Because Its Fall

I bought broccoli last week and couldn't decide what to do with it. I thought about just eating raw or steaming it with some fish; the usual. Then I remembered I had a recipe for cream of broccoli soup from last fall. Since the weather is getting cooler I thought it would be perfect. Again I got this recipe from allrecipes.com and tweaked it.

Ingredients

4-5 cups of chicken broth
1 (10.75 ounce) can condensed cream of mushroom, cream of celery, or cheddar soup
3/4 cup chopped onion
1 or 2 stalks of chopped celery (depending on your taste or leave it out if you use the soup)
1 pinch ground white pepper
2 cups milk
1/3 cup cornstarch
3 crowns of fresh broccoli
1 cup shredded sharp Cheddar cheese
1 cup shredded Monterrey jack cheese

Directions

In large saucepan, combine broth, cream of mushroom soup, onion, celery and salt and pepper. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes.
Add milk and bring to a boil.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water until cornstarch is completely dissolved. Gradually add mixture to soup, stirring constantly. Simmer for 5 minutes and then add broccoli and cheeses, mixing until melted.

                           

 

Muffins

Allow me preface this by saying I am not a baker. I love to cook, but baking is its own arena. Occasionally, I like to bake breads, muffins, and cookies. Lately I have been craving banana nut muffins. I finally bought some reasonably priced walnuts so I was able to make them today. The following recipe was adapted from one I found on allrecipes.com. I replaced the butter with applesauce and added vanilla and cinnamon. They came out great!

Ingredients

Makes 1 dozen

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3 large bananas, mashed
3/4 cup sugar, half white half brown
1 egg
4 ounces of plain or cinnamon applesauce
1/2 cup of chopped walnuts
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 pinch of cinnamon

Directions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C).

2. Coat muffin pans with non-stick spray, or use paper liners.

3. Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

4. Combine bananas, sugar, egg, vanilla extract, and applesauce in a large bowl.

5. Fold the flour mixture into the wet mixture. Stir as little as possible. Only about 15 turns with a spatula.

6. Scoop into muffin pans.

7. Bake in preheated oven. Bake mini muffins for 10 to 15 minutes, and large muffins for 25 to 30 minutes. Muffins will spring back when lightly tapped.

Every Kid's Favorite

As many times as I have been to food truck gatherings, I've never tried one that's always there: GrrChe! Grilled cheese at its finest. I wanted a burger on a budget so I opted for the cheese burger grill with fresh handcut fries. You can choose your fixings. I kept it simple with grilled onion and tomato. The texas toast it was served on was delicious and the cheddar was ooey and gooey. The two most important ingredients for a grilled cheese truck were top notch. The burger patty was a little over cooked but big and seasoned nicely. I'd order it again. Btw, I love that they have a Coca Cola fountain on the truck, I'm tired of Pepsi products!

Why Didn't I Think of This?

On Pinterest I often find myself uttering this phrase lol. Oh well there are plenty of things that I did think of. I found this recipe on Pinterest. Simple enough, I mean who doesn't like a good ham and cheese sandwich. The original recipe is savory with Worcestershire sauce and onions, but I wanted more of a breakfast feel like a croissant. I bought honey wheat King Hawaiian rolls, cut them in half layered in swiss cheese, turkey ham (because I'm sticking to the no beef or pork thing), more swiss cheese, popped the tops back on, buttered the tops, and baked for a few minutes on 400. Done and delicious! It's perfect for an on-the-go breakfast. Then I started thinking about all the other possibilities: Thanksgiving dinner sammies with leftover turkey, gravy, and cranberry sauce, Pulled pork (or chicken for me), meatball sliders, etc . . . Get creative!

