Tag Archives: Food

it’s greek to me

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My dear friend, Katherine, who’s family is from Cypress has taught me much about Greek cuisine. While my lamb chops will NEVER compare to her perfect dish, I can manage to impress the taste buds with a simple Caprese Salad. With Roma Tomatoes, fresh mozzarella and clipped basil on hand…

I simmered a cup of balsamic vinegar on medium heat until it formed into a thicker reduction.

After slicing the tomatoes and fresh mozzarella, place on a platter and drizzle with a touch of olive oil and balsamic reduction.

Top with slices of basil, freshly ground black pepper and sea salt.

Rear View

Posted in Food Lovers, Styled, True Love by

What does one do on a weekend with blue skies and 90 degree temperatures?

1. Grills Burgers and “Guitless” Fries – (sliced red potatoes, 1tsp olive oil, sea salt and black pepper – baked at 425 for 1/2 hour) with homemade sweet pickles (courtesy of Gaga)

2. Sunbathes on the deck (flip-flops: similar style here, Apple iPad; hat: Target)

3 & 4. Cools off after a music fest on the river with Bourbon Caramel Gingersnap Gelato

5. Whips up fresh guacamole with leftover avocados and fresh cilantro from the herb garden. Guacamole – two avocados (peeled, pitted and smashed), chopped cherry tomatoes (I used 1/2 cup), 3 tsp lemon juice (I was out of lime), 1 tsp garlic salt, black pepper to taste, 1/2 tsp Worcestershire, fresh cilantro

6. Preps an herb garden (pots: The Home Depot; chalkboard labels: Martha Stewart for Staples)

7. Arranges a bouquet from her favorite rose bushes

8. Smiles at the first hydrangea bloom of the year

9. Catches Baby Jack and J snoozing after a fun-packed weekend of yard work, planting a vegetable garden, cooking, baking, going to a music festival, seeing The Five Year Engagement with good friends, catching some sun and starting a new kettle bell workout.

spice it up

Posted in Food Lovers by

With my strong aversion to mayonnaise, I’ve never imagined a day when I could enjoy pimento cheese sandwiches. Recently, I thought about substituting the mayo with cream cheese to make a smooth spread instead of the typically chunky Southern staple. To my surprise, a few other folks had thought of that, too…thank you, Google! Then I decided to add a little excitement with hot sauce.

Place 1 pound of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, half pound of shredded pepper jack cheese, 7 oz jar of pimentos (drained), 8 oz package of cream cheese and 2 tablespoons of your favorite hot sauce (add less if you don’t enjoy a kick to your taste buds) in a food processor.

Then, spread onto toasted french bread, fresh vegetables, crackers or pita chips for tasty snack.

This recipe makes more than you’re likely to enjoy, so package some up to share.

Holy Guacamole

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This weekend had far too few hours for my “to-do” list. John and I checked off most of our spring cleaning, which involved two days of packing up my fall/winter clothes and organizing my spring/summer wardrobe, spring landscaping, prepping our vegetable garden, deep cleaning our house and trying out new recipes. We did manage to slip in a bit of fun cheering on our favorite t-ball player (nephew Logan) and favorite up-and-coming t-ball player (nephew Camden). While they are getting a little too cool for sugars from me, Uncle J is definitely in demand. After our ball field fun and a few sugars from the kiddos, John took me to dinner at a little space that is one of our new favorite spots.

With flavors that hit you like a tidalwave, Atlanta’s Taquiera Tsunami merges two of my favorite cuisines from Far East and South of the Border. The Latin-Asian fusion leaves your taste buds begging for more. Even more, the people running the show are awesome – Anne, our super cute waitress and Rob, the gracious co-owner/co-chef. It only gets better, percentages of their top selling tacos support Tsunami relief efforts with the Red Cross. I love good food…I admire good people. And let’s be honest. The Sangria is quite nice, too.

Fresh Guacamole and Edamame

Our Taco Variety - Rich Man's Shrimp Tempura & Asada Zing