tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-40525525258859275142024-03-13T06:36:07.760-04:00Yogurt and BerriesFood.Health.Recipes.Fashion...
Just a few of my favorite thingsBridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.comBlogger507125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-57546744945308212472013-05-12T21:11:00.001-04:002013-05-12T21:11:45.089-04:00My First Mother’s Day!<p>Where was I??  Oh yeah…</p> <p>I had a Baby!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QQu3ZfppjxE/UZA9p6SDnHI/AAAAAAAAQk4/SNDsIB4ky9I/s1600-h/IMG_3760%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3760" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_3760" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hq09di-sozI/UZA9qDlFxHI/AAAAAAAAQlA/TG1RUpTIhp8/IMG_3760_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a> </p> <p>Figure Mother’s Day is a fitting day for finally updating my blog to tell you all about the arrival of Miss Charlotte Rose :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0c65dyjuIxg/UZA9qk3m5II/AAAAAAAAQlI/G3zHgQsVnxM/s1600-h/IMG_5813%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_5813" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_5813" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-HFlBxqxbPUk/UZA9rDaBTcI/AAAAAAAAQlQ/8ET5_cI2vMI/IMG_5813_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>My due date was April 22, but she decided she wanted to join us on April 5, 2013 at 7:59pm.  She was a little peanut at 5lbs 4oz.  </p> <p>But first a quick recap of Mother’s Day because we had a delicious brunch at my aunt Joan’s house!</p> <p>Thanks to Pinterest (and Food and Wine magazine), she found this awesome egg recipe that was so delicious I can’t wait to re-create it at home!!</p> <p>Here’s the recipe: <a title="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/brioche-with-prosciutto-gruyere-and-egg" href="http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/brioche-with-prosciutto-gruyere-and-egg">http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/brioche-with-prosciutto-gruyere-and-egg</a></p> <p>My aunt used Portuguese bread instead of brioche, but it was incredible.  Such good flavors.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nuldBFecRRE/UZA9rRtE-WI/AAAAAAAAQlY/udNRiA1wFto/s1600-h/IMG_3942%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3942" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_3942" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YNbQXnIqGZY/UZA9r537QGI/AAAAAAAAQlg/K61xh78mRHA/IMG_3942_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="350" /></a> </p> <p>There was also a French toast/bread pudding dish, a baked frittata (with lots of veggies, sausage, and feta cheese), salad, fruit, bacon, sausage, and yummy cakes for dessert.</p> <p>And of course lots of baby-holding…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HdcGuGCDqbM/UZA9sIVuK1I/AAAAAAAAQlo/QVhTQg5GAmk/s1600-h/IMG_3943%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3943" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_3943" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XD9Qlp_6nRk/UZA9shAf_nI/AAAAAAAAQlw/gVDPaq_6sVw/IMG_3943_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="350" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zay2KeVDa-E/UZA9tC0i1LI/AAAAAAAAQl4/486WILlyt7c/s1600-h/IMG_3963%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3963" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_3963" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-vrzh1YjfDcs/UZA9tvH5hEI/AAAAAAAAQmA/SlUc7YwmHSw/IMG_3963_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a></p> <p>Charlotte with her mom, grandmother, and great-grandmother!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c0PuKfbbMVc/UZA9uBlg8eI/AAAAAAAAQmI/fbjurrR1gaM/s1600-h/IMG_3968%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3968" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3968" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HMTRVr_VoFQ/UZA9uttMEsI/AAAAAAAAQmQ/dE06L4X8uMY/IMG_3968_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="248" height="395" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4nc4cc6Gg7w/UZA9vHysGQI/AAAAAAAAQmY/SxR_veFbelc/s1600-h/IMG_3966%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3966" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="IMG_3966" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-KnVKHcrwiq4/UZA9v8e6RVI/AAAAAAAAQmg/On47p5TmBk4/IMG_3966_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="256" height="383" /></a>   </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>Since I knew we had a family gathering today, Charlotte, Brian and I spent the day together yesterday.</p> <p>The highlight was definitely this guy:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ll2zQbHKHnc/UZA9wElI-fI/AAAAAAAAQmo/e8OynuHJaPM/s1600-h/IMG_3940%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3940" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_3940" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ekAri1EHwTo/UZA9wvEyLUI/AAAAAAAAQmw/F93Om8kKCyc/IMG_3940_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="350" /></a></p> <p>That is a MASSIVE lobster roll from <a href="http://www.belleisleseafood.com/" target="_blank">Belle Isle Seafood in East Boston</a>.  We saw it once on that Anthony Bordain show, “No Reservations”, and I’ve been wanting to make a visit ever since!   </p> <p>The lobster rolls are huge, and simple…just lobster meat and a little mayo on a grilled hot dog bun.  There is WAY more meat than the bun can handle but that’s fine with me :)  I ended up eating half of it with a fork.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ocmUG4dkwfs/UZA9w84UjsI/AAAAAAAAQm4/LzZPBspUldc/s1600-h/IMG_3939%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3939" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_3939" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RnYFAk-MQcw/UZA9xQBNJUI/AAAAAAAAQnA/jfLucGsuj-g/IMG_3939_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="350" /></a></p> <p>We also got clam chowder to try it out and it’s one of the best I’ve had.  Creamy and very flavorful.  It’s slightly  out of the way but we will definitely be back.  </p> <p>I can’t wait to share all about her birth, but right now I’m just excited to get this one post done!  Hopefully this will kick me back into gear because clearly I have a lot to share.  We are just loving every minute with her right now.</p> <p>But for now some more pics of the little one :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WaC6-b6e2EA/UZA9x5aLobI/AAAAAAAAQnI/W4VwKJZFkt4/s1600-h/IMG_3821%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3821" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_3821" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-9FLpKTDjlV4/UZA9yEcosxI/AAAAAAAAQnQ/nLYI06Y8jfE/IMG_3821_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="307" height="421" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RM5e912qYkA/UZA9yidYoII/AAAAAAAAQnY/OgXaCghIYYA/s1600-h/IMG_3908%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3908" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_3908" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-i0joRhgdI0g/UZA9zNdNA1I/AAAAAAAAQng/RxAwyfYdNho/IMG_3908_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="394" height="407" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-xVDH9Jv06wM/UZA9zcDdGdI/AAAAAAAAQno/HNimQlzxy0c/s1600-h/IMG_3934%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="IMG_3934" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" border="0" alt="IMG_3934" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Q0JPKdmLoE8/UZA9zyLvMDI/AAAAAAAAQnw/XX7qJ7G4uzg/IMG_3934_thumb%25255B5%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="420" /></a> </p> <p>Happy Mothers Day to my mom and all the moms out there!!  </p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-32489178761698245522013-02-10T22:16:00.001-05:002013-02-10T22:16:01.189-05:00Meals and Treats lately…<p>I actually feel like I’ve been doing some productive cooking and baking lately!  