tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-26028311828215094922024-03-19T04:56:29.004+00:00Cookies and Kale"No matter what happens in the kitchen, never apologize" - Julia ChildEstherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.comBlogger61125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-24926608351664747932011-10-28T13:51:00.000+01:002011-10-28T13:51:46.538+01:00Planes, Trains and AutomobilesHi there! Terrible blogger here. I have missed you guys, but honestly leaving DC after work on Fridays and not getting back to DC until Sunday night made it really hard for me to keep up with this. We kept cooking and eating and running over here, but at the end of the evening, after the dishes were done and the laundry was done and lunches were made, I just did not have the desire to sit down and rehash it. I have the beginnings of a few posts on meals we've cooked over here, but first I thought I'd fill you in on what has been taking up most of my energy the past month: being a jetsetter! Sort of. If taking the Megabus to NYC qualifies as "jetsetting."<br />
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So, without further ado, a somewhat brief recap on my adventures of late.<br />
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1. We went to NYC. It was awesome. Among other things I: ate at an all-you-can-eat sushi restaurant the length of a city block; walked across the Brooklyn Bridge; had Tasti-D-Lite for the first time (verdict: yummy, but Frozen Yo is better); had a lengua taco (verdict: not a fan); and...saw NEWSIES!! I have loved that movie since I was a little girl, so I jumped at the opportunity to get tickets while we were in the area. It was amazing! Never fear, Brooklyn is here!<br />
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Sushi. So many different kinds of sushi.</div>
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Tasti-D-Lite! </div>
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My sister showed us around her grad school campus.</div>
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2. I ran 7 miles in Central Park. My first 7 miles! And then ate a yummy egg and cheese bagel.<br />
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3. We went to Baltimore. I have two close friends that I've known since high school who live up there, and our mutual lack of cars means that we don't see each other as often as we should. So MG and I took the Amtrak up on a Saturday to spend the night. We: had a picnic in a beautiful park; had a delicious and fun meal of vegetarian moussaka homemade by my dear friend and cook extraordinaire, <a href="http://theepicureanenthusiast.blogspot.com/">Rachel</a>; enjoyed Indian buffet; visited a cool free art museum; and played Scattergories in a sculpture garden. I love my friends!<br />
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Teamwork!</div>
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The moussaka assembly.</div>
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Friends, food and wine. Pretty much all you need.</div>
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4. I ran 8 miles on the National Mall. My first 8 miles! And then ate a yummy egg and cheese bagel.<br />
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5. MG finished his civic duty on a trial, so we celebrated with Frozen Yo. Also he surprised me one day after work by having 3 loaves of pumpkin yeast bread in the oven when I walked in the door. I love him.<br />
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6. MG and I did a little paint your own pottery and then went out for a fantastic Vietnamese dinner for one of our monthly secret dates that we plan for each other.<br />
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The artist at work.</div>
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Coasters!</div>
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Lemongrass chicken for him, pork bun for her.</div>
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7. We went to New Jersey for the wedding of one of MG's friends from high school. It was a beautiful wedding and I loved meeting all of his friends. It was also the most extravagant wedding I have been to, foodwise. During cocktail hour I ate my weight in Chinese food, Italian food, shrimp cocktail, and perhaps a bacon-wrapped scallop or two. And I tried caviar (verdict: love it! Wish it wasn't so freaking expensive).<br />
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Approximately 1% of the full extent of the cocktail hour food and drink spread.</div>
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The caviar station. That guy looks creepy, but I can overlook that for expensive fish eggs.</div>
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8. Went to a panel talk at the National Archives featuring three former White House chefs who collectively served presidents from Carter through Obama. Highlight: learning that Amy Carter used to ask the chefs to help her bake cookies, then would run off in her roller skates and let them burn. Also the time that one of the chefs was instructed to destroy a box of expensive caviar that Gorbachev brought to President Reagan, because it was a security threat. The chef decided it was worth dying for and took it home. See #7, above.<br />
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We have one more trip to make, this time to Wisconsin for the wedding of two of my best friends from law school. I can't wait to celebrate with them, but it will also be nice to have a weekend at home and get back into a normal life routine. Once we return, Cookies and Kale will be back to its regularly scheduled programming. Happy Halloween!<br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo source: <a href="https://lynndairy.com/about/">Lynn Dairy</a></span></div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-2027039258493765872011-10-04T12:53:00.000+01:002011-10-04T13:11:44.065+01:00Meatless Monday: Shirley's Southwest Chili SoupYes, it's Tuesday. Better late than never, right?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhFhIEvF6rpHBF25ukBpTHeCS97xygMPSv6up68uGzw-Q0EkSnndu7LGmjIawM2p2DnQ27qMppNWqn7Tb16y8k3jXIKoKN8ud_EAw3oL1tQHTSDgIA-rp8d6YKJO4N2IrToPJdzjh7Fs/s1600/Photo+Sep+09%252C+12+09+19+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAhFhIEvF6rpHBF25ukBpTHeCS97xygMPSv6up68uGzw-Q0EkSnndu7LGmjIawM2p2DnQ27qMppNWqn7Tb16y8k3jXIKoKN8ud_EAw3oL1tQHTSDgIA-rp8d6YKJO4N2IrToPJdzjh7Fs/s320/Photo+Sep+09%252C+12+09+19+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had planned to post this recipe last night for Meatless Monday, but then I decided that testing out my new three-tiered cooling racks was a better idea. The fact that testing them involved baking <a href="http://afoodiestaysfit.com/2010/10/healthified-pumpkin-chocolate-chip-cookies/">these amazing pumpkin chocolate chip cookies</a> played no part in the decisionmaking. I promise. However, I can't say I regret the decision :)<br />
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More delicious than blogging.</div>
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Anyways, on to the post! My maternal grandmother is a pretty amazing woman. She's in her 80s and super active and healthy. One of her favorite pastimes is cooking. In fact, at her 80th birthday party several years ago, she insisted on making almost all of the food herself. I have a lot of vivid memories of food that my grandma prepared for my sister and me as children. Some were more complex, some were as simple as melted havarti cheese with scallions on a baguette. I love visiting my grandma because she always has new things for me to try.<br />
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My grandma has lived in a lot of places in the U.S. throughout her life, but she's spent a considerable amount of time in Arizona. She loves Mexican and Tex-Mex food and in addition to making enchiladas, tostadas and burritos, makes her own salsa and enchilada sauce. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wjZ8_twTd5ZA_yvpzAmhftG-M-Mo_FLdh7DDn4hdel-8GbdAy8sdJPWSPlI-10oEQQGOwJdnHfNae6HejOmLaHjkpgoou-QQty5A2alFExCQ9Y3UcVe5KRT6tRFZ9SYC1qR0V785u1E/s1600/Photo+Sep+08%252C+9+10+27+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_wjZ8_twTd5ZA_yvpzAmhftG-M-Mo_FLdh7DDn4hdel-8GbdAy8sdJPWSPlI-10oEQQGOwJdnHfNae6HejOmLaHjkpgoou-QQty5A2alFExCQ9Y3UcVe5KRT6tRFZ9SYC1qR0V785u1E/s320/Photo+Sep+08%252C+9+10+27+PM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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MG and I went to visit her in May of this year and one of the things she prepared for us was her Southwest Chili Soup. Texans will probably be offended that the word "chili" even appears in the title, so as a disclaimer, no, this is not chili. First, it doesn't have any meat or even fake meat. Second, it has beans, which purists say don't belong in chili. Third, it's soup. It's the consistency of soup. But while it may not be chili, it is a hearty, warm and filling meal that has all the flavors and goodness of a bowl of vegetarian chili. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KTeZkaXMdtz0_262uxTKq-GZA7vJWZcT-ZYQpFFiX5uhbKo_rBUavyIm502l8Y7BX4MeKf7PbGrtElXwXRG03ks90okKWJN7H54nroCq7_vuElkmEWmVUi7hzfvCxXc9ffKbCz9-Wz0/s1600/Photo+Sep+08%252C+9+15+31+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2KTeZkaXMdtz0_262uxTKq-GZA7vJWZcT-ZYQpFFiX5uhbKo_rBUavyIm502l8Y7BX4MeKf7PbGrtElXwXRG03ks90okKWJN7H54nroCq7_vuElkmEWmVUi7hzfvCxXc9ffKbCz9-Wz0/s320/Photo+Sep+08%252C+9+15+31+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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My grandma has this recipe written on an index card and she copied it out onto an index card which is now in my recipe binder, so if there is an original source, I have no idea what it is. I've also added corn to the recipe, because I love corn.<br />
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All the ingredients (also my multivitamins. Nice phototaking skills, Esther)</div>
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Since May I've made this three or four times, which is impressive because I generally am too distracted by new recipes such that I rarely make the same recipe more than a couple of times a year.<br />
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NB: my grandma's recipe calls for sherry at the end. She told me that this was her addition and insisted that I put it in because it makes it "so much better." (My grandma channels Julia Child from time to time). Obviously this is completely optional, but if you don't have a problem with putting sherry in, I do think it gives the soup a little something extra.<br />
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The hard stuff.</div>
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<b><i><u>Grandma Shirley's Southwest Chili Soup</u></i></b><br />
<b>Probably originally adapted from a magazine, somewhere...</b><br />
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Serves 4-6.<br />
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1 tbsp vegetable oil<br />
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup)<br />
1 small can diced green chiles<br />
1 tbsp chili powder<br />
1/2 tsp ground cumin<br />
1/4 tsp garlic powder OR 2 cloves garlic, minced<br />
1 and 3/4 cup vegetable broth (or use Better than Boullion with equal amount water)<br />
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained (I prefer using the fire-roasted variety)<br />
1 can (14.5 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed<br />
1 can (14.5 oz) kidney or pinto beans, drained and rinsed<br />
1 cup frozen corn (or fresh if it's in season!)<br />
1/3 cup sherry<br />
cayenne pepper, to taste<br />
salt and pepper, to taste<br />
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Heat oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven at medium heat. Add onion, chiles, chili powder, cumin and garlic. Cook and stir until vegetables are tender.<br />
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Add broth and tomatoes. Heat to a boil. Reduce heat to low. Simmer for 5 minutes. Add beans and corn, cook 5 minutes longer or until hot. Add sherry and simmer for an additional 3 minutes. Finally, season with cayenne, salt and pepper.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-58412287674792159712011-10-01T14:25:00.000+01:002011-10-28T20:30:34.345+01:00New Month's Resolution: OctoberI cannot believe it's October already! I really feel like it was only a couple of weeks ago that MG was having his wisdom teeth out and I went to Miami. But this morning, in case there was any doubt that fall is here, we woke up to 53 degrees and a grey fall sky threatening rain.<br />
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We're not to be deterred, though, so in addition to watching Ohio State play this afternoon, we're going over to the <a href="http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/craftybastards/">Crafty Bastards Fair</a> to do a little early Christmas shopping (and possibly buy some things for ourselves while we're at it).<br />
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Last month I decided to start setting monthly goals for myself and share them with you. My <a href="http://cookiesandkale.blogspot.com/2011/09/new-months-resolution-september.html">September resolution</a> was to try to snack only if I was actually hungry (and not for other reasons, like boredom).<br />
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This month, my goal isn't exactly food related, but it is health and fitness related. And, as I mentioned in my first post, part of my desire to have a blog is not just to share delicious recipes with you, but also to have a place to share some of my successes and challenges in staying fit in general. So, for all you foodies out there, I hope you will indulge me in talking a little bit about my October goal: to run a 15K.<br />
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I've run off and on since I was in college (although there was a lot of "off" in there). The summer before my 3L year I did the <a href="http://www.c25k.com/">Couch to 5K</a> running plan and ran my first 5K. Since then I haven't always been consistent, but becoming a more committed runner was one of my challenges for myself when I decided to lose weight last New Year's, and I'm happy to report that not only have I stuck with it, but I'm loving it (I won't say every moment. But many of the moments :) )<br />
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<a href="http://www.marathon-photos.com/scripts/index.py"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpPUCBS2hiYZvasjNEUF3QtV3SNItMHxwcGI6ZGBQN53y-u6DFiPk5VagSmMpKz4YOzWNJZSAfz7sRLld5tXJdKt4xWLNsWD9x3iBQDVKuZpcyIw6qUB68dbwHPU9K1-hbU_t3CwOdAj0/s1600/NFME0935.jpeg" /></a></div>
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Finally, a race photo where I am smiling!</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo credit: Marathon-photos.com</span></div>
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The Navy 5 Miler that I ran last weekend was my 10th race. I've now run several 5Ks, 8Ks and 10Ks, and I run regularly several times a week, usually 4-5 miles at a time. When MG decided to sign up for the <a href="http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/dc/">Hot Chocolate 15K</a>, I started thinking about doing it too, but I had some fears. Although 15K isn't *quite* 10 miles, it's pretty darn close, and the idea of running that far was (and still is) pretty intimidating. But I remembered how scary the idea of running my first 5K was and then, in turn, how scary the idea of running two times that seemed, and I decided that there was no reason why I couldn't tackle this too (also the running jacket is pretty sick). So, on December 3, weather and health permitting, I will be running 9.3 miles, and then celebrating my achievement with <a href="http://www.hotchocolate15k.com/dc/raceinfo/postrace/">Ghirardelli chocolate</a>.<br />
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Although this race isn't until December, I've made it my October goal, because as I've previously mentioned we're traveling quite a bit in October. So the real challenge in my training will be to commit to waking up and running 7, 8, and even 10 miles while away. One the one hand, I always enjoy running in new places, because it's a fun way to see the city. On the other hand, I'm realistic, and I recognize that once I'm there, it may very well be a challenge to get myself out of bed.<br />
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So, I hope you don't mind if I share updates on my progress over the next 10 weeks. In exchange for your patience and support, I'll share some yummy recipes. Most of which will probably involve pumpkin. (J/k). (Sort of).<br />
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How will I cook you? Let me count the ways.</div>
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And finally, go Buckeyes!!<br />
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Reader Survey: What are your October resolutions?Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-76596154029948070922011-09-30T17:34:00.000+01:002011-09-30T17:34:24.141+01:00A Sweet New YearHappy New Year!<br />
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Wednesday night marked the beginning of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year. In addition to attending synagogue, it is traditional to welcome the new year with a festive meal and dishes involving apples and honey (for a sweet new year).<br />
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I have been very lucky during my six years in D.C. to have developed a great group of friends with whom I often celebrate Jewish holidays. Not all of them are Jewish, and the group changes a bit from year to year, but I definitely feel like these people are my family and I always look forward to sharing my holidays (and holiday food) with them. This year, a good friend of mine has been gracious to open her apartment and kitchen for both Passover and Rosh Hashanah, so last night we co-hosted a small dinner party.<br />
