The new pot pie ~ Kale and butternut squash pie.

3
 
 
 
I just love when I stumble upon a recipe idea that is a total winner. Don't you? Plus it is a really great way to fill up on your greens in a new way. Try it this weekend. I think it would make a lovely lazy weekend lunch dish with friends. I could linger over this one with a crisp glass of wine.
 
 If you don't like to fuss with phyllo and the buttering process, you could always use premade pie crust or turn it into a galette. I intend to try a galette version the next go round.
 
And I think it's the new pot pie or the new black.
 
Did I convince you?
 
 
 
Recipe adapted slightly from Gourmet October 2004
 
 
Ingredients
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 (1-pound) piece butternut squash, peeled, seeded, and cut into 1/2-inch pieces (3 1/2 cups)
  • 3/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper 
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 4 (1/8-inch-thick) slices pancetta , finely chopped. I keep slices in the freezer to have on hand.
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 bunch kale, stems and center ribs discarded and leaves coarsely chopped
  • 1 bunch spinach, coarsely chopped
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 7 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
  • 8 (17- by 12-inch) phyllo sheets, thawed if frozen
  • 1 ounces finely grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (1/2 cup)

  • Special equipment: a 9-inch round heavy nonstick springform pan 
Prep
Put oven rack in middle position and preheat oven to 425°F.
Heat 2 tablespoons oil in a 12-inch heavy skillet over moderately high heat until hot but not smoking, then saute squash with 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, stirring frequently, until browned and just beginning to soften, about 5 minutes. Transfer to a plate and spread in 1 layer to cool.
Add remaining tablespoon oil to skillet and reduce heat to moderate, then cook onion, pancetta, garlic, and remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper, stirring frequently, until onion is softened, about 7 minutes. Stir in kale, spinach, and water and cook, covered, stirring occasionally, until kale is just tender, about 6 minutes. Cool, uncovered, to room temperature.
This is the time consuming part, but worth it.
 
Brush springform pan with some of butter. Unroll phyllo and cover stack with plastic wrap and a dampened kitchen towel. Keeping remaining phyllo covered and, working quickly, gently fit 1 sheet into pan with ends overhanging and brush with butter (including overhang). Rotate pan slightly and top with another sheet (sheets should not align) and brush in same manner. Repeat with 5 more sheets, rotating pan each time so sheets cover entire rim.
Spread half of kale mixture in phyllo shell. Gently stir together squash and cheese in a bowl and spread evenly over kale mixture. Top with remaining kale mixture.
Put remaining sheet of phyllo on a work surface and brush with butter. Fold in half crosswise and butter again. Fold again (to quarter) and brush with butter, then lay over center of filling. To put it simply you end up with a square. Bring edges of phyllo up over filling and square to enclose. Brush top with butter and bake until deep golden brown, 20 to 25 minutes. Cool pie in pan on a rack 5 minutes. Remove side of pan and transfer to a platter. Cut into wedges. 
 
 
We paired it with a shaved brussel salad topped with chopped pecans, raisins that were plumped in vinegar and orange zest on the stove, orange segments, and a drizzle of organic rasberry vinegarette.
 
 
Did the kids eat it? Yes and no. They ate all the greens, phyllo, and salad. Leaving the butternut squash. And I was happy with that.
 
 
 
Have a great day!
 
xxxx
d



 

 

Happy Easter ~ Urban Solace Biscuits

4



I Love holiday cooking/baking. I you have followed along for a while you may know that already :). This is what our trunk looked like last Easter on the way to celebrate with family. This year we will have cinnamon rolls from a new cookbook (I'll let you know how they turn out), coffee cake (Based on this recipe), and something sweet. A cake, maybe Raspberry Tiramisu again? I obviously cannot make up my mind.....

One thing I know is for sure on the brunch menu. Cheddar chive biscuits from Urban Solace and their orange honey butter. It is a favorite restaurant of ours and last year I emailed Chef Matt Gordon for the recipe and he kindly sent it to me! How nice was that? We now can have our favorite biscuits at home. And so can you...

