Pineapples, strawberries, and blueberries… oh my!

I love fruit! I could eat it everyday.. well I do eat it every day.

While Rafael was driving down to Miami to get some rims and tires for his car, I was in the kitchen cooking up a storm of fruit deliciousness. He doesn’t like fruit (except apples) or healthy stuff (I just don’t tell him!) so I have to cook all my super healthy meals that enjoy I so much by myself. Also, this recipe serves 4 to 6 people, depending if you serve it as a side or main course. I just decided to put it in one big bowl and go from there. So imagine me sitting on the couch, by myself, chowing down on a massive bowl of this quinoa fruit salad.

I may be a bit weird, but at least I’m healthy.

Let me just take the time to talk about the dressing. It’s amazing! Made with fresh Florida oranges… have you ever had a fresh Florida orange?!?! If not, get a place ticket or drive down here as soon as possible and go pick some fresh oranges, you will thank me. I also use this dressing on spinach salads or the base for a fruity cocktail, it’s versatile and THAT GOOD. I always make a little extra so I can save some in the fridge in case I was to make  anything else with this.

So beat the summer heat by making a cocktail and enjoying this refreshing salad!

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Helllllloooooo day off!

What do I do on my day off? I’m glad you asked. Watch Murder, She Wrote. Yep, not even close to the joking zone.

Phew, I feel so much better now I’ve confessed. I told my parents the other day and my dad just chuckled. (Apparently there’s a ton of mistakes! …I love bloopers) I’m really thankful that Netflix has so kindly added it to their library of awesomeness. Of course I didn’t start watching the later episodes, which I remember a lot of because my mom and I would watch Murder, She Wrote all the time. I started from the very beginning. It all started with a bougie cheese platter night with my friend, Amanda, and ended with 5 episodes deep into the first season. Oh 1984, how you’ve grown… can you believe that’s when the show started?!

Ever since that night every time I watch Murder, She Wrote I need to have finger foods. I need appetizers in my life while I’m watching Jessica Fletcher right all the wrongs.

For todays MSW session, I’ve opted for Greek deliciousness on a crostini. These are amazing! Healthy, easy, flavorful… the perfect appetizer. (AND I LOVE APPETIZERS!)  I also love anything that has Tzatziki in it, on it, and under it. The marriage of the garlic on the bread with the lemon on the chicken and the bite of the red onions makes me want to shed a tear with every bite. You don’t have to pile the ingredients on top of the crostini, remember everything has to compliment each other, not overpower.

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I have a confession.

I’ve got a thing for hummus.

Maybe it’s because it’s an awesomely healthy snack that you can pair with anything… crackers, pita bread, veggies… or maybe it’s because I enjoy going to the hookah bar and enjoying some authentic middle eastern bar food, whatever it is I had to learn how to make it because at the rate that I eat it, it was getting quite pricey for me. I’ve perfected my hummus recipe over the years and now it’s second nature for me to just throw everything into a blender, top it with spices and olive oil, and eat it with pita bread. Boom done, less than 5 minutes.

So now I’ve started to branch out with my hummus. Roasted red pepper hummus, black bean chili hummus, jalapeno hummus, and this gem, pea hummus. Let me talk about peas for a second (and only for second because what I have to say about them is going to be brief).

I hate peas.

Yep, that’s it. However, I try to throw them in things so I’m forced to eat them. Kind of like peanut butter ( Peanut Butter and Banana Smoothie). If you hate peas too, don’t worry, you will love peas after eating this hummus. I can actually tolerate them now. *amazing* Also, don’t let the title fool you, the spicy can easily be taken out (if it’s not your thing) by not adding the cayenne pepper. I also mention to only add water when necessary, that’s because you want your hummus smooth and creamy, but not runny. So only add it if you feel your hummus is a little too chunky.

This has been a hit at home and at work. One of my friends even threw it on top of some rice (it was delicious in case you were wondering) and guess what? Everyone was shocked to hear that it was made with peas! So go ahead and grab a big bag of peas and celebrate your purchase by making this hummus.

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Ok, so when I am cleaning the house, blogging, cooking, or just plain pacing around the house because I have no idea what to do with myself on my day off (c’mon, we’ve all done it… right?) I am listening to music. I recently discovered the joys of an Apple TV and iTunes radio. I’m going to blame this one on my age and “evolving with the times”. It’s awesome! It’s like Pandora or any other radio, music, pick your own station app… except on my TV, which makes me happy.

