tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15445437442050746412024-03-13T07:06:26.731-07:00the swell quenelleestherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-21713665618593907112012-07-23T09:00:00.000-07:002012-07-23T09:00:01.398-07:00roasted veggie wraps<div>
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3IkDH7ddxM/UAsjIRCqpHI/AAAAAAAACno/GrjSkssvJZk/s1600/IMG_8796.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-W3IkDH7ddxM/UAsjIRCqpHI/AAAAAAAACno/GrjSkssvJZk/s640/IMG_8796.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Last Friday we finally caught a much-needed break from the lethargy-inducing 90+ humid weather we've been experiencing.<br />
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I could not get out of bed that day. You know what got me out of bed? I heard my husband leaving for work and I bolted up and scrambled to the top of the stairs so I could yell down for him to bring some of the giant <a href="http://aspicyperspective.com/2012/07/chocolate-banana-cake.html">banana-coconut cake</a> I had just made with him to work so we wouldn't be stuck with a giant banana-coconut cake to eat between the two of us. I guess there are worse things.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqm1fLQh1U8/UAsjLeb0SCI/AAAAAAAACnw/Tijk6LeBO34/s1600/IMG_8799.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-vqm1fLQh1U8/UAsjLeb0SCI/AAAAAAAACnw/Tijk6LeBO34/s640/IMG_8799.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Anyways, I didn't catch him. And I was too lazy to chase him. And I kind of headed back to bed. But then! He called me and told me I had to get outside because it was THE PERFECT WEATHER. </div>
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So I got up, put on my running clothes and headed outside and he was right. Perfect weather. The run was amazing. And since I did that, I can eat more cake. That's how it works, right?</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJEcDNZ-xkU/UAsjOrc3hkI/AAAAAAAACn4/1OkgEL3EdoA/s1600/IMG_8809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JJEcDNZ-xkU/UAsjOrc3hkI/AAAAAAAACn4/1OkgEL3EdoA/s640/IMG_8809.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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In an effort to squeeze every last drop out of The Perfect Weather Day (you never know when you'll get another one around here), we decided to have a picnic after work. And these veggie wraps were the perfect thing. Wrapped them up in foil like burritos and toted them to the park with our blankets and crosswords and cake (what else?). </div>
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I can't stop thinking about how delicious and satisfying these were and how I can't wait to make them again. Props to Bar Louie, which is where I had a very similar wrap that inspired me to make these.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LYQT5k9x9h0/UAsjUCH3AxI/AAAAAAAACoA/E4CG8aZuiTs/s1600/IMG_8810.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LYQT5k9x9h0/UAsjUCH3AxI/AAAAAAAACoA/E4CG8aZuiTs/s640/IMG_8810.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Roasted Veggie Wraps</b></div>
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<i>Serves 2</i></div>
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<u>Veggies</u></div>
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1/2 of a red pepper, sliced</div>
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3-inch section of a large zucchini, julienned (or two 3-inch sections, if using a small zucchini)</div>
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1 small carrot, julienned</div>
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1/4 of a small red onion, sliced</div>
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1-2 T. olive oil</div>
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1 tsp of kosher salt, or more to taste</div>
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1/2 tsp of lemon pepper or regular fresh ground pepper, or more to taste</div>
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<u>Wrap Ingredients</u></div>
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2 tortillas</div>
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Hummus (about 2-3 T.)</div>
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Pesto (about 2 T.)</div>
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1 cup spinach or arugula</div>
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Crumbled feta (about 1/4 cup)</div>
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1/2 of an avocado, sliced</div>
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Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil.</div>
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Combine the red pepper, zucchini, carrot and red onion in a medium bowl. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper and toss to coat. Pour veggies onto prepared baking tray and distribute evenly. Roast for 12-15 minutes, tossing once or twice, until tender-crisp.</div>
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While veggies are roasting, you can start preparing your tortillas. Spread half of one side of each tortilla with hummus, and spread pesto on the other half. Coarsely chop up your spinach or arugula.</div>
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When the veggies are finished, take them out and add the chopped spinach or arugula to the baking tray and toss gently to slightly wilt the lettuce. Divide your veggies evenly onto the prepared tortillas. Add the crumbled feta and the sliced avocado on top. Roll up your wraps (aluminum foil is helpful for holding it all together). Chomp.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dy2Z4Bh6r84/UAsjYgw0RZI/AAAAAAAACoI/jMuwlR3FsQQ/s1600/IMG_8813.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-dy2Z4Bh6r84/UAsjYgw0RZI/AAAAAAAACoI/jMuwlR3FsQQ/s640/IMG_8813.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-91574082187121541002012-07-20T13:57:00.001-07:002012-07-20T14:04:19.121-07:00no-cook summer chickpea saladOh hey, it's me.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L5gF_KMURw/UAnE3iyK-tI/AAAAAAAACnE/DrUYzWkgJQQ/s1600/IMG_8748.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7L5gF_KMURw/UAnE3iyK-tI/AAAAAAAACnE/DrUYzWkgJQQ/s640/IMG_8748.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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Truth be told, this recipe was never going to make it to the internets.<br />
It was a salad that I threw together one night a few weeks ago when husband was gone, and I wanted something healthy and fast and super easy, probably to balance all the cookies or chocolate almonds I had eaten that day (just a guess), and girls were coming over soon to <strike>swoon with me over Jef </strike> watch the Bachelorette.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9Y7iDFmgA0/UAnFC_ofSRI/AAAAAAAACnM/O6IHBzXc4Qo/s1600/IMG_8757.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-s9Y7iDFmgA0/UAnFC_ofSRI/AAAAAAAACnM/O6IHBzXc4Qo/s640/IMG_8757.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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So I made this salad. It was really good. But I didn't really think much more about it until my sister-in-law came over, starving, and finished up the rest of it, and loved it so much that she asked me for the recipe and then made it like 5 times in the next two weeks. And told me I had to post it.<br />
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So here I am. And here it is. I think it's perfect for summer. It's crunchy, light, slightly sweet, and has avocado, which automatically makes anything at least 52% better. And you really you don't have to cook a thing. If you buy those ready-to-eat edamame from Trader Joes, you literally just have to cut up a couple of veggies and stir some dressing together and shovel this into your mouth straight from the mixing bowl. I have really good manners.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qRLm0N-Rio/UAnFJ3goIkI/AAAAAAAACnU/aRfTtDIULHk/s1600/IMG_8758.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qRLm0N-Rio/UAnFJ3goIkI/AAAAAAAACnU/aRfTtDIULHk/s640/IMG_8758.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">(P.S. I love you, T. Thanks for liking my food.)</span><br />
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<b>Summer chickpea salad</b><br />
<i>Serves 2-3</i><br />
<span style="background-color: white;">1 can chickpeas, drained and rinsed</span><br />
1/2 cup shelled, ready-to-eat edamame<br />
1/2 cup chopped cucumber<br />
1 ear of corn on the cob, kernels removed<br />
1 green onion, sliced<br />
1/3 cup chopped tomatoes, optional (I added them mostly for color)<br />
1/2 of an avocado<br />
2 T. chopped cilantro<br />
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<i>Note: If you are making this salad ahead of time, or would like to save some for the next day, I'd recommend leaving out the tomatoes and avocado until just before serving.</i><br />
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<u>Dressing</u><br />
1 T. white wine vinegar<br />
1 T. sugar<br />
Juice from 1/2 lime<br />
3 T. olive oil<br />
<span style="background-color: white;">salt and pepper, to taste</span><br />
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red chili flakes, optional<br />
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Combine vinegar, sugar and lime juice in a small bowl. Add olive oil slowly while whisking. Add salt and pepper and chili flakes. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.</div>
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Combine all salad ingredients in a medium bowl and gently stir. Pour dressing over the salad and toss. Serve cool or at room temperature.</div>
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My fridge has been rather barren of late. Holidays and travel and work have robbed it of it's bounty and sapped me of time or energy to make stuff.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mw3IyhaJzY/TyiByyRvMlI/AAAAAAAACmc/C30hnwR4V9I/s1600/IMG_7028_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="408" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6mw3IyhaJzY/TyiByyRvMlI/AAAAAAAACmc/C30hnwR4V9I/s640/IMG_7028_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
So last night when an intense chocolate craving hit, and my sad half stick of butter made it virtually impossible to bake something (excuses), rather than going to the store to get more butter (which would have been the logical thing), I drove 20 minutes each way to get my sorry self a sinfully rich chocolate/peanut butter cupcake. <br />
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It was SO worth it.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ssts0umtfAY/TyiB05bessI/AAAAAAAACmk/eOOpwPZmYHQ/s1600/IMG_7044_2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="470" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ssts0umtfAY/TyiB05bessI/AAAAAAAACmk/eOOpwPZmYHQ/s640/IMG_7044_2.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
But thanks to a quick Whole Foods run for milk and bananas the other morning (which turned into a long Whole Foods run for milk, bananas, blueberries, citrus, bacon, cheese, cookies and other stuff), I found my fridge stocked with just enough good stuff to make this wonderful salad for snack today.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9s11eZF3Vwk/TyiBwGpwJYI/AAAAAAAACmU/gMce9LXAkCs/s1600/IMG_7023.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fg1H8kwzYMo/TyiB7LVfFJI/AAAAAAAACm0/mQ_luDU3wIc/s640/IMG_7050_2.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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It's a perfect way to use those beautiful winter citruses, and I think you'll find it refreshing and incredibly energizing as I did. I felt so great afterwards that I probably would have been annoyingly upbeat to anyone who might have been around. Fortunately I was alone.</div><br />
<b>Citrus Salad</b><br />
<i>Serves 1-2</i><br />
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1 grapefruit<br />
2 blood oranges<br />
2 clementines<br />
1/2 -1 whole avocado, depending on preference<b> </b> <br />
Juice of 1/2 a lime<br />
Olive oil<br />
Sea salt and Fresh ground pepper<br />
Salad greens, optional <br />
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Section all the citrus into a bowl. (<a href="http://localfoods.about.com/od/preparationtips/ss/sectioncitrus.htm">Here's</a> a helpful tutorial if you need it.) Slice the avocado and add it to the bowl. Squeeze the juice of the lime over the fruit. Drizzle with a tablespoon or so of olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper, to taste. Toss gently. Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary.<br />
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Eat as is, or serve (mostly drained) over greens (like watercress or arugula or baby greens).<br />
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<i>I ate it first with watercress, then ended up eating the rest straight from the bowl and actually preferred it like that!</i><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1PEj3MPeXs/TyiB4RGuoDI/AAAAAAAACms/XBhS59GjRSY/s1600/IMG_7046_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e1PEj3MPeXs/TyiB4RGuoDI/AAAAAAAACms/XBhS59GjRSY/s640/IMG_7046_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-50959145491245777112011-12-31T14:54:00.000-08:002012-07-20T14:00:24.881-07:00spicy tomato and spinach soupBefore we begin, I'm sorry these photos are so...rushed. <br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JDnHyp5b63g/Tv-Rf-zjXYI/AAAAAAAACl0/2AT8BFCM-qY/s1600/IMG_6784.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-JDnHyp5b63g/Tv-Rf-zjXYI/AAAAAAAACl0/2AT8BFCM-qY/s640/IMG_6784.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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The idea to even take photos was super last minute and pretty perfunctory, because I was just trying to throw together some soup for my sick husband with whatever I had on hand, and also I was hungry. But it turned out so surprisingly delicious that I'm glad I at least have these few average photos to share with you.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEtpdi5_muk/Tv-RiVnGFcI/AAAAAAAACl8/rdv7LmEiqHI/s1600/IMG_6788.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NEtpdi5_muk/Tv-RiVnGFcI/AAAAAAAACl8/rdv7LmEiqHI/s640/IMG_6788.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It's a good healthy soup. It's warming and spicy. It's comforting when served with toasty bread or grilled cheese or these <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/12/warm-winter-chickpeas/#comments">warm winter chickpeas</a>. It's even better when you take some of said chickpeas onto a spoon and then get some soup onto that spoon too. Comfort food man.<br />
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Definitely one of favorite dinners recently though. Especially since I just covered the entire thing in parmesan cheese.<br />
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<b>Spicy tomato and spinach soup</b><br />
<i>2-3 servings</i><br />
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2 T. olive oil<br />
2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1/2 cup chopped onion<br />
1 tsp. kosher salt<br />
1/2 tsp. pepper<br />
1 tsp. crushed red pepper flakes<br />
1 tsp. oregano<br />
1/2 tsp. herbes de provence<br />
1 14-oz can stewed or crushed tomatoes<br />
2 cups vegetable stock<br />
2-3 cups chopped fresh spinach<br />
1/4 cup heavy cream, optional<br />
1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan<br />
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Heat olive oil in a pot over medium heat. Add garlic and onion and sauté until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Add salt, pepper, red pepper flakes, oregano, and herbes de provence. Stir to combine. Add the tomatoes and the vegetable stock and stir. Add the spinach, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to a simmer. Simmer uncovered for about 15-20 minutes. Taste and adjust seasonings as desired. Stir in cream, if using. Serve sprinkled with fresh parmesan.<br />
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OPTION:<br />
