I work a full-time job.  Most nights I come home from work excited to cook.  I know that for many people. after a long day, the last thing they want to do is come home and have more “work” to do.

However, I don’t see cooking as work at all.  It’s a part of my day I look forward to time and time again.  Sure, there are some nights that I would rather have someone else do the cooking and a plate of warm food just appear in front of me, but to be honest, those days are far and few between.

Cooking is my time to unwind from the day.  I put on a Pandora station, take out my ingredients and zone out while I add a splash of this and a sliver of that.

With all that said, even though I do enjoy cooking the vast majority of the time, there are still plenty of times I want a quick meal to prepare.  Less time cooking often means more time that my husband and I can linger at the dinner table talking about our days.

This meal is easy to prepare and comes together well under 30 minutes.  With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time, you too can make sure to save extra time for sitting around the table with your loved ones.

We enjoyed this with and without parmesan cheese on top.  Both ways are recommended.

~Do you enjoy cooking most days?

This weekend my husband and I played tennis.

The sun was shining and there was not a cloud in sight.

I’ve known I’m not great at the sport but was always pretty proud of myself that I can at least serve in the right spot and hit some of the balls back.

However, this game humbled me even more.  When we arrived at the courts, there were already people in the far left and the far right courts. That meant we had to play in the middle.

For someone who doesn’t play regularly, do you know how scary that was?  That meant I had to try to keep the ball in our court (try being the key-word).  I wasn’t sure if I was more scared for us or the people playing on either side.

I definitely gave my fair -share of apologies throughout the entire game as we sprinted to the left and to the right, in hopes of avoiding the ball rolling under a stranger’s foot or being responsible for a black-eye.

We had fun, no one got hurt and I think I’m finally understanding how to backswing.

When we got in the car, we realized two hours had slipped by, our arms were sunburnt and our appetites were calling our attention.

While scalloped potatoes often appear during the cold winter months, when we’re craving comfort foods, these are a lightened version that are a perfect side dish for any time of the year and especially good after a long workout (I still wouldn’t consider these a “health” food, but healthier than typical recipes that have plenty of butter and heavy cream).

Using random.org the winner of the Share Your Goodness Giveaway is Colleen!

~Is there a sport or activity you like to do, but aren’t very good at?

What was the best advice your mother gave you?

I’m pretty fortunate because I have a mom not only told me words that would make me a better person, but modeled it for me.  Here’s some of the best advice my mother gave to me:

Never say anything about someone you wouldn’t say with that person listening.

This has taught me time and time again not to gossip.  We all know this rule is not easily done, but every time you quietly walk away as the conversation turns to a negative tone is always something to feel proud of.  While I’m no where near perfect, this rule has made me think twice before speaking many times and inspired me to change the topic or find something positive to say, even if it wasn’t cool.

Give to others. 

It doesn’t matter if your financial resources are plenty or scarce, give.  I watched my mom discreetly pay for the woman next to her at the grocery store who she saw turning red as she looked for that $10 bill.  I’ve seen her thrilled to support the neighbor raising money for a charity.  No matter the state of economy, when there’s someone in need and a way to help, my mom is always willing to give.

Have an open mind.

After going 50+ years without eating bananas, whole grains and spinach, my mom made drastic changes to her diet and tried every “power food” under the sun to make the needed changes naturally.  Whether it’s with politics, my need to stay out pasty curfew when I was 16, or another controversial topic, my mom is always willing to listen to all sides of a story before making a decision (whether or not I was successful in changing her mind when I was 16 is another story ).

Happy Mother’s Day to every mother out there (especially to my mother and mother-in-law! )!

How will you be celebrating your mom today?  Looking for some last minute ideas?

Maybe your mom would love a big homemade brunch.  If so, then these Sweet Potato and Pecan Cinnamon Rolls are just for you.

Maybe your mom just likes a simple sandwich.  Give her something truly gourmet, like a Caramelized Onion, Asiago and Arugula Sandwich on homemade bread.

Or maybe she loves a bit of heat and a touch of cheese in her meals, and is always up for trying something new.  If so, then you have to try these Chili Relleno Bites!

Using Random.org the winners of the NuNaturals Giveaway  are: Renee, Janel, Kammie and Georgiana!

~What was the best advice your mother gave to you?

