The Rookie Foodie

CHOBANI Flip Yogurt

2013-05-22T16:24:00.003-07:00

A few weeks ago, I was at Target buying my husband some yogurt (and $100 worth of other stuff I didn't know I needed) when I came across some new to me yogurts from CHOBANI. According to their website blog, these came out in September 2012. My husband likes the other yogurt with the side car that I won't name today but it rhymes with Gage, I think. Actually I have no idea how to pronounced that yogurt.

I like making my husband try new things and then fill out a survey for me. The one I made for the different flavors of this yogurt went something like this.

On a Scale from 1-5 (5 being best) please rate the product:

Taste    1     2     3       4      5
Texture     1     2       3     4      5
Sweetness   1   2       3      4         5

Do you like this yogurt better than your regular yogurt?   YES    NO
How likely are you to eat this yogurt again? VERY LIKELY    NOT LIKELY
Do you want to go on a date with me?   YES     NO

There was only one problem with this plan. The guy doesn't own a pen. He has iPhones and iPads and takes notes with those things. He is completely paper-less. He ended up texting the results to me and I filled out the forms. This may be a problem in his future employment as a Rookie Foodie Taste Tester.

I also checked each yogurt in my favorite app. Fooducate!

The Almond Coco Loco was a favorite. It is very sweet and the little dark chocolate chunks are a surprise. Keith decided he'd be very likely to eat this again and would like to go on a date with me.

The Honey Bee Nana is not as sweet but he wasn't a huge fan of the banana stuff. Keith said he'd still eat it again so it must not have been that bad!

When I brought this one home, I bought two. I love key lime anything and I wanted to try this one also. We both really liked it, (i loved it) and could see eating it in place of dessert. I often eat it for breakfast, because doesn't LOVE having dessert for breakfast!

Look at this! Peachy Pistachio with dark chocolate chunks is a A- on Fooducate! I like this one but I wish that the pistachios were chopped. Keith likes this one too.

I recently found a Blueberry one that I forgot to take a picture of, but that's okay because Keith didn't really like it.

Fooducate gives it an A rating and Keith did like the chia and hemp seeds but didn't like the yogurt.

Have you tried CHOBANI Flips yet?

Disclaimer: I was not paid to taste and or report on this product. I bought all of the yogurt myself and all opinions are mine and the Rookie Foodie Taste Testers.

Cravings

2013-05-06T06:36:00.000-07:00

We found ourselves a wee bit early for Mary Poppins last night so we skipped on down a block from the Buell and had a little dessert at Crave Dessert Bar and Lounge.

We were thrilled to walk in and find a friendly and familiar face! It was our favorite waiter ever! Jim from The Big Easy (sadly, The Big Easy went out of business shortly after our visit) that was so great with out kids.

The kids each picked a French Macaroon, their first time ever trying them and even though Alex's cookie perfectly matched his outfit, he scarfed it down and declared that it was terrible. Well...at least he ate the whole thing! Mallory loved it and asked for another.

I'm now on a mission to find a French Macaroon that Alex will like!

Keith and I decided to share a dessert because we'd been eating like little piggies all weekend!

We selected the Mile High Layer Cake and it was the most delicious thing I've been in a long time. Keith was wishing he had ordered his own but I explained to him that sharing is more fun.

Espresso Flourless Cake with Caramel Mousse and Brueed Banana, Caramel Sauce, Frangelico Chantilly and Baileys Ice Cream.

Crave is open for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert. They also serve Sunday Brunch!

Crave Dessert Bar and Lounge

891 14th Street

Denver, CO 80202
Twitter: @cravebardenver

Mon-Thur 6:30am-11pm

Friday 6:30am-12am

Saturday 8:30am-12am

Sunday 8:30am-10pm

Got Wood?

2013-05-02T06:30:00.000-07:00

Do you have a family member that is very interested in the environment and hugs trees? Does your best friend live in Boulder? In a tree house? I have the perfect gift card for your friend.

This gift card from STARBUCKS is make out of wood. I think you can plant it in your yard when you're done with it so it can return to nature. I think I'd call that the gift that keeps on giving!

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post about green leafy STARBUCKS gift cards. I just like to share exciting developments with my ~~granola liberal~~ environmentally aware readers.

