A Very Foodie Fourth

I am just now getting around to posting about the long holiday weekend because I only just came out of the food induced coma that I was in. Two potluck cookouts and a visit to Grandma and Grandpa's house will do that to you.

I should have brought something to share with the Grandparents but I only had time enough to prepare for the cookouts. My sweet tooth was in full effect:

1. Fruit Salsa

This recipe is from BestFruitNow.com; sweet but with a spicey kick!

I've never purchased so many different fruits at the same time: strawberries, kiwi, yellow bell pepper, oranges, pinapple, mango, lemon juice, green onion, and jalapeno pepper. Sooooo good!


If I did not restrain myself, I could've eaten the whole concoction (intended to serve at least 15-20) by myself! I served it with blue corn chips to up the color quotient!

Is there anything so pretty as strawberries? (Now if only I had something other than a camera phone to capture it with?)

The finished product:



We were told ahead of time that the main course would consist of fajitas, so you won't be surprised to hear that mine wasn't the only salsa to appear at the cookout. ;) I wasn't bothered in the least because I have no qualms about sampling salsa. In fact, I encourage it!

I think the fajitas went over pretty well judging from the aftermath:

For this cookout as well as for the 2nd, I also provided dessert:

2. From who else but Ms. How Sweet from howsweateast.com: S'mores Brownies and...

3. a Peanut Butter Cheeseball! (Don't judge it by its title until you check out the recipe!)

This baby is for dipping so I brought graham crakers to serve alongside. It was soooo soooo good! I think most people got past the seemingly strange appearance and title when they found out it contained peanut butter AND chocolate chips.

Hope your holiday was as happy as mine!

What great food did you eat for the Fourth?

Who's That Lady: Susan B. Anthony

I have this great little calendar which sits on my desk. Everyday I look forward to peeling off another page to reveal the current day's quote from a famous woman in history. I had more pages to peal off due to the long weekend. Upon discovery of last Monday's quote I feel it most appropriate, especially since 'wedding season' is in full swing:

Marriage, to women as to men, must be a luxury, not a necessity; an incident of life, not all of it.

(Susan B. Anthony (1820-1906) American suffragist and abolitionist)

Now granted, Susan (in addition to other suffragists) is somewhat of a controversial figure in history. However this quotation highlights a strong opinion that I have long held. Thanks Susan, for letting me know that I am not the only woman to have ever felt this way, particularly during wedding season.

Whad'ya know about bananas and milk?

I have been soaking up all kinds of food industry related information since watching Food, Inc. For instance, I am getting routine updates from a blog entitled, Hungry for Change. Two useful posts that you might find interesting too:

1. Bananas has a very small carbon footprint, especially compared to other fruits. (My morning banana will taste even better knowing this!) Say it with me: that's b-a-n-a-n-a-s! :)


2. You can find out where your milk comes from with just a few clicks of your keyboard! Grab your milk/whip cream can/cheese from the fridge and visit whereismymilkfrom.com to get started.

Just a few little snippets of information can really make a difference when your trying to make smart choices!

I Didn't Know That I Didn't Know

Another weekend of potluck cookouts is almost upon us thanks to Indpendence Day. Yesss! I'm excitedly planning what dish to share, but I'm making a few more considerations to choose my recipe than I did before...

While I didn't intend for this blog to be dominated by recipes and cooking, it has certainly become that. One of my personal goals is to re-learn how to cook and eat in a way that benefits a healthier lifestyle. Throughout this process however, I find myself chasing away self-defeating thoughts about why I even need a re-education. Why is it so hard for to make a healthy choice while also minding my budget? Is it really necessary for all people to obsess and study about food and lifestyle in order to become healthier? Did my great grandparents live unhealthily or is there something that they knew that I don't? Even if I make a smart choice at the grocery store, how do I know that the food industry is supporting my choice by ensuring that my food is safe to eat?

This weekend, I had the pleasure of watching Food, Inc. and feel as though my concerns and quandries have been addressed though I don't much care for the answers. I hope that more people have the opportunity to watch it.

