tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70590048682821949732024-03-16T03:07:58.693-04:00carmen's kitchAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.comBlogger283125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-1369309322726560222015-10-22T19:28:00.002-04:002015-10-22T19:30:54.748-04:00Pumpkin Soup<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://gb.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F10%2Fpumpkin-soup.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-YHOwO61mTLo%2FVilwNKYoc7I%2FAAAAAAAACpw%2Fy4VfRumZel8%2Fs1600%2FIMG_7808.jpg&description=Pumpkin%20Soup%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D%20HELLO%20fall%20and%20pumpkin%20awesomeness!%20"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHNq85jp8NeOeqdkak-CBd2fGe-iGUgXZXIGuWG5w3Aj36Uekj_BjDPwtBF6OvYdPzww4iwuzIXbWB6ie3Lj7JhMrEq_m38XP56Xb8Zl5hm3zZA6kedyo1Ti2tCua7dKLHb2unkCh-24/s1600/IMG_7808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCHNq85jp8NeOeqdkak-CBd2fGe-iGUgXZXIGuWG5w3Aj36Uekj_BjDPwtBF6OvYdPzww4iwuzIXbWB6ie3Lj7JhMrEq_m38XP56Xb8Zl5hm3zZA6kedyo1Ti2tCua7dKLHb2unkCh-24/s640/IMG_7808.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I laughed so hard when I saw a post on Facebook with a near naked fellow covered in pumpkins and asked myself - has our pumpkin craze gone too far? What started with the pumpkin spice latte has lead to pumpkin EVERYTHING - I even saw limited edition pumpkin spice english muffins at Kroger, barbara's pumpkin puffins, and pumpkin clif bars. It looks like pumpkins yakked all over Kroger and made it into every product! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghovsYLANNWET552B_zA6WHh_ubkEsDHpu_o9ZWhjqw5Ju3G6GL4o8Q_VUhKxrUoEzBQEza65o7PRv-TlaLQIZHCHGtX2xNln_DMlRCX3i9kFzAr6O9QNJg0NARopY6rrkc4iIQjerJg/s1600/IMG_7817.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjghovsYLANNWET552B_zA6WHh_ubkEsDHpu_o9ZWhjqw5Ju3G6GL4o8Q_VUhKxrUoEzBQEza65o7PRv-TlaLQIZHCHGtX2xNln_DMlRCX3i9kFzAr6O9QNJg0NARopY6rrkc4iIQjerJg/s640/IMG_7817.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not wanting to be the pumpkin grinch, I am jumping in and sharing my favorite pumpkin soup recipe. The recipe is from my mom's German friend, Christa Jent, who also shared the <a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/02/hungarian-mushroom-soup.html" target="_blank">Hungarian Mushroom soup</a> recipe with us a few years back that has been a GREAT hit with my Roanoke friends. Thank you, Christa, for another hit! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pumpkin Soup</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*I always double this recipe*</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">16 ounce can of pumpkin</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 shallot, diced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Tablespoon butter</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup vermouth</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup dry white wine</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup chicken broth </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup of half and half</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Salt and pepper, to taste</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 teaspoon curry powder</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Saute the shallot in butter until soft, then add remaining ingredients and cook until hot. Serve with a nice baguette and fresh garden salad. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-5272536826503019222015-10-20T20:52:00.002-04:002015-10-20T20:58:09.558-04:00Stuffed Butternut Squash<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-height="28" href="https://gb.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F10%2Fstuffed-butternut-squash.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nLz_D8c5iUE%2FVibhBr4ZLvI%2FAAAAAAAACoo%2FWoNkptmXCXg%2Fs1600%2FIMG_7768.jpg&description=Stuffed%20Butternut%20Squash%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB_77VP44MOoqf5lYDCEGZhF4V_7zOKkhgvDYxIyfdrPn3-WJqHd4b8SgVyBLfnS_iUcBbaLZSR50w43QgaEFBkvxRKVHwXB3epXlBx8khQWrNmugiV7XUFT2d05i-tES7i66nCP5whg/s1600/IMG_7768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdB_77VP44MOoqf5lYDCEGZhF4V_7zOKkhgvDYxIyfdrPn3-WJqHd4b8SgVyBLfnS_iUcBbaLZSR50w43QgaEFBkvxRKVHwXB3epXlBx8khQWrNmugiV7XUFT2d05i-tES7i66nCP5whg/s640/IMG_7768.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The best part of going on a vacation for a week is the fresh perspective that you gain while you are away. I came back last week feeling energetic and rested, and ready to tackle life and squeeze the most goodness out of every day. Oh, how I have missed reading and cooking! I devoured three novels in my beach chair, my favorite being Lucia, Lucia. The delicious meals we shared inspired me to get back in the kitchen. I've been cooking the same-old-same-old for months, and food is not meant to be boring! I make the excuse of being "too busy" to cook, but really it's something that I love and need to make time for. Thank you VACATION for putting things back in perspective. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBK3IO2S7wkl5zdQPbbRjgIQNOjU85bz5QYDJu3C5feboRrkV7sU1-zEWWm-_ZE-9jAUXhCog13RyRYErN80wH5GGNBQoPgn8v7zHVJbdzdxSLGg8mpA0GupPDDuxc1ZcLLcMBdUrxRk/s1600/IMG_7762.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKBK3IO2S7wkl5zdQPbbRjgIQNOjU85bz5QYDJu3C5feboRrkV7sU1-zEWWm-_ZE-9jAUXhCog13RyRYErN80wH5GGNBQoPgn8v7zHVJbdzdxSLGg8mpA0GupPDDuxc1ZcLLcMBdUrxRk/s640/IMG_7762.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In Siesta Key we shared a few special meals, and I was just so excited to come home and reproduce them. My first go is this recipe - which is DIVINE. I love butternut squash, but this is my first time using the squash shells as the bowl, which makes the meal feel so fancy! We even broke out the champagne flutes on a Tuesday night to celebrate my welcome back to Carmens Kitch. Oh friends, I have missed you. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I read on a healthy blog that you can eat the skin of the butternut squash, so we tried it tonight and then ate the whole squash, try it! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Stuffed Butternut Squash</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">serves 2</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">FOR THE SQUASH:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1 small butternut squash</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- olive oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- ground nutmet</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">FOR THE FILLING</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1 lb lean ground beef</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1 garlic clove, minced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">-1/2 red pepper, diced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1 Tbsp olive oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1/2 tsp cumin</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1/2 tsp tumeric</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- 1/2 tsp curry powder (a heaping 1/2 teaspoon if you love curry)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- salt and pepper to taste</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- nutmeg to taste (I use 1/8 tsp)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Wash the butternut squash and cut in half lengthwise. Using a spoon, scoop out the seeds and season with olive oil, salt, pepper, and nutmeg. Bake at 475 degrees for 40-45 minutes with the halves facing up. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">While squash is baking, prepare filling. In a pan, saute garlic and red pepper in olive oil for 5 minutes. Add ground beef, seasonings (cumin, tumeric, curry, salt, pepper, nutmeg) and saute until beef is cooked through. Taste and add more salt if desired.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Remove squash from oven and allow to cool for 10 minutes. Carefully scoop out the flesh, leaving 1/4 inch around the edges to keep the squash intact for a serving bowl. Combine the squash with the ground beef and 1/3 cup mozzarella cheese. Stuff the squash shells with this filling. Top with remaining mozzarella cheese. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bake the stuffed butternut squash at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-90995413182700562642015-08-21T06:51:00.000-04:002015-08-21T06:53:26.261-04:00Antipasto Skewers<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F08%2Fantipasto-skewers.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-Xbcwr1073Zo%2FVdaCkY6dvhI%2FAAAAAAAACng%2FpdJ6g2fFzCk%2Fs640%2FIMG_7723.jpg&description=Antipasto%20Skewers%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOXDwcP0-5tklJsvqlucYh-16UFYW-BoziiBQn4Hi3Vw8N9j0oLwqKbmFKq9j0jq5P8iFrktXtkxLJzdqPypAIafGK2iqrOxC6qH8-IyPMtXnvoAB1TXi93azWCOgdrLUMxurBeOL5Xs/s1600/IMG_7723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWOXDwcP0-5tklJsvqlucYh-16UFYW-BoziiBQn4Hi3Vw8N9j0oLwqKbmFKq9j0jq5P8iFrktXtkxLJzdqPypAIafGK2iqrOxC6qH8-IyPMtXnvoAB1TXi93azWCOgdrLUMxurBeOL5Xs/s640/IMG_7723.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This week I made the most beautiful appetizer. These antipasto skewers were such a party hit and truly "blog worthy" despite being so easy to assemble. There is really no cooking involved. I believe that we eat with our eyes first, and that's it's absolutely worth an extra minute to make your food look pretty. If you take the time to cook, take the time to garnish and plate your food! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD82iBeXvK1ZKiTKHxaXNjluluqkFJvVbYzuyWrRJfbB4YHKpoOtr2HioKlsLz8_UE4RxKz5UfMIwGTXZPeey01uPl0ejGzaoifOs3Q6owVMHMmNPCy6JMmdjXim3YOirWhz3qpZ3HLq0/s1600/IMG_7735.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjD82iBeXvK1ZKiTKHxaXNjluluqkFJvVbYzuyWrRJfbB4YHKpoOtr2HioKlsLz8_UE4RxKz5UfMIwGTXZPeey01uPl0ejGzaoifOs3Q6owVMHMmNPCy6JMmdjXim3YOirWhz3qpZ3HLq0/s640/IMG_7735.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This appetizer is perfect at a party when your guests are trying to carry a conversation, sip a glass of wine, and munch on h'orderves without making a mess or feeling awkward. If you're going to serve finger foods, keep them simple and easy to eat. Your guests will very much appreciate your consideration in not choosing saucy, messy appetizers! Did I mention these are still delicious the next day for happy hour? </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaZzSI7tt8skWBqTpZoMZfWFE0SOjMbesePifXT-Qs8Umdlo7SS6B8bEg3vjXEKoH22-npUyzvEhQof-Cc7SHa5qlLER7Z6W7CnrnKDsrTLkkS4ssQhq1JvqooDzx8GZ7s6cCGnQFjnI/s1600/IMG_7741.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLaZzSI7tt8skWBqTpZoMZfWFE0SOjMbesePifXT-Qs8Umdlo7SS6B8bEg3vjXEKoH22-npUyzvEhQof-Cc7SHa5qlLER7Z6W7CnrnKDsrTLkkS4ssQhq1JvqooDzx8GZ7s6cCGnQFjnI/s640/IMG_7741.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><b>Antipasto Skewers</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*I buy the ingredients depending on how many skewers I'm making, but I always buy 2 mozzarella cheese balls, 1 lb of both meats, and 2 packs of cherry tomatoes. A jar of the olives is plenty*</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- cherry tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- large mozzarella cheese ball, cut into squares about the size of a cherry tomato</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">- packaged fresh tortellini, cooked according to package instruction</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- boars head pepperoni (best if sliced fresh from the deli)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- boars head hard salami (fresh from deli)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- basil leaves</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- kalamata olives</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- black olives</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- mozzarella cheese, cut into squares about the size of a cherry tomato</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- salt, pepper, and balsamic vinegar to finish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Cook tortellini according to package instructions, then drain, place in a bowl, and toss with olive oil to keep them from sticking together. Create an assembly line with all your toppings and assemble each skewer. Prior to serving, drizzle with balsamic, salt and pepper. I like to use tomatoes on both ends, and then I mix up the middle. I usually use one of everything, with the exception of 2 tortellini and 2 pieces of mozzarella cheese. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-28100340104181262932015-06-27T13:17:00.002-04:002015-06-27T13:20:02.975-04:00Cold Zucchini Cucumber Dill Soup<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F06%2Fcold-zucchini-cucumber-dill-soup.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-uxCNLDkSM88%2FVY7Z-jizzOI%2FAAAAAAAACmM%2FPYu77ucXelI%2Fs640%2FIMG_7686.jpg&description=Cold%20Zucchini%20Cucumber%20Dill%20Soup%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D%20one%20of%20my%20moms%20famous%20go-to%20summer%20recipes"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtl-cgw4bJ0ASCtFrV0V0hHUyS6e3IW5oZ9LHy4FBD9_9lYKI6BBhvHdXpLFLAT-1L4wI__hHvLR3KuTdWUUOYRi_B-sdTUMkTNObnA0claIWfR4Ep86XwHaufOF2oCpWrM41diCB6Bw/s1600/IMG_7686.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUtl-cgw4bJ0ASCtFrV0V0hHUyS6e3IW5oZ9LHy4FBD9_9lYKI6BBhvHdXpLFLAT-1L4wI__hHvLR3KuTdWUUOYRi_B-sdTUMkTNObnA0claIWfR4Ep86XwHaufOF2oCpWrM41diCB6Bw/s640/IMG_7686.