Food, Words & Tea

(551) tempting thursdays

2012-02-09T12:49:00.000-08:00

I have so many recipes to put here so we're going to have to categorize them...

Sweets
-pretty cute and simple chocolate cupcakes with cherry marscapone frosting for V-day
-DIY brown sugar! cheaper, easier, and great for when you run out
-still trying to convince my mom to let me make cherry chocolate brownies, made with port-soaked cherries...mmm!
-an easy, delicious candied lemon cake would be perfect for spring...or maybe this daisy cake, too.
-I may need to rent Star Wars just so I can make these meyer lemon Yoda cookies to celebrate Star Wars in 3D
-these potato chip cookies have really been getting around...I may have to make some when I move out. this is also one of my new favorite blogs. great for poor students :)
-something about the word "fluffernutter" makes me really want this french toast. or maybe it's because it involves coating it in crispy cereal and frying it.
-another delicious vegan donut recipe that I would really like to make...with chocolate and nutmeg! yum.

Savory
-I saw three Mark Bittman inspired chipotle squash recipes but this one from Cookie + Kate was by far my favorite. especially with cilantro lime rice...I'm in!
-speaking of squash, this butternut arugula salad doesn't look half bad either. would be nice with a BLT or grilled cheese...and a GF beer!
-I would love to spend a Sunday morning making homemade almond milk :)

Eventually...
If I ever have a house/apartment-warming party, I will be serving spiced orange popovers with clove-scented Sidecars. yes. you know you want to be invited.

Yesterday...
my mother sucked it up and made mini corndog muffins which were absolutely delicious! and it makes like 48 of them. we used vegan buttermilk, 1 C GF all purpose Bobs red mill, 2 tsp xanthan gum, and regular Bobs red mill cornmeal. delicioussss

until next time :)

(548) must-make mondays

2012-02-06T15:57:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I mentioned making donuts...but I definitely am for Valentine's Day next week! here is the vegan donut recipe I'm going to use. they look so delicious!

today has been pretty hellacious...
....
but:

-here's a way to help plan meals + make shopping lists.
-a cozy apple dal to eat with basmati rice and beer
-a spicy kale and grain soup to eat with crusty, buttered garlic bread
-how to re-make a take out favorite: Chipotle. if you have the time, that is :)
-some decadent double mocha fudge brownies to have with tea or for a party (i.e. with more beer and some other great party foods)
-an amazing recipe for vegan spinach tofu ricotta vegetable tartlettes. I really want to make this!

so I'm thinking of going to pastry school.
I'm thinking about a lot of things
all because of this video on Miette, a san francisco bakery that I'm in love with now.
this video almost made me cry.

I also need to convert this easy little bread recipe to gluten/dairy-free. I may just try and if it doesn't work, oh well. I'm thinking millet, sorghum, tapioca starch with rolled oats and xanthan gum should be just fine. we'll just have to see!

(544) tempting thursdays

2012-02-02T07:45:00.000-08:00

time for cozy winter dishes and Super Bowl appetizers! hip hip hooray!

maybe a warm bowl of black bean + butternut squash chili.
or a vibrant vegan pizza with homemade pizza dough...

for the Super Bowl I'm thinking: cheesy quinoa veggie bites (with vegan cheese of course)
but these vegan potato skin poppers look amazing too. they'd go great with chili!
but I do love deviled eggs, especially when chipotle is involved! they may go too fast though.

I have also vowed that these pretzel hot dogs are on my top-5 to make when I move out list. let's just go ahead and review that now...

1. easy little bread from 101 cookbooks
2. bacon brown sugar biscuits from Joy the Baker
3. angel food cupcakes from How Sweet Eats
4. mini pretzel dogs from 101 cookbooks
5. cocoa nib and vanilla bean meringues from Joy the Baker

something like that.
no big deal.

luckily Tracey from Shutterbean posted this amazing sushi roll bowl this morning. I had something very similar from 101 cookbooks but this looks amazing too. I love sushi, and deconstructed sushi is amazing.

also, this is my new favorite tea.

(543) what I want wednesdays

2012-02-01T11:30:00.000-08:00

so my cravings list is huge for this week. therefore, I will be splitting it up into two days

let's start with breakfast.

this beautiful breakfast spread makes me want to melt. this is the breakfast you're served when you die. it's so warm and golden! and that teabag/spoon setter is to die for. I may not agree with the claim "fuck eggs" but the post is still lovely.

but these mini flax frittatas look super easy and delicious too. if there is a frittata recipe that doesn't involve my cast iron skillet (that I've yet to look at/use/take out of its box), I am down.

if I see one more delicious muffin post that involves somewhat healthy ingredients...but still turns out amazing muffins, I am going to break the bank and just bake some. these 1,000 seed muffins look great too. don't leave out that 1,000 seed part when you tell people about it. it makes them sound crazy.

now let's move directly to dessert, which can sometimes happen after breakfast.

some great cake recipes have been posted too...really simple, somewhat healthy cakes. like this orange walnut cake or even better: a chocolate beet cake with cream cheese frosting. I heard rumors that this could be the best chocolate cake around...I'm not disbelieving it. I'm torn between what to make for Valentine's Day. my options are:

belgian brownies
doughnuts
chocolate beet cake

tomorrow will be a roundup of favorite superbowl recipes :)

also for superbowl, I've decided to make vegan oatmeal raisin cookies from my Babycakes book! :)

I also just found this amazing overnight pear foccacia. Foccacias are definitely on my to-do-list and this one looks amazing...but let's be real people: I need to actually make something with yeast first (which makes me nervous as hell). we'll see :)

(537) tempting thursdays

2012-01-26T13:43:00.000-08:00

this week has been crazy! not just school but the weather has been super flip-floppy. I have had a lot of work to do this week since I have three tests coming up soon. I even had to be dropped from a class because I didn't have time for it.
but I am sitting here with a big mug of darjeeling tea after spending my morning reading Murakami and doing some homework and I feel determined to finish my work before I go to bed.

so here are some cravings.

I wish I had time or that my mom had the patience to let me use my food processor to make these apricot coconut bars. they look just like larabars! but brighter and probably tastier.

and I would want nothing more than a huge bowl of crispy kale and toasted coconut over brown rice. yuuum. I may have to convince my mom on this one. I see a fried egg and sriracha on this too.

now I'm not huge on brussel sprouts...but these recipes might get me addicted to them. but then again I'm pretty sure I'd eat anything with bacon and avocado...even mushrooms. and I hate mushrooms (les champignons).

these lollipops look pretty cute too! I'd love to make these for another cheese and wine party (ps: if I do have another one of these, I promise it'll be more successful than the last!)

I never found my vanilla bean pod but I still want to make this steamer, maybe this weekend as a treat. this week has been rough.

I also wouldn't mind eating buttermilk roasted chicken, even if it meant making vegan buttermilk (which is easier than easy). I want this with some garlicky spinach and rolls. maybe even sweet potatoes.

and these may happen in a me-friendly version for Valentine's Day. brownie surplus! <3

(532) cory's birthday

2012-01-21T20:57:00.000-08:00

my best friend Cory turned 24 this week! so I made him some cupcakes...duh!

this recipe is adapted from cupcake #27 on my favorite cupcake website: ming makes cupcakes! they don't update the site anymore but it's a great place for cupcakes that are special :)

look at that beautiful cream cheese frosting!

vanilla almond cupcakes with maple cream cheese frosting, drizzled with maple syrup and sprinkled with raw sugar. yuuum! also, check out my cupcake carrier! it can also hold 24 mini cupcakes or one 9x13 cake. it's awesome!

me after a few drinks and smokes

and me before a few drinks and smokes...haha. can you tell I miss NYC?

this is me and Cory some time ago...we look like we're getting into trouble as usual. love you babydoll! you make my days brighter and more hilarious! :)

my friend Ashley made these amazing chicken beer tacos with Redbridge and they were so fucking good. she also made homemade pica de gaillo. perfection...I should've had more than one. ugggh.

also craving this spiced almond steamer from Joy. I love the idea of this so much. if only I could get a hold of some vegan whipped cream. so much homework to do tomorrow. I had some amazing sushi and corn chowder tonight.

see ya later :)

(530) tempting thursdays

2012-01-19T08:15:00.000-08:00

blood orange sugared scones with a nice cup of orange spice tea

creamy tuscan white bean pasta with a big salad and a glass of wine. maybe a woodchuck. but first I have to find a good dairy-free substitute for evaporated milk...this is on my to do list.

while I'm on the subject of white beans, this white bean soup with crispy proscuitto sounds pretty damn tasty too. I am dying to use my (and my sister's, too) hand held immersion blender.

these raspberry dark chocolate chunk pancakes have also been talking to me. decadent breakfasts are kind of my thing. with a big pot of black tea or raspberry royale and maple syrup. ugh I crave sugar too much.

then my beloved Deb from Smitten Kitchen comes back with an amazingly easy sounding carrot soup with miso and sesame, which would be another good thing to try my immersion blender on.

another decadent breakfast from deb: buckwheat baby with salted caramel syrup. I just want to make dutch baby pancakes anyways. Arel is dying for me to make this. when I move out, I keep saying.

just to make me even more cranky, an apple Russian cake that looks so beautiful. and it doesn't have that many ingredients. how does this happen?

I guess I've been craving pizza too because this leek, sausage + broccoli rabe pizza and this other escarole anchovy lined pizza look too good for words. I may have to make one of these soon...or else.

also: today I was kind of stuck. I didn't have any leftovers to eat for lunch. I ended up eating a fried egg with sriracha and soy sauce. I mashed it all together until it was well mixed, and it was delicious. maybe it was two eggs. I also had a baked potato. it's even better over rice with wilted kale. so just a quick easy meal that I threw together in a few minutes and now I'm pleasantly full :)

(527) cupcake film pairings part 1

2012-01-16T13:49:00.000-08:00

-Jawbreaker: funfetti cupcakes with a pink buttercream topped with a mini jawbreaker

-The Royal Tenenbaums: blue velvet cupcakes with a cream cheese frosting, topped with iconic fondants (ex: wooden finger; tennis racket; dalmatian mice; tenenbaum emblem)

-The Godfather: cannoli cupcakes with a rich espresso buttercream, topped with chocolate covered espresso beans

-A Clockwork Orange: blood orange cupcakes with a blood orange buttercream, topped with a fondant eye with long eyelashes

(523) dad's 58th birthday

2012-01-12T20:47:00.000-08:00

this happens every year.

me: what do you want for your birthday?
dad: nothing.

I consulted my mom and she told me that my grandmother used to make my dad chocolate cake: aka yellow cake with chocolate frosting. I did some hefty researching and found a vanilla cupcake and a different chocolate buttercream recipe. it was super vanilla-y and delicious! the frosting was amazing too.
I got the cupcake recipe from one of my favorite and most inspiring bloggers, Joy the Baker and the frosting recipe I googled. it's from savory sweet life.

all my cupcakes are in a row

can you tell I got a piping set or two for christmas?

the perfect cupcake. if I do say so myself. everything I had as a child kicked up ten notches.

this is also the best way to transport single cupcakes. I found this somewhere on the internet and decided to give it a try when I wanted to give my friend one. it worked out great! good thing I have a super unlimited supply of starbucks cups haha

(510) stardust memories

2011-12-30T19:24:00.000-08:00

so I made the best cookies
in the entire universe.
they involve:
oats
chocolate chips
orange zest
pecans
cinnamon + nutmeg

check out the new awesome cooling racks that stack on top of each other! pretty sure this was the first Christmas present I opened this year. love it.

Rigby trying to steal a cookie. it's okay because he's cute.

don't even hesitate. go to the store and make these cookies, now. I'm telling you. I subbed some stuff out of course:
for the flour: 1 C sorghum flour, 1/2 tapioca starch, 1 tsp xanthan gum
for the dairy: Enjoy Life chocolate chips, 1 stick earth balance vegan butter

other things I got for Christmas: 7 cup food processor, donut pan, macaron cookbook from the macaron cafe (the one I visited in NYC!), Ikea extra tall muffin pan and beautiful liners, two awesome piping sets, pyrex dishes, tupperware, japanese tea set, MACARONS FROM NYC BECAUSE EMILY IS THE BEST HUMAN BEING, amazing tea. other amazing things. it was a great one.