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The menu consisted of: matzo ball soup, sweet noodle kugel, roasted root vegetables and the main attraction - roasted leg of lamb. For dessert, MG made a <a href="http://smittenkitchen.com/2010/10/spiced-applesauce-cake/">spiced apple cake with cinnamon cream cheese frosting</a> and our friends made an oatmeal apple crisp, which we devoured. And, of course, there were apples, honey, and my personal favorite, round raisin challah.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHPDANAwXytvLvysIrX8lF7NthxUs87BJVQcArDIGFyJ8q7qWwUcXWUascGMxEJjMZZH11Z-TFlKAGjM_vJD2aF4m9dSU1xRCGmbMSPKnHizCSDyoKaTxrINwztp75J3LCksp0vfofxo/s1600/Photo+Sep+29%252C+9+53+06+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqHPDANAwXytvLvysIrX8lF7NthxUs87BJVQcArDIGFyJ8q7qWwUcXWUascGMxEJjMZZH11Z-TFlKAGjM_vJD2aF4m9dSU1xRCGmbMSPKnHizCSDyoKaTxrINwztp75J3LCksp0vfofxo/s320/Photo+Sep+29%252C+9+53+06+PM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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We made a serious dent. </div>
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From back to front: lamb, roasted veggies, noodle kugel, finger gun.</div>
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Unfortunately, I am still adjusting to my role as blogger and I got so caught up in enjoying my evening that I forgot to take pictures until the end. On the one hand, I'm happy that my blogging didn't take precedence over my enjoyment of the evening, but I did hope to have some nicer pictures to share with you.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosQ1mYZYXvDC5Odt8hP-xOLX-MT_QC-RnGLuVcpPh4_FDy87uS1Itnz2bluRd9IqY8YjMVhEpHyziFgVz-3454Qku0DijiZX90FwEGL0dulzaqdumtC88NokqsqZtp0I9bTiEqTNCO68/s1600/Photo+Sep+29%252C+9+52+49+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgosQ1mYZYXvDC5Odt8hP-xOLX-MT_QC-RnGLuVcpPh4_FDy87uS1Itnz2bluRd9IqY8YjMVhEpHyziFgVz-3454Qku0DijiZX90FwEGL0dulzaqdumtC88NokqsqZtp0I9bTiEqTNCO68/s200/Photo+Sep+29%252C+9+52+49+PM.jpg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTuq3xnOKKH8v8LruwyF7SpbTm1WyZ_ADlP9qm_sTEZ4hZ-lyuZiLqk_164ReFEuAnQGT2hRykdxGmnuNxQ1CNwpkm4s2aK2kPIitplBccFrvRUqAbrwdk85DS9xrIk5nUH06E3FYVJw/s1600/Photo+Sep+29%252C+9+52+56+PM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvTuq3xnOKKH8v8LruwyF7SpbTm1WyZ_ADlP9qm_sTEZ4hZ-lyuZiLqk_164ReFEuAnQGT2hRykdxGmnuNxQ1CNwpkm4s2aK2kPIitplBccFrvRUqAbrwdk85DS9xrIk5nUH06E3FYVJw/s200/Photo+Sep+29%252C+9+52+56+PM.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Apples in dessert form: the aftermath.</div>
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I hope that whatever holidays you have coming up in the next few months are as happy and filled with friends and food! Shanah tovah!Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-49081724772863996132011-09-25T17:40:00.000+01:002011-09-25T17:40:33.070+01:00Post-Race Brunch: The HeightsI am not a morning person. Not at all. If I'm going to wake up before 8 am there had better be a good reason like "if you don't get up and go to work, eventually you will be fired" or "if you don't get up and go to the airport, you will miss your flight to Miami" or "if you get up now you can have peanut butter, run 5 miles, and then have brunch." <div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwf1kS1GAvmc78swIQIx6fqx0OWhPLN3V5X0QhD1krYjZ4PuAe1EUMtAe1ZlTVMByD39WGgEt_FFlY4g2YcoNfca1AQL7jKEer1bFyr5juTHqvkKaH5kee0GKzY_-FcZAT2Y9MXTxa0Q/s1600/Photo+Sep+25%252C+5+25+34+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtwf1kS1GAvmc78swIQIx6fqx0OWhPLN3V5X0QhD1krYjZ4PuAe1EUMtAe1ZlTVMByD39WGgEt_FFlY4g2YcoNfca1AQL7jKEer1bFyr5juTHqvkKaH5kee0GKzY_-FcZAT2Y9MXTxa0Q/s320/Photo+Sep+25%252C+5+25+34+AM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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Pre-race fuel.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGbZh11fAZt3Mtf3Q52ok8E0i79sgObD_VXuRLaQZyqFiG9-ONFau1nQxz9ux_zBErjG1nZTWqdQPjKraOsYFR7FFyeJIHwiQ8HmSdyF7EXIi2OhSai0u6hwJtTZ9W_elJkx9V7Nmg7o/s1600/Photo+Sep+25%252C+6+25+40+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAGbZh11fAZt3Mtf3Q52ok8E0i79sgObD_VXuRLaQZyqFiG9-ONFau1nQxz9ux_zBErjG1nZTWqdQPjKraOsYFR7FFyeJIHwiQ8HmSdyF7EXIi2OhSai0u6hwJtTZ9W_elJkx9V7Nmg7o/s320/Photo+Sep+25%252C+6+25+40+AM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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We found a stowaway in MG's gym bag. </div>
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Sadly, he wasn't registered, so we had to leave him at home.</div>
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This morning involved the last. MG and several of our friends and I ran the Navy 5 Miler around the Pentagon. It was my first race of the fall season (I have 4 more to go), and it was great! For the first time, I really felt ready for a race. I've run a few races now, and generally I feel like I *can* do it, but not that I'm necessarily as prepared as I could/should be. But this was probably the first race I've ever run where I felt like I was truly ready.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMoJEeBGCwDfH0RZub-ID3U-6VrF56EzCybN4__sxHTAm5D-yrzZVNfd_itY0XT3PyHWk0WDmi2efwlyBgrfYdnXnyK1EMi6ZCi2iiE34ho4uy1jEO1EAklvjRBOSkEVpWPr6K3fvECY/s1600/Photo+Sep+25%252C+6+25+50+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMoJEeBGCwDfH0RZub-ID3U-6VrF56EzCybN4__sxHTAm5D-yrzZVNfd_itY0XT3PyHWk0WDmi2efwlyBgrfYdnXnyK1EMi6ZCi2iiE34ho4uy1jEO1EAklvjRBOSkEVpWPr6K3fvECY/s320/Photo+Sep+25%252C+6+25+50+AM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ2AXxTDlsmyZp0F66hWqPJxl-3ZWGFxK4nA4QtCWopkuS6A2_DC1PAp9YqMFwSdomo6IKS16YC5kjTS1AX-pc_2dO3M53fXlAb2Joc_UcY5UxqXYAIwiIaSlXjkgD-2jTQgvraxEPXI/s1600/Photo+Sep+25%252C+6+26+13+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMQ2AXxTDlsmyZp0F66hWqPJxl-3ZWGFxK4nA4QtCWopkuS6A2_DC1PAp9YqMFwSdomo6IKS16YC5kjTS1AX-pc_2dO3M53fXlAb2Joc_UcY5UxqXYAIwiIaSlXjkgD-2jTQgvraxEPXI/s320/Photo+Sep+25%252C+6+26+13+AM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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He loves it when I force him to pose for pictures at 6:15 a.m.</div>
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Despite some threat of rain in the forecast, the weather held, and although the humidity was less than desirable, overall we had good weather. I was really proud of how well the race went for me. I achieved my goal and ran a PR, and felt good throughout the race, despite not being very good at operating my watch or keeping an eye out for mile markers. </div>
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Afterwards we came back, took showers (and had a much needed cup of coffee) and then headed out to a restaurant in our neighborhood for brunch. Despite being a stone's throw away, I'd still never been to the Heights, so we decided that we'd take advantage of the weather and enjoy our breakfasts and beverages on their patio.</div>
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I treated myself to a Bloody Mary (my favorite drink, and not just because it comes with olives to snack on) and MG had a Bell's beer (I can't remember what kind).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U7jtrxszerdcWQUFZPQ8jLCo7C_UcP81LWpBxLuoH3xVONpH5BgpqraAPEvj2T-CoDGtsAlQ1TY_JjlDOjrOiKFZ1YNDoFf39O5517Qsu2w514-g-2T8CBHOse4cXLu0xO7N1DMY5_w/s1600/Photo+Sep+25%252C+10+55+30+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9U7jtrxszerdcWQUFZPQ8jLCo7C_UcP81LWpBxLuoH3xVONpH5BgpqraAPEvj2T-CoDGtsAlQ1TY_JjlDOjrOiKFZ1YNDoFf39O5517Qsu2w514-g-2T8CBHOse4cXLu0xO7N1DMY5_w/s200/Photo+Sep+25%252C+10+55+30+AM.jpg" width="149" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICridn5v92JWvHfgGfD3OwXsLYFCvb5SZUMMQaag28vE5MPyJ4wvo0TJ5N_z2OmhXb-oXRLPyRsM0QZb0vHZVmd1ei_C3krInY2mo0WHwVdlMXMF0EaI12DkDbXJ3atpl9rEsh3DPlxc/s1600/Photo+Sep+25%252C+10+55+41+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgICridn5v92JWvHfgGfD3OwXsLYFCvb5SZUMMQaag28vE5MPyJ4wvo0TJ5N_z2OmhXb-oXRLPyRsM0QZb0vHZVmd1ei_C3krInY2mo0WHwVdlMXMF0EaI12DkDbXJ3atpl9rEsh3DPlxc/s200/Photo+Sep+25%252C+10+55+41+AM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="149" /></a></div>
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Celebrating one race down!</div>
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For brunch I ordered the spinach, tomato and zucchini benedict, which came with an awesome spicy tomato sauce (I do not like Hollandaise). </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ieskurMbngtjONQA_eg_6WNRKT0GIeMrVeoJkWjEQgrUNtn4ymI6xdgh-ItfoT3CCe-9xBmFSpRUtG5n7sYpli5ohQaGzMx3N2I9sOECd0FpHJHiXAeS22XiHCK9mYRtmZtR7tx2TXY/s1600/Photo+Sep+25%252C+11+23+41+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ieskurMbngtjONQA_eg_6WNRKT0GIeMrVeoJkWjEQgrUNtn4ymI6xdgh-ItfoT3CCe-9xBmFSpRUtG5n7sYpli5ohQaGzMx3N2I9sOECd0FpHJHiXAeS22XiHCK9mYRtmZtR7tx2TXY/s320/Photo+Sep+25%252C+11+23+41+AM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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One of the better Benedicts I've had, and I do consider myself a connoisseur.</div>
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MG ordered the huevos motulenos, which was an awesome combination of black beans, chicken, plantains and avocado, with two eggs any style on top. Although my dish was really delicious, after I had a bite of MG's I had a little bit of buyer's remorse. I should have known that anything with "plaintains" in the ingredient list would be the best choice. But, there will be a next time :)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxy1tP1Y-FJrnJyw7Td6QSz_jrsuGlaZwpMRUTIJF099oIjylju8yWZp01wnZj9RhpLQfuZ4nvnEqKI-0z_1SRRdMAT3douQIp9gG2jMoW4-4Wk16LEIKNQBYj-fzHSXfFOMI-TxvaOY/s1600/Photo+Sep+25%252C+11+23+26+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWxy1tP1Y-FJrnJyw7Td6QSz_jrsuGlaZwpMRUTIJF099oIjylju8yWZp01wnZj9RhpLQfuZ4nvnEqKI-0z_1SRRdMAT3douQIp9gG2jMoW4-4Wk16LEIKNQBYj-fzHSXfFOMI-TxvaOY/s320/Photo+Sep+25%252C+11+23+26+AM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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If you look carefully, you can see a plantain peeking out from under the eggs.</div>
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We shared home fries and fruit salad - I wasn't impressed with the home fries, they were a little soggy and didn't have a lot of flavor. The ones at Busboys and Poets are definitely better. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXezmlImjTodSoEHrWlKstm-2aOphn6PyX_ODYBMzBNOQJA4uO5mn9nCP6udKKprXhkNNIWmNxDLo9SrGN2ygGqZetz5tjPfRE2WmL3jxXpxP94Z2P-R5WLIffRbBhqddnEz9ULk9Jbs/s1600/Photo+Sep+25%252C+11+23+31+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXezmlImjTodSoEHrWlKstm-2aOphn6PyX_ODYBMzBNOQJA4uO5mn9nCP6udKKprXhkNNIWmNxDLo9SrGN2ygGqZetz5tjPfRE2WmL3jxXpxP94Z2P-R5WLIffRbBhqddnEz9ULk9Jbs/s320/Photo+Sep+25%252C+11+23+31+AM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Melon.</div>
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Although I'll probably need a nap later, it's always exciting to feel so accomplished (and so contentedly full) before noon on a Sunday! Totally worth the early morning alarm. </div>
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Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-83999053666188945312011-09-24T14:36:00.001+01:002011-09-24T14:46:25.795+01:00Early Edition: Almond Joy OatmealNow that the weather is cooling off, I'm starting to eat more oatmeal for breakfast. I love oatmeal, but during the summer I usually prefer cereal with cold milk to beat the heat. I'm excited to be breaking out the Quaker again, though, and I've been finding a lot of oatmeal recipe ideas from some of the blogs I follow.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pyeijq4_wCSL9DYcUWfG8NL2nY_vXmEs4wlX9AxgtUdEJL4u2aDp2__CAefhU2fUh4YjrUawVRlGm4wPpE51VFjg7K6G45ZdK_n6PpI5gB8yXH8FivJ2pWDS4oTYfIqP2SCrMdPaZio/s1600/Photo+Sep+24%252C+8+21+15+AM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6pyeijq4_wCSL9DYcUWfG8NL2nY_vXmEs4wlX9AxgtUdEJL4u2aDp2__CAefhU2fUh4YjrUawVRlGm4wPpE51VFjg7K6G45ZdK_n6PpI5gB8yXH8FivJ2pWDS4oTYfIqP2SCrMdPaZio/s320/Photo+Sep+24%252C+8+21+15+AM.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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During the week, I normally have my oatmeal with 1/2 a banana, some peanut butter, chia seeds, and lately, pumpkin puree. But weekends are for being decadent, right? So this weekend I decided to surprise MG with oatmeal based on one of his favorite candies: Almond Joy.<br />
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Using some great inspiration from <a href="http://chocolatecoveredkatie.com/">Chocolate Covered Katie</a> (check her out!) on how to turn oatmeal into a delicious morning sweet treat, here's what I came up with:<br />
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Makes 1 serving<br />
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1/2 cup Quaker Old Fashioned Oatmeal<br />
1/2 cup almond or skim milk<br />
1/2 cup water<br />
1 tsp cocoa powder<br />
1/4 tsp vanilla extract<br />
1/4 tsp almond extract<br />
1/2 banana, cut up<br />
1 tbsp slivered or sliced almonds, toasted<br />
1 tbsp shaved coconut flakes<br />
1/2 tbsp semi-sweet chocolate chips<br />
1 tsp chia seeds<br />
sweetener to taste (1 packet of stevia in mine, 2 tsp brown sugar in MGs)<br />
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The night before:<br />
Mix the oats, milk, water, cocoa powder, extracts and banana in a bowl. Cover with saran wrap and refrigerate overnight. <br />
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When you wake up:<br />
Remove the plastic wrap and microwave the bowls for about 3 - 3.5 minutes (keep an eye on them so the oatmeal doesn't overflow!) Meanwhile, toast the almonds in a small skillet over medium heat. When the oatmeal is hot and thickened, add sweetener, if desired. Finally, top with the almonds, coconut, chocolate chips and chia seeds.<br />
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Enjoy a delicious coconutty, chocolately morning!<br />
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One satisfied customer.</div>
Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-67828641201086500542011-09-22T12:42:00.000+01:002011-09-22T12:42:28.163+01:00Spicy Sausage, Two Ways: Part TwoAs I discussed in <a href="http://cookiesandkale.blogspot.com/2011/09/spicy-sausage-two-ways-part-one.html">Part One</a> of this epic series on how I used a pound of ground sausage, this meal was part of an effort to eat our way through the rather large quantity of meat in our freezer after we combined kitchens.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGCJGsqPO50IUDURHc5wpbXn_Pkp9HN1YbbP6XPcYwivlkBec2a5pxROVrvuD03r3VxMP4RIImYn7ywnUzmcDG_7DZYmsL4P1FrjrkwThwvRg2-DWjh0NXT_D4TWKQO3XLvxoDGJXjWI/s1600/Photo+Sep+16%252C+12+46+15+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="269" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUGCJGsqPO50IUDURHc5wpbXn_Pkp9HN1YbbP6XPcYwivlkBec2a5pxROVrvuD03r3VxMP4RIImYn7ywnUzmcDG_7DZYmsL4P1FrjrkwThwvRg2-DWjh0NXT_D4TWKQO3XLvxoDGJXjWI/s320/Photo+Sep+16%252C+12+46+15+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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For my second meal, I wanted to do something that would make an easy lunch. Around the time I was contemplating what to do with the meat in the freezer, I found a recipe on Serious Eats for Lentil and Sausage Soup. Since lentils are basically awesome in all forms, this seemed like a promising option. Turns out I made a good call - the sausage and olive pasta was good, but this was the real winner. This is officially my new favorite cold weather soup. Again, I basically just followed the recipe, with these changes:</div>
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1. I used 1/2 lb sausage, and I did not form meatballs. I just browned it in a ground state.</div>
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2. Added a clove of minced garlic. Garlic is supposed to be healthy, but I just think most things taste better with garlic.</div>
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3. I added 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced - put this in when you add the lentils and broth. DO IT. This is half of the reason why I think the soup is so awesome.</div>
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4. Added 1/2 bag of baby spinach at the end and let it cook down, uncovered, for about 2 more minutes.<br />
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I had this for lunch with a big piece of toasted whole wheat and flax bread that smeared with a little butter and a lot of Dijon mustard. Fun discovery: warm, soft whole wheat bread with Dijon mustard kind of tastes like a hot pretzel with mustard!</div>
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Although clearly this recipe is not vegetarian, I hope some vegetarians out there have read this far, because I'm eager to see if this could be accomplished using Boca crumbles or TVP or something. Ideally I will get around to trying this out, but if it doesn't happen and someone else does, please let me know how it goes! I'm thinking that a basic soy ground sausage or beef would work, with some traditional spicy Italian sausage seasoning, like fennel and crushed red pepper. This soup made me so ridiculously happy that I'd love for everyone to be able to enjoy it (and I'd like to be able to make a vegetarian version for myself as well).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj00ieN3nT70EgPz5zmuebbkL2bYI7oqpsHHYUVWaw0ZqYBrbWJrZXr-bl9II0_ewqzC26D8pnlwQYiMRa9ug6Lj64XtVe01ZH9rDUZtudihX0RHHPtjskEMpMhdCTmIQCBeibQO4PrE/s1600/Photo+Sep+14%252C+10+59+13+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipj00ieN3nT70EgPz5zmuebbkL2bYI7oqpsHHYUVWaw0ZqYBrbWJrZXr-bl9II0_ewqzC26D8pnlwQYiMRa9ug6Lj64XtVe01ZH9rDUZtudihX0RHHPtjskEMpMhdCTmIQCBeibQO4PrE/s320/Photo+Sep+14%252C+10+59+13+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u>Lentil, Sausage and Sweet Potato Soup</u></i></b><br />
<b>Adapted from <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/07/french-in-a-flash-lentil-and-sausage-soup-recipe.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+seriouseats%2Frecipes+%28Serious+Eats%3A+Recipes%29">Serious Eats</a></b><br />
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Makes 4 servings.<br />
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1/2 lb hot Italian sausage, ground (again, if necessary, remove from casings)<br />
2 tsp extra virgin olive oil, divided<br />
1 garlic clove, minced<br />
1/2 yellow onion, finely diced<br />
1 celery rib, finely diced<br />
1/2 lb green lentils, soaked for about 1 hour and rinsed*<br />
4 springs of fresh thyme, leaves removed and minced<br />
1 quart vegetable broth (I used Better than Boullion Vegetable)<br />
1 medium sweet potato, peeled and diced<br />
1/2 bag baby spinach, roughly chopped<br />
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste<br />
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Heat 1 tsp of olive oil in a large stock pot or Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the sausage and brown lightly, breaking it up as it cooks.<br />
