tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9529652456742564952024-03-06T02:24:42.186-05:00swept up with dandelionsFood, travel, and random thoughts of a short-retention span kind of girls5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.comBlogger207125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-78577622739902035872013-07-26T06:54:00.002-04:002013-07-26T06:58:05.882-04:00happy friday!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's finally friday. phew. it's been a long week. but time is slowly going by until moving day. but still got plenty of time to cook :) i think setting the oven on fire really did scare me away from baking! at least it's cool enough this week that i almost think about baking...almost.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_xNN4HW6D63c95dEtHG_R0-U62134QVLDnynb5JTiW0DjczqRyEmvSLOEMm83FZZAieot4_pGYZfs1Urn1B0UqNler52ujCjgsBVb3yzrrp8sHCh0vHzBnRD7OUgNVeMvuLwuRYEIKI/s1600/spicysalmonpasta.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjr_xNN4HW6D63c95dEtHG_R0-U62134QVLDnynb5JTiW0DjczqRyEmvSLOEMm83FZZAieot4_pGYZfs1Urn1B0UqNler52ujCjgsBVb3yzrrp8sHCh0vHzBnRD7OUgNVeMvuLwuRYEIKI/s200/spicysalmonpasta.jpg" width="112" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">this pasta dish was so simple to make. it comes from <a href="http://www.wholeliving.com/132668/salmon-pasta-spicy-tomato-sauce" target="_blank">wholeliving</a> which i think is a sub website of martha stewart. i upped the nutrients by using whole wheat pasta and used the grape tomatoes that i had gotten from costco (bulk produce really forces some creativity). i also did not put in dill weed or have white wine or the parmesan or fresh parsley. but this pasta sauce is so easy and delicious to make i wonder i ever used store-bought sauce. a nice kick with the red pepper flakes. i threw in the leftover smoked salmon at the last minute b/c i didn't want the sauce to taste super fishy. </span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvhTuI5BQJ3Qjv1Zbp5gBe2VRjuKD5cJJxc1GATT1PBQdkk47S89hyphenhyphenLeIPCI21b5keHTmmPFAieDud6XhrT1qJatNBS0kaiaDe69Y_HL13DlHtnCrcm8SmbzIgezq3qKhP6EPPa0-BPg/s1600/pestostuffedmushrooms.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghvhTuI5BQJ3Qjv1Zbp5gBe2VRjuKD5cJJxc1GATT1PBQdkk47S89hyphenhyphenLeIPCI21b5keHTmmPFAieDud6XhrT1qJatNBS0kaiaDe69Y_HL13DlHtnCrcm8SmbzIgezq3qKhP6EPPa0-BPg/s320/pestostuffedmushrooms.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">there were mushrooms hanging around in the fridge (i'm not particularly a fan of mushrooms but i wanted a side dish for the pasta and this just came to mind). i chopped the bottom part of the mushroom nice and tiny and mixed that in w/ the kale pesto then stuffed them real well and topped w/ slices of mozzarella. yum! baked in the mini convection at 350 for about 7 minutes (they cooked really fast in it).</span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">in a totally different direction, i made tuna quesadillas last night. the avocados were getting rather ripe and the leftover mozzarella kept staring at me every time i opened the fridge...so even though i would have preferred using the pepperjack (can't wait to use that big hunk of cheese!) i figured i shouldn't waste perfectly delicious cheese. </span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQJOhBX7RA7aJBi1FSMP5AJnu6iiGNccWKHWE4OZ-OxBY0ke0qbwphbFcK23YUiP421ey22fpl_d4HwJCRrUu9qL-TsKuJeV3Ply03a_oIeNruAmvIB5agsan1F0JwnEt4QMPRdivY0U/s1600/tunaquesadillas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjaQJOhBX7RA7aJBi1FSMP5AJnu6iiGNccWKHWE4OZ-OxBY0ke0qbwphbFcK23YUiP421ey22fpl_d4HwJCRrUu9qL-TsKuJeV3Ply03a_oIeNruAmvIB5agsan1F0JwnEt4QMPRdivY0U/s320/tunaquesadillas.jpg" width="180" /></a><br />
<u>Tuna Quesadillas</u><br />
(serves 4-5 depending on how much your feedees like to eat)<br />
5 medium whole wheat tortilla wraps (I used Mission 95% fat free for the fiber and protein)<br />
2 cans tuna, drained (or grab some beans or grilled chicken)<br />
1/2 bell pepper, diced<br />
1/2 onion, diced<br />
big hunk of cheese, your choice (shredded is easier)<br />
salt and pepper to taste (or any other spices)<br />
pico de gallo/salsa (or a combination of both)<br />
guacamole<br />
<br />
Combine tuna, pepper, onion and salt and pepper. Heat a non stick skillet on medium high and warm tortilla (flip every 10 sec or so) then once both sides are warm (maybe even nicely bubbly) lay the cheese and tuna mixture. Cover the skillet with lid and bring heat to medium. Let the cheese melt then fold the tortilla in half and press down with a spatula or whatever is handy. Remove from the stove and cut in half. Serve with pico de gallo and guacamole!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">have a great weekend!</span></div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-10996616535071700072013-07-21T12:55:00.005-04:002013-07-21T12:55:50.678-04:00s5 restaurant<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's restaurant week right now in my county (if you're in the hoco area check out all the participating restaurants at the tourist website<a href="http://www.visithowardcounty.com/howard-county-restaurant-weeks" target="_blank"> here)</a>. everything looks amazing, but on a college budget, those prices are far out of my range, so instead, i get to play w/ M&D's money and cook us all a meal worthy of a restaurant :)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0TumBqCr-W2CYKs2NwRVI2IvZBsAVBcnew6GHPE4Ig9TXd5cjjLC9qYGefhw61O7CbfE055D2a6ZO9v75QeY5IZQ6cHgYzk0rHxL179m5a4wRhhE0_3fRPHIGJFe9fR5r6qMR6PIMI8/s1600/kale+pesto2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq0TumBqCr-W2CYKs2NwRVI2IvZBsAVBcnew6GHPE4Ig9TXd5cjjLC9qYGefhw61O7CbfE055D2a6ZO9v75QeY5IZQ6cHgYzk0rHxL179m5a4wRhhE0_3fRPHIGJFe9fR5r6qMR6PIMI8/s320/kale+pesto2.jpg" width="304" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i've had kale hanging around in my freezer since i don't know when. i try to grab a handful and throw it into my smoothies in the morning, but sometimes i don't want to be green with envy. it's still hot (but thankfully the storms last night brought some relief, the mid-80s feel downright comfortable!) so actually cooking was not something i was interested in. so that brings us to kale pesto!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i grabbed the<a href="http://www.sproutedkitchen.com/home/2013/6/26/arugula-caprese-salad-with-kale-pesto.html" target="_blank"> recipe</a> from sprouted kitchen and also nabbed her idea for the salad. i didn't even blanch the kale. i just let it defrost in my fridge and then zapped it in the microwave for about 15 seconds. i'm just getting that lazy! i toasted my walnuts in the mini convection we have and toss and serve. yum! i may prefer kale pesto over basil pesto, but i'd have to try them side by side (maybe it's the toasted walnut thing).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXL6nC5m8gEshD1zzbjc6pAh3ssZWOUBYvxC7sxF3rzS2uIEwHHB_ulc0770sy-g9LUeUTY6CziGlqB2jA53M6bJPKS0qjVawOsf_DsewCM1AOqiy3p0sdrdE8B9TgTDTJLy9q3XkEJxI/s1600/Recently+Updated8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXL6nC5m8gEshD1zzbjc6pAh3ssZWOUBYvxC7sxF3rzS2uIEwHHB_ulc0770sy-g9LUeUTY6CziGlqB2jA53M6bJPKS0qjVawOsf_DsewCM1AOqiy3p0sdrdE8B9TgTDTJLy9q3XkEJxI/s400/Recently+Updated8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i wasn't sure how D would like the kale pesto. in his own words, "i don't like sauces" so i needed to find something else for the meal. grabbed some smoked salmon from costco and toasted some sliced ciabatta to have little salmon bites. welcome to the family restaurant. happy eating!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Fy9hN9_zyhDbPo9FSB1PAoZGSC0NnefAzSMH94VrZ91rHpYJ0SR_bnhikS78ociPbKlzJ3YIBaVtpPZKtD4nX7XG744jrWniS6FvIlQEJSSBylt-w0IfhciQ4Vissh_Q3jQVd3k8wxg/s1600/smoked+salmon+bites.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8Fy9hN9_zyhDbPo9FSB1PAoZGSC0NnefAzSMH94VrZ91rHpYJ0SR_bnhikS78ociPbKlzJ3YIBaVtpPZKtD4nX7XG744jrWniS6FvIlQEJSSBylt-w0IfhciQ4Vissh_Q3jQVd3k8wxg/s320/smoked+salmon+bites.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-3387843387771555722013-07-18T16:40:00.001-04:002013-07-18T16:40:13.868-04:00summer is for salads<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c5J5Jpdd8qoql6_beCrRcvQ9FARajSGA1Cm0oyljdfkyEHPo0dRO13fYdjk42q2Ka7u9jwerBxXPkuoWLfxaDSB1hrC-UC3DcCljE_ajkAj1UcqMUPMpYDoEzNJHPy4kc_94J_7DGXE/s1600/avoc_tom_bean_salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3c5J5Jpdd8qoql6_beCrRcvQ9FARajSGA1Cm0oyljdfkyEHPo0dRO13fYdjk42q2Ka7u9jwerBxXPkuoWLfxaDSB1hrC-UC3DcCljE_ajkAj1UcqMUPMpYDoEzNJHPy4kc_94J_7DGXE/s320/avoc_tom_bean_salad.jpg" width="180" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i don't know if anyone else noticed, but we seem to be experiencing a heatwave. i drive to and from work and i can feel my shirt sticking to me and i know once i get out of the car i'll have that very embarrassing back sweat spot going on. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's too hot to bake let alone turn on the stove, so that's where salads come in. the one above was super quick and easy and required no stove or oven, just a knife and cutting board. you can jazz it up w/ your own favorite toppings</span><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Tomato, Avocado and
Bean Salad</u><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Throw together grape
tomatoes sliced in half, avocado, your favorite beans (or grilled chicken
chopped up), onions, and lemon juice with salt and pepper. Toss together. I put it all on a bed of arugula and enjoyed it immensely at work!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">some other recipes i'm eyeing if this heatwave continues:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.foxeslovelemons.com/2013/06/santa-fe-tuna-salad.html" target="_blank">Santa Fe Tuna Salad</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/pesto_pasta_salad/" target="_blank">Pesto Pasta Salad</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.theparsleythief.com/2009/09/arugula-salad-with-lemon-parmesan.html" target="_blank">Arugula Salad with Lemon Parmesan Dressing</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/06/21/summer-bean-salads/" target="_blank">Summer Bean Salads</a></span></li>
<li><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.patismexicantable.com/2010/04/queso_fresco_salad/" target="_blank">Tricolor Salad with Fresh Cheese and Honey-Lime Vinaigrette</a></span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Happy melting! (stay hydrated, hang out in my favorite place- the library for some a/c)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-81386689622387824272013-07-08T14:44:00.001-04:002013-07-08T14:44:38.241-04:00empanadaaaa (also known as fire fire!!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i almost wish i had gotten a picture of the oven after i had melted the microwave plastic cover thing in it when i was preheating the oven...but what should have been a rather straight forward foray into empanada making became a multi hour ordeal of how to scrap dried plastic off oven surfaces and glued to metal racks. but i'm hoping i'll never forget to check the oven again (and baking soda does put out a plastic fire :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">moving onto happier more yummy topics. luckily, we have a mini oven so while the burnt smells of plastic got to cool in the actual oven my empanadas could still get baked (although in baby batches of four...i suppose a sort of physical moderation on the speed of my consumption)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5KbvxjXSu48U_GhEbWkCPWEJqZRdARHcJVHBqbPgpH9eaDAKgb8ili-wgQOzzWOuHJ65Hr3ixEyiD81sj1SuLUsAwSuct4jQNAUQGVbycykVRArYCZXS_FAO5MZBxVONLfZ3L2N37Wk/s1600/cowemp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd5KbvxjXSu48U_GhEbWkCPWEJqZRdARHcJVHBqbPgpH9eaDAKgb8ili-wgQOzzWOuHJ65Hr3ixEyiD81sj1SuLUsAwSuct4jQNAUQGVbycykVRArYCZXS_FAO5MZBxVONLfZ3L2N37Wk/s320/cowemp.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">doesn't this one look like a spotted cow?? as i'm moving to vt in a little over a month, seems like a good omen! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb7RR6d1dJXb36wbIgVvDt3ebsw6noO0g2FBPMU2jvRFp3P7PbGooORyGVS-kFCdjDZ2_CvyNw4RN2FIDcZ6OC1wMJhrGCC1AzCICp7vn7x0adztevjdopXfkGdqKj_549NRbwBN6FjA/s1600/tuna.kale.corn.collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqb7RR6d1dJXb36wbIgVvDt3ebsw6noO0g2FBPMU2jvRFp3P7PbGooORyGVS-kFCdjDZ2_CvyNw4RN2FIDcZ6OC1wMJhrGCC1AzCICp7vn7x0adztevjdopXfkGdqKj_549NRbwBN6FjA/s400/tuna.kale.corn.collage.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">there was that <a href="http://sweptdandelions.blogspot.com/2013/02/if-today-is-lunar-new-year-then.html" target="_blank">adventure</a> actually making the empanada shells a while back with s4. but buying premade are just so easy. i take my short cuts where i can. these babies are kind of like the stir frys i make for the parents- stuffed with any ol vegetable i find in the house. the great thing about empanadas (dumplings, momos, samosas or whatever form yours takes, is that it can really be stuffed with anything you want. the empanada shells are a pastry shell so it can handle all sorts of flavors, as you'll see later with a sweet version).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">this recipe came from the mexican food blog i found that i mentioned last time. loosely adapted but i liked all the spice ideas she had (along with some of my own add-ins).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u>Tuna and Veggie Empanadas</u> (makes about 13*)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p>adapted from <a href="http://www.patismexicantable.com/2013/01/embrace-the-empanada/" target="_blank">Pati's Mexican Table</a></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Olive oil (for skillet)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3/4 c chopped onion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 T minced garlic, or to taste</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 handfuls kale, chopped (w/o stalk)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 c frozen mushrooms, thawed with water remaining</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 ear of steamed corn, kernels removed</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 c black beans, rinsed and drained</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 tsp brown sugar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp dried oregano</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4-1/2 tsp dried thyme</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp sea salt, or to taste</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2-1 tsp cumin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4-1/2 tsp paprika</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 T dried parsley</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 cans 5 oz chunk light tuna in water, lightly drained</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 T salsa, just b/c i had it leftover</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
To make empanadas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 packet Goya empanada discos (containing 10)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 egg</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Saute the onions and
cook until soft and translucent. Add the garlic and cook for about another
minute. Add the kale, mushrooms and black beans and cook out the water. Add the
tuna and salsa (or chopped tomatoes) and then all the spices. Cook until soft.
