tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-65446118557096989012024-02-06T21:04:27.907-06:00Running out of ApplesEating our way through Minneapolis one restaurant or recipe at a time.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17894509318206518714noreply@blogger.comBlogger105125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-5863864185963310402013-06-30T18:17:00.002-05:002013-06-30T18:17:32.092-05:00Sauteed Cabbage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHx_xmM8fao86V-P3aOTA2NIHtCmjhNpC7Ylg0yi0PrzOF8hGmo79me-ZpibWFUIsK8fklH90lwBXgSKHXc-ETpjgqFGghySyfx1kgS0q7tjz6TaNqOK4LpPV6vTozX0gCbhubei6ZPtE/s1600/IMG_7225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHx_xmM8fao86V-P3aOTA2NIHtCmjhNpC7Ylg0yi0PrzOF8hGmo79me-ZpibWFUIsK8fklH90lwBXgSKHXc-ETpjgqFGghySyfx1kgS0q7tjz6TaNqOK4LpPV6vTozX0gCbhubei6ZPtE/s400/IMG_7225.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
So this is <i>the</i> easiest recipe ever, like so easy its not really a recipe. But its delicious and we've been obsessed with it for months so its getting posted. Now, I know that sauteed cabbage doesn't sound super divine or anything, but we have it about twice a week and it always leave me wanting more.<br />
<br />
Before I post the recipe I have to come clean.... This isn't <i>my</i> recipe at all. Like not even a little bit. It's 100% Mark's creation through and through, and boy it sure is a good one.<br />
<br />
Cheap, easy, and tasty, what more do you want in a side dish? Not to mention it counts as a serving of veggies ;).<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sauteed Cabbage</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 2-4</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1/2 head of cabbage, <i>chopped</i><br />
<br />
1/3 onion, <i>chopped</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
1 1/2 tablespoons oil (I LOVE it with coconut oil)<br />
<br />
Salt to taste (at least 1 teaspoon)<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once oil is hot lower temperature of burner to medium-low setting.<br />
<br />
Add onion and cabbage, stir to coat, the IMMEDIATELY add salt. ( <------ Mark says this is a vital step). DON'T SKIP.<br />
<br />
Stir everything again and let cook until cabbage is soft and semi-translucent, about 15-20 minutes.<br />
<br />
Put on plates and serve.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<br />
See, I told ya this wasn't even really a recipe.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtBSaoo015Noa8fLMIuGL_Xj5hr7pTjy0COaB3Ca28Fg1I2XX4dRuiwJprYDsph9zrkGeqB-OyLYY9SezEfPTyliXJknSQGNI_3h3DVv09-g7B0g1lxXiAHjFBJ356z-RWqGM-6Uak5ik/s1600/IMG_7222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBtBSaoo015Noa8fLMIuGL_Xj5hr7pTjy0COaB3Ca28Fg1I2XX4dRuiwJprYDsph9zrkGeqB-OyLYY9SezEfPTyliXJknSQGNI_3h3DVv09-g7B0g1lxXiAHjFBJ356z-RWqGM-6Uak5ik/s400/IMG_7222.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Non-translucent cabbage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LLXk5TmK96Tc8sEgB7nHpBp3ogVDxIne7e7LCA1KjXUhav6hnnfC4e8YeTQiCCmc4Xcn34ez9BlfNyBReWVQs2DFcsTFf8r_-U3ZTlnGZRexzVYacgz4FKxbUh9sXFHwKiiXNZTJfIL-/s1600/IMG_7224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1LLXk5TmK96Tc8sEgB7nHpBp3ogVDxIne7e7LCA1KjXUhav6hnnfC4e8YeTQiCCmc4Xcn34ez9BlfNyBReWVQs2DFcsTFf8r_-U3ZTlnGZRexzVYacgz4FKxbUh9sXFHwKiiXNZTJfIL-/s400/IMG_7224.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Semi-translucent cabbage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-36202905363523432542013-06-16T13:36:00.001-05:002013-06-16T13:36:31.818-05:00Baked Egg Rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNoei2qK8YWbxluJ8NSsdjt3qAM9dVx3RSbQmji6Nh3dPLNjktbqzywMzVUFEoTDyMeX3PdIWd4v1UwVSB3QIGKF_ZZ6iYhvjZl-fDPL12_KIhAkTBVDrMl-DVxdxYIjkA9V1Fc6jGeWZ/s1600/photo-152.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQNoei2qK8YWbxluJ8NSsdjt3qAM9dVx3RSbQmji6Nh3dPLNjktbqzywMzVUFEoTDyMeX3PdIWd4v1UwVSB3QIGKF_ZZ6iYhvjZl-fDPL12_KIhAkTBVDrMl-DVxdxYIjkA9V1Fc6jGeWZ/s400/photo-152.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
Mark was never a huge fan of egg rolls, that is until I introduced him to those freezer section ones and deep fried them. They are delicious, don't judge.<br />
<br />
A couple months ago Larry, the security guard at my place of employment brought some homemade beef ones to work. They were amazing, but also deep fried.<br />
<br />
Needless to say we needed to find a healthier way to indulge in the Chinese restaurant staple. So here I give you my version of vegetarian baked egg rolls.<br />
<br />
Although the wrapper is missing that "deep fried" crunch, the fillings flavor is spot on.<br />
<br />
Make these with your next stir fry.<br />
<br />
(Pictures follow recipe)<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Baked Egg Rolls</u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.foodiewithfamily.com/2013/02/06/soft-pretzel-sandwich-rolls/" target="_blank">here</a></i></span><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 2-3</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1/2 tablespoon oil<br />
<br />
1/4 of a head of cabbage<br />
<br />
1-2 carrots<br />
<br />
1/2 onion<br />
<br />
1 clove garlic<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon soy sauce<br />
<br />
1/8 teaspoon ground ginger<br />
<br />
fresh cracked pepper<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Heat oil in a large frying pan over medium heat. While the pan is warming, attached the shredding blade to your food processor and run carrots through. Place shredded carrots on a large plate and set aside. Now attached the large blade to your food processor and pulse cabbage until chopped semi-finely. Place cabbage on plate next to carrots, set aside.<br />
<br />
Next, slice onion thinly and mince garlic clove. Add onions to warm pan and saute for 1-2 minutes, then add carrots. Stir a couple times before adding cabbage. Once cabbage is in the pan allow everything to cook for about 2 minutes, add garlic and stir to combine.<br />
<br />
Pour in soy sauce, sprinkle in ginger, and crack in some pepper, stir everything and cook for about another 2 minutes. Place mixture into a bowl to cool.<br />
<br />
Preheat over to 400 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with a Silpat or aluminum foil.<br />
<br />
Once filling mixture is cool its time to start assembling the egg rolls. To do so, place an egg roll wrapper in front of you making sure a corner is facing you and brush the sides of wrapper with water. Put no more than 4 tablespoons of filling just below the center of the wrapper. Fold corner facing you over the filling, then fold the side corners in to hold the filling. Place seam side down onto baking sheet; repeat with remaining filling.<br />
<br />
Spray tops with some cooking spray and place in oven. Bake for 10 minutes, flip, and bake for another 10 minutes.<br />
<br />
Remove from oven and serve immediately.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
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Pic-by-Pic:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwnOiknwd8LEk2PLeda688PUwdNKX2iA7OqBDaScUZto2jRzXXOXujG3j6SEgsxjt03j3hOwgAxjVgKCgxPp4H034uozzFHezN2UqXg4oLkF7BX_4yrd9S7sf9Wb3LLXsm0n2bfazI_5D/s1600/photo-146.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqwnOiknwd8LEk2PLeda688PUwdNKX2iA7OqBDaScUZto2jRzXXOXujG3j6SEgsxjt03j3hOwgAxjVgKCgxPp4H034uozzFHezN2UqXg4oLkF7BX_4yrd9S7sf9Wb3LLXsm0n2bfazI_5D/s400/photo-146.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-51447591767391644132013-05-27T09:36:00.002-05:002013-05-27T09:36:11.453-05:00Pretzel Rolls<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Its been awhile... Life got busy. Hopefully I'm back a little bit regularly now. I am, however, back with a goodie. This one is a keeper. They are best day of, obviously, but they made great sandwich bread all week long.<br />
<br />
They are so good even my super picky "I only eat <i>real</i> pretzels from Germany" husband asked me to make them again.<br />
<br />
A word of advice, if you can find either non-diastatic malt powder (replaces the sugar) or malted barley flour use them, as I think they will help yield even closer results to the store bought version. I couldn't find either.... without ordering online and I refused to wait that long.<br />
<br />
Me want pretzel rolls.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Pretzel Rolls</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Yields 12 sandwich sized rolls</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
4 cups flour<br />
<br />
1 cup warm water<br />
<br />
1/2 cup hot water<br />
<br />
1 package active dry yeast<br />
<br />
1 tablespoons sugar, divided<br />
<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons salt<br />
<br />
8 cups water<br />
<br />
2 tablespoons baking soda<br />
<br />
1 egg white<br />
<br />
salt for sprinkling<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Stir in 1/2 tablespoon of sugar into 1 cup of warm water and sprinkle package of yeast evenly over top. Stir around lightly and set aside for about 5 minutes to allow yeast to bloom.<br />
<br />
In the meantime, stir together flour, other 1/2 tablespoon sugar, and salt in a large bowl. Make a well in the center of the flour mixture and pour in bloomed yeast and hot water. Stir everything together until a sticky dough forms. Turn dough onto generously floured countertop.<br />
<br />
Knead until a smooth, but still semi-sticky dough forms. Place into a clean bowl and cover with a damp towel. Set aside for about 45 minutes to an hour or until double in size.<br />
<br />
Line a cookie sheet with a Silpat or parchment paper and set aside. Turn dough back onto lightly floured surface and cut dough into 4 equal pieces. Cut each of those 4 pieces into thirds making 12 equal pieces.<br />
<br />
Roll each piece into a smooth ball and place on lined baking sheet about 2 inches apart. Place a towel over sheet and set aside for 20 more minutes.<br />
<br />
While those are resting, froth egg white and preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Heat the 8 cups of water in a large non-reactive pan to a boil. Once it starts to boil stir in two tablespoons of baking soda. Place rolls 1 at a time (or no more than 3) and cook for about 1 minute on each side. Using a slotted spatula take rolls out of water and put back in their places on the baking sheet.<br />
<br />
Once all rolls are back on baking sheet brush the tops with egg white and sprinkle with salt. Use a sharp knife to cut a shallow "+" sign into top of each roll.<br />
<br />
Place the pan in the oven and bake for 25-40 minutes depending on how deep brown you want the rolls to be. Set on a cooling rack and allow to cool. Store in a airtight container for up to a week or in the freezer for up to 3 months.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<br />
Step-by-step in pics:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsOMKg8dLG93UhNYjDBS-WFfWcQR49siKIFN5cu4TVwnnkFw2-fu3QC42n_MlWtIuUH6EmXPrqCTf4yl5npHnJfp8kejJ4Wty-b4fd51qaqNDJcre0p0vXCYivrkRx4Rd94D6xhZsc5i2/s1600/photo-137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEsOMKg8dLG93UhNYjDBS-WFfWcQR49siKIFN5cu4TVwnnkFw2-fu3QC42n_MlWtIuUH6EmXPrqCTf4yl5npHnJfp8kejJ4Wty-b4fd51qaqNDJcre0p0vXCYivrkRx4Rd94D6xhZsc5i2/s400/photo-137.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mix everything together</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfddACF33YlQo-A5lBu_M_cRBlNPwiZxCPAPOLeQAZhzJ0EBsGaryjdBwOH8xYlkOvIIuhIoPTTZhs1j4oKUcln9cvzm12kPCu9WJx1Vwx643_1_oruuolaN-kL7k78Gc8Ppolp_Lq6iN/s1600/photo-138.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcfddACF33YlQo-A5lBu_M_cRBlNPwiZxCPAPOLeQAZhzJ0EBsGaryjdBwOH8xYlkOvIIuhIoPTTZhs1j4oKUcln9cvzm12kPCu9WJx1Vwx643_1_oruuolaN-kL7k78Gc8Ppolp_Lq6iN/s400/photo-138.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Knead into a ball</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Allow to double in size</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBKKlQFAx0c_rOq87hgYcLs7oqpFKyPjkAcXabxrW3c4-y5dsDAweqgU32och2kRtiaF18KmyJx83qs5Yh_8GY61CcLOtVXhbKdRgzA6HM3hJbMZsN1ELW8W0U-oOlPj6JBGO62gIBqI_/s1600/photo-140.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTBKKlQFAx0c_rOq87hgYcLs7oqpFKyPjkAcXabxrW3c4-y5dsDAweqgU32och2kRtiaF18KmyJx83qs5Yh_8GY61CcLOtVXhbKdRgzA6HM3hJbMZsN1ELW8W0U-oOlPj6JBGO62gIBqI_/s400/photo-140.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Roll into mini balls and allow to rest for a bit</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXExWFDtIeXI0R6xBBC_Veaz2EIey4-shr0VAOduqGT2kHGmEqjSFlfoJSAcBIRPBjBhgpsWBArWDCnYKBUCTKeUlVvEqHR-4HiOtygBw8cyblngjd_eFJI_KFGb9puYiMrR-4yueMAi6/s1600/photo-141.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSXExWFDtIeXI0R6xBBC_Veaz2EIey4-shr0VAOduqGT2kHGmEqjSFlfoJSAcBIRPBjBhgpsWBArWDCnYKBUCTKeUlVvEqHR-4HiOtygBw8cyblngjd_eFJI_KFGb9puYiMrR-4yueMAi6/s400/photo-141.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boil in a baking soda/water bath</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinS0pltcLxwAYFhK6lAMHNNFEFq_pM99X_8muSwgm5m0tXPQ_MHr0sFyOgyIGa0M_0SLFYRQ04TPj191ECYPM8zEaoSOl9SfSAcF7rm2AlNlKam3YNnElKO8Eblygu7u5BNWH6O_BfFgVc/s1600/photo-142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinS0pltcLxwAYFhK6lAMHNNFEFq_pM99X_8muSwgm5m0tXPQ_MHr0sFyOgyIGa0M_0SLFYRQ04TPj191ECYPM8zEaoSOl9SfSAcF7rm2AlNlKam3YNnElKO8Eblygu7u5BNWH6O_BfFgVc/s400/photo-142.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place back on pan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iUNLNz73_eOIQ1Br2aZ6P73zoRQgcHbqEb-h3uiNf2TubZf6i8n6P-Bwuy_Alu_RPDbMZehOx9m0v2nYQYTKsx5xNJtqn_WFTgChorFUDEMkgcr-ycLpLOLsZAXxAIyZsQz1E2ARQmyl/s1600/photo-143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8iUNLNz73_eOIQ1Br2aZ6P73zoRQgcHbqEb-h3uiNf2TubZf6i8n6P-Bwuy_Alu_RPDbMZehOx9m0v2nYQYTKsx5xNJtqn_WFTgChorFUDEMkgcr-ycLpLOLsZAXxAIyZsQz1E2ARQmyl/s400/photo-143.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bake them up to preferred darkness</td></tr>
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-53501041592916862722013-04-22T20:19:00.003-05:002013-04-22T20:19:36.288-05:00Puppy Chow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nQrHrzdPbkk0Rr4nDUtooJ8nivrz0wpUV3AB_hkVqvkQ0cx2WD26R2MTdYP1oZfp3g4mDIt-FuoTJdYB6m_R9qXU5k_9BKIEyANrRITTTB1nuL0WmCy0WgKFVRsNVRXkg0jqz3Aou5S6/s1600/photo-136.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9nQrHrzdPbkk0Rr4nDUtooJ8nivrz0wpUV3AB_hkVqvkQ0cx2WD26R2MTdYP1oZfp3g4mDIt-FuoTJdYB6m_R9qXU5k_9BKIEyANrRITTTB1nuL0WmCy0WgKFVRsNVRXkg0jqz3Aou5S6/s320/photo-136.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
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Waaaaay back in October or November I asked some coworkers for suggestions for snacks they would like me to make. Someone asked for puppy chow and finally, 6 months later I'm getting around to making it for her.<br />
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I know the recipe is pretty standard but I'm crediting myself with it because I didn't research one to go off. Besides, I doubt many recipes call for refrigerating the mix overnight and adding extra powdered sugar in the morning. Not to mention I put this recipe in the "healthy" category because I made it without butter or oil. Winner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxgvo4b8mkopsSQwYbYNw06fBwIuvqxDBjFyAIOAzzYiP6biH5vcS0nq0SsXZoByphiTSxMDr3iVuZ-ZZl_lmlPkUhGxpRsfGw5iPCgzQXem4lRbiViU_3SEzq798vXSG46mSK84ynzHc/s1600/photo-134.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQxgvo4b8mkopsSQwYbYNw06fBwIuvqxDBjFyAIOAzzYiP6biH5vcS0nq0SsXZoByphiTSxMDr3iVuZ-ZZl_lmlPkUhGxpRsfGw5iPCgzQXem4lRbiViU_3SEzq798vXSG46mSK84ynzHc/s400/photo-134.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My "taster" bowl</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Regardless, this stuff is dangerously addicting. You've been warned.<br />
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<b><u>Puppy Chow</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 10+</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 1/4 cup chocolate chips<br />
<br />
1/2 cup peanut butter<br />
<br />
7-8 cups Rice Chex cereal<br />
<br />
1 cup powdered sugar<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Melt chocolate chips in a medium size saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Meanwhile, measure out 7 cups of cereal into a large bowl and set aside.<br />
