Same Ingredients, Different Dish, # two

We had a very low-key Thanksgiving this year, and we actually celebrated on Friday. No big family production this year. Nothing went as I had planned a month ago, but it went well. I am still fasting from a number of things (like butter), so that gave me limited options as far as traditional foods go. It was very difficult not to eat dressing, as it’s one of my favorite Thanksgiving treats. It looked so yummy! I decided to break my cheese fast for the Holiday, though. I went back to my tradition of pasta instead of a turkey dinner. I didn’t prepare sweet potato gnocchi as I thought I might (it has a butter sauce). I just made a simple dish of spaghettini with an extra-virgin olive oil vinaigrette, kalamata, feta, tomatoes, asparagus, and red onion. Really simple, but after fasting from cheese for a while…it was heavenly!

I also made this Red Fruit and Feta Salad with Red Fruit-Red Onion Dressing:

Easy salad with feta, raspberries, pomegranate, apples, dried cranberries, and salted roasted almonds. I made the dressing ahead of time (so the flavors could meld) with the raspberries and pomegranate (juiced, then strained), dried cranberries, oil and fruit vinegar, herbs, garlic, honey, s&p, a little bit of grain mustard, and minced red onion. This was also a very simple prep, but again, having cheese made it delightful.

You know that I am La Cashionista, so of course I am going to find a way to use these ingredients again. The cheesecake in a jar from my local food co-op started me thinking about making something similar. At first, I was going to mix cream cheese with yogurt to lighten it up a bit. I made a batch of homemade cream cheese for my mom, so I was going to use that. Then I thought, I really didn’t need it. Just yogurt would be fine and would satisfy me. “Eggnog” Yogurt Parfait with Brandied Fruits:

I usually associate eggnog with Christmas, but this is what I felt like having. This pic isn’t the greatest, but hopefully you get the gist. I didn’t actually use eggs for this parfait. The flavors are reminiscent, though. I sweetened my homemade Greek-style yogurt with a little brown palm sugar, nutmeg, and vanilla. I let the fruits steep in simple syrup with brandy, then layered them in with the yogurt. I used the same fruits from the salad (dried cranberries, pom, apples), but also added a layer of dried figs and raisins. I reduced the syrup a bit and drizzled that over the raspberries and almonds. This was very filling, and I was challenged to finish it all. I had a couple of bites leftover.

I will be making detox smoothies and fruit waters to keep that fruit love going and use up my leftovers (see my previous post for recipes).

7 Detox Smoothies With Added Health Benefits

7 Detox Smoothies With Added Health Benefits.

I hope you all are having a marvelous Thanksgiving weekend (if you’re in the States celebrating). I thought I would again post a sort of detox/cleanse option for post-Holiday eats. Please check my previous posts for Hydrating Vitamin Refreshers and DIY Sprouts. I chose lighter fare this year and have an abundance of fruit leftover. So, I thought fruit smoothie detox recipes would be nice. I searched for recipes with pomegranate and raspberries and found this easy Antioxidant Smoothie recipe. There are several recipes listed on this site, but I plan on whipping up that one first.

I try not to get too hung up on certain diets or what the new latest thing we should be eating or should not be eating is…but, I do like to eat a little more “clean” if I’ve had a few heavier meals. That’s what these post-Holiday posts are about. I just use them as a guideline and use the foods I have available at the time. When I was younger, I would listen to everything anyone who ever wrote a book about food said. These days, I listen to what my body says and try to eat as many things as close to their natural state as I can. I do like unhealthy foods, too (as I unfortunately grew up with them), but I figure if I can eat for the most part what God told us to eat or not eat…I’ll be OK, lol. I try not to over think it. Even though I didn’t indulge too much this Holiday, I still think smoothies are a good idea. They are always a good idea, right? They can make me a bit chilly this time of year, though, so I usually follow them up with a hot cup of tea. I steep all kinds of goodies I have in the house for a nice, cleansing tea. Very soothing.

Hope you enjoy the recipes!

My Favorite Places: Pop-Cycle, Tucson, AZ

Pics from Pop-Cycle, 4th Avenue, Tucson, Arizona. You all know that I love to re&up-cycle just about anything and everything. This place gives me so much joy. They have so many neat up-cycled treasures, but I particularly love these cigar-box purses:

and these picture coat/jacket/scarf, etc. hangers (some styles have several knobs):

This Friday is the big Black Friday Sale on 4th Avenue in Tucson (with Big Local $avings), of which Pop-Cycle will be a part of:

“This Black Friday forget the Malls, the Strips and the Corporate Giants. Come on down to 4th Avenue for Fantastic Black Friday Deals. Over 100 Locally Owned Shops, Restaurants and Bars will be offering great discounts on food, drink, clothing, books and just about anything you can think of. Black Friday on 4th Avenue is all about Free Live Music along a Historical tree lined Avenue with colorful eclectic shopping, creative dining, open air patios, friends and OH YEA!” (4th Avenue.org)

When I was younger, I used to live at the mall. These days, even though I reside closer to one than I ever have…mall life no longer fascinates me. I do have a few stores I really enjoy, though. I just don’t like to spend hours and hours there as I used to. I would rather be at smaller shops, and it’s great to support local businesses. Pop-Cycle is at the top of my list, for sure.

