Brighten Up

Last week we pulled the shovels out to clear over a foot of snow. I won't harp about the shoveling- I actually kind of enjoy it. The crisp snow up on the trees and the beautiful drifts piled so perfectly across the yard- it's magic those first couple days. But since then we have watched it become slushy and spent, and have been cooped up indoors on dreary, sleety, windy days.

Thus, I needed something to lift moods and brighten palates. This is what I found that did the trick- lemon and parsley vinaigrette salad. I ate it over a potato pancake for good measure, and it was sort of amazing.

Cooling Off

Summer treats: carrot and orange rocket pops.

 

Summer tunes - some old, some new:

Little Joy - Next Time Around

Alabama Shakes - You Ain't Alone

Beirut - Scenic World

Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros - Man on Fire

Peter Bjorn & John - Young Folks

Toiling

 In the garden, staking, weeding, feeding and harvesting our little plot.

Every year I am so amazed by how a little seed can turn into a plant budding and ripe with fruit. It is kind of special. We have been keen on the Matt's wild cherry tomatoes and the nasturtium plants twisting all around our garden.

 In the kitchen, using up all of the zucchini and gems that the kids pick during play time. 

In the sewing room, drafting, snipping and creating my "perfect" tank top. Sometimes the most simple things take the longest to master. After some trial runs with other tank top patterns I realized that what works for others probably isn't going to pan out for me. Being rather short with a descent set of shoulders, it didn't take long to conclude that I need to veer away from wide straps, snug fit, and racer back styles. I made mine with a nice scoop, shape in the back to keep it in place, and medium width straps that are set apart wide. I like it, and am amazed at the compliments received from something so basic. I guess the lesson is something that fits well doesn't go unnoticed.

Refresher

Yea, it's been pretty hot outside. 

 It made me consider what we did last year during temperature spikes. A year ago we were enjoying time with family in Kansas, who also happen to be much more heat tolerant people.

 And I recall drinking limeades by the gallon. Point taken. Despite our decision to leave mint out of the garden this year, I thought we could liven up the mix with a little fresh basil.

Part of Your Balanced Breakfast

This is definitely the most important meal of the day when Ori looks that excited before devouring it.Even though little man loves yogurt to start with, its always a treat to watch him "oh & ah" and dance around a bit when we dress it up with some fruit.
What gets your day started? Lately my day begins with coffee- a habit I am trying to get out of.

In Forty Minutes: Black Bean & Mushroom Tacos

Tacos in the middle of winter- why not? I'll take anything that reminds me of summer right about now- especially if that means feasting on fresh salsa.

I like to start the salsa first so the flavors can mingle a little, and then I jump into preparing everything else- a process that usually runs a little over thirty minutes.

Sticking to the Plan

Earlier this fall I had set out some goals and am very happy to say I have been fulfilling them.
And just for fun I used the magic of instagram to keep track of each enjoyed moment- especially the beautiful bike rides and improvised mustaches.

In Forty Five Minutes: Lentil Soup with Chard

It's getting cold and I am ready for soup. My mother and grandmother are in town and this was put together for lunch with items pulled my pantry and swiss chard that was ready to come in from the garden. This lentil soup is, as far as soups go, a quick and easy production that really hits the spot.

Mama Marinara

I suppose it was made official after a morning spent at the DMV; I am now a New Jersey resident. So I thought I might celebrate by sharing a recipe made with garden state grown tomatoes.
Some of the more interesting looking tomatoes were put into a batch of marinara with fresh basil and oregano, and the finished sauce was pretty delicious.

In Twenty Five Minutes: Bulgur Joes

To continue with some of my favorite quick meals, I thought I might share my take on the vegetarian sloppy joe- it is big on protein, flavor and fiber, and is a great way to use up left over chili.

In Twenty Minutes: Zucchini & Corn Gemelli

Summer is slowly fading away, while school is in full swing. Even though much of my time has been spent reorganizing and getting the kids to adjust to new schedules, I'd still like to keep some interesting and tasty meals on our menu.
I thought I might share some of my quickly thrown together meals that make everyone happy. Made under twenty minutes, the preparation for this dish is simple and time effective.

Daring Dinners: Salmon Two Ways

To me fish is very intimidating in the kitchen. When Danny brought home a really nice salmon, I kind of anticipated on leaving the preparation up to him.

He decided to make a sushi spread, ranging from simple, like this roll with shaved scallions, and the more elaborate "everything rolls" with crab red peppers, cucumbers and avocado. He left the rest of the fish in the fridge for me to use up during the week. After a little reluctance, I turned to Martha for some inspiration.
I started with her Soy Glazed Salmon recipe, and made subtle changes to cut down on the sugar. Add with that the sushi rice, home made miso dressing, and carrots glazed in the extra sauce, and you have a pretty successful dinner.