Taste for salt. My mix was dry but if you add tomatoes and really let it cook
down you will have something more mushy and moist.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Brush the egg (I just had the yolk, I used the egg white at breakfast)
around the edges of a disco and then scoop 1/4 cup of the filling into the
middle. Press it to fold over the circle and seal the edges of the empanada
with the tines of a fork until sealed. If baking immediately preheat oven to
350F and brush the tops of the empanadas with the egg. Bake for about 15-20
minutes or until golden brown. If not using immediately, lay out the empanadas
on a tray not letting them touch and freeze until solid then transfer to a bag.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*I realize the goya comes in packs of 10, and yes, it is obnoxious to have to buy another set of 10 just to make 3, kind of like having an odd number of hot dogs to hot dog buns, but based on the ingredients i used i had this many, so feel free to decrease any vegetable or ingredient you're not wild about, b/c if not, you'll buy more empanada shells and think you actually need 2 more sets and then the craziness never ends.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApNj1MijeMKkOmaBYcuh86PlY7rGt3RMi2g03qFNiDHUzUQHGgamIU_Im5sNtekuyyilXM8GgE9DlHNhFCUOOKDcpEvIxHIpt3TNuIkeXE8trhm3paVushQt0qGAbNd6cUz28mr9A3Z4/s1600/sweetpot.bean.emp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgApNj1MijeMKkOmaBYcuh86PlY7rGt3RMi2g03qFNiDHUzUQHGgamIU_Im5sNtekuyyilXM8GgE9DlHNhFCUOOKDcpEvIxHIpt3TNuIkeXE8trhm3paVushQt0qGAbNd6cUz28mr9A3Z4/s320/sweetpot.bean.emp.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
another savory version to test out. i actually preferred the tuna one over this one, but M&D both voted this one as their favorite (i swear if i put cheese in anything my mother will absolutely gobble it up).<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u>Sweet Potato and Black Bean Empanadas</u> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Makes 10</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 large sweet potato (mine was 0.95 lbs)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3/4 c onions, chopped</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
olive oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
garlic, to taste</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
salt, to taste</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 tsp dried cumin</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 tsp dried chili powder</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 c shredded pepperjack cheese</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
10 empanada shells, defrosted</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
egg wash (egg + 1 T water)*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Bake the sweet potato about 15-20 minutes at 400F until easily pierced
by a fork. Unwrap and let cool then mash in a large bowl. While the potato
cooks saute the onion in olive oil until translucent then add garlic and cook
for a little longer. Add to mashed potatoes and add beans and spices. Combine
and let cool. Spread egg wash on the
edges of the empanada shell then scoop 1/4 of the filling, fold over the shell
and seal the edges together (with fork or fingers). Brush the outside with the egg wash.* Bake at 350F for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. Or you can freeze them and not brush the egg wash across the outside. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*making an egg wash as i learned from Pati's site makes the stuff last longer, but also gave that spotting browning (as in my cow) and sort of inconsistent browning. my batch with kale had just egg yolk brushed onto it.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwPr-fLTxI7I1sVJSxVFLCV7ib3yKckxDVrAc2ObFnqN7wHKqZps-qEhKp2l6i_ts8-5locM4_CaxB9ZujF3gtDc34olsWPWGjsZ62Nu-aJxbbGsS-FF_fV2lkxoGbJiD1WqXo_xtr_g/s1600/sweetemp_collage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBwPr-fLTxI7I1sVJSxVFLCV7ib3yKckxDVrAc2ObFnqN7wHKqZps-qEhKp2l6i_ts8-5locM4_CaxB9ZujF3gtDc34olsWPWGjsZ62Nu-aJxbbGsS-FF_fV2lkxoGbJiD1WqXo_xtr_g/s320/sweetemp_collage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">a sweet empanada, the empanada shell can handle any sort of flavor. i'm thinking for D next time i'll go for a thanksgiving empanada and just put in shredded turkey, mashed potato, corn and maybe some peas or something. his tastebuds would probably handle that better ;) the empanadas are pretty high calorically (not that two won't be more than filling) but i made up for that by making all the fillings very much on the healthy side, including this sweet creation. which is probably why it came in last place for flavor for M. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u>Apple, Cranberry and Pecan Empanadas</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p>Makes 10</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3 medium apples, peeled and chopped into small pieces</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 of an orange, squeezed for the juice</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2-1 tsp cinnamon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
dash of nutmeg, optional</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
heaping 1/4 c dried cranberries or raisins</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 pecans, chopped</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Cook down the apples with the orange juice in a pot (about 15-20
minutes until tender). Let cool. Drain juice in a colander over a bowl. Transfer cooked apples to a large bowl and
mix in spices, dried cranberries and pecans.
Brush the edges of the empanada shell with egg wash. Scoop a small 1/4
cup amount of filling into the center of each shell. Seal the edges together with the tines of the fork and brush the outside with egg yolk or egg wash. Bake at 350 for about 10-15 minutes or until golden brown. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">happy baking and eating!</span></div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-18887990623052023972013-07-06T18:04:00.001-04:002013-07-06T18:07:17.198-04:00Guac me up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">feeling very cooking inspired these days. maybe b/c it's in the mid 90s and feels like the 100s so turning on the oven sounds like the last thing i want to do. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">anyway, it's a mexican kind of layout w/ variations on the taco and i think one of my all-time favorite breakfasts-huevos rancheros. these dishes are super quick and easy once you have all your ingredients. and you can make it more homemade or less time consuming based on your preference.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVQlJn57Qz8GMiwgXAIn60MtF-jmUAyOxBSKPBYGWXnjm_WkYBcEtx_ZdvwoE8U-RXej1J1WNz667rLgZfRsZKIxp9PpLxHoKW_nHkxF2u0fHMoRYLcRWHE6lev731EsgGOPuphl1YHo/s1600/IMAG1586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKVQlJn57Qz8GMiwgXAIn60MtF-jmUAyOxBSKPBYGWXnjm_WkYBcEtx_ZdvwoE8U-RXej1J1WNz667rLgZfRsZKIxp9PpLxHoKW_nHkxF2u0fHMoRYLcRWHE6lev731EsgGOPuphl1YHo/s320/IMAG1586.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">yes i know, i got too lazy to crop out all the background stuff, but really, i was too focused on getting the food ideas to you! this was the spread for make-your-own fish tacos (homemade guacamole, coleslaw, baked cod, corn tortillas and store bought salsa...this i wish i had made myself, but it was cheaper and easier, so i'll take some short cuts).</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivh0h7jk96AfxrEX3juPcpobrQIdjLo0vj7h9DzLxXzWqwihHW_o6SkyTBfm3kNKPq8PghkdNajyiRBdhcoMSZPM0IupS2MrRjnCj_xfwWm6c_zS6PmAkI_MwPaCRTnTeIVhOaFOS04To/s1600/mexican.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivh0h7jk96AfxrEX3juPcpobrQIdjLo0vj7h9DzLxXzWqwihHW_o6SkyTBfm3kNKPq8PghkdNajyiRBdhcoMSZPM0IupS2MrRjnCj_xfwWm6c_zS6PmAkI_MwPaCRTnTeIVhOaFOS04To/s320/mexican.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">on the left is the fish taco, on the right is the tofu taco</span><br />
<br />
guacamole (i just sliced the avocado and placed it on top of the taco)<br />
2 ripe avocado (chopped, but not pureed, i like mine chunky)<br />
1/2 onion, chopped<br />
1/2 red bell pepper, chopped<br />
1/2 steamed corn (slice down the side of the cob to get the corn kernels)<br />
1/2 jalapeno pepper, diced<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
i forgot to buy a lime and my parents don't like cilantro, both of which i would have loved<br />
<br />
coleslaw for the fish tacos<br />
3 c shredded green and purple cabbage<br />
1/2 onion, diced<br />
1/2 bell pepper, diced<br />
~1/2 tsp salt<br />
~1/2 T sugar<br />
~ 2 T white vinegar<br />
Toss everything together and let it marinate for as many hours as possible<br />
<br />
coleslaw for the tofu tacos (which everyone agreed they liked better) was from <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2012/04/shrimp-tacos/" target="_blank">pioneer woman cooks</a> (of course)<br />
<br />
other ingredients to top with: raw onions, black beans, salsa, etc. the great thing about tacos is that they are so versatile and whatever ingredients you like<br />
<br />
btw, i baked the cod for about 15 minutes after lightly coating in cumin. tofu was pan "fried" with cumin and chili powder<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsL80cbhIugZ49WDRRmxM95WA_W48nD2WgmkL7usOHz63hP7V7irLriupvi8TEq-s_Nkymvns12ylf4-SFUMHg0pGxPpX48m6jt3Al3UagH5mdZaGIHngbz0qWC7qdVOZhqZcY73FGwA/s1600/huevosrancheros.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirsL80cbhIugZ49WDRRmxM95WA_W48nD2WgmkL7usOHz63hP7V7irLriupvi8TEq-s_Nkymvns12ylf4-SFUMHg0pGxPpX48m6jt3Al3UagH5mdZaGIHngbz0qWC7qdVOZhqZcY73FGwA/s320/huevosrancheros.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">so now that you have all these wonderful ingredients prepped and leftover, what to do with all the yummy ingredients- make huevos rancheros. slight detour with this one. it is a corn tortilla topped w/ a runny egg (a must!), black beans and salsa, i also added hash browns, leftover guacamole and raw onions. enjoy!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">oh, and i almost forgot, this blog/show/recipe person i stumbled upon today, everything looks absolutely delicious and easy (my two requirements of any recipe), check out <a href="http://www.patismexicantable.com/" target="_blank">pati's mexican tabl</a>e. the great thing is she breaks down all her Mexican foods and the ingredients along with a dash of history and culture. i think the first thing i'll try to make is an adaptation her <a href="http://www.patismexicantable.com/2013/01/embrace-the-empanada/" target="_blank">empanadas</a>.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-19430824831715878152013-06-16T19:18:00.000-04:002013-06-16T19:18:35.758-04:00dessert explosion!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">this is quite possibly the most i've ever baked in one morning...it's a little over the top when i'm just hit with the inspiration to bake this much. but enough chit chat, happy dad's day (most of these were for him). and on to the yummy stuff!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPj1g1IxfolL99BDFBYodNA2U-tKBDbzELyo2B8NIXKm3pHRiRMo5bYx6qDHHgWXXd9koEuEgALvnoQsm7zdM7cWSmhcRuAswlV2LF5wpEaU1jMCMw78kMgSoII0QlCx_4bKsgrx95Ts/s1600/fathers+day+weekend.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIPj1g1IxfolL99BDFBYodNA2U-tKBDbzELyo2B8NIXKm3pHRiRMo5bYx6qDHHgWXXd9koEuEgALvnoQsm7zdM7cWSmhcRuAswlV2LF5wpEaU1jMCMw78kMgSoII0QlCx_4bKsgrx95Ts/s400/fathers+day+weekend.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Blueberry Yogurt Loaf </span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(adapted from <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2008/04/lemon-yogurt-anything-cake/" target="_blank">smitten kitchen</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">makes 1 loaf</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 c + 1 T all-purpose flour</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 tsp baking powder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp kosher salt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 c plain yogurt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 c plus 1 T sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3 extra large eggs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp vanilla extract</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c olive oil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 c frozen blueberries</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 12.45pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; letter-spacing: 0.85pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Preheat the oven to 350°F. Grease an 8 1/2 by 4 1/4 by 2
1/2-inch loaf pan. Line the bottom with parchment paper. Grease and flour the
pan.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 12.45pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; letter-spacing: 0.85pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Sift together 1 1/2 cups flour, baking powder, and salt
into 1 bowl. In another bowl, whisk together the yogurt, 1 cup sugar, the eggs,
lemon zest, vanilla and oil. Slowly whisk the dry ingredients into the wet
ingredients. Mix the blueberries with the remaining tablespoon of flour, and
fold them very gently into the batter. Pour the batter into the prepared pan
and bake for about 50 (+) minutes, or until a cake tester placed in the center
of the loaf comes out clean.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; line-height: 12.45pt; text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #222222; letter-spacing: 0.85pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Meanwhile, cook the 1/3 cup lemon juice and remaining 1
tablespoon sugar in a small pan until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is
clear. Set aside.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Comes out very wet/dense. Not sure how I feel about that. Would be
great with the lemon flavor but didn't have lemons on hand. Or spread with
lemon curd. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIvj_cDXY7W0Sdw0rWBASqJKe9pprYSudkc9wVWM9SXTM6D-XRyV1IcutvF0GI2cJjx4By5V9fUAcfmu5RqHueIvoQE_13OPZMFs7YvRWhTaWMRoNRvQIZpp1InBZwR7wmtYKdkmdMFY/s1600/cranberryoatmealcookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIvj_cDXY7W0Sdw0rWBASqJKe9pprYSudkc9wVWM9SXTM6D-XRyV1IcutvF0GI2cJjx4By5V9fUAcfmu5RqHueIvoQE_13OPZMFs7YvRWhTaWMRoNRvQIZpp1InBZwR7wmtYKdkmdMFY/s320/cranberryoatmealcookies.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Oatmeal Cranberry Chocolate Chip cookies</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(from <a href="http://www.oceanspray.com/Recipes/Corporate/Desserts---Snacks/Oatmeal-Cranberry-White-Chocolate-Chunk-Cookies.aspx" target="_blank">Ocean Spray</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c + 2 T (1 stick and 2 T) butter, softened</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2/3 c brown sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 large eggs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 c old-fashioned oats</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 1/2 c flour</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tsp baking soda</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 5-oz Ocean Spray Craisins</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2/3 c semisweet chocolate chips</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 375F. Cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy.
Add eggs mixing well. In another bowl, combine oats, flour, baking soda and
salt. Slowly add dry ingredients to butter mixture. Stir in craisins and
chocolate chips. Bake for about 10 minutes or until golden brown on top. Let
cool.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">* Would taste better without chocolate chips and nuts in their place</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7Z5JFpw7Hlc8kbGzNzzQnte34f4T_x8FnCKsEzUHdaIj2_WgJITt74ybp6P9ZU-df3NMMGR1tCRqMHTP83NArkgQd91Kp_1DslZZdM46FbTTCH4kdZn4bNm18lQYR3vgJWMUqh7oZCM/s1600/chochazelcookies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk7Z5JFpw7Hlc8kbGzNzzQnte34f4T_x8FnCKsEzUHdaIj2_WgJITt74ybp6P9ZU-df3NMMGR1tCRqMHTP83NArkgQd91Kp_1DslZZdM46FbTTCH4kdZn4bNm18lQYR3vgJWMUqh7oZCM/s400/chochazelcookies.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Chocolate Hazelnut Crunch Cookies</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(from <a href="http://www.sugarhero.com/recipes/?recipe_id=6005063" target="_blank">SugarHero</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 1/3 c all-purpose flour</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp baking powder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp baking soda</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/4 tsp salt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c (1 stick) butter, softened</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c chocolate hazelnut spread (like Nutella)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c brown sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 egg</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tsp vanilla extract</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3/4 c chopped toasted hazelnuts</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2/3 c semi sweet chocolate chips</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">To toast hazelnuts:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 350 F. Coarsely chop 1/2 c filberts and place on baking
sheet in the oven and bake for 10-15 min, lightly tossing throughout. Let cool.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For cookies:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 375F. In a medium bowl combine flour, baking powder,
baking soda, and salt; set aside. In a larger bowl cream the butter, chocolate
hazelnut spread, sugar, and brown sugar. Add the eggs and vanilla extract and
beat until smooth. Slowly mix in flour until just combined and then add
hazelnuts and chocolate chips.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Scoop small spoonfuls onto cookie sheet, bake until lightly golden
about 10 minutes. They will smoosh and spread but if tiny not too bad.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Makes about 3 dozen cookies.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*These are sweet cookies and are very thin on
the crunchier side. </span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XStipTk6aaJqZOevn9L3JB2G4a6_Z3N5qEmukxsL9koki3Q1vBqNzwSgWJm9uO6MeebZUvkZNqiKlCVwwaqF3Pi6ri1HNbV6SuYYj4PFkNLZaM8dN6pZpnFthWBYCHOg7O126sWK260/s1600/basilcornmealcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5XStipTk6aaJqZOevn9L3JB2G4a6_Z3N5qEmukxsL9koki3Q1vBqNzwSgWJm9uO6MeebZUvkZNqiKlCVwwaqF3Pi6ri1HNbV6SuYYj4PFkNLZaM8dN6pZpnFthWBYCHOg7O126sWK260/s320/basilcornmealcake.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Olive Oil-Basil Cornmeal Cake with Strawberry sauce</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(adapted from <a href="http://www.bhg.com/recipe/olive-oil-basil-cornmeal-cake-with-strawberry-sauce/" target="_blank">Better Homes and Gardens</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 c all-purpose flour</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMESGnXRARMgwRBd2Px15sZFe-cfhqLuBhAQUl8GtepGO59MAZvQ3akB5ltvalxtxlHrCQInRC3SAj24lGcZESi_wDWTG27dVp4zPoftgG0sGgw7fXLEe-7eCmy5vjmkdFj50ivdKDS-4/s1600/cornemealcakeslice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMESGnXRARMgwRBd2Px15sZFe-cfhqLuBhAQUl8GtepGO59MAZvQ3akB5ltvalxtxlHrCQInRC3SAj24lGcZESi_wDWTG27dVp4zPoftgG0sGgw7fXLEe-7eCmy5vjmkdFj50ivdKDS-4/s320/cornemealcakeslice.jpg" width="262" /></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 + 1/3 c yellow cornmeal </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 tsp baking powder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 eggs, lightly beaten</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">3/4 c granulated sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c skim milk</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c olive oil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 T dried basil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 T sparkling sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Strawberry Sauce recipe</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 c frozen strawberries, thawed</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 T granulated sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 tsp balsamic vinegar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 375F. Grease and flour a 9" cake pan, set aside.
