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Cherry Almond Overnight Oats Parfait

Cherry Almond Overnight Oats Parfait

Are you looking for a scrumptious and healthy breakfast option that’s not only delicious but also incredibly easy to prepare? Look no further! This Cherry Almond Overnight Oats Parfait is the perfect choice. Packed with the goodness of cherries, almonds, and creamy oats, this parfait is not only a treat for your taste buds but also a nutritious way to start your day.

Name:Cherry Almond Overnight Oats Parfait
CuisineAmerican
Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Time10 minutes (for compote)
Total Time:Approximately 8 hours (including overnight refrigeration)
Servings2 servings (adjust as needed)
Yield2 parfaits

Ingredients

  • 1 cup fresh or frozen cherries, pitted and halved
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup rolled oats
  • 1 cup almond milk (or your preferred milk)
  • 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
  • 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1/4 cup sliced almonds
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • Greek yogurt (or non-dairy yogurt if preferred)
  • Fresh cherries, pitted and halved
  • Additional sliced almonds for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the Cherry Almond Compote:

In a saucepan, combine the cherries, honey (or maple syrup), water, and vanilla extract.

Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the cherries soften and the mixture thickens, about 10 minutes.

Remove from heat and let it cool. You can refrigerate it for a faster cooling process.

Make the Overnight Oats:

In a bowl, combine rolled oats, almond milk, honey (or maple syrup), almond extract, sliced almonds, and salt.

Mix well, cover the bowl, and refrigerate overnight. This allows the oats to absorb the liquid and become creamy.

Assemble the Parfait:

In serving glasses or jars, start by layering a spoonful of the overnight oats.

Add a layer of Greek yogurt on top of the oats.

Spoon a layer of the cherry almond compote over the yogurt.

Repeat these layers until the glass is filled, ending with a dollop of yogurt on top.

Garnish with fresh cherries and a sprinkle of sliced almonds.

Enjoy Your Cherry Almond Overnight Oats Parfait!

Grab a long spoon and dig into the layers of creamy oats, tart cherry compote, and rich yogurt.

The combination of sweet and tart flavors with a hint of almond will surely tantalize your taste buds.

This parfait not only tastes amazing but is also a great source of fiber, antioxidants, and essential nutrients to kickstart your day.

Start your mornings right with this Cherry Almond Overnight Oats Parfait. It’s a delightful way to enjoy a wholesome and flavorful breakfast. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep – make a batch in advance, and you’ll have a nutritious breakfast ready to go all week. So, don’t wait any longer; treat yourself to this scrumptious and nutritious parfait and conquer the day ahead with energy and vitality!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Protein: 11g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Dietary Fiber: 6g
  • Sugars: 22g
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 1g
  • Cholesterol: 4mg
  • Sodium: 88mg
  • Potassium: 355mg
  • Vitamin C: 6mg
  • Calcium: 202mg
  • Iron: 2mg

So we’re in agreement that cherry & almond is a fantastic flavor combination, right? I’ll assume that you’re enthusiastically nodding your head “yes” and that you want to hear more about this overnight oats parfait.

It has been way too long since I last made one of these beautiful-to-look-at and delicious-to-eat breakfast parfaits. True, they do take some forethought to put together the night before as well as some time to assemble in the morning, but let me assure you that they are well worth it!

This one in particular.

I combined chewy rolled oats with sweet-tart cherry juice, juicy fresh cherries, creamy Greek yogurt, and a touch of almond extract; the mixture of which chilled overnight in the fridge.

Now these cherry almond overnight oats are awesome all on their own, but when layered with cherry banana soft serve and topped with crunchy toasted sliced almonds, they are taken to a whole other level.

Cherry Almond Overnight Oats Parfait

The purplish pink hue alone makes me want to take a nose-dive into the parfait!

Cherry Almond Overnight Oats Parfait

Not only does this breakfast parfait look like dessert, it tastes like it as well.

And we all know how I feel about dessert for breakfast ;).