Add pasta or rice to the soup to turn this into a heartier soup.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPtibpElp9U/Tv-RtOPuqfI/AAAAAAAACmM/Sst54F4dwbI/s1600/IMG_6791.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yPtibpElp9U/Tv-RtOPuqfI/AAAAAAAACmM/Sst54F4dwbI/s640/IMG_6791.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div>
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I hope you have a very happy and bright new year full of love and bubbles! </div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-88776189204607529422011-12-28T11:56:00.000-08:002011-12-28T11:59:55.542-08:00peppermint mocha cupcakes<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--agjQUyTC_k/Tvt0Bo6I42I/AAAAAAAAClY/grXsftvrYH0/s1600/IMG_6772.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--agjQUyTC_k/Tvt0Bo6I42I/AAAAAAAAClY/grXsftvrYH0/s640/IMG_6772.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
What's your favorite seasonal drink at Starbucks?<br />
Do you have a top secret 47-word one that I should know about?<br />
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I love me some peppermint mocha. I was thinking it was my favorite. I'm not much for gingerbread or brulee. Maybe they're not sinful enough, I don't know. Then the other day as I was standing in line at the 'bucks anticipating my tasty drink, I heard someone order a salted caramel mocha. Like, not-on-the-menu-anymore-since-Fall-is-over salted caramel mocha. I had forgotten all about that guy! So now I've decided that maybe those two seasonal mochas will tie for favorite.<br />
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As you can see, I have very exciting thoughts.<br />
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On to the cupcakes! Obviously, since I make these <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/08/mocha-coconut-frappuccino-cupcakes/">mocha coconut cupcakes</a> on a very regular basis, and given my aforementioned weakness for the peppermint mocha, it was only the decent thing to do to combine them into one amazing little cake.<br />
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They're rich yet refreshingly minty. Not overpoweringly minty though. Crunchy candy cane bits top the delectable mint buttercream to make your day. Zing! (I don't know if that phrase applies here)<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OACq6u_3bGY/Tvt0EBsW_zI/AAAAAAAAClg/BCCVe3rbl4k/s1600/IMG_6776.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OACq6u_3bGY/Tvt0EBsW_zI/AAAAAAAAClg/BCCVe3rbl4k/s640/IMG_6776.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
<b>Peppermint Mocha Cupcakes</b><br />
<i>Adapted from How Sweet's <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/08/mocha-coconut-frappuccino-cupcakes/">mocha coconut cupcakes</a></i><b> </b><br />
<i>makes 12 cupcakes</i><br />
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1 1/8 cups all purpose flour<br />
1/4 cup dark cocoa powder<br />
3 tablespoons instant coffee powder<br />
1 1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
3/4 cup white sugar<br />
1 egg<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
1/2 teaspoon mint/peppermint extract <br />
3/4 cup milk<br />
1/2 cup butter, melted<br />
2 tablespoons sour cream<br />
1/2 cup milk chocolate chips (I wanted to use mint chips but couldn't find them. I bet they'd be amazing in this)<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line a muffin tin with liners.<br />
Melt butter and let cool slightly. Meanwhile, sift together, flour, cocoa, coffee, soda, and salt in a medium bowl. In a large bowl, whisk egg and sugar until smooth and no lumps remain. Add milk, butter and extracts, and mix until combined. Add dry ingredients to wet mixture. Mix until batter is smooth, then stir in sour cream. Fold in chocolate chips and mix. Using a 1/4 cup measure or an ice cream scoop, add batter to each cup to fill about 2/3 full (or a little more). Bake for 15-18 minutes until toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Let cool completely before frosting.<br />
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<b>Minty Whipped Cream Buttercream</b><br />
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<span class="amount"><span class="value">1 </span><span class="type">cup</span></span> softened butter<br />
3-4 cups powdered sugar<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
3/4 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1/4 tsp mint/peppermint extract<br />
2-4 T. heavy whipping cream<br />
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
<div style="color: #666666;">Cream butter in large bowl until fluffy. Add sugar gradually until a thick consistency is reached. Add salt and extracts and 2 T. of cream. Continue beating. Add more cream until desired consistency is reached, and more sugar if it is too thin. Taste and add 1/4 tsp more mint extract if it isn't minty enough for you.</div></div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: #444444; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: #666666; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;">Frost cupcakes. Top with crushed candy canes. Refrigerate leftover cupcakes to keep frosting fresh.</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><br />
</div><div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; color: black; overflow: hidden; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;"><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBdY8WpnWy4/Tvt0IB8BBzI/AAAAAAAAClo/UqKZ52Qdluo/s1600/IMG_6783.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lBdY8WpnWy4/Tvt0IB8BBzI/AAAAAAAAClo/UqKZ52Qdluo/s640/IMG_6783.JPG" width="640" /></a></div></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-62920166329136108742011-12-16T10:43:00.000-08:002011-12-16T14:54:58.935-08:00return to regularly scheduled programming?<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It's been a lonnng time. So sorry. I plan to make up for it with this picture-laden post. </div><br />
Can I be honest with you though? (yes? thanks!) The weirdest thing has been going on with me. Lately I've felt sort of indifferent about food. There, I said it. SO weird.<br />
I usually fall asleep thinking and planning what food to make next (sad? maybe), now I just fall asleep trying to plan Christmas presents.<br />
I usually live to eat, but lately it's more like eat to live. Does that ever happen to you?<br />
<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="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/pumpkin-cinnamon-streusel-pancakes/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHK-67ptpro/TuuKvDekPwI/AAAAAAAACkU/kTkec7evqAc/s640/IMG_6425.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pumpkin streusel pancakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/pumpkin-cinnamon-streusel-pancakes/"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-h03SRgBJ9as/TuuKxS3ZdzI/AAAAAAAACkc/N3K3AdDUDd0/s640/IMG_6435.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
Actually, this is probably the first time it's happened to me. I still like food, and good food at that, but I haven't been making very much of it at home. I'm also trying to eat well/not eat a lot of meat, so that narrows options when trying to select a restaurant to get takeout from, but I can't really place a finger on what I want to eat even then. I just shrug and let my husband decide and then eat what he gives me. That may be a very slight exxageration, but just a slight one.<br />
<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="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/11/spinach-and-mushroom-breakfast-hash.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6mtkwq1vvhw/TuuK1FCjZVI/AAAAAAAACkk/9dfiwpAGufw/s640/IMG_6448.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">smoky spinach and mushroom breakfast hash</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
I think it's a combination of previous overeating (think Thanksgiving, etc.), being very busy, and being uninspired. Sure, I've made things here and there, mostly sweets, but that's no surprise. We've had <a href="http://jodibombace.squarespace.com/whats-cooking-good-looking/2011/10/4/quinoa-black-bean-burger-with-a-smoky-avocado-spread.html">black bean burgers</a> and <a href="http://www.whatscookinggoodlooking.com/whats-cooking-good-looking/2011/10/12/butternut-squash-fries-with-a-chipotle-bbq-dipping-sauce.html">butternut squash fries</a>, <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/10/lemon-olive-and-parsley-quinoa-cakes/#more-6590">lemon/parsley/olive quinoa cakes</a>, and <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/11/spinach-and-mushroom-breakfast-hash.html">husb's favorite breakfast hash</a>. I've made these <a href="http://www.twopeasandtheirpod.com/pumpkin-cinnamon-streusel-pancakes/">amazing pumpkin streusel pancakes</a>, some <a href="http://unegaminedanslacuisine.com/2011/11/thanksging-morning-yeast-free-cinnamon.html">yeast-free cinnamon rolls</a>, and rather failed at an eggnog breakfast cakes attempt. They weren't bad, just not eggnog-y enough. And a little dry. They looked good though! (see picture)<br />
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QchrUqanfdE/TuuK6I9KIJI/AAAAAAAACks/qkz4QA8BZJc/s1600/IMG_6460.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QchrUqanfdE/TuuK6I9KIJI/AAAAAAAACks/qkz4QA8BZJc/s640/IMG_6460.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">eggnog breakfast cakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auFtbtC5jZ0/TuuK_SPe_oI/AAAAAAAACk0/kv3ztURVvk0/s1600/IMG_6467.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-auFtbtC5jZ0/TuuK_SPe_oI/AAAAAAAACk0/kv3ztURVvk0/s640/IMG_6467.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-MHK-67ptpro/TuuKvDekPwI/AAAAAAAACkU/kTkec7evqAc/s1600/IMG_6425.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
However, yesterday when I was making cookies for someone (<a href="http://unegaminedanslacuisine.com/2010/03/gingersnaps-with-lemon-ginger-cream.html">these,</a> one of my favorites), I got a twinge of that old excitement/sense of peace that I usually get when I bake. I actually started thinking about what I wanted to bake next. So maybe it's back.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://unegaminedanslacuisine.com/2011/11/thanksging-morning-yeast-free-cinnamon.html#more"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-i-Pywf6UrJw/TuuLEgqPCzI/AAAAAAAACk8/6jrzgbnCY10/s640/IMG_6474.JPG" width="640" /></a> <span id="goog_490396645"></span><span id="goog_490396646"></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
In the meantime, <a href="http://pinterest.com/esthermichelle/">Pinterest</a> has been doing it's part in providing exciting/dangerous food pictures. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Let me try to entice us with a couple of them:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><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="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/new-recipes/cookies-n-cream-oreo-fudge-brownies.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LK7Cel4cSe0/TuuP_Wu2Y6I/AAAAAAAAClE/v0LyS1-Ib0M/s640/cookies-and-cream-oreo-fudge-brownies-5.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">cookies and cream oreo fudge brownies...</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.kevinandamanda.com/whatsnew/new-recipes/cookies-n-cream-oreo-fudge-brownies.html"><span id="goog_276208482"></span></a><span id="goog_276208483"></span></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
And just so you don't go into sugar shock from all these sweets pictures, here's a picture of a savory (but still unhealthy) thing.<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><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="http://www.goodlifeeats.com/2011/02/fontina-spinach-and-bacon-shells-and-cheese.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n0q0BiX-iN4/TuuQSXr1IfI/AAAAAAAAClM/ih7OFdC_miw/s640/fontinamacncheese.jpg" width="456" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">fontina mac and cheese with spinach and bacon!!!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
Happy carbing!estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-92124722877280556932011-11-17T11:47:00.000-08:002011-11-18T13:44:36.759-08:00chewy carrot cake cookiesCan I tell you about my life?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0tz91wVFTkQ/TsVipaRndsI/AAAAAAAACis/B_JY3MTgcXI/s1600/IMG_6387.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0tz91wVFTkQ/TsVipaRndsI/AAAAAAAACis/B_JY3MTgcXI/s640/IMG_6387.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
Well, it's just a small bit about my life, but I think it gives some insight into the kind of person I am. Get ready.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAdAo9TFkS4/TsVilYje18I/AAAAAAAACik/BNdqtupu4Oo/s1600/IMG_6385.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OAdAo9TFkS4/TsVilYje18I/AAAAAAAACik/BNdqtupu4Oo/s640/IMG_6385.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
A few days ago my mom asked if I would be able to take her and my dad and grandma to the airport today, early in the morning. Okay, early for me, but normal time for everyone who's normal: 7:30. (Insight #1: I don't do mornings.) I said I thought I could do that. (Insight #2: I am super noncommittal.) She double-checked again on Tuesday (2 days ago) if I could do it and I said yup, I'm on board.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FRjyK3eZsI/TsVitZ0LEkI/AAAAAAAACi0/cmwykJICddU/s1600/IMG_6391.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8FRjyK3eZsI/TsVitZ0LEkI/AAAAAAAACi0/cmwykJICddU/s640/IMG_6391.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Flash forward to last night, or rather this morning at 2am. I had just pointlessly stayed up finishing a mini Gossip Girl marathon and was finally crawling into bed. (Insight #3: I do this thing where I stay up really late for no reason at all, and this causes Insight #1.) No sooner had my eyes closed than they popped open again. I HAVE TO TAKE THEM TO THE AIRPORT.<br />
<br />
I had totally forgotten. I had turned off my phone. I had not set an alarm. Laughing at myself because of how close I came to completely failing them, and incredibly grateful for the reminder which could have only come from God himself, I turned my phone back on and set my alarm.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HU007S6AwY/TsViyaUNrhI/AAAAAAAACi8/fZS8hroSY1k/s1600/IMG_6395.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-6HU007S6AwY/TsViyaUNrhI/AAAAAAAACi8/fZS8hroSY1k/s640/IMG_6395.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
7:31 am: I'm awoken from sleep by my phone (good thing it was on). It's dad. I look at the clock and half yelp/half start muttering things to myself and answer it while jumping out of bed. He's just wondering if my car is big enough for all them and their bags or if he should get one of their cars out. I'm so muddled that it takes me a really long time to answer his simple question. Also I'm trying to put my pants on. I take so long to give a straight answer that he just asks, "are you close?" I say I'm eight minutes away.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgxkPivF3KY/TsVi19AUL0I/AAAAAAAACjE/hFPK7hz3bts/s1600/IMG_6404.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tgxkPivF3KY/TsVi19AUL0I/AAAAAAAACjE/hFPK7hz3bts/s640/IMG_6404.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
As I run around my house grabbing things like scarves and jackets to throw on, I still kind of have to laugh at myself. (Insight #4: I'm a nutcase?) I don't know what happened to that alarm I set.<br />
<br />
But somehow all went well, and they got there at a decent time, and since I haven't heard from them, I'm assuming they are happily on a plane to California.<br />
<br />
By the time I get home from the airport it's 9:00. I think to myself I should get started on the day. I have a lot to do. I can get my workout in right now, and maybe I'll even go to the grocery store while it's still early and get that out of the way.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToqYXB48dsM/TsVi6J3zw5I/AAAAAAAACjM/eq3jCz7rYAA/s1600/IMG_6410.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ToqYXB48dsM/TsVi6J3zw5I/AAAAAAAACjM/eq3jCz7rYAA/s640/IMG_6410.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Instead, I decide to just get in bed for a little bit because I'm so very tired. I won't sleep, I'll just lay here for a bit. (Insight #5: I have neither good judgement nor self-control.)<br />