Urban Solace Cheddar Chive Biscuits
Makes about 30 biscuits
3  cups Pastry flour
3   cups all purpose flour
1.5 Tbs baking powder
2  tsp kosher salt
3  sticks unsalted butter
3  cups white cheddar
1.5  cups grated fontina
¼   cup minced chive
 2 ½ to 3 cup buttermilk
 
 
 Sift flour, baking powder and salt.  Add Butter, chive and cheeses and mix with a pastry knife or paddle attachment of a mixer to incorporate the butter.  There should still be small chunks of butter; this will make the biscuit flaky.  Add the milk and slowly fold together.  Do not over mix dough.  Place on a floured surface and knead 2 or 3 times only.  Flatten dough out to about ¾  inch thick and cut in desired shape.  Brush the top with egg whites (optional) and bake at 400 degrees for 12 to 14 minutes*.  Should look golden brown when done!

*if you are not using a convection oven it will probably take a bit longer.  When they are golden brown, crack one open to make sure it is cooked inside.  If it is not, lower heat to 250 and check again in a couple of minutes!

Orange Honey Butter

 pound unsalted butter
1.5  tsp  grated orange zest
1  Tbs honey
½ Tbs kosher salt
½  Tbs Chopped Garlic
Whip butter in mixer for 10 minutes until light and airy.  Add remaining ingredients and whip for another 3 minutes.  Use immediately.  Store in refrigerator but let warm up slightly before using.

Happy Easter!

xoxo
d

whole wheat maple oat muffins {egg free}

2


Please excuse the lack of "how to" photos. I made these on a whim after rolling what felt like a million Swedish meatballs. During my only 1.5 free hours on Wednesday. The recipe turned out much too good for me to not share right away. They are delicious, warm, maple goodness.

It is a good feeling when you make something wholesome and delicious for your family to enjoy on the go. This is defiantly that. My girls have been loving them and eating them as we fly out the door in the morning. I think you should make them this weekend. Seriously, what is more appealing than a freshly baked muffin? That's right. Nothing.

Whole wheat maple oat muffins
makes 12 large muffins

12 tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature
1 1/2 cups sugar
1 ripe banana, mashed
1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract
2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, plus more for brushing tops
1 cup light sour cream
1/4 cup milk
1 cup quick cook oats, plus 1 tablespoon for tops
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flower
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Place 12 paper liners in a muffin pan. In bowl with an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar until light and fluffy. About 5 minutes. With the mixer on low add the banana, vanilla, sour cream, and milk. Turn mixer to lowest speed and add the flower, oats, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Beat until just mixed. Scoop batter using and ice cream scoop into prepared muffin pan. Bake for 30 minutes until the tops are brown and a cake tester (aka: toothpick) comes out clean. Brush tops of muffins with maple syrup and a sprinkle of uncooked oats. Mostly because it looks pretty and it give the eater an idea of what they are about to consume.

**If you like you can add 1 egg or an egg replacer after creaming sugar and butter. We are an egg free family. The texture turns out light and moist with the sour cream and mashed banana.


Any suggestions as to what I should bake this weekend?

xoxo
d








Cocktail Friday.

0

It has been quite some time since we have had cocktail Friday around here. Because it is a long weekend and because I see some bubbly in my weekend future, I thought I would share a recipe from my favorite bubbly book { Tiny Bubbles by Kate Simon }. Also, I love cherries. As a kid my favorite dessert was always cherry pie. It is a nice thing to indulge in an adult version of a childhood favorite. Don't you think?

Marasca Fizz
Serves 1 -

Loose raw sugar for he rim of the glass
4 real maraschino cherries with syrup
2 cubes raw sugar
3 dashes blood orange bitters
1 ounce cherry brandy
4 ounces Prosecco or champagne

Place a little loose on a small plate. Wipe 1 cherry along the rim of a chilled 6-ounce flute, then turn the glass over and dip the rim in the sugar. Put the sugar cubes in the glass and the bitters, brandy, and 3 remaining cherries, each with a dash of the syrup they're packed in. Top slowly with bubbly and stir gently.