I just need to stop being so goddamn cranky and stop smoking.
happy new year :)

(501) sweet cinephilia

2011-12-21T07:43:00.000-08:00

so
I got a new tattoo
and it's beautiful.
it was so painful and took 3.5 hours
but it was so worth it.
I've never been happier with a tattoo.

(494) it's over with

2011-12-14T16:00:00.000-08:00

I had my colonoscopy yesterday. I don't remember a lot of it but it went well. I was very sleepy/dizzy all of yesterday. from what they saw at first glance, things look normal. they will have to look closer to see exactly what's going on. they also performed four biopsies along my intestinal tract and those results will be back in three weeks or so. my doctor gave me some kind of pills for my stomach but I can't even remember what they are. I just have to wait patiently for the results and try to manage my stomach health until then.

school is almost over with, on a happier note. only a few more days. my next tattoo is in less than a week! I cannot wait. and christmas is so soon. I'm not over it yet. I want to just come and be gone. I'm kind of excited for classes next semester...more so my new back tattoo. pecan chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and peanut brittle to come! :)

(490) one messy apron

2011-12-10T15:19:00.000-08:00

I made something is new for me in two ways: gingerbread cookies and I used my NEW STAND MIXER :)!! sorry. still not over the fact that I have one.

moving on.

these cookies weren't made Moravian spice-thin but rather cake like. they may crisp more when they cool completely but they are still good! pretty spicy but delicious. I scattered some raw sugar on top instead of using icing. here is the recipe I used from Heidi Swanson.

men, trees, stars, bells, moustaches and candy canes. no unusual shapes here...

I love my golden gingerbread moustaches!

what's better than an edible moustache? nothing. nothing.

I ended up making dinner for my parents & I tonight (which is odd) because they went shopping. I made one of my new favorite quick, easy and delicious meals from one of my favorite blogs. this would be cooking after five's orecchiette with broccoli. not to mention there's five cloves of grated garlic, red pepper flakes, and butter involved. it's so simple and delicious, like all of her recipes! I added extra red pepper flakes and a few dabs of earth balance.

(488) bloom where you are planted

2011-12-08T10:52:00.000-08:00

another fun filled food week (with some stress added). enjoying things like:

-american horror story
-ichi the killer
-melancholia
-honest tea's peach oo-la-long
-bjork
-christmas she & him and Sufjan Stevens
-swan lake & nutcracker albums

tomorrow I have to stop eating all raw fruits and vegetables, nuts, seeds, anything high fiber until after the colonoscopy. did I mention I'm writing a profile on colonoscopies for English class? well I am haha. it may sound weird but I think it will be interesting.

we made this chunky celery soup from Heidi's blog and her amazing egg salad recipe from her latest book. she is my favorite lately. we've been making a lot of her recipes. one day this weekend we will be making her deconstructed sushi bowl. we ate this celery soup for at least three days and I never got tired of it. it's perfect for a weak stomach, even with some pepper on top.

and who doesn't love garlic and butter slathered egg salad? we made a tarragon and a dill version. c'est parfait.

we also made this amazing Mediterranean lentil salad with sundried tomatoes, shallots, and kalamata olives. I had mine cold (it's served best cold) with extra whole olives and a piece of garlic/butter toast. I am so happy right now. this food was amazing.

also check out my new moustache cookie cutters from Modcloth!

I also made some holiday granola with pistachios, cranberries, and nutmeg. super easy and delicious!

for dinner we had soba noodles with raw vegetables. this will be the last raw vegetable dish I can eat until after Tuesday morning. I love all the bright colors

(486) e ho'a'o no i pau kuhihewa

2011-12-06T09:06:00.000-08:00

I thought I would round up some of my favorite homemade gift recipes and try to remember them for another year! this one is far too busy.

homemade vanilla extract from Baked Bree. make delicious, pure vanilla extract for you or your friends! this is a great money saving technique. it only takes 3 weeks to complete!

hand-wrapped and sorted tea bags from Bonzai Aphrodite. pick your favorite teas and have fun experimenting with strength, combinations, and flavors! I have a lot of friends who love tea so this would be perfect. I would also love to make homemade tags and large parchment bags for these!

homemade herb honey mustard from Baked Bree. another great, quick homemade gift for foodie friends! do different combinations of herb vinegars, some with honey, some with out. the possibilities are endless! and delicious.

christmas morning granola from Baked Bree. I am a huge sucker for granola, especially if it's homemade. what is a better gift than this? granola is also super easy to make.

homemade limoncello from Shutterbean. this one takes a little bit more effort but you can make delicious cocktails, even cookies with this!

homemade amaretto from Shutterbean. spike your coffee, soak ladyfingers, or make an almondy treat!

cherry oat scone mix from Yummy Mummy. do most of the work for your friends by making these scone packages in a jar! I really want to do something like this.

last minute gift ideas from shutterbean. everything from granola to jam!

or check out Martha Stewart's collection of homemade food gifts!

the title of this post means "Try it to end the panic." it basically means sometimes you have to do something to get it over with. trying to remember this. only one more week!

(483) licking the spoon clean

2011-12-03T11:21:00.000-08:00

so I ventured out to made one of the best Southern snacks: puppy chow. my friend's mom used to make HUGE batches for all of our friends. it is so good...and bad for you.

some of the best ingredients you can imagine...chex cereal smothered in peanut butter, chocolate, and powdered sugar? I guess the cereal and peanut butter makes it sort of healthy, right? I'll just keep telling myself that.

it's snowing sugar! I got the recipe here

(482) carol of the bells

2011-12-02T19:01:00.000-08:00

these are the first of my Christmas baking excursion!

this is the first batch of homemade rice krispie treats that I've ever made. I used to love them when I wasn't on the diet and haven't really had them since, except for in NY. these are buttery, slightly sugary, perfect. I adapted it from raspberri cupcake's recipe for rainbow rice krispie treats. I found that I really needed 7 1/4 C cereal and a little over a cup of marshmallows.

very happy with how the layers turned out!

all wrapped up for sharing!

we also made this salad that I've been dying to try from what's cooking good looking? this is the perfect thing to make after the holidays. it's light, delicious, and the toasted pepitas are reminiscent of bacon (I just tell myself that...). anyways I totally recommend it! I always love a good salad. this was also my mom & I's first stab at polenta rounds. I bought a log of it with basil and garlic at Deep Roots. it was delicious, fast & easy!

(481) deep red bells

2011-12-01T18:30:00.000-08:00

Christmas Baking List:

-red & green rice krispie treats (raspberri cupcakes)
-puppy chow (general mills cereal)
-black forest cookies (martha stewart)
-oatmeal chocolate chip pecan cookies (smitten kitchen)
-grown-up fig cookies (101 cookbooks)
-gingerbread men (101 cookbooks)
-holiday granola (yummy mummy)
-peanut brittle (martha stewart)
-sparkling cranberries (101 cookbooks)
-overnight French toast (Lucinda Scala Quinn)
---------------------------------------------------------

homemade pumpkin pie (recipe from 101 cookbooks)

one of my greatest culinary achievements! Ina Garten's saffron risotto with butternut squash

baked cranberry oatmeal (a cozy kitchen)

chocolate sandwiched lace cookies from my Babycakes does the classics cookbook!

(472) starting the process

2011-11-22T20:19:00.000-08:00

today was my first appointment at Digestive Health. we talked for a bit with the doctor and decided to:
-get some blood work (test for iGA, thyroid, SAED receptors etc.)
-GI tract & small bowel x-ray examination
-colonoscopy.

the last one really hit me hard. we are trying to rule out Chron's Disease (which he is suspicious of, and I as well) but I am really nervous. I thought colonoscopy was a small idea that may happen, that probably wasn't necessary but I guess it is. I guess whatever I have is bad enough to need one. I'm not even 25. I feel so weird. I guess sometimes you have to do things you don't want to in order to get somewhere. it's scheduled for December 13th.

I am pretty nervous. I have to fast for a few days, be on a liquid diet, stop eating a lot of stuff five days before, and drink some nasty stuff. not looking forward to it but I know it's important. I'm glad we're making small progress. my x-ray session is next Tuesday, which could take up to four hours.

I just want to find something. even if it's good news, even if it's bad news. I have to know something.

(471) keeping my head up

2011-11-21T17:22:00.000-08:00

my first gastroenterologist appointment is tomorrow. we will be discussing Chrons disease tests, colonoscopies etc. things that may be uncomfortable but need to be discussed. I hope we can find some answers. haven't been doing so great for the past week and have dropped a lot of weight but I am trying to stay positive. hope Black Friday goes well. here are some random pictures.

gluten&dairy-free black bottom cupcakes. some of the best cupcakes I've ever made/tasted! recipe from the magical smitten kitchen aka Deb!

sister's paintings, tea + moustache mug.

gluten-free & vegan bakery in NYC

my Emily & I in Harney and Sons Fine Tea store in NYC. I miss her so much.

tea tasting at Harney & Sons Fine Tea in NYC. one of the best moments in my life.

beautiful new york apartments (view from Emily's)

purple macaron

lunch at Le Pain Quotidien

s'mores cookies from erica's sweet tooth

delicious Indian french fries at a restaurant near RDU. yuuum.

subway

Pixies show. I still can't believe I saw them, they are absolutely amazing. (not my picture, but this is from the Greensboro show)

Ashley & I in Harney and Sons. she rules.

me before heading off to RDU and probably having some sort of panic attack because I hadn't been on a plane in 10 years haha.

I know the NY pictures are late. Europe is not going to happen until I study abroad. Probably for the best since I may have something serious. whoopie doo. I'll try to update more.

(456) 20th birthday

2011-11-06T18:41:00.000-08:00

I'm no longer a teenager!!

me in my brand new wool coat <3

delicious homemade chana masala

gingerbread apple upside down cake. so caramelly delicious

MY NEW STAND MIXER!!! I was so surprised

20.

(422) basket case

2011-10-05T14:13:00.000-07:00

I made pumpkin chocolate chip muffins for my sister's birthday (and for my own pleasure!). I usually don't use gluten-free recipes unless it's absolutely necessary, because I enjoy converting regular recipes, but this recipe was simple and I know I can trust Karina's recipes.
I really recommend her blog for those just starting out gluten/wheat/dairy-free because she has years of knowledge. these muffins were so delicious. I did substitute the coconut flour for millet flour because I don't keep coconut flour on hand.

here's the recipe :)

(421) deep red

2011-10-04T09:32:00.001-07:00

I am so happy it's October, which is probably my favorite month of the year. horror movies, pumpkins, candy, baked goods...and more horror movies. need I say more? here is a recipe that I am in love with: easy salmon sandwiches with basil mayo used canned salmon and homemade mayonnaise. it's so easy and delicious!

(414) against the bean

2011-09-27T19:04:00.000-07:00

I tried my hardest to see if coffee & I could agree again. alas, no. so I am swearing off of coffee for the rest of my life (for the better).
so goodbye coffee
and hello to tea, again, how could I betray it? I hate that I work with coffee every single day but I can't help what I can't have. I also am cutting out cured meats (i.e. ham, bologna, salami, capiocolla, etc.) unless I cook the meat myself.
so new things learned
also basil lemonade popsicles are delicious

(406) against the grain

2011-09-19T12:48:00.000-07:00

so my first exam went well, in SOC, I got a 96 :) I'm very happy right now I just hope that I can keep up the good work. I also have to write a personal essay on something that has affected me tremendously (i.e. food in general). I've always had a strange relationship with food, ever since I was a kid. I am afraid of food, I love food, it nourishes me but it also really has hurt me in so many different ways. so this is what I'm writing about. it should be interesting.
we had some grilled lemon & dill salmon and homemade burgers last night which was scrumptiousss.

here's a random picture I took of Jasper a while ago. we may be cooking a Jamie Oliver recipe soon which I'm very excited about. but more importantly....cupcakes to make on Sunday! and 24 of them!

(405) the poughkeepsie tapes

2011-09-18T19:52:00.000-07:00

here are some things I really want to make.

Heidi Swanson's all-natural, no corn-syrup caramel apples. all I need is some mimicreme!

And if I really get up the guts, Heidi's adorable spooky ghost meringues. I have never made meringues/whipped egg whites/used a piping bag. but these are so cute!

