Breakfast for Dinner

Good Evening Everyone!  I hope your weekend is off to a fabulous start.  I am having a relaxing evening watching movies, I want to be nice and awake tomorrow night for the Bachelorette Party! The festivities start tomorrow night at 6!  I don't want to give anything away so I am just going to talk about my amazing dinner.  Breakfast for dinner!  Yum!  I think that the continuous rain all day, the gloominess and the fact I did not sleep well left me wanting comfort food.  

Here is what comfort food consists of in my eyes:

Oats

Peanut Butter

Bananas

Any guesses as to what I made?

Unbearable

Good Morning Everyone!  Yes I realize it is a bit of an early morning here, but the house is unbearably hot.    The house is stiflingly hot due to the fact that the AC stopped working!  I feel like I am back in Indianapolis in my un air-conditioned ancient apartment!  Since my room was an inferno I spent most of the night tossing and turning because I could not get comfortable.  Not only do I not sleep well when its hot but my eating habits change completely.  I only want food that is fresh (well thats not out of the ordinary for me).  I guess a better way to put it would be I only want food that is not piping hot this means I usually eat lots of salad, yogurt, veggies, hummus and tons of fruit!  The heat even made me change my pretty set in stone breakfast routine.  While I still had oatmeal today, decided I would be better off (and much cooler) if I at overnight oats or cold oats.

In my mix:

1/3 Cup Multigrain Oats

1/2 Cup Unsweetened Almond Milk 

1 Tablespoon Yogurt (I used Organic Brown Cow Maple flavored)

1 Huge Cup of Fresh Sliced Strawberries

1/2 Teaspoon Almond Butter (not in picture)

1 Tablespoon Granola (not in picture)

What I did was mix together my oats, almond milk and yogurt.  I let the oat mixture sit in the fridge over night.  This morning upon waking up I topped my oats with the strawberries almond butter and granola!

Yuuum!  Don't get me wrong I still prefer hot oats to cold oats, but a hot breakfast was out of the question!

Aren't these roses pretty?  My mom cut them off her rose bushes in the front yard!

I know a little random and off topic but I just had to share them with you.

Any way dinner was much of the same thing last night.  Neither my parents or I wanted anything we had to stand in a hot kitchen and make.  Solution you grill, and make a fresh Puttanesca!  The only cooking that really needed to do last night was boil water for the brown rice, and grill up the chicken (added bonus my dad grilled up lots of chicken to use in Fajitas tonight)!  I came across this recipe in one of the weekly Mayo Clinic News letters.  This is a gluten free recipe (not that I eat a gluten free diet) and the news letter also gave information on a gluten free diet.  The article simply stated in bold letters should you go gluten-free?  That caught my eye as the big trend now is to switch to a gluten free diet whether you need to or not.  For people with Celiac Disease gluten free is a way of life.  For others going gluten free is a choice and some celebrities have been raving about the health benefits of a gluten free diet.  Anyways this article went on to say that some gluten free foods lack important nutrients that or body needs.  On top of that if you are a healthy adult and you go gluten free what doctors like to call good bacteria begins to decrease in your digestive system while the bad bacteria increases!  YIKES! Who knew?  I certainly didn't!  But thats enough of my rambling you need to chose a diet that soots you and your body best!  Now on to the recipe!

Fresh Puttanesca with Brown Rice

The Mayo Clinic

**Note-I left out the Capers (not a fan!), and since my mom is not a huge tomato person I used 2 cups tomatoes 2 cups red pepper.  This substitution was in place of the 4 cups of tomatoes originally called for!

What you need:

2 Cups Tomatoes (I used grape tomatoes, bigger tomatoes just aren't looking that good!)

2 Cups Chopped Red Pepper

4 Green Olives Pitted and Sliced

4 Kalamata Olives Pitted and Sliced 

1 Tablespoon Minced Garlic

1 Tablespoon Olive Oil 

1/4 Cup Chopped Fresh Basil 

1 Tablespoon Fresh Minced Parsley

1/8 Teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (I used cayenne pepper, and added a bit much!)

3 Cups Cooked Brown Rice

Here is what you do:

Before you even start chopping up your tomatoes and red pepper get the water boiling for the rice!  Cook your rice according to the directions on the package!

Then Cut your tomatoes, 

Chop your red pepper and add them to the tomatoes, 

Slice both kinds of olives, and toss them into the bowl as well!