To Market to Market…11/25/2014

Food Conspiracy Co-op, Tucson, Arizona. View pics from previous posts here and here.

‘Go Local’ & get your last minute Turkey Day shopping in at the Co-op, Tucsonans! Turkeys, wine, growlers of beer, cheese, pies, fresh baguettes, pastries, and more await you at Food Conspiracy. Hop on the new Tucson streetcar, and it will drop you off right in front.

Yum…cheesecake in a jar!

If you’re not in Tucson, this might be a quick, last-minute dessert idea for you. Don’t forget how easy it is to make your own homemade cream cheese (links here and here).

If you get hungry while shopping and looking at all of the goodies, you can grab a bite at the hot/cold bar. They always have a great selection of healthy eats, soups, and salads. I won’t tell on you if you decide to put one of their fab dishes on your Holiday table, either 😉 .

Also, Candy Cane Season will soon be upon us, so make sure to scope the sweet treats while you’re there!

And, make sure to check out some of the awesome classes the Co-op offers. Get the lastest info on their website, social page, from the store bulletin board, or in the newsletter. There’s always something fun going on, including free yoga sessions! Be there or be square!

Modern Dining Etiquette & Tips for a Drama-Free Thanksgiving

Modern Etiquette: Tips for a Drama-Free Thanksgiving | Design*Sponge.

Whether you are dining in or going out, a drama-free Thanksgiving is what we all hope for. This link gives a few resourceful tips to help you accomplish that goal. One of my favorites is, “Ask for help if you need it.” What a concept! Sometimes, some of us (–>Me<–) seem to think we have to tackle life’s challenges on our own. I recently had to humble myself (AGAIN!) and ask for help for a big life hurdle. It can be so much easier when you have someone else to share the load.

Additionally, if you need to brush up on your social and dining etiquette rules (how to serve and pass food, silverware and napkin usage, specific types of food manners, restaurant tipping, etc.), here is a comprehensive guide ensuring you to be at your most prim and proper come Turkey Day: Dining Etiquette Guide (U.S. Edition).

 

To Market to Market…11/24/2014

 

Maynard’s, Tucson, Arizona. Maynard’s is part market and part restaurant (kitchen). It’s a concept that works exceptionally well. No, I didn’t just go to the market to drool over the macarons. I went to drool over the macarons and the chocolate covered caramel apples. If you happen to be in Tucson on Thanksgiving and want someone else to do the cookin’…Maynard’s Kitchen has you covered. It ranks in my top 10 places to celebrate a special occasion in Tucson. Everything sounds smashing, especially the hunter’s salad and Grand Marnier cranberry sauce. The market also has a fab selection of wine, cheese, and pastries if you do plan on celebrating at home. Check out a few more of my pics from the restaurant and market here.

Recipes: Thanksgiving

Guest Post: Apple Walnut Tart with Maple Custard from Baking A Moment | Hip Foodie Mom.

Well, it’s getting to be about that time. For those of you reading in the States, it’s countdown time to Turkey Day. I know those of you outside the States are probably wondering what all this fuss is about, lol. I see many of the blogs I read in the UK and other places are already on to Hanukkah and Christmas. I posted this gorgeous Apple-Walnut Tart on my previous blog, but missed re-posting it here. I thought it to be perfect for Thanksgiving, though, so here it is again. It does not contain wheat, if you have allergy issues.

As I have been thinking about rounding up recipes to post this past week, I was struck by something: I don’t really remember many of the family Thanksgivings I had growing up. I vaguely recall one or two. I think most of my memories are from the last few years. Perhaps sometimes you think you remember things based on what others tell you. And, maybe talking about traditional foods evokes certain memories that cannot necessarily be pinpointed to a certain occasion. There was a tradition of pasta at one point, but I cannot recall how it started. I think maybe I started it, as I’m the only one in the family so desperately attached to it. Then, a few years ago, I decided to go all out with the normal turkey and trimmings. Each subsequent year it was less and less of a production. I love to cook, but I was exhausting myself. I was so worn out from my job the last couple of years, that I actually supplemented the meal with restaurant food! So, this year, I am not giving myself all of that stress.

I had several years I spent with my “adopted family” versus my own. As our family food heritages were the same, much of the same types of dishes were prepared: sweet potato pie, cornbread dressing, collard and turnip greens, baked mac & cheese. My mom always made apple pie, too, in addition to the sweet potato. The times I spent with my friends’ families or my step family, the dishes were much different: pumpkin pie, white bread stuffing, green bean casserole.