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Friends, I am sharing one of my mom's famous recipe's with you today. Before she shared this recipe with me, she would visit in the summer time and bring a giant mason jar of this soup for our lunch. Only 95 calories per serving and it has no cream. We would end up drinking it out of a coffee mug for lunch, snacks, or dinner until it was gone. It's just that good.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNgmP_BIeYf7jQi66SX29IS-d_EyqLlAW-tLKA3WgBfLBMnkXOaIfe1Xk4X7limi0J2E741qZCgXTpSSJ_oAeLQn9zEx_aL5mAedNj1nnMjM4n8WQOHYQMgDkFCtNp2hIWsCaQs9voAw/s1600/IMG_7692.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWNgmP_BIeYf7jQi66SX29IS-d_EyqLlAW-tLKA3WgBfLBMnkXOaIfe1Xk4X7limi0J2E741qZCgXTpSSJ_oAeLQn9zEx_aL5mAedNj1nnMjM4n8WQOHYQMgDkFCtNp2hIWsCaQs9voAw/s640/IMG_7692.JPG" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">My sweet husband helped me bring my favorite white table to our front porch where I have the best light. I dusted off my 50mm 1.4 lens and took the best pictures I've taken in months. Sometimes when you walk away from something for a bit, you realize whether it's right for you. I realized on this beautiful overcast day that this blog is a great joy to me, and I hope to bring you a couple more special recipes this summer. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NITOhmO6ffMziB5mlK-5roAXzz-AC4TcZk8JiJBsPkVS5zlS15kA8KW4TrSWrVESz4oAhKp3LY5PPF2JCXJCxpSprUj-Vf-LRjxNyo_-5K9W9gDs1KjcJF9vT8JB3QalXmzzEagm6Tg/s1600/IMG_7704.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0NITOhmO6ffMziB5mlK-5roAXzz-AC4TcZk8JiJBsPkVS5zlS15kA8KW4TrSWrVESz4oAhKp3LY5PPF2JCXJCxpSprUj-Vf-LRjxNyo_-5K9W9gDs1KjcJF9vT8JB3QalXmzzEagm6Tg/s640/IMG_7704.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Cold Zucchini Cucumber Dill Soup</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">recipe yields 8 cups and serves 6. Only 95 calories per serving! </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 Tbsp oil</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups (about 2 yellow onions), coarsely chopped</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 pounds zucchini, washed with ends removed, coarsely chopped</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 cups (2 cucumbers) washed, seeds removed, skin on, chopped</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup chopped fresh dill</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 cups chicken broth (I use Better than Bouillon)</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Garnish - finely chopped cucumber, tomato, and a few sprigs of dill</span></div>
<div>
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cook onions in oil until soft. Add zucchini and cucumbers and cook for about 15 minutes until soft. Use medium heat and stir a few times, do not let them brown.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add broth and cook for 15 minutes more. Let it cool, then add the dill and process the soup in a blender or food processor until smooth. Pour in a bowl and refrigerate.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Prior to serving, may add a dollop of sour cream if desired and garnish with cucumber, tomato, and dill sprigs.</span></li>
</ol>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-91179706308661796722015-06-27T10:06:00.000-04:002015-06-27T10:07:42.022-04:00Zesty Lime Shrimp & Avocado Salad<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F06%2Fzesty-lime-shrimp-avocado-salad.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-fXYY7sTqWPw%2FVY6o0dsKb4I%2FAAAAAAAAClw%2FyRMSyqn0lnM%2Fs640%2Fshrimp.jpg&description=Zesty%20Lime%20Shrimp%20and%20Avocado%20Salad%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav2uSYln7tqufL_hRFcuslxB25TkmjVJj0VZx7CfapVMYxp2hzXp0sGUhIK9P2HYOgsfmHDDrfApf5hSm1Tscbo94MCXTvASSz9YNUXk-y5R2Ns-1YM4Vu9GxGzlvljayxpAmWn8tGTg/s1600/shrimp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgav2uSYln7tqufL_hRFcuslxB25TkmjVJj0VZx7CfapVMYxp2hzXp0sGUhIK9P2HYOgsfmHDDrfApf5hSm1Tscbo94MCXTvASSz9YNUXk-y5R2Ns-1YM4Vu9GxGzlvljayxpAmWn8tGTg/s640/shrimp.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Summer has arrived, and with the heat comes simple fresh meals served with tart lemonade and buckets of beer. I adore summer evenings, sitting outside and watching the fireflies light up the yard, and nibbling on my favorite tomato basil mozzarella salad with a glass of crisp white wine and a chunk of fresh baguette. Summer is a season of simplicity, with days at the pool followed by evenings on the patio. Charlie checks out for bedtime at 730, and Josh and I move out to the deck to enjoy the evening hours. It's divine.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sKE1VQmidcr-SxB0ZR4wuU4kipeZu-seeKkzg8Elqq-iR4NgYg96mOEW0vlIOfjyo6Gf9LMZiHuwvZrV41_55UV5nUQe0J1GIhXkO6EJFMoifJ9lMyWKcS_pWpSwN1kHKOFTskRyVXM/s1600/TBM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_sKE1VQmidcr-SxB0ZR4wuU4kipeZu-seeKkzg8Elqq-iR4NgYg96mOEW0vlIOfjyo6Gf9LMZiHuwvZrV41_55UV5nUQe0J1GIhXkO6EJFMoifJ9lMyWKcS_pWpSwN1kHKOFTskRyVXM/s640/TBM.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been fixing us my go-to summer salads, and tossing them with bright acidic dressings and freshly chopped herbs. This avocado shrimp salad is new to my summer repertoire, and pairs perfectly with a corona light and a few tortilla chips. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Zesty Lime Shrimp & Avocado Salad</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2011/05/zesty-lime-shrimp-and-avocado-salad.html" target="_blank">Skinnytaste</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup chopped red onion</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 limes, juice of</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 teaspoon olive oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 teaspoon kosher salt and black pepper to taste</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 lb jumbo cooked and peeled shrimp, chopped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 medium tomato, diced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 medium hass avocado, diced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 jalapeno, seeds removed, diced fine</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Tablespoon chopped cilantro</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a small bowl, combine the red onion, lime juice, olive oil, salt and pepper. Let the onion marinate for 5 minutes to mellow the flavor. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a large bowl, combine chopped shrimp, avocado, tomato, and jalapeno. Add the red onion mixture and cilantro and gently toss. Adjust salt and pepper to taste.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-56115837418583476742015-06-19T10:38:00.000-04:002015-06-19T10:41:04.918-04:00Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F06%2Fhealthy-buffalo-chicken-dip.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-L6PfoG_VstM%2FVYQm50ELZoI%2FAAAAAAAACk8%2FNXoOAOk0UK8%2Fs640%2FIMG_7641.jpg&description=Healthy%20Buffalo%20Chicken%20Dip%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslgfELJgeL6jWtJxrcy_1aFhBJaynlP9pNXptJQQDQ6J7YiPPUVdT8L9o3YJ6pm1JF909dY62eyzMo7TecRigc2ZHngC5yteCx1ygeosiEu8Xx_yvHWdtKy0Zo2tsVThUVtqrHEmtmPM/s1600/IMG_7641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhslgfELJgeL6jWtJxrcy_1aFhBJaynlP9pNXptJQQDQ6J7YiPPUVdT8L9o3YJ6pm1JF909dY62eyzMo7TecRigc2ZHngC5yteCx1ygeosiEu8Xx_yvHWdtKy0Zo2tsVThUVtqrHEmtmPM/s640/IMG_7641.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Somewhere along the way I embraced the mindset that dinner is supposed to be a sit down affair: one meat and two sides. Tilapia over quinoa with roasted veggies. Steak with roasted potatoes and asparagus. Pasta with a salad. I love to light tea candles, use real napkins, open a bottle of wine, and play a nice pandora station like Steely Dan or Dizzy Gillespie. This was the time in our lives we casually refer to as BC (Before Charlie). </span><br />
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">When you have a little baby that demands much attention, you can throw all dinner rules out the window! It's quite fun actually. A few of our new dinner favorites are gourmet popcorn, fresh market rotisserie chicken salad, chips and salsa, or Barbara's peanut butter puffins. Annie's shells and white cheddar mac & cheese pairs perfectly with a nice Cab. I know all the mom's out there are laughing because they can totally relate. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1V_gzFYqbixdZoa4NjfweJADAKOSLTvfNhoL55jO9h7BJJWYtnvQhB_O_QgATwpkr65kvfi-9ieyjcgj3rU0CkrDhJf_YdX8_3UjrCCaOHxgleSrrSmrgPQSomOfKGFXAfa4LrnPwhE/s1600/IMG_7622.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1V_gzFYqbixdZoa4NjfweJADAKOSLTvfNhoL55jO9h7BJJWYtnvQhB_O_QgATwpkr65kvfi-9ieyjcgj3rU0CkrDhJf_YdX8_3UjrCCaOHxgleSrrSmrgPQSomOfKGFXAfa4LrnPwhE/s640/IMG_7622.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I can now thank one of my besties, Amy, for the inspiration for dip night. Tell me you would not love to have buffalo chicken dip for dinner with tons of celery and tortilla chips. I'm pretty sure Josh was in dude heaven when I told him what I had in the crock pot. I'm not even going to feel guilty about it since this lightened up version is heavy on chicken and greek yogurt. It's thicker than most other chicken dips I've tried, so you can really get a good amount of dip on all your celery bites. I modified the original recipe and used more chicken (3 cups) and half the cream cheese - still delicious. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpVRiZPnt1YvS99QRkPh5w0wnmB8kqowXasY5Uf9i7Auz1Tlf_nMUeJdoCrkhqDOkYN6-mX2Vy3_oKNNwUfzJOxYJ4cJPqLn-WfaOU857nqMZtBLp1wVvqqmgPzzqUWqa0TRrJtpPSa0/s1600/IMG_7643.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfpVRiZPnt1YvS99QRkPh5w0wnmB8kqowXasY5Uf9i7Auz1Tlf_nMUeJdoCrkhqDOkYN6-mX2Vy3_oKNNwUfzJOxYJ4cJPqLn-WfaOU857nqMZtBLp1wVvqqmgPzzqUWqa0TRrJtpPSa0/s640/IMG_7643.jpg" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><b>Healthy Buffalo Chicken Dip</b></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 ounces reduced-fat cream cheese (room temp) - original recipe called for 1 package </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup (0% fat) greek yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup mozzarella cheese</span> </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 Tbsp dry ranch seasoning</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2/3 cup Franks red hot sauce</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 to 3 cups cooked shredded chicken OR 1 large can of chicken</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Put all ingredients in crockpot, set on low for 3-4 hours and stir every hour.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">You can also set oven to 350 degrees, combine ingredients in glass baking dish, cover with foil and bake for 25-30 minutes. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-55195562267842817352015-05-24T01:31:00.000-04:002015-05-24T01:31:31.984-04:00Spicy Shrimp<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Ree
Drummond has never let me down. She's cool like that. She can be
trusted. And this recipe, my friends, is MAGNIFICENT and requires zero
chopping or effort whatsoever.</span> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> </span><span style="font-size: small;"><img border="0" height="318" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXZM5PQXP-dxqxQE8VlJBFUb823gNr7mHX15KfYiWc6Ry9xHN4SDqQIEXtecuNI1w6Kz4tJuDjka-jeAMToGb1TvWVx5iHv6CyZ3Cjw6D96TmTkI-7OTF2QWZIdzhkt9giEu6mYTX2ksc/s400/pic.jpg" width="400" /></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;"> beautiful Shauna Niequist print from <a href="http://lindsayletters.com/products/betwen-us-canvas" target="_blank">Lindsay Letters</a></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Last Monday was a long day. I was flipping off night shifts, we had a very sad family funeral, and yet I wanted to actually fix us dinner and sit outside since it was a pretty night. I needed to take comfort in good food and my people. I get why happy people love to eat, and why grieving people love to eat. My amazing friend Cindy came over, Charlie went to sleep early after his nighttime bottle, and we sat outside, drank wine, and devoured these shrimp. We put the baking sheet right on the table, tore off chunks of baguette and soaked up the rich sauce. Josh kept our wine glasses full as we sipped on a cold Viognier. It was so simple and so good. Just what we needed after a long day. This meal was really a great big hug, and sitting under the stars with my people reminded me that everything was going to be OK. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Since it was dark, I didn't even take a picture, but I'm telling you, these shrimp are GOOD.</span><span style="font-size: small;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Spicy Shrimp</span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">from the Pioneer Woman</span><span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> </span></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">3 pounds unpeeled shrimp (more or less)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">1/2 cup olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Salt and Pepper, to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">3 whole lemons (juice of)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">1/4 cup (to 1/2 cup worcestershire) sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Tabasco</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">1 stick butter</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Rinse raw shrimp with shells still on (21-26 count) and place on a large baking sheet in a single layer. Drizzle shrimp with olive oil. Generously sprinkle black pepper over the top of the shrimp and follow with kosher salt. Lots of pepper!