Now add your cayenne, parsley, garlic, and olive oil.  Stir everything to combine.

Chop your fresh basil and sprinkle on top of the tomato and red pepper mixture.

Doesn't that look pretty?

Stir everything to combine, and let the fresh puttanesca sit for 20-30 minutes at room temp.  Stir every once in a while, now just wait for the brown rice!

Fresh Puttanesca served over brown rice with grilled chicken!

Yum!  I thought that this dish had good flavor.  I will be interested to try the puttanesca after it has sat in the fridge all night.  My dad thought it needed a bit of salt, I will not disagree.  I am wondering if the capers helped add some salty flavor to the dish.  However this was a good dinner for a hot night, and especially good since no one wanted to stand over a stove in an already stifling kitchen! Well i think I need to go get ready for church.  Enjoy your Sunday, I hope you get a bit more relaxation time in before the work week starts all over again!  

See you all later, and remember to live Happily Ever Healthy!

Be Committed

"From a certain point onward there is no longer any turning back.  That is the point that must be reached."

- Franz Kafka

Would you ever consider going Gluten Free?

Happy 4th Of July!

Happy Fourth of July to you all!

I hope you all have wonderful plans to celebrate our Nations Independence!  My family had a wonderful pancake breakfast,

and we are getting all the side dishes made for our 4th of July Celebration!  

Enjoy your day of celebrating, I will see you all tomorrow and remember to live Happily Ever Healthy!  Although today I fully encourage consumption of yummy desserts! Thats what I am most looking forward too!

Small Town Treasure

Good Morning!  I am just going to jump right into yesterdays festivities!

Yesterday my mom, sister, Melinda and I went down to Decorah Iowa for the day!

Yea you think small town there is going to be nothing to do.  But since my Mom, Melinda and my sister had been raving about the cute little shops in Decorah I decided I wanted to go to!  Let me tell you for Decorah being a small town in Iowa they have the neatest downtown!  We just spent the afternoon going from shop to shop.  We went through little stores like a yarn shop, a cooking store, a store that sold Vera Bradley, and a hatchery!  I even found the wine my parents Mark and I had at the Meridian in Indianapolis!

And this wine is not easy to find!  We couldn't find this wine anywhere in Indianapolis (the only places we found it was a bar and they had one bottle), and of all places I find this particular wine in a little 

Co-Op store in downtown Decorah Iowa!  I was extremely excited about this find.

We had lunch at a wonderful little Bistro called La Rana. 

 The food was excellent, and the decor was charming yet simple.  La Rana means the frog so the bistro featured many a different frog statues!  

To top it off I got the cutest mug that they sold there!

For lunch my sister and I split a green salad topped with Pecans, Cranberries, Grilled Chicken and Goat Cheese!

They had a orange vinaigrette as the dressing.  And the crusty bread they served on the side was fabulous!  We also split the Turkey Avocado and Swiss sandwich.

I have to say that Turkey and Avocado has to be one of my favorite combinations for a sandwich!

Melinda had a Cobb Salad which looked fantastic, and my mom had a grilled chicken sandwich.  I also had to sample the amazing Tomato Basil soup my sister and mom both ordered!  The dessert menu at La Rana looked phenomenal but I was way to full after lunch for dessert!

The hatchery was the last stop of our day!  We shopped a lot!  My sister and I bought some adorable hats and got to hold baby chicks that the hatchery raises!

They were adorable, so soft and fuzzy!

I was super excited about the hat purchases!

Decorah is just one of those charming little towns in the country!  

And don't think our day/fun ended in Decorah!  Because we came home to have a big BBQ with my dad and my sisters friend!  We had way to much food, but everything was delicious!  The only thing I made was baked beans I used a new homemade BBQ sauce recipe.  The sauce called for apple juice, but we were out I subbed in Orange Juice instead.  I want to try this BBQ sauce with apple juice before I share it with you, because I thought the OJ added an interesting flavor.  I am not sure the interesting flavor was a good thing!  Although we did have by far my favorite salad, Grilled Romaine Hearts with Grilled Pineapple.  This salad just screams summer! My sister also made this amazing Guacamole Salad from Ina Graten.  My sister kept saying something seems spicy but I don't know what the spice is from!  Turns out she had added way to much cayenne pepper to the salad!  I thought the salad was excellent!  We had a good evening full of lots of laughs and stories!