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Add the remaining 1 tsp of olive oil along with the garlic, onion and celery. Saute until the vegetables are soft, about 3 more minutes.<br />
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Add the lentils, thyme, sweet potato and vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat. Simmer for 1 hour, or until the lentils are tender. Add the spinach, stir and cook for 1-2 minutes more, until all the spinach has wilted into the soup.<br />
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Enjoy!<br />
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*Confession time: I have some trouble figuring out the difference between different types of lentils at the store. This might partially be the result of my grocery store only having a limited selection of lentils. I *think* I used green lentils, but they just look kind of brown to me, and the package just said "lentils." So there you are. Tasted great though.</div>
Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-58342103062395655862011-09-22T01:35:00.000+01:002011-09-22T01:35:27.227+01:00Spicy Sausage, Two Ways: Part OneFirst! This post and the next are about two recipes that are not vegetarian. But if you are a vegetarian, please keep reading because I definitely think you can make vegetarian versions of both the recipes - and if you do, I'd love to hear how they turned out!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBn3bJ4Re7L0JfuMHC_rc0A2zn_9e78i-YWdFuyLF2MM7gf4CA45pahpIU0EcoHrz0w8XSm32Rgp_dUpTxJZKM_iJs_VO4L15MbIJSZOi-2Qf9BCTwSwi9IocAzo1qETmo5E_QTQbR3c/s1600/IMG_0447.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIBn3bJ4Re7L0JfuMHC_rc0A2zn_9e78i-YWdFuyLF2MM7gf4CA45pahpIU0EcoHrz0w8XSm32Rgp_dUpTxJZKM_iJs_VO4L15MbIJSZOi-2Qf9BCTwSwi9IocAzo1qETmo5E_QTQbR3c/s320/IMG_0447.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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For the last two months, MG and I have not bought any meat. Not because we're not eating it, but because 1) we're trying to eat *less* of it, and 2) we still had a lot in our freezer from when we combined kitchens. So, we decided to not buy any more meat until we finished what we had. When we finally start buying it again, we're going to limit it to only 1 or 2 purchases a month.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFFTOigvVZSKNH-EjPiWDN-qqBclpKCBiFqyhwBQ9qZCaRYz6ST_vdPdD82zMaHCRIzkXs6jQV7SD9Vte000ueDfBKfCLFfJAD6E_qXQaB8dlLfApJljPxSowTfAK7dRPbzp-7TxnB3Q/s1600/Photo+Sep+14%252C+9+26+46+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilFFTOigvVZSKNH-EjPiWDN-qqBclpKCBiFqyhwBQ9qZCaRYz6ST_vdPdD82zMaHCRIzkXs6jQV7SD9Vte000ueDfBKfCLFfJAD6E_qXQaB8dlLfApJljPxSowTfAK7dRPbzp-7TxnB3Q/s320/Photo+Sep+14%252C+9+26+46+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Getting browned, with some balcony garden rosemary.</div>
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Although I enjoy a good burger from time to time, I'm not a huge eater of ground meat in any form, be it beef or pork. It's not that I don't like it, it's more that I don't love it, so when I'm trying to choose something from one of the hundreds of recipes I have, recipes that call for ground meat don't usually win out. However, MG still had a package of ground Italian spicy sausage in the freezer that dates back to the old apartment, and I knew that we needed to get around to using it. It was a whole pound though, which is more than I would put into any one recipe, and since I'm wary of refreezing raw meat, I figured I'd need to find two recipes to use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4tIGwdGf0rIiGwDi9b5-eVhS5d-5pQI936sRaem1-JU7-QM_MUKthJfmcLnB9nJ-zgZeuMarWaqjzOiEr62XJMvNUQlizzo9mYy6kgloiWYc1WHhkO6GgyN8llKcdcMxDTun61Q_zi8/s1600/Photo+Sep+14%252C+9+33+08+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh4tIGwdGf0rIiGwDi9b5-eVhS5d-5pQI936sRaem1-JU7-QM_MUKthJfmcLnB9nJ-zgZeuMarWaqjzOiEr62XJMvNUQlizzo9mYy6kgloiWYc1WHhkO6GgyN8llKcdcMxDTun61Q_zi8/s320/Photo+Sep+14%252C+9+33+08+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a> </div>
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First we add some tomatoes...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8WbfasBHybHPPIq1p59jSM8AA3hQzLQOOxHTKJ5Djrq2bsl5pMXRvGL5IzODN8b_v2PV8XYXSLcgfZ9YY60R8-0T8MBCDYRzlZl1gR-isrBKrcQF8YivzVNWXFLYONKBE61TnQfNe_g/s1600/Photo+Sep+14%252C+9+44+10+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv8WbfasBHybHPPIq1p59jSM8AA3hQzLQOOxHTKJ5Djrq2bsl5pMXRvGL5IzODN8b_v2PV8XYXSLcgfZ9YY60R8-0T8MBCDYRzlZl1gR-isrBKrcQF8YivzVNWXFLYONKBE61TnQfNe_g/s320/Photo+Sep+14%252C+9+44+10+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And then LOTS of olives.</div>
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I was successful! My plan was to make one dinner-y type dish and then one soup that we could parcel out and freeze for lunches when the weather turned colder (spoiler alert: we ended up not wanting to wait until the weather turned colder. There is only one serving of soup left.)<br />
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For the dinner dish, I pulled out a pasta dish that I'd had my eye on for a while: Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Tomatoes, Rosemary and Olives from the New York Times. I pretty much followed the recipe as is, with the following modifications:<br />
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1. I only used 1 tbsp olive oil<br />
2. I used a 14 oz can diced tomatoes with a little of the juice drained off.<br />
3. I added 1/2 yellow onion, diced<br />
4. I used more like 1/2 cup green olives (I love olives!)<br />
5. I didn't use whole-wheat pasta. We still have 5 boxes of pasta from the 15 we had when we combined households to go through before we're allowed to buy more. #singlepeopleshouldnotbuyinbulk<br />
6. I added 1/2 bag of baby spinach at the end and let it wilt down.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiM_mbY8mx1uOLLTOAewUdPXdpSlFteAP2o5Uief0_WJGHHldNm7Tl_3HzSlAySftDKXOFGiL1WAFZEm1sDQVtDAbHDQDEWSMLpsy1jEgQizUqPF9tdOuVZ1uVWZVEjR8cLvhPWz-tJ8/s1600/Photo+Sep+14%252C+9+49+40+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUiM_mbY8mx1uOLLTOAewUdPXdpSlFteAP2o5Uief0_WJGHHldNm7Tl_3HzSlAySftDKXOFGiL1WAFZEm1sDQVtDAbHDQDEWSMLpsy1jEgQizUqPF9tdOuVZ1uVWZVEjR8cLvhPWz-tJ8/s320/Photo+Sep+14%252C+9+49+40+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div>
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Iron!</div>
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I was very happy with the recipe, but I did find it a little oily. I think the next time I make it I would drain off the oil from the sausage before adding the rest of the veggies, or even further reduce the amount of olive oil.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8wU7GodzhIKwtsvv_cH82-zkiWy-4hzQ-m7OAUm4FizzDJ3cjMgQJgaKoT2Xf1uTPcYukdTL-NG22j1v_fBeLFPebyPWKAirS4owgg79lgzwrICKy5pMI2k6Xc_okG5JAL-IuxxiBpk/s1600/Photo+Sep+14%252C+9+55+23+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl8wU7GodzhIKwtsvv_cH82-zkiWy-4hzQ-m7OAUm4FizzDJ3cjMgQJgaKoT2Xf1uTPcYukdTL-NG22j1v_fBeLFPebyPWKAirS4owgg79lgzwrICKy5pMI2k6Xc_okG5JAL-IuxxiBpk/s320/Photo+Sep+14%252C+9+55+23+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><i><u>Pasta with Spicy Sausage, Tomatoes, Rosemary and Olives</u></i></b><br />
<b>Adapted from <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/13/dining/13apperex3.html?ref=dining">The New York Times</a></b><br />
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This made 4 really large portions. You could probably get a 5th out of it, if you had a large bunch of greens on the side.<br />
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1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil<br />
1/2 lb hot Italian sausage - we used ground, otherwise remove the casings<br />
1 large sprig fresh rosemary<br />
1-2 cloves of garlic, minced<br />
1 14-oz can diced tomatoes, a little of the juice drained off<br />
1/2 yellow onion, diced<br />
1/2 cup green olives with pimentos, sliced<br />
1/2 bag baby spinach leaves, roughly chopped<br />
1/2 lb pasta (we used penne, something spirally would be good too)<br />
Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste<br />
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Cook pasta according to the package.<br />
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Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Saute the sausage and rosemary until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Add the garlic and onion and saute until softened, about 1-2 minutes.<br />
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Add the canned tomatoes and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Throw in the olives and cook for 5 more minutes. Finally, add the spinach in handfuls, allowing it to wilt down a bit. Cook for 1-2 minutes, or until all the spinach is completely wilted into the sauce.<br />
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Add sauce to pasta, mix, and enjoy!Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-84584493844491642182011-09-20T02:51:00.000+01:002011-09-20T02:51:34.749+01:00Meatless Monday: Zucchini PizzaHey guys! Back after a bit of an absence - things have been busy and I often find that after coming home from work, going to the gym and then making (and eating) dinner, I’m too tired to blog. But fear not! I spent part of my off-day last week at a neighborhood coffeeshop working a couple of posts, which will be going up over the next week.<br />
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But in the meantime, a special Meatless Monday guest post by MG!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jdKUR9i4mzHXQcTJ8KXYz4z47OoIA5FbJ8CFP8nLdNFFEiBbcVlwoTIi_ZEJBwN63bGlsaxFjSmp8OMl22ekwXZvj4YK-9jEWjLnEii_SggviD7rXOSE_edoWZRpi8DZ_Ohw5gj-FnQ/s1600/Photo+Sep+07%252C+8+29+07+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="283" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6jdKUR9i4mzHXQcTJ8KXYz4z47OoIA5FbJ8CFP8nLdNFFEiBbcVlwoTIi_ZEJBwN63bGlsaxFjSmp8OMl22ekwXZvj4YK-9jEWjLnEii_SggviD7rXOSE_edoWZRpi8DZ_Ohw5gj-FnQ/s320/Photo+Sep+07%252C+8+29+07+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Pizza can be a great and healthy weeknight meal if you make one critical move. That move is making the crust the night before. Esther and I discovered this step when I realized we wouldn’t have enough time to make the dough the night-of as we normally did. So I whipped it up the night before, let it do its first rise and then put it in the fridge to sit until the next day.<br />
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Blank canvas.</div>
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The result of our little time saver was a wonderfully malleable crust that crisped up nicely and still retained its chew. With our crust settled, we then turned our eyes to the toppings. We went with a zucchini pesto pizza from Serious Eats, overflowing with delicious late-summer produce. There were a few modifications to the pizza, as I suppose you’ve come to expect.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginRQVxRHPcHy3Vk8KigjJZQPPbYE2tq3-9Alc7dtM4xGDE8_ZDfNB4UdAPVF_T-dof-E-58VX8IFfba71wl888urilS8vjmShDxbfoHjJr7nsuifVJzrpGd-WuLYDkOpXzSrCxiyQ4VI/s1600/Photo+Sep+07%252C+7+59+40+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEginRQVxRHPcHy3Vk8KigjJZQPPbYE2tq3-9Alc7dtM4xGDE8_ZDfNB4UdAPVF_T-dof-E-58VX8IFfba71wl888urilS8vjmShDxbfoHjJr7nsuifVJzrpGd-WuLYDkOpXzSrCxiyQ4VI/s200/Photo+Sep+07%252C+7+59+40+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFSc-XkierumyubOyONnbO2Lyt3qkn7f6WhrzifSEiaNCkdFhbN1WXIptjU5Fh5If49FciStIqWEHvRUNCTF3km1yCop3XFuKfNtPcWTK2JYIPuorYJ5kss5It_2bo9ivYRvcfqHD_E4/s1600/Photo+Sep+07%252C+7+59+45+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="162" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXFSc-XkierumyubOyONnbO2Lyt3qkn7f6WhrzifSEiaNCkdFhbN1WXIptjU5Fh5If49FciStIqWEHvRUNCTF3km1yCop3XFuKfNtPcWTK2JYIPuorYJ5kss5It_2bo9ivYRvcfqHD_E4/s200/Photo+Sep+07%252C+7+59+45+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
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In addition to feta, we upped the cheese quotient by using a reduced-fat provolone-asiago-mozzarella-parmesan cheese blend. We also substituted summer squash for half the zucchini. Finally, we used my homemade pesto (from a batch in which I had forgotten to put parmesan) and reduced the amount of pesto to only ⅓ of a cup. The end result was delicious and we happily consumed over our customary 2 nights with salads on the side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHj29caJ-BUnnZ93qcNxcVt39bDwPtqjya-z68g7v8t4ipQOHpGRtVp1I8iD_X6XoVgUQBvLUSjki8ok4mIjafFRl5gDY7TN2m8tft1PFFK7M2oAEdoGuJ3L7a7uCX5yf7dna_8bx6EYM/s1600/Photo+Sep+07%252C+8+22+16+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHj29caJ-BUnnZ93qcNxcVt39bDwPtqjya-z68g7v8t4ipQOHpGRtVp1I8iD_X6XoVgUQBvLUSjki8ok4mIjafFRl5gDY7TN2m8tft1PFFK7M2oAEdoGuJ3L7a7uCX5yf7dna_8bx6EYM/s320/Photo+Sep+07%252C+8+22+16+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b><u><i>Zucchini and Pesto Pizza</i></u></b><br />
<b>from <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/08/the-crisper-whisperer-zucchini-and-pesto-pizza-recipe.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+seriouseats%2Frecipes+%28Serious+Eats%3A+Recipes%29">Serious Eats</a>, with minor modifications</b><br />
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Makes 8 slices<br />
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1 ball pizza dough (homemade or purchased - if homemade, the overnight second rise will give more of a "pan pizza" texture, as opposed to thin crust)<br />
1/3 cup of basil pesto<br />
1 medium zucchini and 1 summer squash, very thinly sliced<br />
4 ounces fat free feta cheese, crumbled<br />
½ cup Italian cheese blend, shredded<br />
about 16 kalamata olives, sliced<br />
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Pre-heat your oven to 450F. Roll out your pizza dough onto your chosen baking sheet (we use a rectangular cookie sheet). I just use my hands (sprayed with some handy Pam) to spread out the dough on the pan.<br />
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Top the dough first with the pesto, then the feta, layer on the sliced zucchini and squash and finally top with the Italian cheese blend and olives. Bake for 10-15 minutes until the crust is golden on the bottom and the cheese is nice and bubbly on top. Let cool a little, slice and enjoy.Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-44033500983771433312011-09-14T12:47:00.000+01:002011-09-14T12:47:12.108+01:00Dining In: Mediterranean Chicken and GrainsSometimes nothing is better than a whole bunch of grains, veggies and meat, all mixed up in one dish (unless you're vegetarian, in which case, not having the meat is better).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zU0meTliHxfY_AArHyFUpkg3wapR-ZC7qJenwXBv3xgtIuFH-LNVzqlGmnyQGCBdIgNEykbE2gUTOz2YLxMuFpzlSh3uUrpHFl5bZv0KnucbQ-BifJZfAuaT6miDAinFFxdwPqmaPMc/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+9+37+47+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-zU0meTliHxfY_AArHyFUpkg3wapR-ZC7qJenwXBv3xgtIuFH-LNVzqlGmnyQGCBdIgNEykbE2gUTOz2YLxMuFpzlSh3uUrpHFl5bZv0KnucbQ-BifJZfAuaT6miDAinFFxdwPqmaPMc/s320/Photo+Sep+11%252C+9+37+47+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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I had half a bag of Trader Joe's Harvest Grains Blend (Israeli cous cous, orzo, baby chickpeas and quinoa) to use, so I decided to make a Mediterranean casserole-y dish out of it (although I guess it's not technically a casserole since I didn't cook it in a casserole...)<br />
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There isn't really a recipe, but here is the general idea: I cooked the mixed grains according the the package with Better than Bouillion Chicken while I roasted a whole eggplant, cubed, for 20 minutes at 425F with some olive oil and kosher salt. While that was all going I browned some chicken sausage with rosemary and feta. Finally, I mixed everything up with red onion, green pepper, kalamata olives, sundried tomatoes, about 3 large handfuls of baby spinach and some fresh mint and thyme from the balcony garden. Added a bit of allspice, red pepper flakes and salt and pepper (all to taste, I didn't measure), topped it off with some feta, and we were ready to feast! <br />
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It wasn't the fastest meal, but it was really delicious and very filling. We made 5 large servings out of it - hurray for freezer leftovers!Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-86163553830863005842011-09-13T12:53:00.000+01:002011-09-13T12:53:50.351+01:00Dining Out in the City of Brotherly LoveOver the weekend, MG and I went on our second (and my third) weekend trip in a row. This time, we headed off to Pennsylvania for the wedding of one of MG's college friends. We had a great time at the wedding!<br />