Cherry Almond Overnight Oats Parfait

Cherry Almond Overnight Oats Parfait

by Lauren Zembron

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 0 minutes

Keywords: breakfast vegetarian almonds cherries greek yogurt oatmeal summer

Ingredients (1 serving)

  • 1/3 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt (I used 0%)
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened tart cherry juice, preferably organic
  • 1 tsp pure maple syrup (optional, depending on how tart your cherry juice is)
  • a few drops pure almond extract
  • 1 cup pitted & halved sweet cherries, preferably organic, divided use (you may use frozen, if you’d like; I used fresh)
  • 1 banana
  • 1 Tbsp toasted sliced almonds

Instructions

The night before, combine oats, yogurt, cherry juice, maple syrup, (if using), and almond extract in a bowl; stir well. Fold in 1/2 cup cherries, (reserve remaining 1/2 cup), cover, and refrigerate overnight.

Also the night before, peel and slice the banana. Place banana slices in a freezer-safe plastic bag and freeze overnight.

In the morning, place the frozen banana slices in a food processor and puree until a soft-serve consistency forms. Add in the remaining 1/2 cup pitted & halves cherries and puree just until combined.

Stir the toasted sliced almonds into the oats.

Layer the oats and cherry-banana soft serve in a glass.

Blueberry & Apricot Yogurt Muffins

Muffins, with their soft, moist centers and irresistible aroma, are a delightful treat that appeals to both the young and the young at heart. Today, we bring you a mouthwatering recipe for Blueberry & Apricot Yogurt Muffins that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. These muffins combine the sweet-tartness of blueberries and the sunny warmth of apricots, all wrapped in the creamy embrace of yogurt. Without further ado, let’s embark on a culinary adventure and bake up a batch of these heavenly muffins.

NameBlueberry & Apricot Yogurt Muffins
CuisineBaking
Prep Time15 minutes
Cooking Time20 minutes
Total Time35 minutes
Servings12
Yield12 muffins

Ingredients

  • 1 ½ cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 ½ tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ½ cup unsalted butter, softened
  • 1 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 large eggs
  • 1 tsp vanilla extract
  • 1 cup plain yogurt
  • 1 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
  • ½ cup dried apricots, chopped

Instructions

Preheat the Oven:

Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C) and line a muffin tin with paper liners or grease them lightly.

Sift and Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, sift together the all-purpose flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. This ensures a uniform distribution of the leavening agents and a consistent rise in your muffins.

Cream Butter and Sugar:

In another large bowl, cream the softened butter and granulated sugar together until light and fluffy. You can use an electric mixer or do this by hand with a wooden spoon.

Add Eggs and Vanilla:

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, and add the vanilla extract. Continue to mix until the batter is smooth.

Alternate Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Gradually add the dry ingredients to the wet mixture, alternating with the yogurt. Begin and end with the dry ingredients, and mix until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

These muffins are not only scrumptious but also provide a dose of vitamin C from the blueberries, fiber from the apricots, and probiotics from the yogurt. They are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or even as a dessert. Share them with your family and friends, or savor them all by yourself — either way, they are sure to become a household favorite. Happy baking!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 210 kcal
  • Total Fat: 9g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Trans Fat: 8g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 240mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 29g
  • Dietary Fiber: 1g
  • Sugars: 17g
  • Protein: 3g

Blueberry muffins are one of the few baked goods that my husband will actually willingly reach for if we have them on hand, so I recently baked up a batch for him to dip into before his daily early morning commute. A couple of fresh apricots were looking lonely on the counter as I mixed up the batter, so I tossed those in as well.

Two of summer’s produce staples – blueberries and apricots – go beautifully together, and make these yogurt muffins perfect for breakfast-on-the-go (or as part of a leisurely brunch when lightly toasted and paired with eggs and fruit).

Blueberry & Apricot Yogurt Muffins

The main source of moisture in these soft & cakey muffins is Greek yogurt, which is obviously a healthier alternative to loads of butter, though a bit of neutral-flavored oil is added to ensure a delicate crumb.