Last week I had three nights in a row of home cooked dinners which is now considered a record!   Bonus points for having leftovers for lunches.</p> <p>Then I made some awesome cupcakes for Superbowl Sunday…which we ended up just staying at home.  Needless to say we enjoyed cupcakes for days and have leftovers in the freezer for when I get my next cake craving :)</p> <p>These aren’t my recipes but just wanted to share because they were delicious and pretty easy.</p> <p>First came out of the January/February Cooking Light!  This is the one that boasts “Chicken 25 Ways!” on the cover.  Well, we had chicken in the freezer so I checked out the options.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-X4vD-MSN4cU/URhiOV1s3DI/AAAAAAAAQfU/zuuW6m8qQy0/s1600-h/IMG_5607%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5607" border="0" alt="IMG_5607" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-L9t1wABk7RY/URhiO5fDXJI/AAAAAAAAQfc/OklsmarYctA/IMG_5607_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>I thought the <a href="http://www.cookinglight.com/food/recipe-finder/chicken-dinner-recipes-00412000073938/page22.html" target="_blank">Chicken BLT Salad</a> sounded great, and made sure to get all the ingredients that day at the store.</p> <p>Everything’s better with bacon…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1yivsH-OBrs/URhiPO8glAI/AAAAAAAAQfk/umolDc8WkHU/s1600-h/IMG_5605%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5605" border="0" alt="IMG_5605" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DN4YH9A28PY/URhiP5BXjLI/AAAAAAAAQfs/jWZXyK8n8Dk/IMG_5605_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Crispy chicken</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tNSwSS8HoF4/URhiQXboCjI/AAAAAAAAQf0/Dl6xCe4iDIg/s1600-h/IMG_5609%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5609" border="0" alt="IMG_5609" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qetDqYc7mHM/URhiQ5K03AI/AAAAAAAAQf4/g33xzlZ5B-k/IMG_5609_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>But my favorite part was the dressing!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-N0HCdSapnWY/URhiRCxKXcI/AAAAAAAAQgE/NwrZphZSUew/s1600-h/IMG_5617%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5617" border="0" alt="IMG_5617" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gVY8cg7-Zpg/URhiRsHc8FI/AAAAAAAAQgM/JPumzf1mB2w/IMG_5617_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Seriously, that buttermilk dressing was awesome and I’d make that to have on hand any day!!  Tasted like a delicious restaurant dressing, but not as heavy as most creamy dressings.</p> <p>My changes to the recipe:</p> <ul> <li>I used chopped romaine instead of iceberg</li> <li>I let the chicken sit in buttermilk for about 30 min before dredging in panko…I didn’t use the egg white.</li> <li>If I did it again I’d use <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/crunchy-parmesan-chicken-tenders-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Giada’s method for the chicken</a> as it always comes out crispy.  This version was good, but not great…I found the breading didn’t crisp up as well.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oy9LS9tNhvY/URhiSHTAwBI/AAAAAAAAQgU/-lweABIsTYE/s1600-h/IMG_5612%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5612" border="0" alt="IMG_5612" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s0IaHN4iJkU/URhiSQ1YJnI/AAAAAAAAQgc/VoRf1nU8RDA/IMG_5612_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I’m not even a huge blue cheese fan, but a little bit worked great with this salad.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-z8ytrULlqAs/URhiTcV3tdI/AAAAAAAAQgk/oTYFyCg5ztI/s1600-h/IMG_5611%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5611" border="0" alt="IMG_5611" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fp5vZxuDr8I/URhiT-bhlQI/AAAAAAAAQgs/Hm_iiVvyeOA/IMG_5611_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>The next day we set up the crock pot to do the work.</p> <p>My friend had told me she made this <a href="http://www.eatliverun.com/crock-pot-spinach-lasagna/" target="_blank">spinach lasagna in a crock pot</a> and it was SO good.  Sounded like a great weeknight meal so I added it to my list.</p> <p>This was soooo simple.  We already had some Italian sausage in the freezer, and all I needed was a good jar of sauce, no-boil lasagna noodles, frozen spinach, ricotta, and mozzarella.  </p> <p>The only “prep” needed was to make the spinach and cheese mixture and slice up the sausage.</p> <p>Brian comes home for lunch some days to walk the dog, so we planned it for one of those days as it only takes 5-6 hours to cook.  We assembled it the night before and he just turned it on that day at lunch time.  I came home to this:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ahEgPqvk0n0/URhiUTZAuWI/AAAAAAAAQg0/6NEzC6QAljc/s1600-h/IMG_5621%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5621" border="0" alt="IMG_5621" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1fHOwjZUYJo/URhiU4FYU1I/AAAAAAAAQg8/9UIJDH0oCMo/IMG_5621_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>My thoughts:</p> <ul> <li>The lasagna sits kind of in the middle of the crock pot, don’t worry if everything doesn’t go all the way to the edges.</li> <li>I cut my sausages into coin slices so I used a lot more than 4 per layer…maybe she sliced hers the long way.</li> <li>Don’t worry too much about the order of the layering…it will come out good no matter what.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TzPyT_UFiHw/URhiVNkpRcI/AAAAAAAAQhE/ifchAmE03XA/s1600-h/IMG_5623%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5623" border="0" alt="IMG_5623" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-XfA6_-KCHzc/URhiVkHXWVI/AAAAAAAAQhI/7PmiBccdqtM/IMG_5623_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Delicious and super easy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-J4wfvWSJJlY/URhiWO5_A3I/AAAAAAAAQhU/aguccCJthDc/s1600-h/IMG_5624%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5624" border="0" alt="IMG_5624" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9xj6_Ux2Ppk/URhiWhbzw_I/AAAAAAAAQhg/msapVQX1oZc/IMG_5624_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Now the sweet!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-lkTM5a3qMac/URhiXGHEffI/AAAAAAAAQho/Hs7Epic_B5Q/s1600-h/IMG_5630%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5630" border="0" alt="IMG_5630" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qYt19R6jkM8/URhiXW6171I/AAAAAAAAQhw/u62x4rIzHdk/IMG_5630_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Oh yes.  Funfetti.  I’ve been craving a good vanilla-y birthday cake type cake for a while now!!  Specifically with a good butter cream…the butter cream I grew up with.</p> <p>You don’t need the sprinkles but it just makes it so much more fun.  I googled “homemade funfetti cupcakes” and thought <a href="http://www.eatliverun.com/funfetti-cupcakes-with-vanilla-bean-buttercream/" target="_blank">this recipe looked pretty simple.</a> </p> <p>My notes:</p> <ul> <li>I didn’t want to waste my vanilla beans here, so I just used 2 tsp of vanilla extract in the batter, and 2 tsp of vanilla bean paste in the frosting.</li> <li>I made MINI cupcakes and they bake 9-11 min, and I got about 30 from this recipe.</li> <li>Whenever I make this simple butter cream (butter, confectioners sugar, milk, vanilla), I always start with the recipe and then add more sugar and milk as needed until I get to my desired consistency…plus it makes more and tastes just as delicious.  Oh and I always use salted butter.</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gQBeh7K2e2I/URhiX4y1CqI/AAAAAAAAQh4/K3DQbCNQM9Y/s1600-h/IMG_5631%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5631" border="0" alt="IMG_5631" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Anv3DisxuS0/URhiYbtmbrI/AAAAAAAAQiA/NezNz9f544Y/IMG_5631_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Such a great vanilla cake!!   </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-xLcTPdEN97A/URhiY21t7GI/AAAAAAAAQiI/Zb0jncQ_8WM/s1600-h/IMG_5632%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5632" border="0" alt="IMG_5632" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7Ueu42U7fAE/URhiZQ7e5rI/AAAAAAAAQiQ/FpJIT0kriMQ/IMG_5632_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>So happy we have some of these babies in the freezer!</p> <p>On a healthier note we broke out the juicer!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6Kh1OtrN9tk/URhiZ1uYASI/AAAAAAAAQiU/lNYgptR4qnA/s1600-h/IMG_5625%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5625" border="0" alt="IMG_5625" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-E2eOhsAyb3o/URhiaQ6hjQI/AAAAAAAAQig/d38T4Wpk9AU/IMG_5625_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I love getting a small green juice sometimes at Whole Foods but then think how stupid it is when we have a nice juicer at home and used to make these all the time.  </p> <p>It’s a great way to get lots of nutrients to the baby :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Zg5Njj9KgRg/URhibJs_FOI/AAAAAAAAQio/9pFhC8tWrDY/s1600-h/IMG_5627%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5627" border="0" alt="IMG_5627" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-olyKH8-CnGE/URhicD23reI/AAAAAAAAQiw/MGFdyuoPWbc/IMG_5627_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>In other news:</p> <ul> <li>working on the nursery!  We’ve purchased the crib, dresser, and glider!  </li> <li>Brian’s working on a new closet upstairs so I can turn the 2nd bedroom (i.e. my closet) into the nursery.</li> <li>The baby registries are all done and my shower is in a few weeks :)</li> <li>I’m 30 weeks!!!  Holy crap!!  Sorry no new pictures, but I’ll have to take a new bump shot this week!</li> </ul> <p>So there’s my update!</p> <p><strong>Made anything good lately??</strong></p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com12tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-33352411277419085732013-01-20T22:30:00.001-05:002013-01-20T22:30:20.337-05:00Pregnancy Update! 2nd Trimester<p>Hey there!</p> <p>Just when I thought I could bounce back into the blog, mother nature had other ideas. I caught some sort of flu virus last week. I knew it wasn't just a cold because it started as more of a dry cough and then I had a slight fever. Luckily it never got higher than 99.5, and Tylenol got rid of it pretty fast. I really do try to avoid any medication during the pregnancy but sometimes the risks of not taking it could be worse. Plus Tylenol is on my "approved medications" list from my doctor's office. </p> <p>So that kept me pretty much on the couch for a couple days...I didn't even leave the house from Thursday evening to Sunday! This week I felt better, but of course now I'm just dealing with a lingering cough and stuffy nose...fun. I normally have a pretty strong immune system but bring pregnant diminishes that somewhat... you know, so your body doesn't fight off the human being growing in your belly! ;)</p> <p>Anyways, this has made for a very lazy couple of weeks!</p> <p>Brian's been a great care taker though :) Last Friday when I was home from work, nothing we had in the house was appealing to me (but I did have an appetite!) so he made a Whole Foods run on the way home from work... I got a green juice from the juice bar, chicken soup, a slice of pizza, and gelato :) Which reminds me...we need to break out the juicer again!! Such a great way to get in lots of nutrients from veggies, especially when you might not feel like eating them. </p> <p>He even went to our Bradley birthing class last Sunday by himself! I was starting to feel better but didn't want to risk getting the other pregnant ladies sick. So picture this: Me sitting on the couch able to watch the end of the Patriots game, and he was off to birthing class :) He's the best. </p> <p>I got a full recap when he got home. The best news he passed along was that someone in class asked about the icky <strong>glucose drink</strong> we're supposed to take for the gestational diabetes test. Basically asking why this chemically drink was the only option especially for those of us who liked to eat REAL clean food. I haven't even drank soda since high school...needless to say I wasn't thrilled with the idea and knew my test was coming up soon!</p> <p><img src="http://cdn4.blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/glucose-drink.jpg" /> <br />(<a href="http://blogs.babble.com/being-pregnant/2010/12/21/check-yourself-for-gestational-diabetes-before-you-wreck-yourself/" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>Our instructor knew of one place that had a food alternative, so when I went for my midwife appointment this past Monday (26 weeks!), I asked! And guess what??? I don't have to drink that crap!</p> <p>I don't think they just offer it up to everyone, but since I asked, my midwife happily said "yes!" They have a sheet with 2 options on it:</p> <p>2 slices of bread + 8 oz. orange juice <strong>OR</strong> 1 slice bread + 8 oz. milk + 1 banana</p> <p><img src="http://static.caloriecount.about.com/images/medium/orange-juice-157578.jpg" width="200" height="200" /> <br />(<a href="http://caloriecount.about.com/calories-orange-juice-i9206" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>I think I'm going to go with option 1...OJ and bread. She obviously reminded me not to go put jelly on the bread...but I can have a little butter. Toast, butter, and OJ sounds WAY better to me than a bottle of super sweet orange drink! </p> <p>So for you other preggos out there... just ask! The worst they can say is no. I go for this test a week from Monday...I'm on the 2-week schedule now for my midwife appointments. </p> <p>Can't believe I'm almost in my 3rd trimester!! Crazy!</p> <p>So here's one of those pregnancy list updates!</p> <p><strong>How far along</strong>: 26 weeks + 6 days (27 weeks if you’re reading this on Monday!)</p> <p><strong>Weight gain</strong>: Last Monday I was up a total of 11.5lbs! Right on track to gain about 1lb/week until the end. So far I feel like I've been just gaining in the stomach area which is nice. Who knows if it will stay this way, but my midwife says that me staying active is great and that I've been gaining weight at a good rate...so yay! </p> <p><strong>Workouts:</strong> Still crossfitting 3x/week...well I haven't been in almost 2 weeks now due to my illness but hopefully I'll be back at it this week. And yes I STILL plan to write a full post all about working out during pregnancy. </p> <p><strong>Clothes:</strong> I have some maternity clothes, but I still prefer regular clothes. Well except for my maternity leggings...those are my favorite and I think I need to get a 4th pair. I really need to find some good maternity jeans though...that DON'T FALL DOWN! I have 2 pairs from the gap...1 full panel and 1 low panel and while both fit great and are comfy, once I start walking around I constantly feel like I need to pull them up. So I mostly wear my normal jeans, with an elastic through the button hole and a belly band over it. </p> <p><strong>Anyone have a good recommendation for maternity jeans??...I prefer the full panel.</strong></p> <p><strong>Sleep:</strong> Still good! Well again, this cough isn't helping, but that's not pregnancy related. I broke down and bought a snoogle a couple weeks ago because while I felt fine sleeping I'd sometimes wake up with lower back pain. I prefer sleeping on my back so having the snoogle to lean against helps. I also haven't had to deal with the middle of the night bathroom breaks either...maybe I have a strong bladder? I do try not to drink too much water right before bed. </p> <p><img title="Leachco Snoogle® Maternity Total Body Pillow Replacement Cover - Navy" border="0" alt="Leachco Snoogle® Maternity Total Body Pillow Replacement Cover - Navy" src="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/assets/product_images/230/17580318346800p.jpg" width="268" height="282" /> <br /><a href="http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/1/1/30137-leachco-snoogle-maternity-total-body-pillow-replacement-cover-navy.html" target="_blank">The Snoogle!