Have a lovely weekend friends!

xoxo,
d


Kale and Potato Chips - Seasoning Part 2

2
I guess I kinda dropped the ball the other day.... I didn't tell you how to make the chips! After a few email requests I realized I should have included them! Here is how I make them:

Crispy Kale Chips

1 big bunch Kale, Stems removed and leaves torn roughly (they shrink down quite a bit)
2 tablespoons olive oil
Seasoning, to taste

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Toss kale with olive oil and seasoning on a baking sheet or two, make sure they don't overlap. Bake for 12-14 minutes until crisp. Cool and chip trip!


Homemade Potato Chips

3-4 Potatoes, sliced thinly on a mandolin
4 Cups vegetable oil
Seasoning, to taste

Heat oil in a medium pot over high heat. Slice potatoes on a mandolin. I use this one. It comes in really handy and is a reasonably priced one. Working in batches place a handful of potatoes into hot oil. be careful not to crowd oil or it will cool down too much. Cook until crisp and browned. Lay on paper towels and sprinkle with seasoning.


Have a great weekend!

xxxxxxxx
d

Chips two ways - House Seasoning

1

In my family we like chips. We have been known to throw parties that revolve around chips. A chip and dip party to be precise. Or on vacation when eating to many chips, we call it a "chip trip". Being a chip lover can be a vice. Especially if you go for the processed options available at the grocery store. Potato chips tend to get the worst rap. When we have leftover potatoes I like to make homemade chips for my family. I can control the sodium, and there are no mystery ingredients.  


If you like chips like me and want to be healthy you have probably tried kale chips. I happen to love them. My girls eat them. And the hubbs seems to think cooking them stinks up our house. You cant always please everyone right? They are a healthy way to get a crunch fix and squeeze in so extra vitamins into snack time.


Homemade chips are great as long as you get the seasoning right. This little jar is my favorite homemade chip seasoning: 1 part kosher salt / 1 part garlic powder / 1 part smoked paprika ....... the color and sweet smokiness that the smoked paprika lends really makes this seasoning so good. It work really well on fish, in fish fry batter, pork and in rice. In light of super bowl this weekend I thought that I would encourage you to try this seasoning if you want to enjoy a healthier "chip trip" :)

xoxo
d


Merry making ~ a virtual progressive dinner

2



Here is a little peek of the holiday photos I snapped of the girlies yesterday. We had a a lot of fun, some attitude, and some tears....what else can you expect from a photo session with your children? We followed up with some hot cocoa and all tears were forgotten :) Make sure to check out the lineup for a virtual progressive holiday party I am participating in over at elleinadspir tomorrow. Someone pass me a cocktail...

Monday Dec 12th – Michelle of Pinque will dress us for our party.

Tuesday Dec 13th – Danielle of Domestic Dish will tempt us with an appetizer.

Wednesday Dec 14th – AK of Tipsy Society will provide us with a cocktail.

Thursday Dec 15th -  Katie of Salt and Pine will help us buy our hostess gifts.

Monday Dec 19th – Estelle of Under A Pink Moon will provide our soup course. 

Tuesday Dec 20th – Emily of Notorious MLE will entice us with a main course.

Wednesday Dec 21st - Melissa of Pineapple Lily will share with us her wish list of Holiday Decor

Thursday Dec 22nd – Carrie of This Free Bird will give us a yummy end to our party. 
 
xoxo
d

Apricot oat bars & lessons in jam making.

3


I thought I would keep you up to date on things I have been doing in between my new side project, which i promise to tell you all about next week :) .....  On to jam making. One thing I have learned is that if  your jam looks runny in the pot, it will still be runny in the jar. When in doubt reduce, reduce, and reduce some more until it is thick enough. Can you tell it did not successfully turn into jam? If this happens to you, fret not. You have just made one delicious sauce. In our case we have apricot sauce and have been using it like crazy!



