Needing a Healthy Boost...

I was needing a boost of health last night. After some days off work, and a lil tooooo much fun had with good company, I found myself craving a strong healthy meal. And as it went, as it always goes, I had some vegetables in the fridge needing to go. There is nothing like seeing everything you are eating, everything you are about to consume. Fresh vegetables sauteed, baked, boiled and steamed. Whole grainy rices, cooked. Oil. Salt and peppers. It requires a lil more effort and creativity from ourselves but in the end your body and your wallet thank you. 

 

A Great Combination

Last night, I made a tomato, basil, mozzarella pasta dish for a friend visiting from Philly. For these hot summer hang outs, as of late, its my go to combo. She diced the tomatoes, I diced the mozzarella and chopped the basil. Tossed it in with a whole grain rotini pasta, oil, salt and pepper. Bing, Bang, Boom! Below is the combo taking a different shape, a sandwich with roasted red peppers and balsamic glaze.

Breakfast for Din

Trader Joe's Whole Grain Pancake Mix

w/ almond milk, egg whites, flax seeds, chia seeds and oatmeal 

substituted and added

Agave Maple Syrup and Earth Balance Butter (soy free)

Yes. Delish!

Irish Brussels Sprouts Maybe?

The only reason I am linking Ireland to Brussels Sprouts is because a woman I work with made the connection in the kitchen today. And I very much enjoyed her thoughtful eye. She pointed out, amidst the long list of todo work, just how beautiful a color the brussels held. How she was imagining nothing but Ireland and that one day she would love to travel there. In her few words she said a lot. I thought it such a nice and quiet moment, a real moment, between two female co-workers learning more and more about one another as the days just fly by...

I tried to capture the moment, and her thought below...

Apple Cider Vinegar...

Not only can you use it to make delish dressings (vinaigrette galore) but its got mucho medicinal powers!

Smitty the Pizza Master...

Our buddy has been perfecting the pizza. This weekend he served us up some delicious homemade pies. Such a fun, delicious and creative meal. The Pizza, ladies and gentlemen!

A Breakfast Sandie

Black Bean Burger with a Fried Egg

 Colby and Pepper Jack Cheeses and Onion Slivers

on a Whole Grain Bun

A hearty weekend, after a night of fun, breakfast.

Everyone seems to be putting eggs on burgers these days...

Parents and Pancakes...

My parents were visiting this weekend. It was oh so nice to have them oh so close for a long while. My mother and I prepared these delicious multi-grain cakes with chia and flax seeds and fresh organic blueberries. And closed it off with a dollop of butter and some agave maple syrup. Get creative. Get healthy. And remember, there ain't nothing wrong with a lil butter;)

Mas Mirepoix?!

Yup. Another shot of some pretty mirepoix. Maybe they're trying to make a "saucier" of me (a master of sauces, stews, soups in a traditional kitchen brigade).