Hearty and Healthy Chicken Tortilla Soup

So in my house tortillas are a constant staple. I may not have bread or milk but I always have tortillas. A little strange for a young black woman living in a "chocolate city." However, when I tell people where I'm from, California, I usually a nod of understanding and the big, "OOOHHH!" A few years ago I searched for a chicken tortilla soup recipe and stumbled upon one from Sparkrecipes. Typically I use boneless, skinless chicken breast but I had chicken legs this time. I cooked it long enough so all the meat fell off the bone and I removed the skin because it floats to the top. In usual fashion the dark meat still on the bone made the soup more flavorful, but its delicious either way. I was really hungry by the time it was ready so I skipped the tortilla strips I usually prepare for store bought chips; also still perfectly delicious. Slightly modified, here is the recipe:

Crockpot Chicken Tortilla Soup

Ingredients

1 pound frozen chicken (boneless, skinless breast or legs)

1 large can diced tomatoes

1 (10 ounce) can enchilada sauce 

1 medium onion, chopped 

3 stalks of celery, chopped

2 cloves garlic, minced 

3(14.5 ounce) cans chicken broth 

1 tablespoon cumin

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1 teaspoon seasoned salt 

1/2 teaspoon black pepper 

1 (10 ounce) package frozen corn 

1 can black beans, rinsed

1 jalapeno or 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you like spice)

For garnish:

Sour cream

Shredded Cheese

Green onion

Tortilla strips (or crushed tortilla chips)

Avocado

Preparation

Place chicken, tomatoes, enchilada sauce, onion, and garlic into a slow cooker. Pour in chicken broth, and season with cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir in corn and black beans. Cover and cook on Low setting for 6 to 8 hours or on High setting for 3 to 4 hours. Garnish with crushed tortilla chips, green onions, sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado.

The great thing about crockpot cooking is fix it and forget it! Make it your own and enjoy!

Fish Friday!

I just finished my fish & chips dinner and I loved it so much I decided to blog about it immediately! This is definitely not the original English style fish and chips but incredibly delicious. I got the idea from random pictures on Pinterest (you know, the ones that are literally just pictures not recipes). So here's what I made: beer battered cod, garlic parmaesan fries, and lemon aioli.

Ingredients

Beer Batter Fish

1 can of beer (remember to only use something you'll drink)
1 cup all-purpose flour
2 tbsp lemon pepper
2 lbs of Cod (Or a white fish of your choice)
Sea salt and cracked black pepper



Garlic Parmaesan Fries

5 small white or yukon gold potatoes
1 tbsp of extra virgin or vegetable oil
2 tbsp of garlic poweder
1 tsp of parsley
1 palmful of grated parmaesan

Sea salt or garlic salt

Lemon Aioli

3 tbsp mayo
1 half a lemon
A little lemon zest
Sea salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Prep

Prepare the fries first since they take the longest. Slice the potatoes and soak them in salted, cold water. (Someone told me it draws the water out to make crispier fries when baking). While the potatoes soak prepare the beer batter by simply wisking the flour, seasoning, and beer until smooth and the consistency of pancake batter. I'm a single girl so I only used 3/4 of a 12 oz can of Bud. Let the batter rest in the fridge. Drain the potatoes and pat drain. Sprinkle with oil, garlic powder, parsley and cheese. Toss until all the potatoes are covered, spread in a single layer on a baking sheet, and bake at 425 degrees for as long as needed depending on the amount of fries and the thickness of the cut. While the fries bake take out the fish, pat dry (if need be), cut into desired size, and lightly season with sea salt and cracked black pepper. Remove the batter from the fridge, give it quick wisk and dip the fish. Fry in super hot oil until crispy, golden brown. While the fish is cooking stir up the mayo, lemon juice, and add the salt, pepper and garlic powder to taste. The whole meal looks labor intensive (on paper, well screen, you know what I mean), but it didn't take long at all and tastes amazing. Let me know how yours turns out!

      

  

     

Southern Staple

This recipe is definitely worth the re-blog! Yesterday I made a red beans and rice recipe I found on Pinterest. I followed everything to the letter except I only used 5 cups of water and was not disappointed. Perfect recipe, so tasty, and the only change for next time is doubling the recipe! Thanks Little Magnolia Kitchen! Enjoy!