</a></p> <p><strong>Stretch Marks:</strong> Nope! not yet anyways! I know for most if it happens it will happen at the very end. I am using Clarins Tonic Oil <em>and</em> Clarins Stretch Mark Control cream over that to help prevent! Last time I bought my oil the lady informed me this is what Angelina Jolie used... ;)</p> <p><strong>Food/Cravings:</strong> No cravings really. In fact I haven't had really any cravings this whole pregnancy! In the first trimester when I wasn't feeling as great, sometimes there would be only 1 food that sounded appealing so we'd go seek out whatever that was... but I wouldn't really call that a craving. I'm eating pretty normally, but also letting myself eat what I want and whatever sounds good. Not going crazy, but might as well enjoy this while I can. </p> <p><strong>Movement:</strong> Yes! I have an anterior placenta (meaning its right in front between my belly and baby, so I didn't really feel anything until around 21 weeks as my placenta was acting like a cushion to the baby's movement. But now I feel them all the time! Brian has even felt it a couple times. It's so crazy when they are strong enough that I can see my belly pulse! </p> <p><strong>Belly Button:</strong> Still in! I think I have a really deep belly button so I'll be curious to see if it ever turns into an outie!</p> <p>Am I forgetting anything? </p> <p>Here are some bump-updates! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-FzbiGV5QPHY/UPy2OjwJ7wI/AAAAAAAAQdw/34OV4mex9IM/s1600-h/IMG_5520%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5520" border="0" alt="IMG_5520" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-deHjqqcxSPs/UPy2PEHr_gI/AAAAAAAAQd4/mj8s9r4SY7A/IMG_5520_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="280" height="432" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MY5ZJaPqCNI/UPy2PkqHDGI/AAAAAAAAQeA/4qpcg3Sg-K8/s1600-h/01-02-13%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="01-02-13" border="0" alt="01-02-13" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ft2tW1SemKI/UPy2QGUwrtI/AAAAAAAAQeI/_v-_vqUlXUY/01-02-13_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="388" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Hdts3fq6nc4/UPy2QSkzMVI/AAAAAAAAQeQ/Z2XmvzFAwL4/s1600-h/IMG_3542%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3542" border="0" alt="IMG_3542" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NJqZNA3o3rc/UPy2QwynnGI/AAAAAAAAQeY/OTzZm5eV3ZU/IMG_3542_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="419" /></a> </p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tnmjDFp9gIg/UPy2RqpsuTI/AAAAAAAAQeg/UrtnsHyCBjE/s1600-h/IMG_3562%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3562" border="0" alt="IMG_3562" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HUbly6HhsrE/UPy2SITodcI/AAAAAAAAQeo/7JfZIbVg19M/IMG_3562_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="294" height="405" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gHXGqjqcHlc/UPy2SRAIIAI/AAAAAAAAQew/sjPFKFBHs-s/s1600-h/IMG_5604%25255B6%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5604" border="0" alt="IMG_5604" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qVp7QHHiTqM/UPy2S4A6xDI/AAAAAAAAQe4/2ndGp5uceds/IMG_5604_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="306" height="472" /></a> <br /><em>p.s. I still feel like I look so much bigger in these photos than I do in real life haha….not sure if that’s a good thing?</em></p> <p>I hope I don't jinx myself but this has been a really easy pregnancy for me so far! I mean the 1st trimester wasn't great, but it wasn't nearly as bad as I've heard from others. Then this 2nd trimester I feel completely fine! If it wasn't for this bump sometimes I wouldn't even know I was pregnant. I'm so grateful that I'm feeling this good and can really enjoy this time in my life :)</p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-85685511577476874052013-01-06T18:43:00.001-05:002013-01-06T18:43:01.671-05:00Eating More Eggs: Leek+Mushroom+Bacon Quiche!<p>Hey there!  Sorry I left you guys hanging for a while!  I’ve got the usual excuses: holidays, work being crazy busy, and of course the tiny human growing inside me ;)  </p> <p>I’m lucky this pregnancy has been pretty easy so far, but I definitely can’t stay up as late as I used to and sometimes I used to write my blog posts before bed.  But now bed > blog.  </p> <p>I still have lots to write about this pregnancy, but I thought some food would be a better “welcome back” post!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YsFoaJ7AsVU/UOoL3wLCrqI/AAAAAAAAQbY/C90CMp6GrK4/s1600-h/IMG_5589%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5589" border="0" alt="IMG_5589" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fAGNhpbSmAA/UOoL4i2KaOI/AAAAAAAAQbc/xfpEn6BHzLs/IMG_5589_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Brian and I have our first <a href="http://www.bradleybirth.com/" target="_blank">Bradley Method</a> birthing class tonight.  If you want to learn more about the <a href="http://www.bradleybirth.com/" target="_blank">Bradley Method</a> check out the link, but basically it is a a birthing course aimed at those who want to give birth naturally.  It’s a 12-week course (2 hours a week), covering everything from nutrition/exercise during pregnancy, birth plans, the stages of labor, and the husband as a coach!  </p> <p>Anyways, what I am getting to is the nutrition portion.  Part of the course has me tracking my food intake for a week, and then Brian is supposed to tally up my protein.  Protein is extremely important during pregnancy, and this program says to aim for 100grams per day.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--GHlGeJQcWA/UOoL4w51UPI/AAAAAAAAQbk/IiO8S-F1rLI/s1600-h/IMG_5586%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5586" border="0" alt="IMG_5586" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AdNpoDYzlw0/UOoL54OfkcI/AAAAAAAAQbw/KOJFxLIBUEc/IMG_5586_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>During the first trimester, I most definitely was not getting that much, but I think that’s pretty common…most women can only stomach certain things (and mostly carbs) in those fun first months.  By my 2nd trimester I was pretty much getting back to my normal eating, and even more so now (I’m 25 weeks btw!).  </p> <p>I’d like to think I’m pretty knowledgeable about nutrition and how to get enough protein so I’m not too worried about that, although this program does suggest 2 eggs a day!  I don’t think I’m going to be eating 2 eggs each day but I’m making an effort!</p> <p>Problem is mostly that I usually eat breakfast at work.  Sometimes I’ll get a breakfast sandwich, but other than that I’m not a big fan of cooking them in the microwave or eating hard boiled (don’t like).  </p> <p>Here’s where my Quiche comes in!  I do love a good quiche and find they are pretty delicious re-heated for breakfast.  </p> <p>So one day last month I just broke down a bought a packed of pre-made pie crusts.  I know, I know…yeah I could have made my own but that’s just another step that probably would have made me not want to make quiche.  If I was making this for a party I probably would make my own but for a weeknight dinner it’s pretty convenient to take one from the freezer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-szUbE0XmNKA/UOoL6ckBMXI/AAAAAAAAQb4/pO9YIMEvRls/s1600-h/IMG_5588%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5588" border="0" alt="IMG_5588" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GWyLZsZOIeA/UOoL7BrsSaI/AAAAAAAAQcA/U6eCJwliRno/IMG_5588_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I picked these ones up at Whole Foods from the frozen section.