<br />
You can guess what happened there<i>.</i><br />
<br />
So when I finally got up, instead of working out or going to the grocery store, I baked up these cookies and had them for breakfast. (Insight #6: Sometimes I just make excellent decisions.)<br />
<br />
(Insight #7: They're super delicious.)<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5uZpwAvV6TU/TsVjENEovxI/AAAAAAAACjc/jUlStuiyAZg/s1600/IMG_6421.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5uZpwAvV6TU/TsVjENEovxI/AAAAAAAACjc/jUlStuiyAZg/s640/IMG_6421.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
<b>Chewy Carrot Cake Cookies</b><br />
<i>Makes 18-20 cookies</i><br />
<i> </i><b> </b><br />
2 cups all-purpose flour<br />
1/2 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/2 tsp. kosher salt<br />
1 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1/4 tsp. ground ginger<br />
1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg<br />
3/4 cup unsalted butter<br />
1 cup packed brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup white sugar<br />
1 tablespoon vanilla extract <br />
1 egg<br />
1 egg yolk<br />
1/2 tsp. lemon juice<br />
1 1/2 cups finely grated carrots (about 2 large)<br />
1 1/2-2 cups white chocolate chips<br />
1/2 cup shredded sweetened coconut<br />
1/2 cup walnuts or pecans, optional<br />
<br />
1. Place the butter in a skillet over medium heat. Let it melt, swirling occasionally. When it has melted, continue swirling or whisking constantly until it has browned lightly and has a nice nutty aroma. This should take about 3 minutes or so. Be careful not to burn it. Transfer it to a large heat-safe bowl.<br />
<br />
2. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, ginger and nutmeg. Set aside.<br />
<br />
3. Add the sugars to the bowl with the browned butter. Beat until combined. Beat in the vanilla, egg, egg yolk and lemon juice until light and creamy. Let it sit for a couple minutes and beat it again. Add in the carrots and mix to combine. Add the dry ingredients gradually and blend until just combined. Stir in the white chocolate chips, the coconut and the nuts (if using) with a wooden spoon.<br />
<br />
4. Refrigerate the dough for at least an hour. (Overnight works too.)<br />
<br />
5. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 325 degrees. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Drop cookie dough 1/4 cup at a time onto the sheet. (I like to use an ice-cream scoop.) Cookies should be about 2 inches apart.<br />
<br />
6. Bake for 16-18 minutes in the preheated oven, or until the edges are lightly toasted. Cool on baking sheets for a few minutes before transferring to wire racks to cool completely. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyKxf_leSgA/TsVi-4ijIHI/AAAAAAAACjU/2Ydb-Q--ywo/s1600/IMG_6416.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="440" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LyKxf_leSgA/TsVi-4ijIHI/AAAAAAAACjU/2Ydb-Q--ywo/s640/IMG_6416.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-56382314582195399162011-11-14T09:56:00.000-08:002011-11-14T11:32:13.350-08:00harvest grain salad (?)<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ItK9MoKXcQ/TsFT3vDDkzI/AAAAAAAAChk/-fX8cR0kW4c/s1600/IMG_6333.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4ItK9MoKXcQ/TsFT3vDDkzI/AAAAAAAAChk/-fX8cR0kW4c/s640/IMG_6333.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
I'm sorry that I'm presenting you with another salad. On a Monday.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q32EDMv_9aA/TsFT7OWfdAI/AAAAAAAAChs/wdXCLI7NoSM/s1600/IMG_6355.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Q32EDMv_9aA/TsFT7OWfdAI/AAAAAAAAChs/wdXCLI7NoSM/s640/IMG_6355.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><br />
I'm sorry that this salad looks eerily similar to <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/colorful-quinoa-salad.html">this one</a>. Or perhaps <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/09/israeli-couscous-salad.html">this one</a>. I promise you it's different.</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Py68L_MOZLw/TsFUBCrjajI/AAAAAAAACh0/i8kjs3HmG_s/s1600/IMG_6358.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Py68L_MOZLw/TsFUBCrjajI/AAAAAAAACh0/i8kjs3HmG_s/s640/IMG_6358.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I'm sorry that I haven't had coffee yet. I'm sorry I keep putting off my workout today. I'm sorry my house is dirty. Let's move on to happier things.</div></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKKMYrQGAzw/TsFUGdnOMaI/AAAAAAAACh8/JA8lvpjZphk/s1600/IMG_6365.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-cKKMYrQGAzw/TsFUGdnOMaI/AAAAAAAACh8/JA8lvpjZphk/s640/IMG_6365.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
...Salad? A happier thing? <i>I</i> think so. I say it's a salad but you really can't call it a salad any more than you can call a Hollywood marriage permanent.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psfZ6XvGcWY/TsFULmpD4QI/AAAAAAAACiE/T9cQiQbIPtk/s1600/IMG_6368.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-psfZ6XvGcWY/TsFULmpD4QI/AAAAAAAACiE/T9cQiQbIPtk/s640/IMG_6368.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
Eat this. It has everything in it. Deep, earthy flavors from the grains and nuts combine with the richness of the goat cheese and squash, only to be balanced out by the bright pop of pomegranate seeds and sweet chewy Craisins. How's that for a description? May be my best yet.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5tAEncADfo/TsFURgivVPI/AAAAAAAACiM/ur_xOYYXs5o/s1600/IMG_6372.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-T5tAEncADfo/TsFURgivVPI/AAAAAAAACiM/ur_xOYYXs5o/s640/IMG_6372.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
<i>Note: The farro has to soak overnight or for about 8 hours, so you kind of have to plan this in advance.</i> <br />
<br />
<b>Harvest Grain Salad</b><br />
<i>About 3 servings</i><br />
<br />
2/3 cup Isreali Couscous (uncooked)<br />
1/2 cup Farro (uncooked)<br />
1/2 of a butternut squash<br />
1/4 cup of pistachios, shelled<br />
1/4 cup of Craisins<br />
1/4 cup of pomegranate seeds <br />
2 oz. of crumbled goat cheese<br />
1-2 cups of spinach<br />
olive oil and red wine vinegar<br />
kosher salt and lemon pepper (or regular pepper)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 400. Line a baking sheet with foil. Prepare squash by cutting off the rind and cutting the squash into small cubes. Put it into a bowl and toss it with a drizzle of olive oil and some salt and pepper. Pour onto prepare baking sheet and roast, for about 15 minutes or until soft and starting to brown. (Stir or turn once or twice as needed during roasting.)<br />
<br />
While squash is cooking, cook your (presoaked) farro and couscous according to package instructions.<br />
<br />
When grains are done cooking, put them in a large bowl. Add the cooked squash, the pistachios, the craisins, and the pomegranate seeds. Add in about a tablespoon of olive oil (I used lemon-infused) and about a tablespoon of red wine vinegar, and a couple pinches of salt and pepper (to taste). Toss. Add goat cheese and spinach and toss gently until spinach wilts slightly from the warmth of the other ingredients. Taste and adjust seasonings/ingredients as desired. Serve slightly warm or at room temperature.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14Obxn8hXi8/TsFUeb3i_MI/AAAAAAAACic/n0TwH5rPZnc/s1600/IMG_6376.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-14Obxn8hXi8/TsFUeb3i_MI/AAAAAAAACic/n0TwH5rPZnc/s640/IMG_6376.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-66687575162258055512011-11-10T13:37:00.000-08:002011-11-14T11:32:37.104-08:00smoky spinach and mushroom breakfast hashI am the worst planner.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-su21hgnojTA/TrxCqlA6_KI/AAAAAAAACWA/MsgXky_wPG8/s1600/IMG_6334.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-su21hgnojTA/TrxCqlA6_KI/AAAAAAAACWA/MsgXky_wPG8/s640/IMG_6334.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
My husband's birthday was on Tuesday and I spent the last couple weeks planning on planning something really awesome for him. As it got closer to the date and I realized that I hadn't actually planned something but had only kept turning it over in my head, I vowed to get my act together. Then suddenly it was Sunday and I.had.nothing. I did have a really busy and stressful work week, so I could use that as an excuse, but not really, because there are people (my husband is one of them) who can plan amazing events and parties in the middle of their incredibly busy schedules. <br />
<br />
I doubled my research efforts and finally planned a mini getaway (mini like one night). I made the calls. I committed. One of my biggest problems with planning is my fear of committing to something because I think there might be something better out there that I'm missing. It's really weird.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wDoH0aQVO4/TrxCtLTkSZI/AAAAAAAACWI/lbTlnuDvzyg/s1600/IMG_6339.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="438" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-_wDoH0aQVO4/TrxCtLTkSZI/AAAAAAAACWI/lbTlnuDvzyg/s640/IMG_6339.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
Anyway, it all worked out. Fun was had by all. I'm glad I finally committed.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfVVDxwpdiQ/TrxCyKYyeQI/AAAAAAAACWQ/wBtdzsJ4CWk/s1600/IMG_6341.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-EfVVDxwpdiQ/TrxCyKYyeQI/AAAAAAAACWQ/wBtdzsJ4CWk/s640/IMG_6341.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
So why am I telling you all this? It started because I was thinking about how out of it I must be to sit my butt down on exactly the wet part of the couch that I had just cleaned (oh, because I spilled my grapefruit cup on it) and then take a good 10 minutes to wonder why my pants are wet. It got me wondering how I got to be so mentally absent today. And I'm going to chalk it up to a combination of the work stress of last week and the planning stress that put me out of my comfort zone. <br />
<br />
And while I say it put me out of my comfort zone, I'm really not complaining. I'd do it again in a second because it's totally worth it. It helps me grow and learn and be better. It makes loved ones happy. Nothing beats that.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XbIBqIiZSMY/TrxC3f_PX2I/AAAAAAAACWY/icK7eiRAsj0/s1600/IMG_6342.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XbIBqIiZSMY/TrxC3f_PX2I/AAAAAAAACWY/icK7eiRAsj0/s640/IMG_6342.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
Now. Speaking of loved ones being happy, I need to tell you about this breakfast hash. Few breakfasts make my husband happier. He says this should go on the menu if I were ever to open a café, and that makes me happy because it's possibly the highest compliment he gives.<br />
<br />
This stuff has it all. Sweet crunch from the corn, deep earthy flavor from the mushrooms (and I don't even really like mushrooms, usually), saltiness and smokiness from the bacon and seasoning, spiciness from the jalapenos...it doesn't get much better.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0OvkESYPc0/TrxC8xEE7QI/AAAAAAAACWg/s3iUmzD_0N8/s1600/IMG_6350.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-s0OvkESYPc0/TrxC8xEE7QI/AAAAAAAACWg/s3iUmzD_0N8/s640/IMG_6350.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
<b>Smoky Spinach and Mushroom Breakfast Hash</b><br />
<i>Serves 2</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
2-3 pieces of bacon, depending on its size<br />
1 medium-large yukon gold potato, diced into small squares<br />
1/4 cup onion, chopped<br />
1 T. jalapeno, chopped<br />
3 mushrooms, sliced<br />
1/3 cup corn <br />
2 cups spinach<br />
South African Smoke seasoning blend or other spicy/smoky seasoning of your choice <i>(I got the South African smoke from Trader Joes, it's just paprika flakes, sea salt, garlic and basil)</i><br />
Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper<br />
2 eggs, cooked to preference<br />
<br />
Cook bacon in skillet. Remove and drain on paper towels.<br />
Add potatoes to skillet with some seasoning and some pepper. Cook for about 3-5 minutes on medium heat until starting to brown. Add onions and some salt. Cook for about a minute. Add jalapenos. Cook all for about 5 minutes.<br />
(Meanwhile, start heating a separate pan for your eggs.)<br />
Add mushrooms and more seasoning and cook and stir another minute or two.<br />
(At this time, you may want to start cooking your eggs in that preheated pan.)<br />
Add corn and a pat of butter or swirl of olive oil if your mixture is looking dry. Cook and stir for another 2-3 minutes if you're using frozen corn, or just a minute for fresh or canned corn. Add spinach and bacon. Toss a few times and remove from heat.<br />
<br />
Spoon into bowls and top with eggs.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQKPnmg33oc/TrxDB_Yv-6I/AAAAAAAACWo/hBSlthGWXKY/s1600/IMG_6351.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CQKPnmg33oc/TrxDB_Yv-6I/AAAAAAAACWo/hBSlthGWXKY/s640/IMG_6351.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
And now my skin is kind of burning from the chemicals in that couch cleaner. Just trying to keep you updated.estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-35407932668574763302011-11-01T10:34:00.000-07:002011-11-14T11:32:58.481-08:00vegan week recapWell, <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/spicy-sweet-potato-and-coconut-soup.html">vegan week</a> is over. I promise I meant to update sooner than this, but vegan week also turned out to be sick week and crazy work week. C'est la vie.<br />
<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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFwDa4cQwZg/TrApGgzM3iI/AAAAAAAACPY/LOKTZ6Ym7Sw/s1600/IMG_6198.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YFwDa4cQwZg/TrApGgzM3iI/AAAAAAAACPY/LOKTZ6Ym7Sw/s640/IMG_6198.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">breakfast veggie hash </td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHTsLPNocLE/TrApMPo1svI/AAAAAAAACPg/6PSTtOwXqSQ/s1600/IMG_6201.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YHTsLPNocLE/TrApMPo1svI/AAAAAAAACPg/6PSTtOwXqSQ/s640/IMG_6201.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
Let's get straight to it, shall we? I <i>liked</i> vegan week. Really liked it. I didn't miss meat at all, and I barely missed cheese and milk, thanks to the presence of the So Delicious coconut milk in my fridge, as well as the Earth Balance vanilla soymilk that made morning lattes a pleasure to drink. But wait, it's not like I normally hate drinking them. But nevermind.<br />
<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="http://www.blogger.com/goog_70706749" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-FZPrT4fcxX0/TrApbFWpMmI/AAAAAAAACP4/cjexED3jviA/s640/IMG_6322.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/08/vegan-carrot-cherry-breakfast-cookies/">vegan carrot cherry breakfast cookies</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>I actually didn't get around to making all the recipes I picked out, due to the aforementioned sick/work thing, so that was a little disappointing. I still want to try them. The one thing about eating this way is that it takes a bit of effort. It's not as easy to just heat something up or order something when you're trying to eat a fresh, plant-based diet.<br />
<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="http://www.blogger.com/goog_722499337" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8H_35z6NVDI/TrAo4Z-qCnI/AAAAAAAACPA/KPPZWyUrG0o/s640/IMG_5974.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_722499337">carrot cake oatmeal</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.blogger.com/goog_722499337"><br />