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Once chocolate has melted completely, remove from heat and stir in peanut butter. Using your hands to combine, pour chocolate-peanut butter mixture over cereal. You could probably use a spoon but it's more fun this way. Add more cereal if it looks like there will be a lot of leftover liquid.<br />
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Spoon 1/3 of cereal mixture into a gallon size ziplock bag and sprinkle 1/4 cup of powdered sugar over top. Seal and shake around vigorously until powdered sugar is equally distributed throughout bag. Repeat this process two more times, then place bag into the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (I left mine overnight).<br />
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In the morning remove bag from refrigerator and sprinkle remaining 1/4 cup of powdered sugar on top. Keep puppy chow sealed in the bag for up to a week or in the freezer for two months.<br />
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Enjoy :)<br />
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Pictures of the process:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HuNLawv7Hv4ERsqDO65G-R0veavkmZFx7r_34Mq99Z6iX5yYSSPy5XTntHNFOiKb3mvb1KlVGUn09kqiHESrZIYjIT5lsAvh7-xP8qsAIkku4R-zdm8LUjTSg2FwlRSXm2-UxFlQ2x_G/s1600/photo-131.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0HuNLawv7Hv4ERsqDO65G-R0veavkmZFx7r_34Mq99Z6iX5yYSSPy5XTntHNFOiKb3mvb1KlVGUn09kqiHESrZIYjIT5lsAvh7-xP8qsAIkku4R-zdm8LUjTSg2FwlRSXm2-UxFlQ2x_G/s400/photo-131.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN-R5hmRHgVZO9Pl5Dj7gbRuIJuQsK2YMwSJ9MJ6V092Lioao5XxxYjA_pTxNeZw5mMA_Q0rNN8BwGimb8eN6TnNgj5nuqcgSSsMFomYYcxm2ERPC5BRAHS7SshKg5KxmvyOl7dwfDbWY/s1600/photo-133.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGN-R5hmRHgVZO9Pl5Dj7gbRuIJuQsK2YMwSJ9MJ6V092Lioao5XxxYjA_pTxNeZw5mMA_Q0rNN8BwGimb8eN6TnNgj5nuqcgSSsMFomYYcxm2ERPC5BRAHS7SshKg5KxmvyOl7dwfDbWY/s400/photo-133.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Melted chocolate + peanut butter? Come to Mama!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhor_Zd7ZHBZb3dVHDcxeyAYxCvRIU0p6ZYTYsWTS8c2wL7HV6pnHKrexl7ZrwlvIzGFX2HRKy4kyO4diE43DHSoKp6KqiCzFG2NTTDI31XK6rvLwQeL05dm_PeFcFqDppLw9hSSdh6MY1n/s1600/photo-135.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhor_Zd7ZHBZb3dVHDcxeyAYxCvRIU0p6ZYTYsWTS8c2wL7HV6pnHKrexl7ZrwlvIzGFX2HRKy4kyO4diE43DHSoKp6KqiCzFG2NTTDI31XK6rvLwQeL05dm_PeFcFqDppLw9hSSdh6MY1n/s400/photo-135.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Powdered sugar goodness.</td></tr>
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-89678212616160721612013-04-13T23:18:00.002-05:002013-04-13T23:23:46.152-05:00Restaurant Review: Christo's (Minnetonka)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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What should you do if a friend is coming over and you burn dinner? Use it as an excuse to try out a new restaurant of course! Which is exactly what I did one evening last fall when Daren was coming over to hang and the chili I had in the slow cooker decided to stick to the bottom and ruin itself.<br />
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I usually don't suggest Greek places because Mark isn't a fan of the Tzatziki sauce (...I know!), but I was longing for some gyro meat so to <a href="http://www.christos.com/" target="_blank">Christo's</a> we went. This excited both Daren and I tremendously as we are both huge fans of Greek food.<br />
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Since I was so hungry and already knew what I was going to order, I asked for the <b>spinach & artichoke dip with flatbread </b>appetizer to give the gentlemen time to browse the menu. In all honesty, the only thing I remember about this item is the bread. Not that its a bad thing! The flatbread was made on their wood fire grill and was soft yet crispy. I'm sure the dip itself was tasty, but <i>THAT</i> bread.... all day. The closest comparison I can think to compare the flatbread with is perfect thin crust bread sticks.<br />
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With such a good appetizer experience I had high hopes for my entree, which was a <b>gyro pita pocket</b> of course! Let me just start out by saying that the pita fulfilled my craving to the fullest extend. It was filled with onions, lettuce, tomato, and tons of meat. The Tzatziki sauce came on the side and I promptly drowned my pita with as much as I could fit. It was one of those meals that's so satisfying, you just know you won't ever order anything else. Yeah, it was that good. Daren had the same opinion, just sayin'.<br />
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Mark went with the <b>Greek hash and tomato - basil soup</b>, which he thoroughly enjoyed. The hash was basically a pita pocket without the pita and some bell peppers added. He thought the meat was particularly good with his only complaint being that he missed the pita. As for the soup, he was thrilled to see it come with feta crumbles on top and pita wedges. I'm pretty sure the soup could have been absolutely disgusting and Mark wouldn't have minded because it had feta.<br />
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Overall we had a highly positive experience at Christo's, making it a place we will be back to in the future. The only negative I can think of is that the table next to us ordered Saganaki.... It's one of my favorite appetizers and I must of just missed it on the menu. My fault, not theirs. Christo's is deliciously amazing and should not be overlooked.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-71229490159005165932013-04-01T20:21:00.002-05:002013-04-13T23:23:05.097-05:00Curried Lentil Soup<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Lentils. Not that anyone could tell from this blog, but I'm slightly obsessed. I'm 90% positive I could have them everyday for the rest of my life and be satisfied. If I chose my last meal before passing it would be lentils with some sautéed cabbage. I would estimate that we go through an average of a pound of lentils per week here in the Welchmeyer household. Obviously my doing, but Mark enjoys them about as much.<br />
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Most of the time I just boil them in some broth for a quick side with dinner, hardly blog worthy. What is blog worthy, however, is this quick curry flavored lentil soup. I've made it for lunch every Wednesday for the last 2 months and will continue to make it for the foreseeable future.<br />
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On top of being ridiculously filling and embarrassingly simple, its one of those meals that leaves an awesome aftertaste in your mouth for hours. Based on my recipe for <a href="http://runningoutofapples.blogspot.com/2012/10/basic-lentil-soup.html" target="_blank">basic lentil soup</a> I posted awhile ago, this is a worthy upgrade. One that I highly suggest trying. Serve with some crusty bread or crackers for a healthy, light lunch.<br />
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<b><u>Curried Lentil Soup</u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://runningoutofapples.blogspot.com/2012/10/basic-lentil-soup.html" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
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<i>Serves 1</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 cup broth<br />
<br />
1/2 cup lentils<br />
<br />
1 carrot, finely chopped<br />
<br />
1/2 onion, chopped<br />
<br />
1 clove garlic, minced<br />
<br />
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder<br />
<br />
1/2 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon curry powder<br />
<br />
pinch of cayenne<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Stir together broth, lentils, garlic powder, salt, curry powder, and cayenne in a saucepan over medium heat.<br />
<br />
Chop carrot, onion, and garlic clove; add to lentil mixture.<br />
<br />
Bring everything to a boil and reduce heat to medium-low.<br />
<br />
Allow to cook for 20-25 minutes.<br />
<br />
Pour into large bowl and serve with crackers.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :).<br />
<br />
<b>Pic-by-Pic Description:</b><br />
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<b><br /></b>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-43542438725304983762013-03-10T18:19:00.002-05:002013-03-10T18:21:40.119-05:00Mushroom Stroganoff<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Growing up one of my favorite meals was beef stroganoff. You know, the one with the sauce made of browned beef, onions, cream of mushroom soup, milk, and sour cream served over egg noodles. My mouth waters just thinking about it. Slathering the leftover sauce over toast the next day... Fogettaboutit.<br />
<br />
I however had never made it.... for two main reasons:<br />
<br />
1. It was one of those dishes that was always made by the same person and will never ever taste the same. Ever. No matter what. Ever.<br />
<br />
2. I don't even have a can of cream of mushroom soup in my pantry.<br />
<br />
Not to mention, up until about 3 months ago I thought I loathed mushrooms so buying some at the store for cooking was out of the question. Then I took a cooking class and learned how to properly prepare mushrooms for cooking and I've been hooked ever since.<br />
<br />
After browsing through the recipes on <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/" target="_blank">Gina's</a> site and coming across one for <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/09/mushroom-stroganoff.html" target="_blank">mushroom stroganoff</a> (using real mushrooms!) I had to give it a try.<br />
<br />
Flavor-wise this dish was fabulous! Was it the stroganoff I remember from my childhood? No, but I wasn't expecting that either. It hit the spot and thats all I care about.<br />
<br />
The best part of all: the sauce tastes even better leftover on top of rice.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Mushroom Stroganoff</u></b><br />
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/09/mushroom-stroganoff.html" target="_blank">here</a></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<i>Serves 4-6</i><br />
<div>
<b><u><br /></u></b></div>
<div>
<b>Ingredients:</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
8 ounces of pasta</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
12 ounces mushrooms, sliced</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 tablespoon butter</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 small onion, chopped</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2 cloves of garlic, chopped</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
3 tablespoons flour</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 can (14.5 ounces) broth</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1 tablespoon soy sauce</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
2 tablespoons white wine<br />
<br />
1/2 tablespoons cornstarch</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
1/2 cup greek yogurt (I used 2%)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
salt & pepper to taste</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>Directions:</b></div>
<div>
<b><br /></b></div>
<div>
Heat a large skillet over medium heat with NO OIL. Once hot add sliced mushrooms and allow to sweat out until all liquid escapes (5-7 minutes). Remove mushrooms and set aside.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Fill a large pot with water and bring to a boil. Stir in pasta and cook according to package. Meanwhile, add butter to skillet and swish around to melt. Place onions in pan and cook until mostly softened, stirring every once in awhile. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute longer.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Stir in flour and whisk to incorporate. Once flour is mixed in, add broth and stir constantly for 3-5 minutes, or until it starts to get thick. Mix in mushrooms, soy sauce, wine, cornstarch, and salt & pepper. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. Cook mixture for another 5 minutes, then stir in greek yogurt.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Drain pasta and toss into mushroom sauce.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Divide among plates and sprinkle with parmesan cheese and truffle salt, if desired.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Enjoy :)</div>
<div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Step-by-step process:</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFnv4Gqc44az-blBCAePF1CAnywQzohHQptZBSurKPsJqrGlINbXCOVRKkIlazBxKhnpUEObmue9PLygd51tOhIrixBY0hcneSImSyNxjFlXZvGJT8ybfTyCLY60b5YyLTw0dLTO9O84h/s1600/photo-117.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaFnv4Gqc44az-blBCAePF1CAnywQzohHQptZBSurKPsJqrGlINbXCOVRKkIlazBxKhnpUEObmue9PLygd51tOhIrixBY0hcneSImSyNxjFlXZvGJT8ybfTyCLY60b5YyLTw0dLTO9O84h/s400/photo-117.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtzfnmlCfya_MAfE2P0OqHFWPe61WhBGMjRj3bBh4GqbzJ3mvD2TCAIvECrDqV3QamfDLOgfuwtcpJqhTPiPU6LeW4tlgJ97KG_5OOndhb4_ROzAMNlNxMSKvJbrBHFIruX18MHlfnTbK/s1600/photo-118.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGtzfnmlCfya_MAfE2P0OqHFWPe61WhBGMjRj3bBh4GqbzJ3mvD2TCAIvECrDqV3QamfDLOgfuwtcpJqhTPiPU6LeW4tlgJ97KG_5OOndhb4_ROzAMNlNxMSKvJbrBHFIruX18MHlfnTbK/s400/photo-118.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Throw them in the hot pan with NO OIL</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8mCFgSEbGNyAFHo-FRZpxA7GLVkWJ2G9nWHSYVWhr-0AUNEtGIomP9GG8eP9Iey38EnT5eTwFEpnN036tNmhL_NOb6BKnz0GcZXO-_L1e4sjQF1X8dzydDlOfp58f4BNxTYtehz4Luvq/s1600/photo-119.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD8mCFgSEbGNyAFHo-FRZpxA7GLVkWJ2G9nWHSYVWhr-0AUNEtGIomP9GG8eP9Iey38EnT5eTwFEpnN036tNmhL_NOb6BKnz0GcZXO-_L1e4sjQF1X8dzydDlOfp58f4BNxTYtehz4Luvq/s400/photo-119.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let them sweat out all their liquid</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku5bchyphenhyphenBhVMz15cqE-VeKqlmNQ4d7CfHD4viNBsT3Pg9sE2Zs0iDT0wBlYaVDP1qAHviSSeNra3r9OhyphenhyphenaMJOhExxJr0PdjYS1aOjtpTWF5VHVv4yiANefpblMv_qkXVPJJ4nlZiyd5iqx/s1600/photo-120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjku5bchyphenhyphenBhVMz15cqE-VeKqlmNQ4d7CfHD4viNBsT3Pg9sE2Zs0iDT0wBlYaVDP1qAHviSSeNra3r9OhyphenhyphenaMJOhExxJr0PdjYS1aOjtpTWF5VHVv4yiANefpblMv_qkXVPJJ4nlZiyd5iqx/s400/photo-120.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZM-h0hs_TK3C2K5oWFvxWymgyGTPuTxtynawHJH4O52kDcO3agowH3N99TlQLk8rIprkA7tuAArZ6UPVZtog_K46knjOgfBtKG-42vD3qh5852fwmLJTG9L_16-c9E5IF6OzbhOf2ucl/s1600/photo-121.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHZM-h0hs_TK3C2K5oWFvxWymgyGTPuTxtynawHJH4O52kDcO3agowH3N99TlQLk8rIprkA7tuAArZ6UPVZtog_K46knjOgfBtKG-42vD3qh5852fwmLJTG9L_16-c9E5IF6OzbhOf2ucl/s400/photo-121.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Watch the color go from dark brown to...</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4BzVULjM6pkdGcyJiNdKLtQ_S-0qDG_096MKRcCWyxwz0lm2SjB4ZqO4CqzMfEHvlKOx_i4aFGezuPRGsrdh0EwbQtpmvgdGH0XOhChymtNkEWU3lGXbGEhqXXbEiIJ931oP3kHo_tg3/s1600/photo-122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_4BzVULjM6pkdGcyJiNdKLtQ_S-0qDG_096MKRcCWyxwz0lm2SjB4ZqO4CqzMfEHvlKOx_i4aFGezuPRGsrdh0EwbQtpmvgdGH0XOhChymtNkEWU3lGXbGEhqXXbEiIJ931oP3kHo_tg3/s400/photo-122.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">...Light brown and all creamy looking!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oVUXs25nFo_lnAaJ_YCfk3-tzmOLAXpckNdfYNx0QwIDo7PQTGV0dmTvCE_rrr0wPrlxhYmCOdRodhbJMdpyMIMMJLTUpNpJTRNTuZdonwGb-i-56K3yCwa6AAhajRo05qzXqVf6TJ-s/s1600/photo-124.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3oVUXs25nFo_lnAaJ_YCfk3-tzmOLAXpckNdfYNx0QwIDo7PQTGV0dmTvCE_rrr0wPrlxhYmCOdRodhbJMdpyMIMMJLTUpNpJTRNTuZdonwGb-i-56K3yCwa6AAhajRo05qzXqVf6TJ-s/s400/photo-124.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-79651436756269128152013-03-02T11:38:00.002-06:002013-03-02T11:38:36.959-06:00Key Lime Pie Cupcakes with Graham Cracker Frosting<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Cse6UdVIsMdFffx04SUt8kDS_TmsWl6wr02Ev2ntbDkcxSAGOhjZWhu4Zy9lCmauj7SNJ9ioUQkreLqpEdlp1Ey18V2ApJ7dlPKfuQnfcENFxI5J8srTYjxWgE-dgugjnkm6gpYuxiro/s1600/photo-115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="268" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2Cse6UdVIsMdFffx04SUt8kDS_TmsWl6wr02Ev2ntbDkcxSAGOhjZWhu4Zy9lCmauj7SNJ9ioUQkreLqpEdlp1Ey18V2ApJ7dlPKfuQnfcENFxI5J8srTYjxWgE-dgugjnkm6gpYuxiro/s400/photo-115.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mini cupcakes for taste testing. Always a must!</td></tr>