3 Surprising Lessons from Food, Inc.:

1. I didn't know that I didn't know.

Before watching Food, Inc., I had heard much of the same information, just in smaller pieces. When it's in the form of a newsstory here, an inside report there, and a sprinkling of food safety warnings, one can only catch a glimpse of the larger problem. Finally, with assistance from Food, Inc. I can see the bigger picture. Hearing how all the warnings, concerns, and issues contribute to larger problems and concerns is quite eye-opening.

2. Variety is illusory.

All consumers are confronted with the challenge to choose. This diet pill or that program, this brand over that brand, or cooking your own food versus pulling into the nearest drive-thru. It takes a lot of work to sort through the barrage of information and make an informed choice. But, in actuality, the choices really aren't so vast and varied. Very few companies control the entire food industry even though the bright, colorful packaging seems to suggest otherwise. When you eliminate all the over-processed stuff and then opt to buy in-season from farmers that are taking care to raise crops and livstock the right way, the choices are simplified. Like author Michael Pollan says, 'Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.'

3. What I choose makes a difference.

I love that this documentary ends with a positive message! One can easily feel overwhelmed by the dismal, depressing images and facts of the food industry. Luckily, there are things you can do that will influence change, and it doesn't necessarily have to involve swearing off meat or animal products all together.

There is more that I would like to learn on this topic, but I feel inpsired and confident to proceed with a few small, but meaningful changes. I think that these changes are necessary not just for my benefit but for others. I hope you will consider it too.

What tips or information guide your food choices?

Blueberry Banana Goodness

Yep! I did it! After reading about and dreaming of muffin recipes, what else could I do? I made a dozen Whole Wheat Blueberry Banana Bread muffins as soon as I could yesterday after work and patiently waited for the next morning to have one with coffee and yogurt, just like I planned. Sometimes you have to enjoy the simple things, which I think I did pretty successfully.

Find the recipe here and try it for yourself!

Muffin Cravings

Last night I was craving mexican food (more on that later) and this morning it's muffins. I don't know if I'm strong enough to manage two serious cravings in two consecutive days. All I can think about is a warm muffin and a huge glass of iced coffee...Mmmm!

(photos from How Sweet It Is)

Visit How Sweet It Is to find out what sparked my sweet tooth: http://www.howsweeteats.com/2010/06/24/muffin-mania/. Warning to all those who visit: Beware of delicious recipes and photos contained in the site. May cause cravings and urges to bake.

Now I just need to find friends who like muffins too. My hips don't lie and they're telling me that I don't need to eat a whole batch of muffins by myself.

What are you craving?

Summer Side Salad, Part Deux

My quest for simple summer recipes continues! And this time it took me to the Mediterranean, specifically Greece. Opa!


This was another find from Eating Well magazine. As soon as I saw the words 'feta cheese', I knew I couldn't resist making it. Plus, Greek food is a new favorite that I only recently discovered in the last 5 years or so, and am so glad I did!

Greek Salad

Yields 4 servings, 2 c. each

· 3 tbs lemon juice

· 2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil

· 1 clove garlic, minced

· 2 tsp dried oregano

· 1/2 tsp freshly ground pepper

· 3 medium tomatoes, cut into lrg chunks

· 1 lrg English cucumber, cut into lrg chunks

· 1 15-oz can chickpeas, rinsed

· 1/3 c. crumbled feta cheese

· 1/4 c. thinly sliced red onions

· 2 tbs sliced kalamata/black olives

1. Whisk lemon juice, oil, garlic, oregano, and pepper in lrg bowl.

2. Add tomatoes, cucumber, chickpeas, feta, onions, and olives to same bowl; gently toss.

The magazine version adds sardines atop this salad, but I can't get past the smell and bad reputation. But that got me thinking about possible substitutes. I settled on a tuna sandwich but not just any old one. I made tuna salad by mixing tuna with roasted red pepper hummus (instead of mayo and all the rest... way easier!). Also, I used Orrowheat sandwhich thins that were a little toasted for some crunch. Put it all together for one tasty meal with some Grecean flair!

Now if only I had some uzo! It's okay though, I'm more than happy with...