</a></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/12/21/holiday-breakfast-in-a-jiffy-carrot-cake-oatmeal/"></a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/12/21/holiday-breakfast-in-a-jiffy-carrot-cake-oatmeal/"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ne5awkGJXzY/TrAo8FuReII/AAAAAAAACPI/U3uFKJgh4Jo/s640/IMG_5978.JPG" width="472" /></a> </div><br />
It feels really great though. It feels like you're doing yourself a favor. It's something I want to keep in mind from here on out. I'm not going to be a vegan or even a vegetarian, but I think I'll cut a lot of meat and some dairy from my diet, simply because I don't feel like I need them as much as I thought I would. Especially meat. (Bacon isn't meat, right?) Cheese may be another story.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3w_aXS2fiM/TrApR-1RY2I/AAAAAAAACPo/nalDnvObmCg/s1600/IMG_6211.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-c3w_aXS2fiM/TrApR-1RY2I/AAAAAAAACPo/nalDnvObmCg/s640/IMG_6211.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">vegetarian burrito bowl</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br />
</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5DcIQdmMAs/TrApXPcIc7I/AAAAAAAACPw/Kl2aT8qITXk/s1600/IMG_6214.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Z5DcIQdmMAs/TrApXPcIc7I/AAAAAAAACPw/Kl2aT8qITXk/s640/IMG_6214.JPG" width="640" /></a><u> </u></div><br />
<u>Recap of the week's eats:</u><br />
<i>Some breakfasts: </i><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/12/21/holiday-breakfast-in-a-jiffy-carrot-cake-oatmeal/">Carrot Cake oatmeal</a>, veggie hash, <a href="http://www.joythebaker.com/blog/2011/08/vegan-carrot-cherry-breakfast-cookies/">vegan carrot cherry cookies</a><br />
<i>Some dinners: </i><a href="http://jodibombace.squarespace.com/whats-cooking-good-looking/2011/10/4/quinoa-black-bean-burger-with-a-smoky-avocado-spread.html">Quinoa and black bean burgers</a> and <a href="http://www.whatscookinggoodlooking.com/whats-cooking-good-looking/2011/10/12/butternut-squash-fries-with-a-chipotle-bbq-dipping-sauce.html">butternut squash fries with chipotle BBQ sauce</a>, homemade vegetarian chipotle-style burrito bowls, <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/spicy-sweet-potato-and-coconut-soup.html">spicy sweet potato and coconut soup</a> with <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/09/27/detox-salad/">detox salad</a>, <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/colorful-quinoa-salad.html">colorful quinoa salad</a><br />
<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="http://www.blogger.com/goog_114072949" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BHBgJMrgR7c/TrAoz1t5XuI/AAAAAAAACO4/Zgr9fpBET3g/s640/IMG_5969.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2011/09/27/detox-salad/">detox salad</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><i>Favorites: </i><br />
-The <a href="http://ohsheglows.com/2010/12/21/holiday-breakfast-in-a-jiffy-carrot-cake-oatmeal/">carrot cake oatmeal</a>, which I made twice.<br />
-The <a href="http://www.whatscookinggoodlooking.com/whats-cooking-good-looking/2011/10/12/butternut-squash-fries-with-a-chipotle-bbq-dipping-sauce.html">butternut squash fries with the chipotle BBQ sauce</a>, which I didn't get a picture of because they were devoured in about 3 minutes flat.<br />
-The <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/spicy-sweet-potato-and-coconut-soup.html">sweet potato soup</a><br />
-The <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/colorful-quinoa-salad.html">quinoa salad</a>, cause it was so easy and delicious.<br />
<br />
-Husband's fave was the burrito bowl, which I put too many onions in for my taste, so my perception of it was skewed. I would make them again, with less onions.<br />
<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="http://www.blogger.com/goog_114072944" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LZ2m1u6XKuw/TrApBEXjmFI/AAAAAAAACPQ/ED_jYvgZxa4/s640/IMG_6194.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/colorful-quinoa-salad.html"> colorful quinoa salad</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span id="goog_114072909"></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="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/spicy-sweet-potato-and-coconut-soup.html" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="566" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nL0Q-FA-v0I/TrAoxNPX7pI/AAAAAAAACOw/08TLqcXOwP8/s640/IMG_5961_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/spicy-sweet-potato-and-coconut-soup.html">spicy sweet potato and coconut soup</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table><span id="goog_114072910"></span>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-68709495898330730682011-10-24T09:49:00.000-07:002011-11-14T10:53:45.465-08:00colorful quinoa saladYou know those <strike>weeks</strike> days when you just don't feel like doing anything?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tap8Gs1dgmY/TqWV5r-LbQI/AAAAAAAACOI/hwwTTUE40tk/s1600/IMG_6167.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tap8Gs1dgmY/TqWV5r-LbQI/AAAAAAAACOI/hwwTTUE40tk/s640/IMG_6167.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
Saturday was that day.<br />
<br />
I'll spare you the not-so-exciting details and just tell you that the highlights of the day included a lengthy Starbucks visit and this salad. That should give you an idea. It's a shame that Saturday was such an absolutely perfect day and the most I made of the weather was an hour spent in Starbucks' courtyard. It was a nice hour though.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5HdffUdb3Go/TqWWGqGHYFI/AAAAAAAACOQ/lGQ4lLAnCvA/s1600/IMG_6171.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5HdffUdb3Go/TqWWGqGHYFI/AAAAAAAACOQ/lGQ4lLAnCvA/s640/IMG_6171.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
I was so hungry for dinner but felt so lazy but still wanted something so delicious and so good for me. I think I may have used the word 'so' enough in that sentence but I'm not sure. Maybe one more would have been good.<br />
<br />
But this salad was just the thing. It was super easy, especially since I found a container of already-cooked plain quinoa leftover from earlier in the week. I wouldn't have wanted to like actually get out a pan and boil something, so that was fortunate.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0sP52PuPxo/TqWWMZ1tv1I/AAAAAAAACOY/-4Oevz4itCA/s1600/IMG_6178.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-K0sP52PuPxo/TqWWMZ1tv1I/AAAAAAAACOY/-4Oevz4itCA/s640/IMG_6178.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
This is goood stuff, and also, conveniently, good-for-you stuff. Everyone knows that quinoa is the ultimate health food right? And then you have things like mangoes for sweetness, black beans for delicious protein, pomegranates for a nice crunch and some antioxidants, avocado for healthy fat and because they are basically the best food/fruit/vegetable ever.<br />
<br />
Your stomach will thank you.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zNv-vK04_A/TqWWVkITFpI/AAAAAAAACOg/wgYhGvCNpEY/s1600/IMG_6186.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7zNv-vK04_A/TqWWVkITFpI/AAAAAAAACOg/wgYhGvCNpEY/s640/IMG_6186.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
<b>Colorful Quinoa and Black Bean salad </b><br />
<i>Serves 1-2</i><b> </b><br />
<br />
1/2 cup cooked quinoa<br />
1/2 cup black beans<br />
1/2 cup mango, diced<br />
2 T. cilantro, chopped<br />
2 T. pomegranate seeds<br />
1/2 an avocado, diced<br />
<br />
<u>Dressing:</u><br />
1 T. red wine vinegar<br />
1 T. olive oil (I used lemon-infused)<br />
1 tsp. agave nectar (or sugar)<br />
1/4 tsp. kosher salt<br />
1/4 tsp. pepper or lemon pepper<br />
<br />
Add salad ingredients to a bowl except for the avocado. Add dressing ingredients and toss. Adjust seasonings and ingredients to taste. Add avocado and toss gently. If you will be storing some of the salad for later, I'd suggest leaving the avocado out until just before serving.<br />
<br />
<i>(You'll notice that I accidently left the avocado out for most of the photos anyway...got it in this last one though.) </i><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nF1LqVP7iPA/TqWWaeBYrKI/AAAAAAAACOo/CgnGh9Pxxy4/s1600/IMG_6194.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-nF1LqVP7iPA/TqWWaeBYrKI/AAAAAAAACOo/CgnGh9Pxxy4/s640/IMG_6194.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-85476785127144136922011-10-20T10:51:00.000-07:002011-11-14T11:33:23.184-08:00spicy sweet potato and coconut soupLast week I didn't cook...or at least I don't remember cooking anything. It was one of those weeks.<br />
<br />
We had frozen pizza, we went out to eat, we ate at people's houses (by invitation)...<br />
<br />
I just wasn't in the mood for it. Does that happen to you? The thought of making a mess in the kitchen (usually something that makes me pretty happy) sounded hugely unappealing. I didn't have anything I really wanted to make. I was completely uninspired. <i>(violins)</i><br />
<br />
This week was looking like it was going to be another one of those weeks. Monday was busy and I didn't get to the store to stock our empty-from-last-week fridge, so we got fried chicken for dinner. Yup. We even did a fried chicken tasting: KFC vs. Popeye's, just because we thought we'd better figure out once and for all where we need to be getting all of our future fried chicken. <span style="font-size: x-small;">(In case you're wondering, KFC won for chicken, but Popeye's had the better mashed potatoes. Biscuits were a toss up, but I think it goes to Popeye's as well.)</span><br />
<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="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DY3hZ02Ccts/TqBemW_lENI/AAAAAAAACNo/u74F-5ZYJmI/s1600/chickan362557d1e51a4ee199e70594fc2be78f_7.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DY3hZ02Ccts/TqBemW_lENI/AAAAAAAACNo/u74F-5ZYJmI/s640/chickan362557d1e51a4ee199e70594fc2be78f_7.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">high-qual iphone pic</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So Monday night, after our fried feast, as I sitting on the couch doing whatever it is that I do on the computer, my husband started this movie. I was all, "what are we watching?" as I looked up from the computer. Then suddenly I became completely engrossed in the movie. I think I even put my computer down. Watched the whole thing.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YnfDt9rBNkg/TqBeyeEi_CI/AAAAAAAACNw/Axns1vI9G2Y/s1600/IMG_5953.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YnfDt9rBNkg/TqBeyeEi_CI/AAAAAAAACNw/Axns1vI9G2Y/s640/IMG_5953.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
It was called <u>Forks over Knives.</u><i> </i>Maybe you've heard of it. It's a documentary about our meat-and-dairy saturated culture and how so many of our health problems can likely be treated by a plant-centered diet.<br />
<br />
Okay. Normally I find these things interesting at best, I give them a listen, maybe a smile and a nod, an "I-appreciate-your-point-of-view" eyebrow raise, but inside I know that I couldn't give up juicy hamburgers and milkshakes for quinoa and green beans. I don't like to get too radical or extreme about these things, and I most certainly don't like limitations.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv6zjWbc_Yw/TqBe4uPm1uI/AAAAAAAACOA/-pJd-56tkcc/s1600/IMG_5963.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xv6zjWbc_Yw/TqBe4uPm1uI/AAAAAAAACOA/-pJd-56tkcc/s640/IMG_5963.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
But suddenly veganism had never seemed so appealing. Naturally a movie like that will make meat look horrible, and it did it's job.<br />
<br />
After the movie, I asked my husband what he thought about trying a plant-centered diet, just for a week. <i>(Who am I?)</i> He agreed. <i>(What a guy!)</i><br />
<br />
Apparently that was what I needed to be inspired to cook again. I stayed up for another hour or so, researching vegan recipes to make for the week and assembling my grocery list. I was PUMPED.<br />
<br />
So we embark on this mini adventure...emphasis on <i>mini. </i>We're doing this for fun/experimentation, to see how we feel and to see how it works for us. We're not going to be strict about it. If some feta finds it's way into my vegetarian sandwich, I'm not going to kick it out. If hub needs an egg for breakfast, I ain't gon stop him. It's the only way I could do something like this anyway. If I were to adopt it as a lifestyle choice, it would be more of a guideline than a rule. I told you how I feel about limitations. Same goes for deprivation. Is that the same thing?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgZbrFSO2C8/TqBe01MrS4I/AAAAAAAACN4/oUwYu-Gkvyc/s1600/IMG_5961.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tgZbrFSO2C8/TqBe01MrS4I/AAAAAAAACN4/oUwYu-Gkvyc/s640/IMG_5961.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
I'm pretty excited about it though. Highlights so far include: some absolutely killer butternut squash fries, marvelous carrot cake oatmeal, and this sweet potato and coconut soup. I just realized those are all orange foods. Weird.<br />
<br />
Anyway. This soup is so so good. (I seem to have run out of adjectives at this time. Forgive me.) It's creamy and a little sweet with a nice kick to it from the ginger and red curry paste. I would make it any day, vegan diet or not.<br />
<br />
Stay tuned for more vegan-week adventures and a recap. And less-wordy posts. <br />
<br />
<b>Spicy Sweet Potato and Coconut Soup </b><br />
<a href="http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/spicy-sweet-potato-and-coconut-soup/detail.aspx"><i>Recipe lightly adapted from here</i></a><b><br />
</b><br />
<i>Serves 6</i><br />
<br />
1 1/2 pounds orange-fleshed sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 2-inch chunks<br />
1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
1 onion, chopped<br />
1 (2 inch) piece fresh ginger root, peeled and thinly sliced<br />
1 tablespoon red curry paste<br />
1 (15 ounce) can unsweetened coconut milk<br />
3 cups vegetable broth<br />
3 1/2 tablespoons lemon juice<br />
1 teaspoon sea salt (or more, to taste)<br />
Fresh ground pepper, to taste<br />
1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil<br />
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"> </span><br />
<br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Heat the oil in a large saucepan or soup pot over medium heat. Add the onion and ginger; cook and stir until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the curry paste and heat for 1 minute, then whisk in the coconut milk and vegetable broth. Add the potatoes. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer until potatoes are soft, about 20-25 minutes, or longer if necessary. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Using an immersion blender, blend the soup until smooth. (Or transfer the soup to a normal blender, in batches, then return it to the pot when blended.)</span><br />
<br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break">Stir in the lemon juice, salt and pepper. Adjust seasonings to taste. Ladle into bowls and garnish with a drizzle of the sesame oil and some cilantro.</span><br />
<span class="plaincharacterwrap break"></span>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-11375300370214921712011-10-15T12:27:00.000-07:002011-10-15T12:42:14.765-07:00'stuff you didn't see' saturdayI eat every day. Yup, every single day.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ-q6Hplk9I/TpnY39UMpHI/AAAAAAAACNQ/aEZS8g8W-XE/s1600/IMG_5446.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-nQ-q6Hplk9I/TpnY39UMpHI/AAAAAAAACNQ/aEZS8g8W-XE/s640/IMG_5446.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this squirrel wants my food.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>...Except if I have the flu. Flu is an unwelcome diet plan. I only appreciate it when it's over.<br />
I always think of the girl in "The Devil Wears Prada" who says that she's only one stomach flu away from her goal weight.<br />
<br />
I may be two flus away.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNGUjLNqYqs/TpnXz195QjI/AAAAAAAACLw/y7wRX6Mvb68/s1600/IMG_4859.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qNGUjLNqYqs/TpnXz195QjI/AAAAAAAACLw/y7wRX6Mvb68/s640/IMG_4859.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
