Back in the Kitchen

Don't think I ever shared this with you.  If you know me or read this here blog then know my obsession with thai food and mexican food!  We eat it pretty much every night.  Poor R must get so bored with my meal preparations!  This is a pulled together healthy mexican style supper.

Grilled Shrimp + Black Bean + Kale  Corn Tacos

grilled shrimp-marinate 

sriracha

honey

olive oil

2 cans black beans

1/2 onion + 1 clove garlic- saute

1 tsp cumin

corn tacos-heat on both sides in a skillet

roasted tomatoes

roasted zucchini

sauteed kale

guacamole (homemade)

onion

lime juice

cilantro

salt 

avocado

bulgarian sheep feta

sriracha

This recipe is SO easy and so healthy too.  My husband and I really try to eat healthy meals during the week so we can splurge on the weekends.  We love nothing more than to go out to eat on the weekends and "cheat" on our healthy diet.   You should definitely give this recipe a try and see if you like it with kale.  If not kale you could use wilted spinach.

Tuesday Food Day

Who likes to dip?  I'm talking about food of course!  I could make a meal out of it!!  I discovered the most delectable hors d'oeuvre while we were staying at the beach with my in laws. Ina Garten is one of my all time favorite cookbook author's.  Every single thing I have tried from her cookbook's has been a hit and they are pretty easy to make.  This particular recipe came from her Foolproof cookbook.

Tuscan Mashed Chickpeas

This dip is best served warm with grilled bread.  However, it is so delicious that I eat it as a cold leftover too.  I will indicate in red what changes I made...

2 cans chickpeas (drained and rinsed) (use 1 can if not for a large crowd)

1/2 cup chicken broth (I added until the right consistency)

3 tablespoons olive oil

3-4 small tomatoes chopped and seeded

2 cloves garlic

1/4 cup parmesean cheese

3 tablespoons minced flat leaf parsley (I omitted because I cannot stand the taste-weird I know)

2 tablespoons squeezed lemon (I used half lemon)

salt & pepper

grilled baguette for serving (or pretzels and pita chips)

I first drained and rinsed the chickpeas in a colander.  I then added the chickpeas into the blender and added chicken broth as needed.  I pulsed so that it was chunky, not smooth.  Set aside.  I then sauteed the olive oil, garlic and tomatoes in a saute pan for 3-5 minutes.  You then add the chickpea mixture to the hot tomatoes in the pan.  Take off the heat and add the cheese, parsley, lemon juice and salt and pepper.  It can be served warm like this or you can refrigerate and serve cool or room temperature!  

*Best served warm if I must say so myself!

On a side note, I have been enjoying the herbivore sandwich from Caviar and Bananas lately.  Anyone tried it?  It is TO DIE FOR GOOD!!!!  They pile on hummus, marinated mushrooms, roasted tomatoes, bean and corn succotash and spinach all wrapped up in a grilled lavash wrap!  Mouth watering yet?   I am thinking this tuscan hummus would be perfect if you were to try recreating the herbivore sandwich at home!!!

A Few Faves

Hope everyone had a Happy Easter!  I took a bunch of photos of our weekend at the beach but now can't get my camera to download pics to my computer-arggg!!!!!  Maybe later this week...but today I wanted to share a few sites I have been loving lately.

I know most of you who read this know that I am (mostly) a vegetarian with the exception of fish/shellfish and bacon.  Ha!  So weird I know but can't deny it!  If you too share my love of vegetarian food then you must check out Naturally Ella.  She has some of THE BEST looking recipes I have come across on the world wide web!!!  We made this last night......and the night before.  We added shrimp last night and I totally would have added black beans if we had them, but no luck (really was good without either)

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I also have come across the cutest store on Etsy called Harriet's Haberdashery.  Even though I don't have a little girl, I still can't resist all the cuteness!!!

Nani Iro Sleeveless Shirtdress

Natural Linen Dress

Linen Dress with Peter Pan Collar

And this stuff..... the BOMB!!!!  I got mine when Pout! came to Novel. a couple of weeks ago.  After reading the package I was sold!  Here's why it's so great:

"Leaves skin noticeably radiant and glowing.

Activates moisturizing collagen synthesis.

Provides gentle resurfacing exfoliation.

Helps to leave skin smoother, brighter and softer.

Provides tighter skin texture and tighter pores.

Helps to provide a more youthful appearance.

Absorbs impurities without removing natural oils.

Helps to protect against free radical damage."
via

I walked out of the bathroom into where the boys were watching TV and scared the daylights out of them!!!   I wasn't sure what the mud mask would look like but came to find it basically looks like mud with black seaweed in it.  Really not a good look...but the results are worth the monster face!

