Cute Kicks

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It's my first summer with a little boy who walks so I was excited to pick up some spring shoes for the little stud. I decided to skip the crocs and find some new styles. Here are a few of the cutest ones I saw...

Native Kids Shoes - Jefferson in white

Available at select Nordstrom locations

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Salt Water Sandal by Hoy Shoes - Sun-San Sharks in brown

Vans Kids - Zapato Del Barco in white

Superga Kids - 2750 Lace in grey

Vegan Snacks

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I love the organic, raw and vegan food goodies from House of the Sun. Their creations can be found at the Ballard farmers market and the Madison Market co-op store (not sure where else). I first discovered them when I was on a kale chip kick. Theirs might be the best I've had. Lately I've been obsessed with their Green Dragon Hummus and Jalapeno Crackers. It's a perfect afternoon snack, and it's organic, raw and vegan to boot!

Green Dragon Hummus--Sprouted garbanzo beans, Artisana tahini, fresh squeezed lemon and lime juices, cold-pressed evoo, jalapeno, cilantro and spices.

Jalapeno Crackers - Sprouted sunflower seeds, sprouted buckwheat groats, red bell peppers, jalapenos, zucchini, carrots, Brazil nuts, onion, limes, flax seeds, spices, sea salt

Kale-Collard-Zucchini Chips--Kale, collards and zucchini skins are tossed in a red bell pepper-lemon sauce and dehydrated. The results are a wonderfully flavorful and healthy snack.

Quote of the Day

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WE ARE NOT PUT ON THIS EARTH FOR OURSELVES, BUT ARE PLACED HERE FOR EACH OTHER. IF YOU ARE THERE ALWAYS FOR OTHERS, THEN IN TIME OF NEED, SOMEONE WILL BE THERE FOR YOU.

- Jeff Warner



I heard this quote at a brunch for Seattle's Sacred Heart Shelter which is an amazing resource for women in need. We heard one such story from a former resident who had the entire audience in tears after telling her heartbreaking story that lead to her stay at the shelter. She was so grateful to have found a temporary bed for herself and her young daughter in their time of need, along with a warm meal, a shower, and help tapping into available resources in the city. With the help of the shelter she found a job, an apartment, and the opportunity for a better life.

Click here to learn more about the shelter, buy a cookbook to support their fundraising efforts, or read about ways you can get involved.

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Vegan Night

Without realizing it I made an amazing VEGAN dinner. This was such a welcome surprise since I'm trying to be more mindful of how much meat and dairy I consume. While making the dinner I glanced over the recipes and ingredients on the counter and realized that it was not only "meatless night", it was our first ever "vegan night".

I recently tried the new Ballard restaurant, Golden Beetle, and LOOOOOOOVED it. We tried a ton of stuff and I loved every bite of the meal. I especially loved the kale which was sauteed and had toasted almonds. So, you know me, I tried to re-create it. I used my latest kale recipe and added cumin and toasted almonds. My kale wasn't exactly like the Golden Beetle's but it was delicious and a perfect pairing with the Curried Red Kidney Beans and Cauliflower that was the main course for my vegan dinner.

Whenever my husband gets home from work he peeks over my shoulder to see what we're having for dinner. If it's meatless night, I always hear a sigh followed by "meatless night!" which he says with a sarcastic enthusiasm. It's funny that he acts less than thrilled because he always ends up liking it, and he always goes back for seconds! (...even on this vegan night!)

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Sauteed Kale
Inspired by The Golden Beetle

1/4 cup slivered almonds, toasted
1 T canola oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
2 T garlic, minced
1 T ginger, minced
Few pinches of red pepper flakes
1/4 t cumin (Rough estimate. I just sprinkled it on once or twice.)
One bunch kale, rinsed well and roughly chopped
Few splashes red wine vinegar
Fresh lemon juice

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Saute onion until soft. Add garlic and ginger and saute for several more minutes. Add red chili flakes, cumin and kale. Saute for roughly 5 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. When it's almost done, add a few splashes of vinegar. Stir to combine. Squeeze a little lemon juice over the top and stir in almonds.

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Passion & Perspective

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I rarely read sports articles but this one caught my eye because of the photo. I finally had a chance to read it this morning and it brought tears to my eyes (especially the part about the little girl who clung to him). Worth reading...

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"In Africa, Lessons on Passion and Perspective for Kershaw"

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FoodPickle to the Rescue

Every once in awhile when I saute kale it has a fishy taste. I'm never sure what the cause is so I posted the question on Food Pickle. I didn't get an answer on the specific cause but I did get input on how others cook kale without a fishy flavor. One helpful cook, Pretty Peas, said that she sautés hers with onion, garlic, ginger, red pepper flakes and vinegar. Ooooh, ginger. I'm on a ginger kick. So I tried it tonight and it was great. It was the perfect accompaniment to the perfect meal...

