research Institute and for cancer immunotherapy, which is training the body's immune system to fight cancer. Since then I, with my co-hosts on Epic Film Guys, have raised over $30,000 thanks to amazing podcast partners and content creators who give their time and money to be part of the event. This year's event is our fifth, and we're looking to add $15,000 to that total, our biggest single year goal to date. Please tune in May 19th - 23rd for 50+ hours of content from podcast partners and creators around the world. Learn more at livestreamforthecure.com.
Please pick up a shirt and help support the 5th Annual Livestream for the Cure at https://shop.upstatemerch.com/livestreamforthecure/shop/product-detail/1000371! All proceeds go toward our goal of a future #Immune2Cancer! They are only available through the end of April, so get one today!
Pick up a mug and help support the Livestream for the Cure at https://www.redbubble.com/i/mug/Livestream-For-The-Cure-2021-by-epicfilmguys/75286813.9Q0AD! All proceeds go toward the goal of a future Immune to Cancer! 
 
Promos this week for Netflix 'n Swill and Varmints! Learn more about them at https://www.netflixnswill.com/ and https://varmints.podbean.com/!
 
Featured Recipe for this Episode
1 c chicken stock1/2 c white wineZest & Juice of 2 lemons3 cloves of garlic, finely minced1 t fresh sage, finely chopped1/4 red onion, finely chopped4 T unsalted butter (cut into 4 slices)1/2 c heavy cream1/2 c parmesan cheese, freshly shreddedCracked Black PepperSalt8 oz angel hair pasta (roughly half of a box)
Using medium skillet, turn the heat to mid-high.When the pan heats up, add 1 T of butter and let it melt, then add the onion. Cook it for just a minute and then add your garlic and sage. Cook this for about 30 seconds to really release the oils and start to perfume everything. Stir constantly so it doesn't burn.Add juice of one of your lemons, chicken stock, and white wine to the skillet and cook for approx 10-15 minutes. Stir periodically. You want to reduce this down to 1/2 cup of liquid.While your sauce is cooking, bring salted water to a boil and cook your pasta until it is nearly done to your liking, and strain. You'll finish this for just a minute in the sauce.Once your sauce is reduced to 1/2 c liquid, remove from the heat and add the juice of the other lemon and stir to combine.Add the remaining 3 T butter and stir until the butter is melted and incorporated.Add the heavy cream and stir until incorporated.Add salt & cracked black pepper to taste.Reduce heat to medium and return the skillet to the heat. Add your parmesan cheese and pasta here and stir until the cheese is melted and everything is combined and well-coated. Keep it on the heat for only about one minute, stirring constantly. You don't need the sauce to simmer or cook, it just needs to come together. Serve immediately! Serves four.
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I got to channel my inner book nerd and sit down with Melissa of Brook Reading to talk about Eugene O'Neill's "A Long Day's Journey into Night!" It was split up over two episodes you can find at https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-124 and https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-125! 
I had the pleasure of heading to InSessionFilm to talk with JD and Ryan about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Check out our in-depth discussion at https://insessionfilm.com/movie-podcast-zack-snyders-justice-league-422/!
It was such a joy to go back home again and sit down with Justin and LoySauce to talk about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Tune in to the conversation at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/zack-snyders-justice-league-review-nick-returns/!
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
 
Credits
"Shadowed," "Ali," "Tears," and "Misa" by Lucas King. Find this and more amazing music by Lucas and subscribe to him on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/user/LucasKingPiano!
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!

Table for Two - Chocolate Coconut Muffins with Heather Welch

Hello and welcome to a brand new episode of Nikoli's Kitchen, the penultimate episode of the first season! That's right, next week is the season finale, but before we get there, I was thrilled to be joined by someone who has changed my life and who, literally, has saved it. Heather- you may know her from Sunshine & Powercuts, or her bi-annual Sunshine Summit events- is here to talk about Just Heather's, which is a website/blog and a pair of podcasts that she's launching and a new journey that she is embarking on. I'm thrilled to have her for the second installment of Table for Two, where I sit down with my favorite creators and podcasters and talk about everything under the sun. Please make sure you subscribe to Heather's shows and follow her journey at https://justheathers.com/.
This week on the show, Heather has brought a recipe for chocolate mini muffins that I decide to adapt into a flour-less recipe using coconut oil in place of dried coconut to create some coconut chocolate chunk muffins- although my chocolate all sank to the bottom! I actually made the recipe live on the air with Heather, so you'll get to hear my reactions to it as I made it. Thank you all so much for listening, and stay tuned next week for the finale of season one!
 