I’ve tried to gather a few recipes to add to the more traditional ones you may already have. I wasn’t really seeking out the healthiest types of dishes (although some are on the healthy side). Most of the recipes are not that involved, as you probably have enough going on that day to add too much more to it, haha. I tried to list a recipe from each of the food blogs on my blogroll this time, but please do check their entire blog for more fab inspiration.

Appetizers

I think apps and desserts are my favorite part of any type of gathering. When I prepared a big family meal for the day, I found I had to make sure to have enough snacks out pre-turkey. Otherwise, people try to sneak some of the dressing, etc. while everything is still being prepared, haha.

Crock Pot Bourbon Glazed Kielbasa Bites
Goat Cheese and Cheddar Carrots Not a recipe, but take a look at the pic to see how to make it. SO adorable!
Thai Lime and Chili Cashews If you can’t have nuts, you might try the seasoning on roasted pumpkin or squash seeds. I made roasted seeds from the delicata squash I recently had with my own seasoning blend. I was going to use them for a salad, but they tasted so good warm…they were consumed quickly, lol!
Also, here are links to previous posts for:
Crab and Goat Cheese Guacamole
Homemade Cheese
Homemade Crackers
And, DIY serving tray/plate ideas for your cheese/fruit/nuts/olives, etc. from previous ‘My Way’ posts here and here.

The Bird

I always use a brine for my turkeys (cornish hens, etc.), but here’s something I’ve never tried:

Roasted Tea-Brined Turkey Breast

Dressing

Cornbread Dressing with Apples and Chorizo

Rolls & Savory Biscotti

Soft 100% Whole Wheat Dinner Rolls You can use this as a base recipe for many shapes of rolls. I really like fan-tans.
Parmesan-Rosemary Biscotti

Veggies & Sides & Salads

Chilled Sweet and Sour Cucumber Noodles
Green Beans with Tomatoes and Feta
Roasted Butternut Squash with Black Garlic and Miso
Tennessee Honey Corn Pudding Whiskey is the secret ingredient!
Sticky Roast Chatenay Carrot Medley with Pomegranate Molasses
Rosemary Sweet Potato Stackers
One-Pan Spicy Rice
Roasted New Potatoes with Lemon and Thyme
Horseradish Mashed Potatoes Horseradish makes everything better. I could almost eat it by itself, I love it so much!
Previous links for:
Maple-Shallot Brussels Salad
And, if you make traditional sweet potatoes with marshmallows, don’t forget about the Homemade No-Corn Syrup Marshmallows recipe I recently posted.

Cranberry Sauce

Here’s a 2 for 1: Grab-n-Go Sweet Potato Cranberry Quinoa Power Bowl. Use the spicy cranberry sauce recipe for your Holiday meal, and then keep the cranberry love going with this energizing power bowl.

You can also use it for a leftover turkey waffle sandwich like the one I had at our Viva La Local Festival. I just can’t get away from thinking about that sandwich!

Desserts

As I said, sweet potato and apple pie have been the standing traditions in my family. I brought in the new tradition of mini or individual desserts. I have always loved any type of mini/petite dessert display. I love being able to sample a little bit of all kinds of tastes. It’s the same reason I’m fond of buffet-type meals.

Buttered Pecan Pots de Creme
Individual Pumpkin Ginger Cheesecakes
Melt-in-Your-Mouth Butter Cookies
Caneles
I cannot seem to link to videos properly, but check out Gemma’s 3 Bigger Bolder Holiday Pies http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=53SW4HAyxqU and if you have any desserts that are crying out to be a la mode, make sure to view Gemma’s popular No Ice Cream Machine Required, 2-Ingredient Ice Cream Base video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j70yTq2ysLQ. I first started watching Gemma’s vids after seeing a gorgeous ‘Naked Wedding Cake’ she made. The cake is ‘naked,’ as it has no icing (just powdered sugar), just FYI. I posted it on my previous blog, but I also missed re-posting it here. I am not great at cake decorating, so it’s right up my alley! She has new vids on Thursdays (and sometimes even more days of the week), and they are always so fun.

Drinks

Homemade Cranberry Liqueur Very versatile! You can use this for a host of things.
Funfetti Coffee Creamer After you’ve had your bubbly, here’s a fun funfetti way to perk up for football games and such.
Previous links for:
Rhubarb Shrub Sparkler
Sage and Peppercorn Old Fashioned
The Queen’s Cocktail

I hope you enjoy these recipes. If you don’t have the exact ingredients available (or cannot have some ingredients, for whatever reason), don’t let that stop you from creating your own version. You can use the recipe as a starting point to springboard your new ideas off of. You may be surprised at what you can come up with!