Tomato Market

We have been hitting the local farmers market as much as possible. It has a nice selection of produce, baked goods and my favorite, Hoboken Farms.
The bike ride is short and hilly, but we usually get the best parking space. Since tomatoes are abundant, Phia likes to call it the "tomato market", and is always scouting out a new variety to try. Two pints for $3, experiment away.
But what to do with all those fresh maters?
Beet and tomato salad via Martha
Tomato Salad via the kitchn
Quickest Tomato Sauce via Jamie Oliver
And just because, Jamie Oliver dressed as a tomato

Summer Salads: Ribbon Carrots

This is one of my most requested salads and also one of the easiest to throw together. My children devour this when I make it, and it is always a kid-favorite- I think it's the natural sweetness of the carrots.

New Set of Wheels

Big news around here...
...we finally have a Madsen. It is just as I had imagined and we have all been loving our family rides together. Danny and I switch off pulling the kids around, and I will admit it has gotten us out and exploring the less beaten paths around our new town.
Like I do with most things I thoroughly enjoy, I started chronicling some of my most happy moments and favorite pictures of our adventures, which can be found here.

Signs of the Season

1. Spring Thaw


The ice and snow have finally melted, revealing renewed growth and beautiful landscapes. We live in close proximity to an expansive natural reserve, and while the leaves still have some time before their arrival, it is a wondrous place to explore. I love to watch the kids run wild and free, acting out great adventures.

2. Spring Songs

Ben Harper and Vanessa da Mata - Boa Sorte
Norah Jones - Somewhere Over the Rainbow
The Beatles - Here Comes the Sun
Jack Johnson - Breakdown
Stevie Wonder - You Are the Sunshine of My Life

3. Transitional Flavors

Vegetable Stew is perfect for warm and chilly days, and it reheats well for an easy dinner.

Kitchen Aid

I admit that I am a spoiled eater. Having a husband who cooks delicious food for a living can have that effect. When he is home he whips up perfect little meals, and when I take the reins, he is a great resource to turn to.

I question whether or not I would be able to pull off a balanced diet without Danny's assistance as some ingredients have always been intimidating to me. He makes good food look effortless; he threw this meal together from random items in our freezer and pantry.

Cold: Inside & Out

Forgive me for the very few posts; we are still in the process of setting up and reorganizing our sweet apartment. Things are getting closer to normal a little more each day.

Today we had another opportunity to break out the sled. Danny introduced the kids to our front yard slope, and pulled them around until their cheeks turned pink.
And then to match their frozen toes, they enjoyed frozen drinks. No matter how cold it gets, we can't stop making smoothies. Frozen berries are way more cost effective than fresh this time of year, and they are super good.

Daring Dinners: Veggie Burgers

In an attempt to keep the winter dinners around here a little more interesting, I have been mixing some new ideas and ingredients into the weekly meal plan. I love to find new cuisines or techniques to try out, so I thought I might share a few of my successful recipes.

Bulgur & Black Bean BBQ Burgers

1/2 White onion

2 cloves garlic

1 Cup cooked bulgur

1 Cup cooked or canned Black beans

1/4 BBQ Sauce

1/4 Cup Bread crumbs

2 Tablespoons cumin

1 Tablespoon Salt

1 Egg

Sautee the onion in a small amount of oil until it starts to caramelize on the edges, and then add in the garlic and saute for 1 minute more. Turn off the heat and add in the bulgur, black beans and bbq sauce, and proceed the mash the black beans into a paste. Add in the seasonings and bread crumbs, and then put this mix into a bowl. Once this has cooled, add in the egg and fully incorporate. Make patties from this mix, roughly 3" in diameter.

Heat a large saute pan with a thick coat of vegetable oil on medium heat. Brown the outside of each burger, cooking for roughly 2-3 minutes on each side, and then place on a paper towel lined plate.

I finished mine by placing it between a couple slices of toasted french bread, topped with crumbled sharp cheddar, barbeque sauce, and some green leaf lettuce.

Cycling New Jersey

This cool fall weather has been perfect for biking. It is so enjoyable to travel by bicycle- I love the brisk breeze on my face, and the sound of leaves rustling under my tires.

Shortly into this preschool experience I realized that one child is much more easy to manage than two, and even more so, one is much more easy to pull in my bike trailer. While I take care of most of the effort getting us from place to place, Ori regulates our playlist.

If you are looking for any inspiration to go for a ride, might I suggest you check out just a couple of posts at velocouture? And while I am on the topic of bicycles, wouldn't it kind of be totally amazing to own one of these beauties?