Mexican Meatball Soup

2013-04-30T13:32:00.001-07:00

Once and a while, I watch the Today Show in the morning. It feels like an indulgence to have the TV on while I should be doing things like cleaning or exercising. I don't know if they do a cooking segment every day but I sometimes get lucky and see something really great being made.

Back in February, Marcela Valladolid was on the show and she made a meatball soup called Beef albondigas. It looked like something my husband would love so I wrote the recipe down. I looked at it several times over the next few weeks and decided a few things were missing.

So...here is Marcela's recipe but with my own touch to it.

Mexican Meatball Soup
adapted from Marcela Valladolid's recipe

1/2 pound ground beef
1 pound ground pork
1 clove of garlic, minced
1/2 cup cilantro, chopped
1 egg
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
1/3 cup white onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1/2 cup carrots, finely chopped
1 cup celery, finely chopped
14 oz can crushed tomato
6 cups of chicken broth
1 bay leaf
1 teaspoon cumin
1-2 serrano chile
1 cup frozen corn
1 cup cilantro, chopped

In a large mixing bowl, mix the ground beef and pork, cilantro, egg, salt and pepper by hand until everything is mixed together. Using a spoon, measure 1 tablespoon of meat mixture. Roll into meatballs and set on a plate.

In a large pot, heat vegetable oil on medium heat. Add onion and tomato past. Add carrots and celery. Saute until soft and 3 minutes. Add chicken brother and crushed tomatoes. Bring to a boil, add meatballs, bay leaf, peppers and corn. Simmer for 30 minutes or more. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Serve with warmed tortillas.

Makes 6-8 servings.

Buick Discovery Tour Swag Bag

2013-04-23T09:43:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Macey, swag bag winner extraordinaire!

Keith and I had an amazing time at The Buick Discovery Tour on Sunday. We test drove cars and had a culinary experience like no other! To read all about it, click here to visit The Young and The Relentless.

Keith is giving one of my lucky readers his swag from the event. Here is what you get!

An autographed copy of How to Roast a Lamb by Michael Psilakis.
May 2013 copy of Food & Wine Magazine
3.5 oz bar of dark chocolate with a touch of sea salt.
All of the recipe cards from The Buick Discovery Tour.

Don't forget to follow my blog so that you don't miss the recipes when I make them....and to find out if you're a winner!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

illy latte macchiato

2013-04-15T06:30:00.000-07:00

I love coffee.

I like it hot, I like it cold. I like it black, I like it sweet.

I mostly like it dark and loaded with cream!

I also like coffee on the go. Especially when I'm on a road trip and I'm in Kansas and I don't know when I'll see a Starbucks again.

illy issimo latte macchiato is coming on my next road trip with me. This would also be perfect to stash in your purse when you're chaperoning a Kindergarten Field Trip and you need a shot of caffeine!

It's smooth and delicious and only 110 calories. It's also all natural with 100% percent Arabica coffee; sweetened with beet sugar and has zero preservatives!

If you try this lovely beverage and decide that you love it and can't live without it, you can buy it on Amazon. What can't you buy on Amazon these days?

Disclaimer: I have not been compensated for writing about my love of illy coffee. I love coffee and I don't care who knows it.

Gluten-Free Tea Party

2013-04-09T06:53:00.000-07:00

My dear friend and PTA Co-Chair is having a baby boy in a couple weeks. She didn't want a baby shower so instead my friend Heather and I decided to have a small gathering of our friends and drink some tea. There were also Mimosas because it was the weekend and weekends are made for champs and orange juice.

Jennifer's 6 year old daughter was diagnosed with Celiac Disease in January and she was going to be attending the party with her her mother so I wanted to make sure we had things that she could eat.

I made egg salad and cucumber sandwiches. I'm about to reveal the two secret ingredients to my world famous egg salad. Are you ready? After chopping up the eggs...add a small squirt of Dijon mustard and a sprinkle of sugar. I made the cucumber sandwiches with whipped cream cheese and very thinly sliced cucumbers. I love the UDI White Bread and it worked out great!

My friend Heather hosted the party with me and she took my Gluten-Free Theme and ran with it! She made cupcakes, they are from a mix but she added lemon extract and they were delicious! Her chocolate chip cookies were the best I've ever had! She also found a great assortment of GF chips and other snacks for the kids.