Candy corn fudge! This is easy to make gluten/dairy-free. I may even splurge on some vegan white chocolate chips ;) now that I know candy corn is gluten free.

Cooking after five's carrot puree with basil crumbs looks so warm and cozy. I'm just ready for fall, period.

(399) the happening

2011-09-12T12:12:00.000-07:00

so I moved back out into my parent's house. I'm going to miss cooking but I also think it was a wise decision on my part. things weren't going to work out well with my roommate, who happens to be my best friend too. I really will miss cooking and I hope my mom will at least allow me to cook from time to time. then again, we don't have many proper knives in this house. but here's the last meal I cooked at the other house before I moved, and one that I will probably eat a few more times before the year is over: chickpeas with spicy wilted greens. its spicy, so incredibly simple and quick (only took me 10 minutes after prepping everything)

I love everything about this dish. the red pepper flakes, the salty browned chickpeas, the slightly crunchy kale. this is one of my new favorites. it was worth fighting with the old-fashioned can opener. and now onto other new found loves: sushi and burgers. together

the glorious place I speak of is called The Cowfish in Charlotte, NC. I recommend it to anyone who loves sushi or burgers, or hopefully both. I was always skeptical about eating raw fish but I took a walk on the wild side Friday night with this. not only is it raw fish it also has imitation crab, spicy mayonnaise, and fish eggs: 3 things I never eat. but this was delicious with GF soy sauce. I also got grilled veggies, thai pickled cucumbers (these were awesome), edamame and the mini burger (bunless) of the week. so. delicious. I have to go back for my birthday.

(396) labor day eats

2011-09-08T08:22:00.000-07:00

yes I've been off the radar for a bit. but I'm here with lots of recipes. this is a picture of the food I got from Zoe's Kitchen, somewhere I haven't been since being GF but it was amazing. the picture does it some justice because it's beautiful, but it was so fresh and delicious! the braised white beans in rosemary were to die for. the chicken was so good. I even ate the mushrooms (gasp!) in other news, we had a labor day dinner, which we're still cleaning up after...

to start: an avocado orange salad with a homemade ginger dressing, topped with sesame seeds and fresh parsley. I used Joy's recipe for the salad but kind of changed it up a bit since I bought pre-cut romaine lettuce (lazy). then I found this dressing recipe. compared to other ginger dressings that I've had at restaurants, I dont like it. but it worked for the salad. may have been better if we didn't use agave nectar instead of honey and had let it sit longer. still hunting for the perfect ginger dressing.

the main attraction: cumin seared tuna steaks served with cilantro, lime wedges, and homemade wasabi. again, we forgot the unrefined coconut oil and used olive oil instead, which may have been important for moisture because it was sort of dry to me. everyone loved it though! kudos to my roommate for doing a terrific job with it. we served it with Martha Stewart's sesame lime rice. this was incredibly easy to make and delicious. it was the first time I've made rice that wasn't instant/1-minute ready. I omitted the lime zest and used just juice and added a pat of vegan butter. very simple and delicious; the sesame seeds had a nice crunch too!

things I get excited about easily: cooking something different, cooking from a Smitten Kitchen recipe, and feeling like Ina Garten. this is Deb's recipe for vanilla roasted pears. so easy, delicious (okay the pear peeling/coring/halving was time consuming) but it was so good at the end. I mean look at it when I plated it!

they were unbelievably moist and tender. I am so in love with pears/fruit in general as a dessert right now. next I want to try caramelized pears. I really loved serving up the pears and then divvying up the rest of the butter/vanilla bean/pear juice sauce.

this weekend I am going to make a recipe from 101 Cookbooks and another from Cooking After Five, two of my favorite blogs.

(393) party planner

2011-09-03T08:23:00.000-07:00

so I've been a little busy/stressed out lately. for the last week I think I've eaten:

Ina Garten's summer garden pasta [which led to me slicing my thumb]

Tilapia with brown rice. first dredged with cornmeal and paprika, the second time a little lighter cornmeal batter with extra salt, pepper, paprika, red pepper flakes and garlic powder. the brown rice was delicious too with some rosemary, salt, pepper, and vegan butter. we plan to make fish tacos later.

and my lovely makeshift burrito bowl. some corn chips, chopped tomatoes, a recipe for Martha Stewart's spicy black beans, Trader Joes corn salsa, some lime juice and salt. last night we mixed the beans with rice which made a tasty combination. we've been doing a lot of carrying over/mixing food lately. I hope we will have more variety next week.

hopefully on Labor Day we will make: cumin seared tuna steaks, avocado orange salad with a ginger dressing, lime sesame seed rice, and either caramelized pears or individual peach cobbler (I can't decide which one I want)! stay tuned :)

(387) okra fritters

2011-08-28T13:31:00.000-07:00

These will knock your socks off. I don't have a photo as of right now but I might later (if we end up making more ;)

Okra Fritters (from Martha Stewart Everyday FOOD)
-------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 1/2 C GF all-purpose flour
- 1/2 small yellow onion, diced small
- 2 C vegetable/canola oil
- salt and pepper
- 2 C coarsely chopped okra
- 1 large egg
- 1/4 C dairy-free buttermilk
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
- In a large heavy skillet, heat oil over medium heat. In a medium bowl, combine flour, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp pepper. Add okra and onion and toss to coat. In a small bowl, whisk together egg and buttermilk. Add to okra mixture and stir until just combined.
- In two batches, drop batter in 2 tablespoonful mounds into oil. With a small spatula/butterknife, gently flatten each mound and fry until golden, about 4 minutes on each side, flipping once. (adjust heat if browing too quickly).
- Drain on paper towels. Season with salt and serve hot!

Makes about 10 fritters (they go fast. trust me)

(385) anatomy meets cooking

2011-08-26T12:13:00.000-07:00

last night, we ventured deep into cooking adventures.
we cut up a whole chicken.
my friend has taken anatomy and is a certified EMT so I decided to let her cut the chicken this time...we used this amazing video to learn how to cut a chicken into 8 pieces. it was fairly easy.
I only cut the onions and didn't cry, until I used the red onions. then I had to break out my sunglasses.
so if two 19 year old girls can make this (and cut up a chicken, might I add), anyone can. it was wholesome, delicious, and simple. it makes the kitchen smell so good. we served it with pan-fried okra in vegan butter.

Baked Chicken with Onions (from Martha Stewart's Everyday FOOD)

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- 1 whole chicken (3 1/2-4 pds) cut into pieces [note: we used a 5.5 pd chicken]

- 2 T vegetable oil [note: we used olive oil]

- 2 tsp coarse salt

- 1/2 tsp ground pepper

- 1 T paprika

- 2 onions, thinly sliced [note: we used one white, one red]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

- Preheat the oven to 450 F. Place thinly sliced onions and chicken pieces in a 9 x 13 in baking dish or roasting pan. Drizzle with oil, season with salt and pepper, then toss to coat.

- Arrange chicken pieces skin side up on top of the onions. Sprinkle with paprika

- Bake, tossing onions and basting chicken occasionally, until juices run clear when chicken in pierced with the tip of a sharp paring knife, 35-45 minutes. Serve hot

Serves 4

(383) sui generis

2011-08-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

I have some advice for you people out there that:

a) don't know how to cook
b) are busy
c) like simple, bland meals from time to time
d) are on a budget
e) like being your own chef or as Claire so beautifully puts its, "BYOC"

all of these qualities apply to me. I recently moved into a house with my best friend and living on your own after living at home for 20 years is almost a culture shock to me. I am very handy in the oven/baking area but cooking, I haven't had as much experience with. we all know that me + processed foods hate each other (and my wallet) so I am trying to cook at home more.

that brings me to my next subject: the goddess that is Claire Robinson. she is famous for her "5-ingredient fix" show and cookbook (which I believe is on its way in the mail!). I saw her make this on Food Network not too long ago and knew it was too easy not to try. if I can do it, so can you.

Turkey Robinson (from Claire Robinson's "5 Ingredient Fix")

- 1 pd ground turkey

- 1 (5 oz.) bag of triple-washed spinach [note: I would recommend a 10 oz. bag because this cooked down to not that much]

- 2 C low-sodium chicken stock

- kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper

- 1 (15 oz.) can of cannellini beans, drained

- 2 T of garlic-infused olive oil [note: I used 2 T olive oil and 2 large garlic cloves, minced]

- brown rice or pasta for serving

- [note: I added red pepper flakes for heat]

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

1. Heat the oil in a skillet over moderately high heat until hot, but not steaming. Add the ground turkey and using a wooden spoon, break up into clumps and cook until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Add the stock and scrape up any bits on the bottom of the pan.

2. Bring to a boil, and then let simmer until reduced slightly, about 10 minutes. Stir in the spinach and cannellini beans until heated through. Season with salt & pepper and serve with brown rice or pasta

Serves: 4

Time: 25 minutes

Cost: about $12

(380) momma turns 60

2011-08-21T15:41:00.000-07:00

happy birthday Mom :)

Espresso Fudge Cupcakes (adapted from Ming Makes Cupcakes.yolasite.com)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- 1/2 C sorghum flour
- 1/2 C tapioca starch
- 1 tsp xanthan gum
- 1/2 C unsweetened dutch-processed cocoa powder
- 1/2 tsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 2 tsp espresso powder
- 1 C sugar
- 1/2 C (8 T) Earth Balance
- 3/4 C rice milk
- 1 egg
- 1 tsp GF vanilla
- 1/2 C vegan chocolate chips
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Preheat oven to 350 F and line a cupcake pan with liners.

2. Mix together in a bowl the flours, xanthan gum, cocoa powder, salt, baking soda/powder & espresso powder. In a separate bowl, cream together the butter and sugar on medium speed until light and fluffy. Reduce speed to low and add vanilla and egg. Add rice milk and flour mixture alternately, beginning and ending with flour mixture while still mixing. Stir in chocolate chips. Put into cupcake liners and bake 20-25 minutes until a toothpick comes out almost clean. Let cool 15 minutes before frosting.

Icing
-------
- 1/2 C vegan cream cheese
- 1/2 tsp GF vanilla
- 3 tsp cocoa powder
- 2 C powdered sugar
- splash of rice milk
----------------------------------------
1. Mix cream cheese and vanilla at medium speed until creamy. While beating, add sugar, cocoa, and milk gradually. Spread on cupcakes and top with chocolate chips or chocolate covered coffee beans.

(378) like bringing a dog to a gun fight

2011-08-19T09:13:00.000-07:00

yes it's been quite a while. things have changed. going to GTCC for a year until I transfer. still moving out. I think I'll try (if I have time between work and school) to put my recipes/photos here when I move out and start cooking for Ashley & I.
I have some noted that I want to make. cooking isn't really my specialty but I hope it will be soon.
here is a recipe my mom made recently that I loved, and is even better the next day.

Vegetable Bibimbap from Martha Stewart Everyday FOOD

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups long-grain white rice
5 ounces baby spinach (5 cups)
2 1/4 teaspoons vegetable oil
3 carrots, cut into thin matchsticks
1 garlic clove, thinly sliced
4 scallions, white and green parts separated and thinly sliced
3/4 pound shiitake mushrooms, trimmed, thinly sliced
1 English cucumber, cut into thin matchsticks
2 tablespoons soy sauce
4 large eggs
4 teaspoons toasted sesame oil
Sriracha sauce, for serving

Directions

In a medium pot, cook rice according to package instructions. Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, bring 2 cups water to a boil over high. Add spinach and cook, stirring constantly until wilted, about 30 seconds; drain. When cool enough to handle, squeeze spinach dry with a paper towel.
Wipe out skillet; heat 1 1/2 teaspoons vegetable oil over medium-high. Add carrots and cook until crisp-tender, 3 minutes. Add garlic and scallion whites and cook until fragrant, 1 minute. Add mushrooms and cook 4 minutes. Add cucumber and cook until softened, 3 minutes. Add spinach and soy sauce and stir to combine. Transfer vegetables to a bowl and wipe out skillet.
Heat 3/4 teaspoon vegetable oil in skillet over medium-high. Add eggs, reduce heat to medium, and cook until whites are set and yolks are still runny, about 5 minutes. Divide rice among four bowls; top with vegetables and eggs. Drizzle each with sesame oil, sprinkle with scallion greens, and serve with Sriracha.

