Welcome to the Neurotic Exotic

Welcome to my little corner of solace in a decade that seems to have forgotten the meaning of tranquility. If you’re anything like me, you’ve felt the weight of the world pressing down on your shoulders, the constant barrage of chaos and uncertainty seeping into every aspect of life. So far, this decade can shove it.

But amidst the storm, I’ve found my anchor in the simple joys of gardening and homemaking. In a world that’s constantly buzzing with noise and distraction, I’ve discovered that there’s a certain peace to be found in tending to the earth and creating a sanctuary within the walls of my home.

No doubt it was my neurotic nature, inherited from generations past, that led me down this path. I come from a long line of beautifully flawed individuals, each with their own quirks and idiosyncrasies. And it’s that same brand of craziness that gave me the courage to break free from the constraints of a life that felt too buttoned up, too stifling.

Now, every day is a lesson. Every seed planted, every meal cooked, is a small victory against the chaos outside. And as I delve into the world of gardening and homemaking, I find myself reconnecting with my roots, both literally and figuratively. I’m learning the secrets of my grandmother’s recipes, preserving her memory in every dish that graces my table.

So, won’t you join me on this journey? Let’s celebrate the simple joys of home together, let’s revel in the warmth and comfort that can be found in the most ordinary of moments. Because in a decade that’s been anything but kind, it’s the little things that keep us going.