I am all about the “extras” in a meal.

I will choose what to eat at a restaurant solely based on the sauce, side or topping the actual “meal” comes with.  If you can dip it, scoop it or pick it up with your fingers (because come on, aren’t all finger-foods just fun to eat?), there’s a good chance that I will like it.

Take this dish for example.  I’m not quite sure if it should be called a dip or salsa (or maybe even a salad?); but I do know that it’s filled with black beans, corn, red pepper and cilantro, and is the perfect appetizer to any fiesta.  The short and simple ingredient list gives you no excuse not to try this.

I’ve made this twice in the past month.  One time I kept the red pepper raw and the other time I roasted it first.  It’s delicious both ways.

Black Bean and Corn Dip (or Salad or Salsa…really whatever you want to call it)

by Simply Life

Keywords: raw appetizer side vegetarian vegan gluten-free beans

Ingredients

• 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
• 1 red pepper (roasted, optional), chopped
• 1/2 cup corn
• 1 scallion
• 1 1/2 tbs. avocado oil
• Salt, to taste
• Fresh cilantro, to taste
• Lime juice from 1/2 lime

Instructions

Mix all ingredients together. Let chill for at least 30 minutes. Serve and enjoy!

Powered by Recipage

I mixed all the ingredients in this together with Avocado Oil sent to me courtesy of Olivado.  While avocado would be the perfect addition to this dish, the avocado oil added a perfectly subtle flavor to bring all the ingredients together.  This oil is mild and smooth and is perfect to use in raw dish like this or for cooking.  I’ve also added it as part of a salad dressing and really enjoyed the flavor it provided!

While I was sent the cold pressed Fair Trade Avocado Oil and and Avocado Zest to try from Olivado, they also sell various types of Olive Oil, Macadamia Nut Oil and more!  I had never heard of many of these oils until looking at their website and am so impressed at all they offer!  They sell their products all over the world; to see if they sell them near you, click here.

Don’t forget to Share Your Goodness to win a Starbucks giftcard!

~What part of a meal do you focus on most when ordering a dish?

It’s another month.

A fresh opportunity to use your time, gifts and talent to help others.

You have the power to brighten someone’s day.

You are capable of inspiring someone to pursue their dreams.

What will you do?

source

Will you bring a home-cooked meal to your friend who just had a baby?

Are you donating money to a charity that supports a cause you are passionate about?

Will you call a friend who you know could use a little extra support right now?

source

Enter as many times as you like for each way you “Share Your Goodness” between now and May 13!  The act could be big, small, quick or time-consuming.  As a token of my appreciation for what you do, one comment will be selected randomly and will receive a $5 Starbucks Gift Card (winner must have a U.S. address)!

~Happy Sharing!

Two weeks ago I went for a bike ride outside.

I hadn’t done that in close to a year.  Riding a bike on cement is much different than using a stationary bike in spin class.

I was usually way too scared to ride on a main road so I wobbled my way down the sidewalk, smiling at people who had to step aside because I was too uncoordinated to be the one to swerve on the grass and ride over the tree roots when we passed.

Ooops.

And then there was the giant hill.  A runner passed me as I huffed and puffed my way to the top.  The runner kept going.  I had to stop and catch my breath.

I made it home in one piece and the next day my quads kept reminding me that I need to use them more.

The following week, I went out again.  I continued to wobble down the sidewalk.  I huffed and puffed up the hill.  I was sore the next day.  But, it was slightly easier, a little more predictable and I felt just a touch more comfortable.

Though it probably seems riding a bike and cooking tofu don’t have much in common, they both are skills that require a lot of practice for me to get remotely comfortable with.  While I’ll be the first to admit that going out of my comfort zone is not my favorite experience, I also know that each time I do, I learn a little more.

When I first started cooking tofu, I wasn’t sure what type to buy, how to cook it, or when to know when it’s ready.  I now know that I prefer extra-firm tofu, I like it sautéed, boiled and roasted, and leftover cooked tofu is one of my favorite salad toppings.

In the spirit of trying new things, I decided to prepare it a new way.  Covered in cornstarch before placing in the pan to saute, I quickly learned adds an extra layer of depth and texture to each piece.

Just like in most situations, I’m glad I tried something new.

Don’t forget to enter to win NuNaturals!