A fruit and veggie tray provided by our friend Debbie and the party was complete!

The china we used for the party was purchased on Ebay when I was pregnant with my son. I wanted a Tea Party Shower so badly but my gay brother in law ended up hosting my shower ~~because I didn't have any friends~~ and it didn't work out. This china will always remind me of my first pregnancy and I love using it. Perhaps I should use it more often....like on a random Tuesday.

Shipley's Do-nuts

2013-04-09T06:02:00.000-07:00

Have you heard about Shipley's Do-Nuts? If you live in the south you probably have. Apparently, they have been around for 76 years.

When I travel I really like to eat things that are local and that I can not get in my home state. Like I told you before, my folks have lived in Texas for 16 years and somehow I hadn't heard of Shipley's before. I think my family was holding out on me.

My sister ran to the closest Shipley's with my daughter on a beautiful (but cold) Sunday morning and my daughter was enthralled! She thought that the store was pretty and that the selection was vast.

The person that helped them, handed her a bag of donut holes for free. She was very excited to open the bag when she arrived back at her Grandparents house because the girl has never seen a do-nut hole before!

I've eaten a lot of do-nuts in my day. They are one of my favorite treats and many of my childhood memories revolve around these wonderful dough pastries. Shipley's Do-Nuts are the closest to the do-nuts of my childhood that I have ever come across.

I was so happy that my kids were able to experience them and now we have a do-nut memory from Grandma and Grandpa's house.

Do you have a favorite donut shop from your state?

If you would like to try Shipley's you can find their locations on their website. They are also on facebook and twitter.

Disclaimer: I was not paid to write about Shipley's Do-Nuts, but if given the chance I would blog for donuts.

Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-B-Que

2013-04-03T06:30:00.000-07:00

My Mom and Dad moved to Dallas from Colorado in 1997. I've visited them several times over the last 16 years but we've never been to Ft. Worth. You might find this hard to believe but I used to be a red-neck.

When my parents moved, I was living on a 660 acre ranch in a little community on the Pawnee Grasslands. I had cows, dogs, cats and a huge garden. I drove a truck and hauled water into my house from the stock tanks when my well caved in.

In other words, this isn't my first rodeo!

I knew my kids would enjoy the real cowboy experience and I was right! Within 20 minutes of hitting main street, my kids had a stick horse, a cowboy hat and a couple of us had sat on a cow.

We knew for sure that to top off our real cowboy experience, we wanted some good bar-b-que! There were many place to choose from but we went the place with PIT in it's name.

We were not disappointed! Cooper's Old Time Pit Bar-b-Que was exactly what we wanted and I was thrilled that we'd picked this place without even doing any research. I went by the seat of my pants which is totally unlike me. I'm a planner.

We walked in the door to find the pit and a list of meat that was available for purchase by the pound. Keith and I both really like ribs so I got the pork and he got the beef. The kids meal came with a choice of brisket or sausage. Both of my kids loved their choices and wanted more!

Once your meat is selected you walk into the dinning room but first you get to pick a couple sides to go with your meal. All meals come with beans and bread but you can buy some other goodies like potato salad, corn, pickles and mac and cheese with jalapenos and bacon. For dessert there is a selection of cobblers. We got the peach and it was wonderful!

To wash it all down you can choose a soft drink or pop, depending on where you're from or a ice cold beer.

Can I interest you in a Hot Jalapeno Pepper?

Breakfast Pizza

2013-03-31T11:04:00.000-07:00

We just returned from a trip so I didn't take the time to really plan an Easter meal. In fact, I was tempted to skip Easter all together because I'm over the Easter Bunny and his shenanigans. We stuffed eggs while watching Les Mis last night and hiding them was fun. It took the kids all of about 3 minutes to find them!

I asked the kids what they wanted for Easter Dinner and they said Corn Dogs. Works for me!

Since we'll be having a simple dinner, I decided to make brunch for my family. For the record, Keith and I will NOT be having corn dogs, we're having pork chops and potatoes.

I decided on Breakfast Pizza. This could end up being our Easter Tradition because the kids loved it!