In a medium bowl combine flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt. Set
aside. In a large bowl, combine eggs,
sugar, milk and olive oil. Mix dry ingredients and basil into wet mix and pour
into prepared cake pan, spread evenly. Sprinkle with sparking sugar. Bake about
30 minutes. Cool cake in pan for 10 minutes and then remove cake from pan. Cool
cake completely and when serving top w/ Strawberry sauce.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">For the sauce, combine strawberries, sugar and balsamic vinegar until
smooth. Cover and chill for up to 24 hours. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*This one comes out very cornbready, might be b/c i put in too much cornmeal. but w/o the sugar would make great cornbread for thanksgiving.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">still with me??? sugar rush hasn't gotten to you yet? </span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">just one more and it's my favorite of the bunch!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GJzm7din2AepJtCbidFSUWgzB7KNt9GpGrTlr6qDI_EGlm7FEtfSSQGmCUDezU7yGesahTvKtQMHAAjWYeMP5xDFjzsSMHYv3qQ71a8hmNzPopRTpXKkpDD9lLv8YOz7LYfOa8ympo0/s1600/fathers+day+weekend1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8GJzm7din2AepJtCbidFSUWgzB7KNt9GpGrTlr6qDI_EGlm7FEtfSSQGmCUDezU7yGesahTvKtQMHAAjWYeMP5xDFjzsSMHYv3qQ71a8hmNzPopRTpXKkpDD9lLv8YOz7LYfOa8ympo0/s400/fathers+day+weekend1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Soft and Chewy Ginger Molasses Cookies</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">(from <a href="http://www.confessionsofacookbookqueen.com/2013/06/soft-and-chewy-ginger-molasses-cookies/" target="_blank">Confessions of a Cookbook Queen</a>)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Ingredients</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 1/4 c all-purpose flour</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">2 tsp ground ginger</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tsp baking soda</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tsp ground cinnamon</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 tsp ground cloves</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/4 c shortening</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c white sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/2 c packed light brown sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 egg</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 T water</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1/4 c molasses</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Icing (optional)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1 c powdered sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">1-2 T water</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">splash vanilla</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Preheat oven to 350F. Line baking sheets w/ parchment paper or silpat.
In a medium bowl mix all dry ingredients (flour through cloves). Set aside. In
a large bowl cream butter, shortening, white sugar, and light brown sugar until
light and fluffy. Beat in egg, water, and molasses until combined. Slowly mix
in dry ingredients until combined. Cover and chill for at least one hour. Roll
dough into desired size (I went with about a 1/2 T size) and flatten hand (will
stick completely to the bottom of a glass cup) and place about 1/4" apart
on cookie sheet. Bake for about 7 minutes. Remove and cool. Prepare frosting if
desired by mixing powdered sugar, water and vanilla and frost.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">*She's not lying when she says you have to make these cookies ASAP. If
you are a ginger cookie fan these are amazing. Soft and chewy, gingery and
molassy. By far my favorite gingerbread cookie yet.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-59692037361732201202013-06-14T09:47:00.002-04:002013-06-14T09:47:37.534-04:00easy cooking: mac 'n cheese<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4OPEY8G90c0AzyoU-UwslTnsO4fCZY7SelPwVmhaUmRnsVt_9d_9bbWQXlaNUaDedO5ibvE1vBxAS06ELVJIfRxGlFD0fyHjGZk-o2gDsinLNTAIYrupjWTlQ-bG7qNZdCcqHKwGjXw/s1600/macandcheese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL4OPEY8G90c0AzyoU-UwslTnsO4fCZY7SelPwVmhaUmRnsVt_9d_9bbWQXlaNUaDedO5ibvE1vBxAS06ELVJIfRxGlFD0fyHjGZk-o2gDsinLNTAIYrupjWTlQ-bG7qNZdCcqHKwGjXw/s400/macandcheese.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">i'll tell you a secret, I absolutely love the boxed macaroni and cheese mix. the day before I flew out for india I made myself a box. it'd been years since I had it as a child and it still tasted as good as I remember. maybe it's a childhood thing, but I much prefer the box mix over homemade. the inner processed child in me :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">this recipe is as easy as it gets and as great way to throw in vegetable produce in the fridge or freezer that's been hanging around too long. plus, if you make extras, perfect for lunch the next day at work! this can be modified to your taste so if you love sausage or ham or peas and squash feel free to cook it up and toss it in. if you want cheesey goodness throw in shredded cheese while the macaroni is still hot and melt it in all nice and oozy. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><u>Everything in the kitchen mac 'n
cheese</u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Serves 4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 box macaroni and cheese mix</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 c broccoli, chopped</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">2 handfuls kale, chopped</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 bell pepper, chopped</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">handful grape tomatoes (throw these in last to sauté briefly)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/4 c fat free milk<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1/2 c ricotta cheese<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 can tuna, drained<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">some cannellini beans<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">1 tsp red pepper flakes<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">olive oil<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">garlic<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">salt and pepper to taste<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">any other spices you might like (I
added sriracha to my bowl)<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">This is very much an add what you
have/what you like recipe. Bring a pot of water to boil and toss in macaroni
noodles and cook as directed on the box (usually around 7-10 minutes). While
the noodles cook, sauté the veggies with garlic and olive oil. When the noodles are cooked, drain, toss back into the pot you boiled them in, pour in milk,
cheese powder pouch (if processed powdered cheese makes you squeamish feel free
to make a rue and cheese sauce) and at this point I threw in the ricotta. If you put in any other shredded cheeses you can also keep the pot on low heat to get it all to melty goodness. Mix
in red chili pepper flakes, the tuna and the veggies. Spice as you wish and
serve!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 12pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">other great add ins: onions, frozen peas, zucchini, ham, more beans, pureed cauliflower, spinach, etc.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>
</span><span style="font-family: Times New Roman;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;"></span> </div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-68588908288280538542013-06-12T22:09:00.000-04:002013-06-12T22:09:30.148-04:00roll with the punches<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mNgtPMeMO8pX25OGDJJVKFvPT4lmLUAN5aHAnAmlzoPnckT2hIWrcFztkraE2ujZ65IFEM3bJFLuzHTlTG2LkaFHTAwjiBtrlCfPerx2aGSGMwXSvs_iB_R5HuZ15ofPEtXwlgnokHs/s1600/apricot+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0mNgtPMeMO8pX25OGDJJVKFvPT4lmLUAN5aHAnAmlzoPnckT2hIWrcFztkraE2ujZ65IFEM3bJFLuzHTlTG2LkaFHTAwjiBtrlCfPerx2aGSGMwXSvs_iB_R5HuZ15ofPEtXwlgnokHs/s640/apricot+cake.jpg" width="360" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">if you haven't noticed yet, my baking can be spontaneous and usually in those moments of me really feeling antsy and having the need to bake it comes down to finding what's in the house to use. M mentioned the apricots were getting too ripe and that they were rather tasteless (i don't know about anyone else, but i only ever usually like the dried apricots to begin w/ b/c the fresh ones never taste like much to me). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i also don't know what anyone did w/o the internet to search for recipes with specific ingredients with just a few searches. i found a couple recipes, but this one seemed the most interesting and easy to play with. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">oh, and about the title, M&D spent the last month taking care of their grandson so wanted to bake them something nice to eat after they got back from the airport dropping off my sister and her baby. i had just popped the cake in to be ready for when the parents got back when i got a call that D had run out of gas and was stuck on the side of the road by the airport. so i had to shut down the oven and take the poor cake out and drive out to the airport with a gas can (this is also when tripe A or something similar seems helpful). i wasn't sure what an hour out of the oven after starting to bake would affect the cake but it tastes darn tasty to me and the consistency and rising of the cake doesn't seem to have been ruined either.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCneZgf41E0RKSMAxXpPVVocx_twdxDnolv_cXmS5lOCXG30yM-P8jMPMTfI1CrGhxRFPl0kJ7ZvzrdBKTZJ7WGJuBiGKqoopNTYxNiOH0Pm2hGwUX3xnFbzsnXI-omPvTWM3ib9tGj0k/s1600/apricotlayers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCneZgf41E0RKSMAxXpPVVocx_twdxDnolv_cXmS5lOCXG30yM-P8jMPMTfI1CrGhxRFPl0kJ7ZvzrdBKTZJ7WGJuBiGKqoopNTYxNiOH0Pm2hGwUX3xnFbzsnXI-omPvTWM3ib9tGj0k/s400/apricotlayers.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ripe ripe apricots all laid out (i actually ended up doing another layer on top b/c i sliced these suckers so thin).</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yrJyy5uGddRYSmFlDrUzwdpaIQun3T9E_vNQ1bT0aBIEUCh-7sOI1MHaj3h617TLNOwY7VCON8SrzO1VXL5gXrGZMIuOmwj_cu4uMtmxVMVMg_kftGN1WxazSuAeH2cPkvvM6idSVco/s1600/apricotfull.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9yrJyy5uGddRYSmFlDrUzwdpaIQun3T9E_vNQ1bT0aBIEUCh-7sOI1MHaj3h617TLNOwY7VCON8SrzO1VXL5gXrGZMIuOmwj_cu4uMtmxVMVMg_kftGN1WxazSuAeH2cPkvvM6idSVco/s400/apricotfull.jpg" width="352" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Apricot Upside Down Cornmeal Cake</u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">makes one 9" cake</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">adapted from <a href="http://articles.latimes.com/2010/aug/12/food/la-fo-upsidedowncakerec1-20100812" target="_blank">LA Times</a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 T unsalted butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 c loosely packed light brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">5-6 fresh apricots, cut into eighths lengthwise</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 1/4 c all purpose flour</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 c cornmeal</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tsp baking powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 tsp salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 eggs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 c granulated sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 c olive oil + plain yogurt (about 2/3 c olive oil and the rest of the measuring cup with yogurt)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 large orange, juiced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 F.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a small bowl microwave butter
until melted and stir in brown sugar until mixed. Press into the springform pan.
Spread the apricot pieces in a circular design in two layers. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">In a medium bowl, combine the flour, cornmeal, baking powder and salt.
In a separate bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the eggs and white sugar
until mixture is pale and golden, 3-5 minutes.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Alternately add dry ingredients and oil/yogurt into the wet ingredients starting with the dry ingredients sifted into the bowl, until just combined. Stir in the orange juice and scrape and smooth into the
pan so it covers the apricots. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Bake the cake until it is golden and springy to the touch, about 40
minutes. Allow the cake to cool for 5 minutes. Place a plate over the pan and
flip the pan over, release the spring mold and peel back parchment. </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-2067304313593732702013-06-06T19:56:00.000-04:002013-06-06T20:10:30.716-04:00vt = maple syrup<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
among other things as well, but i will be moving there in the fall, so i should start getting to know my new home, yes? spent last week up in New England (and have the but bites to prove it) and also came back with "The Official Vermont Maple Cookbook" (2nd ed). it's got recipes for real foods as well as breakfast and desserts. so of course, i have my lovely jar of maple syrup from the vermont country store still left and so i picked a recipe that was quick and fast (trying to bake before my nephew sleeps so i don't make any noise is a very interesting dilemma, if only i was getting skinnier...haha).<br />
<br />
i chose the maple gingerbread recipe and made just one tweak for ease and to decrease calories and boost the nutritional value of it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxFXHni_7XZ7iUYCJHule7Jn9flW0l7i_KT5NYM6awdEls-ZipVTNeyYLocymnX8v_49PWrTYfgPDVfwJ-bF-jtTORpzmftFsLDkpHEdzPbU49V8n4FQ2EKaju72JHsRysqJ4cEVDVlc/s1600/food.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicxFXHni_7XZ7iUYCJHule7Jn9flW0l7i_KT5NYM6awdEls-ZipVTNeyYLocymnX8v_49PWrTYfgPDVfwJ-bF-jtTORpzmftFsLDkpHEdzPbU49V8n4FQ2EKaju72JHsRysqJ4cEVDVlc/s400/food.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<u>Maple Gingerbread</u> (makes 1 large loaf)<br />
2 cups flour<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp ginger powder<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
2 eggs, beaten<br />
1 cup maple syrup (i used B grade)<br />
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (the recipe originally called for 1 cup sour cream, if that's what you have on hand, feel free to use)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 325F. Combine dry ingredients in a large bowl. Mix maple syrup with beaten eggs and add yogurt. Combine the dry and wet ingredients and pour into greased bread pan (or 8" x 8" cake pan) and bake for about 30 minutes or until golden brown and pulling from edges. You can serve with whipped cream or ice cream (it tastes really good as a bread too by itself). Eat it when it's warm, it's amazing then!<br />
<br />
*you can really taste the ginger in this bread, although while it was baking all i could smell was the maple syrup. the bread is really soft and moist (go yogurt!) and it would probably make great french toast bread or bread pudding but it's so good by itself that it might take away from the taste. now i'm out of maple syrup again....and still a dozen recipes to go...guess i need to make another trip to VT before i move there!<br />
<br />
and lest you think there's no future dietitian in me, here's the <a href="http://vermontmaple.org/nutritional-information/" target="_blank">low down</a> on maple syrup- i never knew it had manganese and riboflavin (along with other minerals)!<br />
<br />
i'm not done! if you're looking for a super quick and easy dinner idea this can be prepped the morning of (or night before and kept in the fridge until you can pop it into the oven). it's also very versatile and can be made to fit your tastebuds and what's on hand in your kitchen.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LYqWvs5SH1TqkAFpxPedCOnrRqpVP6rIuxPTNdxZuaYiU_BLCSRP0mR0ancd3G1_gHL9Y2GyhfBJU5RC2b4lBXjYp5DilLWprEvkWaAC8TilTwlmp-orARRcYyj0hQhELSRxlmi1cIY/s1600/mexican+lasagna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-LYqWvs5SH1TqkAFpxPedCOnrRqpVP6rIuxPTNdxZuaYiU_BLCSRP0mR0ancd3G1_gHL9Y2GyhfBJU5RC2b4lBXjYp5DilLWprEvkWaAC8TilTwlmp-orARRcYyj0hQhELSRxlmi1cIY/s400/mexican+lasagna.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