Recent Blogs

  • Coconut Oatmeal Cookies
    The Timeless Comfort of Coconut Oatmeal Cookies Cookies are more than just a sweet treat—they’re carriers of warmth, nostalgia, and a sense of home. Among the vast variety of cookies, coconut oatmeal cookies hold a special place. They blend the wholesome chew of oats with the tropical sweetness of shredded coconut, creating a delightful contrast …
  • Portuguese Chicken Recipe With Rice
    A Flavorful One-Pot Meal You’ll Love  If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that captures the essence of Portuguese cuisine, look no further than this Portuguese chicken recipe. With its aromatic spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, this one-pot dish is as practical as it is delicious. It’s perfect for family dinners, …
  • The Breakfast Menu – for Dinner
    Breakfast is often called the most important meal of the day, but why limit it to just the morning? Enter the beloved trend of “breakfast for dinner”—a delightful twist that brings all the comforting, satisfying flavors of a classic breakfast menu to the evening hours. Whether you’re craving something savory, sweet, or a bit of …
  • Wild Salmon Linguini
    Wild salmon is a treasure of the culinary world, prized for its rich flavor, vibrant color, and nutritional value. For those of us blessed to live in regions where we can catch different salmon species throughout the year, wild salmon is a delicious and meaningful part of the local food culture. Not all salmon is …
  • Roasted Zucchini: The Ultimate Guide
    Roasted zucchini is a quick, versatile dish that’s both delicious and nutritious. Whether you’re preparing it as a side dish, adding it to salads, or serving it with your favorite protein, roasted zucchini can elevate any meal with its mild, slightly sweet flavor. In this guide, we’ll dive deep into how to perfect your roasted …
  • Oreo Cheesecake
    Cheesecake is the ultimate indulgence, a creamy, rich dessert beloved for its satisfying balance of flavors and textures. When you pair it with the iconic taste of Oreos, the result is pure decadence: a dessert that combines the smooth, tangy notes of cheesecake with the rich, chocolatey crunch of classic sandwich cookies. This Oreo cheesecake …
  • Recipe for Salsa Verde: A Guide to the Perfect Green Sauce
    If you love the zesty, fresh flavors of green salsa, you’re in for a treat. Salsa verde, a versatile Mexican condiment, can be the star of many meals. This green sauce is delicious with everything from tacos to grilled chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. The beauty of a recipe for salsa verde lies in its …
  • How to Prepare Pumpkins: From Baking to Roasting and Beyond
    Fall is pumpkin season, a time for cozy flavors and seasonal kitchen projects. Pumpkins are incredibly versatile, and preparing them at home can make dishes fresher and more flavorful. Whether you’re looking to make a creamy pumpkin puree for soups and pies, crispy roasted pumpkin for salads and sides, or crunchy pumpkin seeds as a …
  • Apple Butter Recipe
    Apple butter is one of those timeless kitchen creations that carries the warmth of home in each spoonful. For many of us, the scent of simmering apples brings back cherished memories, like watching my grandmother slowly cook apples until they transformed into a deep, rich spread. I loved her apple butter for its simplicity, its …
  • Chocolate Marshmallow Cookies
    If you’re looking for a delightful, easy-to-make treat that’s as fun to eat as it is to bake, then these marshmallow cookies are exactly what you need! Soft, chewy, and topped with gooey marshmallows, these cookies have a rustic charm and a texture that’s to die for. Whether you’re whipping up a batch for a …
  • The Best of the Fava Bean Recipes
    In every family, there are recipes that transcend generations, binding members together with shared memories and familiar flavors. In my family, one such dish is our hearty fava bean stew—a recipe steeped in tradition, evoking warmth and comfort in every bite. This stew is more than just a meal; it’s a symbol of our heritage, …
  • Organic Peanut Butter Cookies
    Organic peanut butter has been a pantry staple for health-conscious individuals for decades. This natural spread is prized for its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture. But what exactly sets organic peanut butter apart from the conventional variety? In this article, we delve into the benefits of organic peanut butter and share a delectable recipe …
  • Rhubarb Crisp With Oatmeal
    Rhubarb Crisp with Oatmeal: A Delicious and Versatile Recipe Rhubarb crisp with oatmeal is a delightful dessert that balances the tartness of rhubarb with a sweet, crumbly topping. This recipe is not only easy to make but also versatile, allowing you to experiment with different fruits and spices to create your perfect dessert. Here’s how …
  • Amaretti Cookies
    A Sweet Journey Through Time Amaretti cookies, small almond-flavored delights, are a beloved treat with deep roots in Italian culinary tradition. Their history stretches back centuries, originating in the regions of Lombardy and Veneto, where they were often enjoyed during festive occasions and celebrations. The name “amaretti” derives from the Italian word “amaro,” meaning “bitter,” …
  • Rhubarb Loaf
    Rhubarb is one of those ingredients that can transform a simple loaf into a culinary delight. With its unique tartness and vibrant color, rhubarb is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of baked goods. Today, I’m excited to share a wonderful recipe for a rhubarb loaf that not only tastes amazing …
  • Choosing the Right Massage Therapy for You
    A Quick History Massage therapy, a practice that involves the manipulation of the body’s soft tissues, has been a cornerstone of holistic health for millennia. Its roots can be traced back to ancient civilizations, where it was employed both for therapeutic and ritualistic purposes. The earliest records of massage therapy date back to China around …
  • Canning Tomato Sauce
    Canning tomato sauce at home is a fantastic way to preserve the vibrant flavors of summer for use throughout the year. Whether you’re an experienced canner or a beginner, this guide will walk you through the process step-by-step, ensuring your tomato sauce is both delicious and safe. Selecting Tomatoes The first step in canning tomato …
  • Portuguese Rice Pudding – How to Make Your Own
    In Portuguese kitchens, there’s a beloved dessert that whispers of comfort and nostalgia with every creamy spoonful: arroz doce, or Portuguese rice pudding. It’s the kind of treat that transports you to simpler times, where every bite was a comfort. Now, I’m looking to pass down this cherished recipe to my own children, hoping to …
  • Lilac Syrup – Delicate and Divine
    There exists a floral treasure that not only captivates with its incredible scent but also tantalizes the taste buds with its delicate flavor. Enter the realm of lilac syrup, a delightful concoction that embodies the essence of springtime in every drop. Identifying Lilac Now, let’s start at the very beginning, shall we? What exactly is …
  • Your Guide to Baking Beets Whole
    So, you find yourself staring at a bunch of beets, wondering what on earth to do with them? Fear not, dear reader, for I am here to guide you through the wardrobe-staining experience of baking beets whole – a culinary adventure. Selecting and Cleaning the Beets First things first, let’s pick the perfect beets. You …

Portuguese Chicken Recipe With Rice

A Flavorful One-Pot Meal You’ll Love  If you’re looking for a comforting and flavorful meal that captures the essence of Portuguese cuisine, look no further than this Portuguese chicken recipe. With its aromatic spices, tender chicken, and perfectly cooked rice, this one-pot dish is as practical as it is delicious. It’s perfect for family dinners, …

About the Neurotic Exotic

Deana is a West Coast freelance writer. She has a business background, but traded it all in for babies, diapers and pharmaceuticals. Born of a composed Canadian mother, and fiery (read: perfectly neurotic) European father, the Neurotic Exotic platform lends itself to highlighting the joys of domesticity and simple pleasures amid the craziness of today. Reach her @ the neurotic exotic at gee male dot com.

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