Annnd just found this in my inbox from my mother in law

Back in the Kitchen

I'm not sure what is wrong with me and why I can't keep up with blogging??!!!!  I am sure everyone is just as busy as I am so that seems like a likely excuse!  I think I just fell out of my routine and also didn't feel that I had all that interesting things to talk about here on the ole bloggy blog!  So forgive my randomness as I jump around week to week and day to day to all different subjects.  My Tuesday Food Day has turned into "Whenever I Can Find A Day To Cook Day" and you will get a post.  So here you go,  the easiest sup sup out there.  

Spinach Pizza

Whole grain wheat crust from Whole Foods

spaghetti sauce (forgot to buy pizza sauce) 

wilted spinach (whole bag)

bulgarian feta

roasted zucchini

roasted tomatoes

onion

prosciutto (on half)

(mushrooms if I'd had them)

of course sriracha doused all over the top

add shrimp if you have them!

Bake at 400 for 10-12 minutes.

Serve with your favorite greens and dressing!

Juicing

Let me begin by saying I have been following along on all of your blogs over the past year or two watching all you juicers out there get healthier and healthier as I sit like a lame duck wanting to be doing what you are all doing but just.can't.quite.get.over.the.hump of drinking my fruits and veggies!!!!!  I much prefer chewing to gulping.  I never have been able to gulp anything down.. it's like my throat closes or something...can't chug a coke, can't chug water, can't chug a beer.  So for me to get down liquefied veggies is going to be tough.  I want to do it I just have a mental block.  It's the healthy thing to do for so many reasons!

So lets get back on track, I open up my email on Monday and what do I see?  A receipt from Zappos.  Not for shoes....wait for it...a juicer.  A juicer? Did you even know they sold juicers on Zappos?? Big R bought it.  Not for me but for himself??!!!! This is a joke to anyone who knows my husband.  He will start a trendy "diet" and it ends just as fast as it begins.  This is an expensive "diet" gadget so I'm holding him to it.  
I give him a week tops. 

Well, can't wait to report to you what "we" are juicing over here.  So, please do share your all time favorite juices!!!  I need to start off slow-nothing red or orange and nothing that is going to be thick.  Thick is not good.  We're gonna own this thing so I need to take advantage!  

Question-do you substitute a juice for a meal???  I'm just not sure I can do that???  Can you do both (eat and juice) or does that just quadruple your caloric intake and you end up gaining weight???  I want to shed a few lbs so hoping this will help me out!

Tuesday Food Day

But wait it's Thursday.  Whoops!  I have had a few requests to get better about my Tuesday Food Day posts so I am going to do my best.  The problem is I really cook the same thing over and over so that would get so boring to read!  Maybe now I will branch out because I have to report back here!  Anywho, this is what I made this week..

Spinach and Chive Linguini 

(Trader Joes-obsessed)

wilted spinach

basil

chopped tomatoes

roasted butternut squash

topped with Bulgarian Sheep Feta

lemon garlic EVOO S+P

and a side order of sauteed kale

(in chicken broth)

OBVIOUSLY I am so not a food stylist nor a photographer so this probably looks horrible but I promise it was delicious and relatively healthy.  Big R gave his approval too!

Now below is what I made out of the leftovers the following nightt...

Spinach and Chive Linguini over Arugula

roasted zucchini

roasted mushrooms

wilted spinach

basil

chopped tomatoes

Bulgarian Sheep Feta

lemon garlic EVOO S+P

This was more like a salad.  I LOVE arugula and it was so good with the linguini and roasted vegetables!  Y'all will have to give it a try and let me know what you think or what you would do differently.  I am into easy meals these days.  I have the two little crazies running underfoot at all times which makes any prep work difficult.  Love my boys!!

I know this is so wrong.  Balancing lighters between his toes.  He is obsessed with lighters.  Thank goodness he hasn't figured out how to light them because he carries them around everywhere!!!  

And big bro couldn't miss out on the attention so foot in mouth was his trick.

Food Day

I know it's been a while since I blogged about food, but it's also been a while since I made anything worth talking about.  I guess most of you know I categorize myself as a "Pescetarian," one who eats only fruits, veggies, grains and well, fish.  Except I really don't eat fish.  I know I should, especially salmon, but that one is the worst for me!!  Any who, I eat shellfish mostly, that counts.  I rarely prepare any creatures from the sea at home.  That's an order-out-at-a-restaurant type deal for me.  When at home, I prepare vegetarian meals and my guy has to deal with that or grill a side order of meat for himself (and the boys).  Earlier this week I started with this... 

"Everything I Love Veggie Surprise"

roasted zucchini 

roasted butternut squash 

roasted tomatoes

(all of the above seasoned with S+P+EVOO)

kalamata olives

bulgarian sheep feta

fresh basil

israeli couscous

lemon vinagarette

frsh lemon juice

EVOO

S+P

crushed garlic

  

Then last night I recreated the meal from the night before and made a few tweaks...