Start with a large bowl. Spoon tofu fried rice into one side. Sprinkle with toasted sesame seeds and a squirt of Sriracha. Spoon sautéed kale into the other side. Top rice and kale with an egg cooked over-medium so it's a teense runny). Splash a little soy sauce over the egg and serve with chopsticks. I served that bowl of heavenly delight along with pancit. It's my every-pot-in-the-house-is-dirty-meal but in the end it's so worth it. I love this meal.

Sautéed Kale
Inspired by PrettyPeas via FoodPickle

1 T canola oil
1/2 yellow onion, chopped
2 T garlic, minced
1 T ginger, minced
few pinches of red pepper flakes
one bunch kale, rinsed well and roughly chopped
salt & pepper
few splashes red wine vinegar

Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Sauté onion until soft. Add garlic and ginger and saute for several more minutes. Add red chili flakes and kale. Sauté for roughly 5 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. When it's almost done, add a few splashes of vinegar. Let simmer until ready to serve.
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Knife Care 101

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I was complaining to my friend Julia at La Medusa about dull knives and asking what she and her fiance (the head chef at La Medusa) do to care for theirs. She highly recommended The Epicurean Edge in Kirkland for sharpening. I took my knives there and holy canoly, those suckers are sharp. So sharp that I had to significantly slow down my chopping for fear of losing a finger or two. I enjoyed talking with the owner of The Epicurean Edge, who as you can imagine is very passionate about knives and proper knife care. He taught me a lot in my short visit. Here are a few of the tips I can still remember.

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- Don't smash garlic with the side of the blade (OOPS, that's the only way I've ever done it). It bends the knife making it harder to sharpen. Often times they will have to re-bend the blade before sharpening which can break it. Not worth risking with an expensive knife. Also, he explained that smashing the garlic oxidizes it and makes it bitter. I still smash mine but I use the flat side of a meat tenderizer instead of my good knives..

- When you get your knives sharpened, don't leave them loose in the sink (as I always did with my dull knives) because you are bound to cut yourself or the sharp blades will nick the blades of other knives or scuff their handles. They are that sharp once he gets his hands on them! And this is good advice because I splurged on a great knife while I was there. (I cook so much I thought I deserved it!) It was so sharp that I nicked it on a large serving spoon sticking up in the sink. Amazing how fine and sharp these suckers are. So be careful and mindful when cleaning them or leaving them in the sink.

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- Don't chop chocolate, nuts, or any type of bones with your good knives. These items are too hard and can ruin your blade. They recommend having an "abuse knife" for these items so if the blade gets chipped, you haven't ruined your best knife. He helped me select one knife from my set to set aside as the abuse knife.

- Don't put your sharp kitchen knives in the dishwasher (apparently the only knife fact I did know). The water jets in the dishwasher can knock your knives into one another or into other hard objects, chipping them.

- Use a honing steel every few uses, or every few hours of use, to keep your knives sharper longer. If you do this regularly you don't need to get them sharpened nearly as often. Most knife sets come with a steel version but the owner prefers ceramic honing rods for reasons I'll let him explain because that's where it gets too technical for me. If you're curious, go visit him in Kirkland.

I got my knives as wedding gifts and after seven years of them being so dull that it was like chopping with a butter knife, I got off my lazy ass and took them in. I took half at a time so I had something to use while they were being sharpened (takes a few days). I can't recommend The Epicurean Edge enough. You don't realize how bad you've had it until you get them professionally sharpened.

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Pancit (reposting a third time due to update and technical error)

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I don't follow a recipe for this so when I went to write it up, I was estimating the measurements. Well I goofed. I thought I used way more soy sauce than I actually use. I've updated the recipe. I apologize to anyone who made this and thought it was terrible.



"They say" that everyone who makes Pancit makes it differently and I'd bet that everyone loves, if not prefers, the version they grew up with. I grew up with my aunt's Pancit. She is Filipino and learned the recipe from her aunt who always made it when she was growing up. It's been the main Pancit in my life for over 20 years so I was thrilled when she taught me how to make it the other day. Several steps, all easy, leave you with this delicious dinner that provides leftovers for days. It's not a recipe that's going to blow your mind but it's good comfort food Asian-style. My cousins love it. I love it. Now my hubby and kids love it too. A good recipe I'll make for years to come.