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I can be a sneaky person. You see, I organized a little Q1 bake-off at work and marketed it as a way to bring all of us closer together. While that <i>was</i> part of the reason, the main thing was getting people to bring in food which I then eat.</div>
<br />
It had so-so results but remember I'm sneaky. So what did I do? Created a "finals" round of course!<br />
<br />
The finals start this week and will have three competitors, myself included. I was originally going to make homemade oatmeal cream pies, but in lieu of a coworker transferring at the end of the week I decided to go with something she would enjoy.<br />
<br />
Given key lime pie is her favorite dessert and I'm pretty awesome at making cupcakes (not that it shows on here) I created key lime pie cupcakes with graham cracker frosting. I will win based on this frosting alone.<br />
<br />
Humble, I am not..... When it comes to cupcakes or frosting.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<b><u>Key Lime Pie Cupcakes with Graham Cracker Frosting</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 12-15</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>For the cupcakes:</i></b><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.recapo.com/good-morning-america/gma-recipes/good-morning-america-sprinkles-cupcakes-key-lime-pie-cupcake-recipe/" target="_blank">here</a></span></i><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour, <i>sifted</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
1 teaspoon baking powder<br />
<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
1/2 cup milk (I used 2%)<br />
<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
<br />
2 tablespoons key lime juice + more for misting<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon lime zest<br />
<br />
1 stick butter, <i>room temperature</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
3/4 cup sugar<br />
<br />
1 egg, <i>room temperature</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
2 egg whites, <i>room temperature</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>For the graham cracker frosting:</b></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.cupcakeproject.com/2011/05/key-lime-pie-cupcakes-upside-down-key.html?m=1" target="_blank">here</a></span></i><br />
<i><b><br /></b></i>
8 oz cream cheese, <i>room temperature</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
1/4 stick butter,<i> room temperature</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
2 1/4 cup powdered sugar<br />
<br />
2 teaspoons vanilla extract<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon key lime juice<br />
<br />
1 1/3 - 1 1/2 cup finely crushed graham crackers<br />
<br />
1/2 tablespoon lime zest, <i> for garnish</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b><i>For the cupcakes:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Preheat oven to 350 degrees fahrenheit.<br />
<br />
Mix together flour, baking powder, and salt in a medium bowl and set aside. In a separate, small bowl mix together the milk, vanilla, key lime juice, and lime zest.<br />
<br />
Now, in a large mixing bowl cream butter until nice and fluffy. Add sugar and continue to mix until well combined. Next, add the egg and egg whites. Beat on high until you have a smooth batter.<br />
<br />
Add half the flour mix and carefully beat until all clumps are gone, then add the milk mixture and beat until smooth.<br />
<br />
Add the last half of the flour mix and mix well.<br />
<br />
Line a muffin pan with liners and evenly distribute batter among liners. Bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and set somewhere to cool.<br />
<br />
<b><i>For the frosting:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Place cream cheese and butter into a large mixing bowl; beat on high until light and fluffy.<br />
<br />
Add powdered sugar 1/3 cup at a time, stopping to scrape after each addition.<br />
<br />
Once powdered sugar is well incorporated, add vanilla extract and key lime juice. Beat for 1 more minute.<br />
<br />
Next, fold in the graham cracker crumbs until just incorporated.<br />
<br />
<b><i>Assembling the cupcakes:</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Carefully place frosting into a piping bag with a large tip. Swirl a good amount of frosting onto each cupcake*. Garish with remaining lime zest.<br />
<br />
Place cupcakes into a closed-top container (such as a tupperware). Either keep them on the counter for up to 3 days, refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freezer for up to 3 months.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<br />
<i>Notes:</i><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Freeze leftover frosting in an air tight container for up to 3 months.</span><br />
<span style="text-align: center;"><br /></span>
<span style="text-align: center;">Pictures of the process:</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFVFlAjLkSPIGxh2WsULe75Qq8zFn3sYPsxqR-0YJbjuplL-MnSSSNPxl0cG0fyVv9rCeWaTb97sXDx_vllVnXFw4-IvNGtIWBF0kNMetcCzDJYV2-3MGBYtC7-CdTbJ-SNVT2ic4m4Cq/s1600/photo-106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlFVFlAjLkSPIGxh2WsULe75Qq8zFn3sYPsxqR-0YJbjuplL-MnSSSNPxl0cG0fyVv9rCeWaTb97sXDx_vllVnXFw4-IvNGtIWBF0kNMetcCzDJYV2-3MGBYtC7-CdTbJ-SNVT2ic4m4Cq/s320/photo-106.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the cupcakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug0oO3rLKtDMByVqy84Yvrnd_nPQ7IPYA_go2_v8zAR-UXd0aCKmbyO6BKmcE5UWgQW4Oswwrhyh38eO0lAPBRPHR1GytfzjOgO5GJ2j-5dvaoDlWrghx11lF88y2GG2vBitW7O5K8NBn/s1600/photo-105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiug0oO3rLKtDMByVqy84Yvrnd_nPQ7IPYA_go2_v8zAR-UXd0aCKmbyO6BKmcE5UWgQW4Oswwrhyh38eO0lAPBRPHR1GytfzjOgO5GJ2j-5dvaoDlWrghx11lF88y2GG2vBitW7O5K8NBn/s400/photo-105.JPG" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">The zest</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ThJzMo6P9avYNN2RPHqxsKSiKrwQhcoGHIQqdTKjG7fb7iMwJRQlCpeTJEA-NrmxW8dnS44YYnID5LSmYe-jwiX8QhJJKU7r0UwbVrBzBCIkicmJz4wQKysHhLu0L_qZ0LK08nKgOEea/s1600/photo-107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1ThJzMo6P9avYNN2RPHqxsKSiKrwQhcoGHIQqdTKjG7fb7iMwJRQlCpeTJEA-NrmxW8dnS44YYnID5LSmYe-jwiX8QhJJKU7r0UwbVrBzBCIkicmJz4wQKysHhLu0L_qZ0LK08nKgOEea/s400/photo-107.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sift ze flour</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jTLJmw6votShxYMW9UrE4AE5N8TYo-cKi2DD6TqjgWnUv-R91R9J7BZdn9MWAq4Z3iMhyphenhyphen4EhzjEbTexKuSC8HKuHFbLcFggtlGVfcyjr7ZRCID8ZprylAbq4YpKC6Y4k8kBqfSLc-URa/s1600/photo-108.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="323" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4jTLJmw6votShxYMW9UrE4AE5N8TYo-cKi2DD6TqjgWnUv-R91R9J7BZdn9MWAq4Z3iMhyphenhyphen4EhzjEbTexKuSC8HKuHFbLcFggtlGVfcyjr7ZRCID8ZprylAbq4YpKC6Y4k8kBqfSLc-URa/s400/photo-108.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Double yolk!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVn3FQ1Yzy2hOfjwTxTSNxFmEp1Gt2Cn9M8ZPfShLF9fV_3ufRkyfiKbHUvWboLlpBuifVBw-YTJEIaGBX9To7PYKp0-Lt6RZIUHu0FELdF-oKRzyfqIA2UNmnbC7Z8wx2zPQxk5bmdPJT/s1600/photo-110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVn3FQ1Yzy2hOfjwTxTSNxFmEp1Gt2Cn9M8ZPfShLF9fV_3ufRkyfiKbHUvWboLlpBuifVBw-YTJEIaGBX9To7PYKp0-Lt6RZIUHu0FELdF-oKRzyfqIA2UNmnbC7Z8wx2zPQxk5bmdPJT/s320/photo-110.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mist tops with key lime juice</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7Rvk8oNNhXXSVe9nZRRsNz2kSKD5BEhATKd1rC3JkuqHWelMtxOgR_WbBIxRGlEXOb-87obezIW_QI8p5FpUCSGYr_5g1TkRKskbp9lqy3udIClpmyo2Xw6DLP8yvwMpxfG6d3eV9KEd/s1600/photo-111.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh7Rvk8oNNhXXSVe9nZRRsNz2kSKD5BEhATKd1rC3JkuqHWelMtxOgR_WbBIxRGlEXOb-87obezIW_QI8p5FpUCSGYr_5g1TkRKskbp9lqy3udIClpmyo2Xw6DLP8yvwMpxfG6d3eV9KEd/s400/photo-111.JPG" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Stuff for the frosting</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLIxvjhOU8DnxGsv3NZPX5_CTn8mJcQiS-rQhCQUJRa2Ei_MCuzBv1sTYWcL-Q-tovzmWJmLinBpfNkWXYcosnUQ7PIVbrg7YYx-Kozd4n6gHyNqLOgmNHmuaJKnsRY4PWLFLaHQZRcID/s1600/photo-112.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixLIxvjhOU8DnxGsv3NZPX5_CTn8mJcQiS-rQhCQUJRa2Ei_MCuzBv1sTYWcL-Q-tovzmWJmLinBpfNkWXYcosnUQ7PIVbrg7YYx-Kozd4n6gHyNqLOgmNHmuaJKnsRY4PWLFLaHQZRcID/s400/photo-112.JPG" width="342" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Make those crumbs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIcQ9UWQthLFzzRSCesrB2w6nqgcP8z5nRpKxYxRQsxtczLqXGHCFugKRMknlBDotU1hmW_OTJnPyxuebJZ8YUQGwpDhVD8q9iWmUbeee9uE3subb0OFgwKFxGVUvswJ0m0WHcwEAUkOP/s1600/photo-113.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnIcQ9UWQthLFzzRSCesrB2w6nqgcP8z5nRpKxYxRQsxtczLqXGHCFugKRMknlBDotU1hmW_OTJnPyxuebJZ8YUQGwpDhVD8q9iWmUbeee9uE3subb0OFgwKFxGVUvswJ0m0WHcwEAUkOP/s400/photo-113.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carefully fold into frosting batter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6sSqRiMAYe3fWGHmD0tNOcQMZEcjzdivVsCoXOaeZiaqgbn3AlOar39o5KZcZSQGwi_W0WQRWqRIwtQRtR4PDEH2oFvKGlQ93umihp-eP7nPJTt0FxWVYhYClFgOWFbongP8cXIoNMN9/s1600/photo-116.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="365" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV6sSqRiMAYe3fWGHmD0tNOcQMZEcjzdivVsCoXOaeZiaqgbn3AlOar39o5KZcZSQGwi_W0WQRWqRIwtQRtR4PDEH2oFvKGlQ93umihp-eP7nPJTt0FxWVYhYClFgOWFbongP8cXIoNMN9/s400/photo-116.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Let loved one eat frosting out of piping bag.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBxjfqLCct5ABuNLSCfdHPxAk3mR6SvPwf9f0HbVhfjUC-qEZZlhCBKRCcBHEdod7OKP1eEQBMknGC6F2uqZS6s9IyJY7cQwY6F0Qy2rBX04N3HGDaMMPs8wGuv5tV12ny4xGPbRWEdfS/s1600/photo-114.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtBxjfqLCct5ABuNLSCfdHPxAk3mR6SvPwf9f0HbVhfjUC-qEZZlhCBKRCcBHEdod7OKP1eEQBMknGC6F2uqZS6s9IyJY7cQwY6F0Qy2rBX04N3HGDaMMPs8wGuv5tV12ny4xGPbRWEdfS/s400/photo-114.JPG" width="367" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pipe frosting on top and devour.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-34070668500142259332013-02-23T16:44:00.001-06:002013-02-23T16:45:42.197-06:00Valentine's Day 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLYhvXSnyaW_Z-QbV-DQGWXHUKMJGDLRfy6hAEdCnnmJMmGTcFEveTa9_5ZJPWG5eDOQyA_wK23LvjS_ewdMQqtCIQgAAlHh2sbFaUSOxoUOwaLBkRWbaUCHxierPCQPfqLkpawpGGd3F/s1600/photo-98.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJLYhvXSnyaW_Z-QbV-DQGWXHUKMJGDLRfy6hAEdCnnmJMmGTcFEveTa9_5ZJPWG5eDOQyA_wK23LvjS_ewdMQqtCIQgAAlHh2sbFaUSOxoUOwaLBkRWbaUCHxierPCQPfqLkpawpGGd3F/s400/photo-98.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The day before Valentine's Day Mark comes home and says:<br />
<br />
"I've got all three meals planned for tomorrow."<br />
<br />
"All three? Why?" I ask.<br />
<br />
"For Valentine's Day." He exclaimed.<br />
<br />
This took me by surprise because up to this point we hadn't even so much as mentioned the holiday. I was/am ok not celebrating. Was I aware Valentine's Day was the next day? Yes. Was I hoping and praying for flowers, chocolates, or a card? No. His announcement made me giddy nonetheless. Anytime he goes out of his way to do something nice is always appreciated.<br />
<br />
So I asked what we were doing for breakfast and he told me we would be eating downtown. I inquired as to where we would be eating and he sent the following text:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3Wt3AbUkA5QfUlWiQOAJlZutQJc0Pm8vrcU90zfjxETjxlHw4oT9gQtxWsLhc5htzhEDRr_ovcF-sg2kQjWhTOLg89dR6WI_pJvttLE3TH9GBbmacIz8F3CYu7TQdbAAt9N81uAeOcjj/s1600/photo-1.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ3Wt3AbUkA5QfUlWiQOAJlZutQJc0Pm8vrcU90zfjxETjxlHw4oT9gQtxWsLhc5htzhEDRr_ovcF-sg2kQjWhTOLg89dR6WI_pJvttLE3TH9GBbmacIz8F3CYu7TQdbAAt9N81uAeOcjj/s400/photo-1.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
Cute, right?<br />
<br />
Valentine's Day morning I went into work early to make sure we would have time to meet up. Luckily, I correctly deciphered the text and we headed to the <a href="http://mplsclassiccookie.mysite.com/" target="_blank">Classic Cookie Company</a> for some sugary goodness. I was excited because we had talked about going since Mark first noticed the place a few months prior. In the morning they have muffins, but in the afternoon they have cookies. What's not to love?!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
When we got there we noticed that they had a special Valentine's Day treat: heart-shaped <b>caramel rolls</b>, which Mark promptly ordered. It was thick and gooey. The caramel sauce wasn't too heavy, and the walnuts on top were the perfect touch. I got a <b>cinnamon sugar muffin</b>, and woah baby was it good. For starters, the cinnamon sugar top was crispy and delicious, the middle was chewy without being gummy and the portion was well worth the $1.50 price tag. At first I thought there wasn't any way this would be a sufficient breakfast to get me through to lunch, but boy was I wrong. Nutritionally sound, no, but more importantly taste bud satisfaction was achieved.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdDIL0Ol7Za3-TygoDoJ3HInpPWUnE1exDu7Uj6UISkqCZYcEEwLjyvamTNZDPPLN9WEfkr-fSnKXEY_jRcqbBk1H0OTYEe4mys25lA0eDapaC3rmu-Jcpm0bviF6aYKyOU5upVnK0mAd/s1600/photo-96.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQdDIL0Ol7Za3-TygoDoJ3HInpPWUnE1exDu7Uj6UISkqCZYcEEwLjyvamTNZDPPLN9WEfkr-fSnKXEY_jRcqbBk1H0OTYEe4mys25lA0eDapaC3rmu-Jcpm0bviF6aYKyOU5upVnK0mAd/s400/photo-96.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark's was in a heart-shape, but he just couldn't wait to take a bite</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
After breakfast we went our separate ways to go to work. On my walk back I received the following text:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSJad2a3B0B8rIZD7j9wQUG0AjOK9XhQf1Tf003gkcLYG75ko6tL36O9gSM2QMYlmMrs7_-06usBS0JCWMoanFRbcrWz9ZDOaKaOz1khaTo1J4seNe5zvK5K3RsVNtM7NrQmjYWd1KwKt/s1600/photo-102.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvSJad2a3B0B8rIZD7j9wQUG0AjOK9XhQf1Tf003gkcLYG75ko6tL36O9gSM2QMYlmMrs7_-06usBS0JCWMoanFRbcrWz9ZDOaKaOz1khaTo1J4seNe5zvK5K3RsVNtM7NrQmjYWd1KwKt/s400/photo-102.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Right away I knew it was <a href="http://www.theoceanaire.com/Locations/Minneapolis/OurMenu.aspx" target="_blank">The Oceanaire</a>! Not only was it the closest seafood place but I had been craving their clam chowder soup for weeks! I was excited, to say the least. However Mark couldn't remember what time he had made the reservations for and told me he would text. But guess who walked into the bank a little after noon to tell me we had a 2:30 pm reservation with a cappuccino in hand?<br />
<br />