While on the topic of texture, I never cease to be impressed with how fluffy baked goods can turn out when using whole wheat pastry flour! It’s true that I’ve become used to baked goods and desserts made with this soft 100% whole wheat flour, but I still think that you could easily fool any white flour-loving person by subbing in whole wheat pastry flour. It’s my go-to flour for all types of baking, and I urge you to try it if you haven’t already!

Blueberry & Apricot Yogurt Muffins

The urge to bake struck me on a particularly hot & humid morning last weekend for some reason, and now that we’re nearing autumn, the baking bug is biting me even harder.

Blueberry & Apricot Yogurt Muffins

What to bake next?!

Blueberry & Apricot Yogurt Muffins

Blueberry & Apricot Yogurt Muffins

Blueberry & Apricot Yogurt Muffins

t, 0.8 grams saturated fat, 3.1 grams fiber, 12.8 grams sugars, 4.8 grams protein

Blog Bites X

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that will tantalize your taste buds and leave your guests in awe? Look no further than Blog Bites X, a dish that combines the best of international flavors into a single, unforgettable bite. In this recipe article, we’ll guide you through the steps to create this mouthwatering masterpiece in the comfort of your own kitchen.

NameBlog Bites X
CuisineFusion
Prep Time20 minutes
Cooking Time15 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings4 servings
YieldApproximately 32 pieces of sushi

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of cooked sushi rice
  • 4 ounces of fresh Atlantic salmon, thinly sliced
  • 1 ripe avocado, thinly sliced
  • 1 small cucumber, julienned
  • 1/4 cup of pickled ginger
  • 2 tablespoons of toasted sesame seeds
  • 2 sheets of nori seaweed
  • Soy sauce for dipping
  • Wasabi paste (optional)

Instructions

Prepare Your Workspace:

Gather all your ingredients and place them within reach. You’ll need a bamboo sushi rolling mat and a sharp knife for this recipe.

Roll the Sushi:

Lay a sheet of plastic wrap on top of your bamboo sushi rolling mat.

Place one sheet of nori seaweed on the plastic wrap, shiny side down.

Wet your hands to prevent the rice from sticking, and then spread half of the cooked sushi rice evenly over the nori, leaving about half an inch of nori uncovered at the top.

Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the rice.

Flip the nori sheet over so the rice is facing down on the plastic wrap.

Arrange thinly sliced salmon, avocado, and cucumber on the nori sheet.

Roll the nori sheet tightly, using the bamboo mat to shape it into a compact cylinder.

Repeat the process for the second nori sheet.

Slice and Serve:

Use a sharp knife to slice each sushi roll into bite-sized pieces.

Arrange the Blog Bites X on a plate, and garnish with pickled ginger.

Serve with soy sauce and wasabi paste on the side for dipping.

Enjoy the Fusion Feast:

Now, it’s time to savor the fruits of your labor. Blog Bites X offers a delightful combination of textures and flavors. The creaminess of the avocado, the freshness of the cucumber, and the richness of the salmon complement each other perfectly. The pickled ginger adds a tangy kick, while the sesame seeds provide a satisfying crunch.

Whether you’re impressing guests at a dinner party or simply indulging in a culinary adventure on your own, Blog Bites X is the recipe to elevate your dining experience. So, grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and embark on a journey of flavor that transcends borders.

Estimated Nutrition per Serving

Calories: 290

Total Fat: 14g

Cholesterol: 25mg

Sodium: 370mg

Total Carbohydrates: 30g

Dietary Fiber: 4g

Sugars: 2g

Protein: 15g

Vitamin D: 1%

Calcium: 2%

Iron: 6%

Potassium: 6%

Well here we are at the tenth installment of my Blog Bites series! I have been making many recipes from other blogs this summer, (while we’re not traveling, which was the case nearly every week in July), but haven’t been very diligent about documenting all of them.

Here is a small round-up of what I did happen to capture with my camera:

I enjoyed this Triple Berry Kale Salad with Fresh Strawberry Vinaigrette – courtesy of Jessica at How Sweet It Is – on a beautifully sunny day out on our deck.