</p> <p>The great thing about quiche is that the filling options are endless!!  Use whatever you like!  Any meats, veggies, herbs, cheeses!</p> <p>I’m kind of partial to this bacon/leek/mushroom flavor combo though, so that’s what I did both times actually!</p> <p>Leek + Mushroom + Bacon Quiche   <br />(serves about 6)</p> <ul> <li>1 unbaked pie crust (I used 9”, whole wheat)</li> <li>3-4 slices bacon</li> <li>1 leek, white part, sliced thin</li> <li>1/3 cup chopped mushrooms (more if you like) I used shitake</li> <li>2 big handfuls baby spinach (or use thawed frozen spinach, or kale)</li> <li>5 eggs</li> <li>3/4 cup milk</li> <li>1/4 cup sour cream (or Greek yogurt)</li> <li>(I’ll also add 1/4 cup half and half if I have it)</li> <li>pinch of nutmeg</li> <li>salt/pepper</li> <li>cheddar cheese, grated, (as much or little as you want, I used about 2 oz grated cheddar…gruyere would be great too!)</li> </ul> <p>Pre-heat oven to 375</p> <p>The pie crust I bought said I could bake it right from the freezer but I poked a few fork holes in the bottom and baked for 10 minutes prior to adding filling.</p> <p>Cook bacon as directed, and as crispy as you like.  Set aside to drain, and discard all but 1-2T of the rendered bacon fat.  Add leeks to pan and cook over med/low heat til soft (5-7 min).  Add mushrooms and continue cooking 2-3 minutes, until mushrooms are soft and cooked.  Add spinach and cook until wilted down.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O7XyqTV5fdc/UOoL7vvKxkI/AAAAAAAAQcI/7Lc4YQbhFcs/s1600-h/IMG_5583%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5583" border="0" alt="IMG_5583" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-I9H9nS_fvxw/UOoL8N2EANI/AAAAAAAAQcQ/aI4nq6-eztI/IMG_5583_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>In a mixing bowl whisk together the 5 eggs, milk, sour cream, and half & half (if using) until combined.  Add nutmeg, and some salt and pepper if desired.  </p> <p>Add filling to pie shell, top with the bacon (chopped), add egg mixture, and then grate cheese directly on top.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6Fj0zW-bAC8/UOoL8tDQ00I/AAAAAAAAQcY/bx-GTEBs9jA/s1600-h/IMG_5592%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5592" border="0" alt="IMG_5592" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-xW55Z8UdnKg/UOoL9aa2_DI/AAAAAAAAQcg/3lpn_hxPy2Q/IMG_5592_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Place quiche on a baking sheet, and bake for 10 min at 375 then reduce heat to 325 for 30-40 more minutes until the middle is set, and the top is getting a little golden.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-q55rhd0ett0/UOoL9zz3GiI/AAAAAAAAQck/7CgD-lBqY4U/s1600-h/IMG_5593%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5593" border="0" alt="IMG_5593" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-loaKRTTzg4I/UOoL-e5UUpI/AAAAAAAAQcw/i5i8680NaU4/IMG_5593_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a>  with cheese… <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YEXY85q5QLQ/UOoL-_r1OGI/AAAAAAAAQc4/wxbukdz2pt4/s1600-h/IMG_5594%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5594" border="0" alt="IMG_5594" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K01rm_sb67k/UOoL_qHUM2I/AAAAAAAAQdA/z7yR0JwOEQs/IMG_5594_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3CeJjjN-hvI/UOoMAMm871I/AAAAAAAAQdI/3Bqe0o_3TzE/s1600-h/IMG_5599%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5599" border="0" alt="IMG_5599" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-G1gGP5rGcDc/UOoMBOGNGsI/AAAAAAAAQdU/ZxQtXktU2ok/IMG_5599_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a>  Delicious!!</p> <p>We had this for dinner and will have it for breakfast the next few days.</p> <p><strong>What’s your favorite quiche combo??  Any other good ways to get eggs during the work week?</strong></p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com14tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-50732675833736786232012-11-25T21:56:00.001-05:002012-11-25T21:56:42.456-05:00The Big Gender Reveal<p>I can’t remember the last time I anticipated an event like I did with our 2nd trimester anatomy ultrasound!</p> <p> <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-YhZqWS0fmvI/ULLaR8TAXFI/AAAAAAAAQY0/Tqk3HevZsps/s1600-h/IMG_3489%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3489" border="0" alt="IMG_3489" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hdgtyunXnyg/ULLaSWxL0QI/AAAAAAAAQY8/YB9kLLwN7DY/IMG_3489_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="266" height="361" /></a> </p> <p>I was going to find out if my baby was a <strong>girl or boy!</strong>  It seemed so crazy to me that I was going to know this information, and it was one step closer to making this whole baby “thing” seem more real!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6VxJSdFe8g4/ULLaS3TEtwI/AAAAAAAAQZE/-kFKyKkqxxo/s1600-h/IMG_3500%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3500" border="0" alt="IMG_3500" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-vyrSp2PszW4/ULLaTH6IA1I/AAAAAAAAQZM/1px7AXGaSMw/IMG_3500_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="361" /></a> <br /><em>18 weeks (and a few days)…this was the day of the ultrasound!</em> </p> <p>The weeks leading up to Wednesday were the longest I can remember.  This was like right up there with my wedding day.  I didn’t even think I’d be able to sleep the night before…it felt like the biggest Christmas Eve of my life!!</p> <p>My appointment was at 10:30am, but there was no way I was going into work beforehand…it would have been pointless.  Not like I’d be able to concentrate.  </p> <p>The drive there, checking in at the hospital, waiting to register, then waiting in the ultrasound waiting room, then even waiting through the beginning of the ultrasound!!</p> <p>WAITING!!  </p> <p>Our ultrasound tech was a really nice woman and she asked if we wanted to know the gender, then got started.  First she started by looking at some of my anatomy, then the baby starting with the head and working her way down to make sure everything was there and measuring ok!  </p> <p>Then we got to the goods.  I knew from seeing pictures of ultrasounds on BabyCenter that we were looking at that area, and I was trying to figure out if I could see anything before she said it.</p> <p>Then she says: <strong>“see those 3 little lines, that <em>usually</em> means its a girl, but let me look around a little more to be sure”</strong></p> <p>2 seconds later</p> <p><strong>“yup, that’s definitely a girl!”</strong></p> <p>A girl??? <font color="#ff0080" size="4">A GIRL!!!!!</font>  I didn’t freak out or anything, but as she continued with the ultrasound I was just kind of sitting there with a huge smile on my face trying to absorb that she just said I’m having a GIRL!!!!</p> <p>So many people asked me ahead of time whether I had a “feeling” for what it was, and honestly I had no idea.  I never got that “feeling” you all speak of.  Never had any dreams of one gender.  Nothing.  </p> <p>I did notice that Brian and I both would sometimes refer to the baby as “he” or “him”.  So I guess a little part of me, if I had to pick, would have thought it was a boy.  </p> <p>Being a girly girl myself, I think I always pictured myself with a daughter, although once I was actually pregnant I was getting excited at the thought of either a boy or girl.  </p> <p><font size="4">But I’m SO EXCITED NOW!!!!!</font></p> <p>It all just feels so much more real now!!  All my family is pretty excited for a new little girl too!!  </p> <p>Now I can start shopping, and thinking of nursery ideas, and NAMES!  Oh man, I have a feeling a name is going to be the hardest thing for me. </p> <p>And no I’m not sharing until she’s born ;)  </p> <p>Mom and I had a blast on Black Friday looking at all the cute baby girl clothes :)  But I was good and only bought one thing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p1TgBQNT9J8/ULLaTq3-GuI/AAAAAAAAQZU/CakC4ST3BhM/s1600-h/IMG_55062.