J's Pancit

1 or 2 big handfuls Rose Brand Fine Cut Plain Chinese Noodles (1.5-2” thick)
Half of one chunk of Vermicelli Bean Thread noodles (sold at Uwajimaya - a package that looks like this)
2 chicken breasts (I used bone in but that is not required)
2" ginger, sliced (or more)
kosher salt
1-2 T canola oil1 small yellow onion, finely chopped (I did it in a mini-Cuisinart with the garlic)
1-2 t ginger, minced
2 T garlic, minced (4-6 cloves)
1 quart chicken stock
1/4-1/3 cup soy sauce pepper
Sriracha, optional

Put 3" water, ginger and some salt in a large sauce pan and bring to a boil. Add chicken, reduce heat and simmer for 20 minutes (I used bone-in breasts and 20 minutes was perfect. Boneless breasts might cook faster.) Remove and allow to cool. Once cooled, shred.

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Boil Rose Brand Fine Cut Plain Chinese Noodles for exactly three minutes, then strain and set aside. (Do not overcook!)

Soak Vermicelli Bean Thread noodles in a small amount of water to soften. *

Bring a large pot or braiser to heat over medium heat. Add oil, then add onion and stir to coat. Saute until softened. Add garlic and ginger and sauté for a few minutes, being careful not to let anything brown. Add ½ or 1 cup chicken stock and a few splashes soy sauce. Let simmer and reduce. Continue to add this amount of stock and soy sauce, heating until simmering and reducing. Be patient with this process. You want to create a really good sauce for the noodles to soak up. One you've used the entire quart of chicken stock and roughly 1/4 cup soy sauce, add shredded chicken and allow to soak up sauce. I like mine to turn out a bit darker than this photograph so use more soy if yours is this light.

Working in layers, add a handful of noodles to a large pot. Top with bean thread noodles, then 1/4 of the chicken with sauce. Continue to layer a bit of each and mix together to combine. I like to stop adding noodles when there’s still a big of sauce accumulated at the bottom because the noodles will continue to soak up the liquid.

Serve hot, warm or cold.

We like to stir in a few splashes of Sriracha into ours.

* I haven't been using the Vermicelli Bean Thread noodles because the kids don't like the texture. It's fine without.
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Spring Forward/Fashion Forward

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I love me a good espadrille and this Flat Espadrille from Balenciaga, where espadrille meets gladiator, is pretty bad ass in my eyes. A great modern look for the season ahead. This shoe could take black shorts and a tank from boring to bravo.

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Ught Oh Honey - It's Meatless Night

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My mother-in-law (as I've said 100 times) is a great cook and I'm always trying to copy her recipes, although there are no recipes to copy because she's such a seasoned cook they're all in her head. Saturday night I tried to make her prawn & veggie stir-fry with Madras curry sauce. Unfortunately there were lots of problems... (1) I did not have Madras curry powder so I had to use a basic curry powder (2) the frozen prawns I bought at Whole Foods were terribly fishy and (3) some veggies were overcooked and some were undercooked. My husband was about to call for Thai take-out when I rescued the dinner. I could not stomach the thought of wasting all my time and money on this meal. I took out the prawns and decided we were going to have meatless night. I already had the veggies in curry sauce and basically, in our house, anything with sauce over white rice is a go. I whipped up some of my uncle's asparagus and roasted broccoli with garlic and we had ourselves something Michael Pollan would have been proud of - three servings of veggies and no hunk of meat in sight. It was such a good dinner that my hubby said he'd be happy to eat this meal anytime. Music to my ears after our near disaster.

Here is a really rough recipe for my "Prawn" & Veggie Curry Stir-fry, sans prawns... It wasn't half bad with the curry I used but I just ordered some Madras curry powder for next time. I also changed the recipe from how I did it to adjust for the veggies all having the same doneness so nothing is too soft.


Veggie Curry Stiry-Fry

2 T canola oil
1 yellow onion, cut in half and sliced along the ridges
2 or 3 carrots, cut into matchstick pieces
1 red pepper, cut into matchstick pieces
1/2 bunch asparagus, cut into 2 or 3" pieces
2 T garlic, minced
1/4 cup white wine
1 1/2 cup chicken stock*
2 T Madras curry powder
1 t corn starch
garlic salt
pepper

Mix chicken stock, Madras curry and corn starch together in a glass and set aside. Taste and adjust as you like (more curry to strengthen the flavor or more stock to lessen it).

Heat canola oil (or peanut oil) over medium high heat. Add onions and saute for a few minutes. Add carrots, red pepper and asparagus. Saute for several minutes until veggies are softening. Reduce heat to medium at any point if necessary. Add garlic and saute for a few more minutes, watching garlic so it doesn't burn. Add the white wine and let it reduce by half. Add chicken stock/curry mixture and bring to a quick boil, then reduce to a simmer. Once veggies are cooked to your preferred texture spoon veggies and sauce over white rice.