(358) hangnails

2011-07-30T19:47:00.000-07:00

new haircut

(356) I screama for ice creama

2011-07-28T08:17:00.000-07:00

(354) the jaunt to mars

2011-07-26T17:21:00.000-07:00

there is something really magical (and garlicky) about this pasta I just ate.
yes, my mouth feels like garlic and burns a bit
yes I just ate a ton of pasta
yes there are tons of leftovers. but what else?
I can prep this 4 hours in advance then cook the pasta and use leftovers for grilled bruschetta.
and now let me unveil the glory that is Ina garten's summer garden pasta recipe:

4 pints cherry tomatoes, halved
Good olive oil
2 tablespoons minced garlic (6 cloves)
18 large basil leaves, julienned, plus extra for serving
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
Kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 pound dried angel hair pasta
1 1/2 cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for serving

Directions

1. Combine the cherry tomatoes, 1/2 cup olive oil, garlic, basil leaves, red pepper flakes, 1 teaspoon salt, and the pepper in a large bowl. Cover with plastic wrap, and set aside at room temperature for about 4 hours.

2. Just before you’re ready to serve, bring a large pot of water with a splash of olive oil and 2 tablespoons salt to a boil and add the pasta. Cook al dente according to the directions on the package (be careful - it only takes 2 to 3 minutes!). Drain the pasta well and add to the bowl with the cherry tomatoes. Add the cheese and some extra fresh basil leaves and toss well. Serve in big bowls with extra cheese on each serving.

(353) kitchen disaster #2

2011-07-25T12:37:00.000-07:00

so I made some scones...

with blueberries, raw sugar, some other stuff...

2 T baking powder...

unsalted (I hope) Earth Balance...

2 tsp salt...

and they were too salty. they were absolutely beautiful but too salty.

I changed the recipe to 1 tsp salt & bolded "unsalted" butter so maybe itll work.

otherwise the texture was amazing, they looked beautiful and would've been great

if they weren't so damn salty.

--------------------------------------------

adapted (by me) from Big Sur's blueberry scones

---------------------------------------------------------------------

1 1/4 C fresh blueberries
2 sticks cold unsalted Earth Balance (or butter), cubed
2 1/2 C sorghum flour
1 C tapioca starch
3 tsp xanthan gum
1 C granulated sugar
1 tbsp baking powder
2 tsp baking soda
1 tsp sea salt
2 tbsp GF vanilla extract
3/4 C buttermilk or dairy-free buttermilk(which is really easy to make)
1/4-1/2 C raw sugar
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
1. Place the blueberries on a tray in the freezer for 2 hours before baking. 30 mins before baking, place the butter, flours, xanthan gum, salt, granulated sugar, baking soda & powder in a mixing bowl in the freezer. Preheat the oven to 375 and line two baking sheets with parchment paper.

2. Whisk the buttermilk and vanilla together in a separate bowl. Remove the bowl from the freezer and break up the butter into pea-sized bits. Make a well in the center and pour the buttermilk mixture in. Stir until just combined. Then carefully stir in blueberries.

3. Place a round 3-inch cookie cutter onto parchment paper. Take a fistful of dough & press lightly into center. Sprinkle each scone generously with raw sugar.

4. Bake for 15-20 minutes until golden along edges yet with a moist center. Remove to rack to cool, then repeat with the next tray of scones.

(351) downtown train

2011-07-23T16:18:00.000-07:00

some stuff I like:

-pint sized Woodchuck hard ciders
-making mini frozen chocolate dipped bananas, and eating them. these are so easy to make!
-'Time Bandits'
-going to make big sur blueberry scones dusted with raw sugar
-finished my first exam
-have "Grey Gardens", "Jules and Jim" and "The Nanny" (Bette Davis movie waiting to be seen)
-working with someone I haven't worked with in over a YEAR
-speaking of my 1-yr anniversary of GF/DF will be in...2 weeks exactly. holy shit.

a cool picture Jamie darlin took of me:

(345) the 400 blows

2011-07-17T06:40:00.001-07:00

very busy with math and work unfortunately

(336) midnight in paris

2011-07-08T11:22:00.000-07:00

- midnight in paris is a wonderful, beautiful movie that everyone should see. Woody Allen is the best (and Marion Cotillard and Adrien Brody as Dali)

- loving the nights where I eat lots of vegetables like pan fried zucchini and squash, a salad of onions cucumbers and tomatoes dredged in a garlic-infused olive oil, cooked greens with sea salt

- my new favorite: an open-face egg salad sandwich from Heidi Swanson's Super Natural Everyday

2 tablespoons plain yogurt, plus more if needed (make it rich, luxuriant Greek-style yogurt)
Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons chopped fresh chives or dill as well as (or in place of) a small pinch of fresh thyme
4 extra-thin slices artisan bread, preferably whole-grain
A little unsalted butter
1 clove garlic, peeled (optional)
4 large hard-boiled eggs, cooled
1 tablespoons sliced shallots (I added this in)
1/2 garlic clove, minced

Directions

1. Combine the yogurt, a couple pinches of salt, a small pinch of pepper, and almost all of whichever herb you choose in a large bowl.

2. Toast the bread until it is deeply golden. Rub each piece with a little butter, then take the clove of garlic, if using, and rub it against each slice.
3. Gently crack and peel the eggs. Add them to the yogurt mixture and mash with a fork, being careful not to overdo it. You want the egg mixture to have some texture. If you need to add more yogurt to moisten the mixture, go for it, incorporating it one small dollop at a time. Taste and add more salt, pepper, or herbs if needed. (You can cover and refrigerate the salad for a while, if you’d like.)
4. Just before you’re ready to eat, place 1/4 of the egg salad on each slice of bread and top with the leftover herbs.

(334) vegan bacon bits + avocado + ginger

2011-07-06T20:06:00.000-07:00

- reading Skeleton Crew. loving the story "The Mist"
-addicted to avocado salads with greens, ginger dressing, vegan bacon bits, madarin oranges
-drinking lots of tea
-bumps on neck
-going to start Norwegian Wood
-seeing Midnight in Paris alone tomorrow
-rain
-thunder
-lightning
-strange dreams due to thyroid pills
-Indian cabbage and potato soup
-cabbage/potato/squash stir fry
-carnival cookies were a hit
-making lots of things from Heidis Super Natural Everyday
-want to make things from Lucid Food
-moving in a week
-in over my head in pre calculus
-want it to be over
-want to know if everything will turn out to be okay
-shower
-sleeping on my grandfather purple flannel shirt

(327) levy pants

2011-06-29T16:22:00.000-07:00

- finished "Confederacy of Dunces" and have claimed it as one of my new favorite books. everyone must read it.
- loves mâche lettuce, especially with a light oil/vinegar dressing, a boiled egg, chopped tomatoes and chopped olives
-eating outside at sticks and stones and enjoying the nice breezy air with delicious local pizza
-taking short naps everyday for however long
-awake tea with raw sugar, steeped for 5.5 minutes
-math tutoring (for some reason)

(318) signing the lease

2011-06-23T09:39:00.000-07:00

so we signed the lease on my duplex yesterday...very excited. its so big, cozy, and it has stain glass windows. need I say more? I would have some sort of housewarming party but there are only really 2 parking spaces for me haha.

here's a recipe from Cooking after Five for Pasta with sardines, roasted tomatoes & breadcrumbs. I can see myself making this once I move in because its very simple, filling, quick, cheap, and delicious (most importantly)! Im going to try to not use paper plates/napkins/cups when I move either. trying to be better about that sort of thing ^_^ anyways heres the recipe:

Ingredients:
2 pints cherry tomatoes
4 slices rustic bread, cubed
Extra-virgin olive oil
¼ cup lightly packed basil, torn
2 3.75 ounce cans oil-packed sardines, roughly chopped
1 pound whole wheat penne (or GF pasta :) )
Parmesan cheese, for serving

Toss tomatoes on a large sheet pan and coat with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast at 425 degrees for 25-30 minutes, or until their skins are bursting and beginning to char.
In a sauté pan, warm ¼ cup olive oil over medium low heat. Add bread and toss to coat. Season with salt and cook, stirring occasionally, until the oil is absorbed and the crumbs are golden brown, about 12 minutes. Set aside.
In a large pot of boiling, salted water, add penne and cook for 6-7 minutes, until al dente. Drain, reserving some of the starchy pasta water. Return pasta to pot, then add tomatoes, sardines and a little bit of their juices, a few tablespoons of the pasta water, a glug of olive oil and the basil. Toss until the pasta is well coated with all the ingredients, then add the breadcrumbs. Serve with Parmesan cheese.

(313) Minerva, goddess of wisdom

2011-06-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

here's my fall schedule:

-Mythology

-English Composition

-Lacunas in Literature & Film

-Non-Western Religions
--------------------------------------
here's a salad I enjoyed today:

-mixed organic greens
-chopped tomatoes
-chopped onions
-chopped hard-boiled egg
-chopped black olives
-balsamic vinegar
-olive oil
-chopped bacon
---------------------------------------
I'm going to try to watch "Cleo from 5 to 7" now, then reading "Confederacy of Dunces". it's very important for me to read over the summer.

(310) the procrastinator

2011-06-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

I may or may not change my orientation date from tomorrow to some other, later date.

(like I did for the SAT about 3 times)

I'm bad at these socially awkward things. that and the fact that I haven't filled out any forms yet...

(in other news):

things I enjoyed recently:

-having people over while parents were out of town
-having an A in math which is due to the fact that I have a tutor...and not much time
-getting pins from work (2 green apron pins, my favorites)
-finally seeing "V for Vendetta"
-eating pasta with lots of veggies
-veggie curry with Woodchuck hard cider, kentucky bourbon pie and everyone I love in my house
-drinking with cory & daniel on my front porch until 3 am
-watching "Houseguest" with matt
-shooting nerf guns while drunk on my skylights
-making baked oatmeal with bananas and blueberries
-finally seeing "Jackie Brown" and realizing how fucking good it is. a fantastic Tarantino film
-thinking about getting an apartment, anthropologie dishes and maybe 2 cats

(306) sweater song

2011-06-11T20:12:00.001-07:00

I got a new sweater :)

(300) rum + coke

2011-06-05T13:13:00.000-07:00

new songs I listened to today or maybe some old and really love:

- the letter by pj harvey
- punk rock by mogwai
- hunter by portishead
- conquest by the white stripes
- falling stars feat. gavin clark by UNKLE
- service bell by grizzly bear
- innocent son by fleet foxes
- seek & destroy by kasabian
- splitter by jonny greenwood
- passover by joy division
- 12:51 by the strokes
- meet me in the bathroom by the strokes

(299) steam engenius

2011-06-04T09:24:00.000-07:00

stressed out of my fucking skull
---
"Sarah" by Ween
"Steam Engenius" by Modest Mouse
"Invisible" by Modest Mouse
"Push Th' Little Daisies" by Ween

(294) yellow rose of texas

2011-05-30T09:20:00.000-07:00

(288) no prep station

2011-05-24T17:44:00.000-07:00

today I subscribed to Last.fm. Ive been using their site for over 5 years but I started paying today. sometimes whenever I here really good songs, I put them on this one, and only one playlist so I can go back to it. here it is: (PS this is 5 years worth of great songs) I will be updating it from time to time because its a long list:

"Victorious D" - Pinback
"Sitting Waiting Wishing" - Jack Johnson
"The Buford Stick" - Drive-By Truckers
"The Last Page" - Emily Hanes & The Soft Skeleton
"Down Boy" - the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Paranoid Android" - Radiohead
"Snails" - The Format
"Sweets" - the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Dashboard" - Modest Mouse
"Australia" - The Shins
"Find My Love" - the Avett Brothers
"Girl Boy" - Blonde Redhead
"Hospital Beds" - Coldwar Kids
"Dollars & Cents" - Radiohead
"Pill Hiding" - Alias
"The Fix" - Elbow
"Signs (Bonobo mix)" - Badmarsh & Shri
"Traveller (Kid Loco's One Upon a Time in the East mix)" - Talvin Singh
"2. Andante" - Sergei Rachmaninoff
"Vocalise op.34" - Mstislav Rostropovich
"Sun Will Set" - Zoe Keating
"Dies Irae" - Mozart
"Allegro con brio" - Beethoven
"Street Spirit (Fade Out)" - Radiohead
"Strawberry Fields Forever" - Richie Havens
"Two Weeks" - Grizzly Bear
"How You Will Meet Your End" - A.A. Bondy
"Cool Melody (Andy)" - St. Vincent
"Lay, Lay Off Faselam" - Avery Tare & Kria Brekken
"Forty Dollar Rug" - Department of Eagles
"Grey Clouds" - Frans Lizst
"La Duchesse Anne" - Grizzly Bear
"Gymnopedie no.1" - Erik Satie
"It's Summertime" - the Flaming Lips
"Freddie Freeloader" - Miles Davis
"Fables of Faubus" - Charles Mingus
"It's the End of the World as We Know It" - R.E.M.
"My Friend Goo" - Sonic Youth
"Utopia Planitia" - the Flaming Lips
"Bode Radio/Glass Lights/Broken Heart" - Jonny Greenwood
"Yes" - Coldplay
"All Fired Up" - Interpol
"So Real" - Jeff Buckley
"Scarecrow" - Beck
"Hunter" - Bjork
"Human Behavior" - Bjork
"Resolution" - John Coltrane
"The New Pollution" - Beck
"Goodbye to Pork Pie Hat" - Charles Mingus
"Congeniality" - Ornette Coleman
"Toccata and Fugue in D Minor" - Bach
"The Thumbs Touch too Much" - Devendra Banhart
"Hours (EI-P mix)" - TV on the Radio
"Still Illl" - the Smiths
"The Akara" - Beirut
"Gazzelloni" - Eric Dolphy
"In the Mauseoleum" - Beirut
"A Nervous Tic Motion of the Head to the Left" - Andrew Bird
"Hausi" - Stafraenn Hakon
"Hung Over as the Oven in Maida" - Godspeed You Black Emperor
"Bat You'll Fly" - Avery Tare & Panda Bear
"Two Tears in a Bucket" - Set Fire to Flames
"Prelude for Time Feelers" - Eluvium
"Readymade" - Beck
"Gravel Pit" - Wu-Tang Clan
"Shame and Fortune" - the Yeah Yeah Yeahs
"Florida" - Modest Mouse
"Do It!" - Death From above 1979
"Imagine It" - the Dirty Projectors
"All my Friends" - Broken Social Scene
"Red Clay" - Freddie Hubbard
"Happy House" - Ornette Coleman
"Dirty Boots" - Sonic Youth
"Mary Christ" - Sonic Youth
"Sugar Kane" - Sonic Youth
"Sixteen, Fifteen, Fourteen" - Polly Jean Harvey & John Parish
"Submarine" - Bjork
"Milky Drops from Heaven" - Jonny Greenwood
"The Chorus in the Underground" - Great Lake Swimmers
"Evidence" - Thelonious Monk
"God?" - the Dodos
"Wide Eyes" - Local Natives
"Jesus Shootin' Heroin" - the Flaming Lips
"Buckingham Green" - Ween
"Jed's Other Poem (Beautiful Ground" - Grandaddy
"Hidden Place" - Bjork
"Jimbrowski" - Jungle Brothers
"Try Counting Sheep" - Black Sheep
"Criminal Minded" - Boogie Down Productions
"Nickel Bags" - Digable Planets
"Stress" - Organized Konfusion
"Poo-Putt Platter" - MF DOOM
"Reasons" - Built to Spill
"Dusk at Cubist Castle" - The Olivia Tremor Control
"Moment of Truth" - Gang Starr
"Cat Faces" - Ugly Casanova
"Endlessly" - Mercury Rev
"Liar" - Built to Spill
"Passin' Me By" - Pharcyde
"Fresh Feeling" - Eels
"Benedictus" - Mozart
"

(287) government hooker

2011-05-23T20:14:00.000-07:00

Nothing is new in life at the moment. Saw Pete & Pete for free downtown on an inflatable movie screen which was pretty terrific, I must admit. Love the theme song. I need to really buckle down and finish this math, but I get tied up with things like Tumblr and a strawberry cake that I must adapt as soon as possible.

Going to get sushi with Katy tomorrow for her birthday which is pretty exciting! and making espresso fudge cupcakes so I will post an adapted recipe for that tomorrow. I just hope making them will not cause a ruckus with anyone.

I'm just really dilly-dallying with this math. Still cutting out recipes and taping them in a journal, which I love. Going to the beach this weekend for 4 days with Matt. Very happy about this sudden change in plans. I need to be nicer sometimes.

Is it sad that the radio being fixed at work has been the absolute highlight of my life since getting into college?

Yes.

Going to look for apartments tomorrow and hopefully eat some homemade vegetable korma.

(285) the rapture

2011-05-21T03:05:00.000-07:00

didn't happen.

pre-calculus, work, and books await me. I imagine if the world did end and I was still around, I would read all my books.
---
cutting out recipes from very ancicent Martha Stewart everyday FOOD recipe books and posting them in a notebook.
listening to "Bitches Brew" and "ATLiens".
doing pre-calculus and strangely liking it.
drinking old lady coffee (recipe: 7 oz. of weak coffee + 1 1/2 oz. water)
contemplating watching "Chinatown".
recipe time
---
Zucchini Spice Bread (adapted from Martha Stewart Everyday FOOD)

-1 large zucchini
-1 C packed light brown sugar
-2 T granulated sugar
-2/3 C vegetable oil
-2 tsp GF vanilla extract
-2 large eggs
-1 C sorghum flour
-1/2 C tapioca starch
-1 tsp xanthan gum
-3/4 tsp salt
-1/2 tsp baking powder
-1/2 tsp baking soda
-1 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
-3/4 tsp ground nutmeg
-3/4 ground ginger
-1/8 tsp ground cloves
----------------------------------------------------
-Preheat the oven to 350 F. Lightly coat a 9x5 loaf pan with cooking spray and set aside. Grate zucchini on the large holes of a box grater (yielding 1 3/4 C); set aside. In a large bowl, whisk together the oil, vanilla, eggs, and sugars.

-In a small bowl, whisk the flours, xanthan gum, baking soda&powder, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to combine. Add flour mixture to egg mixture and stir to combine well. Stir in grated zucchini

-Pour batter into prepared pan, spreading evenly. Bake until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean, 45-55 minutes. Cool in pan 10 minutes, invert onto a wire rack, then reinvert (top side up) to cool completley.
----------------------------------------------------
Sloppy Joes (from Martha Stewart Everyday FOOD)

-1 tablespoon canola oil

-1 medium onion, finely chopped

-½ green bell pepper, finely chopped

-1 stalk celery, finely chopped

-2 garlic cloves, minced

-Coarse salt and ground pepper

-1 pound ground organic turkey

-1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce

-¼ cup ketchup

-1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

------------------------------------------------------

-In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, celery, and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, until vegetables are softened, 5 to 7 minutes.

-Add the ground turkey to the skillet. Cook, breaking up meat with a wooden spoon, until it is no longer pink, 6 to 8 minutes.

-Stir tomato sauce, ketchup, and Worcestershire sauce into beef mixture in skillet. Simmer until thickened, stirring occasionally, 6 to 8 minutes.

-Season the mixture with more salt and pepper, as desired. Spoon onto a piece of bread for an open face sandwich. Use leftovers with elbow noodles the next day.

(283) une americano petit, s'il vous plait

2011-05-19T13:55:00.000-07:00

Thelonious Monk. Charles Mingus. Eric Dolphy. Coffeehouses. Collected stovetop espresso makers, rusty coffee pots, copper french presses. Beans dispersed through out the place. An ambiance of its own kind. Coffeehouses. Chalk-written menus with names like "shot in the dark" and "joltin' joe". Newspapers and assorted literary magazines. People with glasses and dark shoes. Books, laptops, earphones, pens, papers. A collective library with the works. For here mugs, to go cups, personal cups. Foam, whip cream, caramelly espresso with the perfect amount of brown foam on top. Coffeehouses.

I didn't start ~~liking~~ loving coffee until about 2 1/2 years ago. I'd drink it at all times of the day. I was still eating gluten/wheat/dairy/whole 9 yards back then too (besides cows milk) so I guess it did a number on my intestines. Sure, we still have absolutley no idea what's wrong with my stomach but we do know that avoiding wheat/gluten/dairy has helped tremendously. I stopped drinking coffee about a year or so ago. I had a sweet, short love affair with coffee and I really miss it more than wheat/gluten/dairy. I would just coffee over it all.

Besides the fact that my whole family drinks it, I work around it every day, sometimes for 9 hours at a stretch. Just smelling it kills me sometimes. I have those days where I really moan about missing my americanos, my soy white mochas, or just a bold coffee, black, with that punching acidity and earthy flavor. Coffee tastings were the best thing. Now I only reserve coffee sips for the times when I have to describe them to people.

Sometimes I wonder if it'd be worth it to have as much as I can usually handle (6 oz.) or what I used to drink (about 13-14 oz.) and just let my stomach deal with it and let that be its only gripe. But it is the worst feeling when I drink coffee. It literally empties out my entire stomach and Im left with this weak, hungover feeling crawling in my intestines like dry, moist air. I lose a lot of weight when I drink coffee.

But I listen to John Coltrane and my mom is brewing Verona downstairs, trying to let me induldge, just this once. Everyone I know drinks coffee. Boyfriend; boyfriend's family; teachers; every friend I have; neighbors; grandparents; everyone! People look at me sideways when I tell people at work I dont drink coffee. "But you're around it all the time!" "It isn't worth it.", I respond. They give me this look like I'm wise and that they know the feeling. But to me shaking and being 100 pounds doesn't feel so great. My sleeping habits are shit to begin with.

So will I ever drink coffee like I used to? Who knows. Maybe once I find out exactly what's wrong I will. There's just so many fond memories involving me drinking coffee. I miss being neurotic and jacked up on too many good, foamy, soy cappucinos from Tate St and writing 8 pages of Burroughs worthy nonsense. Those were the good old days. Maybe one day again, coffee.

(282) home sweet home

2011-05-18T18:42:00.000-07:00

just a quick post before I go watch [rec] (2007):

-'Catfish' (2010) is amazing and should be seen by every human being
-I found a first edition of "Confederacy of Dunces" for $4
-"Bright Lights, Big City" by Jay McInerney is great and I need to read more of it...
-never try to move out of your house unless you're really prepared...
-I love spending the night with people I love until the early morning
-I love telling someone I love dearly "happy birthday" over and over and drawing cats in icing on their cake
-caramel popcorn for breakfast is a once-a-year thing
-dont ever be a hobo unless you have to be (or a rambling woman)
-make your coffee with a ratio of about 11 TBSP to 24 oz of water and you have espresso-quality stuff. heat milk in a tiny saucepot on the stove and you have yourself a makeshift latte (make it for someone cute)
-never pack all the things you think you need for four days and then come home
-always take bubblebaths
-garden vegetable soup and a piece of toasted, buttered bread is perfect anytime of the year
-darjeeling tea is terrific
-deal with things until you can move on

I am currently looking for an apartment near school and work. hopefully I can find something soon...lets just say that when I went to make my espresso fudge cupcakes, someone didnt want me to and I left with some marks on me. so Im trying to handle this until further notice and be strong. I feel weak for moving back in but part of me is tethered to this old, angled house. I couldnt shake being in a place that wasnt solely mine. anywho time to chug cold water and watch [REC]. tomorrow needs to be productive as fuck.
---
update: [REC] is one of the scariest movies Ive ever seen. do not watch it if you hate scary movies. shit was crazy. and now, some recipes.
---
Texas Caviar (from Martha Stewart Everyday FOOD)

-one 16 oz. can black-eyed peas (rinsed and drained)
-3 T minced roasted red peppers
-1 small diced tomato
-1 diced jalapeno
-1 1/2 T chopped fresh parsley
-2 tsp worcestershire sauce
-1 T olive oil
-1/2 tsp dried oregano
-1 tsp balsamic vinegar
---------------------------------------------
- In a large bowl, toss all ingredients together with a dash of hot sauce. Season with coarse salt and ground pepper. Drizzle with a little more balsamic vinegar before serving. Pairs well with corn chips
---
Farmer's Market Green Beans (from Mary Engelbreit's Queen of the Kitchen Cookbook)

-1 pound green beans, halved
-1 T extra-virgin olive oil
-1 C thinly sliced red onions
-2 garlic colves, very thinly sliced
-one 12 oz. basket cherry tomatoes, halved
-1/4 C shredded fresh basil leaves
-1/2 tsp salt
-1/8 tsp pepper
-------------------------------------------------------------
- In a large skillet, bring 1/2 C water to a boil over high heat. Add a large pinch of salt and the green beans and boil, uncovered, stirring often, for about 10 minutes til tender. Drain. Wipe out the skillet with paper towels.