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Sunday morning we got up early and after a workout in the Holiday Inn Express fitness room (where apparently the circuit can't handle 2 treadmills and the TV all operating at once) we drove to Philadelphia to meet up with MG's parents, younger brother and family friends for lunch. I had only been to Philadelphia once before (so I'm told - I think I was about 4 years old), so we arrived early and did a little sightseeing. We toured the Old Quaker Meeting House and the Christ Church Cemetery where Benjamin Franklin and Benjamin Rush are buried. It was very cool, but there are so many other things I'd like to see, so we definitely have a full weekend trip planned sometime in the next year.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULgMfiO-qnkAiVFF3w6UnkTu1iS0KVh7IJgNwErIzok8xiiM9A9O13C8viettseepGBrJlXjirAZIcBojWGbfiGogbyCuv6pKJYV_qEGbomaKS2ebvbqrPZYq54St2gu1UEgyeURtKZk/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+11+00+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhULgMfiO-qnkAiVFF3w6UnkTu1iS0KVh7IJgNwErIzok8xiiM9A9O13C8viettseepGBrJlXjirAZIcBojWGbfiGogbyCuv6pKJYV_qEGbomaKS2ebvbqrPZYq54St2gu1UEgyeURtKZk/s320/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+11+00+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOKTAGw_iL523dgh6jQxGFtkxkQ8eCwiH4nE5BsbTCZgrZq_LOANmW0AnoVd29ZS2e5SWVgimZYP5p5Wa8ha-17BtH8CP71LITsBNXaWik-FkbJ3wIPPjDuMwvZOMht0npioR0MwbPWo/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+18+23+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOKTAGw_iL523dgh6jQxGFtkxkQ8eCwiH4nE5BsbTCZgrZq_LOANmW0AnoVd29ZS2e5SWVgimZYP5p5Wa8ha-17BtH8CP71LITsBNXaWik-FkbJ3wIPPjDuMwvZOMht0npioR0MwbPWo/s320/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+18+23+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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For lunch we went to the Old City neighborhood where MG's parents had made a reservation at <a href="http://www.forkrestaurant.com/">Fork</a>. It was a fantastic meal with great food and great company!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_y9rs4ipwXqG_Wv_kxSkZ6jDp0GR6U-e4pObI9-feHxG_YuXi6lUv_Q33i280UmDb_p_7E23TcqJlvO4OH5jypx9p5Mzpoxh8vdI6Au2VtK9DYMKNA9VpPRWCgWs1zcgZR0doGJlCXg/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+26+26+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="181" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia_y9rs4ipwXqG_Wv_kxSkZ6jDp0GR6U-e4pObI9-feHxG_YuXi6lUv_Q33i280UmDb_p_7E23TcqJlvO4OH5jypx9p5Mzpoxh8vdI6Au2VtK9DYMKNA9VpPRWCgWs1zcgZR0doGJlCXg/s200/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+26+26+PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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We started with a roll service - I selected the whole grain and MG had the fruit and nut. Although there were a lot of really delicious-looking options on the brunch menu, I knew immediately what I wanted when I saw butternut squash soup with toasted pepitas. I am a sucker for all squash (it might be my favorite veggie ever. Except for eggplant. And avocado. Hmmm...) and the the cooler weather has got me all excited for fall flavors. I also had a pickled beet salad with garden vegetables, chevre and a lemony aioli dressing. Beets - another favorite of mine (I'm going to just take it all back and not pick a favorite veggie).</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUctL6mhNUiSbnrJXfOAw9y4U9h0ZjDYCNWwCp_dRNT5eTFFzYArImvwIhAoshKy7mwCMa8C4yi9AVJRlCAkcRltoDxXBfHtkOPV5RBdL8uKWyB7SSipWb7faJaYaxsCYrDxwF17jLfB8/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+37+03+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUctL6mhNUiSbnrJXfOAw9y4U9h0ZjDYCNWwCp_dRNT5eTFFzYArImvwIhAoshKy7mwCMa8C4yi9AVJRlCAkcRltoDxXBfHtkOPV5RBdL8uKWyB7SSipWb7faJaYaxsCYrDxwF17jLfB8/s200/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+37+03+PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQASBUczY74vCYZVSbdY2tqTt8Yz1fYx4vFYfY2Zd2NB6AnxF2mMVDlDRRZFVP03y09tGxU-LFn3Yh_zZfr7kCdnIo-4tFP4jntwxOh7KIatK1KDPmWKUKbzK8MrcK0L8qQiKxJYENQ8/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+54+57+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPQASBUczY74vCYZVSbdY2tqTt8Yz1fYx4vFYfY2Zd2NB6AnxF2mMVDlDRRZFVP03y09tGxU-LFn3Yh_zZfr7kCdnIo-4tFP4jntwxOh7KIatK1KDPmWKUKbzK8MrcK0L8qQiKxJYENQ8/s200/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+54+57+PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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Tastes of fall and summer, all in one meal!</div>
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MG had fruit salad and a frittata with potatoes, green olives, tomato sauce and almonds. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBme5eFRHyyceWm6pwnh_IbawiHS9e7lsa7GD81Q5cyvymeUFOIv1tr-p3vgG7Wck8U4qTczRIM59cu2uxFk13lLh90plvqDRULzVqtHDL5bpi234pAQ6Igq1R0h2b545Yza2Tglx07hw/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+37+18+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBme5eFRHyyceWm6pwnh_IbawiHS9e7lsa7GD81Q5cyvymeUFOIv1tr-p3vgG7Wck8U4qTczRIM59cu2uxFk13lLh90plvqDRULzVqtHDL5bpi234pAQ6Igq1R0h2b545Yza2Tglx07hw/s200/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+37+18+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45lawpnX99VuAeiAjfdKq2hZ2TU0kvvBiEHITHa4BIv-2PrmIXDRxwEuod82wbrAz-dWVGnOtc2KyMyIW_VC3j4jRM8HNDTYikt8m1-dlTYKyBsFI62_MU1w5ghC1JORuAO_O7-qHd-U/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+55+07+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh45lawpnX99VuAeiAjfdKq2hZ2TU0kvvBiEHITHa4BIv-2PrmIXDRxwEuod82wbrAz-dWVGnOtc2KyMyIW_VC3j4jRM8HNDTYikt8m1-dlTYKyBsFI62_MU1w5ghC1JORuAO_O7-qHd-U/s200/Photo+Sep+11%252C+1+55+07+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div>
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After lunch we stopped for coffees at a local shop and then walked over to Reading Terminal Market. I was really excited to visit, because I am a big fan of big indoor markets, but unfortunately about 1/3 of the booths were closed on Sundays. We did find an awesome little shop that sold lots of fun kitchen items and bought some cookie cutters and two mini-springform pans! I am a sucker for mini-baking items. I can't wait to make a mini-cheesecake or two. They are just so cute :)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WGZeuyC_7jA6-o3vb2yb9SKhVpWXM3sDB_x5mDBN_9K4zC2AxIVDWrYB_vRRRV1YmMHLSYLDN2YVIxG7pXuo-lFT8gqDha5bBSbBYhjKs8a8xnn6yu63gyPpDEnO5y3z5ya1wiQKJSY/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+2+51+13+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-WGZeuyC_7jA6-o3vb2yb9SKhVpWXM3sDB_x5mDBN_9K4zC2AxIVDWrYB_vRRRV1YmMHLSYLDN2YVIxG7pXuo-lFT8gqDha5bBSbBYhjKs8a8xnn6yu63gyPpDEnO5y3z5ya1wiQKJSY/s320/Photo+Sep+11%252C+2+51+13+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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We spotted this storefront next to the coffeeshop. I have no idea what it is. </div>
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Possibly something from a Stephen King novel? Obviously I had to take a picture.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKpTwBQfPHzNlyC8Mea5l91XD6aG3Rnqc6wjykqpE641kdG41Z6k2AyTQFwrgTJAx70XFE520RmA2nL_Rfj3suCxkIFE6GyiJtLLTnrafwC-qseKEGcy4BMHADW4Iv2-MzktDoEkoMLY/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+2+52+52+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoKpTwBQfPHzNlyC8Mea5l91XD6aG3Rnqc6wjykqpE641kdG41Z6k2AyTQFwrgTJAx70XFE520RmA2nL_Rfj3suCxkIFE6GyiJtLLTnrafwC-qseKEGcy4BMHADW4Iv2-MzktDoEkoMLY/s320/Photo+Sep+11%252C+2+52+52+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfOgjhcKKVEVkdCe3MJAtRPiM1z_4_Cb03KtZHwN1_JV3I-j-S-AnQ7FORh0pW8LF54HCqUoIYwO0tBVW41z36IZ_H7UcaWsgxpIc4P7xe6VUsmVWEIPaSlYiH_QExVTopK7RUtTYK34/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+3+30+33+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPfOgjhcKKVEVkdCe3MJAtRPiM1z_4_Cb03KtZHwN1_JV3I-j-S-AnQ7FORh0pW8LF54HCqUoIYwO0tBVW41z36IZ_H7UcaWsgxpIc4P7xe6VUsmVWEIPaSlYiH_QExVTopK7RUtTYK34/s320/Photo+Sep+11%252C+3+30+33+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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We got a little lost on our way here.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIZC3QLtOCK3t7i4d-0fB0QDYuOYtZlxMj02Tp1zOeTQyCHxoD_6WQBCS4fj920u18uT1VQOY3v9xELHJYOrYJdpNpQjcjjGjc2OywKqlozbGDM0hH178De5WAOnxNuu0HgvqM7MfJOQ/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+3+32+41+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYIZC3QLtOCK3t7i4d-0fB0QDYuOYtZlxMj02Tp1zOeTQyCHxoD_6WQBCS4fj920u18uT1VQOY3v9xELHJYOrYJdpNpQjcjjGjc2OywKqlozbGDM0hH178De5WAOnxNuu0HgvqM7MfJOQ/s320/Photo+Sep+11%252C+3+32+41+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Trotters.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhXVnUqXPmZiW4wANdepNix0vQLToz2Fgk0kauAWIz61xPopv3P88h8f61DXgJmJrXhpbcm1m3KlMtP4FEYg5R5GnVDCHc2PdEB9pQ1rMS_Ky4-pv9VuQVwfCjkR5SXrLvkIewwWRUm4/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+3+32+53+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEhXVnUqXPmZiW4wANdepNix0vQLToz2Fgk0kauAWIz61xPopv3P88h8f61DXgJmJrXhpbcm1m3KlMtP4FEYg5R5GnVDCHc2PdEB9pQ1rMS_Ky4-pv9VuQVwfCjkR5SXrLvkIewwWRUm4/s200/Photo+Sep+11%252C+3+32+53+PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1Jqp6OyWvSi-gRqEaYNACmxFTgPR0nlsTaB82cfCwz4rYq2tWq-Z2kuZR9Wl-7ClQLNK2pGHN6MLznvl9Km9kWd3CaYKJcJmrxYnY20pGwklEG1H3NanSIfJQh7D_GENS4LnZz1zCy8/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+3+47+06+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhi1Jqp6OyWvSi-gRqEaYNACmxFTgPR0nlsTaB82cfCwz4rYq2tWq-Z2kuZR9Wl-7ClQLNK2pGHN6MLznvl9Km9kWd3CaYKJcJmrxYnY20pGwklEG1H3NanSIfJQh7D_GENS4LnZz1zCy8/s200/Photo+Sep+11%252C+3+47+06+PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmcifcB_JSE57TWRskXJYDiWeBmS_BFuBfOxv2jksjbq0Mxp6xW-MD5ceqwFMtSk4tDrC0nDTTain7HTOky6_njKcJCOid0YESddmbwq4qA99HSFH7a37hQahh0qO0rpi7ncZlCHR6qc/s1600/Photo+Sep+11%252C+3+50+44+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjmcifcB_JSE57TWRskXJYDiWeBmS_BFuBfOxv2jksjbq0Mxp6xW-MD5ceqwFMtSk4tDrC0nDTTain7HTOky6_njKcJCOid0YESddmbwq4qA99HSFH7a37hQahh0qO0rpi7ncZlCHR6qc/s320/Photo+Sep+11%252C+3+50+44+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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Why don't we have this in D.C.? I love Eastern Market, but this is way better...</div>
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Finally we headed back to the car for the return trip to D.C. It was a great weekend, although I have to be honest - I'm really excited about the next three weekends at home before we kick off our October of crazy travel. Despite all the busy-ness though, we have found time to cook here and there, so I promise there will be some recipes in the near future!Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-71407146763091779842011-09-09T12:59:00.000+01:002011-09-09T13:01:09.091+01:00The Lunch Box: DIY Microwaveable Veggie BurritosHappy Friday everyone! This week ended up a good one, lunch-wise:<br />
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We got back LATE on Monday night, so all my hopes of preparing something yummy to take to work on Tuesday were dashed. I had to resort to my emergency stash of frozen lunches, which are an emergency stash precisely because they don't taste great, so I only eat them if there isn't any other option.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMt2DV-b9hIGrvvj-9ghcjsRG_E-5yyoMtRsp1-ZZCbB5jwaUpINdUPPEC6LTlFgwpEekmIykQ8s1i1_JloLKlwVHidu9LTrXs_o-R3SU7YJX3yAbV3acmMUK_jglPVQNCv_VfN2XZew/s1600/Photo+Sep+07%252C+12+21+13+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbMt2DV-b9hIGrvvj-9ghcjsRG_E-5yyoMtRsp1-ZZCbB5jwaUpINdUPPEC6LTlFgwpEekmIykQ8s1i1_JloLKlwVHidu9LTrXs_o-R3SU7YJX3yAbV3acmMUK_jglPVQNCv_VfN2XZew/s320/Photo+Sep+07%252C+12+21+13+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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My original plan was to pick up a salad from Au Bon Pain to have with my Lean Cuisine, but as I sat at my desk thinking about lunch, I decided I just wasn't feeling that. The problem though, was that I couldn't decide what I was in the mood for! There are plenty of options by my office, but none of them sounded spectacular. Then, I remembered to check <a href="http://foodtruckfiesta.com/">Food Truck Fiesta</a> to see if any food trucks were in my neighborhood. I was so excited to see the <a href="http://fojol.com/menu">Ethiopian truck</a> nearby, since I've been wanting to check it out for a while. Fantastic! I got shiro wat (a hearty split pea stew) and collard greens. And a huge serving injera bread to scoop it all up! It was super delicious, very filling and only cost me $7, so needless to say I will be doing that again.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq3wNMSAMmreUnCa39Zvy79UzT96zAPv7i9YLeuR1csCI7SfRiQaZH0kMh0e0Sq3W3SZ13LfkjM69tJ6m8MMuGuA57WrA9QgS-ZUq_DKc4UDZCZ632NePOQLNDKZmJND3nEIwFm5msbY/s1600/Photo+Sep+06%252C+12+20+58+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEq3wNMSAMmreUnCa39Zvy79UzT96zAPv7i9YLeuR1csCI7SfRiQaZH0kMh0e0Sq3W3SZ13LfkjM69tJ6m8MMuGuA57WrA9QgS-ZUq_DKc4UDZCZ632NePOQLNDKZmJND3nEIwFm5msbY/s200/Photo+Sep+06%252C+12+20+58+PM.jpeg" width="149" /></a></div>
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Mm, Ethiopian! From a truck!</div>
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Anyways, I didn't get home until 11 p.m. that night because I had choir after work, so I had pretty much resigned myself to the Lean Cuisine for lunch on Wednesday since there was no way I was going to have the energy to prepare anything before bed.<br />
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But, MG, being the awesome boyfriend that he is, surprised me with DIY microwaveable burritos! He'd seen a post about it on <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/makeahead-meal-idea-freezer-burritos-shutterbean-155124">the Kitchn</a> that morning, so he decided to help me out of my lunch jam. These little guys are fantastic - he used whole wheat tortillas and stuffed them with black beans, reduced fat cheddar, red onion, green chiles and rice cooked with diced tomatoes. Then wrapped them up in foil and popped them in the freezer! I brought them for lunch Wednesday and Thursday and they are super easy to reheat - just wrap them in a paper towel (remember to take off the foil first!), place on a plate, and microwave for about 3-4 minutes. Super delicious, filling, healthy, easy, cheap...kind of the perfect lunch, eh?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZypqPafpF9CMgnRbmqra0bruL8KFmb8qY772UB2zSDHkmjjqDgBl4caMI-0AubsbdQoNP65u0tSmwIrLxcYSD8AyuKUF3tOgrLUs7LcfD7lFzFRkdeXeLusz3y8KhSc7THyFkC4nP7gw/s1600/Photo+Sep+06%252C+9+10+28+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZypqPafpF9CMgnRbmqra0bruL8KFmb8qY772UB2zSDHkmjjqDgBl4caMI-0AubsbdQoNP65u0tSmwIrLxcYSD8AyuKUF3tOgrLUs7LcfD7lFzFRkdeXeLusz3y8KhSc7THyFkC4nP7gw/s320/Photo+Sep+06%252C+9+10+28+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjam0fAlgoyUb1PEkZLrFxXzrlnT7v0GTo3s7SLgnUaahVOD561QZaVjPi3vseurpDYcBql7A9Nlm9og6UZnI7U2YA5hfBAsacBfEFzVrOtD3-iLN-Qfq4GCa8W0h-IQdbRdd83gFcgxjQ/s1600/Photo+Sep+06%252C+9+15+07+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjam0fAlgoyUb1PEkZLrFxXzrlnT7v0GTo3s7SLgnUaahVOD561QZaVjPi3vseurpDYcBql7A9Nlm9og6UZnI7U2YA5hfBAsacBfEFzVrOtD3-iLN-Qfq4GCa8W0h-IQdbRdd83gFcgxjQ/s320/Photo+Sep+06%252C+9+15+07+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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Getting stuffed.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbRS0NhCGPHcdxZ1Zulfm5AIsEeHYegSsC8rcvHrQ4Sr8AiL6L1efjgsq7lHB0n4R1KYMkKbLjpODDIlxnF8pS7kXHuX-VoWccM-ajQMW4izxjYPMWrm4thopbqWxy895nYdioQL3t_4/s1600/Photo+Sep+06%252C+9+16+02+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEbRS0NhCGPHcdxZ1Zulfm5AIsEeHYegSsC8rcvHrQ4Sr8AiL6L1efjgsq7lHB0n4R1KYMkKbLjpODDIlxnF8pS7kXHuX-VoWccM-ajQMW4izxjYPMWrm4thopbqWxy895nYdioQL3t_4/s200/Photo+Sep+06%252C+9+16+02+PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGI9104FZKYc2A4FGvF_-8vobKcIQ5lB5_9icRzeZ2xqASB8QsQ_z1LuC3uMAxoF2YL8cMZdvtvC93Xc82NIaIbat703h7WM9d0eZ68X5hcH-WLxS8vpgzPHinRPSEUYlPbP1u3_cVEo/s1600/Photo+Sep+06%252C+9+18+54+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeGI9104FZKYc2A4FGvF_-8vobKcIQ5lB5_9icRzeZ2xqASB8QsQ_z1LuC3uMAxoF2YL8cMZdvtvC93Xc82NIaIbat703h7WM9d0eZ68X5hcH-WLxS8vpgzPHinRPSEUYlPbP1u3_cVEo/s200/Photo+Sep+06%252C+9+18+54+PM.jpeg" width="200" /></a></div>
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All lined up and ready to go into the freezer (for a brief stop before I eat you!)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RAif6sE5W11_G1WzZgjB_dpSegXWhyphenhyphen1EIwVklvQi3uBq7BeQ2CUv1PiHgQKOkw_w193qDrQfURL1HXvAc-RWnvMk6JCk2_BpUpM2Ipq-uNKawV5WS4evPYI-E_VUAjb1KHHxWi-NAUM/s1600/Photo+Sep+07%252C+12+09+13+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3RAif6sE5W11_G1WzZgjB_dpSegXWhyphenhyphen1EIwVklvQi3uBq7BeQ2CUv1PiHgQKOkw_w193qDrQfURL1HXvAc-RWnvMk6JCk2_BpUpM2Ipq-uNKawV5WS4evPYI-E_VUAjb1KHHxWi-NAUM/s320/Photo+Sep+07%252C+12+09+13+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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Again, MG's looks more appetizing. I think it's the real plate.</div>
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But don't be fooled, mine was delish! With some salsa, of course.</div>
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And, we still have 5 more in the freezer! No more emergency Lean Cuisines for me, even in a pinch I can have a home cooked meal! :)</div>
Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-91722942002051045952011-09-08T04:16:00.000+01:002011-09-08T12:43:06.435+01:00New Months' Resolution: SeptemberLast year, as my New Year’s resolution, I decided to lose weight and be more healthy. Like many Americans, it wasn’t the first time I’d resolved to do these things, but this past year I took a different approach - I made a serious commitment to exercise and I started tracking my calories. As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, tracking calories was really just the starting point for a broader change in how I eat. By seeing what I was consuming - not just the calories, but where those calories were coming from - I started a process of eating more healthy foods. I call it a process, because I’m still trying to figure all of this out. Rather than focusing so much on the number of calories in my food, I’m thinking more about fiber, protein, processed sugar and fat content.<br />
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Recently, I started thinking about the fact that so many people wait until New Year’s to make commitments to change things about themselves. I have this suspicion that this mentality is part of why so many people break their resolutions early on. First, the momentousness of the occasion (only once a year!) makes people feel like their resolutions have to be BIG. And all-encompassing. And let’s face it, most people cannot commit to dramatically changing the way they live their lives on sheer will-power alone. Instead, it often takes small changes and patience to have lasting big results. Compounding that is the idea that we only have one chance a year to make these changes - so if we fail, we just give up and wait until next year to try again. It isn’t that people think that they can’t try again before New Year’s, it’s just that I think New Year’s provides an external pressure that might not exist for many people during the rest of the year.<br />
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I believe that of the many reasons I’ve had success this time around is that most of the changes I’ve made have been gradual. I’ve taken the time to think about what I enjoy in terms of eating and cooking and come up with ways to incorporate healthier food into what I know makes me happy. Because if I’m not happy, I’m not going to stick with it. So this got me thinking: why not have a new month’s resolution? Rather than waiting until the end of the year to look back on how I’ve been doing and make changes, why not actively try to self-evaluate on a more regular basis? Also, trying out new goals over a shorter time-frame means that if something really isn’t working for me, I don’t have to feel like I’ve given up. I can just reassess and try something new next month.<br />
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These are a few of my favorite things!</div>