Using it over cheese, in curries, a sauce for pan seared chicken, mixed with greek yogurt to make quick pops in the Zoku (if you don't have one, you need it) and in one of my favorite summer anytime recipes. Apricot oat bars. These bars are super easy, delicious, and a perfect desert to bring along to a picnic. I'll tell you how after you gaze at this sweet little face....




What a cutie huh?...




Ingredients

2 sticks butter, softened, plus more for the pan
2 1/4 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar, plus a tablespoon for sprinkling over top
1/2 cup light brown sugar
1 cup oats
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1 egg, beaten (or in our house we use an egg replacer)
1 3/4 cup Apricot jam (or sauce!)

Preheat the oven to 350 degrees. Butter a half baking sheet or an 8-inch square baking pan and line with parchment. Add the flour, both sugars, oats and salt to a bowl in your stand mixer. Add in the butter and egg and beat at low speed. Stop the machine and scrape the bowl down a couple of times. Keep processing until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. Keep about 2 cups crumb mixture aside.





Press the remaining crumb mixture on the bottom the prepared pan. Spread the apricot over top, leaving 1/2-inch border. Crumble the rest of the oat mixture over the preserves. Bake until lightly browned, 40 to 50 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars. If you are impatient like me pop them in the freezer after 10 minutes to speed the cooling process.

I hope you all enjoyed a long and relaxing weekend!

xoxo
d

A food staple. Slow tomatoes. Red White and Blue Tomatoes.

10


 This has been a staple in my house for a while, and when I saw the same idea in Gwynetths new book (which I have been working my way thru) I knew I would love it. Just the way I like to cook. Simple, fresh, not too complicated, and delicious. These are so versatile. We use them on cheese for appetizer, whizzed up into a quick sauce, piled high on a BLT, eaten out of the jar....can you tell I love this? When you see Roma tomatoes on sale buy a bunch and thank me later.





Slice the tomatoes into thirds. 




Line on a parchment lined baking sheet, and drizzle with olive oil, salt and pepper. That's it. Pop them into your oven at 250-275 degrees for 4-6 hours. These store well in a jar for about a week with a good drizzle of olive oil. To make something a little different, sprinkle with Greek seasoning (genius right) that a sweet friend sent you. Thank you Mary! She IS fabulous in case you were wondering...


Red, white, and blue bruschetta

Baguette
Slow roasted tomatoes
Blue cheese, crumbled
Honey

Directions

Slice baguette, lay a tomato slice on top, a crumble of blue cheese, and a drizzle of honey.




xoxoxo,
d

Dry rub.

5


I never thought I would say this in my lifetime but: isn't this picture of ribs beautiful?! Thanks to my sweet parents and husband who got me a new camera as a birthday surprise. I have been having a ton of fun with it  :) not only can I take beautiful pictures of ribs, I can take them of my even more beautiful and silly family.






Back to rib talk. Before I discovered my love of cooking, post baby #1, the thought of a "dry rub" made me want to gag. I suppose I just didn't understand the concept or that using a dry rub on ribs gives them a crispy texture. And they are not in fact "dry". Confusing. I am not much of a griller, I could cook in ovens and on stoves all day long. However, I think I pulled this one off successfully. Insert pat on the back here.

Dry rub
{ makes 3ish+ cups for whatever strikes your fancy}

1/4 cup kosher salt
2 tablespoons black pepper
1 cup garlic pepper
3/4 cup dried oregano
1/2 cup celery seeds
1 cup paprika
1 cup Chile powder
1/4 cup water
2 lemons, juice of
1/3 cup white vinegar

*this is enough for 6 slabs of pork ribs

Directions

Combine all dry ingredients in a small bowl. Reserve 1/3 cup. Mix in wet ingredients and mix to form a paste. Spread on both sides of ribs and let sit overnight for best results. I cooked my ribs tightly wrapped in foil at 200 degrees for 6 hours, then put on a hot grill for 10 minutes each side. Sprinkle with some of the reserved dry rub and serve with or without your favorite sauce on the side.