-Heat the oil in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and garlic and cook, for about 5 minutes, until the onions are tender and lightly browned. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes, until they vegin to collapse and give up their juices.

-Add the green beans, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp pepper and cook until the beans are heated through. Stir in the basil and spoon into a bowl. Serves well with basamti rice and chicken.
---
Garden Vegetable Soup (adapted from Alton Brown)

-4 T olive oil
-2 C chopped leeks (white parts only) from about 3 medium leeks
-2 T finely minced garlic
-2 C carrots, peeled and chopped into rounds (about 2 medium carrots)
-2 C peeled and diced potatoes
-2 C fresh green beans, broken into 3/4 inch pieces
-2 qt chicken broth
-4 C peeled, seeded, and chopped tomatoes
-2 ears of corn, kernels removed
-1/2 tsp pepper
-1 shallot, finely minced
-1/2 white onion, chopped
-1/4 C packed, chopped fresh parsley
-2 tsp fresh lemon juice
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Heat the olive oil in large, heavy-bottomed stockpot over medium-low heat. Once hot, add the leeks, garlic, onions, shallot and a pinch of salt and sweat until they begin to soften, approximately 7 to 8 minutes. Add the carrots, potatoes, and green beans and continue to cook for 4 to 5 more minutes, stirring occasionally.

-Add the stock, increase the heat to high, and bring to a simmer. Once simmering, add the tomatoes, corn kernels, and pepper. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the vegetables are fork tender, approximately 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from heat and add the parsley and lemon juice. Season, to taste, with kosher salt. Serve immediately with toast.

(278) ghost ride it

2011-05-14T07:39:00.000-07:00

Things I've enjoyed the past few days:

-working
-drinking EG tea
-watching Twin Peaks/Ren&Stimpy/Beavis&Butthead/Hey Arnold
-drinking wine
-eating a pizza with swiss chard, ground beef, and potatoes on top
-eating strawberries
-eating Texas caviar (recipe follows)
-being with lots of good people
-street racing & winning
-popping a balloon with my car (idk how safe that is)
---

(275) stalking dream

2011-05-11T02:57:00.000-07:00

Things I enjoyed today:

-watching King of the Hill at 530 AM
-feeling sort of well rested after 5.5 hours of sleep
-waking up from a slightly scary dream
---

(274) rip van winkle

2011-05-10T11:49:00.000-07:00

Things I enjoyed today:

-sleeping for at least 10 hours (which never happens)
-getting home at 230
-eating the rest of my homemade granola for breakfast
-having chai tea with rice milk & sugar
-contemplating getting an apartment
-strawberries with sugar
-converting some recipes for the upcoming weeks
-watching the rest of "They Live"
-watching some other movies later, maybe
-starting to read one of my AP Lit text books and do work from there
---
-picking out Perrine's "Literature: Structure, Sound and Sense" to read and analyze
-eating the best lunch possible: an organic turkey burger with tomato slices, peppery arugula, and dijon mustard
---
watching "Unsolved Mysteries"
---
-eating enchiladas out of a loaf pan (this is the only way they should be eaten, btw)
-going to get tea from work
-getting hugs from two of my favorite people
-getting multiple congrats from everyone
-GETTING INTO COLLEGE FINALLY AFTER 5 YEARS IN HIGHSCHOOL AND OTHER ASSORTED HELL
-not being able to think straight due to the above statement
-considering baking MYSELF some cupcakes for celebration
-planning on having a piece of my chocolate cake for dessert with strawberries
-going out tomorrow to celebrate like its 1999
---
-watching John Carpenter's "Prince of Darkness"
-drinking calm/refresh tea

(273) up at 4 a.m.

2011-05-09T02:49:00.000-07:00

Things I enjoyed today:

-going to bed last night at 9 and waking up at 530 feeling awake
-quality Rigby time that I've missed for the past 3 days
-texting someone who happens to be up this early
-knowing I'll be able to nap when I get home today
-the possibility of making cornbread later
---

(269) bubblegum + ass-kicking

2011-05-05T07:28:00.000-07:00

Things I've enjoyed today:

-getting another email from UNCG that makes me happy and 85% closer to getting in
-waking up at 930 instead of 530
-getting excited for making granola and chocolate cake today
-considering not going out for cinco de mayo and watching "They Live" & "Prince of Darkness"
-lining up my next films for the Dario A'rgento trilogy, "From the Drain", "Rabid" & "Big Trouble in Little China"
-having quality Rigby time
---
-staying busy all day
-going by work to get Earl Grey and have lunch with Arel
-groceries from earth fare
-eating fruit salad of mangos, oranges, bananas, chocolate, coconut and mint
-talking on the porch with friends
-going for a 4-mile walk with the dogs
-getting a box of Franzia for the weekend
-baking homemade granola (recipe follows)
-baking my first chocolate cake (recipe follows)
-eating guacamole
-eating a bean taco
-eating simply all day
-eating a grapefruit half with sugar
-packing for the weekend in my green suitcase
---
Granola (from Heidi Swanson's "Super Natural Everyday")
- 4 C GF rolled oats
- 1 C large coconut flakes
- zest of 2 oranges
- 1/2 C maple syrup
- 5 T butter
- 2/3 C currants/raisins
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/2 C walnut halves
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Preheat the oven to 300 F with racks in the top and bottom thirds of the oven. Set aside two rimmed baking sheets.

-Combine the oats, coconut flakes, currants, salt, walnut halves, and orange zest in a large mixing bowl. Heat the butter in a small saucepan over low heat and stir in the maple syrup. Whisk until thoroughly combined, then pour the maple mixture over the oat mixture and stir until everything is well coated, at least 30 seconds. Divide the mixture between the two baking sheets and spread into a thin layer.

-Bake, stirring a couple of times along the way, for 40-50 minutes, or until the granola is toasty and deeply golden. You may want to rotate the pans once, from top to bottom, to ensure even baking.

-Remove from the oven and press down on the granola with a metal spatula- you'll get more clumps this way. Let cool completley, then store in an airtight container at room temperature. Yields 8 cups.

[note this recipe is so easy to make and I dont think ill ever eat cereal again. Im just going to start making granola in big batches, stored in tupperware, to eat with yogurt & rice milk. and toasted coconut flakes are to die for]
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Glazed Chocolate Cake (adapted from Martha Stewart's FOOD Everyday)
-1 1/2 sticks Earth Balance at room temperature
-3/4 C unsweetened cocoa powder
-1/2 C sorghum flour
-1/4 C tapioca starch
-3/4 tsp xanthan gum
-1/2 tsp baking powder
-1/4 tsp salt
-1 C sugar
-3 large eggs
-1 tsp GF vanilla extact
-1/2 C vegan sour cream
-1/2 C vegan chocolate chips
-1/2 C vegan heavy cream
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-Preheat the oven to 350 F. Butter an 8 or 9 inch cake pan; line with parchment paper and butter the paper; dust with cocoa powder, tapping out excess.

-In a medium bowl, mix the cocoa, flours, xanthan gum, baking powder, and salt. In a large bowl, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add eggs one at a time, then beat in vanilla. With mixer on low speed, add flour mixture in two batches, alternating with the sour cream in between the two batches of flour.

-Spread batter in prepared pan. Tap pan firmly on countertop to force out air bubbles. Bake 30-35 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean in the center. Cool 10 minutes in pan then invert onto a rack to cool completley.

GLAZE:
-Place 1/2 C vegan chocolate chips in a medium bowl. In a saucepan, bring 1/2 C vegan heavy cream to a boil. Pour over chocolate; whisk until smooth. Let cool until thick yet pourable, 2-3 minutes. Spread gently to coat cake entirely and let set.

(268) loud thunder claps

2011-05-04T03:34:00.003-07:00

Things I enjoyed today:

-getting up sort of late but still being on time
-Rigby waking me up
-waking up to rain
-cinnamon raisin toast with butter
---
-drinking chamomile tea at work
-getting a certificate for my green apron cards
-getting an "Involved" hat pin
-watching Barefoot Contessa while eating noodles
-fresh pineapple and fresh strawberries
-taking a two and a half hour nap with Rigby
-watching Unsolved Mysteries
-getting an email that says UNCG is probably going to accept me (80% chance)
---
-planning tomorrow's Cinco De Mayo menu: huevos rancheros, Ina's guacamole, maybe a shot or two of something
-reading Alice Waters "Simple Art of Food" (I need to start cooking from this)
---
-eating hot dogs and a conservative amount of BBQ chips with lemonade
-taking two baths in one day, just to relax
-drinking moroccan mint tea
-listening to Chopin radio (and Brahms)
-finally enrolling in this pre-calculus class
---
-eating vegetarian for a whole week with out purpose
-looking forward to tomorrow's cooking adventures: homemade granola and a decadent chocolate cake

(267) the cat's teeth

2011-05-03T05:31:00.001-07:00

Things I enjoyed today:

-sleeping in a bit
-drinking Earl Grey
-doing a coffee tasting with 3-Region blend with very berry coffeecake
-being confident at work
-working with fun people
-talking to my DM
-getting my 5th card from work
-getting a small bag of groceries (okay not so enjoyable...)
-buying locally grown shiitake mushrooms
-getting "Super Natural Everyday" in the mail (this I am too excited about)
-walking 3.5 miles with a pace of 18.54/mile
-eating zucchini & chickpea saute
-eating tofu scramble with fried potatoes ^_^
-taking care of Rigby after his surgery
-wearing my new bright green sports bra

(Im realizing that I have to find a better, aka the BEST, tofu scramble recipe. Amys frozen one is the best yet sadly)

Spiced Chickpea and Zucchini Saute (from Martha Stewart Everyday FOOD)

-2 T canola oil
-1 large onion, diced
-4 garlic cloves, minced
-1 tsp ground coriander
-1 tsp ground cumin
-8 plum tomatoes, chopped
-2 zucchini, quartered lengthwise and cut into 1 1/2 inch pieces
-1/2 C water
-2 cans (15.5 oz) chickepas, drained & rinsed

-In a large skillet, heat the canola oil over medium heat. Add the onion; cook, stirring occasionally, until beginning to brown, 5-8 minutes. Add the garlic, coriander, and cumin; cook, stirring, until fragrant, 1-2 minutes.

-Add the tomatoes, chickpeas, zucchini, and water; season with salt and pepper.

-Cover skillet; simmer mixture over medium-high heat, stirring, until zucchini is tender, 10-12 mins. Season with salt and pepper.