* You could probably replace the chicken stock and corn starch with coconut milk for a differently flavor. I might try this next time.

In a Food Pickle?

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I love Food52's Food Pickle for any cooking questions I run into. So often I have random questions and who better to answer them than other people who love to cook and may know more about the recipe or question I'm pondering over. So next time you're having a food pickle, log on and ask away. Who knows what you may learn!

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Blender Envy

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I've heard nothing but rave reviews about the Vitamix blender (although I haven't asked which model everyone is gushing about). My friend Tara first told me about the Vitamix blender when she was doing research on juicers and blenders. Given the hefty price tag on these bad boys, it was worth thoughtful consideration and research. She settled on the Vitamix and loves it. My sister-in-law recently bought one and can't say enough great things as well. And now that it's on my radar, I'm noticing comments on food blogs about how much people love theirs (see an example here of one such fan). Great for smoothies, milkshakes, pureeing soups and more! I've had nothing but grief lately when I add any type of frozen ingredient to my smoothie or shake so clearly it's time for the Vitamix upgrade! Maybe this Mother's Day? (hint hint Mr. T!)

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Foxy...

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Quick article on Bradley Cooper from The New York Times Movie section:

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"Don’t Take This Hunk at Face Value"
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Orange Crush

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Burst into spring (Don't lose hope! We're almost there!) with bright shades like OPI's Hot & Spicy nail polish. LOVE it!
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The New Face of Chanel

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Fashionistas who admire Blake's style might enjoy the article "Golden Girl" about her new role as the face of Chanel’s Mademoiselle handbag campaign. .

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Pass it Forward

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Here's a short essay from The New York Times Magazine that I enjoyed. We all might be reminded of this article next time we have an opportunity to help a stranger. A quick read worth your time.

"The Tire Iron and the Tamale"
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Quote of the Day

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CHILDREN ARE MADE READERS ON THE LAPS OF THEIR PARENTS.

-Emilie Buchwald
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Quote of the Day

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IF THERE IS RADIANCE IN THE SOUL, IT WILL ABOUND IN THE FAMILY. IF THERE IS RADIANCE IN THE FAMILY, IT WILL BE ABUNDANT IN THE COMMUNITY. IF THERE IS RADIANCE IN THE COMMUNITY, IT WILL GROW IN THE NATION. IF THERE IS RADIANCE IN THE NATION, THE UNIVERSE WILL FLOURISH.

- Lao Tsu

Found via All Children Flourishing (more on this book soon!)
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Interesting Article: Phantom Twin

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Sad and interesting article from The New York Times Magazine called "Phantom Twin" about the composer Allen Shaw where he "recalls the wrenching separation he felt when his autistic twin sister was institutionalized."
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Lovely Platform Sandals by TB

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I'm loving my friend Jennie's blog House Crush and check in each day to see what she's featuring. Today she had a fun spread on Tory Burch. I ended up on Tory's blog and after clicking around there for awhile I thought I'd check out her spring line. And now I am officially obsessed with these Leather Bradshaw Sandals in navy. What a perfect shoe that you could wear with everything and have forever. I especially love these sandals with her navy and red striped suit. Super cute! I'll take the whole outfit, and the house!

Holuakoa Pizza: Poached Pair, Mac Nuts, Gorgonzola and Pesto

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Before...

After...

With pesto drizzled...

My friend Tara told me about the Holuakoa Gardens & Cafe on Hawaii's Big Island. We went last year for brunch and loved it so much that I convinced (begged) the hubby to go again this year for dinner. It was a hidden gem on an island full of tourist traps and heavy fried foods. Everyone loved their meal, and I have been obsessing about mine. I got a "Pizzetta" with poached pear, Gorgonzola, and macadamia nuts with a little side salad of arugula and pesto drizzled over everything. It was so good that I was determined to re-create it. Last night I did and it was as good as I remembered. This would even make a great appetizer to serve hot or room temp the next time you have friends over.

If you want to serve with the arugula as they did, toss with a light vinaigrette and serve on the side. Sprinkle with a little of the pesto as well. Delish!