i'm calling this mexican lasagna b/c it takes the form of lasagna and i had lots of mexican ingredients on hand. i spooned salsa on the bottom of the baking dish, layered corn tortillas next, then i had frozen broccoli and kale so in that went. then followed chickpeas and black beans (rinsed and drained), chopped onions and sprinkling of mozzarella cheese. i made two layers and left it in the fridge while i was at work. when i got home i popped it into a 350 F oven and baked for about 20-30 minutes or until the cheese is nice and melty (feel free to add or take away any ingredients- avocado, olives, chicken for you meat eaters, etc would all be really good in this)</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-58653104747386473572013-05-19T14:43:00.000-04:002013-05-19T14:44:54.366-04:00eummm<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i have a huge sweet tooth. sometimes i have control of it and sometimes i just let it run wild :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">both of these recipes are very different from one another but they are both relatively straight forward. for mother's day i wanted to use up the rest of the key lime juice i have (no luck) but also wanted to make something healthier than the strawberry coffee cake i had made last week (i'm behind on post, but it was pretty good, but i needed to add more sugar)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPzV_QVAhFhyxbdRGaIqRAJ0tHtolGi2MUDlMf7BDFP29bTem21jJBYU51fniMEhqZLUcXTIzhhg3Bxwcd-9mZyk4C-_HMmjMZU4qpKEIqvdP7kKI1F_5XqMPfRa_XFz14JsghDUrd2A/s1600/may2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiPzV_QVAhFhyxbdRGaIqRAJ0tHtolGi2MUDlMf7BDFP29bTem21jJBYU51fniMEhqZLUcXTIzhhg3Bxwcd-9mZyk4C-_HMmjMZU4qpKEIqvdP7kKI1F_5XqMPfRa_XFz14JsghDUrd2A/s400/may2013.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">this key lime mousse pie is completely raw. the crust is unbelievable and would make a great energy bar. the filling is really creamy and rich and it's nice and tart w/ the key lime. i adapted the recipe from <a href="http://www.damyhealth.com/2012/03/raw-lime-mousse-pie/" target="_blank">here</a> w/ some tweaks. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Raw Key Lime Mousse Pie</u> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(makes one 9" pie)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Crust</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 c quick oats</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup shredded coconut*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 c almonds</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 c pitted dates</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tsp vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 T key lime juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dash of salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*The recipe calls for unsweetened but I can never find unsweetened so I just omitted the sugar they call for</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mousse</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 large ripe avocados</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3/4 c key lime juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/3 c honey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 tsp vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Pulse the crust ingredients in a food processor and blend until dough like. Spray or grease a 9" pie pan and press the dough evenly into and up the sides of the pan. Food process all the mousse ingredients and pour over the crust. Chill in the fridge or freezer depending on your texture preference for at least 3 hours (we chilled in the fridge and it took longer than 3 hours for it to hold.)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsOCKAKab390P3dZnhsyc262VM2jXPwe70u17F1gK8GSopvTft9qiZpF4akqVYiftdBQWi0bgAM9lbZq14ZvDXzKIamZM0nY9qKyo1liLf0YlRozD5mIjRBWYzcRL3i5ppHRVnnyrQB4/s1600/coconutmac.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYsOCKAKab390P3dZnhsyc262VM2jXPwe70u17F1gK8GSopvTft9qiZpF4akqVYiftdBQWi0bgAM9lbZq14ZvDXzKIamZM0nY9qKyo1liLf0YlRozD5mIjRBWYzcRL3i5ppHRVnnyrQB4/s320/coconutmac.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">these cookies on the other hand are not raw but the recipe is very straight forward and took all of one hour to whip up start to finish and only has 4 ingredients. how easy is that? the coconut macaroons i've ever had have to be the ones at presti's in little italy, cleveland (not completely random, s4 is studying there). but these little suckers are so quick and easy and kind of taste like a denser coconut goodness of angel food cake. i had to take a picture really fast before the family descended onto them.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Coconut Macaroons</u> (from <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/toasty-coconut-macaroons-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Alton Brown</a>)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 egg whites</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dash of salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 c sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">8 oz sweetened shredded coconut (could probably decrease the sugar amount b/c of the coconut. I also forgot to toast before tossing them into the oven, but that probably would have made these suckers amazing)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350F. Whip the eggs and salt until white and begin to stiffen. Add sugar in 3 parts. Continue to whip until the whites are very stiff. Using a rubber spatula fold in the coconut. Drop by teaspoonfuls onto silpat, parchment paper or a greased surface about 1 inch distance from one another. Bake for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown on the outside (they will be deliciously soft on the inside).</span></div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-74918422373961930312013-04-28T19:23:00.002-04:002013-04-28T19:28:03.761-04:00lunch 101<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOxRT9Wl7xyX4dY-xD3aaD-P3YgbAMobXoFEB_-7l79BoOfz4Qc-m0FJ_gpH0HykJ8cXUBkPkh-dCxZ-TeSo9S6QG2Rb4sichRUVX-P2xlFxxf8iBj7hzZehMN1JBSDyPEiSbP4kW9x0/s1600/lunch_salad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvOxRT9Wl7xyX4dY-xD3aaD-P3YgbAMobXoFEB_-7l79BoOfz4Qc-m0FJ_gpH0HykJ8cXUBkPkh-dCxZ-TeSo9S6QG2Rb4sichRUVX-P2xlFxxf8iBj7hzZehMN1JBSDyPEiSbP4kW9x0/s400/lunch_salad.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Having to always eat lunch out of
the house whether at work or school, I have to make meals that are appetizing
and yummy enough that I won’t be tempted to buy something every day. As a dietetic student we learn how to counsel
clients in building nutrition and healthy foods into their diet in an
economical and easy way- 1) making grocery lists, food prepping all in one day,
etc. it’s one of those things that sometimes comes to “do as I say not as I
do.” Because really, everyone has a busy schedule, who has the energy after a
long day at work or school to go grocery shopping and cook rice and veggies and
prep foods that are healthy and satisfying?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">But that’s where I’m trying to
improve myself and hopefully give you some ideas to make your lives easier. I’m
busy- I go to school part time, I have 4 jobs and I like to workout and relax
and have a social life (some of those things definitely get pushed to the
bottom of the list when things get really crazy), but I also want to eat well
and make sure I have foods that make my stomach happy (currently, processed
foods are on the “makes my tummy sad list”). </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I research recipes to fiddle or try the ingredient list is the
first thing that decides whether or not I will try it. Not just if the
ingredients are archaic and things I don’t want or have the money to buy, but
if it’s longer than say 7 items (not including salt and pepper) then I usually
find it too overwhelming. I want simple, straight forward recipes that won’t
take my whole life to figure out. And if I can just use one piece of equipment
or use two at the same time to save time, more power to the recipe. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As the weather gets warmer my lunches get more colorful and lighter
(salads, wraps, etc.) as opposed to my colder weather lunches which usually
include veg chili and things that need to be microwaved. My go-to building of a
lunch for spring/summer includes:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Starch +
Vegetable + Protein</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Brown rice Lettuce
(arugula, Beans</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Wild Rice Mixed
greens, romaine, etc) Tuna salad
made with yogurt</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Cucumber Hardboiled
eggs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Tomato, etc. Hummus</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I cook rice in batches of 1-1.5 cups for the week (in ½ cup servings
that can usually last me 5 days). Rice can be boiled simultaneously as you
prepare your vegetables…</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I finally got around to roasting some squash and zucchini. Just slice,
drizzle with olive oil both sides and season (I just did black pepper and
garlic) and then bake in 400F for about 20 minutes. I also threw in some red
onions for extra fun (my kitchen smelled amazing!). The idea of prepping your vegetables for the
week is actually a really great idea. If I have them cut up in the size of how
I plan to eat it for the week it makes it really easy to make a stir fry really
quick one night or to grab some carrots for snacking with hummus.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Protein is usually from a can or an egg. I know dried beans in a bag
are cheaper and don’t have the sodium of canned ones, but by the time I
remember I need beans I’ve forgotten to do the presoak and I’m saving time just
popping a can open. I’ll rinse the beans really nice to get extra salt off and
then toss together for a bean salad or combined with rice and veggies (like the
fake fattoush). Tuna from a can is probably one of the easiest ways to get
protein and made into a tuna salad with carrots or celery and old bay is eum
eum good! Hummus (I usually buy sabra or I’ve delved into making my own) is a
great way to get creamy protein in a salad. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<o:p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMbbEy9VpIezE2BrZ-uJpkOgR2xi5EleGybJUQB_WVbmdyDT8PC-t5tTXazDCsg3ExtWQ0KIYqY37RuJkEHTCZe_GXN0h0X1SZno_jL2ka_g0Al8E5RTtnR9tIU2SB9smjunPDGt5aio/s1600/tuna_egglettucewrap.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPMbbEy9VpIezE2BrZ-uJpkOgR2xi5EleGybJUQB_WVbmdyDT8PC-t5tTXazDCsg3ExtWQ0KIYqY37RuJkEHTCZe_GXN0h0X1SZno_jL2ka_g0Al8E5RTtnR9tIU2SB9smjunPDGt5aio/s320/tuna_egglettucewrap.jpg" width="180" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">tuna and egg salad lettuce wraps are a great lunch/snack option, <br />
just add some grains if you make it lunch</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Snacks are another place of contention in my life. I don’t want to eat
the same stuff I ate in my meal so it comes down to more creativity, pinterest,
and just google searching. So far, my go-to snacks throughout the day are:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Fruit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Carrots and hummus</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Handful of nuts</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">More fruit (I can never have too much fruit</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">J</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">)</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Dried fruit</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;"> I'm still on the fence about roasted chickpeas, maybe i just made it wrong</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">If you don’t have a lactose problem string
cheese is always a nice addition here</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">·</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; font-size: 7pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">If you don’t have a peanut butter addiction like
me, where once you have one bite somehow the entire jar disappears, peanut butter
energy balls are a great snack</span></li>
</ul>
<!--[if !supportLists]--><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMArvLxhqMouxwwhbSUyCMG6_ax3MsnFRQ_gB0sxNdggz7qHduDAGLakl2wnSjb1MiaGzxBfPLDiQd2j4Bosu_cZkYsYKB8GyTTnBAK0Uo-RtUEhoZ9cymVNL5JnkYPV8MGDu_IkhP86w/s1600/snacks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="494" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMArvLxhqMouxwwhbSUyCMG6_ax3MsnFRQ_gB0sxNdggz7qHduDAGLakl2wnSjb1MiaGzxBfPLDiQd2j4Bosu_cZkYsYKB8GyTTnBAK0Uo-RtUEhoZ9cymVNL5JnkYPV8MGDu_IkhP86w/s640/snacks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">h<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;">app</span></span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">y cooking! and have fun w/ it :)</span></div>
</div>
<a href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fsweptdandelions.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F04%2Flunch-101.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fsweptdandelions.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F04%2Flunch-101.html&description=Next%20stop%3A%20Pinterest" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-config="above"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-58795194957538270852013-04-19T12:30:00.001-04:002013-04-19T12:31:47.031-04:00fake fattoush (great for lunch!)<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzaXbVuydcv_GHOHJWXrLIN_QR8hmdkn9msPEyRrps9xDa2wJcUH5nwVUXFHkyd6zH-3YJU517hLg3RJWW6cKHx5dQNsPbEEoypDS3NHhlJzhFME9F7jUp1w9sBqPdlwbeGZEbPvFNPQ/s1600/fattoush.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTzaXbVuydcv_GHOHJWXrLIN_QR8hmdkn9msPEyRrps9xDa2wJcUH5nwVUXFHkyd6zH-3YJU517hLg3RJWW6cKHx5dQNsPbEEoypDS3NHhlJzhFME9F7jUp1w9sBqPdlwbeGZEbPvFNPQ/s400/fattoush.jpg" width="225" /></a></div>
packing lunches can be no fun. esp doing it every day. so a great way to avoid that morning panic and spending $ everyday at the food court you can make something every week or every 2-3 days to pack for lunch. this is a fake "fattoush" or at least the version i'm going with :) i took great liberties but i'm enjoying it (maybe not the amount if made, but def like how it tastes. it's also very easy to modify to your own tastes. <br />
<br />
<u>Fake Fattoush</u> (gluten free)<br />
(makes 6 two cup servings)<br />
<br />
1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed<br />
1 can black beans, drained and rinsed<br />
1 cucumber, chopped into bite size pieces<br />
1 head romaine lettuce, chopped<br />
1 cup wild rice, cooked and cooled<br />
1/4 red onion, diced<br />
1/4-1/2 c olive oil<br />
paprika, to taste<br />
cumin, to taste<br />
<br />
Combine all ingredients. Cover and chill. <br />
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-21837074483944237442013-04-12T23:05:00.000-04:002013-04-12T23:05:08.427-04:00wrap it up<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
as soon as i typed that title i wondered if it sounded awk, and then i thought, oh boy, am i 15? so i left it there. if anyone else thought it was sort of "tee-hee-hee" please let me know. it'll make me feel less immature.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRHCsLoHeYyM-f8tnm8Gi09_x1dwOhul6zooLgSRSC467WGdqfMAK3QOWNcnZxa-1hXOI_8axMctv_FMEcwqiHU2k_4x-Kxbsnr8Cs9zJD5ACJKAKm2wH_y1nOLXIr6AAGo8udFN5UI0/s1600/healthier.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWRHCsLoHeYyM-f8tnm8Gi09_x1dwOhul6zooLgSRSC467WGdqfMAK3QOWNcnZxa-1hXOI_8axMctv_FMEcwqiHU2k_4x-Kxbsnr8Cs9zJD5ACJKAKm2wH_y1nOLXIr6AAGo8udFN5UI0/s400/healthier.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
the wrap pictured on the left isn't actually filled w/ the mix on the right, but i wanted to show you that this recipe really is flexible and can be made to your own taste. and the really great thing about this recipe is that it takes under 30 minutes start to finish depending on how crazy you want to get with the add-ins. i make the tuna mix before work in the morning and when i get home i pre-heat my mini oven and roll up my tuna wraps. you can also sneak in all sorts of vegetables and proteins into this wrap, case in point, i hid smashed beans in my second wrap for the parents. the peanut broccoli salad was my first attempt at making a peanut sauce. which turned out really well actually. i made some modifications to the prevention recipe but i'm sure their recipe tastes fine as well.<br />
<br />
Tuna Melt Wrap (makes 3)<br />
3 tortilla wraps, 8"<br />
2 cans tuna in water, drained<br />
3/4-1 c black beans, rinsed and crushed<br />
~ 1/2 c yogurt or mayo, or to desired texture<br />
Diced carrots or sauteed kale or other vegetable, also to desired quantity<br />
Cheddar cheese<br />
spices to taste (I usually do old bay and black pepper)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 350 F. While you wait for the oven to heat up you can dice your fresh vegetables or saute vegetables. Crush black beans and combine tuna, yogurt/mayo, vegetables and spices. Place a third of it in the center of the wrap like a log and top with cheese. Fold in the short ends, then wrap the long ends. Place on the baking sheet crease side down. Bake for 10-15 minutes or until toasted on the bottom.<br />