</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Squeeze the juice of 3 lemons over top of all the shrimp. Generously drizzle Worcestershire over the shrimp and then Tabasco. Cut stick of butter into pats, and place the pats on top of the shrimp as evenly spaced as possible. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: small;">Place the pan under the broiler for 10 minutes until the shrimp are no longer translucent. Serve with a crusty French baguette to dip in the glorious butter lemon sauce!</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-40678206003828249832015-05-13T17:12:00.001-04:002015-05-13T17:14:48.467-04:00Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F05%2Froasted-sweet-potato-and-quinoa-salad.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-FrnPVDhHEMY%2FVVOlbtJqFoI%2FAAAAAAAACjE%2F-kFS0M0lk-g%2Fs640%2Fimage1.JPG&description=Roasted%20Sweet%20Potato%20%26%20Quinoa%20Salad%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfKVGzj0RGCZlYP7NE1eiEiYwzLoXiusWEalf_vTKDVxhNrmSfJO_9L0VTe_JBJRZXPcnpUL-rA0CSfdmBMN8jHvuwKkFILYRI8ZLnARr7FIVNOqINaolWZaNEj_o0rKHkpkNylX4w2c/s1600/image1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisfKVGzj0RGCZlYP7NE1eiEiYwzLoXiusWEalf_vTKDVxhNrmSfJO_9L0VTe_JBJRZXPcnpUL-rA0CSfdmBMN8jHvuwKkFILYRI8ZLnARr7FIVNOqINaolWZaNEj_o0rKHkpkNylX4w2c/s640/image1.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This quinoa salad is my new obsession because it's easy, healthy, and delicious. My friend Lexi made it for me on one of our fun baby play dates, and I've made it twice the last few weeks. We both decided that the recipe needed to be on the blog because it's AMAZING and ready in 30 minutes. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">The sweet potatoes, black beans and quinoa are a great combination with the cilantro and lime juice. It tastes like summer, and I like to eat it hot or cold. I brought it for lunch at work today and snapped this picture before the contained disappeared. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">One of my favorite Gretchen quotes that is ringing true in my life every single day is "Don't let the perfect be the enemy of the good". This photo was snapped my iPhone in a Tupperware container that I packed the salad in. Maybe, hopefully, one day I will get back to snapping Saveur worthy pictures of my recipes, but for now I am just cooking, figuring out how to make the perfect pizza dough in my mixer, and muddling mint for mojitos. Let me just tell you - add a little cucumber to a mojito and muddle it with the limes and mint - so fresh and delicious! Right now, I am embracing the good, the wabi sabi. If you haven't heard of WABI SABI, look it up, right now! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Roasted Sweet Potato and Quinoa Salad</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 sweet potatoes, peeled and diced into 1-inch cubes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup quinoa</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cups chicken broth (I love Better than Bouillon paste)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 cans black beans, rinsed and drained</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 can rotel tomatoes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 bunch cilantro, chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Juice of 2 limes (use 1 lime for more subtle flavor)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp coriander</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 Tbsp olive oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salt and pepper, to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Avocado - for topping</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Preheat oven to 375 degrees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Toss sweet potatoes in olive oil, salt, and pepper and roast for 30 to 35 minutes or until done. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- Cook 1 cup of quinoa in 2 cups chicken broth.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">- In a large mixing bowl, combine rotel tomatoes, black beans, lime juice, coriander, cumin, and cilantro. Add quinoa and stir well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">To serve, top quinoa salad with roasted sweet potatoes and avocado.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-43006194498989833232015-05-01T18:41:00.001-04:002015-05-01T18:41:14.874-04:00+ a gratitude journal + <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Up0Jo-Bn4tavGaww4UmbbaOS4HxFAvY-LiblwzgJwhgsiYlC1D7hALQBQ4nxZzErpK_LZRFCwIjg83uz3EVZ92xEaZgBWkIvVTQoQ6VxTOl91uqd1gxZ0s1LRBdY9gzPmZuDrRqOmQo/s1600/gratitude.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0Up0Jo-Bn4tavGaww4UmbbaOS4HxFAvY-LiblwzgJwhgsiYlC1D7hALQBQ4nxZzErpK_LZRFCwIjg83uz3EVZ92xEaZgBWkIvVTQoQ6VxTOl91uqd1gxZ0s1LRBdY9gzPmZuDrRqOmQo/s1600/gratitude.jpg" height="245" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I believe in the power of little choices. I believe that the little choices we make matter the most. The choice to spend time outside every day, to look for the silver lining when a wrench is thrown in your plan, to light a candle and sit at the table for dinner. I recently made the choice to keep a journal, and it's the best decision I've made in a very long time. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On January the 20th I made my first entry in a 5-year journal that I call my Gratitude Journal. Earlier that day I was meandering around Barnes and Noble, found myself in the cookbook section, and turned around to see the journal section. I picked up a blue striped 5-year journal and purchased it then and there, even though it was a few bucks cheaper on Amazon. I believe in serendipity, that people and things come into our lives when we need them most. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It started out as a gratitude journal, documenting a little thing I am thankful for at the end of a day. Recently, I've started to include Charlie's milestones and major events in the journal, as I was grateful for my girlfriends and wine more often than I will confess! Oh, and my husbands perfect vodka martinis. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're looking for a daily boost, a reminder to keep an open and grateful heart, I highly recommend buying yourself one of these. They are on my personal list of all time favorite things! Here is the link to the one I love on Amazon. (<a href="http://www.amazon.com/5-Year-Diary-Red-Cover/dp/0977648184/ref=sr_1_5?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1428756695&sr=1-5&keywords=5+year+journal" target="_blank">gratitude journal</a>)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-68461301717876107492015-04-03T07:14:00.000-04:002015-04-03T07:18:48.531-04:00Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F04%2Fslow-cooker-thai-chicken-soup.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-VRoq24AU9f8%2FVR5z3rSvJQI%2FAAAAAAAAChs%2FCCY7j5S5K2I%2Fs1600%2FIMG_7604.jpg&description=Slow%20Cooker%20Thai%20Chicken%20Soup%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRvzBH0rBuWBcCmDQAIYK8ab9ZkuEWcKrEkGOuGvJk6PAOKLNNg2xHBYU70htepz9y83dUjKV3lIVSntu0Mhet6DiSrxi0I7sKB8q95PfWDavQHPYeUTGlNhntgH6wePtcDGaqLu_YlQ/s1600/IMG_7604.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCRvzBH0rBuWBcCmDQAIYK8ab9ZkuEWcKrEkGOuGvJk6PAOKLNNg2xHBYU70htepz9y83dUjKV3lIVSntu0Mhet6DiSrxi0I7sKB8q95PfWDavQHPYeUTGlNhntgH6wePtcDGaqLu_YlQ/s1600/IMG_7604.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">As new moms, my friend Lexi and I often laugh about our pre-baby lives. We are just in awe of what we did with our tremendous amount of free time! I was recently reading my blog looking for a recipe, and realized that I used to make new recipes every week, take pretty foodie photos, and watch Ina Garten's cooking show. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Now, I change diapers, make baby food, snap photos with my iPhone, drink way too much coffee, and fall more in love with Charlie every day. Can you believe he's almost 6 months old! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjule3QVLKfLTSY-3hgCI73IYgY8kKT6WahaJekoEERGaepUDc7_Zlvr_su1Spd2bFmajfq4MDLVAXdLXG2pPCN3t3th2svViOy3Iy_mIuglUyAgx4vnwyzzqfMIyX9Djmfx_5S3kD2Ogc/s1600/IMG_7589.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjule3QVLKfLTSY-3hgCI73IYgY8kKT6WahaJekoEERGaepUDc7_Zlvr_su1Spd2bFmajfq4MDLVAXdLXG2pPCN3t3th2svViOy3Iy_mIuglUyAgx4vnwyzzqfMIyX9Djmfx_5S3kD2Ogc/s1600/IMG_7589.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Every life has different chapters, and I'm soaking up the baby chapter. Soaking it up like pancakes drowning in maple syrup. Babies are just the most fascinating little creatures. Last weekend my mom came to visit, and we sat on the floor and watched Charlie for hours. I think our guys thought we were a little bonkers, but they knew better than to say anything. Women love babies. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This weekend I did pull out my slow cooker and made a new recipe, this really easy and DELICIOUS thai coconut chicken soup that I had to share. It's on my top five list of slow cooker favorites. I also love that my crock pot has a keep warm setting, so dinner can be at 630, or 7, or 730, which allows us a little spontaneity for an evening walk or happy hour. Also, can I tell you how much I love blue japanese bowls? I found these on sale at TJ's and snatched them up! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">from <a href="http://www.foodiecrush.com/2013/10/slow-cooker-thai-chicken-soup/" target="_blank">Foodie Crush</a> (one of my favorite bloggers)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 Tablespoons red curry paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 (12 ounce) cans coconut milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 cups chicken stock</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 Tablespoons fish sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 Tablespoons brown sugar</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">2 Tablespoons peanut butter</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1-1/2 pounds chicken breasts, cut into 1-1/2 inch pieces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 red bell pepper, seeded and sliced into 1/4 inch slices</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 onion, thinly sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 heaping tablespoon fresh ginger, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 cup frozen peas, thawed</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">1 Tablespoons lime juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cilantro for garnish</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Cooked white rice (I used thai noodles)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Mix the curry paste, coconut milk, chicken stock, fish sauce, brown sugar and peanut butter in a slow-cooker bowl. Place the chicken breast, red bell pepper, onion, and ginger in the slow cooker, cover, and cook on high for 4 hours.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Add in the peas and cook for 1/2 hour longer. Stir in lime juice and serve with cilantro and white rice. Top with peanuts and lime wedges before serving. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">*If you are planning to freeze this recipe, I would not add the peas to the frozen batch. They get soft and taste better if you add them when reheating the soup. </span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div>
</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-13874375334370831512015-03-30T18:27:00.004-04:002015-03-30T18:29:08.160-04:00Curried Chicken Salad<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F03%2Fcurried-chicken-salad.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-nbK6ZM3aHGg%2FVRkdvTQ9T6I%2FAAAAAAAACg0%2FDMtKgkeAYXE%2Fs1600%2FIMG_7548.jpg&description=Curried%20Chicken%20Salad%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUmdSuMk1SlCIFWL8qzIZX9ndFrGcCQT6DJfSfnkj6YLS0J2McKMVQUgUvjnwCQf9CGrYsFt6jJul1I8rO8S8xbP8QrChdwTT_SmWWGy12Pw-aci2vBY6TMXqMO4PkHOtwuq7c2_C-Ys/s1600/IMG_7548.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMUmdSuMk1SlCIFWL8qzIZX9ndFrGcCQT6DJfSfnkj6YLS0J2McKMVQUgUvjnwCQf9CGrYsFt6jJul1I8rO8S8xbP8QrChdwTT_SmWWGy12Pw-aci2vBY6TMXqMO4PkHOtwuq7c2_C-Ys/s1600/IMG_7548.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I could eat chicken salad every single day, and most of my girlfriends feel the same way. My go to easy appetizer when I am in a hurry is Fresh Market rotisserie chicken salad on miniature croissants. YUM. But, as always, if you have the time it's often cheaper, healthier, and more fun to make it yourself. Here is my favorite variation on chicken salad, a curried version that's sure to please! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