~When was the last time you went out of your comfort zone?

I recently checked-out Plate to Pixel, by Helene Dujardin, from my local library.  Two weeks was definitely not enough time to absorb all the helpful food photography tips and inspiration, however, I definitely learned a lot from this book and wanted to share what I learned!

picture source

While this book went though many topics such as camera settings, lighting and photo editing programs the section I found most helpful were in regards to composition (remember, I’m using a Point & Shoot camera and the only photo editing equipment I use is iPhoto).  Here are some of my favorite tips about composition:

• When composing your shot, move things around; try placing things off-center and notice the difference.  What does the same picture look like from a different angle?

Maple Almond Granola

• When using props, get creative!  I love that in the book, the author often uses a vintage ceiling tile as a background!

• Try placing your props at different heights.

• When taking photos, keep in mind what are you trying to tell with your photo?  Is there a mood you’re trying to show or story you’re trying to tell with the photograph?

• I think my favorite of all tip is: use the ingredients you’re already using in the recipe as a “prop.”  It may be some sliced strawberries next to your strawberry pie, or fresh sprig of thyme next to your Thyme Biscuits.  This doesn’t cost any extra money and can really make a difference in the photo!

Chickpea & Roasted Red Pepper Salad and Apple Brie Quesadilla 

I think that Helene Dujardin does an excellent job of making this book applicable to beginner and advanced food photographers!  If you’re interested in learning more about food photography, I would definitely recommend this book!

Don’t forget to enter to win NuNaturals!

~What are your favorite food photography tips?

I’m an optimist.  I have a tendency to always find the positive side of things.

I thinking finding the good in things helps to feel happier and more content.  When I was younger, I had an aunt that would say to me, “You’re smiling so big your cheeks are going to burst!”  It’s true even today.  After an evening with good friends, I usually spend the better part of my way home realizing that my cheeks are sore from smiling so much.  It’s the simple things that can make the biggest difference.

There are a few things I’ve found that help me keep that positive spirit:

1)  Having support.  My husband and I don’t live close to family and have moved around a lot.  This has meant constantly making new friends, starting new jobs, finding new communities, etc.  While this has been quite a challenge at times, all the investment we’ve made into meeting new people has always been worth it!  It also helps that my main source of support, my husband, could not be more positive.  Having someone I can’t wait to get home to every evening and pursues me as if we just went on our first date is a pretty great feeling.

2)  Being grateful.  I try to regularly take a few moments to stop and reflect on where I am in life and all that I’m grateful for.  A roof over my head.  Food when I’m hungry.  Heat when I’m cold.  A job.  Friends. And the list (thankfully) goes on.

3)  Being hopeful.  I think that hope is one of the most powerful tools we can arm ourselves with and goes hand-in-hand with optimism.

4)  Taking care of my physical health.  I see such a HUGE relationship between the effects of physical and mental health.  When I’m exercising regularly and eating healthy foods, I always feel better about myself and have a more positive outlook (and you don’t want to see me when I’m hungry ).

One of the ways I am able to take care of my physical health is by preparing healthy foods to have available when hunger-strikes.  Like this granola; made with oats, almonds and coconut oil, it will keep you full, give you something to satisfy your sweet tooth, and provide you with something you can feel good about eating!

I made this granola using Vanilla Stevia from NuNaturals.  They recently sent me a package to review of the items pictured below, that include their new products: Lemon NuStevia Liquid and Orange NuStevia Liquid.

The Vanilla Stevia added the perfect amount of sweetness to the granola and I have been adding a few drops of the Cocoa Bean Extract to my morning oats; I love the added cocoa flavor it brings!

The great news is that they want YOU to have the chance to try their new products as well!  FOUR Simply Life readers will win one bottle of each of the Lemon & Orange Flavored Stevia Liquids!!!

To enter, do any/all of the following and let me know in the comments; giveaway will be open through May 9 (winner must have a US address; cannot be a PO Box):

1.  Like NuNaturals on Facebook.
2.  Tell me what you would use these products for.
3.  Retweet the following: @NuNaturals giveaway at @SimplyLifeBlog! http://www.simplylifeblog.com/?p=4829

~How do you keep a positive/optimistic attitude?

I have European blood.  I’m exactly 50% Serbian and 50% Italian.

