sweetness. [honey walnut shrimp]

July 20th, 2012 by | comments

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I’ve had this honey walnut shrimp recipe filed away ever since Joanne from Fifteen Spatulas posted it a while back. So, I apologize for the non-seasonal post, but I felt it was time to finally make the dish. I’m so glad that I did. Seriously, go make it right now, it’s incredible! Sure, your kitchen might stink of oil for a few days (or maybe that’s just me because I don’t have a deep fryer/backyard), but it’s nothing a little Febreze and open windows can’t fix. :)

My thoughts and prayers go out to those in Colorado. x

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Lean on Lamb Supper Club. [crock-pot sliced lamb w. Greek yogurt, mint & pomegranate w. a pomegranate & cinnamon reduction]

July 12th, 2012 by | comments

I hosted my third Lean on Lamb Supper Club the other night. In the past, the Tri-Lamb Group supplied me with a recipe; this time, I had to create my own. The Tri-Lamb Group sent me a frozen, boneless leg of lamb and a gift card for ingredients.

I garnered inspiration from friends, family, co-workers and the Internet, as I rarely cook with lamb. I decided on crock-pot lamb with Greek yogurt, mint and pomegranate with a pomegranate and cinnamon reduction. The result was fantastic, with the reduction being one of the stars of the meal.

The Tri-Lamb Group is “a collaborative initiative of lamb producer organizations from the U.S., New Zealand and Australia which focuses on educating Americans about lamb.” The company selects food and lifestyle bloggers in LA, Boston and Washington, D.C.

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happy belated 4th of July! [recap]

July 6th, 2012 by | comments

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I know I’m late, but happy 4th of July! It’s been a busy work week, but I was still able to spend a good amount of time with my family and relatives in town from Ohio–primarily because my boss was generous enough to give us the day off yesterday.

While home, we ate some unbelievably delicious food (my uncle is an incredible cook, or rather, chef), drank copious amounts of wine and laid in the sun for far too long.

Back to work today, but at least it’s Friday! Hope everyone has a great weekend.

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pile it up. [Greek stuffed peppers]

June 27th, 2012 by | comments

It’s already Wednesday? This week is flying by for me. Of course, now that I say that, the rest of the week is going to go by painfully slow. Let’s hope not though, because I can’t wait to go home this weekend to see my cousins from Ohio–it’s been far too long!

I was home last weekend as well, so my mom and I made these unbelievably flavorful stuffed peppers served atop a couscous blend. I’ve eaten this for lunch the past three days, and wish I had enough for the rest of the week. Though the recipe was time-consuming, the hours spent were definitely worth it. Delicious, healthy, colorful–can’t go wrong. :)

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guest post at ‘ang sarap.’ [blackberry fool w. cayenne]

June 22nd, 2012 by | comments

I was recently asked to guest blog for one of my favorite food bloggers, Raymund from Ang Sarap. I was truly honored when I received his e-mail. Head over to Ang Sarap to check out my guest post.

Since it’s been an insanely busy and hectic work week, I’m anticipating a relaxing weekend ahead. Unfortunately, that meant I had to put cooking and blogging on the back burner. I did, however, find time to whip up this simple and gorgeous blackberry fool–healthy for a dessert, too. ;) Are you catching onto this theme over the past few weeks? Well, we’ll see how long that lasts. ;)

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summer lovin’. [soba noodles w. vegetables & chicken in peanut sauce]

June 13th, 2012 by | comments

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Happy hump day! Although it doesn’t feel like summer here in LA (hooray for June gloom), I’m still embracing seasonal ingredients, dishes and drinks.

After years of making this Chinese chicken pasta, I never thought I’d find a recipe that could compare. But I’ve got to say, this recipe definitely poses some tough competition–and it’s much healthier!

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versatile. [cuban black beans and rice]

June 6th, 2012 by | comments

As I’ve said multiple times, I love the versatility of beans. They can be eaten plain, in a tortilla, in a dip, in a casserole…the list goes on. This recipe for Cuban black beans and rice made for a hearty and healthy meal served alongside grilled chicken. Check out another bean recipe I made here.

I spent this past weekend in Palm Springs with a group of friends, so I figured I’d share a few photos. With a temperature of 100-plus degrees, we didn’t get out of the pool very often. :)

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switch it up. [chickpea & brown rice veggie burgers w. tomato salad]

May 30th, 2012 by | comments

Hope everyone had a wonderful Memorial Day! I spent the day/evening in Malibu with my friends Ellen and Danielle. We shopped and ate an early dinner at Malibu Seafood. Our spread ranged from fresh fish tacos to deep-fried halibut pieces to clam strips to New England clam chowder. Everything was delicious–I can’t wait to go back.

These homemade veggie burgers were also fantastic…and much healthier! Since I’m always making turkey or beef burgers, these were a nice change. Though somewhat time-consuming, the burgers were delectable, with a wonderful variety of flavors and textures.

Hey there, Ellen.

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snacks on snacks. [red pepper, fontina & mango quesadilla]

May 23rd, 2012 by | comments

I’m on roll with these Weight Watchers recipes. Though this quesadilla wasn’t to the caliber of the breakfast stacks, it was still a delicious and light snack. The original recipe calls for swiss cheese, but since I didn’t have any on hand, I worked with what I had. Next time, I’d add a spicy spread to juxtapose the sweetness of the mango and red pepper. The spread would of course add calories, but if you’re not on the diet, I guess it’s OK, right? :)

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stack ’em. [bacon, egg & spinach breakfast stacks]

May 16th, 2012 by | comments

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You might not believe me (or, you might) when I tell you that this is a Weight Watchers recipe. My mom and I made a few of the recipes while I was home this past weekend, and I’ve got to tell you–they’re fantastic!

We made these bacon, egg and spinach stacks on Mother’s Day morning. One breakfast cup was the perfect amount of food to tide us over before lunch at the country club. Though I’m not on the diet, I will most definitely make these again.

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