Anyway. Point is, I don't post about everything I eat. That would mean I was only eating like twice a week, and only eating sweets, apparently. Though if I had to pick a food group to live on it would probably be sweets. And fruit. Sweet fruits.<br />
<br />
I don't even take pictures of everything I eat. I don't have that kind of patience.<br />
But. Here are <i>some</i> of the things you didn't see. That I ate.<br />
<br />
Iss for fun. <br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5u-Gz6qMVCs/TpnX46i1ElI/AAAAAAAACL4/4XDZDG7Alcc/s1600/IMG_5146.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5u-Gz6qMVCs/TpnX46i1ElI/AAAAAAAACL4/4XDZDG7Alcc/s640/IMG_5146.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">These became...</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AB1Uk_Cdt4I/TpnYEcU5seI/AAAAAAAACMI/2fSLWnLboIM/s1600/IMG_5153.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-AB1Uk_Cdt4I/TpnYEcU5seI/AAAAAAAACMI/2fSLWnLboIM/s640/IMG_5153.JPG" width="640" /> </a>...this. Herb-baked egg cups inspired by <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/07/caprese-baked-egg-cups/">this</a> and <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/herbed-baked-eggs-recipe3/index.html">this</a>. Mine was simply tomatoes, parmesan, fresh basil, cream, and dried herbs de provence. And eggs of course. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATnvONTCsNw/TpnYJ0Ms0CI/AAAAAAAACMQ/DyqlR8G6W48/s1600/IMG_5160.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATnvONTCsNw/TpnYJ0Ms0CI/AAAAAAAACMQ/DyqlR8G6W48/s640/IMG_5160.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;">A most wonderful buffalo dog: hot dog topped with homemade coleslaw, crumbled bleu cheese and Frank's Red Hot sauce. Oh yes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi84japJzME/TpnYPltcDHI/AAAAAAAACMY/3nxABIkqLBU/s1600/IMG_5253.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Wi84japJzME/TpnYPltcDHI/AAAAAAAACMY/3nxABIkqLBU/s640/IMG_5253.JPG" width="640" /></a>Chicken chili roughly adapted from <a href="http://www.foodbuzz.com/blogs/4240428-chicken-and-black-bean-chili">here</a>. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLyutbinYQ4/TpnYU64KX_I/AAAAAAAACMg/yKezsXiD5vU/s1600/IMG_5255.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RLyutbinYQ4/TpnYU64KX_I/AAAAAAAACMg/yKezsXiD5vU/s640/IMG_5255.JPG" width="640" /> </a>Small tomato stack. Just goat cheese sandwiched between slices, topped with salt and pepper, fresh basil, and a nice drizzle of balsamic (not pictured). </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E07B7WsALnc/TpnXuajJn4I/AAAAAAAACLo/372uY4ze02U/s1600/IMG_4855.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E07B7WsALnc/TpnXuajJn4I/AAAAAAAACLo/372uY4ze02U/s640/IMG_4855.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Friendly breakfast on our tiny deck. Cinnamon rolls from <a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2007/06/cinammon_rolls_/">here</a>, breakfast hash from <a href="http://www.howsweeteats.com/2011/08/grilled-corn-summer-breakfast-hash-2/">here</a>. Later, I would make that breakfast hash again...</div><br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpiIH8S7Jiw/TpnYgyZT3JI/AAAAAAAACMw/T-UYkNPYurg/s1600/IMG_5299.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BpiIH8S7Jiw/TpnYgyZT3JI/AAAAAAAACMw/T-UYkNPYurg/s640/IMG_5299.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMyY6vwfXKU/TpnfXMNs14I/AAAAAAAACNY/ESyNcWvG9yo/s1600/IMG_5302.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bMyY6vwfXKU/TpnfXMNs14I/AAAAAAAACNY/ESyNcWvG9yo/s640/IMG_5302.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">...for breakfast in bed. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ATnvONTCsNw/TpnYJ0Ms0CI/AAAAAAAACMQ/DyqlR8G6W48/s1600/IMG_5160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GcEsWDrU7DU/TpnYsAqRgSI/AAAAAAAACNA/febYMU3t8Qw/s1600/IMG_5403.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GcEsWDrU7DU/TpnYsAqRgSI/AAAAAAAACNA/febYMU3t8Qw/s640/IMG_5403.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's a burger that we stuffed with cheese. Jack cheese. Accompanied by homemade sweet potato fries. </div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCNttqhHrOg/TpnYx8HHSKI/AAAAAAAACNI/5Aa149jjpU0/s1600/IMG_5440.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-LCNttqhHrOg/TpnYx8HHSKI/AAAAAAAACNI/5Aa149jjpU0/s640/IMG_5440.JPG" width="426" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Aannd easy spaghetti dinner on the (tiny) deck. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Have a wonderful weekend full of good food and pumpkin-y things.</div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-41945918702995435672011-10-11T13:01:00.000-07:002011-10-11T13:03:52.165-07:00pumpkin white chocolate chip cookiesDid you have a nice weekend?<br />
I'm not sure what day it is. But I think we just got finished with the weekend.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yptIAvurCZI/TpSc9Fot4rI/AAAAAAAACKo/bYgGUfwG6vk/s1600/IMG_5411.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yptIAvurCZI/TpSc9Fot4rI/AAAAAAAACKo/bYgGUfwG6vk/s640/IMG_5411.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><br />
We went to support a friend who ran the Chicago marathon on Sunday. She did really well, I'm so proud of her! It was inspiring to be there, to say the least. And surprisingly emotional. I have so so much respect for people who do that. I hope to be one of those people someday. It's kind of a bucket list thing for me, but I haven't done anything about it. Eeep.<br />
<br />
When the race was done we had to walk like 18 blocks to get back to our car and I was complaining about it, and then I had to check myself because people just ran 26.2 miles and all I did was watch and eat cookies. Literally, I brought these cookies with us. That doesn't even make sense.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPW8dD4g7uI/TpSdCmpD6iI/AAAAAAAACKw/gXLSNVF9jrw/s1600/IMG_5412.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="536" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wPW8dD4g7uI/TpSdCmpD6iI/AAAAAAAACKw/gXLSNVF9jrw/s640/IMG_5412.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
<br />
Okay so these are more like cakies, if we're being honest. But oh man.<br />
They are so wonderful.<br />
I know I just said that about <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/10/pumpkin-scones.html">the pumpkin scones</a> I made, I know I may be getting repetitive be getting repetitive. But I also know you want to use pumpkin in everything right now, like I do.<br />
<br />
Pumpkin pancakes? Yes.<br />
Pumpkin cream cheese? Okay.<br />
Pumpkin coffee? Grande please.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DEgrcF8nmmo/TpSdLSn6usI/AAAAAAAACK4/B_lAT0YPOJU/s1600/IMG_5421.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DEgrcF8nmmo/TpSdLSn6usI/AAAAAAAACK4/B_lAT0YPOJU/s640/IMG_5421.JPG" width="640" /></a> <br />
<br />
Just to let you know, I'm pretty sure white chocolate chips were made to be in this cookie.<br />
<br />
I used Ariela Pelaia's recipe from <a href="http://kveller.com/activities/food/chewy-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies.shtml">here</a>, with only a couple very minor changes.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Pumpkin White Chocolate Chip Cookies</b><br />
<br />
2 sticks unsalted butter (1 cup)<br />
¼ cup granulated sugar<br />
1 ¼ cups light brown sugar, packed<br />
1 whole egg<br />
1 egg yolk<br />
2 Tablespoons milk (I used whole)<br />
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract<br />
1 cup canned (or fresh!) pumpkin puree<br />
2 ¾ cups bread flour<br />
1 teaspoon salt (I used kosher)<br />
1 teaspoon baking soda<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
½ teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg<br />
¼ teaspoon allspice or ground cloves<br />
2+ cups white chocolate chips (depending on how chippy you want your cookies)<br />
<br />
Melt butter in the microwave until just melted. Set aside. <br />
Sift flour into a medium bowl and add salt, baking soda, and spices and combine.<br />
Pour the melted butter into the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. (You can also use a large bowl and a hand held mixer.) Add both sugars and cream on medium speed until slightly fluffy, about 1 minute. Add the whole egg, egg yolk, milk, vanilla, and pumpkin puree. Mix well.<br />
Add the flour mixture ½ a cup at a time, mixing between additions. Stir in the chocolate chips. Chill dough for approximately two hours in the fridge, or more. (even overnight)<br />
<br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper.<br />
Remove dough from fridge and use an ice cream scoop to scoop generous, rounded balls of dough onto baking sheet, spacing them two inches apart. (you can spray your ice cream scoop with baking spray if you want.)<br />
<br />
Bake for 14 minutes at 375 degrees.<br />
<br />
<i>Storage</i>: These cookies will keep in an airtight container for 1 week.<br />
<i>Freezing</i>: To save cookie dough for later baking, freeze raw balls of cookie dough on a cookie sheet before transferring to a freezer-safe airtight container. Dough will keep for 1 month. To bake, place frozen dough on lined cookie sheet and proceed as above, adding 2-5 minutes to baking time, depending on your oven. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kM26wJTjFI8/TpSdTwjtXAI/AAAAAAAACLA/DSRZbX_3GUE/s1600/IMG_5422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kM26wJTjFI8/TpSdTwjtXAI/AAAAAAAACLA/DSRZbX_3GUE/s640/IMG_5422.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-28668241075318962562011-10-07T14:04:00.000-07:002011-10-07T14:18:20.267-07:00pumpkin scones<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="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1Vj_R6S9CU/To9nnDRHViI/AAAAAAAACJU/PgSE_aY5psQ/s1600/IMG_5326.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1Vj_R6S9CU/To9nnDRHViI/AAAAAAAACJU/PgSE_aY5psQ/s640/IMG_5326.JPG" width="512" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My pumpkin was blurry. I bought it that way.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">Apparently Starbucks sells pumpkin scones.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I wouldn't know.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I either ignore the display case (except when I need the very berry coffeecake), or I eye it up and down with cool disregard (except when I need the petite salted caramel square). </div><div style="text-align: left;">You can't tempt me, gooey apple fritter. Keep wishing, old-fashioned donut. I'll spend 500 calories elsewhere, perhaps on something that I won't inhale in under 3 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTF8NMq3L-w/To9nrbiQizI/AAAAAAAACJY/yVZw5skCf8E/s1600/IMG_5332.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iTF8NMq3L-w/To9nrbiQizI/AAAAAAAACJY/yVZw5skCf8E/s640/IMG_5332.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cINk_IU3dc/To9nyK186FI/AAAAAAAACJg/Fd73EoOdwpA/s1600/IMG_5343.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="548" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-3cINk_IU3dc/To9nyK186FI/AAAAAAAACJg/Fd73EoOdwpA/s640/IMG_5343.JPG" width="640" /></a><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q1Vj_R6S9CU/To9nnDRHViI/AAAAAAAACJU/PgSE_aY5psQ/s1600/IMG_5326.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">But then I made these pumpkin scones, allegedly a la Starbucks. And then I think I ate 3 of them the first day. They are so light and fluffy and not dense that I really don't think it counts. Psh. And stuff you make at home is way better for you, obviously.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRA1UoNq6Rs/To9nv27nXyI/AAAAAAAACJc/gdMnZn-gljc/s1600/IMG_5336.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-IRA1UoNq6Rs/To9nv27nXyI/AAAAAAAACJc/gdMnZn-gljc/s640/IMG_5336.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: left;">These scones have just the right amount of spice, and with the hint of pumpkin and the added sweetness of the icings, well, they're irresistible. Not unlike potato chips, or peanut butter m&ms.</div> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hthquTPXLuY/To9oSjE5ceI/AAAAAAAACJ0/9EqmnDglQE8/s1600/IMG_5371.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hthquTPXLuY/To9oSjE5ceI/AAAAAAAACJ0/9EqmnDglQE8/s640/IMG_5371.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">P.S. I made my own pumpkin puree (using steaming instructions from <a href="http://www.pickyourown.org/pumpkinpie.php">here</a>), which was kind of fun, and then I roasted the seeds, which was also fun and made me feel resourceful and old-fashioned. My pumpkin puree was enough for two batches of these scones (I made another batch a couple days later but don't worry, I gave some away), and some pumpkin white chocolate chip cookies, which are waiting to be baked as we speak, and if they are delicious, I will surely let you know!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2ZTYuqU7fk/To9n8kvV2lI/AAAAAAAACJo/20kDcl5uqdU/s1600/IMG_5374.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-m2ZTYuqU7fk/To9n8kvV2lI/AAAAAAAACJo/20kDcl5uqdU/s640/IMG_5374.JPG" width="640" /> </a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezvhGCa32LE/To9oChaWsxI/AAAAAAAACJs/me5SH_XSda0/s1600/IMG_5379.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ezvhGCa32LE/To9oChaWsxI/AAAAAAAACJs/me5SH_XSda0/s640/IMG_5379.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I used <a href="http://www.momswhothink.com/bread-recipes/starbucks-pumpkin-scones-recipe.html">this recipe</a> from Moms Who Think (without any modifications), but I will copy it for you here:</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Starbucks Pumpkin Scones</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Makes 6 scones</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Scones:</u></div><div class="ingredients" style="text-align: left;">2 cups all-purpose flour <br />
7 Tablespoons sugar <br />
1 Tablespoon baking powder <br />
1/2 teaspoon salt <br />
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon <br />
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg <br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves <br />
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger <br />
6 Tablespoons cold butter <br />
1/2 cup canned pumpkin <br />
3 Tablespoons half-and-half <br />
1 large egg<br />
<br />
<u>Sugar Glaze: </u><br />
1 cup powdered sugar </div><div class="ingredients" style="text-align: left;">1 Tablespoon powdered sugar <br />
2 Tablespoons whole milk<br />
<br />
<u>Spice Glaze: </u></div><div class="ingredients" style="text-align: left;">1 cup powdered sugar <br />
3 Tablespoons powdered sugar <br />
2 Tablespoons whole milk <br />
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon <br />
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg <br />
1 pinch ginger <br />
1 pinch ground cloves<br />
<br />