I have visited family in both Italy and Serbia, and have found that whether I’m teaching English in Sevilla, touring the Louvre in Paris, or working as an au pair in Madrid, it’s in Europe that I feel most at home.

While I know that each European country has a vastly different culture, there are many commonalities that are what I appreciate most.

I would be a happy woman getting to more of my destinations by foot, spending more time sitting down sipping coffee rather than drinking it on-the-go from a travel mug, and nourishing my body with more of a Mediterranean diet.

One place in Europe that I haven’t traveled to yet is Greece.  I hope to one day walk around Athens, see the Acropolis in-person and enjoy a meal along the breathtaking coast.  I have a feeling if I go, I may never want to come back.

While I don’t see any Greek vacations in the near future, I know I can always enjoy a delicious Greek-inspired meal.

When I saw these Greek Pitas on Prevention RD I knew I’d be making them soon!  These were incredibly easy to put together, quick to cook and fun to eat!  My husband was a bit weary of using hummus as a base, so I only put it on one to compare the flavors; either way was delicious but I preferred the extra flavor added from the hummus!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Whitney Farms. All opinions are 100% mine.

Can I tell you a secret?  I have a dream of one day owning a small home with a back door that opens directly to a giant garden.  There will be flowers throughout the yard leading to a bountiful vegetable garden, where I wil regularly go to pick our produce for that day’s meals.  The garden will be made with organic plant food to grow a garden full of organic vegetables in every shape, size and color.

Yeah, it will look something like this (source):

The only problems getting in my way of turning this dream into reality: 1) I have a black thumb and can’t even keep a single herb alive; and 2) I’m currently living in an apartment and wouldn’t dare ruin my landlord’s beautiful yard with my absent gardening skills

I can still dream though and know the best way of eventually turnning this dream into reality is by starting to do my research now.  One product I will be sure to remember is Whitney Farms®, 100% natural plant food with no additives and nothing artificial.  I have a feeling using organic soil can definitely aid in my goal to one day provide my family with healthy, organic vegetables grown in our own backyard!

Whether you’re a dreamer, ameateur or advanced gardnener, you can also try Whitney Farms using a $3 coupon!

~Is there a place you’ve traveled to that you’ve instantly felt at home? 

As the warm weather approaches, I find that “potluck” season becomes much more abundant.  Friends are having backyard BBQs, students are celebrating their graduation, and neighbors are throwing birthday parties for their children.

While I typically try several new recipes each week and have an endless supply of cooking inspiration, whenever it comes to bringing a “potluck” dish I’m completely stumped.

I find cold dishes to be the easiest, so there’s no hassle to reheat the dish, and often I’m at work or running errands beforehand so I need something that can be made ahead.

Then, there’s the issue of dietary restrictions.  Some guests may be gluten-free, some vegan and others with a peanut allergy.  While it’s unrealistic to think that every dish will be suitable for all diets and palates, I like to at least make an effort.

This Chickpea and Roasted Red Pepper Salad is the perfect potluck dish to bring.  It’s easy to prepare, can be made the day ahead and is always a hit.  I’ve already made it several times this year and if you invite me over, there’s a good chance you can know what to expect.

Speaking of dietary restrictions and preferences, I was recently able to try a new snack that is raw, gluten-free, and vegan; it is also free of wheat, corn, soy, trans-fat, cholesterol and refined sugar.  Pretty impressive, huh?  It’s Raw Revolution and they have bars that come in several different flavors, including Apple Cinnamon, Coconut Delight, Cashew & Agave Nectar, and Lemon Dew.  I was sent the following bars to review, pictured below:

While I (thankfully) don’t have any food allergies, I’m still so impressed by companies that are able to make foods that taste good and can cater to so many different dietary needs.  Plus, I know that eating foods raw has a higher nutrient content and I love knowing that the foods I eat aren’t filled with preservatives.

I really appreciate that the bars come in two sizes, as they are pretty filling.  The first one I tried was the Chocolate & Cashew.  As it shows in the photo, the texture is more “chewy” and dense than grainy.  This flavor was slight sweet and my favorite part was that there were plenty of cashew pieces throughout the entire bar!  I’ve been enjoying these as a snack at work, but they would definitely be the perfect food to bring along a hiking trip!

~What is your favorite dish to bring/eat at a potluck?