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One change that I think is in order is my approach to snacking. I’m a person who likes to eat a lot of smaller meals and snacks throughout the day, rather then 3 big meals. I recognize that this is a personality thing, and it’s just what works for me. The snacks I eat are generally pretty healthy, because I recognize that I’m going to want to snack, so I am prepared with lots of good things that I enjoy eating - yogurt, nuts, trail mix and fruit. The problem that I’ve noticed is that having all these things around makes me feel like I *have* to eat them. If I bring four snacks to work, I will eat all four snacks, regardless of how hungry I am. I’ve also noticed that I’m far more inclined to do this at work, which has led me to realize that I eat to break up my workday. Not good! Eating when hungry = important. Eating as a diversion = probably not a great idea. So, this month, I’m going to make an effort to stop and think before I eat - am I really hungry? Am I really hungry enough to eat all of that? Am I eating because I’m looking for something to do, or because I’m stressed out, or thirsty? My intent is not to prevent myself from eating, it’s just to make sure that the urge to eat is actually related to hunger. Because an apple a day won’t keep the boredom away, it just leads to a bored person who feels a little sick because she ate too many apples.<br />
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What are your September resolutions? Post your answers in the comments!Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-69325951426458605642011-09-08T02:45:00.000+01:002011-09-08T04:19:45.867+01:00Home, Sweet HomeHey there! It's been a while, I know. We got back from Ohio much later than expected on Monday night due to the rain in D.C. and last night was my first choir rehearsal of the new season, so I haven't had time to sit down and write anything. Lots to share, though!<br />
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We had an outstanding time in Columbus. I grew up there and went to 3 of my 4 years of college at Ohio State, so I always enjoy coming back and visiting. MG had only been there once before, for a 24-hour whirlwind tour last fall, so I wanted to make sure I took him to as many of my favorite places as we could manage.<br />
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Since we left right after work on Friday, we hadn't eaten dinner when we arrived. After a quick stop at our friend's house to drop off our bags, we headed out to meet up with another friend at <a href="http://dirtyfrankscolumbus.com/">Dirty Frank's Hotdog Palace</a>. Dirty Frank's is relatively new, but a big hit in Columbus. I'd been there once before and I couldn't wait to take MG. They have a very extensive list of hotdogs on the menu and are vegetarian and vegan-friendly. We had a hard time choosing from all the options, but in the end we shared a vegetarian Seoul Dog (kim chee and sriracha on a Tofurky dog), a vegetarian Sauerkraut Dog (sauerkraut, spicy brown mustard and onions on a vegetarian polish sausage) and a Chili Dog with vegetarian coney sauce, onions, yellow mustard and sharp cheddar on a Tofurky dog.<br />
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Great Lakes Brewing Company Oktoberfest on tap!</div>
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Our selections, with an order of tater tots to share.</div>
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The fun decor - a Thin Lizzy painting.</div>
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Saturday morning we got up and had a quick, delicious breakfast of peanut butter toast, fruit and coffee before heading off to the game. We also had a feline visitor to keep us company as we breakfasted.</div>
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On the way to the stadium we stopped at a local coffeeshop for some coffees and a chocolate chip scone for MG (I did have a bite and it was pretty freakin' good).</div>
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We finally made it! I love the Horseshoe.</div>
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After an incredibly hot (95 degrees) football game (OSU - 42, Akron - zip! hehe), we met up with my dad and his wife for dinner at a favorite restaurant of theirs - <a href="http://www.bon-vie.com/index.html">Bon Vie Bistro</a>.<br />
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I started with a nice side salad with chopped egg.</div>
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For my entree, grilled salmon with brown basmati rice, steamed veggies and a soy-ginger butter sauce on the side.</div>
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Sunday, my mom drove down from Akron and met up with us at <a href="http://www.blocksbagelsdeli.com/">Block's Bagels</a>, a Columbus institution. My mom picked up a dozen assorted and a black and white cookie to take back up to Akron.<br />
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Lox on one half, whitefish salad on the other. Pickle on the side!</div>
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It rained a whole lot on Sunday, so we decided to make a nice, relaxing dinner at home with our friend that was hosting us.</div>
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We started with some Ethiopian collard green phyllo pockets, prepared by our friend's mom who is a professional caterer, artist and all around amazing person.</div>
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We grilled some lamb kebabs with a mint-rosemary marinade.</div>
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A nice bottle of red.</div>
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A whole mess of grilled and roasted veggies!</div>
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Parsnips, turnips, sweet potato, onion, beets, brussels sprouts and asparagus.</div>
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I was a little stuffed after this meal.</div>
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MG enjoys an after dinner tea from a traditional Argentinian matte cup.</div>
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After we digested a bit, we headed to <a href="http://jenisicecreams.com/">Jeni's Splendid Ice Creams</a>. Which is freaking AMAZING. It's by far the best ice cream I've ever had, and I make it a point to get it whenever I'm in Columbus. I also discovered that they will ship it to you at a cost, which is dangerous information for my weight and my checking account balance.</div>
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I got a small with half a scoop each of Queen City Cayenne (chocolate with a hit of cayenne) and Salty Caramel. MG had Queen City Cayenne and Rockmill Golden Ale and Apricots. Everything was ridiculously delicious and creamy and decadent. I'm drooling just thinking about it.</div>
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Monday we had a late afternoon flight home, so after a fantastic 6 mile run along the new <a href="http://www.centralohiogreenways.com/AlumCreekTrail.htm">Alum Creek Trail</a> we headed up to meet our friend for lunch at Easton, a massive shopping area not too far from the airport. We had originally planned to eat at Northstar Cafe, a favorite spot of mine for vegetarian and local fare, including the best veggie burger I have ever eaten. But it was closed for the holiday! Disappointing. Luckily, there was a Turkish restaurant not too far away, so we didn't stay hungry for long.<br />
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We ate up these dolmades before I remembered to take a picture.</div>
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I went with a salad with feta, olives, tomatoes and cucumber, with lemon vinaigrette on the side.</div>
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And a falafel appetizer with tahini sauce!</div>
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Fantastic and filling.</div>
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Turkish coffee for dessert.</div>
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After lunch we shopped for a few hours and stopped at Cup of Joe for one last coffee before heading over to the airport. All in all it was a wonderful and delicious weekend. I miss Ohio already, but luckily there are too many awesome people there for me to stay away too long. :)</div>
<br />Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-11125191436157333582011-09-02T20:00:00.000+01:002011-09-02T20:00:03.230+01:00I Wanna Go Back to Ohio State...If you're not a Buckeye, you probably won't get the title reference. But that's ok. It's been quiet here in Cookies and Kale land this week. Since I was gone all weekend and we're leaving again today, meals have been pretty low-key affairs. Two nights ago I tried making a grilled cheddar, granny smith apple and peanut butter sandwich. I wasn't at all sure how it would turn out, but I love apples and peanut butter and I love apples and cheddar, so I thought I'd experiment. It wasn't terrible - it's really hard to go wrong with ooey-gooey melted cheese on good bread - but it also wasn't fantastic. Last night we decided to raid the cupboard and made tuna melts on half of a delicious bagel each (imported from New Jersey the last time we went up for a visit and held in the freezer for safekeeping).<br />
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Tonight we're heading to the airport to fly to my hometown of Columbus, OH for the long weekend. We've got tickets to the first OSU football game of the season (against the University of Akron) and I'm planning on having a wonderfully relaxing weekend of seeing friends, family and just generally enjoying being home! Although Columbus (and Ohio in general) sometimes gets a bad rap, it's actually a really fun city. When I was growing up and in college there there were lots of delicious and interesting restaurants, microbreweries and food shopping opportunities, and things have only gotten even better in the years since I moved away. I'm very excited to hit up some of my favorite spots (Block's Bagels, the North Market, Jeni's Ice Cream, the Dube) and try out some of the newer additions too (Dirty Frank's, Northstar Cafe). There will be pictures! But most importantly...</div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>GO BUCKEYES!!</b></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.clevescene.com/64-and-counting/archives/2010/07/06/study-you-can-blame-ohio-state-football-for-george-bush-winning-the-2004-election"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhABemAPETlpfnWaksQdKIo-H2hwjVHoBAPhUUMW8fzsXlxtjmkyjgy4owNpwQwmSHjnUPnY6zwolErZzO-N4s0NKPI0Dhhh0Gkel53Bq5npPMINQYQr3kNUsVmrTy7gl8wBT5YSJXgquw/s320/1278447722-osu.jpg" width="273" /></a></div>
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Photo source: Cleveland Scene</span></div>
<br />Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-73811574255212619692011-09-02T12:40:00.000+01:002011-09-02T12:42:07.403+01:00The Lunch Box: Rosemary Chicken SaladChicken salad is one of my favorite sandwiches to make, primarily because it's such a blank slate. We needed something quick and easy to take to work this week for lunches, so I made up a giant batch of chicken salad on Monday night. Back in July MG and I <a href="http://cookiesandkale.blogspot.com/2011/08/dining-in-simple-roast-chicken.html">roasted the two chickens</a> we had in the freezer and shredded up all the leftover meat. So, all I had to do was pull out a bag of shredded chicken, let it defrost, and voila! Delicious homemade roast chicken all ready to be dressed up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHzKB0CKQH4HeCbw7BHvLFe9H9b3Loz4Ow3hF317diHV1IWC6adwZ-gbynDJ0auHLhRw05BqeFqutBMuAY3xmnZdRkVFeyeD6dLGwsJaubfIB-2P3hvAh__1rQw_8KK8D9yPuKXQBeZg/s1600/Photo+Aug+29%252C+9+51+02+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyHzKB0CKQH4HeCbw7BHvLFe9H9b3Loz4Ow3hF317diHV1IWC6adwZ-gbynDJ0auHLhRw05BqeFqutBMuAY3xmnZdRkVFeyeD6dLGwsJaubfIB-2P3hvAh__1rQw_8KK8D9yPuKXQBeZg/s320/Photo+Aug+29%252C+9+51+02+PM.jpeg" width="311" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiL0izgIpuPyg0aQwgtmj_0jfusm7dHWowKIF7jmg7uPdulNaXZQDcPreF2Z2GqwjrTYY-U3mNDQj0QtyBo5QhcwCtJqytOkCUZur6BkCGooAiqjJLUTg0G_nBw3SrbpbaV3vY22uNvw/s1600/Photo+Aug+29%252C+9+58+37+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmiL0izgIpuPyg0aQwgtmj_0jfusm7dHWowKIF7jmg7uPdulNaXZQDcPreF2Z2GqwjrTYY-U3mNDQj0QtyBo5QhcwCtJqytOkCUZur6BkCGooAiqjJLUTg0G_nBw3SrbpbaV3vY22uNvw/s320/Photo+Aug+29%252C+9+58+37+PM.jpeg" width="300" /></a></div>
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I used a recipe for rosemary chicken salad from Cheap, Healthy, Good as my canvas, and added my favorite ingredients - walnuts, grapes, green apple and celery. I also omitted the mayo and upped the Dijon mustard and it was plenty moist for my liking. This made 6 good sized portions - I enjoyed mine on an English muffin with some of the last of the balcony garden arugula and a ginormous peach on the side.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpy5noEvi1Mvw1F6WOXVHAKiKGEej7zVyJKMPg43FC6WyWsvJbR0kWXrkYNRW8OHLA-q62HhcAHFQfeMOnxQujdUnJD_9nFEuRFUdPvMdx3Mztsq4GTfhpQd-Pq2bMWFuRuaD8aeLYog/s1600/Photo+Aug+30%252C+12+02+49+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRpy5noEvi1Mvw1F6WOXVHAKiKGEej7zVyJKMPg43FC6WyWsvJbR0kWXrkYNRW8OHLA-q62HhcAHFQfeMOnxQujdUnJD_9nFEuRFUdPvMdx3Mztsq4GTfhpQd-Pq2bMWFuRuaD8aeLYog/s320/Photo+Aug+30%252C+12+02+49+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div>
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MG's desk is much neater than mine. Also, apparently he gets real plates.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRJM7yCzjp8kwWmzACDmkV3T_wOqUGbGZjWkxFtymWlD-hDAHonfhoI7QTMzN76DksEXuxVcLo6hZR1sdVMmHWVVUURr4AhQ4MJnrxZd3iA1DhdqQp0b4mt1L2fmA_pwCKoSRlsyBnZU/s1600/Photo+Aug+30%252C+12+03+48+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzRJM7yCzjp8kwWmzACDmkV3T_wOqUGbGZjWkxFtymWlD-hDAHonfhoI7QTMzN76DksEXuxVcLo6hZR1sdVMmHWVVUURr4AhQ4MJnrxZd3iA1DhdqQp0b4mt1L2fmA_pwCKoSRlsyBnZU/s320/Photo+Aug+30%252C+12+03+48+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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And again, chicken salad can be made in so many different delicious ways. So have fun! Try out some of their other variations, play with the amounts, make it your own.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLnHvERXJb-IXJNnB5QUwc4HXizAisWDtcv5sq_7ozO3P_Du0oq23xuD3R5y8JY7Oihk8E8Vo2Sg1RdBVZIjek3gAXz2TLJnyJtcvC5seRy3pYr5aisP1dq_j2J2LotGA2xZ_Ylgwxg8/s1600/Photo+Aug+30%252C+7+05+50+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKLnHvERXJb-IXJNnB5QUwc4HXizAisWDtcv5sq_7ozO3P_Du0oq23xuD3R5y8JY7Oihk8E8Vo2Sg1RdBVZIjek3gAXz2TLJnyJtcvC5seRy3pYr5aisP1dq_j2J2LotGA2xZ_Ylgwxg8/s320/Photo+Aug+30%252C+7+05+50+AM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>What are your favorite chicken salad add-ins? Leave your answers in the comments!</b><br />
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<b><i>Rosemary Chicken Salad</i></b><br />
<b>Adapted from <a href="http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/rosemary-chicken-salad-sandwiches-10000001041889/">Cooking Light</a> via <a href="http://cheaphealthygood.blogspot.com/2011/03/rosemary-chicken-salad-and-art-of.html">Cheap, Healthy, Good</a></b><br />
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Makes 6 servings<br />
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8 oz roasted chicken breast, shredded (as a time saver, freeze leftovers from a chicken dinner)<br />
3 tbsp scallions, finely chopped<br />
3/4 cup of red grapes, halved<br />
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped<br />
1/2 medium Granny Smith apple, chopped<br />
6 tbsp fat-free plain Greek yogurt<br />
1/4 cup chopped walnuts<br />
2 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped<br />
1 tbsp Dijon mustard<br />
sea salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste<br />
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Put ingredients in a bowl. Mix. Enjoy on your favorite bread or wrap!<br />
<br />Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-55597405678332889012011-08-31T01:22:00.000+01:002011-08-31T01:22:27.148+01:00Bienvenidos a MiamiWell, as you may have noticed, I did not get around to posting anything while I was in Miami. We can blame that on the fact that sunglare makes my iPhone basically useless poolside, which was where I spent a good portion of my weekend (although I did get in a nice 4 mile walk on the boardwalk/beach with one of the other girls).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6WjgNIQ66axajXLmSy1lc1R182njLfAtZ1RHOtczFewbRF-UnHmOQ-Uf3JvHfZ9PgxPpLtsEy37o9qxAzA61om7HU4V8Nv-kuCvqLgPCtaJVUblTXJH6rt5Xzc81ZVl20-BWaDALX5g/s1600/Photo+Aug+26%252C+9+00+53+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjF6WjgNIQ66axajXLmSy1lc1R182njLfAtZ1RHOtczFewbRF-UnHmOQ-Uf3JvHfZ9PgxPpLtsEy37o9qxAzA61om7HU4V8Nv-kuCvqLgPCtaJVUblTXJH6rt5Xzc81ZVl20-BWaDALX5g/s320/Photo+Aug+26%252C+9+00+53+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
But when I wasn't catching some rays*, I was enjoying the fantastic food and nightlife of Miami Beach. As per my usual restaurant pics, the light quality is somewhat lacking, but here is an assortment of some of the great meals I enjoyed during my 48 hour stay.<br />