Holuakoa Pizza
Inspired by the pizzetta at Holuakoa Gardens & Cafe
Dough
Olive oil
2 pears, poached and sliced (my poaching recipe below)
Macadamia nuts, chopped small
Gorgonzola
Pesto (I bought PCC's vegan pesto because it was all they had and it was fantastic)

Place pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500. Sprinkle a work surface, rolling pin and pizza dough with flour and roll out dough to thin pizzas. (I never worry about the shape of the pizzas. I don't know that I've ever rolled out a circle. They're usually rectangle, triangle, or a big blob - but they all taste great!) Sprinkle the bottom side of a cookie sheet with cornmeal and a little flour (to prevent the dough from sticking) and transfer rolled-out dough onto it. Brush dough with olive oil. Top with slices of pear, then sprinkle with macadamia nuts and top with Gorgonzola crumbles. Carefully remove pizza stone from oven and reduce heat to 450. Sprinkle pizza stone with cornmeal and then slide pizza onto the stone CAREFULLY. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove and carefully transfer to a wood cutting board to slice. Mix pesto with a bit of olive oil and then sprinkle over the pizza. Serve hot or room temp.

Cider Poached Pears

2 pears, peeled, quartered, and cored
2 cups apple cider
juice of 1/2 orange
1 cinnamon stick

Bring cider, orange juice and cinnamon stick to a light boil. Add pairs, reduce heat and simmer for roughly 15 minutes until fork tender (check after 10 minutes and then adjust time as necessary). Remove and let cool.
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As long as you're poaching pears, maybe do an extra one or two and use for dessert. Just Google a bit and find something delicious to create.

Yummy White Pizza

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after...

Build-Your-Own-Pizza-Bar was such a hit Friday night that I was excited to use the leftovers last night and have friends/family over to share in the fun. My daughter and niece loved rolling out the dough and applying all their toppings. There was flour everywhere but the mess was worth the fun for the girls and the look on their faces when they saw their baked pizza creations come out of the oven.

My sister-in-law is partial to white pizzas and made a great one. I didn't miss the sauce at all on this bad boy. It was deeeeelicious (especially the bites with the garlic). I might even make it again tonight because yes, I am going for round three! (You can call me crazy because I am crazy!)

Al's Yummy White Pizza

Dough (I buy the pre-made dough at Whole Foods)
Olive oil
Shredded mozzarella
Fresh mozzarella (she brought mini balls for her salad that were great on the pizza too)
Provolone cheese (I buy slices and break them up)
Ricotta cheese
Mushrooms, sliced
Canadian bacon, cut into small pieces
Garlic, sliced paper thin

Place pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500. Sprinkle a work surface, rolling pin and pizza dough with flour and roll out dough to thin pizzas. (I never worry about the shape of the pizzas. I don't know that I've ever rolled out a circle. They're usually rectangle, triangle, or a big blob - but they all taste great!) Sprinkle the bottom side of a cookie sheet with cornmeal and a little flour (to prevent the dough from sticking) and transfer rolled-out dough onto it. Brush dough with olive oil. Top with four cheeses, Canadian bacon, mushrooms and garlic. Carefully remove pizza stone from oven and reduce heat to 450. Sprinkle pizza stone with cornmeal and then slide pizza onto the stone CAREFULLY. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove and carefully transfer to a wood cutting board to slice. Bon appetite!

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Love the Look

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I'm loving Kate Bosworth's style lately, especially in this photo. Love the hair, love the dress, love the shoes. And I'm getting excited about orange for spring. I'm jonesing for sunshine and bright colors in this land of grey we call Seattle.

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Must See Documentary: The Cove

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Last night my hubby and I watched the documentary The Cove thanks to my friend Courtney's recommendation. It was informative, depressing and eye-opening. It made us both sick to our stomachs and we both woke up still thinking about it. I'm so glad we watched it though. I think it's a must see documentary. Click here to watch the trailer.

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Green Juice Smoothie

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Photo credit: Honest Fare

I was in a chatty mood at Whole Foods the other day and got to talking with the cashier and bagger. We ended up trading our favorite smoothie recipes and one of theirs had ginger and lemon in it. Veeeeeeeeery interesting. I've never put those ingredients in a smoothie before. I had to try it so I gave it a whirl this morning to go with our Eltana bagels. I loved it, my husband liked it and the kids wouldn't touch it (it is green after all). I'll definitely make it again for myself.
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I changed it a teense. His recipe was just kale but I had spinach, chard, and parsley in the fridge so I figured what the heck.

Ginger-Apple-Greens Juice Smoothie

1 cup water
1 cup apple juice
1 whole apple, cored and chopped into big chunks
1" ginger, peeled
juice of one lemon
small handful parsley
big handful of chopped spinach
big handful chopped chard
2 large leaves Lacinato kale

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Color Change

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Transition from the dark nail shades of winter - dark dark dark browns, reds, and purples - to the bright nail colors of spring - oranges, pinks, and corals - with a few weeks of OPI's Barefoot in Barcelona. If it can look good on my man-hands, then it will look good on anyone. I love this shade right now. It's just enough color, but not too much.

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Swiss Chard & Sausage Pizza

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Before...

After...