I used baby kale, which does not need to be massaged into submission like its tough cousin. I think I actually prefer the chewy texture of regular kale, but the tender baby variety works in a pinch.

The combination of fresh summer flavors in this salad was delightful!

Blog Bites X

Just this past weekend I made Blackened Salmon Tacos with with Corn Salsa from Cooking Classy (I omitted the cilantro lime ranch and just used Greek yogurt to top the tacos after taking the pics).

I have the most difficult time finding taco-sized flour tortillas, so I opted for Middle Eastern flatbreads from Trader Joe’s instead. They’re super thick and doughy, and made for a nice substitute.

The tacos were tasty, though I think I’ll omit the flour next time and just use the spice rub on the salmon.

Blog Bites X
Blog Bites X

I’d been meaning to bake a loaf of this Avocado Zucchini Bread with Olive Oil from Cooking on the Weekends‘ Valentina for some time, and the perfect cool summer morning presented itself a couple of weeks ago.

Now don’t be scared… I could taste neither the avocado nor the olive oil in this bread. What these ingredients do add is wonderful moisture from the healthy fats inherent in each.

I subbed in whole wheat pastry for the all-purpose, added in a couple handfuls of chocolate chips for good measure, and poured the entire batch of batter into one 9 x 5 loaf pan (baked for approximately 40-45 minutes); the resulting bread was incredibly delicious!

Sayonara butter and vegetable oil. This is now my go-to zucchini bread recipe.

Blog Bites X
Blog Bites X

Aaaaand last but absolutely not least, we have these Chicken Avocado BLT Sandwiches from the always-creative Kerstin of Cake, Batter, and Bowl.

Tender pecan-crusted baked chicken, creamy mashed avocado, crunchy bacon, crisp lettuce, juicy tomato, and soft whole wheat rolls are the makings of a fantastic dinner (or lunch)! John and I both really enjoyed these CABLTs, and I know you will too =).

Blog Bites X

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One

Pancakes are a breakfast classic that can be both comforting and indulgent. If you’re looking to treat yourself to a delightful morning meal, try these Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One. This recipe combines the rich flavors of chocolate and cherries with the nutty goodness of almonds to create a pancake experience that’s both satisfying and sweet. Best of all, it’s designed for a single serving, making it perfect for those cozy mornings when you want something special just for yourself.

NameChocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One
CuisineAmrican
Prep Time10 minutes
Cooking Time10 minutes
Total Time20 minutes
Servings1
Yield:3 pancakes

Ingredients:

  • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
  • 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
  • 1/2 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup buttermilk
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1/4 teaspoon almond extract
  • 1 egg
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 1/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cherries (pitted)
  • 2 tablespoons sliced almonds
  • Maple syrup, for serving

Instructions:

1. Preheat Your Griddle or Pan:

Start by preheating a griddle or non-stick skillet over medium heat. This will ensure your pancakes cook evenly.

2. Mix Dry Ingredients:

In a mixing bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, granulated sugar, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir the dry ingredients together until they are well mixed.

3. Combine Wet Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, whisk together the buttermilk, vanilla extract, almond extract, egg, and melted butter. Make sure the mixture is smooth and well combined.

4. Combine Wet and Dry Ingredients:

Pour the wet ingredients into the bowl with the dry ingredients. Use a spatula to gently fold the mixture together until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are okay.

5. Add Chocolate and Cherries:

Gently fold in the semisweet chocolate chips and chopped cherries. These ingredients will add a burst of flavor and sweetness to your pancakes.

These Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One are a delightful way to start your day with a little indulgence. Whether it’s a lazy weekend morning or a special weekday treat, this recipe is sure to satisfy your pancake cravings. Enjoy your meal!

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

Calories: 350 kcal

Protein: 7g

Carbohydrates: ~40g

Dietary Fiber: 2g

Sugars: 18g

Fat: 18g

Saturated Fat: 9g

Cholesterol: 65mg

Sodium: 550mg

Potassium: ~240mg

Calcium: 100mg

Iron: 2mg

Actually, make that chocolate-covered and chocolate-filled cherry almond pancakes. Definitely for one, because there is NO WAY you’re going to let anyone even take a bite out of this stack of pure decadence.