Crock Pot Red Beans and Rice

Ingredients

1 pound red beans
7 cups water
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 medium onion, chopped
3 celery stalks, chopped
3 garlic cloves, chopped or minced
2 cans Campbell's chicken broth
1-1/2 pounds sausage (I used Richards)
2 tablespoons Creole Seasoning (I use Tony's)
Hot cooked rice

Prep

1. Sort your beans taking out the halves or pieces and check for small rocks or pebbles.
2. Rinse the beans thoroughly and pour into crock pot.
3. Add water and chicken broth to beans.
4. Add your chopped vegetables.
5. Slice the sausage into bite size pieces.
6. Add the sausage and the Creole Seasoning to the other ingredients in the crock pot
7. Cook for 7-8 hours on High Setting.

Last Meal

Well it obviously wasn't really my last meal, but its the last chicken box I'll eat for a while. A few years ago, after college, I gave up pork and beef (with the exception of Thanksgiving ham) and began a journey to healthier eating. I moved to Atlanta with no car just public transportation and my feet to get me anywhere I needed to be, so I immediately started losing weight and of course lead a less sedentary lifestyle. I lost between 30 and 40 pounds (not totally sure because I was always told the scale is not my friend). In 2010, a coworker and friend coerced me into joining her on her new year's resolution to workout. I was totally not into it and I never did believe in resolutions because people rarely stick to them. Anyway I reluctantly begin working out with her and another friend at the fitness center of her apartment. 

The first week was hard. After that it got easy and I felt like a different person. After only a few weeks I felt stronger, like I had more endurance. I was drinking tons of water, my sleeping habits had gotten better (probably because I was exhausted from working out), and I had more energy. Eventually my friend gave me the key to the fitness center (she had given up the resolution). I continued working out without her. Soon after that she needed to key back (it was also the key to the laundry room lol). I loved they way I felt when I worked out so I decided to utilize OnDemand ExcerciseTv at home. I went on runs, did aerobic, interval training, and stretching videos, and swam in the summer months. I wasn't dieting so I can't say that I lost weight (again no scale to be certain), but everything was tight and right, so to speak and I maintained the same size but my clothes fit better. But time passes and without that accountability buddy or just a person to encourage you to "just do it, " I lost motivation. By July, I went from working out 4 times a week to only once or twice. By August, working out and how it made me feel was a distant memory. 

I haven't been eating as well as I know I can and I've been feeling sluggish and drained. Since I've moved to Baltimore I've gotten lax on my healthy eating habits. One reason is the shear sticker shock from the cost of food. The first time I went to the grocery store I couldn't believe they wanted me to pay dollars (not cents) more for the same food I got at the grocery store in Atlanta. Its hard to find fruits and vegetables for less than $2 a pound even with sales. Ground turkey is hard to find and when I do find it its $2 more than I'm used to paying. I can always find a sale on chicken wings, legs, thighs, or leg quarters (not skinless), but struggle to get boneless, skinless chicken breast. I can buy two pounds of ground beef for $5 or a pound and a half of ground pork for about a $1.50. Another reason availability of the junk food. I had never seen so many 7 Elevens until I moved here only to be outnumbered by fried chicken and fish joints or Chinese food places (that also sell fried chicken). 

To Baltimore's credit, there are public markets and farmers' markets that have fresh local meat and produce but the prices are the same as a local chain grocer. Also to their credit most of the markets accept EBT cards (food stamps) which is great for those needing to feed their families healthy meals but where does that leave people like me who are fortunate enough to not need assistance or qualify for it for that matter, but are struggling to get affordable healthy meals on the table, even for one person. But I digress, and today I decided enough of excuses, I can make it happen. So no more chicken boxes (wings and fries), no more beef and pork just because its cheap, and no more slacking. I found my motivation and today with lettuce wrap and Jillian Michaels dvd in hand, I start anew. Now if I could just find an accountability partner . . . 