As always, take this recipe and make it your own. Add celery, substitute a crunchy apple for the grapes and mango, or use almond slivers instead of cashews. Add green onions or diced red pepper, whatever suits your fancy. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsc3rBvUWnnxYlyMVHhYqsM25la4CiyYLcHXjfohrf54dMGOUUacDNGRzsUiEoTGPWlOnfXwP-9WXYtRWQShdtKyESmE0Whtuf-yaOmKCOACKlns4P5Zlz_-4_s2WvmtT-5T3JxWMO-0/s1600/IMG_7541.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdsc3rBvUWnnxYlyMVHhYqsM25la4CiyYLcHXjfohrf54dMGOUUacDNGRzsUiEoTGPWlOnfXwP-9WXYtRWQShdtKyESmE0Whtuf-yaOmKCOACKlns4P5Zlz_-4_s2WvmtT-5T3JxWMO-0/s1600/IMG_7541.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I like mine on a bed of greens or wrapped up in a lettuce wrap, and I like to add celery and a fuji apple for extra crunch. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Curried Chicken Salad</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">adapted from Epicurious</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 3/4 cups chicken broth</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 cup mayo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3/4 cup plain yogurt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">3 teaspoons curry powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon ground ginger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/4 teaspoon black pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 medium red onion, finely chopped (1 cup)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 firm mango, peeled, pitted, and chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 cup seedless red grapes, halved</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 cup salted roasted cashews, coarsely chopped</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
Bring 4 cups water to a simmer with chicken broth in a 3 quart saucepan. Add chicken and simmer, uncovered, for 6 minutes. Remove from heat and cover, then let stand until chicken is cooked through, about 15 minutes. Transfer chicken to a plate to cook 10 minutes, then chop into 1/2-inch pieces. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
While chicken is cooling, whisk together mayonnaise, yogurt, curry powder, lime juice, ginger, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken, onion, mango, grapes, and cashews and stir gently to combine. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br />
* if making in advance, add the nuts just before serving to keep the salad crunchy.</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-53504016901834454132015-03-06T12:12:00.001-05:002015-03-06T12:14:04.039-05:00White Turkey Chili<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F03%2Fwhite-turkey-chili.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-SRQh0uh1oTA%2FVPnaDhQGWAI%2FAAAAAAAACfU%2Fdm_S7DMKadc%2Fs1600%2FIMG_7414.jpg&description=White%20Turkey%20Chili%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lhVCbFAbQGDqrGyWiFLzdVenJmquWm1nyu-C15rnXR3DEg4R33pMkt2thGsW5FG-USmuZ-Rw2jLXKha_cTz5_lEwF8sjv1xfvNby-xvkizxHznJtVhL2mzSuMynv1fwdUGvS_GHydb0/s1600/IMG_7414.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4lhVCbFAbQGDqrGyWiFLzdVenJmquWm1nyu-C15rnXR3DEg4R33pMkt2thGsW5FG-USmuZ-Rw2jLXKha_cTz5_lEwF8sjv1xfvNby-xvkizxHznJtVhL2mzSuMynv1fwdUGvS_GHydb0/s1600/IMG_7414.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This has been a tough week in our house, as we said goodbye to our oldest boxer Heidi after almost 11 years of life. She was the sweetest, most endearing old soul and we all loved her dearly. To us she represented love. She loved strongly and completely, and asked for just a little in return. She saw us through our best and worst times, and always looked at us with kind eyes.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7NO4qgUdRxM7c0i8IaP9heGwlUvtcpOk-Et8sz6TGvdRBo2d6ebCPuDll_RiHKHEgwWIvTVbJC2RYJ313dtGWT366AOMxKkUJAVXjS8G3N6fNqIxjUJVL4QKcdJ7J_9vBsYjHKE4biU/s1600/IMG_6374.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhd7NO4qgUdRxM7c0i8IaP9heGwlUvtcpOk-Et8sz6TGvdRBo2d6ebCPuDll_RiHKHEgwWIvTVbJC2RYJ313dtGWT366AOMxKkUJAVXjS8G3N6fNqIxjUJVL4QKcdJ7J_9vBsYjHKE4biU/s1600/IMG_6374.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So what do you do when you lose someone you love? I have realized that you have two choices: you can sit and cry, or you can stay busy and try to remember the good times. You still cry, but you also continue to live. Life is full of joy and pain. You can't have one without the other. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I realized that #2 was the better option, so I washed the dog beds, the sheets, the floors, and I made big pots of comfort food. I chopped and filled the house with the smell of onions cooking in olive oil. I made my first Marcella Hazan recipe and we filled our empty hearts with pasta and red wine. I also made this chili. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBmNw2-J2VIYwK8RYDGQhdqQ413_wBCyqNBXdQOAsR3zq64kEOwMz_kxusGGuUibmatPe4598HdlZG2fnOZZutrv2ux9MYZRn_oXpzSsmTRFgUPYkebNczYZuij9o0eSGh0B9gny1-BA/s1600/IMG_5851.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrBmNw2-J2VIYwK8RYDGQhdqQ413_wBCyqNBXdQOAsR3zq64kEOwMz_kxusGGuUibmatPe4598HdlZG2fnOZZutrv2ux9MYZRn_oXpzSsmTRFgUPYkebNczYZuij9o0eSGh0B9gny1-BA/s1600/IMG_5851.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am remembering all my memories with Heidi, and one of my favorites was sitting in our yard in Catawba on a towel with my camera and photographing the two of them sprinting, rolling in the grass, and lounging. They loved that great big yard, and they taught me how to use shutter speed priority to get shots like this one. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStiGtHM2sVjUzBJ4wRra1llOErN7HV1Uemp0QYMTdAvvJrzfKGAMiP89PZBp1xmfDCY12ZkUMyRrtozmT-af4xFc5LWfLMPNEoEqphKLTEjLKKVRw0stV0cjdvzZypBI6VDWx6Vwm0zA/s1600/IMG_5498.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhStiGtHM2sVjUzBJ4wRra1llOErN7HV1Uemp0QYMTdAvvJrzfKGAMiP89PZBp1xmfDCY12ZkUMyRrtozmT-af4xFc5LWfLMPNEoEqphKLTEjLKKVRw0stV0cjdvzZypBI6VDWx6Vwm0zA/s1600/IMG_5498.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This recipe is from my mom's friend Pat, and we are all crazy for it. She always makes a double batch because it freezes so well. She filled our freezer with this chili when I was home on maternity leave so we could have a real meal at night with no effort. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This has become my favorite chili, and so I've decided to share the recipe today. We all need comfort food sometimes, to celebrate the joy and survive the pain of life. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Please remember Heidi today, and remember that to love is to live. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabVRSNk5faO5MdfCuawJ5MsDwSxZejKsC3JRSMa92vfKDryJpLaAj2GMJ_Wp85JRSm8At_7PSM0buRnQbGsJMSf9bqKlvpKyBZP3VEBDx1mem-U10wXMpOE86U3fjfsIe9Bf_omRGpqk/s1600/IMG_7392.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabVRSNk5faO5MdfCuawJ5MsDwSxZejKsC3JRSMa92vfKDryJpLaAj2GMJ_Wp85JRSm8At_7PSM0buRnQbGsJMSf9bqKlvpKyBZP3VEBDx1mem-U10wXMpOE86U3fjfsIe9Bf_omRGpqk/s1600/IMG_7392.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">White Turkey Chili</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">from my mom's friend Pat Burton</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/4 cup vegetable oil </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 cup chopped onion</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 Tbsp minced garlic</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tbsp ground cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound boneless turkey or chicken breast, cut into 1/4 inch cubes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 pound ground turkey</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6 cups chicken stock</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2/3 cup pearl barley</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 Tbsp chopped jalapeno peppers</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 tsp dried marjoram</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1/2 tsp dried summer savory</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 cans garbanzo beans, rinsed and drained</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 1/2 Tbsp cornstarch dissolved in half cup of water</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Chopped green onions</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 cups grated monterey jack cheese</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion and garlic and saute until tender, about 5 minutes. Add cumin and stir until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add cubed turkey breast and ground turkey. Saute until no longer pink, 4 minutes.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add the chicken stock, pearl barley, chickpeas, jalapeno, marjoram, and summer savory to turkey mixture Cover and simmer until barley is almost tender, stirring occasionally, about 45 minutes. Stir in cornstarch mixture, and simmer uncovered for 15 minutes. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve topped with cheese and scallions. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7-x-0FpYzNH82iIXKQiFLc8XYPk5Wj4FyzLaSu12iZ-4eF9XzwkhJfFz5p7jlG6VE6lpx-56EuHxuyIffufSEtm6qNm6xDLNTkLqmTOlAbhKbXq2QlO_mL2cLy68O4NVJ74CBpEwyZI/s1600/IMG_5422.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_7-x-0FpYzNH82iIXKQiFLc8XYPk5Wj4FyzLaSu12iZ-4eF9XzwkhJfFz5p7jlG6VE6lpx-56EuHxuyIffufSEtm6qNm6xDLNTkLqmTOlAbhKbXq2QlO_mL2cLy68O4NVJ74CBpEwyZI/s1600/IMG_5422.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*this is the original recipe from my mom's friend. I used olive oil, increased the barley to 1 cup and skipped adding the cornstarch to thicken. I also used pepper jack cheese and added several dashes of Tabasco to the pot for a little heat. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*when my mom makes this recipe to freeze, she adds the cheese at the final step so it melts into the chili. </span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-79666978545756156242015-02-26T08:33:00.000-05:002015-02-26T08:35:25.908-05:00Chinese Night!<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F02%2Fchinese-night.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-HMIQnJNYzwk%2FVO8d96lpPyI%2FAAAAAAAACdk%2F_TdkRn8m5Q8%2Fs1600%2FIMG_7346.jpg&description=Chinese%20Chicken%20Fried%20Rice%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoczTMX2z12og-7-F2gUu95mk36rvgzrW4R2HN02dP03SqeijYz7VCAY1kYrP8K4Ts999qzbuaBqlXUTRA7sg4QaCjyXa5xzbdNHsUCetmtSiENE9SMSuCe84wXR-Oz8p8LByAlNYReE/s1600/IMG_7346.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVoczTMX2z12og-7-F2gUu95mk36rvgzrW4R2HN02dP03SqeijYz7VCAY1kYrP8K4Ts999qzbuaBqlXUTRA7sg4QaCjyXa5xzbdNHsUCetmtSiENE9SMSuCe84wXR-Oz8p8LByAlNYReE/s1600/IMG_7346.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Who doesn't love a fun theme night? We've always been fans of Mexican night (with </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/03/katie-ritas.html" target="_blank">katie-ritas</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">), breakfast for dinner, and homemade pizza night. I decided to start a new theme night, and I wish you could have see Josh's smile when I told him my plan! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Who doesn't love Chinese take out? My only complaint - the grease, the sodium, and the swollen fingers - YUCK! I feel terrible the day after, what I've dubbed the "chinese hangover". Why not make good Chinese food at home? I started out by making Alton Browns baked brown rice (<a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/baked-brown-rice-recipe.html" target="_blank">here is the link</a>) - it's easy and the rice is perfect every time. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8f4I_472R4wxmUVAoZeq1dVRWOQq0olX1lKkQyOViqXbt0fvJpZWgiEXALG3va3gH9e18RlOgUwz4cIAdOlHFaE6XnOlHuJcEI1_JUpfK9xVxRPA4RksQM4Cq4BSjkFm29ytd90lkDU/s1600/IMG_7356.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgp8f4I_472R4wxmUVAoZeq1dVRWOQq0olX1lKkQyOViqXbt0fvJpZWgiEXALG3va3gH9e18RlOgUwz4cIAdOlHFaE6XnOlHuJcEI1_JUpfK9xVxRPA4RksQM4Cq4BSjkFm29ytd90lkDU/s1600/IMG_7356.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Here are a few other tips I found to make great fried rice:</span>
<br />
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A hot wok - flick drops of water on your wok, beads of water should evaporate in 1 to 2 seconds when the wok is heated. Add the peanut oil to the wok initially OFF the heat and swirl the oil around on the wok. If the wok smokes like crazy then it's too hot - start over. Otherwise, add aromatics first (ginger, garlic, red pepper flakes, red chiles) off the heat so the aromatics do not burn. Return the wok to heat and add veggies. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Leftover cold rice - at least a day old</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preparation/Organization - cut all your ingredients to a uniform size before your wok is hot and have them organized around your wok. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ground white pepper </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In China fried rice is peasant food and a way to use up leftovers, so there are no rules. Have fun, be adventurous, and use what's in your fridge or garden. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">HOT wok! </span></li>