Hello summer.

xoxo
d

Allergy mom + a breakfast sandwitch

11


I have been putting this post off for some time. See that sweet baby girl, she has some serious allergies. After a severe reaction to her first scrambled egg on Christmas, we found out she is allergic to eggs and and peanuts.  I know people live with allergies and do fine, but it is so different and scary when it is your own child. You can feel so out of control when taking them into another environment. Needless to say I am learning more and more every day so that I can make things easier for her as she gets older.

The best way I have learned to deal with these allergies so far, is to be over prepared. I bake egg and nut free muffins and treats for her and pop them in the freezer. That way if we go somewhere I can bring one along and I know that what she is snacking on is safe. I have eased my fears and she is not left out. I have been reading lots of allergy sites, cook books and informational books. But we have mostly been changing our lifestyle. It has been hardest on Ella, sometimes she just wants a scrambled egg and some peanut butter....but lifestyle change. We are now a peanut free house. And we don't eat scrambled eggs. Instead tofu scrambles. Ella is such a sweet big sister, She is starting to understand and look out for her baby sis. She is always asking what is safe for Olivia and not. I am really proud of her.



Above is one of our "go to" egg free breakfasts. Everyone loves it, so I thought I would share:

Tofu breakfast sandwich

Firm tofu, sliced 1/4 in thick
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon oil
2 slices bread
1 slice cheddar
1 slice ham, bacon, or other meat

Slice tofu and pat dry. Heat oil and butter over high heat. Once hot place tofu in pan, you want to hear the sizzle. Once browned, flip over. Meanwhile toast and butter bread, layer cheese and meat. Once tofu is crisp place on top of the cheese to melt. I will admit that I have (only one time)  first cooked the bacon and used some of the grease to fry up the tofu. Wow, now that was good too.....

xoxo
d



Ps. If you know of any good allergy sources, don't be a stranger :)...I am in the learning process over here.

What's in my cookie jar? A bar.

2

It has been a while since I have posted what's in my cookie jar. I like a full cookie jar, that's no secret around here. I think you should do the same, a good cookie jar deserves some love. And you know what? Cookie jars aren't just for cookies!

I like to profess my love for an easy and oh-hand cookie jar filler. You can read here as well here. This is the same concept. Start with a dry cookie mix, and jazz it up based on what you have on hand. This never fails me. I have even made a 3 tiered cookie "cake" in a pinch using a bag mix. You don't have to limit yourself to drop cookies..you will be amazed! Here is a place to start:







Oatmeal-Coconut drop bars
makes a half sheet

1 bag oatmeal cookie mix, I used Betty Crocker
1/2 cup + sweetened shredded coconut
1/2 cup + mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven per bag instructions. Grease and parchment line a 1/2 baking sheet. Mix up batter per bag instructions. Add coconut and chocolate chips, reserving some to sprinkle on the top. Drop the batter to cover the baking sheet, press down with spatula or fingers to spread evenly. Sprinkle coconut and chocolate chips over batter and bake for about 20 minutes. The coconut will be browned, chips will be gooey, and you will have whipped this up in less than 30 minutes. Royce (the hubs) ate these like it was the last food on earth....it is a keeper. I urge you to stock up on dry cookie mixes, it saves me all the time. It can save you too.


xoxo
d


Strawberry Pie

5

Hello...any one out there? I have been seriously neglecting our friendship. I'm sorry. Will you accept a strawberry pie and forgive me? It has been seriously busy the past 3 weeks. We have had non stop family in town, it has been glorious and exhausting. But regardless of my absence, my oven has still been hot, my whisks have been whisking, and things have still been simmering away over here. We have a lot to catch up on...



 A little while back it was my dad's birthday and the day before he brought over a flat of local Carlsbad strawberries and requested strawberry pie. I knew just the recipe from Cooks Illustrated that I had been wanting to try. This recipe is perfect and makes a sweet, buttery, and moist crust. The next time I make strawberry pie, I will make a chocolate crust similar to this recipe.