<br />
Peanut Broccoli Salad (serves 3)<br />
adapted from <a href="http://www.prevention.com/food/cook/side-dish-and-salad-recipes-delicious-ideas-broccoli?page=3" target="_blank">Prevention</a><br />
A little more than 1/8 cup white vinegar<br />
~1.5 T canola oil<br />
2 T creamy peanut butter<br />
2 tsp tamari ginger<br />
3-4 cups frozen broccoli florets<br />
<br />
Whisk all the ingredients except the broccoli. Saute broccoli until lightly browned and cooked. Top with the sauce and serve warm.<br />
<br /><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-10293389575833911502013-04-05T22:06:00.000-04:002013-04-05T22:12:37.641-04:00can you modify too much?<a data-pin-config="above" href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweptdandelions.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F04%2Fcan-you-modify-too-much.html&media=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweptdandelions.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F04%2Fcan-you-modify-too-much.html&description=sweet%20potato%20bread" data-pin-do="buttonPin" ><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>
<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i love browsing food blogs. looking at yummy food pictures and reading over the recipes. but even when i find a recipe i'm dying to try i can't help but think about the changes and/or additions i could make to the recipe.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">found a new blog and tagged about half the recipes i shuffled through, but this one caught my eye- 1) b/c it's bread, 2) b/c it had sour cream (still some leftover from my fish taco birthday lunch), and 3) b/c i really needed to stress bake</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i've also never cooked with american sweet potatoes. if you've seen or tried korean sweet potatoes, they don't look the same, and they certainly do not taste the same. i'm definitely still a sucker for korean sweet potatoes, but i'm guessing b/c these are so orange much more nutrient rich. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEWQOrnliUpxjS67taLt-bEKAxBLRyYexJoGTTKHHKWiUJYeg-3xqcS3vgyFjkevFE0iEdHWaGqGzPApqaW0fTkomdgJ-9h-TaRFJJcKKz8nLAlfC5wZyyBBK7bJA50LQAFRHWnIPNH0/s1600/sweetpotato.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEWQOrnliUpxjS67taLt-bEKAxBLRyYexJoGTTKHHKWiUJYeg-3xqcS3vgyFjkevFE0iEdHWaGqGzPApqaW0fTkomdgJ-9h-TaRFJJcKKz8nLAlfC5wZyyBBK7bJA50LQAFRHWnIPNH0/s320/sweetpotato.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">the recipe comes from averie cooks, and i've made several changes to not only make it healthier but also to fit the taste buds of m&d who are not the most spice happy people out there. </span><br />
<br />
Sweet Potato and Pecan Bread<br />
<br />
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Yield: 1-9x5 loaf<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyvDFe_l9-zgDizBv5pO4Cbu5o-Dh5ryC5vP9iTRoUnCyuasAMxexLc1x-Ck7zl6JlPtpRZZa3K2fLksDpfYi7ckO4jXCw-HuJKVqQ4TVmWkC1WvBsEBTacmIWlXyUwxUMXmF1nKtz1s/s1600/sweetpotatobread.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPyvDFe_l9-zgDizBv5pO4Cbu5o-Dh5ryC5vP9iTRoUnCyuasAMxexLc1x-Ck7zl6JlPtpRZZa3K2fLksDpfYi7ckO4jXCw-HuJKVqQ4TVmWkC1WvBsEBTacmIWlXyUwxUMXmF1nKtz1s/s400/sweetpotatobread.jpg" width="225" /></span></a><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Ingredients:<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">about
1 1/2 cups mashed sweet potatoes (2 medium or 1 very large), roasted<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2
large eggs<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2
cup plain non-fat yogurt<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4
cup sour cream<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1
teaspoon vanilla extract<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1 3/4 cups all-purpose
flour<span style="color: #500050; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4
cups granulated sugar<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2
cup light brown sugar, packed<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">2
tsp baking soda<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1
T + 1 tsp ground cinnamon<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2
tsp ground ginger<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2
tsp ground nutmeg<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4
tsp ground allspice<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4
tsp ground cloves<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">pinch salt, optional and
to taste<span style="color: #500050; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">¼
c chopped pecans<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Directions:<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Preheat
oven to 400F. Spray and flour one 9-by-5-inch loaf pan; set aside.<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Roast
sweet potatoes in the oven at 400F for about 35 minutes or until when poked
with a fork gives easily. Mash sweet potatoes with a fork. Allow them to cool
momentarily so you don't scramble the eggs.<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Decrease
oven to 350F<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">To
the sweet potatoes, add the eggs, yogurt, sour cream, vanilla and whisk until
combined; set aside.<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">In a large mixing bowl,
combine the dry ingredients - flour, sugars, baking soda, cinnamon, ginger,
nutmeg, allspice, cloves, optional salt, and whisk to combine. Pour the wet
sweet potato mixture over the dry ingredients, and stir to incorporate.<span style="color: #500050; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Turn
batter out into prepared pan. Bake for 60 to 70 minutes for a 9x5 pan, or until
top is domed, golden, loaf is springy to the touch, and cake tester inserted in
the center comes out clean.<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">Allow
bread to cool in pan for 10 minutes before turning it out and gobbling it all
up.<span style="color: #222222; font-size: 9.5pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">loved the pecans in it, b/c i roasted the sweet potatoes the decrease in sugar was definitely worth it (you wouldn't get quite the caramelized goodness if the potatoes had been microwaved and more sugar may have been needed). oats changed the texture of the bread, but since i haven't tried the original yet, i'm quite happy with my nommy bread :)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">happy baking</span></div>s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-73720139024773911212013-03-31T09:07:00.000-04:002013-03-31T09:07:04.399-04:00it's all about balance<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">happy weekend! for those of you who celebrate easter, happy easter! the sisters were home for my bday celebration. so lots of food fun were of course required. found this image of easter bunny rolls on pinterest and s4 jumped right on it! </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsipqTEPwqhOSEBjYcjfwjj0Y7DA93Tof17h4rZqcGMdXGs2if2plemUKx2xTpsJ1qKVSQU8wj_u8YiSaPaDbMgPMyDN3WBaPAvidxuKT6gsuwH6GYqWMoXLRrDyuvRFV1961G42dOjs/s1600/easterbunnyrolls.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibsipqTEPwqhOSEBjYcjfwjj0Y7DA93Tof17h4rZqcGMdXGs2if2plemUKx2xTpsJ1qKVSQU8wj_u8YiSaPaDbMgPMyDN3WBaPAvidxuKT6gsuwH6GYqWMoXLRrDyuvRFV1961G42dOjs/s320/easterbunnyrolls.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">the actual execution of bunnies was a bit more challenging than anticipated. haha. sort of alien-esque bunnies.</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltfYlFTnwH3IFuEQqayjkRxP1fBJzrao5Vg72VPx1m6xA7FNEpkN64RArVceSTpyDccLcEt_NSqk3UAVuo4D3SJLjktBwRe2Ym4a4cD4N_blwIbiS0QnQo3RD8BzxWlHNPg-lmZDPiTI/s1600/s5bday1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltfYlFTnwH3IFuEQqayjkRxP1fBJzrao5Vg72VPx1m6xA7FNEpkN64RArVceSTpyDccLcEt_NSqk3UAVuo4D3SJLjktBwRe2Ym4a4cD4N_blwIbiS0QnQo3RD8BzxWlHNPg-lmZDPiTI/s400/s5bday1.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">birthday lunch included fish tacos- cod double breaded w/ garlic, black pepper and salt, topped with pico de gallo, cabbage, guacamole, hot sauce and lobster dip (the tacos needed a chipotle sauce and i had gotten the lobster dip packet from the vermont country store, delicious, let me say). </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YUbY7FIp_0vsVfOPlNPrnYaCelsyLYPPZTrAOFIsMRtIqCf3mMTpH5SS2wSH4SKbm7Gr_ulXhU4YKKEDe42sPnKjpM9Dey4gxTOOJhcd0OGnaXwh4EWcGyyQzqg7qRAOJF1JU75ilDU/s1600/fish+tacos.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4YUbY7FIp_0vsVfOPlNPrnYaCelsyLYPPZTrAOFIsMRtIqCf3mMTpH5SS2wSH4SKbm7Gr_ulXhU4YKKEDe42sPnKjpM9Dey4gxTOOJhcd0OGnaXwh4EWcGyyQzqg7qRAOJF1JU75ilDU/s320/fish+tacos.jpg" width="291" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i had a hard time choosing a bday cake, and wanted to test out this recipe, so bday left perfect excuse not to get questioned about ingredients i buy :) this is a french silk pie from <a href="http://www.connoisseur4thecure.com/2012/04/20/french-silk-pie/" target="_blank">here</a>, one of the many random recipes i've found probably while browsing at work. i love the vitamix we got for M for xmas/bday. so nice to be putting good use to it. this pie is delicious, so smooth and creamy, just like chocolate mousse. highly recommend!</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfJ5hG0NgiQOa8pB77MPoZnDDCXDOjFoDUmVOB0Ivx2_RlfQTyyHsSWAt-4rPgFYZoEn7RU6hj8ZscvTlYzDdv4izRPxTzok1fEHoVW6TNb-eJ6xhhrdf8fQBmfMNcQfgsrQDOpsKfas/s1600/s5bday2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvfJ5hG0NgiQOa8pB77MPoZnDDCXDOjFoDUmVOB0Ivx2_RlfQTyyHsSWAt-4rPgFYZoEn7RU6hj8ZscvTlYzDdv4izRPxTzok1fEHoVW6TNb-eJ6xhhrdf8fQBmfMNcQfgsrQDOpsKfas/s400/s5bday2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR14V6gbWgBAAPXxIb8JN-V_08cLK2CHfhou7whgWWNh4zTMEBsh1BB5X7plOFe5p-TqSE4ebPCS4G0l9uij3_AOyIY54jcAcGEZ4qpWyPAeX2WO93E4Xz7ZKoXE02pfTVGe6hdYNLxaQ/s1600/frenchsilkpie_slice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR14V6gbWgBAAPXxIb8JN-V_08cLK2CHfhou7whgWWNh4zTMEBsh1BB5X7plOFe5p-TqSE4ebPCS4G0l9uij3_AOyIY54jcAcGEZ4qpWyPAeX2WO93E4Xz7ZKoXE02pfTVGe6hdYNLxaQ/s320/frenchsilkpie_slice.jpg" width="214" /></a>French Silk Pie (serves 8-10)<br />
13 ounces semisweet chocolate chips<br />
1/3 cup boiling water<br />
2 tsp instant coffee<br />
1 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1 12.3 ounce package silken tofu, drain out water<br />
1 T maple syrup, grade B<br />
1 9 inch prepared chocolate crust or homemade<br />
fruit (optional)<br />
whipped topping (optional)<br />
<br />
Directions<br />
Make the coffee with the water. Melt the chocolate chips with the coffee and vanilla in a metal bowl over simmering bowl or in a double boiler. Stir frequently until completely melted. Add the tofu, chocolate mixture, and maple syrup to a food processor or blender. Process until smooth and pour into the chocolate crust. Refrigerate for 2 hours and top with fruit or whipped topping.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">As a thank you gift to my sister's friend, this is the other end of the spectrum of sweets. this is thin mint gooey cake bars from <a href="http://picky-palate.com/2012/03/05/girl-scout-cookie-mint-gooey-cake-bars/" target="_blank">picky palate</a>. made a couple changes due to laziness in buying ingredients, but also b/c couldn't find the andes mints! still trying to figure out where they are in the grocery store...these are definitely decadent and little bits go a long way. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ll8XJjHFWFR46cXS81WbiCcByPeetTPXM_Ryg_nc7kru-puwBBRlkqAqjCqvk-UzZTp7GJhoP4bmRrcNjOROaQCpugjvUdELjbJ5Q4kSLRoy_xLGeE9TcK_KbtNeWU6bP00MTCOx-ds/s1600/s5bday.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5ll8XJjHFWFR46cXS81WbiCcByPeetTPXM_Ryg_nc7kru-puwBBRlkqAqjCqvk-UzZTp7GJhoP4bmRrcNjOROaQCpugjvUdELjbJ5Q4kSLRoy_xLGeE9TcK_KbtNeWU6bP00MTCOx-ds/s640/s5bday.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<div>
Thin Mint Gooey Cake Bars (9 x 9 pan, makes 16 squares)</div>
</div>
<div>
Ingredients</div>
<div>
1 yellow cake box mix</div>
<div>
1 stick unsalted butter, softened</div>
<div>
1 egg</div>
<div>
1 can condensed milk</div>
<div>
6 ounces semisweet chocolate chips</div>
<div>
About 1 1/2 sleeves of thin mints, half of them crushed (leave 6 whole)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Combine cake mix, butter and egg. It helps to do it by hand. Press half the dough onto the bottom of the well sprayed pan. Sprinkle the chocolate chips and drizzle 1/3 of the condensed milk on the layer. Press the remaining dough as a second layer and sprinkle the crushed cookies on top. Lay the whole cookies on top (however you want to fashion it) and pour the remaining condensed milk on top. Bake at 350 for about 40 minutes (this is really thick dough so it needs a long time to bake) or until the top has become golden and crispy. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">also made <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/blog/2009/02/thick-chewy-oatmeal-raisin-cookies/" target="_blank">smittenkitchen</a>'s thick, chewy oatmeal raisin cookies. they all got wrapped up and/or eaten before a picture could be taken. but they are really tasty. the thick, chewy part definitely comes out better baked on parchment paper rather than on silpat.</span></div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-59918829514657846632013-03-18T21:50:00.000-04:002013-03-18T22:12:07.958-04:00egg hunting is easier<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a data-pin-config="beside" href="//pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweptdandelions.blogspot.com%2F2013%2F03%2Fegg-hunting-is-easier.html%23&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-GIaX23BYBvc%2FUUe9Myb0JiI%2FAAAAAAAABO8%2FSJ4czthHNG8%2Fs1600%2Fbronzecollage.jpg&description=Bronze%20beaded%20egg" data-pin-do="buttonPin" ><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pin_it_button.png" /></a>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhgws3HfRIre4WwidIWlJXwhPoBvfxvEB0wTZOTHpLFrt1FSHl4h9yUkA6G7lS-yAuZpdb4frU_F6lcEWT669pT5jXjbQmIyJIzGHfaEhvrl3jNeVu6lVPWWgIUGShfpx9O1FjrikRfY/s1600/bronzecollage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAhgws3HfRIre4WwidIWlJXwhPoBvfxvEB0wTZOTHpLFrt1FSHl4h9yUkA6G7lS-yAuZpdb4frU_F6lcEWT669pT5jXjbQmIyJIzGHfaEhvrl3jNeVu6lVPWWgIUGShfpx9O1FjrikRfY/s320/bronzecollage.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">but this is much prettier i will admit. i call this the bronze egg. a step up from egg dyeing unless you do something like <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/921623/how-make-marbleized-easter-eggs" target="_blank">this</a> and then, yeah, yours can be put my pretty to shame. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">as a kid i loved dyeing eggs. we didn't do anything crazy, just dumped hard boiled eggs in cups of food coloring with some vinegar. the best was eating a egg that was slightly green or blue! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">these babies are a bit more intense, but you can have lots of fun, and for those of you who are really into pottery painting and such, this is right up your alley (you don't even want to know how many hours i can spend painting one item at a pottery painting store... </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RDiDnIi-4JotacGPt9raG3rfg96xIcyM6mavrS-mK5zjgCU195RjUv7bn6CQBcTnHQqsSg3AxEhpHGTmum-fLbKkLf9kOIcfc4Z5Ta__BbLZ27n20PAa3B7KrW5Cyr2q8YnV67PJMtE/s1600/supplies.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="505" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1RDiDnIi-4JotacGPt9raG3rfg96xIcyM6mavrS-mK5zjgCU195RjUv7bn6CQBcTnHQqsSg3AxEhpHGTmum-fLbKkLf9kOIcfc4Z5Ta__BbLZ27n20PAa3B7KrW5Cyr2q8YnV67PJMtE/s640/supplies.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">supplies you'll need: raw egg(s), needle, toothpicks, tweezers, glue, and an assortment of beads (i love this great bead holder i've had for years from crafts plus. any crafts plus stores still out there? i miss the one that was in walking distance of my house!) the first thing you want to do (and maybe the night before) is hollow out the eggs. there are great instructions<a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_15776_hollow-egg.html" target="_blank"> here</a>. i highly suggest using a needle thicker than mine b/c i ended up puncturing myself quite a few times. i used the toothpick to widen my holes b/c it's lung workout to blow the egg out. where's a saxophone player when you need a set of lungs?? i would let these babies dry out overnight b/c i had some water peeing out as i tried to decorate. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNv4nHyEAIBHfgsQP6BiSkSfIAddRSRB865AanSUN1PK3zekJptYJvdi9bXujzsUYbq3EA-veUkGb4FfvHRhd3q0RwTCg1z01IPetl8zMpVXdLBwjhZ63jJUG1ul06B7iP0Wgbbofa5M/s1600/beads.