</ol>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyYd6aw-qMegO28sImBPGlYBtH5IoYFtiOMRzYVr9m1xBuxGWsK_Z9TPn4elMXGx4obxKKZJDr5qBlvDkwllz3z3RA5wsOOiPpEkTM0i4zhXpcoor_Z05ADzVaXVqTVYiZr8ACLu0RwI/s1600/IMG_7387.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEyYd6aw-qMegO28sImBPGlYBtH5IoYFtiOMRzYVr9m1xBuxGWsK_Z9TPn4elMXGx4obxKKZJDr5qBlvDkwllz3z3RA5wsOOiPpEkTM0i4zhXpcoor_Z05ADzVaXVqTVYiZr8ACLu0RwI/s1600/IMG_7387.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Chinese Chicken Fried Rice</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 large eggs</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">peanut oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, cut into thin strips</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tsp sesame oil</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">kosher salt </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 medium onion, finely chopped</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 garlic cloves, minced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup peas and carrots, thawed (I used a frozen bag)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 cups cold, cooked rice (I use brown rice and followed <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/baked-brown-rice-recipe.html" target="_blank">this cooking method</a>)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 green onions, thinly sliced</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 tsp ground white pepper</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2-3 Tbsp soy sauce</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sriracha</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Beat 3 eggs with a whisk and add salt and pepper. Heat a splash of peanut oil in <u>hot</u> wok and make an omelette using half the beaten eggs. Turn onto a plate and repeat with remaining eggs. Place one omelette on top of the other and coarsely chop. Set aside. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Toss chicken strips with 1 teaspoon sesame oil and season with salt. Heat 2 tablespoons peanut oil in hot wok and stir-fry the chicken strips until lightly golden, about 2 minutes. Add the onion, garlic, peas and carrots and stir-fry for 2 minutes or until onion has softened. Pull mixture into bowl with chopped egg and keep beside wok. Add 2 more tablespoons of peanut oil and 1 teaspoon sesame oil to hot wok, and then add the cooked rice and green onions, tossing and mixing until very hot. Sprinkle with soy sauce and mix together. Return chicken, vegetable and egg mixture and mix well. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Garnish with scallions and serve with Sriracha. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-45651407354214029982015-02-25T06:44:00.001-05:002015-02-25T06:48:48.378-05:00Robin's Super-Healthy Lentil Soup<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F02%2Frobins-super-healthy-lentil-soup.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-hlW91ok8ups%2FVOspqrVRL4I%2FAAAAAAAACdI%2FRz2ayrBshpc%2Fs1600%2FIMG_7343.jpg&description=Healthy%20Lentil%20Soup%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSajR4lMl-OmgTAsaxz5QHGjgLU5cx7g9iU4NHCBoGEXu-VtQ5cB_shi06spj4EWbV59t9VExf9_lQOjV2hmlXZaQKX_Gc71Sv8_Yir0haRlZklwB4xqXVdGQ5IYS1tbj-5XyOlQrqrWg/s1600/IMG_7321.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSajR4lMl-OmgTAsaxz5QHGjgLU5cx7g9iU4NHCBoGEXu-VtQ5cB_shi06spj4EWbV59t9VExf9_lQOjV2hmlXZaQKX_Gc71Sv8_Yir0haRlZklwB4xqXVdGQ5IYS1tbj-5XyOlQrqrWg/s1600/IMG_7321.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I was bent on getting in my kitchen over the weekend and chopping. Discovering the action of cooking again - with a sharp knife and cutting board, my favorite pandora station, and a glass of cab, all the while shimmying around the kitchen in my Ugg slippers. I'd been looking forward to an afternoon off, a little "me time" in the sanctuary that is my kitchen. </div>
</div>
</span><br />
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I've been on a Shauna Niequist kick lately, and just ordered two more of her other books from Amazon Prime (cold tangerines and bittersweet). My very favorite is Bread & Wine, and it holds a special place in my heart. When I'm in a funk, a couple of chapters will get me back on track, and remind me that we are all human and we all struggle. She tells us to open the front door, bring in friends, drink bubbly champagne, laugh, cry, and be our real selves. Be present over perfect. Such solid advice. </span></div>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7mHtLaVi_oGjak7B7JaUGjiUPU7xR2vRiWwzy9RbWiPcpXi7s9Gg9bRarbu0E-U29cXawMeNRiN11mZCi5UNv-YmK-kaT04nWf6XZbSb-oTma0E3M536-YZm0ffs5ZuFNLtxkuMMwyk/s1600/shauna.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja7mHtLaVi_oGjak7B7JaUGjiUPU7xR2vRiWwzy9RbWiPcpXi7s9Gg9bRarbu0E-U29cXawMeNRiN11mZCi5UNv-YmK-kaT04nWf6XZbSb-oTma0E3M536-YZm0ffs5ZuFNLtxkuMMwyk/s1600/shauna.jpg" height="510" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">one of my favorite quotes on canvas - for sale on <a href="http://lindsayletters.com/collections/canvas/products/the-table-canvas" target="_blank">Lindsay Letters</a></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I decided that I wanted to chop mirepoix - a fancy word for a mixture of chopped onions, carrots, and celery, which is the base of every hearty lentil soup. Shauna just so happens to have a recipe for lentil soup in Bread & Wine, so I called it serendipity and made a loaf of homemade rye bread on the side. Remember to add the splash of balsamic at the end! </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima1h1NzPO6z7msmJdcaDVJz1OVcNLM9K6F7apzFr5_QS53NiIefKOQMLdud1dLvo1z0bi1WomRgP7W9H-Ur178VGgoAmi6-RNxbJY-AQ3m3h-24iZQy8d7vovR-uvKadEDGxRweoMK28/s1600/IMG_7343.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEima1h1NzPO6z7msmJdcaDVJz1OVcNLM9K6F7apzFr5_QS53NiIefKOQMLdud1dLvo1z0bi1WomRgP7W9H-Ur178VGgoAmi6-RNxbJY-AQ3m3h-24iZQy8d7vovR-uvKadEDGxRweoMK28/s1600/IMG_7343.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Robin's Super-Healthy Lentil Soup</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">from Bread & Wine (p. 137)</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups onions, chopped</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup celery stalks, chopped</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup carrots, chopped</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 garlic cloves, chopped</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 cups chicken or vegetable broth</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 1/2 cups lentils</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 (14.5) ounce can diced tomatoes in juice</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Balsamic vinegar</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Salt and pepper to taste</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Heat oil in a large heavy saucepan over medium high heat. Add onions, celery, carrots, and garlic; saute until vegetables begin to turn brown, about 15 minutes.</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add broth, lentils, and tomatoes with juice, and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium low, cover, and simmer until lentils are tender, about 35 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and a splash of balsamic vinegar. </span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-62613516934257458702015-02-22T12:15:00.001-05:002015-02-22T12:17:23.259-05:00Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F02%2Fslow-cooker-salsa-verde-chicken.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-dkIcnlgoGi8%2FVOoE9OTMYBI%2FAAAAAAAACcc%2FCb432uIkTvU%2Fs1600%2Fimage.jpeg&description=Slow%20Cooker%20Salsa%20Verde%20Chicken%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">
</span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"></span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIiZbYRxzv5aT2rl94W6MNFHlF_bSOnjdUuLmFRMquGyKZ8MPDdqFMKJDtC5Qczj3WcxCQy1wEWXwKwk7j-01yhe1ETT0UCNMZ2tw-4uBSJQhHaFypIRe-cJv8Q5zVAq8MBSgT741J_0/s1600/image.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilIiZbYRxzv5aT2rl94W6MNFHlF_bSOnjdUuLmFRMquGyKZ8MPDdqFMKJDtC5Qczj3WcxCQy1wEWXwKwk7j-01yhe1ETT0UCNMZ2tw-4uBSJQhHaFypIRe-cJv8Q5zVAq8MBSgT741J_0/s1600/image.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All of us get stuck in a rut from time to time, and I am emerging from a major cooking rut. I used to love cooking us dinner on my days off, but in my new life that includes a 4 month old, I am fizzling out on energy and enthusiasm come 6pm. By the time Josh walks in the door, I really just want a giant hug and a dirty vodka martini. We scrap together dinner - and some nights it's my favorite popcorn with truffle salt and parmesan cheese, or triscuits and dubliner. </span></div>
<div style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A few weeks ago, Blue Apron came to my rescue. My friends have raved about BA, and basically the complete recipe is delivered to your doorstep, with all ingredients on ice and step-by-step instructions and pictures to walk you through the recipe. We signed up for 2 weeks (3 meals per week), and made every meal together in the kitchen. Needless to say, it was a BLAST. We cooked together while Charlie napped in the evening, and the instructions were very easy to follow. It didn't feel like work, it was just fun. Our favorite recipe was center cut pork chops with beet, heirloom carrot and hazelnut salad. The beets made the recipe shine, and the pork chops were seared to perfection and continuously topped with herb-infused butter while sizzling in the skillet. Our least favorite was fried rice, because the rice was cooked right then and the ONLY way to get good fried rice is to use day old rice. But, in the end, it was just what I needed to get back in my kitchen. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaOfY6CXFFPgdFoYqH1pq5khZdTIrmsTtxuyFN-bx1PgFhMBqwwwbz8Onfq2D3FfQ3bROmVBehEID1G4QHxAnaMzXuGB-w5UzLX6My3Hj-tC_3j5o4DpHwj0YNnA6RXrAzXKGqG7ZOGk/s1600/image-1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpaOfY6CXFFPgdFoYqH1pq5khZdTIrmsTtxuyFN-bx1PgFhMBqwwwbz8Onfq2D3FfQ3bROmVBehEID1G4QHxAnaMzXuGB-w5UzLX6My3Hj-tC_3j5o4DpHwj0YNnA6RXrAzXKGqG7ZOGk/s1600/image-1.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If there is one thing that I want to teach Charlie it's how to regroup, get back up, and get back in the game. We all fall down from time to time. One of my favorite quotes is if you're not failing, you're not trying. It's the getting back up that matters, with a new plan and fresh outlook. I am now back on my feet, with a new approach for our life that I'm optimistic will work. On weekdays that I am on baby duty while Josh works, I am going to use my slow cooker and make recipes in the morning when I have the most energy. I have an entire "crockpot" pinterest page with tons of recipes that look amazing. Here is a link back to my very favorite <a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/09/slow-cooker-white-bean-chicken-chili.html" target="_blank">slow cooker white chicken chili</a>. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">Shredded chicken in the slow cooker is a no brainer. It takes just a few minutes to set up, and the chicken is so moist and easy to shred. We used this chicken in burritos topped with pico de gallo, black beans and avocado, and in salads and ramen soup. We love spicy food so I used a jalapeno and added Tapatio hot sauce at the end. It would also be perfect in enchiladas or a Chipotle bowl with brown rice. </span></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; font-size: medium; font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIybB_rrK5zsHBWuMfLprIW5JCEm-Vjxesny4LcH7Epca0W3Urh1R_k9xocLdJUTFVh08vSdDe4s8u9Dw_byJScvCqaL8spuHiuzebgWJo7eg23BEuVdMD1TS013eV0zQS_LLHUTlKpM/s1600/image-2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjIybB_rrK5zsHBWuMfLprIW5JCEm-Vjxesny4LcH7Epca0W3Urh1R_k9xocLdJUTFVh08vSdDe4s8u9Dw_byJScvCqaL8spuHiuzebgWJo7eg23BEuVdMD1TS013eV0zQS_LLHUTlKpM/s1600/image-2.jpeg" height="640" width="480" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia,"Times New Roman",serif;">If you have any favorite slow cooker recipes, please share them with me! </span></div>
</span></b><br />
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif; font-size: large;">4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Salsa Verde Chicken</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">from <a href="http://www.gimmesomeoven.com/4-ingredient-slow-cooker-salsa-verde-chicken-recipe/" target="_blank">Gimme Some Oven</a></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">6 boneless chicken, skinless chicken breasts</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 cups salsa verde</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 (12 oz) bottle of beer (I used Miller Lite)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">2 teaspoons cumin</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">salt and pepper</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">1 jalapeno, diced (I left the seeds in for extra spice)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Add chicken to the slow cooker. Top with salsa verde and beer, and sprinkle with cumin and season with a few generous pinches of salt and a pinch of pepper. Use a pair of tongs or a spoon to turn the chicken so that both sides are coated. Cover. Cook for 3-4 hours on high heat, or 7-8 hours on low heat.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">The chicken is ready when easily shreds with a fork. Shred the chicken in the slow cooker, and toss with the juices. Then remove the chicken with a slotted spoon and serve warm. Or, store the stredded chicken in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. </span><br />