Strawberry Pie 
Makes one 9-inch pie, serving 8-10
From Cooks Illustrated

Filling

4 pints fresh strawberries, gently rinsed and hulled
3/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 teaspoons Sure-Jell for low-sugar recipes (the pink box)
generous pinch table salt
1 tablespoon juice from 1 lemon
1 baked pie shell (recipe follows)

For the filling: select 6 ounces misshapen and unattractive berries. Halving those that are large; about 1 1/2 cups. In a food processor puree for 20-30 seconds. This makes about 3/4 cups puree. In a medium saucepan whisk sugar, cornstarch, sure-jell, and salt in medium saucepan. Stir in berry puree. Cook over med-high heat, stirring constantly and bring to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes while scraping bottom to prevent scorching. transfer to a large bowl and add lemon juice. Let cool to room temperature. Meanwhile pick out the most attractive berries, about 2 pounds. Add berries to bowl with glaze and fold gently. Scoop berries to pie shell and mound high (make sure to have a really high pile here, they will settle in quite a bit). Refrigerate for  at least 2 hours and serve within 5 hours of chilling. To serve cut into wedges and top with whipped cream or chocolate shavings.

Pie Shell
Makes one 9-inch Pie-Shell

1 1/4 cups flour + more for work surface
1/2 teaspoon table salt
1 tablespoon sugar
6 tablespoons(3/4 stick) cold unsalted butter, cubed
1/4 cup chilled vegetable shortening, cut into 4 pieces
2 tablespoons vodka, cold (I was out and used water here too)
2 tablespoons cold water

For the shell: Process 3/4 flour, salt, and sugar together in food processor until combined for about 2 pulses. Add butter and shortening and process until dough just starts to collect, about 10 seconds. Scrape down sides of bowl. Add 1/2 cup flour and pulse until mixture is evenly distributed around bowl and mass of dough has been broken up, 4 to 6 quick pulses. Empty mixture into medium bowl. Sprinkle vodka and water over mixture. Fold with rubber spatula, press down dough until slightly tacky. Flatten into 4-inch disk. Wrap in plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 45 minutes or up to 2 days. Adjust oven rack to lowest position, place rimmed baking sheet on oven rack, and heat oven to 425 degrees.  Roll out dough on a generously floured surface to a 12-inch circle. Roll dough loosely around rolling pin and unroll into pie plate, leaving 1-inch overhang on each side. Ease dough into plate. Refrigerate until dough is firm , about 30 minutes.  Trim overhang, flute edges or press edges with a fork. Refrigerate for 15 minutes. Line crust with foil, and fill with pie weights, and bake fo15 minutes. Rotate plate, remove foil and weights and bake for another 5-10 minutes. Let cool to room temperature before filling.

I think there is something special about a birthday pie....

xoxo
d




Simple food is healthy.

6

Earth to Table: Seasonal Recipes from an Organic Farm
Earth to Table: Seasonal Recipes from an Organic Farm

When I diet, I seriouslt over think my food. This leads me to blowing it and falling off the wagon. I know, whaaa whaa...... I have gotten serious and In the past few months I have really made a commitment to myself to exercise daily and just be healthy. I not only want these habits for myself, but with two young girls I also want to be an example for them. The past few months I have had a lot of support and recently joined and awesome group called the shredcrew. The support has been amazing and now for an even bigger help Danielle from Elleinadspir is hosting a healthy recipe exchange. Now we/I have no reason to fall off the wagon! Right?



For Christmas Royce got me a really great book called Earth To Table. It is a cookbook that has all seasonal recipes from an organic farm. I love it so much I have made a mental bookmark of all of the recipes I still need to try.  On Friday I discovered a bag of English peas at Costco and I knew I had the perfect recipe at home. A healthy and fresh recipe.