[note: I ate this with brown basmati rice and it was delicious. also fabulous the next day. who wouldve guessed zucchini & chickpeas are delicious together? wouldve posted the tofu scramble recipe but I really didnt like it that much]

-converting a chocolate cupcake recipe (this could be the best thing)

(266) Osama Bin Laden's death

2011-05-02T02:09:00.000-07:00

Things I enjoyed today:
- at 4 am, nothing so far

[fell asleep around 1, woke up around 415 feeling pretty sluggish. already sick of hearing about Osama's death and I dont even know how to feel about it/have time to comprehend it; I honestly dont think anyone has because it all happened so fast]
---
-writing recipes into my notebook very early in the morning
-dreaming about that lazy day peanut noodle salad
-salivating over tofu scramble
-getting excited for Cinco de Mayo (Ina Garten's guacamole & huevos rancheros)
-hopefully eating spiced chickpea & zucchini saute tonight with rice
---

(265) tightness in chest

2011-05-01T10:45:00.000-07:00

Things I enjoyed today:
-eating cinnamon raisin toast slathered in Earth balance
-having a quiet breakfast in an empty house
-having quality Rigby time on a few occasions this morning
-drinking peach ginger black tea
-going through 8-year old Martha Stewart everyday FOOD books and marking recipes
-watching Food Network and sparking a small affinity for Sunny Anderson (more so for Aarti)
-planning on walking for the fourth day in a row today (world record, everyone)

[I hope that this tightness in my chest subsides, even though I am walking today with Heather]

-planning on making treats for my friend's graduation weekend this week
---
-walking 3 miles in less than an hour
-eating a simple fruit salad with mint leaves
-paying more rent on the Ocracoke house
-buying new sports gear

[I spent too much money at Target...good thing I get paid Friday]

-listening to 'Goo', my favorite Sonic Youth album
-eating guacamole with lemon juice and tomatoes
-eating organic refried beans for lunch
---
-eating two refried bean tacos w/lettuce, tomato and jalapenos
-planning recipes for the week
-drinking homemade lemonade
-reading about making homemade granola
-debating about whether or not I want granola or granola BARS
-getting excited for Boone this weekend

total time and pace: 57:29 mins/secs---18:46 mins/sec per mile [new record]

(264) white wine and family affairs

2011-04-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Things I enjoyed today:
-sleeping in until 1030
-watching Cino De Mayo weekend on Food Network
-eating peanut butter puff cereal in my Kenya mug (I may need someone to discard of this cereal for me)
-having quality Rigby cat time
-drinking English teatime tea
-eating strawberries sprinkled with sugar
---
-going for a walk with Dad instead of taking a nap
-watching Anne Thorton make a baked Alaska and macaroons
-having a really good walking pace today
-eating a smashed 1/2 of an avocado with salt
-eating leftover panzanella (I think Im addicted now) with a hard-boiled egg
-eating grapes
---
-working with my favorite people
-laughing my ass off with people I love
-eating more grapes
-listening to Jamie sing Shirley Temple songs
-knowing that Im making Jamie banana cupcakes with a maple brown butter frosting
-noticing a nice sports bra tan/burn that I formed today...
-eating chicken and bean tacos

(263) no sudden revelations

2011-04-29T18:22:00.000-07:00

Things I enjoyed today:

-watching part of the Royal Wedding with my mom
-having a breakfast of a hard-boiled egg, fried potatoes with ketchup, and juice
-drinking English Teatime tea at work
-working with two of my favorite people
-goofing off with two of my favorite people
-eating cold spring panzanella salad with a boiled egg for lunch
-eating a piece of cinnamon raisin bread with peanut butter
-going on a long walk with friends and dogs
-going on a long walk in the beautiful wind
-wearing running shorts, a sports bra and sheer shirt out shopping
-eating berry sushi
-taking a 45 minute nap
-watching Lifetime with cranberry kombucha and cold panzanella
-finding the best white wine and drinking it
-watching Lifetime with Jamie and wine

(262) after the tornado

2011-04-28T09:20:00.000-07:00

today I think we are making a spring panzanella with hard-boiled eggs and potatoes.

right now im drooling over Deb's sour cream cornbread with aleppo, adapted from a restaurant in NYC. (jealous, again)
I haven't made cornbread by myself, but I'd love to try it out. it sounds incredibly easy. I just hope dairy-free sour cream doesn't taste like crap. maybe I can talk my mom into making this soon.

her recipes always make me swoon. time to watch Ina Garten<3
--------------------------------------------------------------
things enjoyed today:
-walking Jude & Sadie in the windy but warm afternoon
-saving a very pretty, red-spotted turtle from being hit by a car
-waking up quite late
-my favorite continental breakfast: a hard-boiled egg, toast with butter and juice
-watching snippets of Barefoot Contessa
-giving Jude & Sadie water in their bowls that can strap to their backpacks ^_^
-bathing late in the afternoon
-making homemade croutons for the spring panzanella (recipe follows)
-eating more than a few croutons after they came out of the oven (14 mins at 400 F is perfect)
-eating my first Italian panzanella spring salad; it was okay. the croutons were the best and the vinaigrette was impeccable
-eating a hard-boiled egg with the salad
-eating one of my favorite foods of all time: fried potatoes w/herbs and ketchup. nothing tops it.
-sitting with Rigby cat in bed while he snoozed and I looked at recipes
-laughing at Rigby cat sticking his tounge out
-watching TV with Rigby cat while eating dinner
-spending time walking with Arel & the dogs
-a splendid, impromptu salad thrown together my mom with strawberries, apples, bananas, and coconut shreds
-when my mom and I stopped fighting
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Spring Panzanella Salad
adapted from Smitten Kitchen

Croutons:
-1/4 C olive oil
-2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
-6 C day old bread, cubed
-salt & pepper

Vinaigrette:
-1/2 red onion, finely diced
-2 - 2 1/2 T white wine/champagne vinegar
-juice from 1/2 a lemon
-1/4 C olive oil
-1/2 tsp dijon mustard

Salad:
-1 pd haricot verts or 4 large leeks
-2 tsp salt
-1 pd asparagus
-19 oz. can white beans, drained
-----------------------------------------------------
-Preheat the oven to 400 F

-Mix the bread cubes with olive oil, salt and pepper in a large bowl. Transfer bread to baking sheet and season with salt and pepper. Bake in the oven, stirring once or twice, until crisp and golden brown (about 10-15 minutes). Set aside and let cool.

-Mix the red onion with the vinegar and lemon juice in a small bowl; set aside for a few minutes before whisking in the olive oil and dijon mustard.

-Cook the green beans until perfectly done and reserve cooking water. Transfer green beans to a bowl of ice water, then pat them dry. Break off the tough ends from asparagus and cook in boiling water. Put in ice water, drain, and pat dry.

-Put vegetables and beans in a large bowl with croutons and mix. Add salt and vinaigrette and mix. Season with salt and pepper.

Day 261 of GF/DF

2011-04-27T09:00:00.000-07:00

This morning I hit rock bottom.

Again.

This is the second time this has happened since I've been on this diet. Some changes need to be made, quickly. I have to learn from my mistakes and suffering instead of dwell on them.

I need to:

-regularly take my vitamins every single day no matter what (especially digestivenzymes & leaky gut formula powder)

-walk 3-4 times a week outside, 4-5 miles max (for now, stretching before and afterwards, drinking water

-follow the meal plan that I've always tried to follow (breakfast, tea, fruit, lunch, water, snack, dinner, herbal tea)

-get at least 7 hours or more of sleep every single night, no matter what

-cut out processed foods completley and save them only for emergencies. this is what's making my stomach fall apart.

-keep lots of fresh fruits & vegetables on hand for snacks with organic hummus

-try to stay away from cereals and chips; try making homemade granola and other snacks
to keep on hand

-never skip a meal, a drink, vitamins, or a snack

-make dinner at home, unless there is an emergency, and other items to have for lunch during the week
------------------------------
food I enjoyed today (PS this isn't everything I ate. just things I really liked):

Tazo calm tea

organic farm strawberries with sugar

spaghetti with sauteed garlic, onions, diced tomatoes w/broccoli on the side
--------------------------------
tomorrow this blog is going to change. I dont want to focus so much on what Im eating here, but food and how I prepare it and feel about it. today my mom and I ate an apple, strawberries, carrots, tomatoes and broccoli. I love having a bountiful amount of fresh items. I would love to start going to the farmers market & growing my own spice/herb garden.
wouldn't that just be lovely?
more importantly, I want to cook more. I'm in the midst of Alice Waters' Simple Food book and reading about souffles, omelets, and frittatas.
my mom and I might make omelets tomorrow. after we trek to get eggs. there's a tornado watch here, ongoing until god knows when.
I hope that I don't wake up to a tornado again because it was terrifying.
I want my omelet with tarragon, chives, maybe some kale or broccoli, and tomatoes.

Day 260 of GF/DF

2011-04-26T09:28:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: perfectly hard-boiled egg, toast w/smart balance
---
Lunch: green beans w/bacon&potatoes, dressing, turkey
---
Dinner: 8 pieces garden roll sushi w/soy sauce, grilled cheese
---
Snacks: 1/2 banana, buttered popcorn (small amnt), corn chips
---
Beverages: water, juice blend, earl grey tea, cherry ginger soda, lemonade
---------------------------

Day 259 of GF/DF

2011-04-26T09:26:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: peanut butter puff cereal w/rice milk
---
Lunch: chips & salsa, BBQ grilled chicken
---
Dinner: zucchini pasta bake
---
Snacks: apple cinnamon KIND bar
---
Beverages: water, earl grey tea, iced venti passion tea, iced venti green tea lemonade, tropical temptation smoothie
-----------------------------

Day 258 of GF/DF (Easter)

2011-04-26T09:24:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: peanut butter puff cereal w/rice milk
---
Lunch: 3 earl grey cupcakes, miso soup, 9 garden sushi rolls
---
Dinner: turkey, stuffing, zucchini pasta bake, sweet potato
---
Snacks: 1 vanilla cupcake
---
Beverages: water, earl grey tea, lemonade
-----------------------------

Day 257 of GF/DF

2011-04-23T07:43:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: peanut butter puff cereal w/rice milk
---
Lunch: burrito
---
Dinner: sandwich, corn chips w/hummus
---
Snacks: apple, banana bread LARAbar, whole soy blueberry yogurt
---
Beverages: water, earl grey tea, iced venti passion tea lemonade
--------------------------------

Day 256 of GF/DF

2011-04-22T19:26:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: 7-grain hot cereal w/smart balance&salt
---
Lunch: pizza w/veggies
---
Dinner: antipasta salad, garlic green beans, PBJ
---
Snacks: apple pie LARAbar, green apple, chili and lime chips
---
Beverages: water, juice blend, earl grey tea, iced green tea, peach iced tea
---------------------------------

Day 255 of GF/DF

2011-04-21T15:46:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: mesa sunrise waffle w/peanut butter&amber agave nectar
---
Lunch: tortilla instant soup
---
Dinner: pizza w/garlic & veggies
---
Snacks: green apple, cherry pie LARA bar, pineapple
---
Beverages: water, juice blend, earl grey tea, iced venti passion tea lemonade, lemonade
-------------------------------

Day 254 of GF/DF

2011-04-20T02:31:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: scrambled egg, toast w/smart balance
---
Lunch: sandwich w/roasted chicken&mustard, wavy potato chips, carrot
---
Dinner: egg drop soup, red chicken thai curry w/brown rice, PBJ
---
Snacks: banana, whole soy strawberry banana yogurt, berry popsicle
---
Beverages: water, juice blend, earl grey tea, iced venti passion tea lemonade, iced venti green tea, rice milk
-------------------------------

Day 253 of GF/DF

2011-04-19T07:53:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: 2 mesa sunrise waffles w/peanut butter&agave nectar
---
Lunch: lentil vegetable soup, grilled cheese, slice of pina colada cake
---
Dinner: egg drop soup, red thai curry chicken w/brown rice
---
Snacks: apple, praline crunch ice cream
---
Beverages: water, juice blend, iced venti passion tea lemonade
--------------------------------
Walked for over an hour today

Day 252 of GF/DF

2011-04-18T03:07:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: 7-grain hot cereal w/smart balance&salt
---
Lunch: roasted chicken sandwich w/mustard, some wavy potato chips, veggie noodles w/smart balance&salt
---
Dinner: lentil&veggie soup
---
Snacks: 1/2 hard-boiled egg, pina colada cake
---
Beverages: water, juice blend, very berry naked juice, cherry ginger "beer"
-------------------------------

Day 251 of GF/DF

2011-04-18T03:06:00.000-07:00

For April 17th, 2011

Breakfast: ginger snap LARAbar
---
Lunch: leftover enchiladas
---
Dinner: chips w/guacamole&salsa, pina colada cake
---
Snacks: hard-boiled egg, whole soy berry yogurt, energy trail mix
---
Beverages: water, earl grey tea, iced venti green tea, sangria, patron
-----------------------------------

Day 250 of GF/DF

2011-04-16T08:19:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: scrambled eggs w/pica de gaillo
---
Lunch: tuna salad, spring onion noodle soup, banana chocolate chip walnut mini muffins
---
Dinner: thickburger w/m&k,l&t, wavy chips
---
Snacks: gala apple, whole soy yogurt, energy trail mix
---
Beverages: water, juice, earl grey tea, iced venti passion tea, iced venti green tea
-------------------------------