He came and met me around 2:20 pm and we walked together over to the restaurant. Me, wanting to look cute, continued to wear the 5 inch heels I had worn at work all day. This turned out to be problematic because I almost fell a couple times on the slippery, wood floor of the Oceanaire. But like any real lady, I made it through.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiJYcoV61fStDZogQ0vNdfRGoNwlHnlHyETUmWRIYVFXCehyelObF-kv74yCeCE8qr-JAqWl9N_yOV-AQ06c300j47-Y0_fNQD953Q38xD8kyiTO1Asl-B6a8In8tlk65vz0c7lay__Rr/s1600/photo-97.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAiJYcoV61fStDZogQ0vNdfRGoNwlHnlHyETUmWRIYVFXCehyelObF-kv74yCeCE8qr-JAqWl9N_yOV-AQ06c300j47-Y0_fNQD953Q38xD8kyiTO1Asl-B6a8In8tlk65vz0c7lay__Rr/s400/photo-97.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Since we were still kind of full from breakfast we didn't get any fancy extras for lunch. I went with <b>the Oceanaire soup and salad</b>. It was everything I wanted: the clam chowder soup and some veggies. The soup was exactly as I remembered it being. Thick and creamy with chucks of potato and clam. Perfection! Mark got the <b>blackened fish tacos with fries</b>. They were so good that he didn't even mind the coleslaw that came layered on the tortillas. The fries were also delicious, but very filling.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv1cEZsn8Fc-WDjoel1mvgyheq-TbEUri2gU8gLQ5AQuM58GusA5ehKsEqq8qC8mMwibdXK8Aw7-NItLDhS24TCIdt9QaQYND6xDxHEwBzwSeM10Ovh9F33KI5Rr3LDD4UWoN5vA9gk6N/s1600/photo-100.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwv1cEZsn8Fc-WDjoel1mvgyheq-TbEUri2gU8gLQ5AQuM58GusA5ehKsEqq8qC8mMwibdXK8Aw7-NItLDhS24TCIdt9QaQYND6xDxHEwBzwSeM10Ovh9F33KI5Rr3LDD4UWoN5vA9gk6N/s400/photo-100.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little salad with my dressing you ask? Don't mind if I do.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3ObSfkASc-Th7L6nQLbmWc3bBPWfRkKLrHnwAgQ74RZzEa2L6hfJjkBF8lsBpCQY66nZ3XBLNIyQAzj8fP93SC6ptqZqKICaWVPsgsTciifenaUadrKyXDjPRAWJvC2s4s-YNnEpkEm9/s1600/photo-99.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhw3ObSfkASc-Th7L6nQLbmWc3bBPWfRkKLrHnwAgQ74RZzEa2L6hfJjkBF8lsBpCQY66nZ3XBLNIyQAzj8fP93SC6ptqZqKICaWVPsgsTciifenaUadrKyXDjPRAWJvC2s4s-YNnEpkEm9/s400/photo-99.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Once lunch ended Mark gave me my final riddle. Instead of texting me, he handed me a piece of paper:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37ZlKKhYPlh4ne3u6s2E-l3OcWdSw1DTrqGeqKUU3fOQEAru7SQMjK-ocH3LJf6W3YwQsXM2MhF3raADKWcYaIhKSn9hBg6VNlMKYVvBfjl9m-BO7fcaWxEfcC4DhhQAezawYJI_3VIFe/s1600/photo-103.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="207" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh37ZlKKhYPlh4ne3u6s2E-l3OcWdSw1DTrqGeqKUU3fOQEAru7SQMjK-ocH3LJf6W3YwQsXM2MhF3raADKWcYaIhKSn9hBg6VNlMKYVvBfjl9m-BO7fcaWxEfcC4DhhQAezawYJI_3VIFe/s400/photo-103.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This one stumped me. We live next to a train museum so I was pretty sure the second part of the riddle had something to do with that, I mean what other word comes after "freight"? The first part though, that was a doozy. I showed everyone I could the clue and asked if they had any idea as to solving the riddle with no luck.<br />
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It wasn't until we had dinner that I realized my suspicions about the train museum were right all along. He made me a dinner with a mix of black beans and quinoa, the ancient GRAIN. While he cooking he forbid me from the kitchen, something I think all ladies could appreciate. Of course it was delicious. I had the leftovers the next day for lunch :).<br />
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After dinner we watched Parks & Rec and The Office before heading out to find my Valentine's Day gift. Yes, there was a gift on top of everything else! Mark was nice enough to let Chloe "lead" me to the front of the model train by sniffing out my gift. From there I looked around and climbed up to find this:<br />
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AHHHHH! So excited! It's a massage for when we are in Florida next month on vacation. I can't wait. This was beyond a perfect Valentine's Day. I felt so bad for not getting him anything or planning anything. Hopefully I will remember everything he did this year and repay him next year.<br />
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Thank you Mark for making our first Valentine's Day as a married couple memorable. Heres to many more.<br />
<br />
I love you.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-76872449252253672572013-02-17T17:01:00.000-06:002013-02-17T17:03:23.123-06:00Restaurant Review: Heidi'sHave I mentioned before how much we love going to brunch around here? The multitude of choices at reasonable prices, its like the best of both worlds. Our friends Ben and Angie also enjoy brunching so we sometimes meet up for a double date. One Sunday morning this Fall we all met at <a href="http://heidismpls.com/" target="_blank">Heidi's</a> on my "suggestion" as a place to try out (I will have to give props to Mpls - St Paul Magazine for the heads up).<br />
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Being smart we decided to go on a Sunday morning in hopes that it wasn't too crowded. Score one of us, it wasn't! After we were seated everyone (except me) ordered bottomless coffee, reminding us of college when people would drive 45 minutes to the nearest Perkin's at 11 pm at night and do the same thing. To put into perspective as to why anyone would drive that far that late for coffee: We went to college in a small town where everything closed at 8 pm. Got it? Thought so.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI35UsQswJdfilrXtE-fOKcIW0PKsJ7xAHgpM8Q5iJ4U9pPSlBKV-sbgayPEJ5x2WI777QhAC-K8kUQxbBwrCc36M3ZMYM6N6N9RKNo-gdHImM6yZvpf_3IhfRAbrnehWypiG6pYllksNT/s1600/IMG_5877.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI35UsQswJdfilrXtE-fOKcIW0PKsJ7xAHgpM8Q5iJ4U9pPSlBKV-sbgayPEJ5x2WI777QhAC-K8kUQxbBwrCc36M3ZMYM6N6N9RKNo-gdHImM6yZvpf_3IhfRAbrnehWypiG6pYllksNT/s400/IMG_5877.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Back to Heidi's, after receiving our drinks the waiter brought us out <b>Banana Muffins </b>with whipped salted butter on the house! You heard that right: On. The. House. Just because. Score two for us. They were delicious to say the least. The tops were as crisp and sweet as muffin tops get, and the middle was chewy and full of banana flavor. I'm not sure what kind of salt they use in their butter but that butter was <b>AMAZING</b>!<br />
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After finishing the muffins we actually went on to order some food. Now everything on the menu sounded fantastic, but one thing really caught my eye: lentil vinaigrette. I've been on a lentil kick for about 6 months now (still going strong) so anytime I see it on a menu I lust after it. My whole taking forever to figure out what I want thing.... Out the window when I see the word <i>lentil</i>. So to answer your question of if I really went out to brunch and ordered a salad? Yes, yes I did. What was in the salad you ask? Well, for starters it was called a <b>Frizzy Blonde Salad</b> and it was unlike any salad that I had ever had. It had heirloom greens and some vegetables with some kind of transparent, crispy leafy greens on top. The vinaigrette was definitely made from black lentils. It was thick and perfectly seasoned. The salad was small but delicious. There is no way in hell I could ever recreate it at home, which might be my favorite thing about the meal. It was a brunch-worthy salad, trust.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI2NmooLIeh7GLAxZ4bF8XFJJs-j_r8Orrcn8LvKGSFj0doYX-HvFYT3DupGAUQ31qM5qrwWi5rL5OOnSNov7POerqOB8mOe01mkHQhzzOQ4khoGpz6CyxknQt5WW0-aqwIFXy3-CXcWx/s1600/IMG_5880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiI2NmooLIeh7GLAxZ4bF8XFJJs-j_r8Orrcn8LvKGSFj0doYX-HvFYT3DupGAUQ31qM5qrwWi5rL5OOnSNov7POerqOB8mOe01mkHQhzzOQ4khoGpz6CyxknQt5WW0-aqwIFXy3-CXcWx/s400/IMG_5880.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSM5AtxEiUyr56XdkPxjsRVS4uCQYUZzTni1edGerGPtLmUWwlYa_v4oCJPRiI_ltwcjj6Gm6ZHfz88mrlqX5Mh59fc9gTEiIxjEHTPZpaJgAfd1hzjr-2y26wgOR1LVfNpWmc21lZON6/s1600/IMG_5881.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgaSM5AtxEiUyr56XdkPxjsRVS4uCQYUZzTni1edGerGPtLmUWwlYa_v4oCJPRiI_ltwcjj6Gm6ZHfz88mrlqX5Mh59fc9gTEiIxjEHTPZpaJgAfd1hzjr-2y26wgOR1LVfNpWmc21lZON6/s400/IMG_5881.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anyone know what that crispy, greenish thing is<br />
made of?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mark ordered an equally light dish: <b>Shrimp and Grits</b>. Ok, maybe not as light but just as impressive. It came in a shallow bowl with bacon-grits on the bottom, whole shrimp in the middle, and arugula on top. It was extremely rich and he loved the bacon in the grits. To say he was satisfied would be an understatement.<br />
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For dessert (of course we got dessert) we ordered the <b>Bavarian Cream Donuts</b> to share. They were puffed donuts filled with cream and rolled in cinnamon sugar. They came with a side of cardamom milk cream for dunking. If you ever go to Heidi's, order these. They are the bomb.com and you won't be disappointed.<br />
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After Mark finished licking his and the donut plate clean we bid adieu to our friends and headed for home.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXyFscfHDfq8CSn244qVGltwDXkMd3-DhrL0TNTJ68RPW7rT75_tEVfOK_UwR_DLq-FqTyY8cLtBZwY1bPENca0m4J2uLfMPf4qsqBxqyZfCUxRsLAAt3k4sOurGHybjXXFDYYWeJPfeB/s1600/IMG_5889.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfXyFscfHDfq8CSn244qVGltwDXkMd3-DhrL0TNTJ68RPW7rT75_tEVfOK_UwR_DLq-FqTyY8cLtBZwY1bPENca0m4J2uLfMPf4qsqBxqyZfCUxRsLAAt3k4sOurGHybjXXFDYYWeJPfeB/s400/IMG_5889.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Manners say what?!</td></tr>
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When we got into our car Mark said "I really liked Heidi's, it lived up to all expectations."</div>
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To which I asked, "Did you have expectations?".<br />
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"No, but I had hopes and dreams." was his response.<br />
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What does that conversation tell you about how good Heidi's is? Probably not much, but it is and you should try it out.<br />
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Here are pictures of what Ben and Angie ordered:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4UK6x1k-fR0TAiWy3MdDnGr9PgKO2wvNJmPkNR3qy52X-lUSmaHgHpu4sSYmtNCA4PzfuLY5rX81s-8g_QoC5srF9kI7QlhsfhwRwuX6vYZA5j1JzTNIlFGSmFgIYd7C1l7xISR_UWXS/s1600/IMG_5883.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf4UK6x1k-fR0TAiWy3MdDnGr9PgKO2wvNJmPkNR3qy52X-lUSmaHgHpu4sSYmtNCA4PzfuLY5rX81s-8g_QoC5srF9kI7QlhsfhwRwuX6vYZA5j1JzTNIlFGSmFgIYd7C1l7xISR_UWXS/s400/IMG_5883.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crab Bisque</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4XZeEd7VYBr05GCoH44YxV0csgBnP8C9Hlp3cZcDKc1Rn4gPgHyVREXqemJNuKyUdxZjMNBcxg3eTDXPhPWjjZ5VyW9QPGFztWu3hIKNZVd88hSd7BuYkzCHVJ1GhmW3SXXrS-HHqouU/s1600/IMG_5884.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-4XZeEd7VYBr05GCoH44YxV0csgBnP8C9Hlp3cZcDKc1Rn4gPgHyVREXqemJNuKyUdxZjMNBcxg3eTDXPhPWjjZ5VyW9QPGFztWu3hIKNZVd88hSd7BuYkzCHVJ1GhmW3SXXrS-HHqouU/s400/IMG_5884.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fried Chicken & Honey Biscuits</td></tr>
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-15250411883256644242013-02-12T20:48:00.001-06:002013-02-12T20:48:15.180-06:00Garlic Shrimp Pasta<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjv51oGNx0ZeJYOv_RVH0dBJLxXA_1Qd9myWjFHgXIK3bhHcs3MXj8xFRqVCP_9VMz2Fh8oWH42wTGxz3wk3E5-elQdnSg8P5Js1ekgT7EVu-kujopfZDf-QsZ212O6QGtyN3nMdCftZnJ/s1600/photo-94.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjv51oGNx0ZeJYOv_RVH0dBJLxXA_1Qd9myWjFHgXIK3bhHcs3MXj8xFRqVCP_9VMz2Fh8oWH42wTGxz3wk3E5-elQdnSg8P5Js1ekgT7EVu-kujopfZDf-QsZ212O6QGtyN3nMdCftZnJ/s400/photo-94.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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This is the kind of dinner you're thankful for turning out. This is the kind of dinner that you pull out of your ass because its 7 o'clock and all you have in front of you is thawed shrimp. This is the kind of dinner that makes you want to blog it for the next time your ill prepared.<br />
<br />
I know this isn't anything new or inspired, but its just what we needed after a long day. Not to mention, it was the perfect dish to break in our new 12 inch All-Clad skillet!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcfVFUxk4761AOACt49LvDVAbxgOzh4eVYEmF4pZZMY0z-RV7OjLgeEHqELAGgKrfnH7qPcKekaLxTSXpFS8iZIj61gzY8Vs4_QpmFk-5FKVChMugl1DYa08SrxvD14O3uWj2icOdZz88/s1600/photo-89.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTcfVFUxk4761AOACt49LvDVAbxgOzh4eVYEmF4pZZMY0z-RV7OjLgeEHqELAGgKrfnH7qPcKekaLxTSXpFS8iZIj61gzY8Vs4_QpmFk-5FKVChMugl1DYa08SrxvD14O3uWj2icOdZz88/s400/photo-89.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she a beauty?</td></tr>
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Retail price: $180.<br />
<br />
Store price: $99.<br />
<br />
Final price after using $50 gift card: $57.<br />
<br />
Who's winning at life now Charlie?<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoi6Wo5QdlMjppZSEDjfsDFRewg7MSOSb3U2DenJzYB1eKO4AFAdN7Mapwq5oqIr9sEV0QNLkk_PKemlCryCIQtFVYtFaTvpm848MktI9T04blkvT48eqnFCuJZFu5sLLxwvgDUO06XlY/s1600/photo-95.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="215" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwoi6Wo5QdlMjppZSEDjfsDFRewg7MSOSb3U2DenJzYB1eKO4AFAdN7Mapwq5oqIr9sEV0QNLkk_PKemlCryCIQtFVYtFaTvpm848MktI9T04blkvT48eqnFCuJZFu5sLLxwvgDUO06XlY/s400/photo-95.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I'm done now.</td></tr>
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<a name='more'></a><b><u>Garlic Shrimp Pasta</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 2</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
4.5 oz uncooked pasta<br />
<br />
1/2 lb raw shrimp, peeled and tails off<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon olive oil<br />
<br />
3-4 cloves garlic, minced<br />
<br />
1/2 small onion, chopped<br />
<br />
1/4 cup chicken stock<br />
<br />
1/4 teaspoon Old Bay seasoning<br />
<br />
salt and pepper to taste<br />
<br />
parsley for garnish<br />
<br />
shaved pecorino for garnish<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Prepare pasta according to directions on box. Meanwhile, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once heated, add onion and cook until softened (about 5 minutes) then add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds to 1 minute.<br />
<br />
Slowly and carefully pour chicken stock into skillet, stirring all the while. Add shrimp, Old Bay, and salt & pepper and stir to combine.<br />
<br />
Cover and reduce heat to low. Allow to cook for 3-4 minutes, flip shrimp, and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.<br />
<br />
Strain pasta and add to skillet. Stir everything well, then add a bit more salt and pepper.<br />
<br />
Divide between two bowls, top with parsley flakes and cheese, and serve.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBTx6B0I4ijsvj5XLbkmqZDJOUo7nfBJTuwHwIsYQ4-rY4_AFiUXyaIPK2gJyETMI8OqGkBBmvEoCjsFlRCgp4Mp_Ma55pi9aJ-PdEsG6XySkI4Fg8IyzyPyAadZUIDwjipGS_3yGUX6X/s1600/photo-90.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBTx6B0I4ijsvj5XLbkmqZDJOUo7nfBJTuwHwIsYQ4-rY4_AFiUXyaIPK2gJyETMI8OqGkBBmvEoCjsFlRCgp4Mp_Ma55pi9aJ-PdEsG6XySkI4Fg8IyzyPyAadZUIDwjipGS_3yGUX6X/s400/photo-90.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Tde7-HWtXvPIVohMs1WX0WbehkNGLOAw504YBhyzk9QF89pHI7UnLyMCLHWzfmDH4i7-Gd2cJqteFMmggSY2qQJ5PugxpsTRxP43iBIqBNmYC1q-AbEnnLDiQlT1SWg3Mqz9W0Az1U3P/s1600/photo-91.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5Tde7-HWtXvPIVohMs1WX0WbehkNGLOAw504YBhyzk9QF89pHI7UnLyMCLHWzfmDH4i7-Gd2cJqteFMmggSY2qQJ5PugxpsTRxP43iBIqBNmYC1q-AbEnnLDiQlT1SWg3Mqz9W0Az1U3P/s400/photo-91.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Raw shrimp</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7lNdR1FW1Bd3_Xinj_VdgfJ66HrPAluuJw1QOb-Ql7XvQk6EOoBKBzbE0oKYmhX7-6Ob4NESinFys-ayVUGC08wspfMD_lbE82XQKiXKKp2ka52EZEV_Hh3t5zqNsOSa5hTG1F0HdgZ1/s1600/photo-92.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl7lNdR1FW1Bd3_Xinj_VdgfJ66HrPAluuJw1QOb-Ql7XvQk6EOoBKBzbE0oKYmhX7-6Ob4NESinFys-ayVUGC08wspfMD_lbE82XQKiXKKp2ka52EZEV_Hh3t5zqNsOSa5hTG1F0HdgZ1/s400/photo-92.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cooked shrimp</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafrW41TwNrTYCrMAR0ibKgTSUT_jQyXw4Z8JIYCyvA0Tr9pOtn1esJpkm5Y_lbx_aUbNE0rMFkeXwYSGdCDKbBtisWYlmI-5AwBxOuwZisWvxC1APmmzwSa_XvBaMQ2MEsIpd7DB4nQVV/s1600/photo-93.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgafrW41TwNrTYCrMAR0ibKgTSUT_jQyXw4Z8JIYCyvA0Tr9pOtn1esJpkm5Y_lbx_aUbNE0rMFkeXwYSGdCDKbBtisWYlmI-5AwBxOuwZisWvxC1APmmzwSa_XvBaMQ2MEsIpd7DB4nQVV/s400/photo-93.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I forgot to add spinach so I used spinach pasta. Counts, right?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-47886738428957640392013-02-03T21:50:00.001-06:002013-02-17T17:04:18.663-06:00Chocolate - Peanut Butter Oatmeal (Stovetop Version)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgGk8EYQ2bz70Fw1_dPDlfluNxm8TwcUp1m4560Nvv1kG_TrSvt5d_9SRR4_1PkZMZwwLeAlmfzDebjD7LkgJlUSlwd5O04rjWiroObNwFkM3Q333g08abooGOmd8BHaCQ9Omcuabfmp2/s1600/photo-88.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzgGk8EYQ2bz70Fw1_dPDlfluNxm8TwcUp1m4560Nvv1kG_TrSvt5d_9SRR4_1PkZMZwwLeAlmfzDebjD7LkgJlUSlwd5O04rjWiroObNwFkM3Q333g08abooGOmd8BHaCQ9Omcuabfmp2/s400/photo-88.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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Want a breakfast that tastes a whole lot like a no-bake cookie? I'm talking the ones that pop up around Christmas time and consist of oats, cocoa powder, butter, peanut butter, and sugar. Those have always been one of my favorites. So imagine my delight when I unexpectedly bit into its breakfast-y doppelgänger after making up measurements of ingredients in my head hoping for something edible. </div>