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5506" border="0" alt="IMG_5506" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_trZM0eanTs/ULLaU8w_0QI/AAAAAAAAQZc/bJp5-wTTHNI/IMG_5506_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>It was on sale!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_aNPyA0vKEs/ULLaVfqG1EI/AAAAAAAAQZk/mW8u4dseCBg/s1600-h/IMG_55072.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_5507" border="0" alt="IMG_5507" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-07-EHR07bmw/ULLaVwC4JlI/AAAAAAAAQZs/uApDpMjeANw/IMG_5507_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>says <strong>“love to shop”</strong> very fitting if you ask me.    </p> <p>And there SHE is</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8UrfiLP-W0Q/ULLaWbk1vYI/AAAAAAAAQZ0/vNtOPaWHXl8/s1600-h/IMG_3502%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3502" border="0" alt="IMG_3502" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-6KhlNQyLaWI/ULLaW91J8sI/AAAAAAAAQZ8/xRNrd2B3mxE/IMG_3502_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>She’s kind of smiling in that picture!  It’s still so weird to officially refer to her as a HER!  </p> <p>Oh and everything else looked great!  10 fingers and toes.  We saw all 4 chambers of the heart…so cool!  Even saw her stomach which was full!  So she’s already a good eater :)  </p> <p>Other than that the long weekend consisted of family time at Thanksgiving, shopping time with mom on Friday, family time with Brian’s family on Saturday and some delicious food today.</p> <p>Almond-Coconut pancakes for breakfast</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-yzWIbOgAJFk/ULLaXUcJh_I/AAAAAAAAQaE/mG3_Qq0GZsA/s1600-h/IMG_5500%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5500" border="0" alt="IMG_5500" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bnEzWa05eNY/ULLaXs8TLsI/AAAAAAAAQaM/nFKLyq_rDUE/IMG_5500_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Zw4nJQnoIxo/ULLaYLW8QoI/AAAAAAAAQaU/CUiM6FECIsU/s1600-h/IMG_5501%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5501" border="0" alt="IMG_5501" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-d52nGF-h_JM/ULLaYuVvBCI/AAAAAAAAQac/tqz7sR61ryo/IMG_5501_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Mmmm cappuccino.  So happy my love of coffee returned!  Still I don’t have one everyday.  </p> <p>Stuffed pork chops for dinner</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qgWXwjfhOnE/ULLaY37ZUUI/AAAAAAAAQak/F-zNa5wfG1I/s1600-h/IMG_5504%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5504" border="0" alt="IMG_5504" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-570jvG8nEBs/ULLaZWU6RbI/AAAAAAAAQas/NXU0qPE4rWk/IMG_5504_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/giada-de-laurentiis/pork-chops-stuffed-with-sun-dried-tomatoes-and-spinach-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">One of my favorite Giada recipes…  Pork Chops stuffed with Sun Dried Tomatoes and Spinach</a>.  Mmmm and goat cheese ;)</p> <p>I also made a batch of quinoa salad to have for lunches with some grilled chicken.  This was basically:</p> <ul> <li>quinoa cooked in chicken broth</li> <li>chopped: red pepper, cucumber, red onion, celery</li> <li>chick peas</li> <li>spinach (baby spinach rough chopped)</li> <li>Feta!</li> <li>dressing of:  olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, dried oregano, garlic</li> </ul> <p>Mix all together.  Add chopped grilled chicken.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-oyxNaofbP74/ULLaZ78LlCI/AAAAAAAAQa0/c_pz14jbo9Y/s1600-h/IMG_5505%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5505" border="0" alt="IMG_5505" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FDyG21L1fgY/ULLaad3_jEI/AAAAAAAAQa8/j5R8SwOU7I4/IMG_5505_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p> In summary:</p> <p>Hope you had a great weekend.</p> <p>It’s a girl!!!</p> <p>Let the fun begin!!</p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-8220795738977660082012-11-21T08:31:00.001-05:002012-11-21T08:31:26.997-05:0010th Annual “Apartment” Thanksgiving<p>So most all of you know by now I always host a Friends-giving the Sunday before Thanksgiving.  Its been a tradition since junior year of college and we just realized this marked the 10th Anniversary!!!  Crazy!!  </p> <p>The setting, the food, and the guests have tweaked a little over the years but in general it’s stayed the same.  Only now I’m in a house not an “apartment”.  </p> <p>You can check out all my past 3 years of blogging about Thanksgiving and all the recipes I’ve used here: <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2011/11/couple-of-weeks-ago-i-realized-my.html" target="_blank">2011</a>, <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2010/11/different-morning-thanksgiving-preview.html" target="_blank">2010 (and this 2010 recap has links to 2009 and 2008 which have some of my traditional recipes)</a>.</p> <p>Some highlights from this year?</p> <p>First, I switched up the method of cooking the Turkey for the first time ever!</p> <p>I decided I wanted to try a brine and opted to use arguably the most popular brined turkey recipe on the internet: the <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/good-eats-roast-turkey-recipe/index.html" target="_blank">Good Eats Roast Turkey.</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VZZGTuO3nIY/UKzXJ6NdWHI/AAAAAAAAQTE/CY2cX3X8RU0/s1600-h/IMG_5457%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5457" border="0" alt="IMG_5457" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DUr6vXGL8OU/UKzXLEfG3-I/AAAAAAAAQTM/wjQtns6NPLc/IMG_5457_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Brine ingredients.  </p> <p>You let the turkey sit in the brine for 8-16 hours. I put mine in the brine the night before, and took it out around 11:00 AM the next day.</p> <p>That’s the other thing I liked about this recipe…MUCH shorter cooking time!  You roast at 500 for 30min, then lower to 350 for 2-2.5 hours until the bird is done.  </p> <p>The recipe recommends using a thermometer probe in the thickest part of the breast and removing the Turkey from the oven when a temp of 161 is reached.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-GnQMB_9F2X4/UKzXMZ35crI/AAAAAAAAQTU/t-IOa44-X0M/s1600-h/IMG_5478%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5478" border="0" alt="IMG_5478" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y8UmcX3JvP4/UKzXNLuUFXI/AAAAAAAAQTc/EK42tncGBSg/IMG_5478_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>My only gripe is that I think I should have taken it out earlier.  Once the thermometer beep went off at 161 degrees, the popper had popped and I wonder if it had popped much earlier?  I think the meat was delicious, but the white meat was a tad drier than I was hoping with this brined turkey.</p> <p>Although the drippings made some KILLER gravy this year. </p> <p>Carrots.</p> <p>Nothing groundbreaking here.  I always boil carrots as a side because I use the cooked carrot broth in the gravy.  HOWEVER, this year we remembered we still had carrots planted in our garden!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KgVlz2Oz6XM/UKzXOJTTScI/AAAAAAAAQTk/a80ysFF8UX4/s1600-h/IMG_5461%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5461" border="0" alt="IMG_5461" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3P5SqzBl3nc/UKzXOv78sPI/AAAAAAAAQTs/r7B2VXctn2A/IMG_5461_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <br />The only green left in the garden.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mVdXoAEVMH4/UKzXPsvOgPI/AAAAAAAAQT0/ykTE8C4AmIw/s1600-h/IMG_5463%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5463" border="0" alt="IMG_5463" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LknNKpRICG0/UKzXQvlPMzI/AAAAAAAAQT8/9iXyp_gdzaM/IMG_5463_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pzwyc_KEVG8/UKzXRh1NjQI/AAAAAAAAQUE/FiVne3KtTh8/s1600-h/IMG_5464%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5464" border="0" alt="IMG_5464" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1DDRpW-9n8Y/UKzXSWqCvrI/AAAAAAAAQUM/TVK2K-Ss4Fg/IMG_5464_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <br />A few colored ones!