I used Grands! Refrigerated Biscuits for the base of our pizzas. I lightly floured my cutting board and rolling them out pretty thin, they will puff back up a bit while baking so don't worry that they are too thin. I greased a cookie sheet and baked them in a 350 degree oven for 8 minutes.

While they were baking, I made scrambled eggs and fried some sweet Texas onion and chopped portabello mushrooms in a little bit of butter. My husband and I love caramelized onion on just about anything!

Once the pizza bases were ready I poured a small amount of olive oil on them and then layered slices of provolone cheese on top. The onion and mushroom mixture was next and then some eggs. Lastly, I sliced up some prosciutto and added it to the top.

I put the pizzas back in the oven for about 5 minutes to melt the cheese.

I served the yummy little pizzas with some yogurt and fresh fruit.

Mommy had a little libation because it's Sunday. Keith was nice enough to pick up my favorite little bottles of prosecco but I forgot to get orange juice. I made do with a little sliced strawberry!

Happy Easter!

Einstein Bros Bagels

2013-03-29T16:56:00.003-07:00

We were watching Once Upon a Time last night when one of the characters arrived in Storybrook from New York City with a bag of bagels. My son was intrigued by the donut looking food item and said he wanted to try one.

He never wants to try anything new so we got up early and went to Einstein Bros Bagels for breakfast before iKeith went to work.

I haven't been to Einstein's in over 7 years. Not since I worked in an office and occasionally enjoyed a bagel with smear during staff meetings. You know, I knew that I was missing something from my life but I didn't realize it was bagels.

Alex ordered a blueberry bagel without smear. Apparently, he's only trying one new thing at a time and is not willing to bend that rule. Mallory had a blueberry bagel with strawberry cream cheese and declared it the best thing she's eaten in three days. I'll tell you about THAT meal next week.

I have to tell you that I was very impressed with the coffee and my husband's lox bagel. That's what I'm getting next time. And there WILL be a next time.

I'm done missing out.

Disclaimer: I was not paid to write about Einsteins or asked to eat there. I just do what my kids tell me to do. And I love carbs.

What's for Dinner: March 10-15th

2013-03-10T09:31:00.000-07:00

We all loved being snowed in yesterday! I made a pot of chili and some cinnamon rolls and we played and read the day away!

Sunday: Chicken, Sweet Potato and Pineapple over Rice
Monday: Mushrooms and Spinach with Fried Egg
Tuesday: Cube Steak and Califlower
Wednesday: Left over Chili
Thursday: Frozen Pizza (Daddy has meetings at school)
Friday: Taco Night
Saturday: Mallory's Birthday Dinner at White Fence Farms

Lola Costal Mexican

2013-03-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

We don't celebrate Valentine's Day in our house. Instead we've decided to celebrate Denver Restaurant Week. We are confident in our love and our favorite thing to do together is try new restaurants and wine.

Keith and I really love Mexican food. We make it at least once a week and it's normally our go-to when we decide to go out for dinner. We've made some changes in our diet recently and we aren't eating like we used to.

Because of this, we're in love Lola. Lo-lo-lo-Lola.

After a heavy meal the week before, we were looking forward to something lighter, fresher and spicy!

Guacamole wasn't on our 5280 menu but we couldn't resist ordering it. You see, they bring a cart to your table and make it right in front of you. This was the best and spiciest guac we've ever had and we loved it!

It went really well with the Shrimp Ceviche that we shared. Loved how light and tasty this dish was.

Melon salsa....so good!

We each ordered a different dish from the menu, ate half and then traded plates. I highly recommend doing this because then you get to try so much more. I'd be tempted to smack you around if you and your date ordered the same dish. Denver Restaurant Week is all about trying new things. If you're not into that you should stick with Red Lobster. I'm serious.

While we were waiting for our dessert, we started talking about Tequila. We both really like it and normally have a bottle of Patron Silver in our pantry at all times. It keeps good company with the Vodka, Jamison Whiskey and Baileys Irish Creme.

We asked the waiter about a flight and he helped us pick out a few Tequilas. A couple that have been aged longer than the silver that we are familiar with and the 1921 Tequila Cream. OH MY GOSH. LOVE. We ended up ordering a second shot of the Cream to go with our Spiced Chocolate Flan which was the smartest thing we've done since getting hitched almost 9 years ago.