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I like to think this version is a bit healthier, as it contains just a smidgen of oil (its optional at that) and not too much sugar. I was in a hurry, so I used pb2 (powdered peanut butter) instead of regular peanut butter. You can certainly use regular peanut butter, it will probably just be a little harder to incorporate. Dollops of peanut butter floating around a bowl of hot oats? Nothin' wrong with that!</div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just as a side note: the longer you let it sit, the thicker it gets but its delicious either way.</div>
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Chocolate - Peanut Butter Oatmeal (Stovetop Version)</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 1</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 cup milk of choice (I used Almond Breeze: Almond Coconut. Has anyone else tried it? Addicted, I am!)<br />
<br />
Pinch of salt<br />
<br />
1/2 cup oats<br />
<br />
2 tablespoons pb2*<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon cocoa powder<br />
<br />
1 teaspoon coconut oil, <i>optional</i><br />
<br />
2 tablespoons maple syrup<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Combine milk and salt in a saucepan and heat over medium heat. Once it starts boiling add oats, pb2, cocoa powder, and coconut oil; stir to combine.<br />
<br />
Cook for 3-5 minutes, or until desired consistency. Remove from heat and stir in maple syrup.<br />
<br />
Pour into a bowl and serve.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<br />
If you want a more peanut butter-y oat breakfast, check <a href="http://runningoutofapples.blogspot.com/2012/08/double-dark-chocolate-peanut-butter.html" target="_blank">this</a> recipe out!<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<i>*Notes:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>Like I said above, you can definitely use regular peanut butter, it will just require more stirring to mix into oats thoroughly.<br />
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyAlbjcjGI4MsmFCWqJZtgBUIeXua-xpLWExAKnUksfxw52kLjyGyQ8Au0wuTy_cz211JaX03sg1MEWhBnVoH-nbynpUl6BNePr5s7a7hZNsWuj_xzFi_RaTHeYhbtK6l6dYbTp3Z4aVk/s1600/photo-84.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyyAlbjcjGI4MsmFCWqJZtgBUIeXua-xpLWExAKnUksfxw52kLjyGyQ8Au0wuTy_cz211JaX03sg1MEWhBnVoH-nbynpUl6BNePr5s7a7hZNsWuj_xzFi_RaTHeYhbtK6l6dYbTp3Z4aVk/s400/photo-84.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6mzXCCEfMrv75k9aTqSD8uAUtsFeGTuUKG__ip6qAfEW2f8qHXqcriCOdyQE0CCglUKWvCAT-bj_pE3mQgu7oVmHwFhOn0X-YJ5lWAHidc8-R3sQqT53ucT8B29tQqP4wSP9JeNM-5l9/s1600/photo-85.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhH6mzXCCEfMrv75k9aTqSD8uAUtsFeGTuUKG__ip6qAfEW2f8qHXqcriCOdyQE0CCglUKWvCAT-bj_pE3mQgu7oVmHwFhOn0X-YJ5lWAHidc8-R3sQqT53ucT8B29tQqP4wSP9JeNM-5l9/s400/photo-85.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<br />Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-26442147917872750762013-01-30T09:17:00.002-06:002013-02-17T17:04:50.423-06:00Gingerbread Oatmeal<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Just when I thought nothing would ever top my <a href="http://runningoutofapples.blogspot.com/2012/08/double-dark-chocolate-peanut-butter.html" target="_blank">double dark chocolate-peanut butter oatmeal</a>...<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I was looking for something "Christmas-y" but healthy to make for breakfast Christmas morning. Something sweet, but with a different flavor profile from all the holiday cookies I had been baking, when it occurred to me that I had yet to bake anything gingerbread related. Immediately I googled "gingerbread breakfast" and got a hit for gingerbread pancakes. While those sounded <a href="http://www.loveandflour.com/entrees/gingerbread-breakfast" target="_blank">amazing</a>, they also sounded more time consuming than desired after a run. Quickly remembering that oatmeal is one of my favorite foods <i>ever</i> I googled "gingerbread oatmeal" hoping for a recipe to at least get me started, seasonings wise. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And oh boy, did I ever hit the jack pot! I only deviated slightly from the recipe I found online but don't want to be one of <i>those</i> people who review recipes but I didn't prepare the oatmeal as specifically stated. Regardless, my version turned out absolutely divine and I have no doubt the original is just as tasty.</div>
<div>
<br />
Sound the alarm. We have a new favorite oatmeal recipe here folks.</div>
<div>
<br />
<b><u>Gingerbread Oatmeal</u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://veganyackattack.com/2012/01/17/gingerbread-oatmeal/" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 2-4</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
2 1/4 cups milk of choice<br />
<br />
1 1/2 cups thick cut oats<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon coconut oil<br />
<br />
5-6 tablespoons maple syrup<br />
<br />
2 teaspoons black strap molasses<br />
<br />
1 teaspoon ground ginger<br />
<br />
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon<br />
<br />
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves<br />
<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Bring milk and salt to a boil in a saucepan over medium heat. Once boiling add everything else, stirring to combine well.<br />
<br />
Bring back to a boil then reduce heat to low.<br />
<br />
Cook until desired thickness, stirring often. This will take about 3-5 minutes.<br />
<br />
Remove from heat, divide between bowls, and serve.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-52267792046809023002013-01-24T16:01:00.003-06:002013-01-24T16:03:58.617-06:00Chocolate Milk For One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m7msyC6zvu_lxQ4Tw8V8FRM-qKtJehHGBfajLphmHZmG41yBGk4jqqKhLOs0LNBgRAfKzOgi1q9gVA4w3k7MO2L-of8bolrStZcN_5GGs-R2Ha9c2A01TXMHCMFm-tlpN29QlXq5aPa6/s1600/photo-79.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_m7msyC6zvu_lxQ4Tw8V8FRM-qKtJehHGBfajLphmHZmG41yBGk4jqqKhLOs0LNBgRAfKzOgi1q9gVA4w3k7MO2L-of8bolrStZcN_5GGs-R2Ha9c2A01TXMHCMFm-tlpN29QlXq5aPa6/s320/photo-79.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
This here is just a quick little recipe that I adapted from a recipe I saw on <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/08/homemade-nesquik.html" target="_blank">pinterest</a> a couple weeks ago for homemade Nesquik. I thought it would be a fun project because we love chocolate milk around here, but hate that most brands are made with HFCS. I know there are brands out there that are made with sugar, but this recipe is easy enough to make at home and allows you to adjust the final result according to taste.<br />
<br />
My first attempt of this recipe came after a trip to the grocery store in which we purchased some chocolate milk. Naturally we wanted to drink it right away, but I just couldn't get over the first ingredient being HFCS so I quickly threw this together without checking the OG recipe. All I remembered what that there was twice as much sugar as cocoa powder. I took a sip and thought it was pretty good so I handed it off to Mark.<br />
<br />
"You're about to ruin chocolate milk for me aren't you?" he said before taking a sip.<br />
<br />
He thought it was pretty darn good (and yes, better than the store bought), but needed more cocoa powder. So for the glass I made for myself I doubled the cocoa powder and cut back on the sugar. After tasting the second attempt, we both agreed that it was delicious.<br />
<br />
Mark likes his exclusively with cows milk, but I think its amazing with Almond Breeze coconut-almond milk. With either milk this mixture creates an extremely rich, chocolately drink which can and should be enjoyed hot or cold.<br />
<br />
I just love the color of the drink. It reminds me of the hot chocolate machine on The Santa Clause (my favorite Christmas movie) and how creamy it came out.<br />
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This one is definitely a keeper.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Chocolate Milk For One</u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.onegoodthingbyjillee.com/2012/08/homemade-nesquik.html" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 1</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 cup milk of choice<br />
<br />
1 tablespoon cocoa powder<br />
<br />
1-2 tablespoons sugar<br />
<br />
pinch of salt, <i>optional</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Mix together cocoa powder, sugar, and salt in a small container and set aside. Warm 1/4 cup of milk in the bottom of a mug in the microwave for about 15 seconds.<br />
<br />
Pour cocoa powder mixture into warmed milk and stir until powder has dissolved.<br />
<br />
Pour remaining 3/4 cup of milk into mug and mix well.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-41678381760804331072013-01-16T18:28:00.002-06:002013-01-16T18:28:57.770-06:00Greek Yogurt Pancakes<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhumWkp5gYN-cba9xgSWiJ6_mGqIjootL6WapJCSSiOjqwlQK2f-FrWM-QaishXWPobtqFWzHrIfI1CIFInlLWttuDdypF_l0RUdOQtjTLiFw8nc1g8Qqgucz3WmU0AXvZJ6K7wxhdFkB/s1600/photo-77.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwhumWkp5gYN-cba9xgSWiJ6_mGqIjootL6WapJCSSiOjqwlQK2f-FrWM-QaishXWPobtqFWzHrIfI1CIFInlLWttuDdypF_l0RUdOQtjTLiFw8nc1g8Qqgucz3WmU0AXvZJ6K7wxhdFkB/s400/photo-77.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
I wanted to call this blog post something way longer albeit much more accurate (Chocolately Protein Packed Greek Yogurt Pancakes), but settled with "Greek Yogurt Pancakes" to save everyone some brain power. You're welcome. Just know that the title doesn't emphasize the facts that this recipe is choco-rific and much more nutritious than normal pancakes.<br />
<br />
I was originally given this recipe from my sister-in-law, Elisa, a couple months ago by her handing me a recipe card and saying "let me know what you think" leaving me with no indication of how these would turn out. Being the curious creature that I am, these were made for dinner the next day. Here is a screenshot of the conversation Elisa and I had afterwards:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXGddRYm_wa_m44OcTIc1DLAZI3erQtSLqwz9r7aFzwFfLyuidAfG6vG3qPJJYQJL1jx0sSzopqQLAJi4ADg2A1mty9kCTHruri9pucasI5AhBwGzXiOWJieqUD9EcQH0O2R6DAxG8xIw/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBXGddRYm_wa_m44OcTIc1DLAZI3erQtSLqwz9r7aFzwFfLyuidAfG6vG3qPJJYQJL1jx0sSzopqQLAJi4ADg2A1mty9kCTHruri9pucasI5AhBwGzXiOWJieqUD9EcQH0O2R6DAxG8xIw/s400/photo.PNG" width="225" /></a></div>
<br />
To summarize: These are pancakes, made with greek yogurt, and actually taste close to the real deal. These are pancakes with a pretty decent amount of protein, meaning I won't be hungry an hour and a half later, very little flour, and no sugar. Sign me up.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to this past Saturday when we were looking for an excuse to open our container of Wallaby Greek Yogurt (our favorite), the pancakes popped into my head and Mark was more than willing to oblige. While I was mixing the ingredients I remembered that I had an unopened container of Hershey's Special Dark Cocoa and decided to experiment. Can you really go wrong with adding chocolate to pancakes? I think not.<br />
<br />
Turns out I thought right. The biggest difference I could tell between actual pancakes and these was that these were a bit harder to cut through. Rubbery might be the right word, but it seems so off-putting. Either way, these were enjoyed and will be made again.<br />
<br />
We topped ours with the usual butter and syrup but feel free to do whatever you want. I have a feeling peanut butter would be a really good topping.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<br />
<b><u>Greek Yogurt Pancakes</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 1-2 depending on now hungry people are</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
8 ounces of greek yogurt*<br />
<br />
1 egg or egg white<br />
<br />
1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
<br />
1/2 cup flour (I used whole wheat)<br />
<br />
1/2 teaspoon vanilla or almond extract, <i>optional</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
2 tablespoons cocoa powder, <i>optional</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Spray a large skillet and heat over medium heat.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, whisk together yogurt, egg, and extract (if using) in a medium bowl until well combined.<br />
<br />
Add all other ingredients and mix well.<br />
<br />
Pour 1/4 cup scoops of batter onto skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes.<br />
<br />
Remove from skillet and keep warm. Continue this until all batter is gone.<br />
<br />
Serve and top with whatever.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<br />
<i>*Notes:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>We used plain 2% Greek Yogurt for these, but feel free to use flavored or fat free.</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYEYm0TpupqveKz679Fs5j9I83O1r4bA3H_IB4QUgbdDWYFQVZGQY8s5SntOQ0PvdYu6w2Hm24aK2wJAnx4rykfFuv5W01XuxVkW47NywsH0lDnGVF22byV_mPNwFpQrmIUztBw2cD0qA/s1600/photo-74.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUYEYm0TpupqveKz679Fs5j9I83O1r4bA3H_IB4QUgbdDWYFQVZGQY8s5SntOQ0PvdYu6w2Hm24aK2wJAnx4rykfFuv5W01XuxVkW47NywsH0lDnGVF22byV_mPNwFpQrmIUztBw2cD0qA/s400/photo-74.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All you need</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcfYC1TB1XG_DGIAkSWQTGNCj1RQFzx7HSti-BQ32IiUqQj6bQ15qak0m73OQVBhMRL-nHEaE00cxWIdJk0EppZT5mc14S4isV0msVRPojF7oM5C6fVzHsXik_R9T2Ku3R8Y07iTDmrYs/s1600/photo-75.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEcfYC1TB1XG_DGIAkSWQTGNCj1RQFzx7HSti-BQ32IiUqQj6bQ15qak0m73OQVBhMRL-nHEaE00cxWIdJk0EppZT5mc14S4isV0msVRPojF7oM5C6fVzHsXik_R9T2Ku3R8Y07iTDmrYs/s400/photo-75.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kind of looks like brownie batter</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ7BdrV56hVkhRgavMU67bmIepDzsYdOghxkumrjWKgL7t6PaCR7qP5L4UPTL_B2RCy6JGfR9h8e4CaDM3yT8V55geIRo0f0DTGpRyZy2p4GbjDekEclaWCuakA57FX_K85Ihxao64wPD/s1600/photo-76.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQ7BdrV56hVkhRgavMU67bmIepDzsYdOghxkumrjWKgL7t6PaCR7qP5L4UPTL_B2RCy6JGfR9h8e4CaDM3yT8V55geIRo0f0DTGpRyZy2p4GbjDekEclaWCuakA57FX_K85Ihxao64wPD/s400/photo-76.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Doesn't it look like an actual pancake?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-22908320845791054802013-01-10T21:29:00.002-06:002013-01-12T22:07:45.202-06:00Oatmeal Two Ways: One Savory, One Sweet (Travel Friendly)<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<br />
This past weekend Mark and I had the pleasure of
having a little getaway. While we had looked forward to this getaway, I was a little
worried about finding something filling and nutritious with the continental
breakfast provided at the hotel. Sure, we could have gone out for breakfast,
but it made financial sense to take advantage of the meal provided.