</p> <p>I couldn’t believe how many we pulled up!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Gv3H_2nRHBc/UKzXTDM1WzI/AAAAAAAAQUU/W-riSivcR9I/s1600-h/IMG_5469%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5469" border="0" alt="IMG_5469" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oi17yCfgo8Y/UKzXUBhyUpI/AAAAAAAAQUc/g5XK6t-o7Yo/IMG_5469_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ld2jOQYZokY/UKzXU8OInJI/AAAAAAAAQUk/KE1TpOsobvo/s1600-h/IMG_5471%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5471" border="0" alt="IMG_5471" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HXV4RL62Hrw/UKzXVgwaThI/AAAAAAAAQUs/SaImnGywBa8/IMG_5471_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>These were simply served with butter</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-LQk6EphDvqY/UKzXWaCe2tI/AAAAAAAAQU0/hdt2koNTU8M/s1600-h/IMG_5485%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5485" border="0" alt="IMG_5485" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-taeKqcuZZv0/UKzXXR9aPwI/AAAAAAAAQU8/I4f9tJ1kiKU/IMG_5485_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Of course the <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2008/11/back-to-work-and-thanksgiving-part-4.html" target="_blank">classic family recipe stuffing</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Mvs7UpOlgic/UKzXXzrbUGI/AAAAAAAAQVE/TFvNjQX_I5k/s1600-h/IMG_5484%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5484" border="0" alt="IMG_5484" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-5L6K-2yzYLM/UKzXYu7xkzI/AAAAAAAAQVM/ZrcdgE3lxk8/IMG_5484_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Green beans</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Ax6TfAgCMRs/UKzXZX1WYcI/AAAAAAAAQVU/S6LexPDJmB0/s1600-h/IMG_5486%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5486" border="0" alt="IMG_5486" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-tzPNWOilvsw/UKzXZ6MC1fI/AAAAAAAAQVc/zGCJLeGLjp8/IMG_5486_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I also had fun with the cheese plate this year!</p> <p>My bff got me a slate cheese board for my bday last year and I had YET to use it!!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-E8mF8HGqWPs/UKzXauXhgLI/AAAAAAAAQVk/85qxz4m79wo/s1600-h/IMG_5481%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5481" border="0" alt="IMG_5481" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-MTNhHOOrOAo/UKzXbZesqqI/AAAAAAAAQVs/u3bh-7DTIfA/IMG_5481_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>We hit up Formaggio Kitchen in Cambridge and asked the guy to help us pick 3 cheeses.  I wish I could just go in there and sample EVERY cheese in that shop!!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-k5Y_egIv3ms/UKzXb5FxUDI/AAAAAAAAQV0/S64H5BlGXWU/s1600-h/IMG_5482%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5482" border="0" alt="IMG_5482" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3BV-MnqEMuI/UKzXcfY41jI/AAAAAAAAQV8/SLymKFrC_10/IMG_5482_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>We went with a smooth comte, a 2.5year aged gouda, and a soft goat that was more on the mild side.  I love stinky cheese, but always go milder for guests.               </p> <p>Apps and Drinks</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3yWX_AR4474/UKzXdNKZEfI/AAAAAAAAQWE/u1EJ2U2yxLg/s1600-h/IMG_5483%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5483" border="0" alt="IMG_5483" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-6w229KpSS9A/UKzXeAMo40I/AAAAAAAAQWM/otyQngVtbc8/IMG_5483_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>And finally Desserts!!</p> <p>After doing some online browsing for new fun, yet simple recipes….I picked these:</p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/White-Chocolate-Mousse-with-Pomegranate-Granita-361610te-Granita-361610" target="_blank">White Chocolate Mousse with Pomegranate Granita</a></font></p> <p>This was actually super simple and SO good.  Definitely a favorite of everyone that came.  Plus they look fancy.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7ixy6ffUDPU/UKzXexEBBgI/AAAAAAAAQWU/cdtWzwOGByE/s1600-h/IMG_5454%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5454" border="0" alt="IMG_5454" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uq5sA-olr7w/UKzXfjXNRfI/AAAAAAAAQWc/j74lCqSiB60/IMG_5454_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>This was an eggless mousse that basically was just white chocolate, cream, and crème fraiche!</p> <p>The pomegranate granita couldn’t have been easier.  Just dissolve the sugar into the POM juice and freeze.  Before I was ready to serve I just ran a fork through it to break up the ice.</p> <p>I didn’t even make the pomegranate syrup, and honestly you didn’t need it.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-WYgasOquZMU/UKzXgZZprhI/AAAAAAAAQWk/g8JsAmGf2A8/s1600-h/IMG_5492%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5492" border="0" alt="IMG_5492" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-USeXI4noGJA/UKzXhChU6PI/AAAAAAAAQWs/dBPghDo_LjI/IMG_5492_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Served in my grandmothers colored glasses she gave me :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7d4mzwTyzr4/UKzXiGTiHQI/AAAAAAAAQW0/fVfPXgrhX1c/s1600-h/IMG_5493%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5493" border="0" alt="IMG_5493" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-RnpIKfUmqnE/UKzXigBNETI/AAAAAAAAQW8/jJhxpmdE2WE/IMG_5493_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Rich but delicious and refreshing at the same time.</p> <p>Next was….</p> <p><font size="4"><a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Apple-Galettes-with-Caramel-Sauce-240489" target="_blank">Apple Galettes with Caramel Sauce</a></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-AGEjGEsTtI8/UKzXjIwFRxI/AAAAAAAAQXE/Br8oaFJS8TM/s1600-h/IMG_5473%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5473" border="0" alt="IMG_5473" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UEeMA_3L9-U/UKzXj572xAI/AAAAAAAAQXM/PW6MUhhrEzE/IMG_5473_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>The recipe called for packaged puff pastry, but I just made a simple pastry dough from one of my cookbooks…your basic flour, butter, water.</p> <p>I loved the addition of almond pasted under the apples</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gATafwy7r_A/UKzXklBu1YI/AAAAAAAAQXU/o_ojP0MCpTw/s1600-h/IMG_5475%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5475" border="0" alt="IMG_5475" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bbYIgEnrzR8/UKzXlCT7dfI/AAAAAAAAQXc/3B9ez5M4CbM/IMG_5475_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>But I made some without it for my friends with nut-allergies.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-LiU8crthZ5M/UKzXlkGod7I/AAAAAAAAQXk/tzy_KvbjyLM/s1600-h/IMG_5474%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5474" border="0" alt="IMG_5474" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-J0Ut0Es1pJw/UKzXmd6w-BI/AAAAAAAAQXo/BeiMqfYZpFY/IMG_5474_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Right before I served them, I made the caramel sauce on the stove.  It only takes a few minutes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-mF1ifWNRnAw/UKzXnRK-RWI/AAAAAAAAQX0/0l9gAjZXOhI/s1600-h/IMG_5491%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5491" border="0" alt="IMG_5491" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zfVR5f86-Zo/UKzXn21oOWI/AAAAAAAAQX8/oNGGuIsPuOw/IMG_5491_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>These were awesome!  