<strong></strong>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-89991087923859432252015-01-21T21:42:00.002-05:002015-01-21T21:45:07.260-05:00Greek Spaghetti Squash Boats<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fgreek-spaghetti-squash-boats.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-f-crFxZ4III%2FVMBg75zA7sI%2FAAAAAAAACbU%2FvVQuspbS_7Y%2Fs1600%2FIMG_6881.jpg&description=Greek%20Spaghetti%20Squash%20Boats%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOAH6dbLGcQuuAiYWSgXlXJchKsr1tzNclrPrIbxhr1Fw-2dFzhuNkV5vnSigq4PxrF-KFKdGa1d6-bCUt0Au5UvAJT6aaSdv8kV0aaFxEnS6987Nbf45SaCtzaWXnPqWunRhCkgiuOc/s1600/IMG_6859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGOAH6dbLGcQuuAiYWSgXlXJchKsr1tzNclrPrIbxhr1Fw-2dFzhuNkV5vnSigq4PxrF-KFKdGa1d6-bCUt0Au5UvAJT6aaSdv8kV0aaFxEnS6987Nbf45SaCtzaWXnPqWunRhCkgiuOc/s1600/IMG_6859.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spaghetti squash boats are so easy! I buy my spaghetti squash at Walmart, but am set on growing them in my garden this spring. They are so versatile, and in the past I have stuffed them with a traditional </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/10/spaghetti-squash-with-bolognese-sauce.html" target="_blank">bolognese sauce</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> or </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2014/01/spaghetti-squash-chili-boats.html" target="_blank">Cincinnati chili</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">. One of my favorite easy sides is spaghetti squash with a little olive oil, salt, and parmesan cheese. </span><br />
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This week, I wanted to mix it up and found this recipe with my favorite Greek toppings - artichoke hearts, feta, pine nuts, spinach, and kalamata olives. We absolutely loved this recipe, as the flavor is so bright and fresh. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eF1QcHO6jUxU6LnmPaz_wLlQBaIHxwYLSPJTtF2Ye2gcFN6M778oxzlCMtK2A0Qnu-S0drBzyL7VLkKaFL244ZX-W6fjtiwYHxN9wzMSEf_gegce-G-2faeYBDbvMzGFCuT-3l58L6Y/s1600/IMG_6881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8eF1QcHO6jUxU6LnmPaz_wLlQBaIHxwYLSPJTtF2Ye2gcFN6M778oxzlCMtK2A0Qnu-S0drBzyL7VLkKaFL244ZX-W6fjtiwYHxN9wzMSEf_gegce-G-2faeYBDbvMzGFCuT-3l58L6Y/s1600/IMG_6881.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In my favorite parenting book, <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Bringing-Up-B%C3%A9b%C3%A9-Discovers-Parenting/dp/1594203334" target="_blank">Bringing Up Bebe</a>, there are chapters devoted to introducing children to the joy of food. There is no culture that takes cuisine as seriously as they do in France. It's normal to step into the neighborhood creche (French daycare) and find 3 year olds eating manchego with slices of ripe pears. They assume children are young adults with the ability to appreciate amazing food. Parents strive to make their children's plates colorful and flavorful. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It is my goal to bring Charlie up as a baby foodie, and one day I hope he will love my colorful spaghetti squash boats! </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Greek Spaghetti Squash Boats</span></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">serves 2</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spaghetti squash</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 chicken breasts, grilled and diced (I seasoned with Cavender's greek seasoning) </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 Tbsp olive oil</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup kalamata olives</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cloves garlic</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 medium onion, diced</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups spinach</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 Tbsp pine nuts, lightly toasted</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup feta cheese</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup artichoke heart, roughly chopped</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">10 cherry tomatoes, diced</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Roast spaghetti squash (cut in half, scoop out seeds, roast at 400 degrees for 45 minutes to an hour, then scrape out inside). Save shells for serving. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a dutch oven or skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add garlic and onion and saute for about 5 minutes. Then add spinach and cook until wilted. Add artichoke hearts, tomatoes, and kalamata olives. Add spaghetti squash and chicken, and stir well. </span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Scoop spaghetti squash mixture back into shells, and top with pine nuts and feta cheese. Serve while hot. </span></div>
</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-18504774155195041592015-01-14T14:49:00.003-05:002015-01-14T14:49:37.720-05:00GaryTalk #9: No Excuses<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you're new to the blog, or haven't been introduced to my "Gary Talks", each talk focuses on a principle that was drilled into my head during the eighteen years that I lived under my parents roof. Mind you, not a year more, as it was also drilled into my head that when I graduated high school I was getting the boot. I was allowed back over summers, with the expectation that I worked and saved money. No free lunch, maybe in the White House but not in my parents house. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> GaryTalk #1: </span><a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/04/garytalk-1.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Work Hard Play Hard</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> GaryTalk #2: </span><a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/04/garytalk-2.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be Self-Sufficient</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> GaryTalk #3: </span><a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/05/garytalk-3.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Live a Simple and Frugal Life</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> GaryTalk #4: </span><a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/06/garytalk-4.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Be Your Own Person</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> GaryTalk #5: </span><a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/06/garytalk-5.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Less Talking, More Doing</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> GaryTalk #6: </span><a href="http://www.carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/07/garytalk-6.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Embrace Change</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> GaryTalk #7: </span><a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2013/11/garytalk-7-gary-mclean-pep-talk.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Gary McLean Pep Talk</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> GaryTalk #8: <a href="http://carmenskitch.blogspot.com/2014/05/garytalk-8-choose-your-crowd.html" target="_blank">Choose Your Crowd</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUQv0XxruXCRHP7aEeAE3mOtWSimZLa1KWw3OkjlKFeqviArISyqJPmTW8StE4zOSlAnfFLxt-OxBO75P8tbYcfTlHepUmehHVHMYaKMtj1ykHdtiemNGhr1dT3BemtwWDIxghahyphenhyphenttc/s1600/No-Excuses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEUQv0XxruXCRHP7aEeAE3mOtWSimZLa1KWw3OkjlKFeqviArISyqJPmTW8StE4zOSlAnfFLxt-OxBO75P8tbYcfTlHepUmehHVHMYaKMtj1ykHdtiemNGhr1dT3BemtwWDIxghahyphenhyphenttc/s1600/No-Excuses.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I was thinking about my mom and dad on the treadmill this morning, I think because I am missing them and they are traveling. Well that got to to thinking about about a new Gary Talk. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I went back to work a few weeks ago, and what I quickly realized after spending months at home with Charlie that #1 I was thrilled to be around adult conversation again, #2 I love my job and work with awesome people, and #3 that most folks make a lot of excuses. One particular patient gave me at least 5 reasons on why they had stopped taking their blood pressure medication - too expensive, plain forgetful, feel great without it, on and on. One by one, I could have broken down every excuse. Did you call your doctor and let them know you could not afford a name brand medication? Do you use a pill organizer? Do you understand why hypertension is called the "silent killer"?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Instead, I just laughed inside my own head. Was it funny? Not particularly. But, I realized in that moment, that each and every one of us is guilty of doing the same thing. Often, we blame work for keeping us too busy, too tired, or too stressed. We blame our circumstances, the lack of money or time. Sorry, just had "too much going on" and "feeling under the weather" are ones that I hear often, sometimes out of my own mouth. But if something is really important, we make time for it and do it instead of making up an excuse. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When I was little, we got called on it. Why didn't you take out the trash? Why did you get a B on that test? Why did you miss your curfew? As adults, we have to call ourselves on it. No one wants to hear your excuse. Be honest. If you make a mistake, didn't reach a goal, said you were going to do something and then didn't, just look in the mirror, own it, and do better next time.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-40106643871299424382015-01-10T09:37:00.000-05:002015-01-10T09:40:49.498-05:00Bangin Good Shrimp<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fbangin-good-shrimp.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-aRU2gLajP64%2FVLE3RvO86pI%2FAAAAAAAACao%2F21e_vqMivks%2Fs1600%2FIMG_6758.jpg&description=Bangin%20Good%20Shrimp%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiFBQ8VsaiJDMoqtDLFGiT8CZRHHEaulXzCoIyu3P0pnv1h074VIMKH-ulBIjupve1o3jbdpCvgmHeRhcJ_gLm2t5lSg-Wvoh_-jHEP3IX9R_Xu_jo2X-z1ODDH5_POUerelUHAZJ2dU/s1600/IMG_6758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNiFBQ8VsaiJDMoqtDLFGiT8CZRHHEaulXzCoIyu3P0pnv1h074VIMKH-ulBIjupve1o3jbdpCvgmHeRhcJ_gLm2t5lSg-Wvoh_-jHEP3IX9R_Xu_jo2X-z1ODDH5_POUerelUHAZJ2dU/s1600/IMG_6758.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">You will not be surprised to learn that having a romantic date night at home with a 3 month old baby is a challenge. Just when the candles are lit and the table is set, baby Charlie decides to wake up in the swing and start crying. It's happened twice so far, and both times I've been so frustrated because a squealing baby is not the least romantic! </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQi4ipw8ARGZznBtHoo9Vn0Vcdg1F0wZB4m224ERBvXu7SD8z2-Y_kfzDojRHJLwqn3CjEDZe8JPey1XO_yr7PIntfqExBNocxDae8CIygNfmtG3CLvLxbg4ZNYluZvjr1sND2fGLIBbA/s1600/IMG_6747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQi4ipw8ARGZznBtHoo9Vn0Vcdg1F0wZB4m224ERBvXu7SD8z2-Y_kfzDojRHJLwqn3CjEDZe8JPey1XO_yr7PIntfqExBNocxDae8CIygNfmtG3CLvLxbg4ZNYluZvjr1sND2fGLIBbA/s1600/IMG_6747.jpg" height="640" width="518" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">Never one to give up easily, last night I found the perfect solution. Rather than one big meal, I made three appetizers and staged them while we were watching The Godfather. Since Josh and I prefer small plates anyways, this was just perfect. A big meal puts a damper on the evening since we stuff ourselves silly and get sleepy, and usually fall asleep half way through the movie. We started with these shrimp, and then had stuffed mushrooms followed by eggplant pizzas. </span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8F9-LNEYyxVbzzkBhTcns5w7dPyOcsCfvumhEedNvuz3erzL5yIYLU_a-T5ssdzuIpQmVs-R-SDQX_337RVAia6mzz3kdBNI_To_lDIx5AGpsbeiAjzzm2in0xJwPHigdD4xUjRNcSc/s1600/IMG_6751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhm8F9-LNEYyxVbzzkBhTcns5w7dPyOcsCfvumhEedNvuz3erzL5yIYLU_a-T5ssdzuIpQmVs-R-SDQX_337RVAia6mzz3kdBNI_To_lDIx5AGpsbeiAjzzm2in0xJwPHigdD4xUjRNcSc/s1600/IMG_6751.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 19px;">We put the fussy Charlie in his baby bjorn bouncy chair (lifesaver!), Josh bounced him with his foot, and we watched our movie and started the evening with these amazing shrimp. I tried to explain just how delicious the Bang Bang shrimp appetizer is at Bonefish Grill, and this is a lightened up version from Skinnytaste that is fantastic and easy! </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Bangin Good Shrimp</span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">from Skinnytaste</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the Sauce:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">5 Tbsp light mayonnaise</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 Tbsp thai sweet chili sauce</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp Sriracha (to taste)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the Shrimp:</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 lb large shrimp, shelled and deveined (weight after peeled)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tsp cornstarch</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp canola oil</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 cups shredded iceberg lettuce</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup shredded purple cabbage</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 Tbsp scallions, chopped</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, thai sweet chili sauce, and Sriracha. Set aside. Combine lettuce and cabbage and place on a large serving dish (or divide onto plates).