Day 249 of GF/DF

2011-04-15T05:41:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: 7-grain hot cereal w/smart balance&salt
---
Lunch: tuna salad sandwich, carrot sticks, flaxseed corn chips
---
Dinner: chicken enchiladas, pica de gaillo
---
Snacks: gala apple, energy trail mix, mini banana walnut chocolate muffins
---
Beverages: water, tazo earl grey tea, iced venti unsweetened passion tea, iced venti unsweetened green tea
----------------------------------

Day 248 of GF/DF

2011-04-14T07:12:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: corn chex cereal w/rice milk
---
Lunch: 8 pieces berry sushi, tuna salad, dark chocolate covered banana pieces
---
Dinner: baked herbed chicken, cooked carrots, praline crunch ice cream
---
Snacks: whole soy strawberry banana yogurt, medium waffle fry
---
Beverages: water, grape soda, earl grey tea
-------------------------------------

Day 247 of GF/DF

2011-04-13T03:08:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: 1 hard-boiled egg, 2 sausages, 1 piece toast w/smart balance
---
Lunch: mustard greens, large plate of spaghetti
---
Dinner: sweet potato fries w/ketchup, turkey burger w/mustard&ketchup
---
Snacks: gala apple, whole soy blueberry yogurt, lime popsicle, flax corn chips w/hot salsa
---
Beverages: water, morning juice blend, lemon mate tea, iced venti unsweetened green tea, homemade lemonade
---------------------------------

Day 246 of GF/DF

2011-04-12T07:24:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: KIND apple cinnamon bar
---
Lunch: 8 pieces berry sushi, salted-only popcorn
---
Dinner: 2 plates spaghetti
---
Snacks: whole soy lemon yogurt, 1 truffle espresso brownie, strawberry popsicle
---
Beverages: water, tazo earl grey tea, iced venti unsweetened green tea
---------------------------------

Day 245 of GF/DF

2011-04-11T03:04:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: crunchy rice cereal w/rice milk
---
Lunch: 2 corn & black bean enchiladas
---
Dinner: spinach&mushroom risotto, PBJ
---
Snacks: gala apple, hard-boiled egg, some energy trail mix, salsa picanta TIAS! chips, lime popsicle
---
Beverages: water, earl grey tea, iced venti unsweetened passion tea, homemade lemonade
----------------------------------

Day 244 of GF/DF

2011-04-10T18:10:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: 7-grain hot cereal w/smart balance&salt
---
Lunch: 8 pieces berry sushi, aloo palak
---
Dinner: dill&lemon shrimp, pan-fried sole, asparagus, spinach&mushroom risotto
---
Snacks: some corn chex cereal, some brownies
---
Beverages: water, earl grey tea, iced green tea sweetened, homemade lemonade
----------------------------------

Day 243 of GF/DF

2011-04-09T07:41:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: 1/2 grapefruit w/sugar, 1 hard-boiled egg
---
Lunch: chicken breast, cabbage, cornbread w/smart balance
---
Dinner: baked ziti bowl
---
Snacks: blue corn chips w/hot salsa, whole soy blueberry yogurt, macadamia&cranberry trail mix
---
Beverages: water, juice w/SustainClear powder, earl grey tea, iced venti unsweetened passion tea, iced venti unsweetened green tea
----------------------------------

Day 242 of GF/DF

2011-04-08T02:58:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: corn chex cereal w/rice milk
---
Lunch: PBJ, blue corn chips, carrots, leftover vegetable fried rice
---
Dinner: cornbread with smart balance, cooked chicken breast
---
Snacks: gala apple, whole soy strawberry yogurt, macadamia&cranberry trail mix
---
Beverages: water, organic darjeeling tea, iced venti unsweetned passion tea, iced venti unsweetened green tea, 1/2 woodchuck hard cider, hot chocolate
----------------------------------

Day 241 of GF/DF

2011-04-07T11:21:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: 2 mesa sunrise waffles w/maple syrup, 2 maple sausage links
---
Lunch: 2 chicken hot dogs w/mustard, brown rice noodles w/smart balance&salt
---
Dinner: vegetable & egg fried rice
---
Snacks: gala apple, salted only popcorn, strawberry popsicle
---
Beverages: water, grape juice blend, tazo zen tea, berry black tea
-----------------------------

Day 240 of GF/DF

2011-04-06T13:09:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: 1 hard-boiled egg, 1 piece Udi bread
---
Lunch: PBJ, TIAS! BBQ corn chips, 8 pieces berry sushi
---
Dinner: cabbage, cornbread, black-eyed peas, corn, lentil vegetable soup
---
Snacks: apricot mango yogurt, KIND fruit&nut bar, 2 slices turkey lunchmeat, some corn chex cereal, vanilla ice cream
---
Beverages: water, tazo passion tea, cherry ginger beer, true blueberry tea
-------------------------------------

Day 239 of GF/DF

2011-04-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: hard-boiled egg, 7-grain hot cereal w/smart balance&salt
---
Lunch: turkey sandwich w/mustard, potato chips, chicken noodle soup
---
Dinner: collards with apples,onions&raisins, corn&black-eyed peas
---
Snacks: TIAS! salsa picante chips, some salted only popcorn, 1/2 fig cookie, 2 lemon creme spice cookies, vanilla ice cream
---
Beverages: water, grape juice blend, iced venti unsweetened passion tea, iced venti unsweetened green tea, homemade lemonade
--------------------------------

Day 238 of GF/DF

2011-04-04T20:10:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: leftover baked oatmeal with blueberries&bananas, 1 hard-boiled egg
---
Lunch: leftover lentil veggie soup, sandwich w/Udi bread,turkey&mustard, salsa picante TIAS! chips
---
Dinner: teriyaki rice bowl, 2 small lemon creme spice cookies
---
Snacks: gala apple, 1 peanutbutter cookie, homemade guacamole w/onions&garlic&blue corn chips, PBJ
---
Beverages: water, grape juice blend, tazo earl grey tea, iced venti unsweetened passion tea, 1/2 Dr. Becker blue sky soda, iced venti unsweetened green tea
------------------------------

Day 237 of GF/DF

2011-04-03T08:40:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: leftover baked oatmeal w/blueberries&bananas
---
Lunch: 2 bowls of lentil veggie soup, grilled cheese w/Udi bread&Daiya cheddar cheese
---
Dinner: leftover corn quinoa noodles w/smart balance&salt, 2 uncured chicken hot dogs w/organic mustard, some bbq corn chips
---
Snacks: freshly cut organic pineapple, Whole Soy peach yogurt, cranberry KIND bar, 2 peanutbutter cookies
---
Beverages: water, grape juice blend, tazo earl grey tea, cherry ginger beer (3/4), wild berry zinger tea, organic homemade lemonade
-------------------------------

Day 236 of GF/DF

2011-04-02T16:02:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: 1 hard-boiled organic cage-free egg, GF/DF baked oatmeal with organic bananas&blueberries
---
Lunch: GF kobe beef burger w/lettuce&tomato on GF Zen Cat roll, GF cold lentil salad, 1 GF/DF deviled egg
---
Dinner: 2 bowls of homemade lentil vegetable soup, 1 piece Udi toast w/smart balance
---
Snacks: organic freshly-cut pineapple
---
Beverages: water, grape juice blend, decaf vanilla Indian black tea, iced venti unsweetened green tea (3/4)
---------------------------------

Day 235 of GF/DF

2011-04-01T02:48:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: GF corn chex cereal w/dried cranberries & rice milk
---
Lunch: 1 GF grilled chicken Chik-Fil-A patty, large GF waffle fry
---
Dinner: GF pasta w/marinara sauce
---
Snacks: Whole Soy apricot mango yogurt, GF/DF blueberry muffin Larabar, GF blue corn chips w/local hot GF salsa
---
Beverages: water, organic darjeeling tea, iced venti unsweetened green tea
--------------------------------

Day 234 of GF/DF

2011-03-31T02:55:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: 1 hard-boiled organic cagre-free egg, GF mighty tasty hot cereal w/salt
---
Lunch: some GF bbq TIAS! corn chips, 9 pieces GF brown rice veggie sushi w/GF soy sauce, 2 big bowls GF/DF homemade corn chowder
---
Dinner: GF corn quinoa pasta w/lemon zest,smart balance,peppers,marinated artichokes&salt, leftover organic collards
---
Snacks: Whole Soy blueberry yogurt, GF cinnamon apple KIND bar
---
Beverages: water, grape juice blend, lemon lift tea, iced venti unsweetened passion tea, homemade organic lemonade, country peach passion tea
---------------------------------

Day 233 of GF/DF

2011-03-30T15:11:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: 2 organic cage-free hard-boiled eggs, 1 piece GF Udi toast w/smart balance
---
Lunch: organic collards, leftover GF/DF macaroni&cheese, leftover GF turkey sundried tomaot&herb meatloaf
---
Dinner: 3 bowls of GF/DF corn chowder, 1 GF/DF grilled cheese w/Udi bread&Daiya cheddar cheese
---
Snacks: organic gala apple, GF fruit&nut KIND bar, GF corn flax chips w/GF red pepper hummus
---
Beverages: water, grape juice blend, morning rise tea, GF/DF hot chocolate, raspberry zinger tea
---------------------------------

Day 232 of GF/DF

2011-03-29T07:13:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: GF vanilla mesa sunrise cereal w/rice milk
---
Lunch: leftover GF sundried tomato&herb turkey meatloaf, leftover organic green peas, 1 small slice homemade GF/DF fresh orange bundt cake
---
Dinner: organic collards, leftover GF sundried tomato&herb turkey meatloaf, leftover organic green beans, some organic baked sweet potato fries w/GF organic ketchup, GF/DF alfredo-style macaroni&cheese, 1 small slice homemade GF/DF fresh orange bundt cake
---
Snacks: organic gala apple, GF natural berry popsicle, GF mushroom noodle soup, 2 pieces GF Udi toast w/organic peanutbutter&a little amber agave nectar
---
Beverages: water, black cherry berry tea, green tea with lemon&honey, homemade organic lemonade
-------------------------------

Day 231 of GF/DF

2011-03-28T15:16:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: Bob's Red Mill GF Mighty Tasty hot cereal w/Smart Balance & salt
---
Lunch: GF flax tempeh w/GF organic ketchup, leftover organic cauliflower, organic strawberries
---
Dinner: GF sundried tomato & herb turkey meatloaf, slightly mashed organic potaotes w/smart balance, organic green peas, 1 slice homemade GF/DF fresh orange budnt cake
---
Snacks: Whole Soy mixed berry yogurt, dry-roasted cashews, GF salted-only popcorn, GF natural strawberry popsicle, 1 piece GF Udi toast w/2 slices of GF organic turkey
---
Beverages: water, morning blend juice, cinnamon stick tea
--------------------------------

Day 230 of GF/DF

2011-03-27T06:54:00.001-07:00

Breakfast: GF vanilla mesa sunrise cereal w/rice milk, cage-free organic scrambled eggs, some GF bacon, 1 piece GF Udi skillet toast w/smart balance
---
Lunch: sandwich w/GF Udi bread, GF bacon & turkey w/GF organic mustard, 4 small pieces GF/DF orange bundt cake
---
Dinner: Amy's GF/DF veggie korma dinner, organic cauliflower w/Smart Balance
---
Snacks: some organic strawberries
---
Beverages: water, morning juice blend, ginger beer, i love lemon tea
-------------------------------

Day 229 of GF/DF (Millet Blueberry Pancakes)

2011-03-26T06:50:00.000-07:00

Breakfast: GF blueberry millet pancakes w/100% grade-A maple syrup
---
Lunch: GF sandwich w/Udi bread, turkey & GF organic mustard, GF rosemary potato chips
---
Dinner: Amy's GF/DF brown rice veggie ginger bowl, 4 small GF/DF double chocolate brownies
---
Snacks: 1/2 organic grapefruit w/organic cane sugar, GF cashew cookie larabar, Whole Soy strawberry banana yogurt
---
Beverages: water, morning juice blend, earl grey tea, iced venti unsweetned passiontealemonade
----------------------------------