I'm a victim to my cravings. I have something to eat, love it, and have to have it again... asap. Since eating out with kids is no longer a sane or enjoyable option for us with the two littles, I have to get creative re-creating. This week I've been craving the Beta pizza from The Independent Pizzeria and tonight I made my own version. It was delicious.

Swiss Chard & Sausage Pizza
Inspired by the Beta

Whole Foods pizza dough
Muir Glen organic pizza sauce
Shredded mozzarella
Provolone slices, broken into pieces
Swiss chard, rinsed well and chopped
Hot Italian sausage (Skagit River Ranch if you can get it)
Garlic, sliced paper thin

Place pizza stone in the oven and preheat to 500. Sprinkle a work surface, rolling pin and pizza dough with flour and roll out dough to thin pizzas. Sprinkle the bottom side of a cookie sheet with cornmeal and a little flour (to prevent the dough from sticking) and transfer rolled-out dough onto it. Brush dough with olive oil. Top with pizza sauce, equal parts of each cheese, then the chard and sausage. Sprinkle garlic slices on the top. Carefully remove pizza stone from oven and reduce heat to 450. Sprinkle pizza stone with cornmeal and then slide pizza onto the stone CAREFULLY. Bake for 10-15 minutes. Remove and carefully transfer to a wood cutting board to slice. Bon appetite!
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Healthy Breakfast? Think Again!

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You must read Mark Bittman's opinion piece, "How to Make Oatmeal . . . Wrong," about McDonald's oatmeal. It's so interesting, and he might even persuade you to take a few minutes to make your own. (Then you'll really have to try these healthier recipes for oatmeal that don't call for any butter or sugar: my healthy recipe for Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal that I recently posted and Aloha Oatmeal from ages ago.)

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Meatless Night: Tagliatelle with Carmelized Brussel Sprouts & Walnuts

My husband and I really enjoyed the new Seattle hot spot, Madison Park Conservatory. We ate at the bar which is our favorite thing to do, and thought the food was great. The best part was the chicken with Israeli cous cous. It was the best chicken I've had at a restaurant in over a year. It was perfection. We also had a great pasta dish - gnocci with Brussels sprouts and walnuts. I couldn't resist myself and had to re-create it at home. Last night I took at stab at it and while it wasn't exactly like MPC's, I have to say it was pretty darn good. Great Meatless Night option too. (I like to say Meatless "Night" because it's less confining. If you don't do it Monday, you still have lots of other days to get it in.)

My recipe is very very rough because as I was trying it for the first time, I didn't measure things out exactly and was a little frazzled. I'm sure there's an easier way to caramelize Brussels sprouts, but this is what I did and I liked the end result a lot. I stole a few hints from GOOP's recipe for Caramelized Brussels Sprouts.

Enjoy!

Tagliatelle with Carmelized Brussels Sprouts & Walnuts

3 or 4 handfuls Brussels sprouts
2-4 T olive oil
sprinkle of sugar
splash of red wine vinegar
2 T butter
1 cup(ish) walnuts, large chop and lightly toasted
3 T shallot, minced
3 T garlic, minced
splash of white wine, maybe 2 T
1.5-2 cups chicken stock, preferably homemade*
splash of cream (I had to use whole milk because I didn't have any cream in the fridge)
freshly ground pepper
freshly grated parmesan

Bring a large pot of water to a boil.

Prepare the Brussels sprouts by trimming the stem ends a little bit and quartering. You will lose 1-3 of the outer leaves. This is ok. Steam the quartered pieces for 4 or 5 minutes.

Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the Brussels sprouts in a single layer, cut-side down (in batches if necessary). Leave them for 3-5 minutes, allowing them to brown thoroughly and evenly – don’t give into the temptation to stir and toss them! Keep an eye on them though – the key is to have the flame high enough to brown them but low enough not to burn them. When they’ve browned, flip each one and let the other side get color, an additional 2-3 minutes or so.

Remove from pan and add some butter and a sprinkle of sugar. Stir to combine, then once sugar starts to melt, add a splash of red wine vinegar and then add Brussels Sprouts back in. Stir to combine and let them caramelize a bit more.

Remove from pan and set aside. Add a splash of olive oil and 1 or 2 T butter to the hot pan. Add shallots and saute for a few minutes. Then add garlic and saute. Add white wine and let boil for a second, then add chicken stock and increase heat to high. Bring to a quick boil, then reduce temperature and reduce sauce.

Once the sauce has reduced by half, add Brussels sprouts and a reduce heat even more. Add a splash of cream, pepper, walnuts and parmesan. Let flavors meld while you cook fresh noodles. Drain noodles and add to pan. Top with lots of parmesan and serve.
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Practice Self-Compassion!