</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; line-height: 19px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Coat shrimp with cornstarch, mixing well with your hands. Heat a large skillet on high heat, when hot add oil. When oil is hot add the shrimp to the hot pan and cook tossing a few times until cooked through, about 3 minutes. Remove from pan and combine with the sauce coating well. Place shrimp on lettuce and top with scallions. </span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: medium;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-54965164317039488782015-01-06T18:55:00.001-05:002015-01-06T19:08:44.165-05:00Curried Short Ribs<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2015%2F01%2Fcurried-short-ribs_6.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-rO75wwcJRjI%2FVKs2bcRApnI%2FAAAAAAAACaQ%2Fxh3zzoLMjs8%2Fs1600%2FIMG_6720.jpg&description=Curried%20Short%20Ribs%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" defer="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7R7sd-Xd7OmOlZ_ot-cVg8nsm7XjngzBPfiuXbP9Dgkzc7MkVHFPd_fzVnFUP6cjbJj0BJ6TNjYA2xgFiWyyshKI8QESUlAWuQ3uDm_SeDDx00X5gC-jU05V9aiKFZ9r2DKDxNU48bk/s1600/IMG_6720.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx7R7sd-Xd7OmOlZ_ot-cVg8nsm7XjngzBPfiuXbP9Dgkzc7MkVHFPd_fzVnFUP6cjbJj0BJ6TNjYA2xgFiWyyshKI8QESUlAWuQ3uDm_SeDDx00X5gC-jU05V9aiKFZ9r2DKDxNU48bk/s1600/IMG_6720.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In care you hadn't noticed, I took a mini sabbatical from the blog after following my own advice and focusing on what really mattered. It's been a whirlwind of mostly joy and a few melt downs, though nothing that couldn't be fixed with a hug, a dose of mommy's medicine (a dirty vodka martini, one olive) and a good pep talk. Charlie is thriving, I am back to work and we are ready to find our state of calm. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjhbDtZb5bjhspq5rcIgg-oTdV7ppCUJwVZeSs790tS_8ZbF6ikPrRbGnXBjpCNclHIQIhX3ghOi5OFaQ9cSLVC9nJvdJiQBf11JxBbjajQuSVXZiLsYxedGhTy-Pea97PJiV03DBrmk/s1600/IMG_6734.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCjhbDtZb5bjhspq5rcIgg-oTdV7ppCUJwVZeSs790tS_8ZbF6ikPrRbGnXBjpCNclHIQIhX3ghOi5OFaQ9cSLVC9nJvdJiQBf11JxBbjajQuSVXZiLsYxedGhTy-Pea97PJiV03DBrmk/s1600/IMG_6734.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
</span>
<div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">I promised to make a comeback this week, and this recipe is going to be hard to top. OMG. Talk about setting the bar high. The crock pot does all the work and your house will smell amazing all day. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">If there is one thing I have learned during the last few months of sleep deprivation, it is that food can SLOW you down. Eat simple carbs or sugar and feel tired and sluggish all day. </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are late to the cauliflower rice, spaghetti squash, or zoodle revolution, it's not too late. These <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/mock-garlic-mashed-potatoes-recipe.html" target="_blank">"mock" cauliflower mashed potatoes </a> are my new favorite side with a steak, and they were perfect with these short ribs. If you don't get up close, they even look like potatoes! </span></span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPj_-32K5ztwVa5fkN4vKY7CI0RlAxT0hRXSibqltH-MibJlpjoS5B2vyQU2l6ovlAIm1OrhA23J088_YCCcaM5ACss5gCxjt7IK6-qFj8f9IyZjHCdqSCHqAkt8kUXGpgRBSRsSfB2g/s1600/IMG_6736.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixPj_-32K5ztwVa5fkN4vKY7CI0RlAxT0hRXSibqltH-MibJlpjoS5B2vyQU2l6ovlAIm1OrhA23J088_YCCcaM5ACss5gCxjt7IK6-qFj8f9IyZjHCdqSCHqAkt8kUXGpgRBSRsSfB2g/s1600/IMG_6736.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="font-family: Times; margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;">Curried Short Ribs</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">from Against All Grain</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 Tbsp coconut oil</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 lbs bone-in beef short ribs, cut into 3-inch pieces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Salt and pepper, to taste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 can coconut milk</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/3 cup tomato paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/3 cup red curry paste</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">4 cloves garlic, minced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 Tbsp fish sauce</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">2 tsp fresh lime juice</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 tsp ground ginger</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1/2 yellow onion, sliced</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">1 pound carrots, peeled</span><br />
<ol>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Place the oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Season both sides of the short ribs with </span><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">salt and pepper. Place in the pot and sear on all sides, about 6 minutes.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Place the coconut milk, tomato paste, curry paste, garlic, fish sauce, lime juice and ginger in a bowl and whisk to combine. Add the sauce and onions to a crock pot. Place the short ribs on top, spooning some sauce over the meat.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cook for 8 hours on low, basting the ribs once.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Skim off and discard all of the fat that has accumulated at the top of the pot. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add the carrots and continue cooking for 1 hour more. </span></li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-78621169308343886512015-01-04T13:08:00.000-05:002015-01-04T13:08:35.019-05:00I'm BACK! <span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">This is my comeback week! Coming back to the blog, back to adventures in the kitchen, and back to striving for balance. Leaving you with this quote from the yoga guru but expect a new recipe post in a few days! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Balance is the key. In everything you do. Dance all night long and practice yoga the next day. Drink wine but don't forget your green juice. Eat chocolate when your heart wants it and kale salad when your body needs it. Wear high heels on Saturday and walk barefoot on Sunday. Live high and low. Move and stay still. Embrace all sides of who you are. Be brave, bold, spontaneous and loud and let that complement your abilities to find silence, patience, modesty and peace. Aim for balance. Make your own rules and follow your own path and don't let anybody tell you how to live according to theirs.</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">- Rachel Brethen (instagram @yoga_girl)</span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-20267972647689804222014-11-25T13:13:00.001-05:002014-11-26T07:07:02.402-05:00virtual book club + thanksgiving menu<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In honor of my brother's upcoming visit, I've decided to (finally) read his favorite book. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">He's always been a voracious reader and it's time to get out of my comfort zone.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H9wYXaDZF81iopQkXQ8CneinDAKGALAykGPyzUhSOt39hhz15cZU7NxaLUIZyOW-G-Jq0TdvaG_jgBC8iVDr8Ya6-Eww4TqCi2Tv8vaYaOBQeXhVaZC-Zf26WHJm5nh-S7EU-k6oAco/s1600/RE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1H9wYXaDZF81iopQkXQ8CneinDAKGALAykGPyzUhSOt39hhz15cZU7NxaLUIZyOW-G-Jq0TdvaG_jgBC8iVDr8Ya6-Eww4TqCi2Tv8vaYaOBQeXhVaZC-Zf26WHJm5nh-S7EU-k6oAco/s1600/RE.jpg" height="320" width="226" /></span></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">My parents will be pulling in the driveway around
noon tomorrow, and for the first time ever I am hosting my very first
Thanksgiving. I am breaking out my fancy serving platters, wedding silver,
white napkins, and using our dining buffet for the first time as a serving
station. As my friend Taryn loves to say, Wahooooo! </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">
</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">I am ecstatic and have been pacing around the
house all day in anticipation. This year the meal is a group effort. Our great
friends are smoking the turkey and bringing the appetizers, and we are making
the sides and dessert. I've been contemplating the menu for weeks and here is
the final version!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">BEVVIES:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://sallysbakingaddiction.com/2014/10/22/honeycrisp-apple-sangria/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Honeycrisp apple sangria</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">
(I've made this recipe three times and it's a WINNER)</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">Rubus Shiraz Barossa (a steal at 13 dollars a
bottle)</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">...followed by Black Box Cab Sav (the 2nd round
of wine...only rich folks get to drink top notch wine all night and we are po'
folks!) - but BB is smashing good wine at a value!</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">SIDES:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/sour-cream-mashed-potatoes-recipe.html"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">
(Ina)</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/paula-deen/southern-cornbread-stuffing-recipe.html"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Cornbread Stuffing</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">
(Paula Dean)</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/green-beans-gremolata-recipe.html"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Green Beans Gremolata</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">
(Ina)</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/ina-garten/spinach-gratin-recipe.html"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Spinach Gratin </span></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;">(Ina)</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">DESSERT:</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><a href="http://thepioneerwoman.com/cooking/2008/11/pecan-pie/"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: Georgia; mso-bidi-font-family: Georgia; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Pecan Pie</span></a></span><span style="font-family: Georgia;"> (Ree
Drummond)</span><span style="font-family: Helvetica;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Georgia;">And of course a big smoked TURKEY! As you can
see, we decided to keep it simple this year with a few really great sides, and
I love that we are scaling down and choosing quality over quantity. My
"bigger and more is better" mentality with all things is taking the
sideline this year, and I am choosing to scale back and focus on spending time
with the people we love. </span><span style="font-size: 18.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--EndFragment-->
</span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">HAPPY THANKSGIVING...</span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">from my sweet little 6 week old turkey! </span></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=7059004868282194973" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapHg6H4Ad3AkRBq1BIWtUp1SXjdbNk0-1QaoOMG72HDq68DxSiAhW_PVCBjKJAniLlVbf8RslCQUqBrc3LjOJuWp2Mx7xQgRB_2OPX5yEFf2lGm6VAuJYBDvi9jFklyxa2sZdEkRDThA/s1600/IMG_5908.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgapHg6H4Ad3AkRBq1BIWtUp1SXjdbNk0-1QaoOMG72HDq68DxSiAhW_PVCBjKJAniLlVbf8RslCQUqBrc3LjOJuWp2Mx7xQgRB_2OPX5yEFf2lGm6VAuJYBDvi9jFklyxa2sZdEkRDThA/s1600/IMG_5908.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<div style="font: normal normal normal 12px/normal Helvetica; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; margin-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-6458138066412757892014-11-10T06:10:00.001-05:002014-11-10T06:10:38.505-05:00four weeks old + newborn essentials<div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXq1iDFxK93bKQbwy3aFpTqRYqdrjT87siqJVu_te04xaUXRQSoLUZnH32eBApOX0YN8mnTgMcwaisXPYhjv2fD93gN_sZFVWJ6-FYJ6pTawR6st3r94acUaJrbGcA1Zh8IFkkzHA-sc/s1600/IMG_6078.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRXq1iDFxK93bKQbwy3aFpTqRYqdrjT87siqJVu_te04xaUXRQSoLUZnH32eBApOX0YN8mnTgMcwaisXPYhjv2fD93gN_sZFVWJ6-FYJ6pTawR6st3r94acUaJrbGcA1Zh8IFkkzHA-sc/s1600/IMG_6078.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Our baby boy is already four weeks old, and he is the sweetest little bundle of joy. I'm so lucky to be at home with him to see all the small subtle changes that are happening. He can suddenly put a death grip on my fingers and has the most adorable grumpy face I've ever seen. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdASn5s5y4AsQNbUUY3HjxXj9Y_VLyUAH2L5aZbukBA74XVs3FcfyXcgYb0cFhY9topTUi5bN3cBB_FBDgE81twtt_sYnVZoEy8srhiwwWSzpIfb2A9QJyB9ofmTujO7tOAop2_nAintE/s1600/IMG_6104.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdASn5s5y4AsQNbUUY3HjxXj9Y_VLyUAH2L5aZbukBA74XVs3FcfyXcgYb0cFhY9topTUi5bN3cBB_FBDgE81twtt_sYnVZoEy8srhiwwWSzpIfb2A9QJyB9ofmTujO7tOAop2_nAintE/s1600/IMG_6104.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It's taken a month to feel like I have a handle on the Charlie show, but now that we are settling in to a routine with naps, bath time, bed time, and one middle of the night feed I'm ready to get out in the world a bit and actually cook a little! My mom has stocked our freezer with delicious meals so I have been enjoying my favorites for the last month. I literally skip into the garage every morning to make a selection from our freezer. I get to choose from her chicken gumbo, black bean soup, chicken lasagna, and beef bourguignon, and yes I know that I am spoiled rotten. This winter I am going to do a special feature on freezer meals with my mom's top 5 recipes. Truly, the best gift you can bring to someone that needs a boost is a homemade freezer meal. It's love in ziplock. </span></div>