I’m really big into setting the mood for whatever I’m cooking/drinking/eating. Example, there’s an Italian Restaurant station! No joke! And it plays the obligatory ”when the moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie” music. So of course when I made my  Bucatini all’Amatriciana, I was definitely getting in the mood. It’s more like a motivator for me. If I’ve been working 9 days straight and I’m hungry and then I have to eat dinner, I need some motivation (cue Eye of the Tiger). Also, 80′s music really gets me going, especially 80′s hairband music… but that’s a whole other blog post!

So, guess what? I have been working 9 days straight and to get my butt into gear I’ve chosen the “Springtime Pop” station… don’t judge, but I LOVE IT! Seriously, if you have iTunes radio, go play this station now. You will thank me later.

Now, on to the pizza! I love pizza, however, I don’t like the grease and the fat and the calories.. ouch, so many calories in just one slice… whhhyy?! AND why can’t you just eat one slice of pizza? Not possible, I’ve tried. So to ease your conscious, you can make this healthy pizza that’s quick and delicious. No joke, this is a guilt-free dinner that you won’t regret chowing down on. Of course, you can add whatever toppings you want, but I’m sticking with the healthy theme here.

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Let me tell you about how HOT it is down here! It’s HOT!

I can barely stand walking from my house to the car and then when I get in my car it’s like a giant, portable oven. Even though the A/C is blasting, I still feel like I’m cooking when I have to stop at a traffic light and the sun is just glaring through my window. I really just hate being super hot. So here’s the deal with my hot weather spiel, when I venture out into the rainforest that is Orlando, I want to eat light. I don’t picture myself chowing down on some chili and running around in the 100 degree heat. So these delicious bites are perfect for a filling, easy, healthy, and light snack or lunch (sometimes I eat them for breakfast… guilty)

I’m serious, the mix of lime and avocado with the berries and then the hint of cilantro. My mouth is watering for more right now. You just have to make sure you serve them immediately after you add the topping because you don’t want the Triscuit to get soft and chewy (gross… seriously has happened to me before). Needless to say this isn’t the best “eat some now, save some for later” snack.

These are also great to add to the menu of your summer tea party. (Post coming soon about how to throw a tea party)

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HAPPY FOURTH OF JULY!

Yes, I’m English. Yes, I celebrate July 4th. I’m Americanized, I love fireworks, and most of all, I love barbeques!

It definitely brings out the grill master in all of us. I don’t know what it is about this day that makes me want to throw on a silly obligatory “kiss the cook” apron, fire up the grill, open a beer, and play some country tunes, but I love that feeling. Especially if it’s a hot, sunny day by the pool. What are you guys up to for the fourth? I have to work so I’m celebrating early. Why not? It’s a great excuse to have a go-all-out BBQ.

I think that one of the BBQ staples is the hot dog. Super simple to make, everyone loves them, and you just throw some ketchup on top and you are done. My gourmet hot dogs are sure to impress your party goers this weekend. What’s the amazing part about these dogs? They are so simple to make! SO SIMPLE!

The bahn mi dog is made with pickled carrots and radishes, cilantro, cucumber, and a delicious sriracha mayo. The buffalo chicken dog is made with shredded chicken drenched in buffalo sauce and mixed with green onions and blue cheese. The Mexican dog is made with a Pico de Gallo and topped with sour cream and cheese. Lastly, the beerwurst dog is made with a bratwurst boiled in beer, onions, and spices and finished off on the grill.

So why are you going to settle for ketchup and mustard when you can create delicious handheld master pieces. Oh, and don’t forget the rainbow sangria!

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It’s official, summer has arrived in Orlando.

Super, smoldering heat during the day? Check! A bazillion different species of unidentifiable bugs? Check! Thunderstorm at 4pm? Check!

Oh yes, it’s definitely my favorite time of year (and not because it was just my birthday), but because I feel like I’m living on vacation down here. Seriously. I wake up, I don’t have to think about what I’m going to wear because it’s going to be shorts, a tank top, and flip flops, I look outside the window and see PALM TREES (I’ll probably never get over that), every night the sky turns the most vivid shades of orange and pink and yellow as the sun sets over the lake. Yep, life’s good.

You know what else is good? THESE TACOS! I love eggs, I love tacos… it only seems natural to put the two together. Seriously Jenny? YES, seriously! Don’t be afraid to get a little messy with these, when the yoke oozes out you can dip your taco in it for more flavor awesomeness. And guess what? Not once will you turn on your oven. Why make it even hotter in your house than it is outside?

You know what else I love?  Davidsons Safest Choice Eggs . What makes them so special? Well, I’m glad you asked. They are gently pasturized in an all natural water bath removing the risk of Salmonella (don’t worry, it won’t remove the flavor or nutritional value). That means when you make cookie dough, you can eat it with no worries! You can make desserts, dressings, and, oh hey, sunny side eggs! If I could put a sunny side egg on everything, I probably would.