Worried about parking in the Highlands? Worry no more! Lola has FREE valet parking for dinner every night of the week!

I'm anxious to return to Lola for Brunch. There are several choices on the menu that look quite wonderful and I think my kids would really love the cinnamon roll.

Lola Denver
1575 Boulder St.
Denver, CO 80211
720-570-8686
http://www.loladenver.com/
@loladenver
Lola Denver on facebook

Big Easy Creole Kitchen

2013-03-04T11:05:00.000-07:00

Edited: So sad. Big Easy has closed.

Ever since we moved back to Denver, we've wanted to participate in Denver Restaurant Week. For one reason or another, it never worked out. This year, I planned ahead and when the menus were announced, I pounced!

We made two reservations. One at a restaurant that we could take our children to and another for date night. I couldn't wait for this week to arrive!

Tuesday night, we went to Big Easy Creole Kitchen in Cherry Creek. You can view the 5280 menu here. My husband makes his own gumbo and jambalaya so we know good cajun, our expectations were high.

Everything we tried was great but the winning combination that we loved was:

Charbroiled Oysters
Crawfish and Shrimp Etouffee
New Orleans Bread Pudding with Whiskey Sauce


Say Hello to my Little Friend

The service was wonderful! Jim was great with out kids and they have a very reasonable kids menu. We loved the ambiance and felt like we were in the middle of the french quarter. We can't wait to go back and try more from the menu.

Jim was also nice enough to tell us that they have free parking behind the restaurant, but we didn't have any trouble finding a meter and parking is free on the street after 7pm.

There are a few days left and reservation are easier to get during the week.

Big Easy Creole Kitchen
250 Steele St, ste 104
Denver, CO 80206
303-954-9398
http://www.bigeasycreolekitchen.com/
Big Easy on Facebook

What's For dinner: March 3-8

2013-03-03T09:31:00.001-07:00

I feel off from the menu posting wagon and Jessica is pulling me back on! We ate out THREE nights last week! As much as I love having leftovers of Thai food and letting someone else cook...I miss my kitchen.

Last night we had a date night for Denver Restaurant Week and I can't wait to tell you all about it but first I have to tell you about our other DRW meal and that will be coming up tomorrow.

Preview of tomorrow

Sunday: Black Bean, Sweet Potato and Quinoa Soup
Monday: Cabbage and Hamburger Stirfry
Tuesday: Chicken Curry with Rice
Wednesday: Cubesteak, Roasted Cauliflower
Thursday: Breakfast Burritos
Friday: Papa Johns Pizza
Saturday: Hamburgers, Roasted Sweet Potatoes

What are you having this week?

Guilt-Free Cottage Cheese Pancakes

2013-02-23T14:55:00.003-07:00

I've been on a mission for the last two months to make our meals as healthy as possible. I've taken some of our old favorite recipes and given them a makeover and I'm thrilled when I find new recipes that my family loves.

Yesterday, my son asked for pancakes. I've been making a point of making nice breakfasts on the weekends and he loves flapjacks covered in syrup! I decided to see what I could come up with for him that would be healthier and not just empty calories and sugar!

I remembered that when we were on our Wisconsin vacation with my in laws that my mother in law had made pancakes with cottage cheese. That would give them a high amount of protein!

I was able to make 9 pancakes from the recipe so I'm making them again tomorrow and messing with the recipe a bit to make 12, enough for the whole family!

Cottage Cheese Pancakes

adapted from Martha Stewart

3 large eggs, separated, yolks lightly beaten
1 cup full- or low-fat cottage cheese
1 tsp ground flax seed
1/4 tsp almond extract
1/8 cup sugar
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
1/4 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp salt

In a large mixing bowl, beat egg whites on medium-high speed until stiff, glossy peaks form.
In another bowl stir together egg yolks, cottage cheese, almond extract, sugar, flour, baking powder and salt. Gently fold the egg whites into the batter.
Heat a griddle to medium high heat. Spray with Pam or grease with a small amount of butter. Using a 1/4 measuring cup, scoop batter onto the skillet for each pancake. Cook until surfaces bubble and edges are set, about 1 minute. Flip pancakes, cooking about 3 minutes more until undersides are golden brown. Repeat process until you have worked through all the batter. Serve with maple syrup or my favorite topping....cherry preserves!