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHy7TFNOipm9Jy23-15-sbPW2wjs4RHU529u4kqBzBgZwbnY0n2Zza3KJyLLtH6RZhAY6nX_S5Zq-FefGRlPWO068fGyuwLjOXQ88c-im7DZeYB2w7KEP0WjT-U7niB-7GdgE85oX9Xg/s1600/IMG_6138.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitHy7TFNOipm9Jy23-15-sbPW2wjs4RHU529u4kqBzBgZwbnY0n2Zza3KJyLLtH6RZhAY6nX_S5Zq-FefGRlPWO068fGyuwLjOXQ88c-im7DZeYB2w7KEP0WjT-U7niB-7GdgE85oX9Xg/s1600/IMG_6138.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This week I'm </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">trying a weekly meal prep in an effort to eat more real foods without having to fuss with fixing anything at lunch time. I'm getting pretty tired of my flat out wrap turkey sandwichs, so yesterday I roasted s</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">weet potatoes, made taco meat, grilled chicken, and quinoa. I have a vegetable drawer full of spinach, romaine, and bell peppers. I already feel great starting the week out with lots of healthy lunch options in the fridge. </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CZMBvFlO8EdV7Wt59k1catGeC-NfHyTlDq8lhKsFM-2yA7yPxfw6QZjnSm_PjuiqB-q322rL1NBXLkJHISCXk3_jaAyoUnfdA1XZI-aRH14N7Ht-gRciuZaNGt3NrmfNputn7dx89bw/s1600/IMG_6162.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2CZMBvFlO8EdV7Wt59k1catGeC-NfHyTlDq8lhKsFM-2yA7yPxfw6QZjnSm_PjuiqB-q322rL1NBXLkJHISCXk3_jaAyoUnfdA1XZI-aRH14N7Ht-gRciuZaNGt3NrmfNputn7dx89bw/s1600/IMG_6162.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For the expecting or new moms out there, here are my <b>top ten lifesavers</b> from month one (all purchased on Amazon except the <a href="http://www.milkin-cookies.com/" target="_blank">Milkin' Cookies</a> and <a href="http://momsoncall.com/0-6-month-babies/" target="_blank">Moms on Call</a>)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are wanting to surprise a new mom with a treat - the Milkin' Cookies are phenomenal. I love both flavors, and was introduced to them as a gift from a work friend. Freezer meals and wine also do wonders for the soul! </span><br />
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Halo microfleece sleep sack - I use the SwaddleMe during the day and Halo at night</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fisher Price Rock n Play</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Chico stroller caddy to match our Keyfit 30 car seat - I can fit 100 dollars worth the groceries in the bottom basket </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mylicon gas drops and Gripe Water</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Moms on Call book (this would be the ONE book I'd buy looking back), along with Bringing up Bebe </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Graco white noise machine - the swaddle and noise are key to daytime naps</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mam pacifiers</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Earth Mama Angel nipple butter - essential for breastfeeding moms!</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Milkin' Cookies - I have one every afternoon with a small cup of coffee</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">White newborn onesies and Aden + Anais swaddle blankets - Charlie lives in these every single day</span></li>
</ol>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdWUo0gXQPffzr-f06qqbOXwWtTXpR0gnWwlr2t2HTuu8GfTtPfllEFVLtlMW6XKYxjFg_TL5_ZiAXSUspFlgDXD-zXs_4emlWkF6xG0LWxX8LMOIDDgDpnlVHhP6qHjnUYpYhbz0KMU/s1600/IMG_6070.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNdWUo0gXQPffzr-f06qqbOXwWtTXpR0gnWwlr2t2HTuu8GfTtPfllEFVLtlMW6XKYxjFg_TL5_ZiAXSUspFlgDXD-zXs_4emlWkF6xG0LWxX8LMOIDDgDpnlVHhP6qHjnUYpYhbz0KMU/s1600/IMG_6070.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-14652713810462081442014-11-09T10:24:00.001-05:002014-11-09T10:24:32.016-05:00Virtual Book Club<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Any Maeve Binchy fans out there? I've been wanting to read one of her novels for ages, and I think I picked a good one.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-S0LX1PPzEBjAnS8LCf8br5c044djq2SCutBEpCSCjJnIPRKFkdIabRolEeALHO4t_Tvv8bxxFnUdQn4xTrdttfWoz_ELMAbUOJlbiseamAPzerWxbYBkmpLRXzcJnzYw82h1ZsuYHE/s1600/binchy.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm-S0LX1PPzEBjAnS8LCf8br5c044djq2SCutBEpCSCjJnIPRKFkdIabRolEeALHO4t_Tvv8bxxFnUdQn4xTrdttfWoz_ELMAbUOJlbiseamAPzerWxbYBkmpLRXzcJnzYw82h1ZsuYHE/s1600/binchy.jpeg" height="400" width="242" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-10980010888000922412014-11-04T13:57:00.002-05:002014-11-04T13:59:29.080-05:00Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F11%2Fcookie-dough-greek-yogurt.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F4.bp.blogspot.com%2F-z-m9c1LDr2o%2FVFkExpGbuqI%2FAAAAAAAACW4%2FiMGYLZyhkSM%2Fs1600%2FIMG_6043.jpg&description=Cookie%20Dough%20Greek%20Yogurt"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_20.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8osRP2MUOw8HiHJRQE8xdfl3Dz7g565Zd_QZIkAS7Mb0eSw2Aepj2EqW3wkKfhrKs_WoWwukV4z7leoFqg0GyeI9AyB8Ygxxv1rTrzOK25R2FMqhcPudQYRznCFUmXYipm_hte236A0/s1600/IMG_6043.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiV8osRP2MUOw8HiHJRQE8xdfl3Dz7g565Zd_QZIkAS7Mb0eSw2Aepj2EqW3wkKfhrKs_WoWwukV4z7leoFqg0GyeI9AyB8Ygxxv1rTrzOK25R2FMqhcPudQYRznCFUmXYipm_hte236A0/s1600/IMG_6043.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As long as I can remember, Ben & Jerry's chocolate chip cookie dough ice cream has been my favorite. A waffle cone with two scoops used to be the ultimate treat, saved for straight A's on report cards and the like.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsNCa84upEexpHHPYWcbTc491sc38rKLSwxiGTZmeeGlMI076XzwoTIJm2TCv1CLIA4tFIugmUKr3dHdWpDz8Z4cIXArhE2SsgiZGfB17cf77GcLpaCOV8ZwztlxaW2vxHr0EG-1GxAI/s1600/IMG_6050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsNCa84upEexpHHPYWcbTc491sc38rKLSwxiGTZmeeGlMI076XzwoTIJm2TCv1CLIA4tFIugmUKr3dHdWpDz8Z4cIXArhE2SsgiZGfB17cf77GcLpaCOV8ZwztlxaW2vxHr0EG-1GxAI/s1600/IMG_6050.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Fast forward a few decades, and here I sit looking for healthy nutritious snacks to keep me fueled while I'm nursing Charlie. Unfortunately, ice cream is not on that list, but this greek yogurt dip is perfect! I love honeycrisp apples, and this dip is so good I hid it in the fridge so as not to be discovered by other household members. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmsNCa84upEexpHHPYWcbTc491sc38rKLSwxiGTZmeeGlMI076XzwoTIJm2TCv1CLIA4tFIugmUKr3dHdWpDz8Z4cIXArhE2SsgiZGfB17cf77GcLpaCOV8ZwztlxaW2vxHr0EG-1GxAI/s1600/IMG_6050.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzhCi1Cx1zMzWImqvXd5AZnIynC1jT4ilqJIj6JgEiOZ7argEYEC9XuBbWWdoKUMpb1wV_wulLc39U1yS6kOQEYt1qYIwQvWXZl1o6VTtu7ayLQNIwi9kTus0aDNkpbHzV9eL8l8T7Ao/s1600/IMG_6037.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKzhCi1Cx1zMzWImqvXd5AZnIynC1jT4ilqJIj6JgEiOZ7argEYEC9XuBbWWdoKUMpb1wV_wulLc39U1yS6kOQEYt1qYIwQvWXZl1o6VTtu7ayLQNIwi9kTus0aDNkpbHzV9eL8l8T7Ao/s1600/IMG_6037.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Cookie Dough Greek Yogurt </span></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">from </span><a href="http://www.familyfreshmeals.com/2013/02/cookie-dough-greek-yogurt.html" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Family Fresh Meals</span></a><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup plain Fage greek yogurt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tablespoon nut butter (peanut butter or almond butter)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tablespoon sweetener (maple syrup or honey)</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 teaspoon vanilla</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tablespoon mini chocolate chips</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">dash of sea salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mix ingredients together and stir well. Enjoy on it's own or as a dip for apple slices.</span><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7059004868282194973.post-49660371515334585092014-10-31T14:28:00.004-04:002014-10-31T14:32:02.542-04:00Perfectly Roasted Pumpkin Seeds<a data-pin-color="red" data-pin-config="above" data-pin-do="buttonPin" data-pin-height="28" href="https://www.pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fcarmenskitch.blogspot.com%2F2014%2F10%2Fperfectly-roasted-pumpkin-seeds.html&media=http%3A%2F%2F3.bp.blogspot.com%2F-qf54n5BmG7w%2FVFPLp0aiTDI%2FAAAAAAAACWI%2FBSZNvYes2xQ%2Fs1600%2FIMG_5953.jpg&description=Perfectly%20Roasted%20Pumpkin%20Seeds%20%7Bcarmens%20kitch%7D"><img src="//assets.pinterest.com/images/pidgets/pinit_fg_en_rect_red_28.png" /></a>
<!-- Please call pinit.js only once per page -->
<script async="" src="//assets.pinterest.com/js/pinit.js" type="text/javascript"></script>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZ-6M7qWyD9Hcmz859vEddxuTZAu1tNtqJa7etEy-FcM3d052-xDPsrFZsL4fEql1d14XYhUbxRhzlo4X-29TgM_uw-GgHX6avpstGIAx6dQtfeNUuXuDsuLKzwxgOEajg7UjpdLSqk0/s1600/IMG_5987.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCZ-6M7qWyD9Hcmz859vEddxuTZAu1tNtqJa7etEy-FcM3d052-xDPsrFZsL4fEql1d14XYhUbxRhzlo4X-29TgM_uw-GgHX6avpstGIAx6dQtfeNUuXuDsuLKzwxgOEajg7UjpdLSqk0/s1600/IMG_5987.jpg" height="640" width="506" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">HalloWeekenend has arrived and they are calling for snow in the valley! There is no better fall treat than roasted pumpkin seeds and a cold Sam Adams Octoberfest, so this year we decided to perfect our pumpkin seed roasting technique.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUli22wKP7tudcwqo55woQ5ZTacc6KFvNIpJ0gHdNka6sYcfZCo7owxBH9s1INBKwGTIc1QxpUbcPbHcwZCRKlkykkUqo8Vbvh-PVxZ-SXyqhay_8wqazgZyUlc7Xe6hQlBt2CxTLzlI/s1600/IMG_5953.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdUli22wKP7tudcwqo55woQ5ZTacc6KFvNIpJ0gHdNka6sYcfZCo7owxBH9s1INBKwGTIc1QxpUbcPbHcwZCRKlkykkUqo8Vbvh-PVxZ-SXyqhay_8wqazgZyUlc7Xe6hQlBt2CxTLzlI/s1600/IMG_5953.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For inspiration, I looked online and visited a few of my favorite blogs (Simply Recipes and Oh She Glows) who start by boiling clean seeds in salt water. We like really crunchy seeds, and this technique promised to deliver. It's quick, easy, and DELICIOUS. Since we were left with two pumpkins and a baby on our hands, we took full advantage and got a yearbook worthy picture, the kind that would be super embarrassing a few years down the road! </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIZ3jicRGNVkHYycOeXy5fTAR0gO9f4ICrWrpxP-DKkC4lGDE5eKbf4i06mxa4F9Mwd0YXJKX-DEaSupLdEW0sfTM4L59BZfo23rNuaH3RuJ7hIlVHNXPbu8jvDV5Nt3G68C-c-J3Gg8/s1600/IMG_5945.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYIZ3jicRGNVkHYycOeXy5fTAR0gO9f4ICrWrpxP-DKkC4lGDE5eKbf4i06mxa4F9Mwd0YXJKX-DEaSupLdEW0sfTM4L59BZfo23rNuaH3RuJ7hIlVHNXPbu8jvDV5Nt3G68C-c-J3Gg8/s1600/IMG_5945.JPG" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">On a side note, I followed <a href="http://www.thekitchn.com/how-to-make-a-grilled-cheese-sandwich-cooking-lessons-from-the-kitchn-200972" target="_blank">these instructions</a> and made the best grilled cheese sandwich today. What did I do differently this time? I grated the cheese, used a cast iron skillet and melted the butter in the skillet before adding the bread. Definitely worth the extra few minutes for the end result. If you're a little lazy, Amy's Organic chunky tomato bisque is a longtime favorite of mine. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Perfectly Roasted Pumpkin Seeds</b></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">adapted from <a href="http://www.simplyrecipes.com/recipes/toasted_pumpkin_seeds/" target="_blank">Simply Recipes</a></span><br />
<ol>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Clean seeds using water and colander.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Boil seeds for 10 minutes in salt water (I used 1 tsp salt and 4 cups water for 1 cup of seeds)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Drain the seeds and pat dry with a paper towel</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a large bowl or roasting pan, add olive oil and desired seasonings. Then spread in thin layer on roasting pan. (I used Tony Chachere's)</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bake at 325 for 10 minutes, then stir and bake for additional 8-10 minutes. Taste a few seeds, depending on the size you may need to roast for a few more minutes.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Enjoy with a delicious cold October beer! </span></li>
</ol>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10848087124188166361noreply@blogger.com0