For the past four years I've been honored to host the Livestream for the Cure, a charity that raises money for the Cancer Research Institute and for cancer immunotherapy, which is training the body's immune system to fight cancer. Since then I, with my co-hosts on Epic Film Guys, have raised over $30,000 thanks to amazing podcast partners and content creators who give their time and money to be part of the event. This year's event is our fifth, and we're looking to add $15,000 to that total, our biggest single year goal to date. Please tune in May 19th - 23rd for 50+ hours of content from podcast partners and creators around the world. Learn more at livestreamforthecure.com.
Please pick up a shirt and help support the 5th Annual Livestream for the Cure at https://shop.upstatemerch.com/livestreamforthecure/shop/product-detail/1000371! All proceeds go toward our goal of a future #Immune2Cancer! They are only available through the end of April, so get one today!
Pick up a mug and help support the Livestream for the Cure at https://www.redbubble.com/i/mug/Livestream-For-The-Cure-2021-by-epicfilmguys/75286813.9Q0AD! All proceeds go toward the goal of a future Immune to Cancer! 
Promos this week for The Cinema Guys and Interrupted Tales! Learn more about them at http://wearethecinemaguys.com/ and https://ohthehumanity.com/featured-content/interrupted-tales/!
 
Featured Recipe for this Episode
2 eggs or 3 egg whites1/2 c coconut oil1/2 c honey1-1/2 c almond flour2 t baking powder1/4 t salt2/3 c evaporated milk1 c finely chopped 70% dark chocolate (8 oz)
Preheat oven to 350°.Whisk egg, oil, and honey together until the honey dissolves and everything is well-incorporated (it should look a cloudy pale yellow in color).Combine the almond flour, baking powder, and salt in a separate bowl and whisk to combine. Combine the dry mixture into the liquid and stir just until combined.Add the milk and half of your chocolate and mix again just until combined (make sure your chocolate is chopped into fine chunks, about 1/4" square max. If they are too big they will sink to the bottom when you try to bake this, like mine did the first time I made them).Grease or spray a muffin tin or muffin cups with cooking spray.Add approx 1/2 c of batter to your muffin cups or enough to fill them 3/4 of the way.Top each muffin with chunks of the remaining chocolate.Bake until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 18-20 minutes. This recipe will yield 12 muffins.
Heather's Original Recipe:
1 egg1/4 c oil1/4 c honey3/4 whole meal self-rising flour1/4 c desiccated/finely ground coconut1/3 c milk1/3 c chopped 70% dark chocolate
~| If you do not have self-rising flour, make your own by combining 1 c all-purpose flour, 1-1/2 t baking powder, and 1/4 t salt |~
Preheat oven to 180° C (350° F).Whisk egg, oil, honey (soft honey is best) until honey dissolves/blends. Sift flour, add to mix with coconut & milk. You can either add chocolate now or press into the muffin mix.Grease or prep mini muffin tin with cases, fill each 3/4 full (add choc here if desired)Bake for 15 min.
 
Important Links
(All links open in a new window)
Main WebsiteSubscribe on Patreon!Livestream for the CureJoin my Discord Community!Podcast RSS FeedLike my Facebook Page!Follow me on Twitter!Follow me on Instagram!Join my Facebook Group!Subscribe to my YouTube Channel!Follow me on Twitch!
 
Listen on
Apple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsPandoraTuneIn RadioiHeart RadioSpreakerPlayerFMStitcherPodchaser
 
Guest Appearances
I got to channel my inner book nerd and sit down with Melissa of Brook Reading to talk about Eugene O'Neill's "A Long Day's Journey into Night!" It was split up over two episodes you can find at https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-124 and https://www.spreaker.com/user/brookreading/episode-125! 
I had the pleasure of heading to InSessionFilm to talk with JD and Ryan about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Check out our in-depth discussion at https://insessionfilm.com/movie-podcast-zack-snyders-justice-league-422/!
It was such a joy to go back home again and sit down with Justin and LoySauce to talk about Zack Snyder's Justice League! Tune in to the conversation at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/zack-snyders-justice-league-review-nick-returns/!
I sat down with my brothers at Epic Film Guys once again to talk all about Godzilla v Kong and its pathetic human characters! Tune in at https://epicfilmguys.podbean.com/e/review-is-godzilla-vs-kong-the-apex-of-monster-movies/!
 
Credits
"Always," "May I Have this Dance," "Let Me Think," and "The Loner" by Lucas King. Find this and more amazing music by Lucas and subscribe to him on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/user/LucasKingPiano!
"Daybreak," and "The Climb" from Music for Makers. Sign up and get a royalty-free song delivered to your inbox every Monday at www.musicformakers.com!
"Ambiment," "Shadowed," "Empty Bones," and "Tears" by Lucas King. Find this and more amazing music by Lucas and subscribe to him on YouTube by visiting https://www.youtube.com/user/LucasKingPiano!