Poor Keith got this poor little pancake because he missed breakfast. The early bird gets the pancakes. The sleepy-head gets nothing!

Better Muffins From a Box

2013-02-19T16:47:00.001-07:00

Do you keep boxes of muffin mix in the party for emergency breakfasts?

My kids love these blueberry muffins and I like to make them when they least expect it or if there is a holiday. This week, I decided President's Day was a good time.

I decided to mess with the recipe a little bit. Try to make them a little healthier and in turn, yummier.

I used olive oil instead of vegetable and cut the amount in half. I added one smashed ripe banana and 1 tablespoon of ground flax seed. This created the most moist and delicious muffins that I've ever made! The kids loved them.

Valentine's Day Fruit Cups

2013-02-17T21:23:00.003-07:00

A few weeks ago, I found myself in charge of planning TWO Kindergarten Valentine Day parties. I knew I was planning the one for my daughter's class but suddenly, my son's class was without a planner and you know I can't resist a challenge. This is the only year that this will work because one party was in the morning and the other in the afternoon. From this point on, I'm bringing a snack and sprinting back and forth between the two parties.

I've done my time!

I decided to be THAT Mom and plan some healthy snacks. Fruit cups, organic pretzels, rice crispy treats with homemade marshmallows and beautifully decorated water bottles.

the young and the relentless is my OTHER blog.

I got an idea to cut the strawberries and watermelons into heart shapes. Because I love love and I love Valentine's Day. It really wasn't that hard to do, I just used a couple heart shaped cookie cutters. They were a big hit with the kids!

The parties were fun and I love watching the kids do crafts and play games but I'm so glad it's over!

Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup

2013-02-14T12:00:00.000-07:00

I started this soup on Tuesday afternoon when I would normally pick my son up from school. I had this extra time because Keith left his office early due to sub-freezing temps in Denver that resulted in a freezing office.

My husband and son decided to grab Taco Bell for dinner on the way home.

I tell you this little story because I believe making this soup half way and then sticking it in the fridge for a day....made it so much better. I made it up until it was time to throw in the kale. When you re-heat it, put the kale in. YUM!

Please visit The Pioneer Woman for the Sausage, Potato and Kale Soup recipe.

What's For Dinner: Feb 10th-16th

2013-02-10T16:09:00.000-07:00

I made some tasty meals last week but the highlight was eating lunch at Carl's Pizza yesterday! I'll be telling you all about it on Wednesday!

My favorite meal last week was the Black Bean Taco Salad with Mango Salsa minus the Taco. It was super easy to throw together and was very satisfying. Next time, I'm going to add more black beans.

My husband's favorite meal was the hamburger, portabello mushroom with egg. I had some leftover cabbage that I sliced thinly and put in the oven with the hamburgers and mushrooms to roast. It was great!

It was really nice to get away and have a book club meeting at my friend Heather's house. Good wine and a few appetizers really hit the spot!

Sunday: Teriyaki Chicken Bowls with Broccoli (homemade chicken nuggets for the kids)
Monday: Spaghetti with Italian Sausage
Tuesday: Curry Cauliflower with Kale, Cashews and Quinoa
Wednesday: Steak Tacos with Homemade Salsa
Thursday: Breakfast Burritos
Friday: Chicken Thighs with Peppers and Onions
Saturday: Bi Bam Bap (recipe from The Taste)

Linking up with I'm an Organized Junkie for Menu Plan Monday!

What's For Dinner: Feb 4-9th

2013-02-03T15:46:00.000-07:00

Happy Super Bowl Day!

We decided on Hot Dogs, Nachos and Hummus with Veggies. And beer. I always love stalking facebook and seeing what other people are eating during the big game. I'm excited to watch the commercials more than the game. Who are you cheering for?

Several menu items are coming over from last week. I accidentally ate Thin Mints for dinner one night, when my kids wanted cereal. One new dish I did make was good but my husband has little desire to eat it again. I guess cabbage is an acquired taste.