<br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees F. </div><div style="text-align: left;">2. Lightly grease a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.</div><div style="text-align: left;">3. Combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt, and spices in a large mixing bowl.</div><div style="text-align: left;">4. With a fork, pastry knife, or food processor, cut butter into the dry ingredients until mixture is crumbly and no chunks of butter remain. Set aside.</div><div style="text-align: left;">5. In a separate mixing bowl, whisk pumpkin, half and half, and egg.</div><div style="text-align: left;">6. Fold wet ingredients into dry ingredients. Form the dough into a ball.</div><div style="text-align: left;">7. Pat out dough onto a lightly floured surface and form it into a 1-inch thick rectangle (about 9 inches long and 3 inches wide).</div><div style="text-align: left;">8. Use a large knife to slice the dough into three equal portions. Cut diagonally to produce 6 triangular slices of dough.</div><div style="text-align: left;">9. Place on prepared baking sheet from step 2.</div><div style="text-align: left;">10. Bake for 14–16 minutes until scones turn light brown.</div><div style="text-align: left;">11. Place on wire rack to cool.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A1GQWC_Gh0/To9oI7RN16I/AAAAAAAACJw/asKkWybeEuQ/s1600/IMG_5392.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3A1GQWC_Gh0/To9oI7RN16I/AAAAAAAACJw/asKkWybeEuQ/s640/IMG_5392.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-15446714607768700382011-10-04T11:00:00.000-07:002011-10-07T14:22:03.143-07:00butternut squash, poblano and chicken quesadillas<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4EmIcSIAcg/TotI9pKMWmI/AAAAAAAACJA/13Fsw7NSZ6U/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>Some people complain that Chicago has three seasons: Winter, Summer, and Construction. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4EmIcSIAcg/TotI9pKMWmI/AAAAAAAACJA/13Fsw7NSZ6U/s1600/IMG_5286.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-f4EmIcSIAcg/TotI9pKMWmI/AAAAAAAACJA/13Fsw7NSZ6U/s640/IMG_5286.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> In a town that is hailed for it's lack of transitional weather, I just have to say: <i>We have been having the most amazing Fall. </i>Let's try to remember this next time we want to cry about how it went from 70 degrees to blizzard overnight. The Fall of 2011 was wonderful. </div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xz-DCLDHHY/TotJD8rKzQI/AAAAAAAACJE/689D6M6lyXQ/s1600/IMG_5288.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_xz-DCLDHHY/TotJD8rKzQI/AAAAAAAACJE/689D6M6lyXQ/s640/IMG_5288.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"> It has been sunny and 60s-70s for a few weeks now, almost without exception. (A couple rainy days but whatevs). Apples and pumpkins are popping up everywhere and just generally bringing good cheer. And it's squash season. So here I present you with a squash quesadilla. It's sweet, spicy, cheesy and gooood.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">That is all. That is my transition from blog post to recipe. Not as smooth as the weather.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWR1il9BeCU/TotJY3ftGGI/AAAAAAAACJQ/ANIc82tdtcA/s1600/IMG_5294.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-PWR1il9BeCU/TotJY3ftGGI/AAAAAAAACJQ/ANIc82tdtcA/s640/IMG_5294.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Notes for this Quesa-dilla:</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">-All filling ingredients are according to taste. If you like more cheese, for example, by all means use more cheese. But you knew that.</div><div style="text-align: left;">-I found the poblano to be slightly bitter in this recipe. Next time I may try corn instead for a sweeter flavor. </div><div style="text-align: left;">-I think black beans could make a welcome appearance in this quesadilla as well. You could subsitute them for the chicken and have yourself a nice vegetarian option.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Butternut Squash, Poblano and Chicken Quesadillas</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Makes 2 Quesadillas</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 Tortillas</div><div style="text-align: left;">1-2 cups of shredded rotisserie chicken</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 roasted poblano pepper, chopped* <i>(to roast, brush with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper and place in oven at 350 for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally. Let cool before chopping.)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 cup chopped cooked butternut squash</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup chopped cilantro</div><div style="text-align: left;">2+ cups shredded jack cheese (I used pepper jack)</div><div style="text-align: left;">3/4 cup crumbled feta</div><div style="text-align: left;">Butter </div><div style="text-align: left;">Salt and pepper </div><div style="text-align: left;">Other seasonings of your choice (I used Trader Joe's South African Smoke, which is a blend of sea salt, paprika flakes, garlic and basil. It gave it a nice little kick.)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Sour cream and salsa, for serving, if desired</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Prepare all ingredients. Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add butter to heated skillet. Place a tortilla in the skillet. Sprinkle about 3/4-1 cup of jack cheese and 1/4 cup of feta onto the tortilla. Add 1/2-1 cup of chicken. Add the squash (about 1/2 cup) and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Add 1/2 the poblano (or corn) and about 2 T. cilantro. Sprinkle with seasonings of choice or more salt and pepper. Add about 1/4 cup more of the jack cheese and a little more feta. Top with a tortilla. Once cheese on the bottom tortilla is melty and the underside is golden brown, flip carefully, adding more butter to the skillet if you want to/are able to. Cook until golden brown, about 3 more minutes or so. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Serve with salsa and/or sour cream, or other toppings of choice.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VcGmR53eyJM/TotJLQWunWI/AAAAAAAACJM/xHlXXR8UvpA/s1600/IMG_5296.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-VcGmR53eyJM/TotJLQWunWI/AAAAAAAACJM/xHlXXR8UvpA/s640/IMG_5296.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-696173383665262882011-09-23T15:36:00.000-07:002011-10-07T14:22:32.814-07:00fig, pear and arugula grilled goat cheese flatbread pizza<div style="text-align: left;">Hey there.</div><div style="text-align: left;">I just wanted to drop in and let you know that I made possibly THE BEST PIZZA EVER the other night.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zoPi8zeXydc/Tn0EP5SedXI/AAAAAAAACI0/cxoj8hBHVRk/s1600/IMG_5222.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zoPi8zeXydc/Tn0EP5SedXI/AAAAAAAACI0/cxoj8hBHVRk/s640/IMG_5222.JPG" width="516" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Remember <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/09/fig-and-goat-cheese-grilled-flatbread.html">this pizza</a>?</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Well, I just added some stuff to take it to the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLgmR-HCCW0">HNL. (hole.nutha.level.)</a> <span style="font-size: x-small;">Watch the video you should watch it.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYaLUBohNHo/Tn0EYoY0MqI/AAAAAAAACI4/tQQYSv85KFI/s1600/IMG_5227.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aYaLUBohNHo/Tn0EYoY0MqI/AAAAAAAACI4/tQQYSv85KFI/s640/IMG_5227.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;">This was so good that when I tasted it before bringing it in to present to hubby, I stood there by the sink and, like a true closet eater, finished the whole piece in pure bliss. </span> </span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Fig, Pear and Arugula Grilled Goat Cheese Flatbread Pizza</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b><br />
</b></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/09/fig-and-goat-cheese-grilled-flatbread.html">Recipe for Fig and Goat Cheese Pizza, minus the basil </a></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 Pear</div><div style="text-align: left;">About a half of a sweet onion, sliced</div><div style="text-align: left;">Brown sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">Arugula</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Prepare the pizza according to instructions. Here's what you'll do differently:</div><div style="text-align: left;">-Caramelize the onion: Heat a skillet to medium high, then add a pat of butter. Add sliced onions and a couple teaspoons of brown sugar, and a sprinkle of salt. Saute, stirring occasionally, until onions are soft and brown. </div><div style="text-align: left;">-Add the pear to the pizza when you add the figs. </div><div style="text-align: left;">-When the bottom of the pizza has finished cooking (after you've added the figs, pears, bacon and goat cheese), turn off the grill. Add the arugula on top (as much as you want), then the caramelized onions. Drizzle with the balsamic vinegar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAKJ-_EAqlQ/Tn0EjC70dhI/AAAAAAAACI8/1XMOA4BV2ls/s1600/IMG_5229.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="452" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IAKJ-_EAqlQ/Tn0EjC70dhI/AAAAAAAACI8/1XMOA4BV2ls/s640/IMG_5229.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-87078207946054784012011-09-21T13:48:00.000-07:002011-11-14T11:33:42.062-08:00israeli couscous salad<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOQG-gD5FZA/Tne2-9BnJXI/AAAAAAAACIQ/_SKsvwdCkH0/s1600/IMG_5207.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a>The other afternoon I made this really good <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/09/pear-and-chocolate-cake-tart.html">pear and chocolate tart</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><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="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOQG-gD5FZA/Tne2-9BnJXI/AAAAAAAACIQ/_SKsvwdCkH0/s1600/IMG_5207.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YOQG-gD5FZA/Tne2-9BnJXI/AAAAAAAACIQ/_SKsvwdCkH0/s640/IMG_5207.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">this isn't it.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">The thing that can happen when you make really good pear and chocolate tarts in the afternoon is that you can ruin your dinner. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It can be 8:30 and you're still not hungry but maybe your husband is, and maybe you have a fridge-full of vegetables you want to use even though you're not hungry. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><strike>Your husband</strike> you might start chopping vegetables anyway and you might start stirring around cute little balls of couscous and you might take inspiration from <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/05/cucumber-tomato-and-avocado-salad.html">one of your favorite salads</a> and make a really tasty dressing too.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp0_BJ0p3bI/Tne19DhY47I/AAAAAAAACIE/BYJkuxSdFAQ/s1600/IMG_5208.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xp0_BJ0p3bI/Tne19DhY47I/AAAAAAAACIE/BYJkuxSdFAQ/s640/IMG_5208.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">You might throw it all together and decide it looks good enough to eat. Even though you're not really hungry. You might eat a whole bowl of the stuff and some of your husband's second bowl of it as well.</div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">If you do all this, your tummy will be happy. It will thank you. Really, it will feel so good.</div><div style="text-align: left;">And then since you feel so good about what you just ate, you might decide that it's okay to have another piece of <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/09/pear-and-chocolate-cake-tart.html">that tart</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">And then your tummy might be mad at you again.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zriROGeprrE/Tne2FtSFLnI/AAAAAAAACII/jvXsn6-6sgg/s1600/IMG_5210.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="448" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-zriROGeprrE/Tne2FtSFLnI/AAAAAAAACII/jvXsn6-6sgg/s640/IMG_5210.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><b>Israeli Couscous Salad</b></div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Serves 2</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">2/3 cup of Israeli couscous</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/3 cup red onion, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 clove garlic, minced</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 medium tomato, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 persian cucumbers, chopped (or about 1/2 cup regular chopped cucumber)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 T. chopped dill</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 T. chopped mint</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup crumbled feta </div><div style="text-align: left;">Olive oil</div><div style="text-align: left;">Salt and pepper</div><div style="text-align: left;">Lemon </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>Dressing</u>:</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 T. extra-virgin olive oil (I use lemon-infused)</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 T. red wine vinegar</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 T. sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp. lemon pepper (or regular fresh ground)</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 tsp kosher salt</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Combine all dressing ingredients in a small bowl and set aside. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Cook the couscous according to the package instructions. While it is cooking, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add a swirl of olive oil and the chopped onion and garlic. Saute for about 2 minutes until onions are tender and slightly translucent. Remove from heat.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When couscous is done cooking, add it to the skillet with the onion and garlic and a sprinkle of salt and pepper (I used lemon pepper) and stir to combine.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Add chopped vegetables and herbs to a medium bowl. Add couscous mixture and dressing and toss to combine. Add in crumbled feta and give it another toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste, and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve at room temperature or chilled.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-et07QlTbhIc/Tne2QKEkHII/AAAAAAAACIM/vP2_jTuAvw8/s1600/IMG_5215.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-et07QlTbhIc/Tne2QKEkHII/AAAAAAAACIM/vP2_jTuAvw8/s640/IMG_5215.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-71494543173159905562011-09-19T11:55:00.000-07:002011-10-07T14:23:57.493-07:00pear and chocolate cake-tart<div style="text-align: left;">In May, my husband took me to Paris. But let's back up.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INUmqw8oAUo/TneJq4fVS3I/AAAAAAAACHw/EaCXXu-Epn0/s1600/IMG_5192.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-INUmqw8oAUo/TneJq4fVS3I/AAAAAAAACHw/EaCXXu-Epn0/s640/IMG_5192.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Last Christmas, my husband gave me a blender. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I'm proud to say that it didn't cause a Father-of-the-Bride-esque breakdown, but I should note that the second I opened it, husband quickly injected, "That's not your main present. I just knew you wanted an immersion blender." I'm not proud to say that this may have been the reason that it didn't cause a Father-of-the-Bride-esque breakdown.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">He knows the rule about how you're not supposed to get a woman something she <i>needs.</i> He's smart. </div><div style="text-align: left;">He then offered me a smaller present.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was a CD of French music. Cute. I'm obsessed with all things French. This he knows. Told you he was smart.</div><div style="text-align: left;">He then offered me a slightly larger present.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Two French books. One of them was called <a href="http://chocolateandzucchini.com/edibleadventures/">Edible Adventures in Paris</a>. He suggested I open it to page 105. There lay two plane tickets.<i> </i>To Paris.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">I burst into tears.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AejKwyKEZU/TneJ9eovoXI/AAAAAAAACH4/T3JhrqZd7GY/s1600/IMG_5197.