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One

Chocolate-cherry-almond is a flavor trifecta that doesn’t get nearly enough attention, in my humble opinion. The rich chocolate, juicy cherry, and crunchy almond combination is simply fabulous, and these pancakes are the perfect vehicle through which to enjoy it.

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One

I’m a big proponent of being over-generous with pancake add-ins, so every single bite is packed full of flavor and texture.

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One
Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One

Topping the fluffy stack of pancakes with a drippy chocolate-almond sauce seals the deal.

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One

I’ve mentioned before that Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Spread is actually too sweet for me if eaten straight from the jar, so pairing the indulgent treat with other foods is necessary. For this sauce, I heat the spread with a bit of milk to create a syrup for finishing off the ‘cakes.

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One
Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One

Many readers have asked me what my favorite pancakes-for-one recipe is. Well, effective immediately, the highest marks go to this stack; they definitely take the [pan]cake!

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One

Chocolate-Covered Cherry Almond Pancakes for One

by Lauren Zembron

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 4 minutes

Keywords: fry breakfast cherries chocolate almonds summer

Ingredients (1 serving)

  • 1/2 cup whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1 tsp unrefined granulated sugar (such as evaporated cane juice)
  • 1/2 tsp baking powder
  • 1/4 tsp baking soda
  • tiny pinch of salt
  • 1 egg white, preferably organic
  • 1/2 cup well-shaken low fat buttermilk, preferably organic
  • 1/4 tsp almond extract
  • generous 1/2 cup halved pitted fresh cherries, preferably organic
  • 2 Tbsp toasted sliced almonds
  • 1 Tbsp grain-sweetened chocolate chips
  • 1/2 tsp vegetable oil or butter
  • 1 Tbsp Trader Joe’s Cocoa Almond Spread
  • 1/2 Tbsp milk

Instructions

In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the flour through salt.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the egg white, buttermilk, and almond extract.

Stir dry ingredients into the wet just until moistened. Fold in chopped cherries, sliced almonds, and chocolate chips. Set aside to rest.

Heat oil or butter in a large nonstick skillet or griddle over medium/medium-low heat.

When hot, spoon the batter into the skillet by the 1/4 cupful.

When bubbles appear on the surface of the batter, (about 1-2 minutes), the pancakes are ready to be flipped.

Flip pancakes and let cook for another minute or so, or until golden brown.

While pancakes are cooking, combine cocoa almond spread and milk in a small glass; microwave for 10 seconds and stir until smooth.

Serve pancakes topped with the chocolate almond “syrup”.

Nutritional Information:

572.2 calories, 18.6 grams fat, 4.1 grams saturated fat, 11.9 grams fiber, 31.2 grams sugars, 18.9 grams protein

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

I know, I know… it seems as though I’ve been posting sweet recipe after sweet recipe (with a little something cheesy thrown in); but you see, after what seemed like a long time during which sweets were unappealing during my first trimester, (what can I say, pregnancy does some strange things to your body!), they’re apparently back with a vengeance on my appetite’s menu.

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

Sooooo if you’re a sweet freak like me, all I can say about my recent recipe post pattern is: you’re welcome.

And if you’re not? I’m sorry.

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

Now let’s get to this deep-dish cookie.

Jenny from Picky Palate recently posted a recipe for a microwavable chocolate chip cookie made in a ramekin that looked so unbelievably delicious I had to make my own (slightly healthier) version.

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

I cut out half of the sugar, subbed in whole wheat pastry flour, and used grain-sweetened chocolate chips (which have less sugar than semi-sweet chips). I also cut the recipe in half (and used a smaller cup) just to keep the portion size in control.

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

Now I’m under no delusion that even my version is healthy. There’s butter. There’s sugar. BUT we’re just making a single serving here, folks. Instead of a week’s worth of chocolate chip cookies that you’ll be tempted to eat throughout the day, you’ll have one portion of warm, gooey chocolate chip cookie goodness.