Besides, having one healthy meal a day negates all the other unhealthy (but
delectable) food I ate for the rest of the trip, right? Challenge: Accepted.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Anywho, getting back to my quest of finding a
hidden gem in the enriched white flour, HFCS laden breakfast options
available....<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The first morning we awoke 30 minutes before
breakfast ended so we hurried down to find a very limited quantity of items
left. Mark chose a bowl of Fruit Loops and a waffle, which I nibbled on as
well (oh, nostalgia). As for me, I immediately noticed the fruit bowl filled
with oranges and apples. Given I eat approximately 1,468 apples a week, I
switched it up and went with an orange. But the important part of this fruit
bowl story is that it gave me notice to my saving breakfast grace for the next
three days: instant oatmeal.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Now normally, I am strictly a thick cut oats kind
of girl but sometimes compromises are needed. I grabbed two of the original
flavored packets and simultaneously had a stroke of genius. Remembering
that I just so happened to pack a couple gingerbread flavored tea bags
(obsession of the moment) and some stevia packets I raced up to my room and grabbed
a tea bag and a stevia packet. The stevia packet isn't necessary since they
usually have sugar packets readily available.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
This trifeca of ingredients created the sweet
version of the two oatmeal recipes I am excited to share with you today.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Hotel Breakfast Style Gingerbread Oatmeal</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Serves 1</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ingredients:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 packets of unflavored instant oatmeal<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 1/4 cups hot water<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 gingerbread flavored tea bag<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1/2-1 packet sweetener of choice<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Directions:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Steep tea bag in hot water for 5-10 minutes (peel
and eat orange during this time).<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remove tea bag and add packets of oatmeal. Stir to
dampen oats and place in microwave for 1-1:30 minutes.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remove from microwave and stir in sweetener packet.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enjoy :)<br />
<a name='more'></a><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
As for the savory oatmeal, I will warn you that
most will find this extremely odd and immediately turn their nose up. But bare
with me, its good, I promise.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The inspiration for this oatmeal came about after a trip to the store
and the purchase of some vegetable juice (that counts as veggies, right?).
While enjoying a delicious glass of chilled vegetable juice before bed and
thinking about how awesome it would be warmed up my <a href="http://runningoutofapples.blogspot.com/2012/10/super-quick-chunky-tomato-soup.html" target="_blank">quick tomato soup</a> recipe
popped into my head! Soon after, as I drifted off into dream land a brilliant
idea popped into my head. What if I cooked some oatmeal and added some warmed
up vegetable juice? <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Not knowing how it would turn out, but not exactly scared to try, I made
some for breakfast the next morning. The verdict? I loved it. It reminded me of
a tomato barley soup and I couldn’t get enough, so much so that it was my
breakfast for the rest of the trip and I will probably work on a thick cut oats
version upon returning home.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
I told you this recipe was out there, but I dare you to give it a shot.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u>Vegetable
Juice Oatmeal</u></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i>Serves 1</i><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Ingredients:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
2 packets of unflavored instant oatmeal<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
1 cup of water<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
8 oz. of vegetable juice<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b>Directions:</b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Combine water and oatmeal in a microwave safe bowl and microwave on high
for 1-2 minutes. Watch carefully, so it doesn’t overflow.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remove oats from microwave and set aside. Pour vegetable juice into a
microwaveable safe cup and microwave on high for 45 seconds – 1 minute.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Remove juice from microwave and pour into oats. Mix well to combine.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Enjoy :)<o:p></o:p><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvtY1jxDbxBMGQsWbzmW2EWlLsw-QhcEbAbTsE6W1n7eN6OW8jdvhyphenhyphenvsncw48PnI-Z8QC6TY5ZOHb9xPkC5Va7biZMi-TBBgwM9uoAmx776ZCsRX2txSbYDIXZPs-vXTEBPuo95eKc84D/s1600/photo-71.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJvtY1jxDbxBMGQsWbzmW2EWlLsw-QhcEbAbTsE6W1n7eN6OW8jdvhyphenhyphenvsncw48PnI-Z8QC6TY5ZOHb9xPkC5Va7biZMi-TBBgwM9uoAmx776ZCsRX2txSbYDIXZPs-vXTEBPuo95eKc84D/s400/photo-71.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYZ1J8_4xiwcMs4z-bkbHVBobgjpLQE_ooIlWcfPbY02ieFtffJKVYSpS4vxU13Ox1Xdhj7m4H4GzFx7hs4C_3F7YXjvTnV72yv_58Eu3utzl33Sp6keTGjNT2Zykjvuvlh018MSJiUrP/s1600/photo-73.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqYZ1J8_4xiwcMs4z-bkbHVBobgjpLQE_ooIlWcfPbY02ieFtffJKVYSpS4vxU13Ox1Xdhj7m4H4GzFx7hs4C_3F7YXjvTnV72yv_58Eu3utzl33Sp6keTGjNT2Zykjvuvlh018MSJiUrP/s400/photo-73.JPG" width="348" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It might have taken some creativity, but I found two breakfasts that
satisfied both my stomach and my taste buds. Challenge: Accomplished.</div>
<!--EndFragment-->Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-25720314119763468422012-12-30T16:38:00.001-06:002012-12-30T16:38:23.833-06:00Restaurant Review: Eat Street Social<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe9Zp7-SmzHiGJ8H6VSuC9cauLYoNRY-kzD9T-UjDBmn1JM-E3Vs095ebF3rpNromibQVwmZGvKoIe1CmYBZPCa_3-croO70CN4iT75HpMgAF9dc0G4EmEgCZ44LZ85UqGjIi-rrHv1By/s1600/IMG_1891.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKe9Zp7-SmzHiGJ8H6VSuC9cauLYoNRY-kzD9T-UjDBmn1JM-E3Vs095ebF3rpNromibQVwmZGvKoIe1CmYBZPCa_3-croO70CN4iT75HpMgAF9dc0G4EmEgCZ44LZ85UqGjIi-rrHv1By/s400/IMG_1891.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">09.29.12</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So at the end of September Mark and I did something nobody (including ourselves) ever thought we'd do: got married. And we did it exactly the way we wanted, without telling anyone and with no ceremony. It took $1000 and a month to plan. The only catch was that we needed two witnesses, so we invited Daren, Jeff, Ben, and Angie for a day of marriage license signing and food.<br />
<br />
The food, thats the important part. We thought it would be a nice "thank you" to take everyone out to lunch after the wedding. After much research and a livingsocial purchase, reservations were made at <a href="http://www.eatstreetsocial.com/" target="_blank">Eat Street Social</a> in Uptown. This was a place I had had my eye on for a couple months after reading about their <a href="http://mspmag.com/Eat-And-Drink/Articles/Restaurant-Reviews/Eat-Street-Social/" target="_blank">soda fountain drinks</a> in an mspmag article. I thought it would be perfect since we had the whole spectrum of eaters joining us and their <a href="http://www.eatstreetsocial.com/brunch/" target="_blank">brunch</a> menu seemed to fit the bill.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnqoedwWcsN3A36XcA8qhi2BlwMsysO7Q_Ccd0Kk_IT8852KvnH5CXfvSzpRnou9fUroSyt3F135uX9UOFIIZD_uRjwujLrKU_HITeOqfS3chxbPC8FAeSDkS7RFvLc1utcC18iPZCjRH/s1600/IMG_1892.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhnqoedwWcsN3A36XcA8qhi2BlwMsysO7Q_Ccd0Kk_IT8852KvnH5CXfvSzpRnou9fUroSyt3F135uX9UOFIIZD_uRjwujLrKU_HITeOqfS3chxbPC8FAeSDkS7RFvLc1utcC18iPZCjRH/s400/IMG_1892.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv-KUl2Tj1bJTbZLa3umFfOm5eZQTzRFYjstWkQTD3Z2LJQnBbr0psH4QsRZUxlGX2urTrrS4Ct8mhQoswrYxnP9XglNDI7ridofrqdTT17pcQeAMKWX_Bt8voopcspXYuNvXJlrQZ_H0/s1600/IMG_1909.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilv-KUl2Tj1bJTbZLa3umFfOm5eZQTzRFYjstWkQTD3Z2LJQnBbr0psH4QsRZUxlGX2urTrrS4Ct8mhQoswrYxnP9XglNDI7ridofrqdTT17pcQeAMKWX_Bt8voopcspXYuNvXJlrQZ_H0/s400/IMG_1909.JPG" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
After our early morning of driving to Rosemount and back we stopped into Eat Street Social for some grub. We were seated at a huge booth that comfortably fit all 6 of us and in plain sight of the bar, which I enjoyed.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Before any food could be ordered I needed to try out a soda fountain concoction. I went with the <b>Bronx egg cream</b> because it was the one I was most curious about (the fact that it was a chocolate drink and topped with a pretzel had nothing to do with that). Made with dutch chocolate syrup, whole milk, and seltzer water the egg cream was nice and thick. It was chocolately and decedent with a large pretzel stick to dip. We loved it. Both Ben and Jeff ended up ordering the <b>orange dream</b>, which we thought tasted just like a dreamcicle. I was very impressed with both drinks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFkXjmjHqVyDVE36OgxChvgq37LE-whpWYSgBhN4AaU_Yb2hxmsRvnFvQpqFHs63dgMvvxaS53k3wE9tEzU2x-X_Zc1WHht72uhgiqDlo7S1u4RaGGyUOYFWArV6NLOr6QVzWRq1GJHOq/s1600/IMG_5804.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTFkXjmjHqVyDVE36OgxChvgq37LE-whpWYSgBhN4AaU_Yb2hxmsRvnFvQpqFHs63dgMvvxaS53k3wE9tEzU2x-X_Zc1WHht72uhgiqDlo7S1u4RaGGyUOYFWArV6NLOr6QVzWRq1GJHOq/s400/IMG_5804.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
As for our food Mark went the breakfast route (thats what we love about brunch, you can go either way) and ordered <b>eggs benedict with cheesy grits and breakfast potatoes</b>. He was happy with the Hollandaise sauce, as it was less sour than others he had in the past but noted that the bread was softer than desired. I agreed because with a heavy sauce like Hollandaise you need a sturdy bread otherwise it ends up mushy. The eggs, however, were perfect. Mark loved the cheesy-ness of the grits and was happy to see them on the menu after craving them for awhile. The potatoes were also a hit as they were baby reds (his favorite) and fried just until soft. Even with the minor bread snafu its safe to say that he really enjoyed his meal as he didn't leave a crumb behind.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3ArnqrbB4PLTCL2P3xwlpiDT5F2qudA2kruJvN5nbZOf4XtuhaHjuAMzqvJuOzFs4fMerGghMFEGt9L_acNW6f5Y0zv373dYj0vgFyO2wjAjw9n6fuL3zhGmv80cA6bZvaGKakyfW32S/s1600/IMG_5805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiM3ArnqrbB4PLTCL2P3xwlpiDT5F2qudA2kruJvN5nbZOf4XtuhaHjuAMzqvJuOzFs4fMerGghMFEGt9L_acNW6f5Y0zv373dYj0vgFyO2wjAjw9n6fuL3zhGmv80cA6bZvaGKakyfW32S/s400/IMG_5805.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I went the lunch route and ordered something I had been curious about but nervous to try: <b>grilled portabella with fries</b>. You see, up to this point I didn't really like mushrooms but had never had a portabella, so I went for it. It came on a ciabatta with roasted red pepper, red onions, and basil chèvre on top. Overall, I really enjoyed it. The portabella was 'meaty', probably the reason it is used so often as a burger replacement for vegetarians. But my favorite part of the meal was the fries... HANDS DOWN! They were shoestring size but crispy, not greasy and light tasting. They were out of this world good. I was beyond satisfied as was Jeff, who got some with his grilled cheese.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuRe1wMxvUEWYwjBfN5NKGnpNFDcVjAT3UEvnZo1KGMLRt36T2N6DQZ1D4N6PdM1nGajgMuuiltE0bmvLHpS0LzAsZA635jjuXj802c_j4RLDmi1cDfpWt1niag6PnzHy8gCgATOrmkph/s1600/IMG_5809.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQuRe1wMxvUEWYwjBfN5NKGnpNFDcVjAT3UEvnZo1KGMLRt36T2N6DQZ1D4N6PdM1nGajgMuuiltE0bmvLHpS0LzAsZA635jjuXj802c_j4RLDmi1cDfpWt1niag6PnzHy8gCgATOrmkph/s400/IMG_5809.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Here are pics of what the others ordered:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOxxGTS2CF0ZXtz4tigU1Sl8_VOrwHfC3OVzmsP6EYf0dfirtoaETmzkOC8NWO801Br8UbGkJGuht5Bz6vHIF-jgVLowRVQ3jyNiuQK1dZtAYMh6OMgU7iDgqD84YtjBfXEMIWO1Khuvg/s1600/IMG_5803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsOxxGTS2CF0ZXtz4tigU1Sl8_VOrwHfC3OVzmsP6EYf0dfirtoaETmzkOC8NWO801Br8UbGkJGuht5Bz6vHIF-jgVLowRVQ3jyNiuQK1dZtAYMh6OMgU7iDgqD84YtjBfXEMIWO1Khuvg/s400/IMG_5803.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Orange Dream</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArlzvjASjHq5or0kiCfCQiSZwMuyfF0V2FS3VIm50I8fVKyYOeQZxLDm6PHKxT0uYc-TmMxFYLdXONyf0GU1BuOnn9KkNKpsk9UqUrWXf5hfZAg3s2msSs_DrNAhkMvpc7kDVF0VuDhZC/s1600/IMG_5806.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhArlzvjASjHq5or0kiCfCQiSZwMuyfF0V2FS3VIm50I8fVKyYOeQZxLDm6PHKxT0uYc-TmMxFYLdXONyf0GU1BuOnn9KkNKpsk9UqUrWXf5hfZAg3s2msSs_DrNAhkMvpc7kDVF0VuDhZC/s400/IMG_5806.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ben's mac n cheese with truffle oil and lobster: DECEDENT</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW9vQipkAkSxT_ToFTXGe4WZKJy06v7KYHzUdpLp6NtX1MXAbwjVP7KQCnN20L7d6pzEZZBbV_30PQ7y8shlzKG30W8JC9mVsywNO8xWi5UUVFyjOdWA_yf_UmabDuwxYoyYEp_flMUMY/s1600/IMG_5808.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsW9vQipkAkSxT_ToFTXGe4WZKJy06v7KYHzUdpLp6NtX1MXAbwjVP7KQCnN20L7d6pzEZZBbV_30PQ7y8shlzKG30W8JC9mVsywNO8xWi5UUVFyjOdWA_yf_UmabDuwxYoyYEp_flMUMY/s400/IMG_5808.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angie's blueberry pancakes</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiS5ssjuHtVfjJpkACXMWKIkDEIagteATkWMQe9l1wE9g8xm_xiNrH9Cgr_rM1a0oWfuXDqzKTKhbhqUj2ndH72J0BEJ52e4M86cbDc0p5SAqlsu3Q0zPvs2BnN007fpTUZhojgH24nzh/s1600/IMG_5807.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIiS5ssjuHtVfjJpkACXMWKIkDEIagteATkWMQe9l1wE9g8xm_xiNrH9Cgr_rM1a0oWfuXDqzKTKhbhqUj2ndH72J0BEJ52e4M86cbDc0p5SAqlsu3Q0zPvs2BnN007fpTUZhojgH24nzh/s400/IMG_5807.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption">Daren's biscuits and gravy with eggs</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With Eat Street Social we accomplished our goal of thanking everyone for taking time to come to our wedding, while finding a place with something for everyone. Ben and Angie have become regulars and Jeff talks about those fries to this day.</div>
<br />
It was the perfect 2nd part of our wedding day. The third part (dessert) will be covered in the next post.<br />
<br />
We are now officially the Welchmeyers! Eek.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
9.29.12</div>
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-58176779156581959892012-12-25T16:08:00.002-06:002012-12-25T16:49:12.226-06:00Restaurant Review: Sawatdee (Washington Ave Location)After a month of dealing with the moving process I am happy to be settled into our new place and ecstatic to have internet! Being so busy with everything I haven't had time to conjure up any exciting new recipes, so here we go with another restaurant review. Up to the plate this time around is <a href="http://www.sawatdee.com/" target="_blank">Sawatdee</a>.<br />
<br />