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After reading the book The Gifts of Imperfection, I'm trying to practice self-compassion on a daily basis. As the author explains, just a little bit every day goes a long way. I can speak from experience as of late, this is very true. I am practicing it every day and feeling lighter and more joyful. Along those lines, here's an article on the subject from The New York Times Health section, "Go Easy on Yourself, a New Wave of Research Urges" .
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Here's a quiz to see how compassionate you are with yourself. I did not score very well the first time around. I hope to do better in 3, 6, 12 months. Practice, practice, practice! And what better thing to practice on than self-compassion?!!!!
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Guest Blogger Post: One by One - Inspire People, Empower Solutions, End Fistula

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I couldn't be more excited about this post. My friend Jen is very involved with the non-profit organization One by One and is so passionate about their work that she has inspired a new awareness in myself and our other friends about Obstetric Fistula and what we can do to help. Here she reaches another audience of women (and maybe a man or two) who might also find a place in their heart for this issue. Thank you Jen for sharing with us!
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I asked Colleen ages ago if I could do a guest post on a cause that’s near and dear to my heart and she has very graciously obliged me. March 8 is “International Women’s Day,” and this year is its centennial celebration. This is special to me because I volunteer at an organization that works to help alleviate the suffering of women in developing countries.
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One by One, is a non-profit organization working to raise awareness and understanding of Obstetric Fistula, a condition which results from a prolonged obstructed labor, usually a couple of days, without medically necessary intervention to relieve the pressure. It is estimated that over two million women and girls are living with obstetric fistula and between 50,000 and 100,000 new cases occur each year. In as high as 90 percent of fistula cases, the baby will die and the woman or girl is left with chronic incontinence. Fistula sufferers are often abandoned or neglected by their husbands and families and ostracized by their communities. (Read more here and here.) What drew me to this cause was twofold: the human suffering and isolation that these women, and oftentimes young girls, with no voices must bear for the rest of their lives if left untreated; and the broader implication this issue reveals to us about maternal health and women’s rights in the world today.
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There were a few reasons I began volunteering with One by One. I liked that they were a small, local organization started by two young women in 2005. I also liked that because they were small every resource had to be utilized efficiently and transparently. That made me feel like the small amount of money I could afford to donate and the time I could give went towards something tangible and real. At the time, the cost to repair one woman with fistula was $300 (it’s now about $420). You and nine of your friends could donate $30 and you had raised enough money to change one woman’s life. That was so powerful to me... because that’s why we give, right? We give to help alleviate the suffering in others and thereby, the suffering in us. And something gives back when we feel like we’re making a difference.
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Now, as a board member at One by One I am so proud of the work we are doing. We are still very small – just 3 staff members, only one of whom is full time. But the work we are doing is incredible. We have been working with partners in Niger, Tanzania, Ethiopia, and now Kenya. We have provided FREE fistula repair for over 1000 women! A pilot project we funded created a model to prevent fistula in an area of 300 villages in Niger and has reported a 100% success rate of no new fistulas over a one year period! This model is now being developed in other areas and we are so excited about its potential. Besides supporting fistula clinics and a few other groundbreaking studies, we are also helping educate women in their own communities so they can become midwives or trained birth attendants, assisting their own people with their maternal health needs. I believe this cultivation of community and education has far reaching benefits beyond improving maternal health for women in these areas.
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There is an amazing book called Half the Sky that develops this idea further…

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I strongly believe every adult living in a developed country should read this book and, as a woman, it is imperative. It is a heart wrenching but clear, incredibly informative, and worthy account of the major issue of our time: women’s rights and gender equality. It is well documented by the UN and other global organizations that empowering and educating women is the best way to fight poverty and extremism (even global warming) in developing countries. Half the Sky clearly articulates why this is true and frankly, why you should care. What I love most here is that the authors are not asking for your sympathy, they are asking you to join a movement, to give. They believe the worst thing you can do after reading this book is feel like the cause is too big and overwhelming and that you as an individual can’t make a difference, because you can. It’s not about giving a large sum of money – it’s about giving something of yourself, getting involved. It may be a bit of your time, your connections, or your skills. Sometimes it’s easier to give money, and I can speak to the need for more money for organizations like One by One to do what they do; absolutely we need money. But if you don’t have the money, are you powerless to give? Absolutely not. Half the Sky offers a few ways to get involved – check out their website and here is another resource.
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And, if I may, here is another idea… At One by One, we have a program called “Giving Circles” where a volunteer hosts around 10 (or more if you have capacity) people at their home to learn about Obstetric Fistula and try to raise the cost of repairing one woman - $420. It’s just a casual get together – a little wine, some hors d'oeuvres – nothing fancy. Why not get your closest girlfriends, your book club, or your dinner club together in honor of “International Women’s Day?” In a group of 10 ladies, each giving $42, you can raise enough to restore one woman’s life. What a powerful way to spend an evening? Or, ask your book club to read Half the Sky and then do a giving circle or volunteer for an organization that resonates with you. As a woman, who is now pregnant with her first child, maternal health is an obvious issue I care about. But even if you don’t have children or you’re not female, this issue matters because you have a mother, and maybe a wife, a sister, a daughter… Many of the young girls and women who suffer from Obstetric Fistula and who die while in labor did not have the right to choose whether they got pregnant. However, every woman should have the right to basic maternal health care. They should not suffer or die simply because they have the ability to give birth. Birth should be a beginning, not an end. And you can join a movement to help.