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

Much better than three-day-old going-stale cookies, no?

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

Now be sure to measure your ingredients really carefully. I’ve made this cookie cup three times now, and they’ve varied in how cakey they turn out… probably because I wasn’t diligent about measuring the egg & baking soda each time.

If you do nail the measurements, you’ll be rewarded with a warm, soft, perfectly sweet, and gooey single-serving deep-dish chocolate chip cookie.

What could be better than that?

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One

by Lauren Zembron (adapted from Picky Palate’s 60 Second Chocolate Chip Cookie a la Mode)

Name:Deep-Dish Chocolate Chip Cookie for One
Cuisine:American
Prep Time:10 minutes
Cooking Time:20 minutes
Total Time:25-30 minutes
Servings:1 serving
Yield:1 deep-dish cookie

Ingredients

  • 1 Tbsp unsalted butter, at room temperature
  • 1/2 Tbsp unrefined granulated sugar, such as evaporated cane juice
  • 1/2 Tbsp packed light brown sugar
  • 1 Tbsp beaten egg, preferably organic (cover & chill remaining beaten egg for tomorrow’s cookie cup… you will be making another one!)
  • tiny splash pure vanilla extract
  • 2 1/2 Tbsp whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/8 tsp baking soda
  • tiny pinch salt
  • heaping 1 Tbsp grain-sweetened chocolate chips, such as Sunspire

Instructions

In a small ramekin or microwavable cup, combine softened butter and both sugars; stir well with a spoon. Stir in beaten egg and vanilla extract. Stir in flour, baking soda, and salt just until combined. Stir in chocolate chips.

Microwave on high for 35-40 seconds. Let cookie rest at room temperature for about 10 seconds before devouring.

Estimated Nutrition Per Serving

  • Calories: 430
  • Total Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 50mg
  • Sodium: 180mg
  • Total Carbohydrates: 53g
  • Dietary Fiber: 2g
  • Sugars: 32g
  • Protein: 3g

Monday Musings + Chilled Avocado Soup (revisited)

1. Ok, so I’ve been rather delinquent in keeping up with Twitter. I just checked my page (is it even called a page in Twitter?!) and many of you have asked questions, made comments, or shared my recipes. For the third, I thank you, and for the first and second, I apologize!

I’ve pretty much been using Twitter just to post recipe link updates, but from now on I will try to be more diligent about checking in. Promise.

2. At some point I must have included my email address in some sort of Obama campaign, because I routinely get emails from “Michelle”. Most recently I was invited to “sign” a 51st birthday card to Barack.

A couple of things:

  1. I highly doubt Mrs. Obama is actually writing & sending out these emails.
  2. I highly doubt President Obama is actually going to look at this birthday card.

I know, I know… it’s all part of the overall campaign effort, (and I’m going to vote for him regardless), but the almost daily emails have got to stop!

3. Although Boston temps have cooled off for the time being, I’m sure the summer heat will creep back in no time. When it does, I’m glad to be armed with this Chilled Avocado Soup. Check it out on the Back Burner!

Monday Musings + Chilled Avocado Soup (revisited)

Monday Musings +Basil Walnut Pesto (revisited)

1. The author of a blog I read every now and then recently posted about the cathartic effect of a sad movie. This got me thinking about my favorite tear-jerker movies… you know, the ones you sit down to watch with a box of tissues at the ready. I realized that many of my all-time favorite films are actually quite sad at the end: BraveheartLegends of the FallBrokeback MountainThe Departed… (the list goes on); not quite sure what that says about me? I guess I just enjoy a good cry every now and then.

2. The company I develop recipes for – Key Ingredient – has just released an explanatory video detailing in a concise manner what they’re all about. Check it out here!

3. Although I am aware that it is still mid-summer, I am already longing for fall. We are in Lincoln City, OR* (right on the coast – about 2 hours west of Portland) for John’s cousin’s wedding weekend and the cool temperatures have me yearning for crisp days and warm sweaters.

4. Despite #3, I’m still enjoying summer’s bounty to the fullest, and my Basil Walnut Pesto is a fantastic summery addition to any meal (or snack).