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*Applying SPF 50 every 15 minutes while I lounged in a long-sleeved white cotton cover-up and a giant straw hat.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLF7pp-YENqJ51dIgjx2BiItmlRNQWBvsv1DGTf3iiAwPLCCdx-NShlYYksJQ4ZETRP27P5dhJR34ReKwWSegbl4ZWUEafb6Uk8qeLDKuWpg8b_lKDsnr2BldV-aIIt6r-4Gw-QhzDaI/s1600/Photo+Aug+26%252C+1+10+10+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpLF7pp-YENqJ51dIgjx2BiItmlRNQWBvsv1DGTf3iiAwPLCCdx-NShlYYksJQ4ZETRP27P5dhJR34ReKwWSegbl4ZWUEafb6Uk8qeLDKuWpg8b_lKDsnr2BldV-aIIt6r-4Gw-QhzDaI/s320/Photo+Aug+26%252C+1+10+10+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Lunch poolside - delish barley veggie burger. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sadly, the fruit cup included mango, which I can't eat.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwosJL3Nutjl2vYzfPLgMaDFdalwoaFb3J1oUj0aGSpl53l4XHPxwilmDHxri7zwOjRNaCmbWLFubBW1Tja7lzWBSQVmkGFZJo8lrHj8wr2_-wzx8HJUgRpZlE3k0W_so26Fc2Upsx2Y/s1600/Photo+Aug+26%252C+4+47+32+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBwosJL3Nutjl2vYzfPLgMaDFdalwoaFb3J1oUj0aGSpl53l4XHPxwilmDHxri7zwOjRNaCmbWLFubBW1Tja7lzWBSQVmkGFZJo8lrHj8wr2_-wzx8HJUgRpZlE3k0W_so26Fc2Upsx2Y/s320/Photo+Aug+26%252C+4+47+32+PM.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The "Lychee Lite" - vodka, muddled lychee, white cranberry juice, mint, lime.</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAbN32TpPdIVX2ZwiGqa2QYjC9LBXQFLKAc_x2wPVI6ew6DFYz83QKgM4B-wZq4chaS2GWmkcQnQ4UqDMfZiTTfoOtO9yScj8MdbslenNXa-pmJWqqCel43gue_00FikAuf5t2OgaDyI/s1600/Photo+Aug+26%252C+8+51+29+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCAbN32TpPdIVX2ZwiGqa2QYjC9LBXQFLKAc_x2wPVI6ew6DFYz83QKgM4B-wZq4chaS2GWmkcQnQ4UqDMfZiTTfoOtO9yScj8MdbslenNXa-pmJWqqCel43gue_00FikAuf5t2OgaDyI/s320/Photo+Aug+26%252C+8+51+29+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Edamame at Sushi Samba - sushi/Brazilian/Peruvian small plates fusion spot.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">(And crazy flash lighting)</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHY2xxKUCViE7NdWsYMSftnniqlPKXkzeriKbzK9eb-OTP0WvT0U_i3z-p9-Tj1bzTSf7TPVvdSDU3-OQLqxiaShwa7tyYOlJ-XybfDtpIv7VuzU76LON7pVvZgRhWHrfqLnR2idKgWU/s1600/Photo+Aug+26%252C+9+10+49+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHY2xxKUCViE7NdWsYMSftnniqlPKXkzeriKbzK9eb-OTP0WvT0U_i3z-p9-Tj1bzTSf7TPVvdSDU3-OQLqxiaShwa7tyYOlJ-XybfDtpIv7VuzU76LON7pVvZgRhWHrfqLnR2idKgWU/s320/Photo+Aug+26%252C+9+10+49+PM.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Miso-marinated Chilean sea bass with steamed veggies</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sushi Samba</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2v6M_s8nqGxqBkQM03xOIaesSP9tcnJ4BMJCofYMAydJhRAI70OoGRLuYy40MMuOBuYSeOnUYdfMq1HL0kif43SpxXUigC_6WOPnLZ0wm0ZFe0zacRCdQ9mK165qmTTZ3J_nIMa-Q5aM/s1600/Photo+Aug+26%252C+11+05+47+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2v6M_s8nqGxqBkQM03xOIaesSP9tcnJ4BMJCofYMAydJhRAI70OoGRLuYy40MMuOBuYSeOnUYdfMq1HL0kif43SpxXUigC_6WOPnLZ0wm0ZFe0zacRCdQ9mK165qmTTZ3J_nIMa-Q5aM/s320/Photo+Aug+26%252C+11+05+47+PM.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fun architecture break!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13xpg0d0bJAnoGy1ZzqiEw6WT2ro05Nv7uHlHDoSUX9o5pXU7F2v5UlsDP2DfBjTA6Q6Jz6aDJXrUZ8e-3_V2lbqh6omSMpYoEj36QncKDnbE0gAnzhmGHw86BUpIW-qwbDVhhCjFaiI/s1600/Photo+Aug+27%252C+5+18+15+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg13xpg0d0bJAnoGy1ZzqiEw6WT2ro05Nv7uHlHDoSUX9o5pXU7F2v5UlsDP2DfBjTA6Q6Jz6aDJXrUZ8e-3_V2lbqh6omSMpYoEj36QncKDnbE0gAnzhmGHw86BUpIW-qwbDVhhCjFaiI/s320/Photo+Aug+27%252C+5+18+15+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fried plantains</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David's Cafe</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8NVSqEgzIX2wWgGXg2AmCM2EXkWNetKUiVhO1IRZYG-OI6wzAeTAcBvt3c1lk1wrMBVw8Og7DJKloEriAS7fM7O142OJz2wc8SKmJW_zMIrx9nWi61HPpBz3_llAhnatx7K3Mq9Ank8/s1600/Photo+Aug+27%252C+5+24+11+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgI8NVSqEgzIX2wWgGXg2AmCM2EXkWNetKUiVhO1IRZYG-OI6wzAeTAcBvt3c1lk1wrMBVw8Og7DJKloEriAS7fM7O142OJz2wc8SKmJW_zMIrx9nWi61HPpBz3_llAhnatx7K3Mq9Ank8/s320/Photo+Aug+27%252C+5+24+11+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The LONG awaited pressed Cuban sandwich, with plantain chips</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David's Cafe</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j-PEsdA8GbaL_AFkeLyCegJmxoQKnd7ggJYUdajSxWizdmjdm5UBCiN0nexhmdUXD2ke0Xp5-Ha3Q1KhDyKKYvuEjFSyH1ZCg7VulaSz99BHBxdbyPfCZvOCgGPVqSD3CMXoyhM1sH8/s1600/Photo+Aug+27%252C+5+46+15+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9j-PEsdA8GbaL_AFkeLyCegJmxoQKnd7ggJYUdajSxWizdmjdm5UBCiN0nexhmdUXD2ke0Xp5-Ha3Q1KhDyKKYvuEjFSyH1ZCg7VulaSz99BHBxdbyPfCZvOCgGPVqSD3CMXoyhM1sH8/s320/Photo+Aug+27%252C+5+46+15+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A little cafe con leche for the road</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">David's Cafe</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NZIDI-CiJOP9rYvbRa1P3GwMW4-xRTvcnx-edO0-8Zelu6Lk4GUV2hvVu3rietozXvrwWaQonpCPM3t_a-lolWIF8jDlyoVGIVixpN_asTk4E92oXCZ7k90TBvKfmrjZAaGMBZi0_e8/s1600/Photo+Aug+27%252C+11+10+57+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9NZIDI-CiJOP9rYvbRa1P3GwMW4-xRTvcnx-edO0-8Zelu6Lk4GUV2hvVu3rietozXvrwWaQonpCPM3t_a-lolWIF8jDlyoVGIVixpN_asTk4E92oXCZ7k90TBvKfmrjZAaGMBZi0_e8/s320/Photo+Aug+27%252C+11+10+57+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Garlic bread with amazing basil and olive oil dipping sauce</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">STK - steak house</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K1c9UWs79Gp7QNUkwitAYKs4py5bafdnsLu9n0hjL3m3PVpq-3LRB08OL3vZ7-4O1yFevem0xvIurd721ipJHdYf-za4zoI4001KxC9zsIgR0Xbex9bJGvxeVRUYZKMp1AqeZcKH7Rs/s1600/Photo+Aug+27%252C+11+12+55+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1K1c9UWs79Gp7QNUkwitAYKs4py5bafdnsLu9n0hjL3m3PVpq-3LRB08OL3vZ7-4O1yFevem0xvIurd721ipJHdYf-za4zoI4001KxC9zsIgR0Xbex9bJGvxeVRUYZKMp1AqeZcKH7Rs/s320/Photo+Aug+27%252C+11+12+55+PM.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">A nice rose</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">STK</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C92GHA0P8SDpwU0pcxUmJTGJhZ7QK5yj5YOxx-u-3a_jwtw-uzrFywMIyDfVWgKiwlrQtHUdrrVJWAwO2zfCan3Vjlguta0KbDQvLfYWBGFAheTt4yfUlq4D-G6MjKE6FNy18rPAD40/s1600/Photo+Aug+27%252C+11+32+29+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_C92GHA0P8SDpwU0pcxUmJTGJhZ7QK5yj5YOxx-u-3a_jwtw-uzrFywMIyDfVWgKiwlrQtHUdrrVJWAwO2zfCan3Vjlguta0KbDQvLfYWBGFAheTt4yfUlq4D-G6MjKE6FNy18rPAD40/s320/Photo+Aug+27%252C+11+32+29+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The filet I shared</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">STK</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILyjUvm9_SjwLsGgKucaFKrrs8cy5IpSqo_ED5qWbb-RWiHrr3p-UTGQ1mYbnB4wvKpooQ9xir5IdkI5pr27vda7fmqZUI0x6eskZDTXlB4eZ-EVoN4xbiuHXVmn4P_Q8k3EJCrtuPas/s1600/Photo+Aug+27%252C+11+32+52+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjILyjUvm9_SjwLsGgKucaFKrrs8cy5IpSqo_ED5qWbb-RWiHrr3p-UTGQ1mYbnB4wvKpooQ9xir5IdkI5pr27vda7fmqZUI0x6eskZDTXlB4eZ-EVoN4xbiuHXVmn4P_Q8k3EJCrtuPas/s320/Photo+Aug+27%252C+11+32+52+PM.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This whole group loved broccolini - we ordered two servings</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">STK</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OMEaZFcCJa1GihuRi3VO_G-y3Dn0T91gWiKKieKPs_l30p3QJl8liGh_X91xHZfgFD75SLNu6CyY7s3ElwISCjOo9eZYY3ZfFTbXeEAklSrBB1PtZ1gKQMJVE5jFYndGKTolM6_5gPg/s1600/Photo+Aug+27%252C+11+34+50+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0OMEaZFcCJa1GihuRi3VO_G-y3Dn0T91gWiKKieKPs_l30p3QJl8liGh_X91xHZfgFD75SLNu6CyY7s3ElwISCjOo9eZYY3ZfFTbXeEAklSrBB1PtZ1gKQMJVE5jFYndGKTolM6_5gPg/s320/Photo+Aug+27%252C+11+34+50+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My plate! Too dark to tell, but my glorious filet, green beans, broccolini and truffle-parmesan frites</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">STK</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_M81-Q2KiTLyA2HisiTWyrXS2AXfdKKx90k0FAIxYLH-94yA-7VzAMBHW8RlC_CTbazMARg3hpt94HBBvvwRHy77Szu0Oh24rUwAqpWNkWPOESGNuH0nuiiRiS2bCd1BPVQowURLQSZ4/s1600/Photo+Aug+28%252C+12+02+21+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_M81-Q2KiTLyA2HisiTWyrXS2AXfdKKx90k0FAIxYLH-94yA-7VzAMBHW8RlC_CTbazMARg3hpt94HBBvvwRHy77Szu0Oh24rUwAqpWNkWPOESGNuH0nuiiRiS2bCd1BPVQowURLQSZ4/s320/Photo+Aug+28%252C+12+02+21+AM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Fantastic mini-donuts for the bachelorette</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">There was some fun sparkler action going on, but I didn't get a good picture</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVV2Uc7n3TwjQkJ9ikHgOWCtYOv4nOJvCvNeNL4BIbp94WRaLE4maNu-3MgcovJ-B8SmgFJ6tdt8-75puTXH2klRe9pOWnBhQCsVijnRi7H2OtbRUOYMS-lb9OJ6_mYRPPbkS-zhQ2VM/s1600/Photo+Aug+28%252C+12+03+47+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVV2Uc7n3TwjQkJ9ikHgOWCtYOv4nOJvCvNeNL4BIbp94WRaLE4maNu-3MgcovJ-B8SmgFJ6tdt8-75puTXH2klRe9pOWnBhQCsVijnRi7H2OtbRUOYMS-lb9OJ6_mYRPPbkS-zhQ2VM/s320/Photo+Aug+28%252C+12+03+47+AM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My plate, with some chocolate sauces.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">STK</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHS5l6vlCEQEV-_1_LdM89uQQodDkDbshGiqFysXUBAhB0qK9qk59l70Zeicf43ScqetWvf8jmU9yvsJHDAlOxzL4ermNVXgoK3mIl5KT0Ui1I3sCXiAu3dbk_4VCRP0WhHM_2Bh7fZiA/s1600/Photo+Aug+28%252C+12+05+43+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHS5l6vlCEQEV-_1_LdM89uQQodDkDbshGiqFysXUBAhB0qK9qk59l70Zeicf43ScqetWvf8jmU9yvsJHDAlOxzL4ermNVXgoK3mIl5KT0Ui1I3sCXiAu3dbk_4VCRP0WhHM_2Bh7fZiA/s320/Photo+Aug+28%252C+12+05+43+AM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And an action shot with the bachelorette.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">STK</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlZrVYfUkNQmmdigbh6Y66tEkwRuPmtwfPou3FnOaRxegfbPALdFLGZhhsXOdZvXZDwMV_xlptVOagppEsO7Q3zAhEiEjw1wahitzOWNuLEXXvFNuKUtrxn239D3Yc2zz4ncsSKfRmW4/s1600/Photo+Aug+28%252C+11+49+25+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlZrVYfUkNQmmdigbh6Y66tEkwRuPmtwfPou3FnOaRxegfbPALdFLGZhhsXOdZvXZDwMV_xlptVOagppEsO7Q3zAhEiEjw1wahitzOWNuLEXXvFNuKUtrxn239D3Yc2zz4ncsSKfRmW4/s320/Photo+Aug+28%252C+11+49+25+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Sunday brunch poolside - egg white frittata with asparagus, tomato, red onion and goat cheese with a side of home fries</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Mpckxf0fgZKE3ZLZBGyrH7xF2Rb-dHfp4zTwOu6f6PdoLQJdlshudPi4YiPq7YNN0UldR2HLqK9iN4yHoUMillIpt8g1wTzt2ebKyIGyKx6pWTDaYv5ToNQa8UTtTjSYwnwxLLRcPdM/s1600/Photo+Aug+28%252C+11+49+28+AM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1Mpckxf0fgZKE3ZLZBGyrH7xF2Rb-dHfp4zTwOu6f6PdoLQJdlshudPi4YiPq7YNN0UldR2HLqK9iN4yHoUMillIpt8g1wTzt2ebKyIGyKx6pWTDaYv5ToNQa8UTtTjSYwnwxLLRcPdM/s320/Photo+Aug+28%252C+11+49+28+AM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">And some lovely fresh fruit.</div><br />
What an amazing and delicious weekend. :)Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-83120745985618329982011-08-30T02:04:00.000+01:002011-08-30T02:04:48.938+01:00Meatless Monday: Soba Noodles with Baked Tofu and Ponzu SauceAh, the post-vacation reality check. I was pretty tired when I finally arrived at my apartment at midnight last night. I didn't even unpack most of my stuff and when I got off the Metro this morning the first thing I realized was that I'd left my work ID and office keys at home. Happy Monday!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn78XASEpzSJgXb16abB0klJe0jdKfzp_mQiUkuzmIi3xbysvEM99pe4iT-qqd4GZhwGlS0MyaFAIZGrLH8bwymQFWv48cMMQ360AgT-zxjZcQsub5CWD_DF9Vo2UUjQhRSdqXMj7fy8/s1600/Photo+Aug+29%252C+8+10+35+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAn78XASEpzSJgXb16abB0klJe0jdKfzp_mQiUkuzmIi3xbysvEM99pe4iT-qqd4GZhwGlS0MyaFAIZGrLH8bwymQFWv48cMMQ360AgT-zxjZcQsub5CWD_DF9Vo2UUjQhRSdqXMj7fy8/s320/Photo+Aug+29%252C+8+10+35+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: auto;"><br />
</div>I had an awesome time in Miami and I promise I will post some pictures of the fantastic food adventures we had (spoiler: I got that pressed Cuban).<br />
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But first, it's Monday, which means...new vegetarian recipe! Tonight I tried cooking with ponzu and soba noodles for the first time. Soba noodles are a Japanese buckwheat noodle, similar in shape to a thin spaghetti, but with a slightly stickier texture (and a way awesomer flavor). There are different varieties of soba, which, unfortunately I can't tell you much about, since this is my first time using them. I used a kind with wild yam flour and they were fantastic. Ponzu is a deliciously tangy Japanese citrus sauce.<br />
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I hadn't heard of ponzu until I ran across <a href="http://www.seriouseats.com/recipes/2011/06/cold-soba-salad-with-peppers-and-ponzu-dressing-recipe.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+seriouseats%2Frecipes+%28Serious+Eats%3A+Recipes%29">this recipe</a> for a cold soba noodle salad with ponzu sauce on Serious Eats. It looked pretty tasty in the picture, so I figured I'd give it a try. The original recipe didn't really call for any protein, so I figured I'd add some marinated baked tofu. Since the package of soba that I purchased was smaller than the amount called for in the recipe, I thought I'd stretch it by adding a couple of cups of mung bean sprouts, but alas, when I opened them tonight they'd gone south. The recipe yielded 4 hearty servings though, so no harm done.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ42FKYHBIG6xBCW9_F1CptqOxHgdvr8ULtQvEf-kppmQUmHgTvF-arhoHBrEwT94aQyoj4eK-H2IVJhDmPtLN9YtyXkGSeB2EEAt70m1OeS10Zx-WKoY5FMg5ZcnnopOQgtVH8GceDrw/s1600/Photo+Aug+29%252C+7+39+40+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="255" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ42FKYHBIG6xBCW9_F1CptqOxHgdvr8ULtQvEf-kppmQUmHgTvF-arhoHBrEwT94aQyoj4eK-H2IVJhDmPtLN9YtyXkGSeB2EEAt70m1OeS10Zx-WKoY5FMg5ZcnnopOQgtVH8GceDrw/s320/Photo+Aug+29%252C+7+39+40+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Before I realized the bean sprouts were bad :(</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJX_0knVh9tCTVJYby0hLcws5EozIWmK6B8fTOvOJmzBv-L9CAHNwxp3i-zTv9JOB_y_lsBFWE1b5EysJc12PeJPbTltwB2gSbVKdvEabdQAfrHGgZmvQR87BQxNrVv2Jt7J3tm0hkYjI/s1600/Photo+Aug+29%252C+7+54+05+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJX_0knVh9tCTVJYby0hLcws5EozIWmK6B8fTOvOJmzBv-L9CAHNwxp3i-zTv9JOB_y_lsBFWE1b5EysJc12PeJPbTltwB2gSbVKdvEabdQAfrHGgZmvQR87BQxNrVv2Jt7J3tm0hkYjI/s320/Photo+Aug+29%252C+7+54+05+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">But all these yummy things still went in.</div><br />
The recipe itself was very easy. The only change I made was adding the tofu (recipe below) and substituting crushed red pepper for togarashi (not entirely sure what that is, but it said it was optional and added heat, so I figured I'd use what I already had in the cupboard). The tofu took a while because I pressed it, then marinated it and then baked it, but the noodle part only took about 20 minutes. And, since it can be served cold, this is a good recipe to make ahead for an easy weeknight supper. We'll be enjoying it again tomorrow.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9VkDEOLJ7Qt0sFGehdTGLTvUEFpXlVKvLc-VokL7dbLFlqthFEO6tC305rMLz8WTXxYDvjRmxH1s5TVX7zBa9stJtF_MJntCU4ZN1bM4yaqxdIK_9ZglkccPxOozBdfBlgax2p6OZGg/s1600/Photo+Aug+29%252C+7+06+55+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc9VkDEOLJ7Qt0sFGehdTGLTvUEFpXlVKvLc-VokL7dbLFlqthFEO6tC305rMLz8WTXxYDvjRmxH1s5TVX7zBa9stJtF_MJntCU4ZN1bM4yaqxdIK_9ZglkccPxOozBdfBlgax2p6OZGg/s320/Photo+Aug+29%252C+7+06+55+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The tofu and its dressing, deconstructed.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcvm2vnfFZ06s4wWFgjoLpA_BoLn8-fX8sk7HM-3rznU-sL0DznZXfzUwcApyxGtMtdpdR09pNyr4iu4Kfyie861Pcewi7imvdMzaa5SdaxdkPFjemqVy59_ha_G8X1Z2wREpCHwYoYU/s1600/Photo+Aug+29%252C+7+26+57+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKcvm2vnfFZ06s4wWFgjoLpA_BoLn8-fX8sk7HM-3rznU-sL0DznZXfzUwcApyxGtMtdpdR09pNyr4iu4Kfyie861Pcewi7imvdMzaa5SdaxdkPFjemqVy59_ha_G8X1Z2wREpCHwYoYU/s320/Photo+Aug+29%252C+7+26+57+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Soaking up the goodness.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEUvXvEpLV3fSb-DxmeWYStKVOnAyqt8BVr4IH570luCSCZlnbWSVHj6Rg_jNiIOuYtShyphenhyphentn9q1_Mwhyphenhyphen48wNfDB8zC7Aly_DRJJaTJ10JCj4BVWRzPR9Zx0vZ_SDiLadfC9kU_8iBig4/s1600/Photo+Aug+29%252C+8+04+36+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQEUvXvEpLV3fSb-DxmeWYStKVOnAyqt8BVr4IH570luCSCZlnbWSVHj6Rg_jNiIOuYtShyphenhyphentn9q1_Mwhyphenhyphen48wNfDB8zC7Aly_DRJJaTJ10JCj4BVWRzPR9Zx0vZ_SDiLadfC9kU_8iBig4/s320/Photo+Aug+29%252C+8+04+36+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Baked.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>The verdict on taste: amazing! I put sriracha in my tofu marinade and topped the noodles with crushed red pepper flakes. The combo of the ponzu, marinade and spice was really fantastic. MG and I both agreed this would have to go in the recipe book I keep so that I can make it again. It's also a pretty inexpensive meal - although the soba noodles are more expensive than spaghetti noodles, the rest of the ingredients are either pantry items (if you make a lot of Asian food), tofu, and just a couple of fresh veggies.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM7WHJvf6n624XgaOBOrnRs8wW9nbFthWlAcuZdOCo-pOtR7RFqK2384n5p_ETURrNK2fb3CkVd2AmxoEihnySUduVUYz1hc4jttztys09HCI8-HQ_q9RIGjlEK4bNv6nNrQie6XI0Sc/s1600/Photo+Aug+29%252C+8+05+33+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggM7WHJvf6n624XgaOBOrnRs8wW9nbFthWlAcuZdOCo-pOtR7RFqK2384n5p_ETURrNK2fb3CkVd2AmxoEihnySUduVUYz1hc4jttztys09HCI8-HQ_q9RIGjlEK4bNv6nNrQie6XI0Sc/s200/Photo+Aug+29%252C+8+05+33+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="189" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWMgW-tnyz_mX-veVdLh9SRcOaXE0Cu5vaGAEtU7v5zzuSpR0FGfuukXTn_PfOwBlbqnyLkSrfcLWLtrUCt_1r960c00i7tMsCcmmn9swK0v-w-XilwQ_H0SkAGbxCX2MYQm3H76jFaM/s1600/Photo+Aug+29%252C+8+07+56+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbWMgW-tnyz_mX-veVdLh9SRcOaXE0Cu5vaGAEtU7v5zzuSpR0FGfuukXTn_PfOwBlbqnyLkSrfcLWLtrUCt_1r960c00i7tMsCcmmn9swK0v-w-XilwQ_H0SkAGbxCX2MYQm3H76jFaM/s200/Photo+Aug+29%252C+8+07+56+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="188" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">With and without the baked tofu.</div><br />
Another successful Meatless Monday in the books!<br />
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<b><i>Spicy Baked Tofu</i></b><br />
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1 package extra-firm tofu, pressed and cut into 1" cubes<br />
1/4 cup soy sauce<br />
2 tsp Sriracha (or to taste)<br />
1 tbsp teriyaki sauce<br />
1 tbsp toasted sesame oil<br />
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Preheat oven to 350F.<br />
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Whisk together the soy sauce, Sriracha and teriyaki sauce. Add sesame oil slowly, while whisking. Place the tofu in a glass baking dish, pour on marinade, and toss to coat evenly. Allow to marinate for at least 15 minutes, stirring occasionally so all the tofu is coated.<br />
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Spray a cookie sheet with cooking spray and spread the tofu out evenly. Bake for 15 minutes, flip the tofu and bake for another 15 minutes. Enjoy with soba noodles, or just by itself.Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-71941531241410873472011-08-27T22:00:00.000+01:002011-08-27T22:00:03.568+01:00The Boy Bakes: Pie!To fill the Miami-sized hole in this blog, I'm filling in for Esther this weekend.<br />