Monday: Black bean Salad with Mango Salsa. (recipe to come)
Tuesday: Hamburgers topped with Roasted Portabello Mushrooms and Egg, Salad
Wednesday: Chicken Thighs, Quinoa with Feta and Cranberries, Salad
Thursday: Sweet Potato/Spinach/Onion Hash with Egg
Friday: Grilled Cheese and Carrots
Saturday: Dinner out at Carl's Pizza

Linking up with I'm an Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

What's For Dinner: Jan 28-Feb 3

2013-01-29T13:00:00.003-07:00

Years ago when I started my first food blog, I posted my menu every week. This is also how I met my best friend Jessica! Yesterday, I was thinking about doing it again. Imagine my surprise when I went to Jessica's blog and saw that she had the same idea! We are so in sync it's scary!

Friday night we have tickets to Phineas and Ferb LIVE and the kids have NO IDEA! I'm ordering pizza and just acting like normal and then BAM, we're going to leave for the show!

I'm still trying to figure out what we're going to make for the Superbowl. I'm leaning towards sandwiches, dip and chips or Chili.

Monday: Baked Chicken Breasts with Feta and Tomatoes, Leftover Fried Rice and Cucumbers.
Tuesday: Spicy Cabbage Slaw with Chicken and Cilantro
Wednesday: Cube Steak Tacos with Mango Salsa
Thursday: Black bean salad with Lime Vinaigrette
Friday: Pizza Night
Saturday: Teriyaki Chicken Thighs with Broccoli
Sunday: TBA (Super Bowl Snacks)

Linking up with Organizing Junkie for Menu Plan Monday.

Protein Snack Balls

2013-01-24T09:47:00.000-07:00

I've been working with my health coach for a little over a month now and I'm happy to say that I'm on track with my goals. I've also lost a few pounds, which to me is a bonus because my goal is to be healthy.

In addition to making changes for myself, I'm making changes for my family. I've cut out the juice boxes and the sugar cereal. I'm looking forward to baking my own bread and I'm experimenting with some spiced nut recipes for my husband.

What I'd really like to replace are the granola bars. They are such a handy snack but ~~some~~ all of them have excessive amounts of sugar and things that I can't pronounce. I'd love to make a protein filled snack for my kids that don't load them with up with processed sugar!

Here are a couple snack ball recipes that I've made this week. Unfortunately, neither of them can be sent to school because they contain peanut butter and/or nuts but they are a wonderful after school snack!

Almond Date Balls
adapted from midliferoadtrip.tv

8 oz package pitted, unsweetened dates
1/2 cup slivered almonds
1/2 cup shredded coconut
2 tsp chai seeds
1/4 cup chocolate chips
1/2 tsp salt

Chop the dates into smaller pieces so you don't break your food processor.

Blend together all of the ingredients in the food processor. If you have a small processor, you may need to do this in batches.

Roll mixture into about 25 balls.

Serving size: 3 balls
Calories:161
Carbs: 30 g
Fat: 5 g
Protein: 2 g
Fiber: 3 g

Peanut Butter Balls
adapted from gimmesonoven.com

1 1/4 cup dry old fashioned oatmeal
2/3 cup coconut flakes
1/2 cup peanut butter
1/4 cup chocolate chips (optional)
1/4 cup ground flax seed
2 tsp chia seeds
1/3 cup honey

Stir all ingredients together in a medium bowl until completely mixed together.

Let sit in the fridge for a half an hour or so so that the mixture can chill.

Roll into balls. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week. Makes 25 balls.

Serving Size: 2 balls
Calories: 159
Carbs: 18 g
Fat: 9 g
Protein: 4 g
Fiber: 2 g
Sugar 11 g

The Taste

2013-01-21T21:19:00.001-07:00

I'm excited to watch the new food show called The Taste starting tomorrow night.

There are four judges, Nigella Lawson, Brian Malarkey, Ludo Lefebvre and ~~my new boyfriend~~....Anthony Bourdain. They will coach the competing pro and amateur cooks and then taste test ONE bite.

I can really relate to how difficult this is going to be for them. When I judged the cake competition over the Christmas holiday, we based our thoughts off from ONE bite and it was tough! I will admit to tasting more of my favorite cake but it was after I'd already made up my mind.

I can't wait to see the challenge and themes on the show. And....to try some of the recipes.