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNv4nHyEAIBHfgsQP6BiSkSfIAddRSRB865AanSUN1PK3zekJptYJvdi9bXujzsUYbq3EA-veUkGb4FfvHRhd3q0RwTCg1z01IPetl8zMpVXdLBwjhZ63jJUG1ul06B7iP0Wgbbofa5M/s320/beads.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">some more of my pretty beads. if you have sequins or anything tiny and light i say go for it!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRC9w7R8TOYi-TuW5s62LZ71n7YYPcSm3ntTtoqVs1w4x00hCok10o-fPNIfhNtrPDisE2lQ9I2IMRboH4KqoBH-qw0NjGy4l8EOINSnB1ef1AplVUCxw3UqUdPbNO2jrGDADXW1haSTo/s1600/egg+process.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="456" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRC9w7R8TOYi-TuW5s62LZ71n7YYPcSm3ntTtoqVs1w4x00hCok10o-fPNIfhNtrPDisE2lQ9I2IMRboH4KqoBH-qw0NjGy4l8EOINSnB1ef1AplVUCxw3UqUdPbNO2jrGDADXW1haSTo/s640/egg+process.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">creating my bronze egg: i would say decorating took about 4 hours, most of that b/c i found out the hard way that a particular way of placing the beads (where the hole didn't face outward) was much heavier and tended to tilt so drying each section with the egg on the side a la top right picture was the only way to get the beads stay in position w/o droopage. i was definitely making up the design as i went, but there's tons of ideas online and you can spell stuff or make shapes. it's perfect for the creative side in you! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">for my bronze egg i did skinny side down (bad idea) b/c the smaller hole ended up on top, and the balance got thrown off, so make the egg bottom heavy. you can also see my little glue plate in some of the pictures. it takes some time to pick the beads up w/ the tweezers and not pop the bead across the room. then you want to dip the bead lightly in the glue (too much glue and the bead will just slideeeee down your egg) and stick it on your egg. i had to wipe my tweezers on my hand a lot as i got a lot of glue stuck on the tips. please excuse the difference in lighting. i was decorating in the middle of the night and my kitchen lighting isn't all that great. the completed pictures i took during the day with nice natural lighting.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeUoeyi4VHLAqlf5KT26BCD7eOz1z46O21iuC5J3BcvHGK0_4PXB0o8Is8s3YH7s8MSC1JQeZVH1PdIbvd29t_a49paB_a623Lm8W07MaSwW0Vw97WrtbgCQZljIjc_g8R6MXjtpdmdQ/s1600/flowereggsides.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCeUoeyi4VHLAqlf5KT26BCD7eOz1z46O21iuC5J3BcvHGK0_4PXB0o8Is8s3YH7s8MSC1JQeZVH1PdIbvd29t_a49paB_a623Lm8W07MaSwW0Vw97WrtbgCQZljIjc_g8R6MXjtpdmdQ/s400/flowereggsides.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">this egg was definitely kind of like those people who can't stop getting plastic surgery and then take it one too far. but it was fun trying to make different flower shapes. i wish for this egg i had dyed the entire egg first and then decorated. would be much more whimsical and less white background.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BUe-ugc3Wp57mXMlRkV-xYxoGZnb_vmDVKA0DLsz9SPcbvXJ9vbtJ8BkPhtL4Rt34_YEpy5K7MVbt6wb0IilDCKV_wsRVujI5_mgPXnlVm7k9GuwCQXsmUhPBBXiujd2PUTVqKQnrko/s1600/loveegg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3BUe-ugc3Wp57mXMlRkV-xYxoGZnb_vmDVKA0DLsz9SPcbvXJ9vbtJ8BkPhtL4Rt34_YEpy5K7MVbt6wb0IilDCKV_wsRVujI5_mgPXnlVm7k9GuwCQXsmUhPBBXiujd2PUTVqKQnrko/s320/loveegg.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">s4 came home and i badgered her into decorating the last egg i had hollowed out. isn't it pretty! and it has an adorable heart on top. she probably took maybe an hour to do this one (including drying time) so it doesn't have to be super labor intensive. plus, she glued her beads on hole side outward so they didn't droop and slide down as much. now just have to make them egg holders and figure out what to do with them. although they would make a lovely centerpiece for the table:)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">happy decorating! and happy spring break to those on it (esp w/ snow, in march, in maryland?!?!)</span></div>s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-7647917549785131212013-03-09T13:21:00.000-05:002013-03-09T13:30:47.549-05:00quick meals!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
let's be honest, sometimes hunger and time get in the way of making a balanced meal, which can, after the chips and chocolate are inhaled, lead to more eating, looking for that meal you were craving. i'm as much guilty of this as the next person, and just because i'm a dietetics major doesn't mean all my meals are colorful and balanced. sometimes i'm hovering over the kitchen island table tearing a bagel into pieces and swiping it into the cream cheese (b/c of course, getting a knife and even toasting my bagel is out of the question).<br />
<br />
since this month is NNM it's a nice reminder that there's always room for improvement in your diet. here's some quick ideas:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSCvLO14iv7j0geunUGXiWpZKxpjy42OeD2RiOxlG5TkLPRXRcxCFtKGlhv207EhWx2GwdZHxiITC0PABXLvhnP5ZJXvTITLUarkWZIL1pSXV0R8FEkydf7j5coJw_dF2plYBJ4Vq5qo/s1600/eggbfast.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQSCvLO14iv7j0geunUGXiWpZKxpjy42OeD2RiOxlG5TkLPRXRcxCFtKGlhv207EhWx2GwdZHxiITC0PABXLvhnP5ZJXvTITLUarkWZIL1pSXV0R8FEkydf7j5coJw_dF2plYBJ4Vq5qo/s320/eggbfast.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
i love eggs- hard boiled, over easy, fried, poached, you name it, i'll eat it. this breakfast literally takes minutes (less if you have two skillets going, one for the veggies and one for the egg). since we keep our bread in the freezer, i popped a slice in the toaster and started sauteing an onion in some oil and then added the kale (or spinach or whichever leafy green vegetable you have a liking for) until everything was nice and wilted. top on your toast then fry up your egg and lay it on top. wha-la! oh, and the oozing yolk over the veggies is the best ever. eum. can i have breakfast again?<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPw6UqbgIo5p18S7zQrYpr1hzfIz3ArhSbOZGSLnaSbfqbdqPBVSH-1QDzzBP1kDQYi_U9t1rMc-xkZ0AkcwCs5BMdffoug5l6321QPsR27r43Tx_K7jNOayflvj_KYs2175b7CCY8Vo/s1600/cauliflowerricepic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHPw6UqbgIo5p18S7zQrYpr1hzfIz3ArhSbOZGSLnaSbfqbdqPBVSH-1QDzzBP1kDQYi_U9t1rMc-xkZ0AkcwCs5BMdffoug5l6321QPsR27r43Tx_K7jNOayflvj_KYs2175b7CCY8Vo/s200/cauliflowerricepic.jpg" width="112" /></a></div>
it's always fun having a day off during the week to do some experimental cooking. i <strike>can't remember where i got this idea</strike> but i'll get you the<a href="http://www.mindbodygreen.com/0-7868/gluten-free-recipe-chipotle-style-cauliflower-rice.html" target="_blank"> link</a> to the original soon (i made my blog with my old hotmail account and now can't access both my gmail and my blog at the same time, any ideas?).<br />
<br />
this entire meal took me under 30 minutes start to finish (after a whirlwind grocery stop at costco). and the great thing is that it can be spiced and topped with ingredients to your liking (want a more asian flare- go ahead and saute and add tamari and ginger, etc and top with bean sprouts and slivered carrots, etc.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5XNWGFFH4ZEoDUB_XfG1YT_iYrw7G-Xq9HGPsxdYzQEtayvpvj8NAm6-2_1vTf_oVWmHxLKZWZvIw_R3jxnmTcUXoXciQl22KVlOx7xmbxuEZ4GVTqkvmnyUpMTHs5j033QdmLqALPc/s1600/cauliflower+rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil5XNWGFFH4ZEoDUB_XfG1YT_iYrw7G-Xq9HGPsxdYzQEtayvpvj8NAm6-2_1vTf_oVWmHxLKZWZvIw_R3jxnmTcUXoXciQl22KVlOx7xmbxuEZ4GVTqkvmnyUpMTHs5j033QdmLqALPc/s320/cauliflower+rice.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<u>Cauliflower Rice Southwestern Lunch</u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
(serves 3)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 head cauliflower</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 onion, diced</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 T garlic*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 tsp black pepper*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 tsp paprika*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp cumin*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp red chili pepper flakes*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 avocado, sliced</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 c diced tomatoes (or salsa if you have it on hand)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
hot sauce*</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 c Plain or Greek yogurt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
sprigs of cilantro</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Rinse cauliflower and cut into smaller florets to fit into your food
processor. Food process the cauliflower (I had to do it in two batches) til
it's the size of rice (but not mushy). Sauté onion and garlic in oil until
caramelized in a large skillet. Add the "rice" cauliflower and spices
until cooked. Plate a third of the cauliflower for each person. Top with beans, avocado
slices, salsa or tomato and yogurt. Sprinkle with cilantro and/or hot sauce.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
*All spicing is to taste or optional.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
happy experimenting, try something new this weekend!</div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-61057527643453741562013-03-06T18:19:00.000-05:002013-03-06T18:19:49.308-05:00snow days are the best<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">so there isn't really any snow accumulation, but i still got out of school, work, and teaching. sometimes false snow days are the best- if only to catch up on assignments and have a great excuse to bake!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk2TT5GhLokRQEetVCfxsB0ZxWYGRfcicPpugeGefjwGNj_mGeUv6jJaAerY-XD9xQgqs7ZIEhnI5Jgjxj9HVL0o7UbVsUPKw9JZwqTurA5R30HnSXMPKq-OnnpcfZrGX8jJ-eDy8jLc/s1600/carrotcakemuffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjk2TT5GhLokRQEetVCfxsB0ZxWYGRfcicPpugeGefjwGNj_mGeUv6jJaAerY-XD9xQgqs7ZIEhnI5Jgjxj9HVL0o7UbVsUPKw9JZwqTurA5R30HnSXMPKq-OnnpcfZrGX8jJ-eDy8jLc/s400/carrotcakemuffins.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">who says you can't make box cake mix healthier?</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">at what point is a muffin a cupcake or a cupcake a muffin? in my mind it's just a line between "healthy" and not so healthy. then again, I've made muffins with chocolate chips so am I only calling it a muffin because I used oats? and there was also that time i made a cake with a can of soda just to see how it would turn out...but let's not go back to those days.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Carrot cake</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
(makes 24 "<strike>muffins</strike>" muffcakes)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 box spice cake mix</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3 eggs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1.5 c finely shredded carrots</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3/4 c raisins, golden or regular</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 c chopped walnuts</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 c water</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Oil spray (for muffin tin)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Line or spray two muffin tins. Preheat oven to 350 F. Mix all
ingredients until combined. Scoop 1/4 c into each muffin tin and bake 15-20
minutes or until it presses back lightly when touched (or use the toothpick method).
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
*This would probably also taste great with toasted coconut added in. If
you want it to be more cupcakey, I would suggest adding the oil recommended on
the back of the cake mix box, but I like my cakes nice and fluffy and wanted to
get my good fats from the walnuts instead of oil. if you want it to be more on the cupcake side, a cream cheese based frosting sprinkled with chopped walnuts would be absolutely delish! i also think putting in a small can of crushed pineapple in place of the water would make this really moist and tasty.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's decided, they're now known as muffcakes.</span> </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTckRoxy_ebg5p3ArZyLKA-qhTMPAdhcAlytNOyRhft-PbcnHXsFpwRSxUZcYHjyUswSkd6vPca_hgNizl4tRTza4SFqLugWXDpjpclwCHJ07-oBy9RXzq26S1-a_KKck71dXcKI4caw/s1600/stirfry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlTckRoxy_ebg5p3ArZyLKA-qhTMPAdhcAlytNOyRhft-PbcnHXsFpwRSxUZcYHjyUswSkd6vPca_hgNizl4tRTza4SFqLugWXDpjpclwCHJ07-oBy9RXzq26S1-a_KKck71dXcKI4caw/s320/stirfry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">in case you needed some motivation or ideas for dinner- nothing like taking the random veggies from your fridge and making a stir fry. and the smell of onions sauteing is probably one of the best smells in cooking. don't you agree?</span></div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-22735938218446999342013-03-02T13:12:00.000-05:002013-03-02T13:12:05.431-05:00NNM!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCv5_-oofSRxDVL_qE2BZ-pmN7UmgHHsSZdS7q_F1R49pAzVvwVxXYnS3EN-wZwld2c4TUnwz6N3-1gij6a7NJTVi-U4LlXZaJ6ztLyHMqGwTYGWy17m9vnNnnzli72s2y8rl_8f-DG0/s1600/nnm2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKCv5_-oofSRxDVL_qE2BZ-pmN7UmgHHsSZdS7q_F1R49pAzVvwVxXYnS3EN-wZwld2c4TUnwz6N3-1gij6a7NJTVi-U4LlXZaJ6ztLyHMqGwTYGWy17m9vnNnnzli72s2y8rl_8f-DG0/s320/nnm2013.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's national nutrition month- eat right, your way, every day. not sure what exactly that means, but i'm thinking this is full of nutritious goodness, makes me happy, it's just the "every day" that trips me up. but it's all a work in progress. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's another exam week so stress baking/cooking as i "study."</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_E6lvDdovSmonJp0AKi56_h-hxPuagSEK9ayUzi2pz92rN3WS4WA6DytUpiujiMCk2ll0zDkX9xC-UkSvvyPIOqlukyp54I2EpGTztWtkCzHN3ajhiR9mwYL0KF8Hh8CATSNg8knlK_M/s1600/tunaburger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_E6lvDdovSmonJp0AKi56_h-hxPuagSEK9ayUzi2pz92rN3WS4WA6DytUpiujiMCk2ll0zDkX9xC-UkSvvyPIOqlukyp54I2EpGTztWtkCzHN3ajhiR9mwYL0KF8Hh8CATSNg8knlK_M/s400/tunaburger.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i can't remember how i stumbled on this recipe, probably one day at work killing time before closing. i do like delish's slideshows they have whenever i visit msn. but this recipe is super easy and quick and can really be fiddled with to your hearts content- "your way." if you look at the original recipe and then mine, i made several modifications (for instance i made mine gluten free, but then killed that w/ the bread), go ahead, have some fun!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Tuna Burgers</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
(serves 5)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Adapted from <a href="http://www.delish.com/recipefinder/quick-tuna-burgers-recipe-ew0311" target="_blank">Delish</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Burger</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 cans (5oz) chunk light tuna, not drained</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 T chia seeds</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 c plus 1 T corn meal</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 c plain yogurt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 c finely chopped carrots (I used 3 fat baby carrots)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 cup finely chopped onion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp Old Bay seasoning, divided</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
EVOO (for cooking)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Garlic "aioli"</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 cup plain yogurt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4-1/2 tsp mashed garlic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 tsp EVOO</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
5 whole-wheat hamburger buns, toasted</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
5 lettuce leaves</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
5 slices tomato</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 avocado, sliced</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
5 slices pepper jack cheese</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Slices of onion</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
Soak tuna (with water) in chia seeds for 15 minutes until the seeds
become more gelatinous and the liquid is gone. *I'm really only testing this
out, if you don't have chia seeds, drain the water and go forth! Add in the
other burger ingredients until combined and mixed evenly. Using a 1/3 cup
measuring cup, make 5 generous sized scoops and shape into 3" burgers.