Get the recipe on The Back Burner!

Monday Musings + Basil Walnut Pesto (revisited)

*I’m falling in love with the coast of Oregon! Not only is the coastline gorgeous, but the fresh seafood is just as good as back home in Boston.

Exhibit A:

Monday Musings + Basil Walnut Pesto (revisited)

Some of the guys went fishing a few days ago and caught a ton of fresh crabs. These legs and claws were so good! Sweet & succulent crab meat ranks even higher than lobster in my book ;). Mmmmm.

Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boys

I honestly don’t know what inspired me to come up with my own version of the classic New Orleans Po’ Boy sandwich, as my recipe notes have been sitting in my drafts folder for months now; but I sure am glad I made ’em because John and I both really enjoyed these crispy shrimp sandwiches!

Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boys

“N’awlins” natives and transplants alike will probably scoff at my un-deep fried version, but a cornmeal coating and quick pan-fry in a bit of olive oil yields crispy shrimp just begging to be paired with soft rolls and spicy remoulade sauce.

I stirred diced dill pickle into the yogurt/mayo remoulade, but a few dill pickle chips on top of the lettuce and tomato would be a great addition (yes, I fit the classic pregnant lady stereotype in that pickles are one of my current favorite foods! At least I haven’t tried to combine them with ice cream).

Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boys

Po’ Boys are best served right after assembling, while the shrimp are still crispy and slightly warm. These babies were a little messy to eat, but isn’t that part of the fun?!

Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boys

A serving of freshly made bread pudding with whisky sauce and a cup of chicory coffee would have been the ideal Southern end to this meal, but the Po’ Boys alone were enough to transport us to New Orleans… at least for 20 minutes or so ;).

Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boys

Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boys

Nutrition InformationPer Serving
Name:Crispy Shrimp Po’ Boys
Cuisine:Southern, American
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cooking Time:15 minutes
Total Time:30 minutes
Servings:4
Yield:4 sandwiches

Ingredients (2-3 sandwiches)

Ingredients for the crispy shrimp

  • 1/2 lb medium shrimp, shelled, deveined, and tails removed
  • 1/2 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/4 cup arrowroot or cornstarch
  • 1 large egg, preferably organic, whisked
  • 1/4 cup whole wheat pastry flour
  • 1/4 cup yellow cornmeal
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

Ingredients for the spicy remoulade

  • 1/3 cup 2% plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 Tbsp canola or olive oil mayonnaise
  • 1 small garlic clove, peeled and very finely minced
  • 1/2 tsp country Dijon mustard
  • 1 dill pickle spear, diced
  • 1 Tbsp dill pickle juice
  • 1/8 tsp ground cayenne pepper
  • 1/4 tsp hot sauce (or more, to taste)

Ingredients for the po’ boys

  • 2-3 individual-sized soft baguettes or sub rolls, preferably whole wheat, split and lightly toasted
  • shredded romaine lettuce, preferably organic
  • 1 medium tomato, preferably organic, thinly sliced

Instructions

Make spicy remoulade by adding all remoulade ingredients to a mini food processor (or small bowl) and pulsing (or stirring) until mixed. Chill until ready to serve.

Make sure shrimp are dry. Season with cayenne pepper and to taste with salt & black pepper. Mix flour and cornmeal until well-combined.

Spread the arrowroot or cornstarch out in a shallow dish, the whisked egg out in another shallow dish, and the flour & cornmeal in a third shallow dish.

Add the shrimp to the arrowroot and coat evenly; tap off excess arrowroot/cornstarch. Run shrimp through egg white until cully coated, allowing excess egg white to drip off. Finally, coat shrimp with the flour/cornmeal mixture, pressing to adhere.

Heat olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add breaded shrimp to hot skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side.

Evenly divide the remoulade between the toasted rolls, spreading it in an even layer. Layer on the shredded romaine, tomato slices, and crispy shrimp.

Estimate Nutrition Per Serving:

Calories: 480 calories per serving.

Protein: 25 grams.