Click here to learn more about the One by One organization via YouTube.

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Shout-out of the Day: Rachel's Ginger Beer

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A big shout of to my friend Rachel for her recent article in The Seattle Times, "Rachel's Ginger Beer: Small Batch, Big Jolt of Ginger". I am such a lover of ginger beer ever since my friend Clare first told me about it. Now I love getting cocktails or mocktails when out, or buying it to enjoy at home. Rachel's is fantastic so if you see it on a menu in Seattle, you've got to try it.

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Seattle Eaters: Check Out Nettletown & Eltana

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In the last 24 hours I've been back to Nettletown and Eltana. See previous post on the two here. I have to reiterate - these two restaurants ROCK!

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Once again lunch at Nettletown was fantastic. We ordered the Nettlowtown noodles with pork, rice with fried egg and pickled veggies, special salad of the day with beets, walnuts, celery, croutons and more, the ginger drink, and three haystack cookies made with Chinese noodles, chocolate, candied ginger and peanuts. I already have a call into the husband for a lunch date there asap. I can't wait any longer.

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I'm equally obsessed with my return visit to Eltana. The only problem with Eltana is deciding what type of bagel and what spread. I got 4 bagels and 4 spreads and came home to play the mad scientist, making different combinations. They were all so good... regular cream cheese, red pepper walnut spread, spicy garlic cream, and honey almond cream cheese. Yum, yum, yum and yum. I served them with my own ginger drinks (Nettletown knock-off) and had the best lunch ever.

Check 'em out if you haven't already!

Best Curry EVER

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Photo Credit: Eat Drink Think

Sunday night I made the recipe for Vij's Family Chicken Curry from the cookbook Vij's: Elegant and Inspired Indian Cuisine. It was easily the best curry I've ever made, and outside of Vij's, possibly the best curry I've ever had. I know it's a bold statement, but I really really loved it. For some reason I was intimidated to try it but once I got going it was totally easy to make, and no surprise - it was even better then next day. Can't wait to make it again.

Let this inspire you to get your butt up to Vij's in Vancouver to try their amazing food or to order the cookbook online for a taste of it at home.

You can get the recipe online here and here. Worth noting is that the book offers helpful info about the ingredients in their recipes. For example, they explain why they call for the amount of oil that they do. I was hesitant to use the full amount, as I thought 1/2 cup to saute some onions and garlic seemed a little excessive, but they explain the importance in the book. They also explain the importance of using a cinnamon stick instead of ground cinnamon, offer explanations of all the herbs and ingredients, and provide other helpful tips for those new to Indian cooking. .

Easy Breakfast: Apple Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal

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I was trying to figure out how to get my kids to eat oatmeal since it's a healthy breakfast option. I didn't want to add a bunch of sugar and butter to make it taste good so I got creative. For every cup of dry old fashioned rolled oats I use one full apple. I quarter it, core it, and then grate it on a microplane into the pan when the oatmeal is almost ready. It makes the oatmeal really sweet, naturally, without sugar. Then I add raisins and some cinnamon and top with a little milk (preferably steamed or warmed). Both kids gobble it up every time, as do my husband and I.

Another trick is to make extra. The next morning all you have to do it re-heat it in a sauce pan with some butter or milk and breakfast is ready in 2 minutes flat.

Any quick and/or healthy breakfast ideas for me? Please share!

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Easy Meatless Night

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Tonight I made the #8 Crepe quesadilla-style. I used all the same ingredients inside flour tortillas. I warmed them in a saute pan over medium heat (no butter necessary) until the tortillas were starting to turn golden brown and the cheese was melting. I also added spinach for some extra greens. They were really good, especially with the sweet Chili Lime Sauce. It was quick and easy for dinner plus I have extra ingredients already prepped for tomorrow's lunch. Great meatless option if you're looking for something new and different.

(Does it count for meatless night if I ended up making one kid a grilled ham & cheese sandwich? Oops.)
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