Now before starting this review I just want to make note of our history with Sawatdee. Maybe it was because he had a stellar first experience, maybe it was because he was from a small town, or maybe he just liked it because it was different but back in college Sawatdee was Mark's favorite restaurant. He used to go on and on about how great it was. Finally, one time he convinced me to try it and I hated it.... Everything except the calamari that is. Love does crazy things because a year later I agreed to try it again, this time for dinner after a Twins game with his parents. Long story short, I was forced to order quickly and ended up not liking my dish or Mark's at all. Needless to say, Sawatdee had two strikes on the count with me.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to this Fall. While we were hanging out with another couple, Ben and Angie, we walked by Sawatdee and the boys started to reminisce about a great experience they had there years before when Angie brought up that she had never been. Because I love Mark so much, and because it gave us an excuse to see Ben and Angie again we made plans for dinner. I decided to go in with a completely open mind (maybe my tastes were more sophisticated now and I could appreciate what Sawatdee had to offer, maybe I had always ordered the wrong entrees) and give the place one last shot.<br />
<br />
The place wasn't very busy when we arrived and we were seated right away. To be honest, I don't remember much about the decor or atmosphere so I will skip ahead to what we ordered.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Given my only pleasant memory of Sawatdee up to this point had been the <b>calamari</b>, we started with that as a appetizer. However we ended up being a little disappointed because of how heavy it was on the batter with such a small amount of actual squid underneath. Maybe it was always that way and we used to like fried foods more than we do now, but whatever the case, it was o.k. at best. Luckily the fish oil sauce that came on the side as a dipper was delicious. It was definitely the appetizers saving grace.<br />
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After cautiously skimming the menu multiple times I settled on the <b>spicy noodles with shrimp</b>. The way I saw it: spicy - good, noodles - good, shrimp - good (Joey impression), seemed like a simple enough dish that would be hard to screw up. It consisted of rice noodles and iceberg lettuce in a spicy red chili sauce with shrimp on top. I asked for it hot, and that it was (thats a good thing!), the portion size was impressive (we had enough leftovers to serve as a generous side dish a day later), and the flavor was satisfactory (meaning it had enough to still taste beyond the spiciness). The problem I had with it was I left feeling like I could have made it myself, at home, with little trial and error. Something that mad me feel a little like I had wasted my money.<br />
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<br />
Mark ordered the <b>pad thai</b>, medium heat, because in spite of hearing of the dish numerous times, he had never actually had it before. In typical (American?) pad thai fashion it came with noodles topped with a spicy peanut sauce and peanuts & chicken on the side. He was happy that the heat level wasn't too much to handle and thought overall the dish was pretty tasty, but he wasn't blown away like he remembered being during past trips to Sawatdee.<br />
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While I can say that we had a great time with our friends, and this trip was the best experience so far, the food was just too greasy and nothing spectacular. I would go back if someone else really wanted to, but at the same time I wouldn't be jumping at the chance. So I guess my final impression of Sawatdee is maybe its me, maybe I don't like Thai, or maybe Sawatdee and I just aren't the right fit but something is off and I can't seem to figure it out.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
9.20.12</div>
<br />Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-17023219421789352522012-11-22T06:49:00.000-06:002013-02-17T17:05:41.661-06:00Muffin Frittatas (3 Kinds!)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
Now that I work outside the home having quick, healthy breakfasts readily available has become essential. I no longer have 30 minutes to make something every morning, so I have started prepping meals on Sundays while watching football. This recipe is a take off the <a href="http://runningoutofapples.blogspot.com/2012/06/english-muffin-breakfast-sandwiches.html" target="_blank">english muffin breakfast sandwiches</a> I posted awhile ago, except these include all the vegetables and meat right in one package. This makes is really convenient because all I have to do is toast an english muffin, slice some cheese, throw one of these muffin frittatas in between and I'm good to go.<br />
<br />
I made 3 different kinds of frittatas here: 1 only sausage (for Mark), 2 just vegetables and black beans, and 4 with everything. Having these different varieties will help from getting bored throughout the week. As for the range in the servings section, it all depends on how you are planning to enjoy these bad boys. Obviously having one with an english muffin or a bowl of cereal is plenty, but if you don't have time I would recommend eating 2 or 3 with a piece of fruit for a full meal.<br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Muffin Frittatas</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 3-7</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1/2 cup kale, chopped<br />
<br />
1/4 cup broccoli florets, chopped<br />
<br />
1/2 carrot, diced<br />
<br />
1/2 bell pepper, diced<br />
<br />
1/4 cup onion, diced<br />
<br />
1/4 pound sausage<br />
<br />
1/3 cup black beans<br />
<br />
3 eggs<br />
<br />
1/4 cup milk<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Chop up all the vegetables and onion, set aside. Heat a little bit of oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add vegetables and onion and cook until vegetables are soft.<br />
<br />
In a different pan cook sausage over medium heat until no longer pink. Spray 7 slots of a muffin pan with cooking spray and set aside.<br />
<br />
Scramble eggs and milk in a bowl. Place sausage into the bottom of 5 slots of the muffin pan. Spoon vegetable mixture equally into 5 or 6 slots and distribute black beans into all 7 slots. Pour egg and milk mixture into each slot to fill 3/4 way.<br />
<br />
Place pan in oven and bake for 20-25 minutes. Remove from oven and carefully fork out muffin frittatas. Allow to cool and then store either in the fridge or freezer for on-the-go meals.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Step-by-step process with pictures:<br />
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Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-82786839837290760032012-11-13T19:49:00.000-06:002012-11-13T19:49:24.550-06:00Caramelized Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />
As much as I love having <a href="http://runningoutofapples.blogspot.com/2012/08/double-dark-chocolate-peanut-butter.html" target="_blank">oatmeal</a> or <a href="http://runningoutofapples.blogspot.com/2012/08/my-favorite-breakfast-sandwich-for-now.html" target="_blank">egg sandwiches</a> for breakfast, every once in a while, like this past weekend, I want something different. The answer to this problem came rather easily as Mark and I both found the same recipe to try.<br />
<br />
Since the recipe combined our favorite grain (quinoa) and our favorite fruit (apple) it seemed like a great thing to try. However, we didn't have the raisins or the nuts that the recipe called for so we tweaked it ever so slightly to work with what we had on hand.<br />
<br />
We really enjoyed the end result, but agree that it is better topped with the warmed milk. This dish was a light but filling diversion from our breakfast routine that I am sure we will make again.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLbPPH72ePgWA5dQOp-jgGfEQPMNSgTan5on36KrPIgCrzYwXMHyUnxcDYk0fd7-5UoJ5mzygHFL049xUNickmFbl9PhEStQ8UdzQIeO6OTcxAam-5_L_98mPW9FQ4jhDomrC57aKOnxr/s1600/photo-59.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="242" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfLbPPH72ePgWA5dQOp-jgGfEQPMNSgTan5on36KrPIgCrzYwXMHyUnxcDYk0fd7-5UoJ5mzygHFL049xUNickmFbl9PhEStQ8UdzQIeO6OTcxAam-5_L_98mPW9FQ4jhDomrC57aKOnxr/s400/photo-59.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients needed</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkadIPdf0zshhlpFF8ltDzOLWbLZ8d9IwOAza_AK7EGfZsagvdCzcERmMBtsk161jvyhcofw_JUDQTpmE1IbFZgMfHqJmwSK1oyA5c_UQSc0MTZNIABBK6b0uHIl-x5vbUl_h2cg_RDVw/s1600/photo-60.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPkadIPdf0zshhlpFF8ltDzOLWbLZ8d9IwOAza_AK7EGfZsagvdCzcERmMBtsk161jvyhcofw_JUDQTpmE1IbFZgMfHqJmwSK1oyA5c_UQSc0MTZNIABBK6b0uHIl-x5vbUl_h2cg_RDVw/s400/photo-60.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Quinoa boiling</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWoynMOsDAL6b8yOh9Uj4fMduoin9tt-nnqvMwWmGQFgtBRogo0vgAQoB4z4EtFr1F0O9ZboRs5apRkBNn0uFbFAqP_U4bkcVhKUue5H1Tqdr_6JCQrL3-Z1UnrExnui9qx4rvlOfhd9P/s1600/photo-61.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiWoynMOsDAL6b8yOh9Uj4fMduoin9tt-nnqvMwWmGQFgtBRogo0vgAQoB4z4EtFr1F0O9ZboRs5apRkBNn0uFbFAqP_U4bkcVhKUue5H1Tqdr_6JCQrL3-Z1UnrExnui9qx4rvlOfhd9P/s400/photo-61.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Apples caramelizing</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjStPdZhPbkbgvAA0Nr5GmqDbj4GuzX1ktiqscBNd5x0NesQy61vPleLRjnYo7O-O06R2MtAIjDLzTsCVK05vGjWVv46QF4oHbwpd-hFgmY2gNGpAvKnqkD6hPt_XFr7lHMBR47xvdNVn/s1600/photo-63.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrjStPdZhPbkbgvAA0Nr5GmqDbj4GuzX1ktiqscBNd5x0NesQy61vPleLRjnYo7O-O06R2MtAIjDLzTsCVK05vGjWVv46QF4oHbwpd-hFgmY2gNGpAvKnqkD6hPt_XFr7lHMBR47xvdNVn/s400/photo-63.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mine topped with almond milk and maple syrup</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<b><u>Caramelized Cinnamon Apple Breakfast Quinoa</u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.skinnytaste.com/2012/10/apples-and-cinnamon-breakfast-quinoa.html" target="_blank">here</a> </span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<i>Serves 2</i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<b>Ingredients: </b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1/2 cup dry quinoa<br />
<br />
3/4 cup water<br />
<br />
1 1/2 teaspoons cinnamon, <i>divided</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
1/2 cup applesauce (homemade or unsweetened)<br />
<br />
1 small apple, diced<br />
<br />
1 teaspoon coconut oil (or vegetable oil)<br />
<br />
1 teaspoon brown sugar<br />
<br />
warm milk*, <i>optional</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
maple syrup, <i>optional</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Combine quinoa, water, and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat, cover, and lower heat to simmer for about 15 minutes or until quinoa is done.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile, heat oil in a small frying pan over medium heat. Stir in brown sugar and turn heat to low. Core and dice apple, then add to the brown sugar mixture. Cook on low for 5 minutes or until apples are starting to get tender.<br />
<br />
Divide quinoa equally between two bowls. Top with 1/4 cup applesauce and 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon each. Add apples and serve hot.<br />
<br />
Mix and top with warmed milk and maple syrup, if desired.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<br />
<i>*Notes:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>Use non-dairy milk, such as almond or soy, to make vegan friendly.</i>Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-22137057132130175402012-11-11T16:32:00.001-06:002012-11-11T16:32:50.367-06:00Restaurant Review: Herkimer Pub & Brewery<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe1xOJu7pa8R5AlGapjCstDiEGiapBIw015M8T6Vp8BabWl8-QboyFt6HwmR-OAuJ1malBKHVZoelLzoe1Sio0FRngIjYVMu8SRGXlExO1-JJrYkNcTWL9v30mKvU9Ymo3ypAoUB6x4K0/s1600/IMG_5570.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWe1xOJu7pa8R5AlGapjCstDiEGiapBIw015M8T6Vp8BabWl8-QboyFt6HwmR-OAuJ1malBKHVZoelLzoe1Sio0FRngIjYVMu8SRGXlExO1-JJrYkNcTWL9v30mKvU9Ymo3ypAoUB6x4K0/s400/IMG_5570.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Birthday girl with her birthday dessert<br />
of carrot cake</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm a little ashamed to say, that at the ripe age of 24, I can count on my hands the amount of times I've been to a bar. This past Friday, I fell asleep at 9:30 pm watching The Boondock Saints. Yep, that's me. So to say I'm a little excited to write this review is a bit of an understatement.<br />
<br />
One night over the summer I (we) did the unthinkable and went to a bar to celebrate a friends birthday. Not only that but the bar of choice was actually <i>my</i> idea. Had I ever been there? Nope. Thank goodness for Google.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRtPayHSbT75LPUGrhvyLaoNUJw2TXi8adYjPZjZ8Z2w0uOWtE6zQoZnliAfiqMyl6D77DLbgseLwZMHhj4oYIgsay_ywoxapULxCLSD7-CM7YgBbt7cw_sellvaR4DsE0wIsnRLtv9u0/s1600/IMG_5565.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlRtPayHSbT75LPUGrhvyLaoNUJw2TXi8adYjPZjZ8Z2w0uOWtE6zQoZnliAfiqMyl6D77DLbgseLwZMHhj4oYIgsay_ywoxapULxCLSD7-CM7YgBbt7cw_sellvaR4DsE0wIsnRLtv9u0/s400/IMG_5565.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark's makeshift "24" birthday card</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuNSvMCC4HQQ485_CzV053AjO4-bszRZyMJMY6M6urTckcUVUJYNoX9r8ejy9GasDNXyqT8zKKqxgOJak9q-MflcPF0376H8rg73cyzaeU7LgTBgqVQj8lITgWbWZorxfXNR15GgkHM3p/s1600/IMG_5571.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiuNSvMCC4HQQ485_CzV053AjO4-bszRZyMJMY6M6urTckcUVUJYNoX9r8ejy9GasDNXyqT8zKKqxgOJak9q-MflcPF0376H8rg73cyzaeU7LgTBgqVQj8lITgWbWZorxfXNR15GgkHM3p/s400/IMG_5571.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
The place in question is <a href="http://theherkimer.com/" target="_blank">Herkimer Pub & Brewery</a> located in Uptown. Inside its hip and interesting, exactly what I was expecting. There was shuffleboard behind our table and a handful of board games to the left. After dinner, the birthday girl, KT, wanted to play Apples to Apples, which we did and Jessica ended up winning. But now to the drink and food.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
Yes, I said drink, as in singular. Given you can't go to a brewery and <i>not</i> order a beer, we ordered one and shared. We decided on the <b>Schwartz Beer</b> because it was marketed as one of their darker beers. When we drink we don't do light. However, we didn't find it to be very dark at all (maybe the truly dark beers are saved for the winter months), but it was good enough to order two. I don't know if that is a testament to the beer or us knowing we probably wouldn't have another one for quite awhile. Either way, both were thoroughly enjoyed.<br />
<br />
I ordered the <b>Greek Falafel Salad</b> which came with both black bean falafels and chickpea falafels, toast, and a huge chunk of red pepper hummus. The dressing was obviously greek and knowing how flavorful they usually are I got it on the side. My inclination about the dressing turned out to be correct, but the flavor was oh-so-good. *Side note about my meal: even though I was the only one to order a meal that need not be cooked, my salad was brought out a good 10-15 minutes AFTER everyone else's. Don't know what was up with that.* Underestimating the filling nature of beans, when I first saw my salad I thought it was going to be way too small. In the end I needed Mark's help to finish. As for the taste? Anyone who thinks salads are boring or flavorless needs to try this one. The falafels were delicious, as was the hummus. My only complaint was not being able to taste an red pepper in the "red pepper" hummus. Other than that everything was delicious, and exceed my expectations, especially for bar food.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C7qeXJjQSnxV7uPtMhg52LD8SkUILVXTyg3kPV4uj0FYI1aWW3RBpqediVcUbKt6zU0Ll8CQQ28rbZRg9GT8vry0V0pAHiksITolZsJGY7FvQbqkGqsYFOtUqhN-kop_4s_cR-VGsITl/s1600/IMG_5569.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9C7qeXJjQSnxV7uPtMhg52LD8SkUILVXTyg3kPV4uj0FYI1aWW3RBpqediVcUbKt6zU0Ll8CQQ28rbZRg9GT8vry0V0pAHiksITolZsJGY7FvQbqkGqsYFOtUqhN-kop_4s_cR-VGsITl/s400/IMG_5569.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It might look small, but was very filling</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Mark went with the <b>Mini Puerco Burgers with Tater Tots</b>. The sliders were filled with Cuban braised pork, pepperjack cheese, and chipotle mayo. Overall, Mark enjoyed the meal. He commented that the pork was nice and flavorful, but the cheese reminded him more of American (which he loathes) than pepperjack. Mark is quite the tater tots man and luckily these ones lived up to his expectations. Perfectly crisp and came with great tasting mayo for dipping. His tater tots Utopia.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0Yy7ZB1sW_W5xMFBqAFvnTLQ6TFh0fy1WN3M-ixNMiQY_MGgv0kTG6lTUk04m59CuA_CzFmGkJIZxRqATwTOQT0D2ursrbklHp2VEGDv902ddV7xkKVbXi_dJODWDpQ30HPayZz7wvZc/s1600/IMG_5567.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS0Yy7ZB1sW_W5xMFBqAFvnTLQ6TFh0fy1WN3M-ixNMiQY_MGgv0kTG6lTUk04m59CuA_CzFmGkJIZxRqATwTOQT0D2ursrbklHp2VEGDv902ddV7xkKVbXi_dJODWDpQ30HPayZz7wvZc/s400/IMG_5567.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FmMno1PdIS11QuU3x1BnbEc2UBKYTKSQ0y_T4Dh_Z507U6NcnwlhT52BhYkv14-Ixr0Q9oOJeSk-nKkGSczZ_BOXGoUkEbnd17-mf6CQM6kQycj0KbbUAHt_Va0c9N7Zc0_EJ-4BdabG/s1600/IMG_5568.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1FmMno1PdIS11QuU3x1BnbEc2UBKYTKSQ0y_T4Dh_Z507U6NcnwlhT52BhYkv14-Ixr0Q9oOJeSk-nKkGSczZ_BOXGoUkEbnd17-mf6CQM6kQycj0KbbUAHt_Va0c9N7Zc0_EJ-4BdabG/s400/IMG_5568.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sweet bag the tater tots came in</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So did we go buck wild, take shots, and dance the night away? No, but we went out with friends and enjoyed ourselves. Baby steps y'all.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