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Now it is time for one of my favorite baking activities, pie baking. I think it’s also the favorite one that I share with others. There is something therapeutic about making a pie. Not even eating it (though that’s pretty good too), measures up. While convalescing from my recent wisdom tooth surgery, I made a pie for Esther as a thank you for driving me home and putting up with me over the weekend. The pie was also a test run for an entry in the <a href="https://dcstatefair.wordpress.com/">DC State Fair</a> pie competition at <a href="http://www.columbiaheightsday.org/">Columbia Heights Day</a>.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FzKMZmHhOf9pnxDAEtSW8Fz0nfSY3ZxPGG6Ig-yorTUfdkL4dNb3zDG_21bZTCKeivm2IOf3VmkRzlhDLrWcKKyGyilzDmc1S6METKSPETtXKo4gfzs7xlM5f2X7cTgDmyraZEpmfsc/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+10+04+29+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7FzKMZmHhOf9pnxDAEtSW8Fz0nfSY3ZxPGG6Ig-yorTUfdkL4dNb3zDG_21bZTCKeivm2IOf3VmkRzlhDLrWcKKyGyilzDmc1S6METKSPETtXKo4gfzs7xlM5f2X7cTgDmyraZEpmfsc/s320/Photo+Aug+22%252C+10+04+29+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div><br />
Didn’t know that DC had a state fair? We may not be a state, with all the fair powers that come along with it, but last year the first DC State Fair was held at Columbia Heights Day. As you may know from a previous post, I entered a raspberry rhubarb pie. It didn’t win, but that only meant I got to enjoy the leftovers. This year, I decided to do something a bit more seasonal.<br />
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In researching what exactly would be in season, naturally, I came across peaches. To find something to pair them with, I chose blackberries and added lime for a citrus tang. Adding some spices (cinnamon and nutmeg) lent a good depth of flavor. This pie was a little tart, so I will follow Esther’s suggestion and taste the berries before using them to decide on sugar. My recipe is adapted from a peach strawberry pie, so the measurements for the sugar and spices in the filling are flexible. If the mix looks watery before you put it in the pie crust, add more flour and tapioca pearls. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpnVb1S7mBItht9wBu0tOIylQyNOstQVLPsATrHwndPizB0UcgK6xGWHuZhErbnILUD9XHyVJZHUfNt_0Ob5h3VIcCHUxtS5M5ECcWf8aPFyJ6uxw_ikW7xsgjVXrRYzdYuJcmQ-seUo/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+8+28+35+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirpnVb1S7mBItht9wBu0tOIylQyNOstQVLPsATrHwndPizB0UcgK6xGWHuZhErbnILUD9XHyVJZHUfNt_0Ob5h3VIcCHUxtS5M5ECcWf8aPFyJ6uxw_ikW7xsgjVXrRYzdYuJcmQ-seUo/s200/Photo+Aug+22%252C+8+28+35+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNQLhUXY_L5lecZun6NCX-h9fFPzkPfboAYPMd1t_rM5jBte0xmq5hbQvWWXkjWunRtVFxB3irsI_33Vs1HbTJBVPzxSzZVxd5qhguBj2GjKesg837L8qw0td0yKcGHnEJw48sXg_MAk/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+10+04+25+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRNQLhUXY_L5lecZun6NCX-h9fFPzkPfboAYPMd1t_rM5jBte0xmq5hbQvWWXkjWunRtVFxB3irsI_33Vs1HbTJBVPzxSzZVxd5qhguBj2GjKesg837L8qw0td0yKcGHnEJw48sXg_MAk/s200/Photo+Aug+22%252C+10+04+25+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><br />
<b><i>Peach Blackberry Lime Pie</i></b><br />
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2 pounds (about 3-4) peaches<br />
1 pint (or a small grocery container) of blackberries<br />
Juice and zest of 1 lime<br />
½-¾ cup granulated sugar<br />
⅓-½ cup all purpose flour<br />
1-2 tbsp quick acting tapioca pearls (the secret to preventing a pie filling from oozing everywhere)<br />
⅛ tsp salt<br />
⅛-¼ tsp cinnamon<br />
⅛ tsp fresh grated nutmeg<br />
1 tbsp unsalted butter, cut up<br />
1 egg, well-beaten (optional, see note)<br />
milk (optional, see note)<br />
2 pie crust halves (I use <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/perfect_pie_crust/">this recipe</a> from Simply Recipes (the Pate Brisee), but with a bit more water)<br />
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Preheat the oven to 425F.<br />
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Prepare a large pot and boil water in it over high heat. Also prepare an ice bath by putting ice cubes in a large mixing bowl. Boil the peaches for 1 minute (a little longer is fine), drop into the ice bath. Peel the skin off the peaches and slice into a mixing bowl. <br />
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Add all other ingredients into the mixing bowl, and mix until combined. Let the mixture sit for 10 minutes to let the tapioca start working. While the mixture is resting, take out your prepared pie crusts.<br />
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Roll out the bottom crust and place it in your pie tin. Be sure to allow an inch of crust to go over the edge. Poke holes in the bottom of the crust with a fork (another piemaking trick for you - this prevents the crust from bubbling up while it’s baking). Add filling and dot with about a tablespoon of butter. Roll out the second crust and place on top. Pinch the edges to seal the crust. Cut slits in it with a sharp knife and brush the top with milk or a well-beaten egg (see note). <br />
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Put the pie tin/plate on a baking sheet and bake at 425F for 20 minutes. After 20 minutes, drop the heat to 325F and bake for 30-45 minutes or until golden brown and delicious. Cool on a rack and eat warm, chill it for the next day, cut it up and freeze it for later or take it to work let your coworkers enjoy. <br />
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Note: Brushing the crust with milk or egg is optional, but will result in a more golden crust.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWu1jETcfeAKOkL8Hkp2SaAINjLNVFIYVqWjBrKuojMBa1VrI1sXEQmZxWAp8eeZt-i0zV3oHunKFemYk9cWC-WDRW21VVJYGBgZTlFpIzLOoA0dytq932dtWA668lDIF9dSEyJwjUC8/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+9+57+17+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGWu1jETcfeAKOkL8Hkp2SaAINjLNVFIYVqWjBrKuojMBa1VrI1sXEQmZxWAp8eeZt-i0zV3oHunKFemYk9cWC-WDRW21VVJYGBgZTlFpIzLOoA0dytq932dtWA668lDIF9dSEyJwjUC8/s320/Photo+Aug+22%252C+9+57+17+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-14396916518461624692011-08-26T01:29:00.000+01:002011-08-26T01:29:03.121+01:00All My Bags Are PackedActually, that’s a lie. They are not packed. But I do have a list and they will be packed before I go to bed tonight.<br />
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Because...I’M GOING TO MIAMI!!<br />
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Yes, in just 10.5 hours I will be boarding a plane (which also means in 8 hours I will be waking up...not as fun). And when I land, it will be sunny and warm and there will be palm trees!<br />
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The weekend will be full of fun in the sun, delectable food, some spa time and, of course, a little nightlife. I’ll try to post some of the gastronomic highlights for you. <br />
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In the meantime, MG will be acting in my stead, so look forward to a scrumptious pie post over the weekend. <br />
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</div>Stay dry and safe East Coast!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXV9tKt-ST1yf7QggBHrU0O1Avw-Pe1DVxrrUowRc0t93QMJEyvmX7Qb-shfBQb7YHOTQf1HeaO6tUmjHwru2VxiRc85m5vinxpeALGmROiigjBgOGAIgClAxb5BB_WnlWi9MZh4HZZGU/s1600/palm-trees5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXV9tKt-ST1yf7QggBHrU0O1Avw-Pe1DVxrrUowRc0t93QMJEyvmX7Qb-shfBQb7YHOTQf1HeaO6tUmjHwru2VxiRc85m5vinxpeALGmROiigjBgOGAIgClAxb5BB_WnlWi9MZh4HZZGU/s320/palm-trees5.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-80415130368000394842011-08-25T02:08:00.000+01:002011-08-25T03:17:31.627+01:00Breakfast for Dinner: Huevos RancherosI love breakfast. I enjoy the meal (as in, waking up, making myself a cup of coffee and having something to eat while I read the news/emails) and I enjoy the food (as in, breakfast food! Pancakes, cereal, bagels, etc). I usually don't have time during the week to have more than a bowl of cereal/oatmeal or toast with peanut butter and some fruit. I'm not complaining, because I have a deep, devoted love of cereal, oatmeal and all things peanut butter-related.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCHtsV_fvDEGBl3TtPz2b36SckaD9OFwlXReMmVfeTZLGnaEazj5a_QwJ0D8pcXfzu6cV4ib6zrKxoD-0vQeW6C3orELUBkQSxsGv0DtaQi-XPnWk28rxWScK8PHw-uhb9TqCGty8lTU/s1600/Photo+Aug+24%252C+8+06+14+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="282" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMCHtsV_fvDEGBl3TtPz2b36SckaD9OFwlXReMmVfeTZLGnaEazj5a_QwJ0D8pcXfzu6cV4ib6zrKxoD-0vQeW6C3orELUBkQSxsGv0DtaQi-XPnWk28rxWScK8PHw-uhb9TqCGty8lTU/s320/Photo+Aug+24%252C+8+06+14+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">However, for more complex breakfasts, like pancakes or eggs, I usually have to wait for the weekend. And when I can't wait for the weekend...brinner!!</div><br />
Breakfast for dinner. <u>Best</u> <u>invention</u> <u>ever</u>. We actually had brinner twice this week - on Sunday we had blueberry pancakes and tonight: huevos rancheros!<br />
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MG whipped this up while I was at the gym - he reports that it was super quick and easy to make. And I can happily report that it was delicious and filling and exactly what I was looking for.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFT9hx0VQy7e-qGwbpABszyGcpl-3Ic4s86gDHV5ms3AobvUvX6DdejUOGmoEr4ZReWSZyPgVNIChV5SgdfvLJQVGEQSuWB7HcICNxTRnHPJUZaoKsYZqlxjMF8-dww5jZFqxCs5-aEdA/s1600/Photo+Aug+24%252C+7+39+21+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFT9hx0VQy7e-qGwbpABszyGcpl-3Ic4s86gDHV5ms3AobvUvX6DdejUOGmoEr4ZReWSZyPgVNIChV5SgdfvLJQVGEQSuWB7HcICNxTRnHPJUZaoKsYZqlxjMF8-dww5jZFqxCs5-aEdA/s320/Photo+Aug+24%252C+7+39+21+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="315" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Making the sauce, with fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles.</div><div style="text-align: auto;"><br />
</div>He used this great recipe from <a href="http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/huevos_rancheros/">Simply Recipes</a> (minus cilantro, of course), seasoned some black beans with garlic powder, cumin and cayenne, and mashed up an avocado to go on the side. Also, props to him for cooking my eggs-over-easy *perfectly* (especially since they aren't his favorite way to eat them).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrG-GyMLZibmqEwYUoNTUgSYOTVBtioD_sr7PTB8qkKoj9eC-dVZEpc1ryLzDOPAdUX0hyO3fzXg3mAPmo1UrTx0sMNv51Z1FIpjZxqhpNbeybJ_a56i1mrziUzZhLq-rfksuG7Zdfwg/s1600/Photo+Aug+24%252C+8+01+07+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCrG-GyMLZibmqEwYUoNTUgSYOTVBtioD_sr7PTB8qkKoj9eC-dVZEpc1ryLzDOPAdUX0hyO3fzXg3mAPmo1UrTx0sMNv51Z1FIpjZxqhpNbeybJ_a56i1mrziUzZhLq-rfksuG7Zdfwg/s320/Photo+Aug+24%252C+8+01+07+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Key element.</div><br />
Nothing like enjoying breakfast with the knowledge that in less than 12 hours, you get to enjoy it again. With a hot cup of coffee.Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-39472084292967166582011-08-24T00:50:00.000+01:002011-08-24T01:02:12.393+01:00Special Edition: Earthquake!Oh hey, there was an earthquake!<br />
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In case you were unaware. Yep, I'm an earthquake survivor.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF9s2MMIoYo0QgFYmj2o6ixddzyPgauW9BUogBOE0BaHfGx1W-IwGd1JolCh2J-jCINeTF57iRG4tq2fo68D098xGQ_cYP7jF_g0JEm_HykL4-aGR-iu0UXCnS5pAhFOwUzqwKEjR4mA/s1600/Photo+Aug+23%252C+2+02+21+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWF9s2MMIoYo0QgFYmj2o6ixddzyPgauW9BUogBOE0BaHfGx1W-IwGd1JolCh2J-jCINeTF57iRG4tq2fo68D098xGQ_cYP7jF_g0JEm_HykL4-aGR-iu0UXCnS5pAhFOwUzqwKEjR4mA/s320/Photo+Aug+23%252C+2+02+21+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Everyone went out on the street immediately after it happened. </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyKgBW5t5WeSWKrCES_fKfC4swSsL8oHq7pKfO7gp1gWMMsyiMZ8jur2BgwAbJBMnRRxntIG33FhpFMomdOkjmjYT0ChPuwNjwMweCiBmD_R_aK-sh4jQaFIF5tftrenOTevMvSwSAxQ/s1600/Photo+Aug+23%252C+2+10+42+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDyKgBW5t5WeSWKrCES_fKfC4swSsL8oHq7pKfO7gp1gWMMsyiMZ8jur2BgwAbJBMnRRxntIG33FhpFMomdOkjmjYT0ChPuwNjwMweCiBmD_R_aK-sh4jQaFIF5tftrenOTevMvSwSAxQ/s320/Photo+Aug+23%252C+2+10+42+PM.jpeg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Some people were sharing a bag of Reese's cups.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Peanut butter and chocolate make everything better.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Everyone's OK and accounted for, and since nothing serious appears to have gone down, I can now discuss the humor of the whole event.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Starting with: D.C. + natural disasters = nightmare. I originally got on a bus, but traffic was awful - when, after 30 minutes, I had traveled 4 city blocks, I decided to hoof it. </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">I stopped at Whole Foods for a bottle of water and a Kashi bar, since my lunch was interrupted. In other news, since we were not able to re-enter the building, I get to deal with my dirty soup bowl when I arrive at work tomorrow. Yay!</div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR9C3TAegbu9wcZCGl-vkWwLWB1FjTftctnSec7mNwhwm4H0sY6lyCntqPdviciy5_ayQ_rnWXX2k-HbHCmgsTpiEVlrV9wIjscPsNCrpAuzwyNOGkfWbTjUKOWKOCGaXyBL2FgyjRcw/s1600/Photo+Aug+23%252C+2+11+19+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkR9C3TAegbu9wcZCGl-vkWwLWB1FjTftctnSec7mNwhwm4H0sY6lyCntqPdviciy5_ayQ_rnWXX2k-HbHCmgsTpiEVlrV9wIjscPsNCrpAuzwyNOGkfWbTjUKOWKOCGaXyBL2FgyjRcw/s320/Photo+Aug+23%252C+2+11+19+PM.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I survived the Great Earthquake of 2011!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">This was before I realized it was going to take me almost 1.5 hours to get home.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Favorite quotes heard on the trip home:</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Lady on bus - "This is God telling us what's what."</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Man in suit on K Street, yelling into phone: "Nora! Nora! Do not separate! I am on my way up there! I will call the school! Do not leave Jake!"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Woman on her cell phone walking down the street: "Then when it started I ran. I wasn't waiting for her ass!"</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br />
</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Ah, the human bonds formed in the wake of a natural disaster.</div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEBHRIvnKEO3QTeH25cHXOfu51VpVuGqrkvmVzblO-YgLdkApo5mqaSK2gomMiq0VclsxUrFAvunyh7lobVBGAC374iUOrv7P1JqaZF0FjWDvh2-chlrXUUK6Y0N3eEBw3e-MMlcniGA/s1600/Photo+Aug+23%252C+4+33+21+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEheEBHRIvnKEO3QTeH25cHXOfu51VpVuGqrkvmVzblO-YgLdkApo5mqaSK2gomMiq0VclsxUrFAvunyh7lobVBGAC374iUOrv7P1JqaZF0FjWDvh2-chlrXUUK6Y0N3eEBw3e-MMlcniGA/s320/Photo+Aug+23%252C+4+33+21+PM.jpeg" width="239" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The damage? Or just poor decorating skills? You decide.</div><br />
The cats were fine though. If they were traumatized, I couldn't tell, because demanding constant attention is the norm.<br />
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I did actually learn some valuable lessons in case, god forbid, I ever experience a real emergency:<br />
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<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">1. Always have good shoes for walking.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">2. Glad I carry sunscreen in my purse for unexpected walks home.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">3. Friends and family: if anything like this ever happens again, don't expect me to be able to tell you immediately that I'm ok. Most likely I'll have no cell phone reception.</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">4. Apparently I have no idea what to do in an earthquake. First thought "what the hell is going on??" Second thought "um...am I supposed to get under the desk?" Third thought "that seems stupid, what if it collapses on me?" I ended up just sitting in my chair while the building shook. BTW, what do you do in an earthquake? </div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">5. But I do have some good instincts! Managed to get my iPhone and purse before exiting the building. Did not manage to shut down computer.</div><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">I hope everyone else had an equally exciting, but ultimately humorous experience. Earthquake 2011!<br />
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Addendum: I don't mean to make light of what could have been a serious situation. There is building damage being reported around the District, but from what I've heard, nothing too bad, thank God. And the earthquake itself was pretty scary, especially since I had no idea what was going on. Definitely had shaking hands as we exited the building. But, I am happy that we all seem to have come through unscathed, so I hope my humor is taken in the spirit in which it is given: genuine relief.</div>Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-46114712871930929762011-08-23T12:50:00.000+01:002011-08-23T14:06:16.922+01:00Reader Survey: Vacation TemptationThe countdown has begun:<br />
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This Friday, barring a hurricane, I am heading to sunny Miami for the bachelorette party of one of my good friends. I’ve never been to Miami before, and this is a really fun group of girls, so I’m pretty pumped about the shenanigans in store.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.boston.com/lifestyle/food/dishing/2009/04/"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTT_vAlmmjZA715M08dQydyEejeASSmomEK2ayvREalcpBBb6_AGdSUiByysqmmFGDmL-oxmhra_ih9ro_48D-y23gjcnsywosUaHMpWzw2i-ER-tpgU7Rr3m751ZzQWGd4Hfn7th3rVk/s320/cubano.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Gonna be eating one of these.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo source: Wiqan Ang, Globe Photo</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>But my Miami trip is only the tip of the travel iceberg this fall. We have several weddings, a family visit, a much-overdue friend visit and an Ohio State football game on the agenda, all before November. Oy! All of this travel can create more than a few healthy eating challenges. I love food, so when I’m on vacation I want to be able to indulge a little and try something special, but still feel like I haven’t gone completely overboard at the end of the trip. I think I’m pretty good about making smart choices at restaurants, and I have a game plan in mind for the Miami bars (I’m not a big drinker anyways, so to avoid the other ladies having to carry me home, I’ll be alternating the hard stuff with club soda and lime).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/gifts/summer-gifts/gifts-over-50-dollars-00000000013985/page3.html"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuIkGGLg8WVXD-G6ooQIMlG0L6fk3OHIZbaWbuoz6BZsvgoDTduCMb1QCVyIvEfvpWQ2UjEBcOv5Ujl5FesdkAmaG7OdNBMtF7vtt8R8dgjsaTPLoWzvKYDn1sPJHlBdaL8R31GC21VEw/s320/50up-jenis-ice-cream_300.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Tastes like home!</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo source: Lucas Allen, Real Simple</span></div><br />