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-8AejKwyKEZU/TneJ9eovoXI/AAAAAAAACH4/T3JhrqZd7GY/s640/IMG_5197.JPG" width="640" /></a><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">I tell you this telling anecdote not just because my husband deserves some credit for being so sensational, but also because the aforementioned book is a wonderful one that guided us well on our dreamy trip. And because in it I saw a recipe/picture of a chocolate and pear tart that I have not forgotten about. <i>Since last Christmas</i>. </div></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i> </i></div><div style="text-align: left;">My parents have a pear tree and I have been anxiously awaiting its sweet fruit for some time, with this very recipe in mind. I don't know why I didn't ever just do the sensible thing and buy some pears from the store to make this tart. I don't know why. Don't ask.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">But this thing was worth the wait. Rich, dark chocolate is accented by sweet rum-poached pears and a buttery crust. The chocolate was gooey <strike>and may have been slightly underdone</strike> and we rather liked it that way.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">It was awesome with an afternoon cup of chai yesterday, it was awesome for dessert after dinner, and husband said it was awesome for breakfast this morning. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIhf4E2Q6I4/TneKbTegk7I/AAAAAAAACH8/t_I4_zF2mT4/s1600/IMG_5217.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-zIhf4E2Q6I4/TneKbTegk7I/AAAAAAAACH8/t_I4_zF2mT4/s640/IMG_5217.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Pear and Chocolate Cake-Tart </b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Serves 12 (maybe)</i><b> </b></div><div style="text-align: left;">Recipe from <a href="http://chocolateandzucchini.com/edibleadventures/">Clotilde's Edible Adventures in Paris</a></div><div style="text-align: left;">Clotilde is the author of <a href="http://chocolateandzucchini.com/"><i>Chocolate and Zucchini</i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>For the Crust (Pâte Brisée)</u><i><u> </u></i></div><div style="text-align: left;">1 large egg yolk (save the white for the filling)</div><div style="text-align: left;">3 T. plus 1 tsp. ice cold water</div><div style="text-align: left;">a pinch of fine sea salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 T. sugar*</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 cups all-purpose flour, sifted, plus extra for sprinkling</div><div style="text-align: left;">8 T. (1 stick) cold unsalted butter, diced, plus a pat for greasing</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">*I wouldn't have minded a slightly sweeter crust and may increase the sugar to 3 T. next time. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>For the Pears</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">2 T. sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u> </u>3 T. dark rum (optional)</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 pears, ripe but still firm</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u>For the Chocolate Filling</u></div><div style="text-align: left;">3 T. all-purpose flour</div><div style="text-align: left;"><u> </u>1/4 tsp. baking powder</div><div style="text-align: left;">a pinch fine sea salt</div><div style="text-align: left;">4 1/2 ounces good-quality bittersweet chocolate</div><div style="text-align: left;">7 T. unsalted butter, diced</div><div style="text-align: left;">1/2 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 large egg</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 large egg white (saved from crust recipe)</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Prepare the crust: In a small bowl, beat together the egg yolk, water, salt, and sugar, and set aside. Combine the flour and butter in the bowl of food processor, and process at low speed for 10 seconds, until the mixture forms coarse crumbs. Pour in the egg yolk mixture all at once and process for a few more seconds, just until the dough comes together. If it is too dry, add a little more ice-cold water, 1 tsp. at a time, until it reaches the right consistency. Turn out onto a lightly floured surface and gather into a ball without kneading. Flatten the ball slightly, wrap in plastic, and refrigerate for 30 minutes, or up to a day (if you refrigerate it for more than an hour, let it stand at room temperature for 10 minutes before using).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">While the dough chills, poach the pears. Combine 1 cup water, the sugar and the rum in a medium saucepan, and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Peel and core the pears. Cut each of them lengthwise into sixths, rather than quarters, in order to get twelve pieces total. Add the pears to the saucepan, bring back to a simmer, and cook for 4 minutes, until tender and slightly translucent. Lift the pears from the syrup cautiously with a slotted spoon and and set aside in a colander to drain.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Remove the dough from the refrigerator. Grease an 11-to-12-inch tart pan with a pat of butter (see Note). Working on a lightly floured surface with a lightly floured rolling pin, roll the dough out into a 13 to 14 inch circle and line the pan with it, trimming off the excess dough. <i>(All I had was a 9-inch pie pan, so I rolled the dough to about 11-12 inches and just had a thicker crust.) </i>Cover loosely with plastic wrap and refrigerate for another 30 minutes; this will prevent the dough from shrinking as it bakes. Preheat the oven to 350 and put the tart pan in the oven for 10 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">While the crust bakes, prepare the chocolate filling. Combine the flour, baking powder, and salt in a small bowl, and set aside. Melt the chocolate in a double boiler or a heatproof bowl set over a pan of simmering water, stirring regularly to combine. Transfer to a medium bowl, add the sugar, and stir with a wooden spoon. Add the egg and egg white, stirring well between each addition. Add the flour mixture and stir again until just combined.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Remove the crust from the oven but leave the heat on. Pour the chocolate filling into the tart shell and even out the surface with a spatula. Arrange the pear pieces over the filling in a sun-ray pattern, the small ends pointing towards the center of the tart. Return to the oven and bake for 20 minutes, until the filling is just set at the center (it will continue to cook as it cools) and the crust is golden. Transfer to a rack and let cool completely before serving.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Note: </i>The recipe can be made in eight 4-inch tartlet molds, rather than one large tart. You should then cut each pear into fourths rather than sixths, and reduce the baking time of the chocolate filling to 15 minutes.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"> </div><div style="text-align: left;"><u> </u></div><div style="text-align: left;"><u> </u></div><div style="text-align: left;">You can serve it plain with a glass of milk or tea, or you can serve it with some gelato or whipped cream or ice cream. Just eat it, whatever you do.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GEpzP1LeTg/TneJ00Q_aDI/AAAAAAAACH0/aFmSTzg7CYM/s1600/IMG_5199.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9GEpzP1LeTg/TneJ00Q_aDI/AAAAAAAACH0/aFmSTzg7CYM/s640/IMG_5199.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-6507257039511363532011-09-09T14:24:00.000-07:002011-10-07T14:24:21.825-07:00fig and goat cheese grilled flatbread pizza<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pCHkww42dI/TmqDLEEfNPI/AAAAAAAACHY/jIPaDVu1GRg/s1600/IMG_4837.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/--pCHkww42dI/TmqDLEEfNPI/AAAAAAAACHY/jIPaDVu1GRg/s640/IMG_4837.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">No beating around the bush today. </div><div style="text-align: left;">No fun stories. No hilarious jokes. No charming anecdotes.</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just pizza. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tYTq3AkqhGY/TmqDUJScpWI/AAAAAAAACHc/p-0CaeJXx_A/s1600/IMG_4840.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tYTq3AkqhGY/TmqDUJScpWI/AAAAAAAACHc/p-0CaeJXx_A/s640/IMG_4840.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Just delicious, sweet, salty, tangy pizza. </div><div style="text-align: left;">Just chewy, crispy (yes, both at once), ridiculous flatbread pizza.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNGTcTzMQrg/TmqDY3pEx-I/AAAAAAAACHg/ExsSoGF_MX0/s1600/IMG_4841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wNGTcTzMQrg/TmqDY3pEx-I/AAAAAAAACHg/ExsSoGF_MX0/s640/IMG_4841.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><b>Fig and Goat Cheese Grilled Flatbread Pizza</b></div><div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.formerchef.com/2011/08/22/grilled-flatbread-with-figs-goat-cheese-prosciutto-and-arugula/#comment-4753"><i>(Adapted from Former Chef)</i></a></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 ball of pizza dough <i>(you can use pre-made or make your own. I used the recipe from <a href="http://theswellquenelle.blogspot.com/2011/04/goat-cheese-tomato-and-rosemary-pizza.html">here</a>, I just prepared the dough without baking it)</i></div><div style="text-align: left;">4-5 ripe figs, sliced 1/4 thick, skin on</div><div style="text-align: left;">2-3 oz goat cheese, crumbled</div><div style="text-align: left;">2 slices of bacon, cooked and chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">4-5 leaves of fresh basil, chopped</div><div style="text-align: left;">1 tsp extra virgin olive oil plus more for the grill </div><div style="text-align: left;">Balsamic Vinegar</div><div style="text-align: left;">Kosher salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Prepare the dough. Spread or roll it very thin, but even. Try not to get areas which are too thin because these will form holes and burn easily. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When the dough is ready, start the grill and get it very hot. If your grill has a temperature gauge, let it get to about 400 degrees. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Prep all the toppings. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Spray or brush the surface of the dough with some of the olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Place that side down on the hot grill. Cook until the dough begins to firm up on the bottom and gets a nice brown color. Brush the uncooked side of the dough with olive oil and flip over.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Add the figs, goat cheese and bacon to the top of the grilled flat bread and shut the lid of the grill for about two minutes so the toppings can get warm and the bottom of the bread can finish cooking.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">When the bottom is well toasted, remove the flatbread to a platter or cutting board and sprinkle it with chopped basil and drizzle with balsamic vinegar.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>Tip: If using an outdoor grill, rub the surface of the grill with a rolled kitchen towel (use an old one you can throw away), lightly dipped in oil (be careful, use tongs to do this). This will help keep the dough from sticking. If you are using an indoor grill, it is probably nonstick and you will probably not need to do this.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br />
</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtedAD2S02Y/TmqDehoYy2I/AAAAAAAACHk/-j0zKxrvg2Y/s1600/IMG_4842.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DtedAD2S02Y/TmqDehoYy2I/AAAAAAAACHk/-j0zKxrvg2Y/s640/IMG_4842.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-89652101217995398472011-09-06T12:00:00.000-07:002012-07-20T14:00:57.757-07:00green bean salad with feta and dill<div style="text-align: center;">
Did you have a good Labor Day weekend? I hope so.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W23r68VbQn0/TmZq5_eLNTI/AAAAAAAACHE/mwR5z4zqk4E/s1600/IMG_4809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-W23r68VbQn0/TmZq5_eLNTI/AAAAAAAACHE/mwR5z4zqk4E/s640/IMG_4809.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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Want to know what I did for the holiday weekend?</div>
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I fed the mosquitos.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1YWMi3IZVc/TmZq9qmE1DI/AAAAAAAACHI/6biqM9XuBKk/s1600/IMG_4815.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-M1YWMi3IZVc/TmZq9qmE1DI/AAAAAAAACHI/6biqM9XuBKk/s640/IMG_4815.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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I sacrificed my body to the little bloodsuckers for the sake of camping in the woods. These weren't just any mosquitos, no, I think they're special mosquitos. Mosquitos that have built up an immunity to Off. Mosquitos on steroids. Bold, persistent mosquitos.</div>
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I counted 16 bites on the <i>front of the upper half of my right leg. </i>Like from knee to hip, just on the top side.<i> </i> </div>
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I hope those mosquitos choke on my blood and die.</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7lJtAOwG0w/TmZrCqrNnVI/AAAAAAAACHM/3Kw4bk2O9RI/s1600/IMG_4817.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7lJtAOwG0w/TmZrCqrNnVI/AAAAAAAACHM/3Kw4bk2O9RI/s640/IMG_4817.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div>
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But you know what else I did for the holiday weekend?</div>
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I camped in the woods with some of my favorite people. We ate hot dogs around the campfire, and spun around in the dark, and had volleyball tournaments, and played scattergories under tarps in the rain. We ate s'mores (have you ever spread peanut butter on your graham cracker first? Amazing.) and drank instant coffee in the cool of the morning, and laughed until we almost peed our pants. We all sacrificed our bodies to the mosquitos together and it was so worth it. I wouldn't trade it.</div>
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This has nothing to do with green bean salad. But. Make this salad anyway, it is so delicious. The green beans are crunchy and the dressing is tangy and the feta is cheesy and it will make you happy.</div>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9mfIUhBQHo/TmZrHuinRFI/AAAAAAAACHQ/2XGVgfKQo5k/s1600/IMG_4848.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="466" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-L9mfIUhBQHo/TmZrHuinRFI/AAAAAAAACHQ/2XGVgfKQo5k/s640/IMG_4848.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Green Bean Salad with Feta and Dill</b></div>
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<i>Serves 2</i></div>
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About 2 cups of fresh green beans</div>
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1/4 cup of a vinaigrette dressing, like Italian Dressing. I used Brianna's French Vinaigrette.</div>
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2-3 T. crumbled feta</div>
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2 T. chopped red onion</div>
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2 T. chopped fresh dill</div>