Will you be watching?

Follow @TheTasteABC on twitter
#TheTaste

Whole Foods Cooking Class

2013-01-20T09:42:00.002-07:00

I'm on a mission people! This healthy living business is opening my eyes to so many wonderful foods that I didn't know I was going to love. I've been trying for a while to introduce a meatless meal once a week and I've met resistance. My husband and I both grew up with meat and potatoes and very limited vegetables. I do remember my parents being on a health kick once and I still make one of the pasta salad recipes that they made way back then.

Keith's family had a foster home when he was growing up and they had 20 or more mouths to feed each day so they had lots of tomato based pasta recipes. I think this is why he's so picky with his food choices now.

Can I just tell you how excited I am about Quinoa? It's pronounced KEEN-wah and it's amazing. Protein, fiber and it's so filling!

My friend Heather and I went to Whole Foods yesterday to a free cooking class. Did you know that they do these? It was so much fun and very informative. Both dishes had zero meat in them and were made without oil. I can't wait to try this technique at home. Lisa, Whole Foods Healthy Eating Specialist, was a great teacher! She answered our questions and explained things really well. Lisa also gave us an onion cutting lesson! I've been doing it wrong my entire life.

Many of the ingredients used in these recipes came from the frozen food department of Whole Foods. Did you know you can buy cooked quinoa and rice frozen? You just dump it in your pan. So quick and easy for those of you that say you have no time to cook. Another awesome thing we discovered. Kale in the freezer section. Ready to throw into your pan and it won't go bad.

Curried Cauliflower with Kale, Cashews, Raisins and Quinoa
from Lisa at Whole Foods Belmar

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 tsp ginger, grated or minced
1 cup vegetable broth, divided into two 1/2 cup portions
2 tsp curry powder
1 large head cauliflower, cored and cut into florets
1 bunch green kale, washed, ribs removed and thinly sliced
1 cup raw whole cashews
1/2 cup raisins
2 cups cooked quinoa
1/2 cup green onion, thinly sliced

Heat a large saute pan over high heat until very hot and water dances when you throw it in the pan. Add onions and saute for a few minutes until they start to caramelize a bit.

Add ginger and garlic and saute for a minute to prevent them from burning. Whisk 1/2 cup of broth with curry and pour into the pan.

Add cauliflower, kale and quinoa to the pan. Stir well to combine. Add the second amount of broth and let cook until the kale is wilted and the cauliflower is soft but not mushy. Add a little water to the pan if you are running low of liquid.

Salt to taste and serve with a garnish of sliced green onions.

It's confession time. I'm afraid of WHOLE PINEAPPLES. I've never bought a fresh pineapple because I honestly don't know how to get all of that prickly stuff off. Lisa showed us a super easy way to cut and core the pineapple and I'm excited to buy one and make this next dish for my family.

A tip from Lisa: Rinse your beans very well to remove the enzymes that make you gassy. Also, if you regularly eat beans...your body will adapt and the music will stop. I think I'm going to start rinsing my Fiber One bars.

Ginger-Pineapple Rice with Aduki Beans and Avocado
from Lisa at Whole Foods Belmar

1/2 red onion, diced
2 tsp ginger, minced or grated
2 tsp garlic, minced
1/4 cup vegetable stock, plus 1/2 cup set aside
lemon grass
2 cups brown rice, cooked
1 can Aduki Beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup fresh pineapple, diced
2 tsp fresh mint, minced
2 tsp fresh basil, minced
1 hot chili (such as a serano), minced
1 Avocado, diced
2 tbsp lime juice and the zest if you'd like
2 tbsp white miso
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Heat a large saute pan over very high heat until water dances when you throw it in the pan. Add the onion and saute for a few minutes, add ginger and garlic. Saute for another minute to prevent it from burning.

Add 1/4 cup of broth to the pan, stir.

Add brown rice, aduki beans and pineapple to the pan and stir. Whisk together the miso, cayenne and 1/2 cup of broth. Pour into the pan and stir. Add herbs.

Scoop avocado out of the shell and toss in a bowl with lime juice to prevent browning.

Season with salt to taste and serve garnished with avocado on top of a leafy green salad or along a piece of chicken or fish.