In Worcester

Woosta Pizzeria

I ordered a chicken bacon ranch white pizza from a take out place down the street from my sister's apartment. When I ordered the girl mentioned it was a good choice, so my expectations were high; it did not disappoint either. The thin crust was spread with a creamy ranch sauce and topped with tomato, onion, bacon, and chicken. Good stuff!

Club Maxine's - Sunday Brunch

Ended up here for brunch this past Sunday. I think I found them on Yelp or Urbanspoon. It was a great spread with the usual omelette station with all the fixin's and carving station with turkey, ham and roast beef. There was pasta and Caesar salads, salmon, tilapia and chilled shrimp, bacon, sausage, eggs Benedict, bbq chicken, potatoes, and beef with gravy. Not to mention muffins, french toast sticks, pancakes filled with spiced apples, and Belgian waffles. I was really looking forward to a Belgian waffle because they had fresh berries and whipped cream, but the batter was way too thick (too much flour I'm sure) making the waffle dry and dense; disappointing to both of us (my sister and I). At first glance the pancakes looked like pigs in a blanket, so I decided to pass. Then I realized it was apple inside. They were cooked perfectly fluffy and delicious; definitely a highlight of the meal. Overall good food and good value because the $21 buffet also includes a mimosa or bloody mary. The buffet runs from 10-2pm so I would recommend making a reservation and going early.

Wings Over Worcester

For a "wing" joint, this place had amazing ribs. I chose the golden bbq sauce (mustard base) which was perfectly painted on each bone of the St. Louis style dry rub ribs; they weren't slathered or over sauced. The platter also included boneless wings which were, lets face it, chicken tenders. They were huge and served by the pound. Most places boneless wings are a third of the size of one from Wings Over. With plenty of dry rubs and sauces to chose from, I got garlic parm. Hands down best I've had and I actually plan on replicating the dry rub/batter at home. Check the website they may have one in your city! Unfortunately there isn't one in Baltimore but the next time in Worcester I will be ordering. By the way, delivery is free!

Boston Summer Restaurant Week 2012

My sister and I went to Bacco Ristorante in the North End of Boston for restaurant week. The restaurant was situated on a little corner. The space was small but the windows were wide open and the atmosphere was inviting. Three course $33.12.

Starter

For appetizers we had calamari with peppers and parmaesan-basil polenta with sausage. The calamari was crispy and tasty but nothing special. The marinara served with it however was really delicious and I'm not sure what they added to make it different, a hint of cream maybe? The polenta was creamy and you could taste the cheese and herbs.

The Main Dish

I had the seafood scampi with linguine. The pasta was tossed in a light garlic sauce with asparagus and topped with jumbo shrimp, crab, lobster, scallops, artichoke, and sun dried tomatoes.While I could have done without the lobster, it was overcooked claw meat, the shrimp and scallops were tender and sweet. The artichoke may have been the most flavorful component of the dish. My sister had the classic chicken parm which did not disappoint.

Simple Ending

The cannolis were light, crispy, and not too sweet. Enough said!

Definitely will be returning next time I'm in Boston.

First Time for Everything

Ok so even though there is one on every corner in Baltimore, I officially tried Chipotle for the first time Friday in Boston. The verdict: delicious! The menu is limited but fresh and of course fast. Simple doesn't always mean good but here it does :)

Native Son

This is a Boston company started in 1997. They're a green restaurant that serves a variety of burritos, bowls, and smoothies made with fresh ingredients. I had a cajun chicken burrito. It comes with cajun spices, corn salsa, sour cream, black beans and rice; I chose a wheat tortilla. The ingredients were fresh but it was nothing spectacular. I can't even say that if I lived in Boston this would be a lunch fav; that's how unremarkable the food was. Despite the fact that there is one on every I was more impressed that the restaurant is certified green.

The Website

The Menu

The Ingredients