I added:

butter lettuce (as the base)

omitted olives (bc I forgot)

added green peas

  It was divine-for a vegetarian that is!!!  I think you could incorporate shrimp on top and make it more of a hearty salad.  

Slacker

I know I have been the worst about keeping up this blog, but lately things are getting busier and busier!!!  All in a good way but my blog has become last on my list.  I imagine things will not slow down until after Christmas, am I right?  Do all of you feel this way?  

One exciting thing for us at Novel. is that this time of year means lots of Holiday Shows!!!!  We have many fun events ahead and one happens to be today at Fleur in Raleigh, NC!!  So if any of you live there or have friends or family in Raleigh, then head on over to the trunk show going on today!!!!  Lots of new goodies from Blue Chickadee, Library, Balboa and Bon Vivant!!!  

In case you are wondering here is a list of our upcoming events so you can mark your calendars!

Thursday, November 8-Fleur-Raleigh, NC

Wednesday, November 14-Mom's house-Columbia, SC

Thursday, December 6-Balboa Showroom-Spatanburg, SC

Friday, December 7-NOVEL. Showroom King Street Walk-Charleston, SC

Thursday, December 13-Van Jean-Columbia, SC

Friday, December 14-NOVEL. Showroom-Charleston, SC

Now on to what I have been up too these past couple of weeks.  Basically I have been eating and drinking my way through!  Ridiculous how many pictures I had on my phone of food!!!  

Lets start with this ridic side of beets adapted from Jamie Oliver.

Smoked Beets...yes please

Step One

Last Step

Roasted Potatoes

Grilled Romaine

Roasted Tomatoes

Finally got to try out  Butcher & Bee here in Charleston on Upper King Street.  Man was it worth the wait!!!  I had the Pulled Squash sandwich, sounds odd, and it was, but it was mouth watering good!  The squash had been pickled as well as BBQ'd if I remember correctly.  Anyway, yum!  You should go!  Things for vegetarians and meat lovers!!!

Pulled Squash Sandwich

Now I was also painting in between my binge eating.

Finally finished and shipped off this beauty to NYC this week.  It's going in a baby girl's nursery.  I cannot wait to see it hanging!

Working on a few little side projects for a friend.  

I can't disclose just yet but it will be worth the wait!!!

And to end it all, I got to meet up with some old college buddies!!!  How fun is it to laugh so hard your stomach muscles hurt?  Can't wait til the next time!

Hoping to get better at this blogging thing, but making no promises:)  Have a great weekend!!

Honeydew + Black Bean Tacos

Odd combo right?  Truth be told, these were not paired together but I just liked this honeydew pic when I was sifting through all my Labor Day pics from the beach.   Loving these colors paired together.

Moving on to the real reason for this Tuesday Food Day post 2 days later...

Black Bean + Chipotle Sweet Potatoes + Guac Tacos

With a Side order of Grilled Shrimp

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Wow y'all must think I eat the same things every day?  I do to some extent but just mix in a few different ingredients here and there.  This recipe is so stinking good I think I could eat it every week!  There are a lot of components to this recipe but it's so worth it!  

Recipe below is courtesy of 

Naturally Ella

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion, diced
• 1 medium sweet potato, cut into 1/2″ cubes
• 1/2 cup black beans
• 1 chipotle in adobo sauce
• 2 tablespoons adobo sauce
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Juice from one lime
• 4 taco shells (hard or soft)
• Guacamole:
• 1 avocado
• 1/4 medium onion, diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 serrano pepper, diced
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• juice from 1/2 lime
• 1 small tomato, diced
• handful of cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat olive oil over medium heat in skillet. Add onions and let cook until onions begin to soften, 3-4 minutes. Next, stir in sweet potatoes and continue to cook for another 3-4 minutes.
2. In a mortar and pestle, combine the chipotle, adobo sauce, honey, and lime juice. Break apart the chipotle into small pieces (alternatively, you can cut up the chipotle.) Pour into the pan with the sweet potatoes and reduce the heat to medium-low. Add beans and continue to cook until sweet potatoes have softened, 10-15 minutes.
3. While sweet potatoes cook, scoop out the insides of the avocado. Add onions, garlic, pepper, salt, and lime juice. Mash until the guacamole has your favorite consistency. Fold in tomato and cilantro. Taste and add more salt if needed.
4. To serve, scoop a spoonful of guacamole onto the bottom of the taco and layer with sweet potato mixture. Sprinkle extra cilantro on top if desired.

We also roasted frozen corn kernels to serve on top.  Have y'all ever done this?  It is the best thing since sliced bread-ha!!!  My sister in law introduced me to this very simple concept and I'm so glad she did.  All you do is drizzle a small amount of olive oil on the pan, add the frozen corn, salt and pepper and roast in the oven at 400 degrees for  about 20 minutes.  Such a perfect accompaniment to black beans in any form!