Heat up a skillet with olive oil and cook burgers about 2 minutes on both
sides. Toast the buns and spread aioli
sauce on top and bottom. Layer vegetables and cheese and top with a tuna
burger.<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_IEMnl78y0IuaHikckrWZt9xSSDC1gUFF9Z5-1eH6xe5qp5GpfU5-h4r0WFFmz9ircNH8D2-I4I0VoNzzO05xm7w2q3KldsEvZjH4JeMd-5PJEaM3x2GX8vNiXv6apJGJv1NSgY7sgc/s1600/eatvegchipsfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM_IEMnl78y0IuaHikckrWZt9xSSDC1gUFF9Z5-1eH6xe5qp5GpfU5-h4r0WFFmz9ircNH8D2-I4I0VoNzzO05xm7w2q3KldsEvZjH4JeMd-5PJEaM3x2GX8vNiXv6apJGJv1NSgY7sgc/s320/eatvegchipsfront.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">the chips pictured above are from this <a href="http://snikiddy.com/type/eat-your-vegetables" target="_blank">company</a>. they are cholesterol free, no GMOs, gluten free and peanut free. they are made with a combination of beans, potatoes and rice flour (among other ingredients). i like the texture but it tasted sweeter than i was used to. it might be that it only has 125 mg of sodium per serving. but not bad. they have baked fries and cheese puffs as well which would be fun to try out.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-O9Xidqo86pCKYALH8EPJ_g_bzJqviXQfC_Px7PAXYCzEa14sKOI8-aqjQXoeUEnQuRzFGURfcnG2Nl-bP-GDpfXaMaXkWu8z7BFxZg8c72bncdTwrQC567s587_rBxNx_J4cCTmc5U/s1600/bbbrowniebottom.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6-O9Xidqo86pCKYALH8EPJ_g_bzJqviXQfC_Px7PAXYCzEa14sKOI8-aqjQXoeUEnQuRzFGURfcnG2Nl-bP-GDpfXaMaXkWu8z7BFxZg8c72bncdTwrQC567s587_rBxNx_J4cCTmc5U/s320/bbbrowniebottom.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i think black bean brownies has become my staple stress baking go-to. and finally got a shot of them from the bottom! it's so easy to make (i even managed to make it by mashing the beans w/ a fork b/c no one else in the house was awake at 4 and the vitamix would not be very nice) and even if i have a couple pieces i won't feel bad b/c it is so good for you! i tried decreasing the sugar and chocolate chips and increasing the amount of bananas. will let you know how it tastes (waiting until dinner for this goodness).</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">happy eating, try new things and have fun with recipes :)</span></div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-22532118107883328832013-02-28T09:58:00.000-05:002013-02-28T09:58:08.242-05:00sunny days, keeping the clouds away<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">ever wake up the on the right side of the bed and go for a run and <i>want</i> to eat carrots for breakfast? finally having one of those days :) hello sun! hello warmth (it's calling for a high of almost 50 today, i feel spring coming)! </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it's a shorter work day today (just the museum) so i got up and went to the grocery store. have i mentioned how much i love the grocery store when it's just me and the morning employees restocking shelves? it's like a whole store for me. so grabbed 4 lbs of baby carrots (they were on sale), a huge bag of kale, yogurt and soy milk (silk now makes an organic unsweetened soymilk which only has 1 g of sugar. it does have 4 g of fat but my diet is usually pretty low in that so i'd rather have it richer than sweeter). </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_NiQ77YuoxZsGCD2UeIAS8FwhfyJlY5t3zfD4DkuBdirsRxOfDCB1sOofjt4lpxJpMB2137eExUOO9HJLZjoS00Bqn-3TCVzKh-YhaHZd5rQEh50sgxjFklODL7DU7cQ215jZUFRT1s/s1600/carbankalesmoothie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX_NiQ77YuoxZsGCD2UeIAS8FwhfyJlY5t3zfD4DkuBdirsRxOfDCB1sOofjt4lpxJpMB2137eExUOO9HJLZjoS00Bqn-3TCVzKh-YhaHZd5rQEh50sgxjFklODL7DU7cQ215jZUFRT1s/s320/carbankalesmoothie.jpg" width="179" /></a><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Carrot, Banana, Kale Smoothie</u> (for 1)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 c soymilk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 heaping spoonful Greek yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 small handful kale</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">7-8 baby carrots</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 small banana</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Blend it up! I think if you chop up the banana and freeze it first, the smoothie will taste much creamier. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">For those that buy the extra large bag of kale (like me) i just pop the whole bag into the freezer (last time it may have taken me two years to finish the bag...but this time i'm hoping to cut that time to one year:) </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-23925412588093653192013-02-23T16:52:00.001-05:002013-02-23T16:52:52.610-05:00bean me up!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">sorry, very corny title, but it's all my brain power can give right now. </span><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXNS7mbAq9YQK-yW3p0Gl9KJLSSA7CRL60ELDAESB9nZCtBPEGtY5122KiBpRcQxo_3rrGsfzexg_ZjyXhSX4lCpaLfHpVOLIf2WHfIzm1blpbQiLkXYse-URo7S7Wsl-jZ469XeDMqs/s1600/beancookie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhXNS7mbAq9YQK-yW3p0Gl9KJLSSA7CRL60ELDAESB9nZCtBPEGtY5122KiBpRcQxo_3rrGsfzexg_ZjyXhSX4lCpaLfHpVOLIf2WHfIzm1blpbQiLkXYse-URo7S7Wsl-jZ469XeDMqs/s320/beancookie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">since exams are coming up on monday (eek!) it's time to bake my heart out and pretend, as M likes to say, that i'm about to take an exam in baking. i think i would pass with flying colors!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">this is adapted from <a href="http://www.oprah.com/food/Triple-Chocolate-Chip-Cookies-Recipe" target="_blank">Oprah</a> by Rocco DiSpirito. i'm all about using stuff in my kitchen and i'm not a fan of splenda, so behold-</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Double Chocolate Chip White Bean Cookies (right up there w/ the black bean brownies, eum eum)</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Makes about 20</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->Nonstick cooking spray<span style="font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1/2 tsp. vanilla extract<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1/3 cup sweet cocoa powder (Ghiradelli), sifted<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1 cup canned white cannellini beans , rinsed and drained<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->2 T maple syrup<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->3 large egg whites<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1/2 cup granulated sugar (can probably decrease to 1/3-1/4 c)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt; margin-left: 2.25pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">·<span style="font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]-->1/2 c semi-sweet chocolate chips, 1/2 of it chopped<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 13.5pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat the oven to 375°.
Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper and spray lightly with cooking spray (Make sure to spray even on silpat b/c it will stick!).
Set aside.<br />
<br />
In the bowl of a food processor, combine vanilla, cocoa, beans, and
the maple syrup, and blend the mixture until smooth, about 3 minutes, scraping
down the side of the bowl halfway through blending.<br />
<br />
In a separate bowl whip the egg whites until
they form soft peaks. Gradually beat in the sugar. Continue to beat the whites
until they are creamy and nearly stiff. Add one-third of the egg- white mixture
to the cocoa bean mixture in the food processor. Blend to combine, about 30
seconds. In 2 batches, fold the lightened cocoa mixture into the egg whites
until they are almost fully combined. Add chopped chocolate chips to the
batter. Fold batter until chocolate are evenly dispersed and cocoa mixture is
completely incorporated.<br />
<br />
Drop mounded spoonfuls of batter onto the prepared sheets. Spread batter out to
form cookies about 2½ inches in diameter. Sprinkle the chocolate chips on top
of the cookies.<br />
<br />
Bake for 20 minutes, rotating the pans one turn halfway through baking. Using a
metal spatula, transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.</span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-74433308327459144062013-02-10T19:19:00.000-05:002013-02-15T08:39:40.924-05:00if today is lunar new year, then yesterday was dad's birthday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV6cNH6mXQGVFO1ensWmJgpZELdUOT_sX0B9L8_h0ukuZL-wuufqhFLE2qUafn8DEOmJUFCULaIynQmagDm3KD6AhOmec1BwiOH2w2tCDMfEBgrfOiRgFRRaDI4ed4T2VABXj06719QI/s1600/Recently+Updated6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="492" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzV6cNH6mXQGVFO1ensWmJgpZELdUOT_sX0B9L8_h0ukuZL-wuufqhFLE2qUafn8DEOmJUFCULaIynQmagDm3KD6AhOmec1BwiOH2w2tCDMfEBgrfOiRgFRRaDI4ed4T2VABXj06719QI/s640/Recently+Updated6.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">it was D's bday on saturday, so of course that meant happy cooking and baking. spent almost two hours at wegman's trying to figure out what to cook for his birthday and ended up making a decision on the spot with the help of a handy smartphone (what did people do before smartphones??)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">these empanadas are really straight forward and delicious (it might help that there are 16 oz of cream cheese and two sticks of butter in the crust!) used the crust recipe from<a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/curried_pork_empanadas/" target="_blank"> simply recipes</a> but changed the ingredients of the filling. i made myself a samosa-esque emapanad with a combination of chickpeas, sauteed mushrooms and onions and this new sauce i got from wegman's. chef sahikh's curry sauces are tasty and good for you (low in sodium and minimal ingredients). here's a link to the <a href="http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-chef-shaikhs-curry-sauce-i170938" target="_blank">nutrition info</a> for the jar i got (the hot curry sauce is really not that hot at all). 1/4 cup of the sauce is only 50 calories and 110 mg of sodium. the meat eaters got chorizo, sauteed mushrooms and onions. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Chorizo empanadas</u></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(made about 25-30, lots of filling leftover)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 large onion, diced</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 large king oyster mushroom, diced</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">olive oil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 T minced garlic</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">salt and pepper</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3 chorizo links, chopped in small pieces</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">pastry recipe from simply recipes</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Follow recipe for pastry dough.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Saute onions and mushrooms in olive oil and add garlic and salt and
pepper to taste. Mix in the chopped chorizo. Let cool completely.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"></span></o:p><br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Chickpea Indian empanadas</u></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
1 large onion, diced</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
1 king oyster mushroom, diced</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
olive oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
1 T minced garlic</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
salt and pepper</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, rinsed and drained</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
1/2 c Chef Shaikh's hot curry sauce</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
Follow the recipe for the pastry dough. Saute onions and mushrooms in
olive oil with garlic and salt and pepper. Combine onions, mushrooms, chickpeas
and sauce. Follow empanada recipe.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
we got lazy and didn't use a 1/4 of the pastry dough from the empanadas, instead we decided to do our usual bake five million desserts and make a apple pie, minus the bottom crust, b/c really, who likes it when the bottom crust gets all soggy? </div>
</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUezI6iDxU28qsHY9Il6RTbWNl6y3UkCliKn-iK7ovCvPTkksNVdkrClP1bZ4h5A7hdz88RU8kMfKb9pbslIXnoNwZGeD9pLYUXbrKZPYXNuyYhktoXbOxpbeCFqR_ZvMlPUAMP2IMd3U/s1600/applepiepastry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUezI6iDxU28qsHY9Il6RTbWNl6y3UkCliKn-iK7ovCvPTkksNVdkrClP1bZ4h5A7hdz88RU8kMfKb9pbslIXnoNwZGeD9pLYUXbrKZPYXNuyYhktoXbOxpbeCFqR_ZvMlPUAMP2IMd3U/s320/applepiepastry.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">roll out the dough and place over chopped peeled apples that are lightly tossed in cinnamon and sugar. the pastry dough with all the butter and cream cheese was absolutely delicious as a pie top.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">this is the mother of all desserts- <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/biscoff-toffee-ice-cream-cake/print/" target="_blank">biscoff ice cream cake</a>. and really, it just came down to mixing vanilla ice cream with biscoff. i love that stuff.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_OXOfFjCjrT3vB59RaHWnxE3EhKdcKI8f6E3F4Cdh-OHWZtdjhp6g9Ukhjg9ylKXwH6cYMx3DOcFogMwrKLW0riQh5VRMfoxOu_b03NnozS0XZYyLcyLjDmE_Mn06Nv96VGFGCJi5CA/s1600/biscofficecreamcake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiC_OXOfFjCjrT3vB59RaHWnxE3EhKdcKI8f6E3F4Cdh-OHWZtdjhp6g9Ukhjg9ylKXwH6cYMx3DOcFogMwrKLW0riQh5VRMfoxOu_b03NnozS0XZYyLcyLjDmE_Mn06Nv96VGFGCJi5CA/s400/biscofficecreamcake.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i wish you could taste how good this ice cream cake really was</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i don't think you can go wrong with biscoff, but this ice cream cake is absolutely delicious, and it's minimal work but so pretty and melt in your mouth yummy.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Biscoff ice cream cake </u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">(adapted from two peas in a pod, took out the toffee bits to save D's teeth)</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Crust:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 2/3 cups crushed Biscoff cookies</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 T granulated sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">4 T unsalted butter (1 stick), melted</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<o:p><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">*I have a feeling the butter amount for the crust can be decreased</span></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Filling:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1.5 quarts vanilla ice cream, softened</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup Biscoff spread</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Topping:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Biscoff cookies, chopped</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Combine the crushed Biscoff cookies,
melted butter, and sugar together and press into the bottom and sides of a
10" springform pan. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until firm and set. Let cool
completely.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2. Melt the chocolate chips. In a large bowl, mix together the ice
cream and Biscoff spread. Swirl in the melted chocolate. Spread the ice cream
mixture evenly over the cooled cookie crust. Smooth out the top and sprinkle
with chopped Biscoff cookies. Freeze until firm, about 6 hours
or overnight.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">3. Remove the cake from the freezer and let sit for 5 minutes. Loosen
the pan sides and run a knife around the inside. Carefully remove the cake to
serve. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">i'm not sure if i mentioned the black bean brownies i had in gmfr in vt, but they were pretty good for being made w/ no butter, flour and with black beans. i finally got around to making it for the family, and i don't know how it happened but this turned out soooo much moister and tastier than i remember it from vt. it's like fudge brownie. maybe it's the banana. i will have to experiment, how terrible :D </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHosfp5WjBUKnLGzEIKB7zh4_kZJQbrTkhvqtAkoft_rTT3bkvnfNBm6Q33fDZcTv2dwP9uDglv53E-rNFuhF3G_Ir_whfi2nvkhAZE2-A8mufTF-Uq6VqxruWp4c5mdkEsOU4d3omGRY/s1600/blackbeanbrownie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHosfp5WjBUKnLGzEIKB7zh4_kZJQbrTkhvqtAkoft_rTT3bkvnfNBm6Q33fDZcTv2dwP9uDglv53E-rNFuhF3G_Ir_whfi2nvkhAZE2-A8mufTF-Uq6VqxruWp4c5mdkEsOU4d3omGRY/s320/blackbeanbrownie.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><u>Black bean brownies</u> (9x9)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 can black beans, rinsed and drained</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">splash of vanilla extract</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS;">1/4 c cocoa powder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">~3/4 cup sugar</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">2 eggs</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/4 tsp baking powder</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/8 to 1/4 cup canola oil</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1 1/2-2 bananas, sliced (depends how thick this is sliced)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Preheat oven to 350 F. Spray 9x9 pan with canola oil and line w/ sliced banana. Puree
all ingredients except the chocolate chips. Mix in the chocolate chips and pour
over the bananas. Bake for about 30 minutes or until set.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">happy year of the snake!</span></div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-9257123513274070222013-01-26T18:35:00.000-05:002013-01-26T18:35:31.097-05:00port jervis, ny<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnzKZqtt3d6xmhSML_4r6FIxTUa_GjOh1BxKv_nzMuVnAGebDbqoMlK7BYW_1-ltch7ksMXsx6wETtIYtJM-vNHG1KbGgK1Xb3agBZwlgGfVsD_0XfN-MU6SgD3TGQks79xdpZqhHj7c/s1600/de_river.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnzKZqtt3d6xmhSML_4r6FIxTUa_GjOh1BxKv_nzMuVnAGebDbqoMlK7BYW_1-ltch7ksMXsx6wETtIYtJM-vNHG1KbGgK1Xb3agBZwlgGfVsD_0XfN-MU6SgD3TGQks79xdpZqhHj7c/s400/de_river.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">if you've never heard of <a href="http://www.portjervistourism.com/" target="_blank">port jervis</a>, it's ok, neither had i until i ended up there. it's about 90 miles outside of nyc and the intersection of ny, nj, and pa. it's a cute little town (population under 10,000) and i think budget travel named it one of the best small towns in 2008. i'm not sure if they were talking about the winter time :)</span><br />