Carbohydrates: 45 grams.

Dietary Fiber: 3 grams.

Sugars: 5 grams.

Total Fat: 21 grams.

Saturated Fat: 3 grams.

Cholesterol: 190 milligrams.

Sodium: 1300 milligrams.

Monday Musings + Red Potato Salad

Okay… lot’s of photos for today’s Monday Musings post!

1. The weekend commenced with Blueberry Buttermilk Pancakes for One.

Monday Musings + Red Potato Salad

Well, actually, make that pancake. Singular.

I used buttermilk powder for the first time in one of my pancake recipes, and though I added it according to the package directions, the batter turned out much thinner than when I use actual buttermilk. Thus, the four mini pancakes turned into one gigantic ‘cake. Needless to say, flipping that sucker was quite a challenge… and the resulting plate of pancakes was less than beautiful; but at least it tasted fantastic!

Monday Musings + Red Potato Salad

2. John’s parents were both planning on coming up from CT for a nice dinner in Kenmore Square and then a Red Sox game, but unfortunately John’s dad got stuck at O’Hare airport on business. John’s mom still came up, though, and we had a nice evening!

We braved the torrential downpour that drenched the Boston area to fill our reservation at Island Creek Oyster Bar, a great restaurant that – as (un)luck would have it – came to Kenmore Square right after we moved from the area about 2 years ago. I had to bypass the raw oysters, but my entree was delicious!

Here we have Gulf of Maine halibut with ricotta gnocchi, braised tomatoes, and summer herb pesto. Halibut + gnocchi + pesto might sound like an odd combination, but the flavors and textures worked really well together.

Monday Musings + Red Potato Salad

3. A five minute walk brought us to Fenway Park just in time to catch a gorgeous double rainbow extending over the field. The rain had dissipated and the weather was perfect for an evening game.

Check out how awesome our seats were! My father-in-law is very generous… it’s such a shame he didn’t make it up to watch the game with us.

Monday Musings + Red Potato Salad

4. After John’s mom left the next day, I set out on a hike in Rocky Woods, a 491 acre wooded system of trails, many of which are off-leash dog-friendly. In other words, Shelby’s paradise!

I’ve always been happiest when hiking on a trail, and I’m pretty sure we’ll be frequenting these woods =).

Monday Musings + Red Potato Salad

There are also a bunch of beautiful ponds dotting the woods…

Monday Musings + Red Potato Salad

… and this particular one was covered in lily pads. So pretty!

Monday Musings + Red Potato Salad

5. This week on the Back Burner, we’re sharing recipe for the 4th of July. My contribution is this Red Potato Salad… a classic addition to any summer BBQ.

Monday Musings + Red Potato Salad

Future Foodie

I am thrilled to share with you all that John and I are expecting a new addition to our family on or around December 25th!! That’s right, we just might have a Christmas baby =). We couldn’t be happier!

You may have guessed that I was pregnant what with some of my recent posts, such as the craving for chicken salad + fear of raw egg yolks, my new-found love of cold cereal + short-lived aversion to bananas (couldn’t stand ‘em from about weeks 6-12), my inability to partake in raw oyster eating, and the general slowing down of posts (nope, not just due to our move). My appetite basically disappeared for a couple of weeks, and after that only a handful of foods appealed to me for a while…  not exactly the optimal scenario for a food blogger! So, thank you for continuing to check in despite less frequent posts. I’m happy to report that my appetite is just about back to normal, (I’m exactly 14 weeks), so you can expect my regular schedule of posting to resume =).

I probably won’t write too much about my pregnancy on the blog, as I’m sure the majority of you stop by to read about recipes and not babies ;). That being said, I’m sure I’ll drop notes here and there, specifically on Monday Musings posts. If you’re curious about the back story and/or symptoms I’ve experienced etc. (as I am whenever I read the news that a blogger is pregnant – which seems to happen quite frequently these days!), don’t hesitate to send me an email; I’d be happy to share any information you’re interested in.

Oh, and that adorable bib up there? Might just have to be my first purchase for our baby!