The combination of flavors in these tacos dances on your tongue and makes you stomach scream for more! I only did one taco as one serving because one was definitely enough for me. You can adjust the recipe to feed more people or if you wish to have a couple of tacos per person. I also used the larger tortillas (not the burrito size) so I could overstuff them more.

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So I hit the big 3-0 this past week. (Friday the 13th… oooohh scary)

Definitely more scary to turn 30 than to be Friday the 13th, just saying. My friend from England was visiting and then my bestie (yes, I said bestie) from DC came to visit, so needless to say it was very eventful. Lots of Universal and Disney and going out. Who would have thought that turning 30 would be so exhausting! Or maybe it’s because I’m 30, it just feels so exhausting?

Now that everyone has gone home, it’s so quiet around here, eerie almost and as I return to work and my regular duties, I also return to a regular cooking schedule. Oh kitchen, I have missed you so.

So what do I cook? The same thing for two nights in a row! No joke. I am in love with this peanuty, soy saucy, noodly salad of yumliness. (Wow, lots of made up words there). Seriously though, this is so good, you can serve it hot or cold (I prefer hot though) and make it for any time of the day… lunch, dinner… breakfast? *edit* yes, breakfast, add some scrambled eggs to it, stir, and enjoy.

This dish is so versatile, you can pretty much add whatever veggies or meat you want. I added chicken to this version, you don’t have to. You can also use soba noodles for this. I love soba noodles! I used chow mein just because it was in my pantry at the time. Well, how resourceful, I know. You could use rice noodles too. You’re also not limited to using just noodles for this because the star of the show is the peanut sauce. I would drink if it was socially acceptable in my house, I do lick the plate though when no ones looking.

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Happy World Cup everyone!! Now we’re a week into the World Cup, I’m in the Brazilian spirit.

Rafael is from Brazil, Rio in fact, and so it seems like a good excuse to cook some Brazilian dishes. I really can’t compare Brazilian food to anything else I have ever cooked or tasted. It’s so flavorful and colorful and actually takes quite a bit of time to make (ok, like A LOT OF TIME). I don’t know what it is about Brazilian dishes, but the majority of them take FOREVER to prepare! But do they taste delicious? Heck yes they taste delicious. Totally worth it.

Lucky for you this dish is on the quicker side.

This Brazilian shrimp stew is known as Moqueca de Camarão. Don’t ask me to pronounce it, that’s why I have Rafael, I just place the paper in front of him and he reads the words. I try to repeat what he says, but I’m just so terrible. There goes my chance of learning Portuguese… just kidding, I don’t give up that easily. The base of this stew is coconut milk, which to me, kind of gives it this light curry feel. Also, instead of using the traditional palm oil, I used coconut oil. Just a little bit more on the healthier side.

Don’t be afraid to add fish to this too and mix it with the shrimp, it still keeps it traditional.

I served this with beans, rice, and farofa (which is fried cassava flour), but you can serve it with whatever you want or by itself.

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This is the best pasta sauce you will ever have! Seriously.

And who doesn’t love Italian food?!

This recipe is straight from Italy, from my Auntie Norma. For those of you that know me, I am English (not Italian), however, my second cousin married an Italian man. Don’t ask me why I call her “auntie” when she’s not really my aunt, we’re just weird like that. I was lucky enough to spend my summers as a young girl in the gorgeous Tuscan town of Viareggio. Some of my favorite childhood memories were spent going there for my birthday and eating delicious cake, spending time on the beach with my extended family and their dog, being a bridesmaid in a real Italian wedding (I learned what “bella! bella!” meant that day) and even the carnevale (carnival), where thousands of people dress up and dance around and watch a parade with the most outlandish, lavish floats I’ve ever seen!  I haven’t been back since I’ve been all grown up, but I would love to go and soak up all of the Italian history until my brain explodes.

A few weeks ago I asked Auntie Norma if she could send me some of her Italian recipes and allow me to post them here. She said YES! Let me tell you how excited I am to share some amazing and delicious Italian recipes! REALLY EXCITED!

Trust me, if you play some Italian restaurant music in the background, close your eyes, soak up the smell, and take a bite of this, you will feel like you’ve been magically transported to a quiet Italian villa in the countryside. I’ve done it! I’m not ashamed!

I have changed a couple things in the recipe (not too much, don’t worry) just to make it my own and a little more American grocery store friendly, but still keeping with the Italian tradition. So have no fear, you will be able to find everything!

Bucatini is like spaghetti except there’s a hole going through the middle, so if you are having trouble finding the bucatini, you can use spaghetti. Oh, and if you have leftovers (slight chance, but maybe you will) this reheats up perfectly.

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