 Brats and Hamburgers on the grill!  We even had hot dogs and Veggie Burgers for me!

Yum!  Nothing but veggies fruit and beans!  

I hope you enjoy the many pictures from our day!  I don't think the pictures do the day justice!  And ow before I leave you to get ready for the day I will share our Be quote!

Be Amazed

"As I started looking, I found more and more."

Valerie Steele

Enjoy your day and the long holiday weekend, and remember to live Happily Ever Healthy!

She's Home!

My sister finally made it home tonight!  And we had a wonderful dinner in the works to celebrate her birthday and gather with friends.  My sister and I are five years apart, but if you saw us you would totally think she is older!  

Sisters!

On the menu:

My Undone Caprese Salad (this turned out way better then last time!)  I omitted the Balsamic Vinegar this time!

Bruchetta:

1 Tomato, Fresh Basil, 1 Small Onion, 2 Teaspoons Olive Oil, 1 Tablespoon Balsamic Vinegar

Garlic Mashed Potatoes (Recipe to Come)

Mashed Cauliflower

Asparagus

Steak, and Fish

And for Dessert the Famous Strawberry Dumplings complete with homemade ice cream. I am going to leave you with a photo montage of the evening.  As it is very late and I am meeting Katie for an early AM run!  Think 6:15!

 The Pie Crust for Strawberry Dumplings

 Yum Strawberries

 You can tell we make Strawberry Dumplings A LOT!

Fresh From the Oven

The beginning of Bruchetta

Way better then the last undone Caprese Salad

Crispy Olive Oil Bread for Bruchetta! Easy to do cut a baguette brush each side with garlic and olive oil.  Bake in the oven at 350 for 15 minutes or until crispy and golden!

My little sister growing up!  She got a cook book and is actually cooking!

Goodnight Everyone, and remember to live Happily Ever Healthy!

Be Resourceful

Be Resourceful

"Almost everything comes from almost nothing."

- Henri-Frederic Amiel

Remember that! You can't just start at the top, you have to work your way from the bottom up!  Something I frequently forget.  I sometimes get impatient (or all the time) and want everything to happen at once, but alas that is not how life is!

I am sorry that i was not back last night to post!  We ended up staying out with Melinda till well after 9!  We had a wonderful day though out in the country.  We baked yummy scones (I have pictures and a Link to the recipe) and I learned to do this.

Yes that is me sitting still for more then 5 minutes!  I know me not moving is a miracle!  The thing i loved about being out in the country yesterday was the peacefulness of it all.  I told both my mom and Melinda that I felt so relaxed!  Being out in the country reminded me of being at my grandparents in Southern Illinois.  Where you wake up at the crack of dawn to sun streaming in, and the days are long and relaxing.  Yesterday was definitely a much needed stress relief.

I do not know why but I just love the way windmills look!  I had to snap two more pictures of them yesterday!  One against the bright blue sky of the day, while the other was on the drive home with the sun setting!

Yesterdays Scone Menu consisted of these flavors:

Cranberry Orange (Oh So Good)

Double Strawberry Basil (interesting combination)

And

Oatmeal Raison!

We used this recipe for the amazing Cranberry Orange scones!  These scones were by far my favorite.  The cranberries combined with the flavors of fresh orange were bright and vibrant, and complimented each other nicely.  The cranberries added a bit of a tart flavor while the orange offered up a subtle sweetness.  We glazed the cranberry orange scones with a orange glaze, and then served them up with a orange marmalade butter!  I was in heaven, just sitting relaxing with a cup of tea and a fresh hot scone!  Not a care in the world!  Here are a few pictures from our creative afternoon of scone making lessons!

 Cranberry Orange Scones Ready To Bake!

 Getting Glazed!

 Delicious!

 Double Strawberry Basil Scones

 One Large Pile of Scones

 Toasted Oats for our Oatmeal and Raison Scones

Cut and Ready to Bake!

As soon as I get my hands on the other two recipes I will be sure to share them with you!

Well I am off to get a long to do list done!  However I have been up since 5 and already got my workout for the day done!  Thats one thing to check off the list!  I went to a boot camp type class with Katie and my mom this morning at 5:45 followed by my 5 mile 10k training run!  I am going to be sore tomorrow. But we have lots of prep work and cleaning to be done because my little sister comes home today!  