<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiaXFEHYJ0qLtjjbGWjI2J3kbrdjezTIZv95XO5W1qCkY8DHEyVxnvxllxQAdvOdCRXa_JY0VF63X8ZvETL-ZNEUFFXeHkuiGwTtK-PXu-xSCFHyWgnQ_6Bbn3XoSWRvzkVcflfsVYZs/s1600/portjervis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqiaXFEHYJ0qLtjjbGWjI2J3kbrdjezTIZv95XO5W1qCkY8DHEyVxnvxllxQAdvOdCRXa_JY0VF63X8ZvETL-ZNEUFFXeHkuiGwTtK-PXu-xSCFHyWgnQ_6Bbn3XoSWRvzkVcflfsVYZs/s320/portjervis.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">but the town was cute, all 2.5 square miles of it (even w/ my bad directional sense we had the town memorized by day 1). in about 5 min you can end up in any of the 3 states and the only way i could tell which state i was in was if i was in jersey and i 1) couldn't buy beer at the gas station, and 2) they pumped my gas for me.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">saturday night we went to <a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/the-grill-matamoras" target="_blank">the grill</a> in matmaros, pa. it was disco night or something. i think the entire drinking age of that town was there that night but it was fun to people watch (the fog machine i could have lived w/o though). and it was only about 7 minutes max from port jervis. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ispkjv4y3w1ooag-Ua2pDQm7aapMrjYEbgC0aGRXx7ZhsLl2ZAI_qJRbI6mQ9gEbUslg87ss7qYLLqS6KbO8VTC3JyfBdjHS5fCj292h23QBKPtvr7nE8gV1hDs4zd6yXrgRXNXVmgc/s1600/tristatemon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5ispkjv4y3w1ooag-Ua2pDQm7aapMrjYEbgC0aGRXx7ZhsLl2ZAI_qJRbI6mQ9gEbUslg87ss7qYLLqS6KbO8VTC3JyfBdjHS5fCj292h23QBKPtvr7nE8gV1hDs4zd6yXrgRXNXVmgc/s320/tristatemon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">tri-state monument: impossible to find, no tourist signs direct you to it and you have to drive through a cemetery to see it. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAMFICz2oVy3Qdzh4QcAJF_xaconeaJ_qb4xNPp1-dcpwgjmjzj5kQLJFFCy0DeozzRS_zsClaNceupzqrMTaxG_GfP7JHldUalsP59NWoHToW_m6t6SGD2gaGXDats2_xUzlMiFV9WM/s1600/eriehotel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzAMFICz2oVy3Qdzh4QcAJF_xaconeaJ_qb4xNPp1-dcpwgjmjzj5kQLJFFCy0DeozzRS_zsClaNceupzqrMTaxG_GfP7JHldUalsP59NWoHToW_m6t6SGD2gaGXDats2_xUzlMiFV9WM/s320/eriehotel.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">we ate lunch at the </span><a href="http://www.theeriehotel.com/" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;" target="_blank">erie hotel restaurant</a><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">, we were craving mexican but that wasn't happening. the building has been fully restored but still looks pretty cool. the food was so-so. tried my first mexican coffee, i'm not sure how i felt about it.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">getting beer was kind of hilarious sunday night before the ravens vs patriots game (i won't rub it in too much, but ravens kicked ass!). we found out to the left of our hotel was nj so none of the gas stations sold beer and the liquor stores were closed so we were directed to ny where we circled quite a bit until we found a little convenience store.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-30523784704709844122013-01-22T19:20:00.000-05:002013-01-22T19:20:17.921-05:00ba-na-naaaaa!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
i loved despicable me for the minions alone. and the fact that they were all in love with fruit, like me, didn't hurt either :D<br />
<br />
so of course this is a banana update, if you didn't get that yet :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T_DgEMXiE7RNkofzP9mPdI_nq5ZtCWdlkibvD48f7XTFAPqrpUltIAWOsy99_Noe-qK08YA6NCS3vAteNrjpqqgJevBmkXIoB_EtIB66nPj8IHTUmXEFaLrk10aiTgMOLKW3-r-Jw6g/s1600/mbdaybananacake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9T_DgEMXiE7RNkofzP9mPdI_nq5ZtCWdlkibvD48f7XTFAPqrpUltIAWOsy99_Noe-qK08YA6NCS3vAteNrjpqqgJevBmkXIoB_EtIB66nPj8IHTUmXEFaLrk10aiTgMOLKW3-r-Jw6g/s320/mbdaybananacake.jpg" width="244" /></a></div>
first is M's bday cake-<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Banana Sheet Cake (9 x 9)</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Cake</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 cup all purpose flour</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp baking soda</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp cinnamon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 tsp salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 cup granulated sugar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 eggs</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp of vanilla extract</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 large mashed bananas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 cup Greek yogurt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Frosting</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3 oz whipped cream frosting, room temp</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 cup (1/2 stick) unsalted butter, room temp</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 cup powdered sugar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp vanilla extract</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Preheat the oven to 350 F. Grease a 9x9 baking pan. In a medium bowl,
whisk together the flour, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. In a larger bowl,
beat the butter and sugar. Beat in the eggs one at a time and then add the
vanilla and mashed bananas. Mix in half of the flour mixture, then the yogurt,
then the other half of the flour mixture. Spread the batter evenly in the baking
pan and bake for about 20 minutes or until nicely brown and the surface springs
back up when touched. Let cool completely before frosting.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
For the frosting, mix all the ingredients together (electric mixer
would be the easiest, but by hand is doable). Spread over the cake. Decorate with toasted pecans, optional.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
*did half the<a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/banana_sheet_cake/" target="_blank"> simplyrecipes</a> recipe but forgot to halve the egg and
butter in the frosting, egg might have made the cake denser, and frosting
turned out perfectly (not too sweet but a cream cheesy goodness)</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVuPYOqOrsp7sMvvJ0eP1QrRxTnK_YAm6Nh4ZnecThyUCiKMceSBAqKNty24ohskXBC8bgLuhCwq0asPq6yoHMtlCnniTNF0su7rovZKDUs4SHlCh9qWYaiC0fTEG0Sxa80RJszjks4Y/s1600/bananabreadjoybaker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuVuPYOqOrsp7sMvvJ0eP1QrRxTnK_YAm6Nh4ZnecThyUCiKMceSBAqKNty24ohskXBC8bgLuhCwq0asPq6yoHMtlCnniTNF0su7rovZKDUs4SHlCh9qWYaiC0fTEG0Sxa80RJszjks4Y/s320/bananabreadjoybaker.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
second was a <b>new</b> banana bread recipe! who would have thought i would ever branch away from my usual recipe.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Banana Bread </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
adapted from <a href="http://joythebaker.com/2009/04/low-fat-oatmeal-banana-bread/" target="_blank">joy the baker</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
makes 1 loaf</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 1/4 cup all-purpose flour</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 cup granulate sugar</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp baking soda</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/4 tsp baking powder</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1/2 tsp cinnamon</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 cup uncooked old fashioned oats</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3 tsp canola oil</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
1 large egg, beaten</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
2 medium egg whites, beaten </div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
3 large ripe bananas</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
Preheat oven to 350F. Grease and flour a loaf pan. In a large bowl mix
all dry ingredients from flour through the oats. In a smaller bowl, mash
bananas and then add whole egg and oil until thoroughly mixed. Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix
well. In a medium sized bowl, with an electric hand mixer, beat the egg whites
until stiff peaks form. Fold the egg whites into the batter in three additions.
Pour batter into pan and bake until top of loaf is firm to touch about 45
minutes. </div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-952965245674256495.post-41697882044939034242013-01-11T21:03:00.001-05:002013-01-11T21:03:41.674-05:00let's do some honky tonky<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
just got back from nashville, tn last night after taking a look at Vandy (what the locals call Vanderbilt). here's the low-down on the city<br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">(10.5 hours from Central MD to Nashville)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Itinerary</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 1 (arrival)</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0YBC7wdywD8D7LI5DyDkKyoBpcdESQghV9ULWZdQQdwoqn1s7JjCFaSjHTMgOWEAY_k2im7MMnLFgT1AXkqCR4eScSbWlk51qvw7idbyDraSrrq5C6lI6fWOAOot9Lfoe3sG10AonyA/s1600/Recently+Updated4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib0YBC7wdywD8D7LI5DyDkKyoBpcdESQghV9ULWZdQQdwoqn1s7JjCFaSjHTMgOWEAY_k2im7MMnLFgT1AXkqCR4eScSbWlk51qvw7idbyDraSrrq5C6lI6fWOAOot9Lfoe3sG10AonyA/s320/Recently+Updated4.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">arrived early in the morning, went to Hermitage Café
(71 Hermitage Ave, 24 hours); food was so-so, but watching locals and getting
entertained by staff is worth it. Got great recommendations on where to eat in
town</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">explored Vandy</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">shopped at <a href="http://www.pangaeanashville.com/" target="_blank">Pangea</a> (eclectic mix of clothes,
jewelry, postcards, etc. bohemian kind of fun)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">lunch at <a href="http://www.provencebreads.com/wordpress/" target="_blank">Provence Breads & Café</a> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">(1705 21<sup><span style="font-size: x-small;">st</span></sup> Ave South) right by Vandy campus. We were still waiting
for check-in time to start at our hotel (Knights Inn in East Nashville,
~$45/night for the two of us including taxes, breakfast and HBO). Got a picnic
spread of their Tuscan bread (good, get their smaller loaf), mild cheddar, and
their artichoke pesto spread (be warned, this stuff is garlicky, like kill
vampires just by breathing)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihf2gMok1fi3Nm3He6YlIAHnC_15ao2QW9kgzf9TkZxuAZQPxBcj32kSHqtiiETKhYyCkTt8OvmTVoSZTIew6yj4guwdlk-WT4Se3G967qhmnJD8tTsixHeJXiPEexjex6rtEimccMND4/s1600/parthenon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihf2gMok1fi3Nm3He6YlIAHnC_15ao2QW9kgzf9TkZxuAZQPxBcj32kSHqtiiETKhYyCkTt8OvmTVoSZTIew6yj4guwdlk-WT4Se3G967qhmnJD8tTsixHeJXiPEexjex6rtEimccMND4/s320/parthenon.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">walked to and around Centennial Park (2500 West
End Ave) to see the Parthenon (to scale)</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyOGbcU6Em-diP1w2blHcFieaG-QdJvQ4cx9jfqGz5UWBEGspJLx5Vj4bHWgaFD4nyrTMRt2ALNJEfFsXjY8YhT1qw4VqHQM2cEQRgqKhWpo_TmHMj_lPq8AL0u1sjQWhj3sPF0TAbhs/s1600/calypsocafe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibyOGbcU6Em-diP1w2blHcFieaG-QdJvQ4cx9jfqGz5UWBEGspJLx5Vj4bHWgaFD4nyrTMRt2ALNJEfFsXjY8YhT1qw4VqHQM2cEQRgqKhWpo_TmHMj_lPq8AL0u1sjQWhj3sPF0TAbhs/s320/calypsocafe.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">picked up Cuban food at <a href="http://www.calypsocafe.com/home.htm" target="_blank">Calypso café</a> </span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">at Vandy location (2424 Elliston Pl)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">got the beans and 3 option- w/ bean and corn
salad, coleslaw and cornbread muffin w/ coconut (best part of the meal! Really tasty)</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 2</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">morning spent at Vandy open house</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">lunch- provence leftovers</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCTHvaG8EQypcyMh4BaKS1Tk7iibtl5ALxhzBNJl6fubpIr6_Zqxboc0hMv1tWM5nYvS5XafpJpnITy2s-v6uuqRpzdnVRGGCnKDFFjzz4Ebg3C_6QJjoarrmz_k9SjpgJTUyrdD0Pi4/s1600/thehermitage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTCTHvaG8EQypcyMh4BaKS1Tk7iibtl5ALxhzBNJl6fubpIr6_Zqxboc0hMv1tWM5nYvS5XafpJpnITy2s-v6uuqRpzdnVRGGCnKDFFjzz4Ebg3C_6QJjoarrmz_k9SjpgJTUyrdD0Pi4/s320/thehermitage.jpg" width="180" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><a href="http://www.thehermitage.com/" target="_blank">The Hermitage</a>- Andrew Jackson’s home (4580
Rachel’s Ln); free day, tour house and grounds
w/ museum</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhjhONYbNGJhbgnFsV7LPQf_F4vB9ecpRjbaahK-baSRAix21bOS-35LDuuxjRdDnbRglVMDtJZ8Tyz6AOGoOJ5LKTsW-N077exz9ePV0TVdbgPps6sWFPBgu11eoDKVbX5l9kyAhLNs/s1600/swetts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYhjhONYbNGJhbgnFsV7LPQf_F4vB9ecpRjbaahK-baSRAix21bOS-35LDuuxjRdDnbRglVMDtJZ8Tyz6AOGoOJ5LKTsW-N077exz9ePV0TVdbgPps6sWFPBgu11eoDKVbX5l9kyAhLNs/s320/swetts.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lunch: <a href="http://swettsrestaurant.com/" target="_blank">Swett’s</a> (2725 Clifton Ave)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> for
southern food</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Fried chicken very good</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Baked cornbread good</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Chess pie very sweet</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Candied yams really sweet</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Banana pudding good if you like bananas and the
now-and-later kind of taste</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">To listen to live music,<a href="http://www.yelp.com/biz/commodore-grille-nashville-2" target="_blank"> Commodore Grille</a> (2613
West End Ave)</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">
in the Holiday Inn has singer-songwriter night Tues- (we got there at 8,
perfect timing, try to find a table with a view); spinach and artichoke dip not
that great, but drinks are a good deal; stayed through open mic</span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 3</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Shopping </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoqH5x7X-QTHjEbw-vMLO3uiXq2g2_bEqY3p5HAWFimdxjSQ1dJRc17G15wj0lFA7lFWsY2Pmw4GSZH8Us2p1MosFFM2vH_7cdFgs04MXabo1fsDcuQv69qEX3urwpJGOrFuYDXi3ytA/s1600/Recently+Updated3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="308" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQoqH5x7X-QTHjEbw-vMLO3uiXq2g2_bEqY3p5HAWFimdxjSQ1dJRc17G15wj0lFA7lFWsY2Pmw4GSZH8Us2p1MosFFM2vH_7cdFgs04MXabo1fsDcuQv69qEX3urwpJGOrFuYDXi3ytA/s400/Recently+Updated3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Lunch at PM (2017 Belmont Ave) (</span><a href="http://www.pmnashville.com/"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Calibri;">http://www.pmnashville.com/</span></a><span style="font-family: Calibri;">), which is
asian inspired cuisine. Heard good things about the veggie burger from the guy
who worked at pangea. We split:</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">coconut calamari w/ cucumber salad: very good,
comes w/ a hot sauce and a sweet and sour sauce, the breading is nicely fried
and crispy</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l2 level2 lfo2; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">veggie burger with a wasabi mayo and with sweet
potato fries: the burger was marinated in a teriyaki kind of sauce, best veggie
burger I’ve ever had</span><span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6_Ig9M97CwW6R5_4wMnP37mYRgyW34QAI3o1bJLw2WLJ2IsIJJ3aP9juvpPB9AhYoiPfMKsnTCkHbb4dko-wrAxRM4AUxk9rptGWh6V8JwooJgbO2_lldagE9Pk12-MyYzgT-KR_STc/s1600/Recently+Updated5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjN6_Ig9M97CwW6R5_4wMnP37mYRgyW34QAI3o1bJLw2WLJ2IsIJJ3aP9juvpPB9AhYoiPfMKsnTCkHbb4dko-wrAxRM4AUxk9rptGWh6V8JwooJgbO2_lldagE9Pk12-MyYzgT-KR_STc/s320/Recently+Updated5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"></span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;"><span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>walked around downtown Nashville, The District
and explored the state capitol building (free)</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span>dinner: <a href="http://www.lahaciendainc.com/index.html" target="_blank">La Hacienda Taqueria</a> (2615 Nolensville
Rd);
got the fish taco (not impressed at all), and a vegetarian combination platter
(the rice was really good, beans were pretty good, chalupa and enchilada were
so-so); didn’t get to take endless chips up to use; would not recommend except
for the fact that it is cheap- so to make up for a kind of crummy dinner got
mcflurrys at the mcdonalds down the road from the restaurant (it was icy and
perfect)</div>
</span><br />
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt;">
<span style="font-family: Calibri;">Day 4 (departure day)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpFirst" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">left around 4:30 am</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 0.5in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: Symbol; mso-bidi-font-family: Symbol; mso-fareast-font-family: Symbol;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">·<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">stopped at a <a href="http://www.crackerbarrel.com/" target="_blank">Cracker Barrel</a> in TN (it was originally founded in TN!), everyone was really nice and
friendly; split</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Country Morning Breakfast- two eggs over easy
(this is important, if you like your eggs like this of course), sawmill gravy
and homemade buttermilk biscuits (dip your biscuit in the runny yolk, it cuts
back a bit on the saltiness and is just plain delicious!)</span></div>
<div class="MsoListParagraphCxSpLast" style="line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 0pt 1in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level2 lfo3; text-indent: -0.25in;">
<span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">o<span style="font-size-adjust: none; font-stretch: normal; font: 7pt/normal "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><span style="font-family: Calibri;">Buttermilk pancakes with Montmorency cherry
topping and whipped cream: don’t bother with the whipped cream, it’ll just get
too melted from the warm pancakes and slide off, the cherry topping made the
top pancake too sweet so see if they will put it on the side. The middle
pancake (there were 3) actually tasted the best</span></div>
</div>
s5http://www.blogger.com/profile/06102669719635950515noreply@blogger.com0