I think all my recipe searching and experimenting is starting to pay off! I'm getting better at being creative in the kitchen AND I'm having fun! Double bonus!

What is a new simple recipe that you recently tried and are glad that you learned?

Summer Side Salad

Memorial Day weekend really got me in the mood for cook-out food. It's all I can think about! When I ran across Eating Well magazine which advertised 'Healthy in a Hurry Recipes' and 'Power Salads to Fuel Your Day', I snatched it up. Yay for inspiration! I found a great recipe for a creamy pasta salad that I had to try.

I didn't follow the exact recipe because I'm not a fan of ham or making my own dressing. So here is my very own version...

Broccoli, Turkey Bacon, and Pasta Salad

10 oz Whole Wheat Fusilli
10 slice Turkey Bacon, Extra-lean (I used Jennie O)
4 cups Broccoli, florets
4 tbs Wishbone's Parmesan Peppercorn Light Ranch (or another of your choice)

1. Prepare pasta as directed on package. Rinse under cold water while draining.
2. While pasta is cooking, prepare frozen broccoli on stovetop according to directions on package.
3. Prepare bacon any way you like it. I baked it in the oven because I was running out of room on the stovetop.
4. Add pasta, broccoli, and bacon to the same bowl. Pour 1/2 cup Peppercorn light ranch and toss in order to distribute evenly over all ingredients.
5. Store in fridge for at least 2 hours before serving.
6. Season as desired.

I'm looking forward to experimenting with different combinations of veggies. I really want to add peas and maybe a red pepper next time.

Cheers to summer fun in the sun!

Give me a high cinco!

It didn't sink in 'till I got to work yesterday that it was Cinco de Mayo... yesss! Can I get a high five?! I gotta say; having an excuse to make and eat mexican food (or at least my best attempt at my own version of it) is always welcome!

I happily, feverishly started to contact friends and before I knew it we had a nice little fiesta on our hands. My task was to provide ingredients for salsa and guac so as soon as the work day was over, I ran (yes I mean that, I RAN) to the grocery store to pick up tomatoes and avocados among other things.

In my excitement for the communal meal, I took absolutely no pictures before we started chowing. What I can offer are pictures of the remnants:

Strawberry-Banana Margaritas! So nice after a long day! I gotta get this recipe...

Yes, you guessed it: pico de gallo! I'm dedicating the leftovers to my breakfast tomorrow morning.

Hardley any guacamole left... imagine that! The fun with guacamole is starting with a basic, authentic guacamole recipe and then making it your own! Note to self: buy more jalapeno next time.

Chicken enchiladas were also nearly destroyed. I saw that a lot of other bloggers were making their enchiladas with greek yogurt instead of sour cream or cottage cheese. I look forward to trying that as soon I can if only because I would love another excuse to eat enchiladas! :)

And for the grand finale: homemade baked cinnamon-sugar tortilla chips with what else but ice cream! Such a satisfying, filling, delicious meal!

Felicidades!

A Weak Moment

Confession time: I sometimes have a weakness for pizza!

As a kid, it was a total treat when mom & dad ordered out for pizza. Nothing could be more exciting! Perhaps that same feeling has stayed with me or at least creeps up on me every now and again.

Tonight was one of those times. But instead of ordering out, I took on the task myself.

After a quick trip to the store, I had gathered all the toppings I was craving.

My sister, who is a vegetarian, was happy to help me chow down on a pizza so I included some MorningStar Farms Veggie Crumbles at her request. They look like ground beef so you could easily sneak these onto a pizza without notice from non-vegitarians.

Gotta plug my go-to sauce: Newman's Own! Great ingredients and taste! Love. it.

And the finished masterpiece: Half slices of tomato, raw spinach, goat cheese crumbles, veggie crumbles, and shredded colby jack cheese. I might have over-cheesed this pizza, but sometimes I just can't help myself. :)


My pizza slices hardly made it to my plate fast enough. A quick tip about using Pillsbury Thin Crust: the crust under the middle slices was a little softer then I would like. Don't take it out too soon or perhaps spend another minute letting it pre-bake.

What's your favorite pizza recipe?

Coming soon: Cinco de Mayo food!