  Julienned fresh spinach, radicchio and cilantro were another addition.  And I of course doused this baby in Sriracha and salsa.  You have to give this recipe a whirl!!!

*warning this recipe is pretty spicy (which you know I love but some of you may not)

Tuesday Food Day

No Tahini Hummus

I should have "styled" this a little better but considering the chaos going on around me, this was the best I could do.

1 can chick peas-reserve the liquid and add as needed to thin out the mixture( I use Progresso)

1/2 lemon 

Salt

1-2 garlic cloves

1 tablespoon olive oil

1/2 teaspoon Cumin

dash (or a lot) of Ground Red Pepper (Cayenne)

This is such an easy recipe that I love having on hand but forget to make very often!  It is so perfect to have as an afternoon snack with celery and carrots or dipping pretzel thins into.  It all started when I didn't have Tahini on hand but wanted to make hummus.  So, I decided to give it a whirl without it!  And it was good!  

I don't have a food processor or any other fancy gadget to puree with so I stick all of my ingredients in the blender and it works just fine!  My boys, who won't eat anything these days, love it so I can't make it spicy at all.  You know that's hard for me since I love to feel the burn!!!  So I add Sriracha on top, in my separate container, and LOVE IT!!!!

Tuesday Food Day

Arugula Pesto

This may sound totally unappealing to most of you, but I promise it was good and really low in fat the way I made it.  I wish you could see more of the cous cous in the above picture.  Had I realized I was going to post about the actual pesto I would have taken better pictures of the steps I took!!!  I get grumpy and hungry come supper time around here (so does the hubster) leaving little wiggle room for the "perfect pic" of the meal I have created!!!  Anyway, above, I put the Israeli Cous Cous (larger grains than typical cous cous), that  I tossed with the pesto, on top of a bed of arugula-like arugula much??  As you may remember from last week's post, I put roasted zucchini and fresh tomatoes and feta on top.  Yumm!!!!

A LOT of Basil

3-4 garlic cloves

2-3 handfuls of arugula

chicken broth

Parmesan Cheese-(grated from 365 form Whole Foods is a fave)

olive oil

S+P as needed

I put all of these above ingredients in the blender and ran until pesto consistency.  I added chicken broth as needed but you could also use water if trying to stay low fat or olive oil to make it even better.  In my recipe I just use a very small amount of EVOO but I think the more you use the better it tastes sometimes!!

I have made this same recipe, but substitute the arugula with spinach and that is even better in my opinion!!!  You could totally add pine nuts or walnuts but I don't A) because I never have them on hand and B) trying to stay lower in fat.  Perfect to put on a pizza, toss with cous cous, make spaghetti, top off bruschetta or put a dollop on shrimp/chicken/fish..

On a completely unrelated note, I made pancakes this weekend from a mix I picked up at Trader Joe's.

  The mix calls for milk, eggs and oil.  I had no oil, except for olive oil.  I also had no applesauce to substitute in for the oil.  So, I put my cooking cap on and rifled around the fridge and found some low fat sour cream.  I thought, well, people make biscuits and cakes with sour cream sometimes, why not try it in pancake mix?  So, I did and also added vanilla extract and raw sugar.  Let me tell you they were delicious and low fat to boot!!!!  Just an FYI if you ever get in a pinch, try sour cream.  I bet greek yogurt would have worked as well.  

Tuesday Food Day

via
Butter Sriracha Shrimp

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 6 tablespoons Sriracha
• 3 cloves minced garlic
• 1 pound head-on shrimp
• 1 tablespoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh mint
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh basil

Preparation

• Whip butter with Sriracha and melt in skillet.
• Sauté minced garlic in it and toss in shrimp. Just before they're done, add lemon zest and mint and basil and let them wilt.

Read More http://www.bonappetit.com/recipes/2011/06/sriracha-buttered-shrimp#ixzz21Z805JVM


Y'all know how much I love Sriracha and love to feel the burn!  I am so weird about spicy things and love to pile on the hot stuff until my eyes water and I can't feel my mouth!!!  Big R asked me if I was trying to sabotage him for something.  Had he done something wrong because this dish is so freaking spicy???!!!!!  Ha Ha!
 I would seriously consider cutting the Sriracha down to 3 tablespoons instead of 6 if you are worried about it being too hot.  Big R could barely eat it but I was loving every bite!!!!I found this recipe on none other than Pinterest.  It is a recipe from Bon Apetit and has 25 recipes using Sriracha.

This is during preparation

While cooking.  It just looks like it's hot as fire doesn't it?!

And of course I put everything on a salad!!!  I made some Quinoa and black beans to put with the shrimp and it was delicious!!!!  Definitely a thumbs up for this recipe ...that is if you can take the heat!!!!!