It can still be hard, however, when every weekend you have an excuse to splurge (I’ve never had a Philly cheesesteak! Or cheese curds from Wisconsin! And I have to take MG to my favorite college dive spot before the game! And then there’s wedding cake. Times three). I’ve made a lot of lifestyle changes, so in the weeks between trips I’m not terribly worried about eating well and getting regular exercise in. When possible, I’m planning ahead (bringing my own breakfast and fruit to the airport, packing sandwiches for our road trips rather than stopping along the way). But being away from home that many weekends will definitely be a challenge. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.marthastewartweddings.com/photogallery/blue-and-green-wedding-cakes"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHKEzak44joZ_oE1VV2sy6Pbk28jjs0AAgqDiuzUrCHg-QqStx67F8JCKATjPaJ_QT6jpyT6pgqaToTbIfRMsqF_nM2_Wonrer24pbz2116fDUgq76dJ1mFY5Ue1kUX6n0U5s24oR56Pg/s320/mws1544_fal08_rhap_cake_xl.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">And then there's this.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Photo source: Martha Stewart Weddings</span></div><br />
My question for you today is: what is your big vacation food challenge and what tricks have you learned to overcome it? Answer in the comments!Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-70439829173434460712011-08-23T02:53:00.000+01:002011-08-23T04:03:13.738+01:00Meatless Monday: Mac and CheeseAs previously mentioned, MG had his wisdoms out on Friday, so today we made my new favorite mac and cheese recipe to help with his transition into normal foods (mashed potatoes and oatmeal can get old pretty fast). Macaroni and cheese has always been a comfort food for me. My mom used to make it for me as a kid. I tried making her recipe once, but like most things mom-made, it just wasn’t as good as the original.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x3BDYeRbc8ZsRcJR_8WnnACdPoRD2dmDw4UaJI3C5yw0qZZIjyiFcRfYzAO21iOZ2NB1nmsPmGbAo1oA6GNGJJ_7rxU5ax9nYzObJV11KA8KORKW0Fj2zepvqspxOm-1AVYxbg8x5QI/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+8+38+41+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="196" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_x3BDYeRbc8ZsRcJR_8WnnACdPoRD2dmDw4UaJI3C5yw0qZZIjyiFcRfYzAO21iOZ2NB1nmsPmGbAo1oA6GNGJJ_7rxU5ax9nYzObJV11KA8KORKW0Fj2zepvqspxOm-1AVYxbg8x5QI/s320/Photo+Aug+22%252C+8+38+41+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>When I left for college, I always requested it when I came home for visits (with a side of lima beans - don’t ask me why, but I love lima beans!) And, my mom, being the mom she is, always obliged.<br />
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When I started trying to eat more healthfully, I worried that I wouldn’t be able to enjoy many of the foods I loved, mac and cheese being one of them. But, as I learned more about cooking and health, I started to realize that with a bit of creativity, you can make “healthy” versions of a lot of unhealthy dishes that are just as good, if not better, than the original.<br />
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One technique I discovered for cheese sauce is using pureed vegetables to stretch them, simultaneously cutting calories and adding good veggie nutrients. A popular veggie substitute is cauliflower - I found multiple recipes calling for this trick, and the reviews all seemed pretty positive, so a couple of months ago I decided to give it a go.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18Sn4pZ5hmoG1lIldPKfCZehcbq6O7__macg63DfIzEljJJcw_YU2IZQxuAqBIsdBRcGWLM02splP6xag4d_Uc6x53GYPsSWTgRhbZkyM3s1VBzIZB7RGXHUPmgUTtX6gNL7vgd_Bss0/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+7+38+02+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg18Sn4pZ5hmoG1lIldPKfCZehcbq6O7__macg63DfIzEljJJcw_YU2IZQxuAqBIsdBRcGWLM02splP6xag4d_Uc6x53GYPsSWTgRhbZkyM3s1VBzIZB7RGXHUPmgUTtX6gNL7vgd_Bss0/s320/Photo+Aug+22%252C+7+38+02+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Cheese blend on the right, secret ingredient on the left.</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAAdIIljHpGTxH-PGGudas48OIH9HRUdJ5kbxUkGla6mq8CjZeo5ZF9Jcv2gKJ6nBOdm_dC5kenNQSU809LL7I0WL5_olROFbO2XJJQSavN-x6MhBVXl2sRDd7Sn57XgPMOvzWTzSIJE/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+7+42+15+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQAAdIIljHpGTxH-PGGudas48OIH9HRUdJ5kbxUkGla6mq8CjZeo5ZF9Jcv2gKJ6nBOdm_dC5kenNQSU809LL7I0WL5_olROFbO2XJJQSavN-x6MhBVXl2sRDd7Sn57XgPMOvzWTzSIJE/s200/Photo+Aug+22%252C+7+42+15+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="149" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQTzvNAF9Idb1f8WpWNzUcS3L5zGe6WL6nsOQJvjNxQOlU_G18IBFfkip_9YBQ8IcsIpyBE7lN6TpPbRpRvFi_sKH0Li0HGkCQnxDxKsN8jvt9si0yiwiKpsGKQ4q1O4DQW-JeJTLeEk/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+7+44+24+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTQTzvNAF9Idb1f8WpWNzUcS3L5zGe6WL6nsOQJvjNxQOlU_G18IBFfkip_9YBQ8IcsIpyBE7lN6TpPbRpRvFi_sKH0Li0HGkCQnxDxKsN8jvt9si0yiwiKpsGKQ4q1O4DQW-JeJTLeEk/s200/Photo+Aug+22%252C+7+44+24+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="149" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Making a cheese sauce!</div><br />
I have to admit, I was a little skeptical at first. As many meals can be for many people, for me, my mom’s mac and cheese is more than just a delicious dinner - it has nostalgia and comfort and home-iness in every bite. At best, I was expecting the low-cal version to be a passable substitute; something that I could go to fill my cravings, but never the real deal.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW-5OihRIIZkQw_K1DBvMbOzHWSjmoLUGpHNdbdCGyjyIR6d67djl3SS19h4TQISyjO1QikUhbiwwTg1hg0H1E2uKAsuRS1XY0LkfVxw7ioq0XfJje1ERBkwMSMdmgqw2iA2S_9JyW6Q/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+7+47+51+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipW-5OihRIIZkQw_K1DBvMbOzHWSjmoLUGpHNdbdCGyjyIR6d67djl3SS19h4TQISyjO1QikUhbiwwTg1hg0H1E2uKAsuRS1XY0LkfVxw7ioq0XfJje1ERBkwMSMdmgqw2iA2S_9JyW6Q/s320/Photo+Aug+22%252C+7+47+51+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Pre-bake.</div><br />
I combined two recipes - one from the Food Network and one from the NY Times. One major change I made was substituting full fat blue cheese for half of the reduced-fat cheddar called for in the recipe. It didn’t increase the calories too much, and the bite from the blue cheese gave the mac and cheese the rich, authentic flavor I was craving.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3t5IZNdEAlb9DxO4K4ZT7o3fZZefQezCHdGRR8kqOR0NWYyiV80Hy_XkV-MVWQ0nN0SJ1_38InYZRg2hkP0E6IaU2g7QCc_AO3YxG6VPi3u9oCKYUDGV5jlo_DSUE1X8oCqKlUo1JSQ/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+8+35+13+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhD3t5IZNdEAlb9DxO4K4ZT7o3fZZefQezCHdGRR8kqOR0NWYyiV80Hy_XkV-MVWQ0nN0SJ1_38InYZRg2hkP0E6IaU2g7QCc_AO3YxG6VPi3u9oCKYUDGV5jlo_DSUE1X8oCqKlUo1JSQ/s200/Photo+Aug+22%252C+8+35+13+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="149" /></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAmRGxRl9RZdqZ6SLN1Jcs8eOpG59Ny1gtEU8S-uGtoKI6dJwTjrDajV7NG7y-TK8mVUdGdYLNRl0SvoPBNQQJC3ApGGShS1Aa0Z7ZFsrk3c5OgjRJ-ZswW0aS4C0ezDk84KNud7Vo2c/s1600/Photo+Aug+22%252C+8+35+53+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBAmRGxRl9RZdqZ6SLN1Jcs8eOpG59Ny1gtEU8S-uGtoKI6dJwTjrDajV7NG7y-TK8mVUdGdYLNRl0SvoPBNQQJC3ApGGShS1Aa0Z7ZFsrk3c5OgjRJ-ZswW0aS4C0ezDk84KNud7Vo2c/s200/Photo+Aug+22%252C+8+35+53+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="149" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Can't wait to dig into this deliciousness!</div><br />
The moment I took the first bite, I knew that I’d done it. Silly as it may sound, I think I achieved what cooking is all about - I created a dish both rich and comforting, one which evoked all the memories of childhood and home. The sauce melted in my mouth, with the texture that comes from using real melted cheese instead of a boxed mix. The flavor was spot-on - I couldn’t taste the cauliflower at all. Each mouthful was just the creamy goodness that both my stomach and my mind were dreaming of. The fact that it was about half the calories of the original were just the cherry on top.<br />
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</div>The only way this dish could possibly be made better is if my mom makes it for me the next time I’m home :)<br />
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<b><i>Almost As Good as My Mom’s Mac and Cheese (with Secret Cauliflower)</i></b><br />
<b>Adapted from </b><a href="http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/05/03/recipes-to-curb-appetites/"><b>The New York Times</b></a><b> and </b><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/no-bake-macaroni-and-cheese-recipe/index.html"><b>The Food Network</b></a><br />
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Makes 6 servings<br />
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Ingredients:<br />
8 oz pasta (shells, elbows, or rotini are good)<br />
1 tbsp margarine<br />
2 tbsp flour<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 cup skim milk<br />
1/2 tsp mustard powder<br />
1/4 tsp cayenne (the original recipe just calls for a pinch, but I like a little kick)<br />
freshly grated nutmeg<br />
1 small clove garlic, grated<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
4 cups cauliflower florets (about 1/2 head)<br />
3 oz 75% reduced fat sharp cheddar (I used Cabot)<br />
3 oz blue cheese<br />
2 oz fat-free cream cheese<br />
2 tbsp grated Parmesan<br />
1/2 - 1/3 cup bread crumbs<br />
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Preheat oven to 350F.<br />
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Boil salted water. Cook cauliflower until very tender, 8-10 min. Remove with slotted spoon - set aside. Add pasta to water, cook to al dente (10 minutes). Drain, reserving 1/2 cup cooking water.<br />
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Meanwhile, prep a 8-inch glass square baking dish with butter or cooking spray.<br />
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Over medium-low heat, melt the margarine in a large saucepan. Add flour and salt and stir constantly for several minutes to make a roux (it will get very thick and the flour will get a little brown).<br />
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Slowly pour in the milk, stirring constantly until thickened slightly, about 6 minutes. Add cheese. Whisk until cheese melts. Add cauliflower and puree with immersion blender until smooth (if you don't have an immersion blender, you could puree the cauliflower ahead of time in a food processor or blender). If you need to thin the sauce, add a little of the reserved pasta water. Mix sauce with pasta.<br />
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Pour into prepared baking dish. Bake, covered, for 35-40 minutes. Remove foil, add breadcrumbs, and bake uncovered, 5 minutes more. Serve and enjoy! (I like hot sauce on mine, too. Check it out :) )Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2602831182821509492.post-26175992246023266992011-08-20T00:53:00.000+01:002011-08-20T00:53:10.223+01:00The Lunch Box: Spicy Cumin Chickpea SaladI looove chickpeas. They are such a versatile little food! I love them fried as falafel and pureed as hummus and curried as chana masala. I also love spicy things and garlic, so when I saw a recipe on The Kitchn for <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/thekitchn/main-dish/recipe-spicy-chickpeas-with-cumin-garlic-150758?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+apartmenttherapy%2Fthekitchn+%28The+Kitchn%29">Warm Chickpea Salad with Cumin and Garlic</a>, I knew it had to happen soon.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf465yqrw0Ha8owCP8oouJAt9XEQwlzQ0cBmmx2UZkgDD-TKY8chiV55CxAYOL-CsuIYTo9ybaHBYW0SPu3stNErDmPvM3jukClrsVwL2M9cl7lgwYXoVbUGRKtTeKc1BDydOpZ9Lq0g/s1600/Photo+Aug+19%252C+7+11+53+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="304" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUf465yqrw0Ha8owCP8oouJAt9XEQwlzQ0cBmmx2UZkgDD-TKY8chiV55CxAYOL-CsuIYTo9ybaHBYW0SPu3stNErDmPvM3jukClrsVwL2M9cl7lgwYXoVbUGRKtTeKc1BDydOpZ9Lq0g/s320/Photo+Aug+19%252C+7+11+53+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
This is a delicious and easy recipe, and I want you all to go out and make it right now. The cumin and crushed red pepper make it nice and spicy (I doubled the red pepper, so it was even more spicy), and then the lemon and garlic give it another punch. But, then you get this nice cool cucumber and slightly sweet sundried tomatoes, and mmm, wow, good. Just good. In addition to tasting awesome, this is another one of those dishes that will make your apartment smell fantastic for a while - I mean, hello, sauteed cumin and garlic in olive oil?<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhp1vbxqArG9yv3JAcdZBNFbgdvFoDWbRL5affdrLrYC818zO81quWiprSgHhziD8ea9LxwY7gqYZupJu5IZEqpIwhlOr2qG4HkP1JhmdCXiy3txiqLM9fQu4iUegR4mHsmeobHWbGeNQ/s1600/Photo+Aug+17%252C+9+29+39+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhp1vbxqArG9yv3JAcdZBNFbgdvFoDWbRL5affdrLrYC818zO81quWiprSgHhziD8ea9LxwY7gqYZupJu5IZEqpIwhlOr2qG4HkP1JhmdCXiy3txiqLM9fQu4iUegR4mHsmeobHWbGeNQ/s320/Photo+Aug+17%252C+9+29+39+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
As far as the recipe goes, I only changed a couple of things - I used 1 tbsp of dried parsley since I forgot to pick up fresh and I used a regular cucumber (seeded) rather than English. Although I drained the sundried tomatoes, they still add a bit of oil, so I reduced the olive oil from 3 tbsp to 2 with no problem. And the aforementioned doubling of the crushed pepper (but it was definitely hot, so you probably want to start with the ¼ tsp and taste as you go).<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWZO-2MndlIsHKsTcgggfLx1SmvTV_Tih09S3PvXs3IYzd-GepK2MgpFshfM8mJz2mB9VFZsg39gxQMS2Vu-s05jAY1VU1A2Je3RqpzKybiz1bv9DZh5wxMY-J6yMPz3FA3ols-XI2QQ/s1600/Photo+Aug+17%252C+9+31+34+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbWZO-2MndlIsHKsTcgggfLx1SmvTV_Tih09S3PvXs3IYzd-GepK2MgpFshfM8mJz2mB9VFZsg39gxQMS2Vu-s05jAY1VU1A2Je3RqpzKybiz1bv9DZh5wxMY-J6yMPz3FA3ols-XI2QQ/s320/Photo+Aug+17%252C+9+31+34+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOv25ZLjSm0Ufp-wSis-9rgiAhCTw6HdMyHgm9dJp85nlGWfG1E8rfh9N5n9q0jCU9Re1r5uenXPsTgo8G_pNxE4S14CsrS4wSBd7UuqDYHoIJrEPVNiCfxNRPBWqlV4Az12pBgUeoE0/s1600/Photo+Aug+17%252C+10+00+33+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDOv25ZLjSm0Ufp-wSis-9rgiAhCTw6HdMyHgm9dJp85nlGWfG1E8rfh9N5n9q0jCU9Re1r5uenXPsTgo8G_pNxE4S14CsrS4wSBd7UuqDYHoIJrEPVNiCfxNRPBWqlV4Az12pBgUeoE0/s320/Photo+Aug+17%252C+10+00+33+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
Although the yield doesn’t look like a whole lot, it’s actually pretty filling. I divided it into four servings and had one for lunch with a whole wheat tortilla and a handful of cherry tomatoes from a generous co-worker’s garden. I was definitely full. I didn’t even eat the melon salad that I’d brought along as part of my lunch.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilalif8yETckALitZXKOrXUgwl4htqbL_7eVFOVkMi3U3yWLIiUeW_MqMAyntif5tPCN9kfbHE6Unk6w28jrnd_syoTFIZjPtBDRPBWr1ewK69AaWVHP99cGDD69BZ0T_JeyLMuHBElj8/s1600/Photo+Aug+18%252C+12+04+16+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilalif8yETckALitZXKOrXUgwl4htqbL_7eVFOVkMi3U3yWLIiUeW_MqMAyntif5tPCN9kfbHE6Unk6w28jrnd_syoTFIZjPtBDRPBWr1ewK69AaWVHP99cGDD69BZ0T_JeyLMuHBElj8/s320/Photo+Aug+18%252C+12+04+16+PM.jpeg" width="303" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Originally I planned to make it for lunches for both of us this week, but a bridal shower I hosted over the weekend yielded a lot of leftovers, so I didn’t end up making the salad until Wednesday night. MG had his wisdom teeth out today, so it was left to me to consume the entire thing. Eating the exact same thing for several days in a row makes me a little bored, so I decided to add some grilled shrimp to the chickpeas for dinners tonight and tomorrow (MG’s not a fan of seafood, so I’m taking advantage of his being on a mashed potato diet for the foreseeable future). To stretch it a little more into a dinner portion I sauteed some zucchini and summer squash to go on the side.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrq8H2pI76_1t_nMAM6895JCpyRV9XjHfypB67zWq0W7bUctKRLL8QitjQb0A8RxKmy1qDlDLQHApNBd41YSvi3z7wjMg38eF3cee8Y3EYwHXO1LXcZBvOoDr_bjC71JDhSxM4EITSU4/s1600/Photo+Aug+19%252C+6+43+49+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBrq8H2pI76_1t_nMAM6895JCpyRV9XjHfypB67zWq0W7bUctKRLL8QitjQb0A8RxKmy1qDlDLQHApNBd41YSvi3z7wjMg38eF3cee8Y3EYwHXO1LXcZBvOoDr_bjC71JDhSxM4EITSU4/s320/Photo+Aug+19%252C+6+43+49+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="239" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Keeping me company while I man the grill. </div><div style="text-align: center;">(Don't worry, he's fine. He's just hamming it for the camera. And for pudding.)</div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhT3Iu003MxKhOUUGSJ9d7OZFUBu5f5SzdtubBlE8jYXgJWTHnRTZnyI2AYpAPwG0Dm9irVv8zgHpV1JlLYxd7-qbR4_Rjd5owQk31ch8DTgfNnh3y2Jb9VhKCrX_h0Efh2Dgp5h7e5U/s1600/Photo+Aug+19%252C+6+51+58+PM.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHhT3Iu003MxKhOUUGSJ9d7OZFUBu5f5SzdtubBlE8jYXgJWTHnRTZnyI2AYpAPwG0Dm9irVv8zgHpV1JlLYxd7-qbR4_Rjd5owQk31ch8DTgfNnh3y2Jb9VhKCrX_h0Efh2Dgp5h7e5U/s320/Photo+Aug+19%252C+6+51+58+PM.jpeg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div><br />
That’s what I consider a great meal - something that can transition from easy workday lunch to heartier dinner with little extra effort. Chickpeas FTW!Estherhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01610986467696682195noreply@blogger.com0