We are celebrating her 20th Birthday that was on Tuesday!  I cannot wait to see her!  We are preparing a special dinner for her, lots of grilling and fresh veggies.  I am sure I will be in charge of the Veggies!  Till tonight!  And remember as always to live Happily Ever Healthy!

PS 24 Days till I see Mark!  Wish him luck on his interview today!

Surf and Turf goes Italian

Hello Everyone!  My mom finally made it home and my dad and I had a wonderful birthday celebration waiting for her!  We had toyed with the idea of going out to eat.  However with the rain my parents and I decided to cook at home and stay dry!  However with the grill being outside I am not sure how dry my dad stayed!  Tonights birthday menu featured Steak, Maui Maui, and Shrimp!  With Parmesan Edamame Risotto, and an Undone Caprese Salad for sides! Yes some very Italian inspired side dishes!   My dad was in charge of grilling while I was in charge of the salad and the Risotto!  I have mentioned before that I just love cooking for people, and I enjoyed collaborating a meal with my dad for my moms birthday!

I am going to share these recipes quickly because there is cake to be eaten,

and presents to unwrap!

Lets start first with the bigger of the two dishes the Parmesan Edamame Risotto:
Inspired and mainly made from this Eating Well Recipe.  The original recipe was for Shrimp and Pea Risotto.  Being as my dad is allergic to shellfish, and we already had a main entree I just used the recipe as a guide for flavor.  And yes I did sub in Edamame for regular peas, the peas my parents had in the freezer looked a bit dried up!
Here is what I used:

1/2 Cup Aborio Rice (Risotto Rice)
2 1/2 Cups Chicken Broth
1/2 Medium Onion
2 Garlic Cloves
1/2 Cup Edamame
1/2 Cup Dry White Wine
1/2 Fresh Grated Parmesan Cheese
Pinch of Salt
1 Tablespoon Olive Oil

Lets get started.  I have made Risotto before but always feel overwhelmed when I make Risotto for some reason.  I think because Risotto is such a time consuming process, oh well here it goes!
First start by getting your Chicken stock boiling.  The recipe called for hot stock!

While the chicken stock was heating up I began heating my oil to saute my onions in.

Saute your onion till translucent and soft, add your garlic and cook for 30 seconds.  At this point you add your Risotto Rice and stir to combine.

You want your Risotto Rice to be nice and covered in your onions and olive oil!

Now it is time for you to add your chicken broth and your white wine.  You add a splash of wine, and 1/2 cup chicken stock at a time.  I had to add stock and wine five times before both liquids were done!

My dad was kind enough to grate my parmesan cheese for me!

Do not be alarmed that your risotto looks a little soupy!  The risotto rice will absorb everything I promise!

As your adding your last amounts of chicken stock and wine stir in your edamame.

Top with your cheese.

Stir to combine and put in a pretty serving platter!
And side dish one is done!

Just look at these Heirloom Tomatoes,

Aren't the colors just beautiful.

Those Heirloom Tomatoes are the basis for this delicious undone Caprese Salad.  This salad is really very simple to assemble!
What you will need:
1/2 Quart of Heirloom Tomatoes (sliced in half)
1 1/2 Tablespoons Olive Oil
2 Basil Cubes
A dash of pepper
As Much Fresh Mozzarella as you like
and a drizzle of balsamic Vinegar

What you will do:
Slice your Tomatoes in Half and sprinkle with salt.

For the olive oil basil dressing simply combine, Olive Oil, Basil, And Pepper.

Drizzle olive oil over your tomatoes and stir to combine.

 I let the tomatoes sit at room temperature to allow all the flavors to combine.
Top your salad with fresh mozzarella and serve!

My dad was busy at the grill making these, 

into a fantastic entree!  He grilled a steak for himself!  On the Shrimp I sprinkled Chili Powder, Garlic and Black Pepper.  The Maui Maui was Garlic Powder, and Lemon Pepper.

Yum, fresh caprese salad, risotto and fresh grilled seafood!  Oh Yum!  Accompanied by Great Harvest garden vegetable bread.

Yum Oh Yum!
And cupcakes made it home from Omaha!

Boy oh Boy!
We are off to celebrate!  See you tomorrow, and remember to live Happily Ever Healthy!