Salad of Peas, Feta and Mint
Serves 6
(adapted from original)

2 cups shucked fresh peas (you could use frozen here)
2 tbs extra-virgin olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 tsp Dijon mustard
1 shallot finely sliced
1/4 cup mint leaves, roughly chopped
1/4 cup crumbled feta
salt and freshly cracked pepper

In a medium pot of boiling salted water, blanch peas until just tender and bright green, about 2 minutes. Shock them with cold water. In a large serving bowl, whisk together olive, vinegar, honey and mustard. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Add peas and shallot. Toss lightly, add mint and toss lightly again. Sprinkle with feta and serve.


Enjoy a healthy day
xoxo
d


Check out these for another healthy treat!

What's in my cookie jar: smores granola

4



Instead of bore you of why I have been on a blogging break (dislike), I thought I would share what I just ate a handful of out of my cookie jar, Smores granola. I really enjoy making my own pantry staples like granola, granola bars and honey bread. I just took my tried and true granola recipe and changed it up on a whim. You must try this. Delish over some ice cream or yogurt. Make it now.....

Smores Granola
     makes about 4 cups

3 cups rolled oats (not the quick cook)
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1/4 cup wheat germ
1/4 cup unsalted butter
1/3  cup honey
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1 tablespoon cocoa powder
1 cup mini marshmallows
1/2 cup Gram crackers, broken into pieces
1/3 cup mini chocolate chips

Preheat oven to 300 degrees. On a baking sheet, combine oats, wheat germ, and sunflower seeds. Bake while you melt butter and honey in the microwave or small saucepan over low heat. Once melted stir in salt and cocoa powder. Pour over toasted oat mixture and mix well. Bake for 25 minutes, stirring half way. Let cool almost completely, mix in marshmallows, Gram crackers, and mini chocolate chips. The chocolate chips will melt a bit and this will create delicious clusters! Store at room temperature for as long as it lasts in your cookie jar :)........

On a completely contradictory subject I have been giving quite a bit of effort into shaping up before summer. I have been gyming it 4-6 times a week, taking the most wonderful class The daily method, and now I am joining some wonderful blogging peeps for a 30 day shred. With the help of Jillian. Today is day 3 and I am sore in a good way! Thanks to Torrie and Danielle for getting me motivated :). You can follow the "shredcrew" on twitter here.

And yes I know somres granola is not on the diet plan! Now to go catch up on all my favorite blogs while I have been unplugged.....

xoxoxo
d

Were going on a "chic-nic"...

8



It has rained, poured, hailed, and snowed...more than I think should, and I do think spring is near. I really love spring, so fresh and clean after the long winter months (okay not that long when you live in San Diego). Pretty Mommy was kind enough to put together another recipe exchange. This time: Lighter and Brighter. When I think of spring, I think green. And I have the perfect lighter and green recipe to share. Pesto pea salad, "chic-nic" style.

What is a "chic-nic" ? It is a chic picnic. I first got the idea when I spray painted this basket gold for a more chic look (which is my solution for too many a things, I think I have a gold/spraypaint problem).  This is one of my go to recipes, or a go to method really. All you need:


Pesto
 Store bought mixed with a splash of olive oil will do. Although, if you make homemade I prefer this recipe. Thanks Ina!


Peas
Frozen is what I use, although this is the only time of year that you can find sweet English peas at your local farmers market or grocer.


Spinach
Gently chop the spinach if you plan on serving it "chic-nic" style.


Bacon
Crispy bacon lardoons on top. Pancetta or roasted shrimp is lovely too.


Layer
Layer in mason jars. Starting with pesto on the bottom, peas, I tossed in some toasted pine nuts here, spinach, and finally bacon.

Just give your jar a little shake and you are ready to enjoy your "chic-nic", a little wine helps too. Our basket was also packed with bread, homemade butter, these cookies, and clementines. So fun and chic! Thanks again to Michele and the lovely lineup of recipe exchangers...


xoxo
d



  
Ps. Make my day and follow me on twitter or here :)
Related Posts with Thumbnails

domestic dish. Designed by Liven Design