My Way, No. 5

*If you’re new to my blog, you may want to read this for info on what ‘My Way’ posts are all about. 🙂 *

— Well, we’re into the 60’s here in Tucson, with some mid-70’s temps. I think I can justify wearing a lighter cape right now. Get the scoop on capes here: 21 Cute + Warm Ways to Wear a Cape.

— I caught up with Mrs. Green (not her real name, of course 😉 ) from Mrs. Green’s World at the Viva La Local Festival I recently posted about. I first learned of her organization from a local magazine, and then met her in person when she agreed to speak at one of my employer’s annual conferences. Her website is full of helpful hints and tips, and I thought I would share this blog post on having a greener and more sustainable Holiday season: Green Holidays are Easier Than You Think.

— DIY Teeth Whitener. Interesting info on how an orthodontist noticed teeth whitening as a side effect of oral wound care in the 60’s.

— Cooool…Kosherfest.

— And, awesome new Jewish museum in Poland. “It is the place that commemorates everything that is gone and will never return. And it reveals hope for a different future,” says Israeli President Reuven Rivlin.

— Today’s Recipe Stars: Lobster Omelette OMGoodness, lobster and eggs were made for each other. Homemade No-Corn Syrup Marshmallows I love, love, love marshmallows, and even more so around the Holidays. Red Lentil Kofte, Zucchini with Butternut-Rosemary Coconut Creme Sauce. Today’s Featured Libation: The Queen’s Cocktail Check the blog recipe index for a pic of this delightful drink. Today’s Featured Base Recipe (basically, one to keep handy): Thai Green Curry Paste. Today’s Featured Cooking Technique:  Sorry, couldn’t make the link work on my computer, but go to How to Tourne a Potato by Gill Boyd (www.youtube.com/watch?v=R2LMzr2VPRY)

— After being on a breakfast burrito kick and then making tamales, I started making breakfast tacos. I thought I might as well make a batch of corn tortillas after making tamales. So, most of them have been used for breakfast tacos and a few for fish tacos. I love fried fish tacos from several places in town, but I didn’t fry mine. I actually took the time to make the eggs for a couple breakfast tacos my fave way. I love to cook them over a double boiler with olive oil (or butter, if I’m feeling luxurious). I love the texture of the eggs when prepared this way, but many times I am too hurried & quickly cook them in a fry/sauté pan. I have also been making my fave oatmeal with extra-virgin olive oil. It may sound strange, but I really enjoy it. I think maybe my mom got me started with that. And, after having that scrumptious turkey sandwich at the Viva La Local Festival, I started craving waffles. I just kept thinking about the sandwich, but as I didn’t have all of the ingredients…I had to settle for these Sweet Blue Corn Flax HHW (hand-held waffles).

I love sweet corn muffins, so I sometimes compromise and make a waffle instead. If you throw a few hot dog slices in, you can have yourself a corny dog HHW. I made these with blue cornmeal, whole&heirloom wheat flour, and flax. I put the flax in so I could feel like I was eating something healthier (instead of the cake that it really is 😉 ). I usually make extra to freeze and pop them out when I want a quick snack. My mom refuses to eat sweet corn muffins. I don’t know how I could have been born to her, as she doesn’t really care for things super sweet as I do, haha.

— I’ve also still been making salads and was reminded of the worst dining out experience I’ve had in years and years (just the food, the service was nice). I took my mom’s friend to a salad bar chain restaurant (at her request) a few months ago, and it was absolutely awful. I wasn’t expecting much and figured as it was salad and a buffet, how bad could it be? I think tried at least 20 items (salads, other buffet items, desserts) hoping that something would eventually taste somewhat decent. I found maybe 3 or so items out of all I tried to be OK in taste, texture, etc. The ice cream wasn’t even good. They said that most of the food was made on the premises and fresh, but I have had many fast food and chain restaurant meals that were previously frozen, microwaved, canned, etc., that have been better (and some that were quite good, in fact). I’m not trying to compare it to some fancy, fine dining place, either. I was just really shocked that I enjoyed almost nothing. We do have a chain salad bar in town I really like, though. It’s actually a sandwich chain, but the salad bar is fab and great in a pinch if you are nearby (and the sandwiches are pretty yummy, too).

— Keep that local love for your community going! 6 Ways to ‘Go Local’ for Thanksgiving. For those of you not in the states celebrating Turkey Day, you can still apply most of these tips to other Holidays.

— I guess as I’m fasting from cheese, I am now obsessed with cheese-related items. Love this DIY Chalkboard Cheese Serving Tray idea and these DIY Wine & Champagne Cork Cheese Spreaders are so cute! They would be great for the upcoming Holidays or any day, really. Beyond cheese, also check out these creative and thrifty ways to Decorate Your Holiday Table with Items Found in Nature.

‘Til next time!