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Cook beans in boiling water about 3 minutes or until tender crisp (I like mine on the crispier side, but if you prefer a little more cooked, increase time to 4 minutes or so). Drain and rinse well with cold water to stop cooking. Toss beans with dressing, cheese, onion and dill in a bowl. Serve immediately or refrigerate and serve chilled. </div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-35408355005548627432011-08-30T22:13:00.000-07:002011-11-14T11:34:18.760-08:00sneak a peek<div style="text-align: center;">Here's a sneaky little peek at our deeelicious dinner from tonight. More on it later.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZRC8HPhul0/Tl3CQh5VNdI/AAAAAAAACGU/gRm6aGzR-6s/s1600/IMG_4843.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BZRC8HPhul0/Tl3CQh5VNdI/AAAAAAAACGU/gRm6aGzR-6s/s640/IMG_4843.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Here's also a picture (what kind of grammar is that?) of disaster that struck in my kitchen tonight. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek9smjjzs-A/Tl3CbTWUl4I/AAAAAAAACGY/bRRpo-loyKk/s1600/IMG_4852.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ek9smjjzs-A/Tl3CbTWUl4I/AAAAAAAACGY/bRRpo-loyKk/s640/IMG_4852.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Delectable disaster. I figured it out eventually. I'll tell you about it too.</div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-86593761276116031482011-08-26T09:23:00.000-07:002011-08-26T16:32:41.383-07:00mango avocado salsa<div style="text-align: center;">You know what kind of makes me sad?</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-UJZCqv_b4/TlbRl7Ek5NI/AAAAAAAACF8/BEQXMG1VXBw/s1600/IMG_3947_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-UJZCqv_b4/TlbRl7Ek5NI/AAAAAAAACF8/BEQXMG1VXBw/s640/IMG_3947_2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not this.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Kids hang out together these days...and <i>text. </i></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Like,<i> text other people.</i> (Or maybe they are texting each other, which would be kind of weird.) Or maybe they're on facebook. Or instagram. Or playing a game on their phone. All I know is that they aren't interacting with the person who's right in front of them.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B1iqFUILJls/TlbRsKbjj2I/AAAAAAAACGA/1Yy5fw3o_BI/s1600/IMG_3954.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-B1iqFUILJls/TlbRsKbjj2I/AAAAAAAACGA/1Yy5fw3o_BI/s640/IMG_3954.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Today is a beautiful, absolutely flawless day, and I walked by a pair of pre-teen girls sitting outside enjoying the weather, facing each other...both on their cell phones.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znoq4X04tyM/TlbR9b65IPI/AAAAAAAACGE/k6MQnrGZRNY/s1600/IMG_3956.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-znoq4X04tyM/TlbR9b65IPI/AAAAAAAACGE/k6MQnrGZRNY/s640/IMG_3956.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Back when I was a kid... (cue rocking chair and pipe), and we didn't get cell phones at age 11 (I had to wait til I could buy my own...so first year of college), we were forced to actually play together. And we got creative. </div><div style="text-align: center;"> We played "house" in trees. (Or under porches, or in our rooms...we liked playing house.) </div><div style="text-align: center;">We gathered dirt and various scraps and dandelions and made "chop suey" (Just me? Okay.). </div><div style="text-align: center;">We captured crawfish from crannies in rocks by the lake.</div><div style="text-align: center;">We played dolls. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">We were more innocent, I think.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I'm not trying to sound bitter or angry, cause really I'm not. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I have nothing against having a cell phone. I have one. It's super handy. Fun, too. I text. I play games. I Facebook. I Instagram. I would be lost (literally) without my maps app.</div><div style="text-align: center;">I also have nothing against preteens or teens. Maybe I shouldn't even single them out, because I think adults do the same thing sometimes. I just notice it more in the younger generation, and then it makes me kind of sad, and then I wonder <i>how old am I, really? I sound about 83.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">My only problem is when cell phones unnecessarily (I know there are exceptions) replace real person-to-person contact, when real life people are ignored in favor of screen life. When preoccupation with a phone replaces enjoying where you are and who you're with at that unique, fleeting moment in your life.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgT0PBtjXI0/TlbSBPoGekI/AAAAAAAACGI/zBeQFIAnsBU/s1600/IMG_3959.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-pgT0PBtjXI0/TlbSBPoGekI/AAAAAAAACGI/zBeQFIAnsBU/s640/IMG_3959.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">So share this salsa with someone you love. Because it's fresh, and it's sensational. You'll bond over the juicy chunks of mango and crunchy chips (I highly recommend the Hint of Lime ones with this), and perhaps the sangria that she brought over. And perhaps you'll forget about your phone, for just a tiny bit.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTUuaXIxt-U/TlbSE1YOvJI/AAAAAAAACGM/SBKANX26Cq4/s1600/IMG_3965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vTUuaXIxt-U/TlbSE1YOvJI/AAAAAAAACGM/SBKANX26Cq4/s640/IMG_3965.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-v-UJZCqv_b4/TlbRl7Ek5NI/AAAAAAAACF8/BEQXMG1VXBw/s1600/IMG_3947_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <b>Mango-Avocado Salsa</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Serves 2-3</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 Mango, diced</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i> </i>1 Avocado, diced</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped</div><div style="text-align: center;">1-2 T. of fresh chopped cilantro</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 T. lime juice, or more to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;">Kosher salt to taste</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Add mango, avocado, onion and cilantro to a bowl. Toss gently. Add lime juice and salt, tossing gently to combine. Season to taste with more salt, lime or cilantro.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyrQUjbEznA/TlbSJEGRMYI/AAAAAAAACGQ/wDA-Q4g7ZUk/s1600/IMG_3967.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eyrQUjbEznA/TlbSJEGRMYI/AAAAAAAACGQ/wDA-Q4g7ZUk/s640/IMG_3967.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-62700828791762941742011-08-23T09:59:00.000-07:002011-08-23T12:19:42.912-07:00whoopie pies<div style="text-align: center;">It's a rainy day.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kind where the rain just falls silently outside and the whole world is dim and sleepy and quiet.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kind where you want to curl up with a cup of steaming tea (or perhaps a brownie...same same) and read a book on your impossibly quaint window seat.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kind where you stare aimlessly out the window for periods of time.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The kind that makes you sleep the day away.</div><div style="text-align: center;">The Norah Jones kind. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>This</i> kind:<br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KntYahI0tio/TlPbeXt6f8I/AAAAAAAACFs/0OMOscbggdY/s1600/IMG_4766.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KntYahI0tio/TlPbeXt6f8I/AAAAAAAACFs/0OMOscbggdY/s640/IMG_4766.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">What all this has to do with whoopie pies, I couldn't tell you.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">...But here's something: Days like today are rather comforting. And so are whoopie pies. See? Very similar.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzIne3U1hVQ/TlPbvEmu32I/AAAAAAAACF0/OcBMwZRGgEY/s1600/IMG_4417.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bzIne3U1hVQ/TlPbvEmu32I/AAAAAAAACF0/OcBMwZRGgEY/s640/IMG_4417.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">The other day I walked into Penzey's Spices for their some of their insanely great Madagascar vanilla beans (the smell of those alone is enough to put me in a tizzy). As I made my way to the back of the store where they're kept (Just know that I'm onto you, Penzeys...making me walk through your whole store like that), I passed by a table of chocolate. Wait...what? A TABLE OF CHOCOLATE?! </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">There lay bags and jars of cocoa in all their glory, looking all tempting and probably displayed in a very attractive manner. I can't really remember, because once I saw this recipe card for whoopie pies, I grabbed it and a bag of High Fat Dutch Process Cocoa before you could say Madagascar Vanilla Bean. Then the voice in my head said Madagascar Vanilla Bean and I picked those up too and left the store before that table of all different kinds of honey could jump in my way. (I paid first)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHoK_hkuJFA/TlPb219MntI/AAAAAAAACF4/5grVjZdJ8xs/s1600/IMG_4406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-DHoK_hkuJFA/TlPb219MntI/AAAAAAAACF4/5grVjZdJ8xs/s640/IMG_4406.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
I added the vanilla bean to the filling and I must say I think it made it absolutely irresistible. (Though I've never had it the other way.) First of all, the texture of the filling is exactly what I want in a whoopie pie-sturdy yet creamy, if that makes any sense at all-and once the vanilla bean specks sat in there for awhile and permeated everything, mmmmboy. Squish that in between two fluffy yet perfectly chocolate-y pillows and you're in for it. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Whoopie Pies</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Recipe slightly adapted from Candy Johnson</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 egg</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup unsalted butter, melted and cooled</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup Dutch Process Cocoa Powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. baking soda</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp. salt (I used kosher)</div><div style="text-align: center;">3/4 cup buttermilk</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Preheat oven to 350. Line two baking sheets with parchment paper (or grease them). </div><div style="text-align: center;">In a medium bowl, sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt. Set aside.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a measuring cup, combine buttermilk and vanilla. Set aside.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a large bowl, beat the egg and butter. Gradually add the sugar and continue beating until pale yellow in color. </div><div style="text-align: center;">While mixing, alternate adding the dry ingredient mixture and the buttermilk/vanilla to the egg and sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the dry ingredients.</div><div style="text-align: center;">Drop the batter by tablespoons onto the baking sheets. (About 6 per sheet) </div><div style="text-align: center;">Bake 8-10 minutes, until top springs back when lightly touched. Remove to wire racks to cool. Repeat until all batter is used (I only used one pan at a time so it took a few batches).</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><u>Filling:</u></div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup butter, room temperature</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup powdered sugar, sifted</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup marshmallow fluff</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 tsp. vanilla extract</div><div style="text-align: center;">One 2-inch section of vanilla bean, split, seeds scraped out</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a medium bowl, beat the butter. Add the sugar, marshmallow fluff, and extract and mix. Add the vanilla seeds/specks to the bowl and beat until light and fluffy. </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">When cookies are all cool, make sandwiches using add a generous dollop of filling for each one.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Hello, gorgeous... </div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3_cS_MTPgw/TlPbqI7vFrI/AAAAAAAACFw/N9scIrjUoW8/s1600/IMG_4420.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-p3_cS_MTPgw/TlPbqI7vFrI/AAAAAAAACFw/N9scIrjUoW8/s640/IMG_4420.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1544543744205074641.post-65073664536677234262011-08-20T08:41:00.000-07:002011-08-20T08:43:21.272-07:00strawberry-banana bread<div style="text-align: center;">When life gives you rotten fruit...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwDSpMiwAXw/Tk8DmMRBPII/AAAAAAAACFQ/iFhddRyyXps/s1600/IMG_4146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EwDSpMiwAXw/Tk8DmMRBPII/AAAAAAAACFQ/iFhddRyyXps/s640/IMG_4146.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">make bread.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9AIby6qG5o/Tk8D1PhQS7I/AAAAAAAACFU/euAlb0S0hNE/s1600/IMG_4152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E9AIby6qG5o/Tk8D1PhQS7I/AAAAAAAACFU/euAlb0S0hNE/s640/IMG_4152.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">I don't know who first thought to combine strawberry and banana. Was it Jamba Juice? Starburst? A caveman sitting in his cave with a strawberry in one hand and a banana in the other who suddenly decided to shove them both into his mouth at once? (Which, if you think about it, doesn't even sound like the most pleasing combination.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e-czoMFYEY/Tk8FRi8pxEI/AAAAAAAACFY/-00BxmbyGAE/s1600/IMG_4160.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9e-czoMFYEY/Tk8FRi8pxEI/AAAAAAAACFY/-00BxmbyGAE/s640/IMG_4160.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">Whatever. It's a genius pairing, that's really all we need to know.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdTxYxOEKs0/Tk8FlPZnQRI/AAAAAAAACFg/rkEq1ZewGJM/s1600/IMG_4169_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VdTxYxOEKs0/Tk8FlPZnQRI/AAAAAAAACFg/rkEq1ZewGJM/s640/IMG_4169_2.JPG" width="640" /></a> </div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
This is tasty business. Have it with coffee. Have it warm with butter. Have it with another banana if you like.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-taavc-dD4k0/Tk8Fg05WM5I/AAAAAAAACFc/W74DzfTXucU/s1600/IMG_4168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-taavc-dD4k0/Tk8Fg05WM5I/AAAAAAAACFc/W74DzfTXucU/s640/IMG_4168.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>Strawberry-Banana Bread</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.you-made-that.com/triple-berry-oat-bread/">You made that?</a></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;">2 cups all-purpose flour</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup rolled oats</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup sugar</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 tsp. baking powder</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. baking soda</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. salt</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 tsp. cinnamon</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/4 tsp. allspice</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/3 cup buttermilk</div><div style="text-align: center;">1/2 cup melted butter (I browned mine), cooled <i>(If you brown the butter, remove it from the saucepan to a separate bowl to let it cool)</i></div><div style="text-align: center;">2 eggs</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 1/2 tsp. vanilla </div><div style="text-align: center;">1- 1 1/2 cups chopped strawberries</div><div style="text-align: center;">1 cup mashed bananas (about 2 bananas)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y226TISIieo/Tk8FqINUm7I/AAAAAAAACFk/Xgnz0hn9A0s/s1600/IMG_4173.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iU1CQOD33o/Tk8Fu1ZTdcI/AAAAAAAACFo/mx_6Bu8Lo2o/s1600/IMG_4177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><i><br />
</i>Preheat oven to 325. Grease a loaf pan. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Whisk together all dry ingredients in a large bowl. Set aside.</div><div style="text-align: center;">In a small bowl, whisk the eggs, buttermilk and cooled butter together. Whisk in the mashed bananas. Pour the mixture into the dry ingredient mixture. Gently stir or fold until incorporated. Fold in the strawberries. Pour into the prepared pan and bake at 325 for about 1 hour, or until inserted toothpick comes out clean.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iU1CQOD33o/Tk8Fu1ZTdcI/AAAAAAAACFo/mx_6Bu8Lo2o/s1600/IMG_4177.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iU1CQOD33o/Tk8Fu1ZTdcI/AAAAAAAACFo/mx_6Bu8Lo2o/s640/IMG_4177.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06574510874435354428noreply@blogger.com2