8.24.12</div>
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-56966462672244771382012-11-06T22:04:00.000-06:002012-11-11T15:31:24.660-06:00Restaurant Review: Zelo<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyIu3baJSjDtl0Kreay9LNjrTS9BTHW2JP_QqG49Udo4kyji1ZmLCwO9QqCwO0QVvvfv51cXzSyHuUzWuf8YP6a4hLgTCzI9qWCPw9cEU6OSJUo0SPyisimL2MenKRKMr8-2z-Z_iTRhO/s1600/IMG_5533.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieyIu3baJSjDtl0Kreay9LNjrTS9BTHW2JP_QqG49Udo4kyji1ZmLCwO9QqCwO0QVvvfv51cXzSyHuUzWuf8YP6a4hLgTCzI9qWCPw9cEU6OSJUo0SPyisimL2MenKRKMr8-2z-Z_iTRhO/s320/IMG_5533.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
As much as I love spontaneous dates, sometimes I get disappointed with the way they turn out. What can I say? I'm a planner y'all. So imagine my disappointment when I took the bus downtown one summer day for an impromptu lunch at <a href="http://runningoutofapples.blogspot.com/2012/07/restaurant-review-vincent-restaurant.html" target="_blank">our favorite spot</a>, just to learn it closed 15 minutes before we arrived.<br />
<br />
After whining for about 10 minutes hunger took over and we hopped on over to <a href="http://www.zelomn.com/" target="_blank">Zelo</a>. Given it was a hot summer day we chose to sit on the patio, perfect for people watching. We were given menus and brought out a bread basket to enjoy while we waited for our meals to arrive.<br />
<br />
I ordered <b>half a brazilian salad with salmon and a cup of tomato basil soup</b>. The salad came with mixed greens, hearts of palm, celery, tomato topped with a lemon vinaigrette. To ensure that I got some protein I added a piece of salmon and was (pleasantly) shocked to see that it covered practically the entire salad. The salmon was seared to perfection and paired well with the lemon vinaigrette on the salad. The soup, while flavorful, was just too heavy for me. I felt like I was eating a bowl of pasta sauce, so I will skip this soup in the future.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hyphenhypheniPoUwuNrhjseLWRRJgOHYcRiqfGmAJFrOyIPWgDv3mkpsTYHMRxVYr4oJV2ZKVwS_8DnJVfYgQ1J26MX1JYf7ZzAgzx0h2M1wAVpIPxhgLozGyvM8UZkESyIBgFP8uZpok-8cDmeBd/s1600/IMG_5535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5hyphenhypheniPoUwuNrhjseLWRRJgOHYcRiqfGmAJFrOyIPWgDv3mkpsTYHMRxVYr4oJV2ZKVwS_8DnJVfYgQ1J26MX1JYf7ZzAgzx0h2M1wAVpIPxhgLozGyvM8UZkESyIBgFP8uZpok-8cDmeBd/s400/IMG_5535.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do you see the size of that piece of salmon?</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Before I get to what Mark ordered I need to share a conversation Mark and I had while browsing the menu:<br />
<br />
Me: Do you know what you are going to order?<br />
<br />
Mark: I actually think I am going to get something lighter for lunch. *half a second later* I'm getting the lasagna.<br />
<br />
That is probably my favorite quote from Mark ever. He didn't even take a breath between saying he was going light and deciding on probably the heaviest menu item. Maybe you had to be there to get why its so funny?<br />
<br />
Anywho, on to his dish: <b>lasagna with sausage</b>. Overall, it was very 'meh'... The piece was enormous, more than any one person needs in a sitting. The sauce was heavy, the sausage wasn't predominate enough, and the ending impression was that he wouldn't order it again. The one positive: he was beyond full until dinner.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DO5lgqrb3zDJkxxTDl9r4cbR5GVh15mZb4VLcLGYMuZxAMBD4hYryliu-jLZTWZB9W1VO4pwIJdvly50Fs0zvj3FnMYzUPUVYEBJllr3jhSj99qDV_Pa0O4-HuVpsy39eM4nIJAmwwmy/s1600/IMG_5534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3DO5lgqrb3zDJkxxTDl9r4cbR5GVh15mZb4VLcLGYMuZxAMBD4hYryliu-jLZTWZB9W1VO4pwIJdvly50Fs0zvj3FnMYzUPUVYEBJllr3jhSj99qDV_Pa0O4-HuVpsy39eM4nIJAmwwmy/s400/IMG_5534.jpg" width="300" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">About to take on his lasagna, which is much larger<br />
than this picture makes it seem</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Zelo was perfect for Nicollet Mall people watching but just ok when it came to the food. I loved my salad and if I ever go back would order it again. However I'm not sure if that is because of how good it was or out of fear of being disappointed in my choice of dish.<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
8.21.12</div>
Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-28685681344053144102012-10-30T21:22:00.001-05:002013-02-17T17:06:36.629-06:00Mini Sweet Potato Muffins<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRxb7vpRqcVTEQS-WoX8uSOkMrILM2YKMNIzWt8sI0OG5boI5-a9_N2B91pfKTmVwn83VY9kgabHEh9J0o82BGzRGIroutftsuVNmMIwTVJt_VLfz4CWoGrwI8cyeQm4kfVhltgA9U7Ze/s1600/IMG_6030.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyRxb7vpRqcVTEQS-WoX8uSOkMrILM2YKMNIzWt8sI0OG5boI5-a9_N2B91pfKTmVwn83VY9kgabHEh9J0o82BGzRGIroutftsuVNmMIwTVJt_VLfz4CWoGrwI8cyeQm4kfVhltgA9U7Ze/s400/IMG_6030.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Remember that <a href="http://runningoutofapples.blogspot.com/2012/10/sweet-potato-hash-for-one.html" target="_blank">bag of sweet potatoes</a> I told ya about earlier? This recipe is another product of that bag needing to be used up. Wanting to appeal more to Mark's (sweet) tastebuds this time around and make something that would hold up a couple days, I thought muffins would be a great way to go; Mark is happy they are sweet and I am happy they have vegetables. As for making them mini? That just allowed me to use my brand new mini muffin pan I purchased this weekend. I call that a win-win-win.<br />
<br />
Lightly sweetened with some applesauce and a minimal amount of sugar these bite-sized muffins make a tasty afternoon treat. Some would argue <i>*me*</i> that these should even be considered healthy. Consisting of whole wheat flour, fruit, vegetables, and no butter is enough for me to snack guilt free. You should too :).<br />
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<b><u><br /></u></b>
<b><u>Mini Sweet Potato Muffins</u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-242-301--14080-0,00.html" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Makes 45 </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>For sweet potato puree:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
2 small sweet potatoes or 1 medium<br />
<br />
pinch of salt<br />
<br />
<i>For muffins:</i><br />
<br />
2 1/2 cups flour (I used whole wheat)<br />
<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
<br />
2 teaspoons baking powder<br />
<br />
1/4 teaspoon baking soda<br />
<br />
1/4 teaspoon salt<br />
<br />
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon<br />
<br />
1/4 cup applesauce<br />
<br />
1/4 cup melted coconut oil<br />
<br />
1 cup sweet potato puree, recipe above<br />
<br />
1 egg white<br />
<br />
1/2 cup buttermilk<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<i>For puree:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Peel and cube sweet potatoes. Bring to a boil in a saucepan covered with water over medium heat.<br />
<br />
Boil until tender, drain and allow to cool.<br />
<br />
Place in the bowl of a food processor and pulse until well blended.<br />
<br />
<i>For muffins:</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
Preheat oven to 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Mix together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and cinnamon in a large bowl; set aside.<br />
<br />
In a smaller bowl whisk together applesauce, coconut oil, sweet potato puree, egg white, and buttermilk. Fold wet mixture into dry until combined.<br />
<br />
Either line a mini muffin tin with liners or lightly spray tin with cooking spray. Fill 3/4 of the way and bake about 12 minutes. Move muffins to cooling rack and make second batch.<br />
<br />
Serve and enjoy :)Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-12659938180835179562012-10-27T17:58:00.002-05:002012-10-27T17:58:55.696-05:00Sweet Potato Hash For One<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoRaB-HiR4_kPm-SssqC0Cwx91rd141_McNIJ9zWaOHq7x_bKeU8cDDmCylwsmhyHFQ-IE5L2J71-7AZsgPAJ4y_DBni3bDVaflURQA3xih7o5Jw5srvdDFFA_6ptMK1g31zGDr3Rfn9G/s1600/photo-58.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWoRaB-HiR4_kPm-SssqC0Cwx91rd141_McNIJ9zWaOHq7x_bKeU8cDDmCylwsmhyHFQ-IE5L2J71-7AZsgPAJ4y_DBni3bDVaflURQA3xih7o5Jw5srvdDFFA_6ptMK1g31zGDr3Rfn9G/s400/photo-58.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
3-lb bags of sweet potatoes were on sale at the grocery store the other week, naturally I bought it. Then we got super busy being that it was Restaurant Week and all, to make a long story short come Friday we still had a 3-lb bag of sweet potatoes to use up....<br />
<br />
This recipe is a product of that predicament.<br />
<br />
Fried potatoes with onions, bell peppers, mushrooms, and tomatoes topped with an egg... Yes, its just as good as it sounds. Add a little cayenne pepper and the dish becomes especially appreciated after a run in 20 degree weather. It was flavorful and the epitome of fall eating.<br />
<br />
Make it. Now.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpoXUKtejPeO3BMNF0Neu81DbtW3hIQfHdFCXInlH1jlYu2eqw_vlfhSP_htcXav9WYlHOiRhusaoieIzWEUv0qeR6n812nCZ9AqZHo3MyMFFEVsP-yzW2VNq_WX1Gl127yQAy5un2eav/s1600/photo-57.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTpoXUKtejPeO3BMNF0Neu81DbtW3hIQfHdFCXInlH1jlYu2eqw_vlfhSP_htcXav9WYlHOiRhusaoieIzWEUv0qeR6n812nCZ9AqZHo3MyMFFEVsP-yzW2VNq_WX1Gl127yQAy5un2eav/s400/photo-57.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wish I would have taken a picture while it was still in the pan</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Well I am off to think of other ways to live off sweet potatoes for the upcoming week. Having to come up with ways to use up sweet potatoes, feel bad for me please :).<br />
<br />
<b><u>Sweet Potato Hash For One</u></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Adapted from <a href="http://www.runningtothekitchen.com/2012/03/quick-sweet-potato-hash/" target="_blank">here</a></span><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<i>Serves 1</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
1 small sweet potato, cubed<br />
<br />
1/4 cup onion, chopped<br />
<br />
1/4 cup mushrooms, chopped<br />
<br />
1/4 cup bell pepper, chopped<br />
<br />
1 roma tomato, chopped<br />
<br />
1 egg<br />
<br />
sprinkle of cayenne pepper<br />
<br />
salt & pepper to taste<br />
<br />
<b>Directions:</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
Heat a little olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add sweet potatoes & onions, cover, and cooked until soft.<br />
<br />
Uncover and add mushrooms, bell pepper, tomato, cayenne, salt & pepper. Cook for 5 minutes more or until mushrooms and bell pepper are soft.<br />
<br />
Make a hole in the middle of the pan and crack an egg into it, cover and cook for 3-5 minutes more until the whites are set.<br />
<br />
Carefully plate and serve.<br />
<br />
Enjoy :)<br />
<br />Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6544611855709698901.post-78187859582602611242012-10-21T21:41:00.001-05:002012-10-21T21:41:38.274-05:00Restaurant Review: The Wedge Deli<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4be4lQ_CfWsaZhV-uc-bOXHpBHT3BQSovzXLj41ZVBUb27gVB4BzSPg1n48QtFJtNXkpnDgqy4Dcd98Ymx76cc_YGA2nSe-jYA7Nwl6Sa8mqv_8nFbRwqIp3PgB6og3yXqYzvAOH_ylr5/s1600/IMG_5245.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4be4lQ_CfWsaZhV-uc-bOXHpBHT3BQSovzXLj41ZVBUb27gVB4BzSPg1n48QtFJtNXkpnDgqy4Dcd98Ymx76cc_YGA2nSe-jYA7Nwl6Sa8mqv_8nFbRwqIp3PgB6og3yXqYzvAOH_ylr5/s400/IMG_5245.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm a sucker for co-ops. From the strange items you come across to the interesting people who to always seem peruse the aisles, I think they are infinitely interesting. Living in a Minneapolis means that there are quite a few co-ops nearby, one of which is <a href="http://www.wedge.coop/" target="_blank">The Wedge</a>. Mark and I always drive by it on our way home from the farmer's market and I always want to stop (I know, I know. Right after I get done at the farmer's market?!). Luckily one Saturday we were too hungry to wait the 20 minutes to get home for lunch and stopped in to The Wedge for a quick look-see before visiting their deli for some grub.<br />
<br />
Since The Wedge is located off of Lyndale Avenue, and we were visiting on a Saturday afternoon, the store was beyond crowded. This didn't sit too well with Mark as we had just fought off the crowds at the farmer's market, so we booked it back to the deli. The deli was extremely accommodating of the vegetarian and vegan lifestyles. After studying the lunch offerings for a millisecond Mark and I decided to order <b>the works burrito with chips</b> and a <b>make-your-own sandwich</b>, respectively.<br />
<br />
While we were waiting for our orders to be ready I noticed that they had a juice bar on the far right side of the deli. I don't know if I have mentioned my obsession with juice bars before, but if there is one in the vicinity I have to go and get a juice. It probably goes hand in hand with my vegetable obsession. Anywho, after asking for some behind-the-counter advice I went with something called a <b>calcium cocktail</b>. It was a vegetable juice made with kale, cabbage, beets, and carrots. Thanks to the beets and carrots the drink had a slight sweetness to it, which took away from the heavy flavor of the kale. I enjoyed my juice and Mark thought it was ok, but next time I would probably go with a tomato based drink.<br />
<a name='more'></a>For my lunch I ordered an <b>avocado, alfalfa sprouts, tomato, spinach, and swiss cheese sandwich on multigrain bread</b>. It was delicious. The creaminess of the avocado mixed with the summery freshness of the tomatoes on top of the slight crunch from the alfalfa sprouts (Mark's genius suggestion) each bite was flavorful and perfectly texturized. As for the bread? Out of this world. I really wish I had bought a loaf. However, my one regret was not getting any protein source on the sandwich as I was hungry two hours later. Just to make it clear that was my fault, not The Wedge's.<br />
<br />
Mark's <b>the works burrito</b> was amazing. A huge tortilla stuffed with chicken, avocado, tomatoes, lettuce, cheese, and salsa with a side of rice AND beans. I don't know if there is much else to say.... Did you read through all those yummy fillings?! Mark commented that the burrito was Chipotle sized but tasted much fresher that one from Chipotle.<br />
<br />
We ate on a bench outside the store watching all the traffic drive by. We both left impressed and satisfied. Our only complaint is that they should really find a way to incorporate more of a seating area because ONE picnic table isn't cutting it.<br />
<br />
Even though we didn't explore the store that much on this trip we have since been back and are particularly fond of their bulk section. Best selection of bulk items I have found to date in Minneapolis. If it wasn't located off of such a busy street I would go more often, but it is definitely worth checking out.Tarahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03006954045782867382noreply@blogger.com0