Although if you have leftovers, the caramel sauce gets a little weird just sitting on top.  So I’d recommend not topping them all with caramel unless someone wants to eat them all.</p> <p>Also…</p> <p><font size="3">Mini Black Bottom Pies!</font>       <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DLzLuVat0i0/UKzXorx1PwI/AAAAAAAAQYE/8782eOle2dk/s1600-h/IMG_5490%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5490" border="0" alt="IMG_5490" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YKMuo_K_R2o/UKzXphXw_DI/AAAAAAAAQYM/n9cZ6TX64fw/IMG_5490_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Not the best photo.  But I used the same pastry dough as the apple galettes, and used a recipe from an OLD OLD Betty Crocker Cookbook.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ItJY-vBeM7Q/UKzXqRUU7DI/AAAAAAAAQYU/1V1XwPnXbQk/s1600-h/IMG_5494%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5494" border="0" alt="IMG_5494" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-at1WyEjYkxc/UKzXrYmKm4I/AAAAAAAAQYc/4kxDBUA_Yus/IMG_5494_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I only used 1 Tbsp of Rum in the recipe though and thought it was definitely enough! </p> <p>Its basically a pie with a layer of a chocolate cream filling on the bottom, then a rum-custard filling over that.  Then serve with fresh whipped cream!</p> <p>Well I think that just about covers it for House Thanksgiving 2012!!</p> <p>It’s always a blast with my friends…although I think next year we will most definitely need a kids table!!  Crazy!</p> <p>Speaking of kids…<strong>  I find out the gender of my baby today!!!!!!!!!!!!!</strong></p> <p>I CAN NOT EVEN WAIT!!  Only a few more hours now!!!</p> <p>Hope everyone has a <font size="4">Happy Thanksgiving!!</font></p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-58008222237514478632012-11-14T21:49:00.001-05:002012-11-14T21:49:39.136-05:00Layered Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust<p>And so Turkey month begins!!</p> <p>Usually I end up with 3 <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/search/label/Thanksgiving" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a> dinners during this time of year.  The first being the one I host for my friends (a tradition since Junior year of college), the 2nd on actual <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/search/label/Thanksgiving" target="_blank">Thanksgiving</a> with my family, and the 3rd the Saturday after Thanksgiving with Brian’s family. </p> <p>Well the season kicked off early this year with #4.  Another friend decided to have a “Friendsgiving” this past weekend to double as a house-warming!  </p> <p>I was excited mostly because I got to see college friends I haven’t seen in a while <em>and</em> try out a new fun dessert!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-irSWd-lp-2E/UKRYGxFQQ2I/AAAAAAAAQRM/vS6XG3nWHSY/s1600-h/IMG_5421%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5421" border="0" alt="IMG_5421" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XTKCELqwweA/UKRYHti1yJI/AAAAAAAAQRU/GpJRrOMHZTQ/IMG_5421_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>After racking my brain for a while, and realizing I didn’t have time for anything that involved making any component ahead of time, I opted for a cheesecake.</p> <p>Not any cheesecake though.  I was going to go off of my grandmother’s recipe which is my and my family’s FAVORITE!  </p> <p>Ok, so her recipe is from some random old cookbook, but in my mind it’s still “Nanny’s cheesecake”.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rc9SC6td5S0/UKRYIoOicPI/AAAAAAAAQRc/7XPIcQyI0Oc/s1600-h/IMG_5429%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5429" border="0" alt="IMG_5429" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ufCGhmxoA9U/UKRYJp_V8xI/AAAAAAAAQRk/EWiGV6Tsce0/IMG_5429_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>I started there, but wanted to put a festive twist on it and after a little online research I blended 3 recipes into what I wanted!</p> <p><font size="4">Double-Layer Pumpkin Cheesecake with Gingersnap Crust</font> <br />makes 1 9” diameter cheesecake</p> <p>adapted from Nanny’s recipe, <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Pumpkin-Cheesecake-with-Marshmallow-Sour-Cream-Topping-and-Gingersnap-Crust-350478" target="_blank">this epicurious recipe</a>, and <a href="http://allrecipes.com/recipe/double-layer-pumpkin-cheesecake-2/" target="_blank">this allrecipes recipe</a></p> <p><strong>Crust</strong></p> <ul> <li>8 oz gingersnap cookies</li> <li>1 cup pecans</li> <li>2T brown sugar (packed)</li> <li>1/4 cup butter, melted</li> </ul> <p><strong>Filling</strong></p> <ul> <li>3.5 packages cream cheese (8 oz each), room temp</li> <li>4 eggs</li> <li>1 tsp vanilla</li> <li>1 cup sugar (scant)</li> <li>1/2 cup pumpkin puree</li> <li>1/2 tsp cinnamon</li> <li>shake of nutmeg and cloves</li> </ul> <p><strong>Toppings</strong></p> <ul> <li>2 cups sour cream</li> <li>1 T sugar</li> <li>1 tsp vanilla</li> </ul> <blockquote></blockquote> <p>Pre-heat oven to 350</p> <p><strong>Crust</strong> <br />In a food processor, grind cookies, pecans, and brown sugar until finely ground.  Add melted butter and pulse until all combined. </p> <p>Grease a 9” spring form pan with cooking spray or butter (I used a non-stick pan and it didn’t need to be greased).  </p> <p>Pour crust mixture into the pan and press into the bottom and up the sides about 2”.</p> <p>Bake for 10-12 minutes.  Cool in the fridge while you make the filling.</p> <p><strong>Filling</strong> <br />With a mixer, beat cream cheese until light.  Add eggs one at a time mixing on low after each.  Then add vanilla and sugar.  Beat until light and creamy.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YS9Tavii6l8/UKRYKPbUuWI/AAAAAAAAQRs/mnPhJyay_Hc/s1600-h/IMG_5431%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5431" border="0" alt="IMG_5431" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gpLpXmdEi5Q/UKRYK6-zf5I/AAAAAAAAQR0/HqtC_euMiH4/IMG_5431_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Add half of this mixture to your cooled crust.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_aAuk0szieY/UKRYLR0cjhI/AAAAAAAAQR8/LiJVVR60QUk/s1600-h/IMG_5433%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5433" border="0" alt="IMG_5433" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wRsIFcsoy7E/UKRYMKtpqoI/AAAAAAAAQSE/Ktd87FiCNgk/IMG_5433_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>To the remaining filling mixture, add the pumpkin and spices and beat until well combined.  Carefully spread this mixture on top of the first layer.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y4rEH24Qm_g/UKRYM7pA-uI/AAAAAAAAQSM/YIddqDwuXbk/s1600-h/IMG_5436%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5436" border="0" alt="IMG_5436" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k7YTysOKMAU/UKRYNTJI4cI/AAAAAAAAQSU/04QjMRtAv70/IMG_5436_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Bake at 350 for 40-45 minutes.  </p> <p><strong>Topping</strong> <br />In a separate bowl beat together sour cream, sugar, and vanilla with a spoon.  Spread on top of cheesecake surface.  Bake for another 5 minutes.</p> <p>Cool, and refrigerate for at least 5 hours, or overnight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WEQXcJ9u_WM/UKRYOZ7LiEI/AAAAAAAAQSc/Y1gQDoUhuww/s1600-h/IMG_5451%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5451" border="0" alt="IMG_5451" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ISY19q3Ho-Q/UKRYO3s-LjI/AAAAAAAAQSk/lamu_ey79Mg/IMG_5451_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>YUM!!  Love the crust, and mostly I love that the pumpkin aspect isn’t overpowering the cheesecake flavor.  I love the layer of classic cheesecake, the pumpkin layer adds a nice subtle spice and flavor, and the sour cream topping gives it a delicious sweet tangy flavor.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OJrbh5w_SzU/UKRYPsDPqPI/AAAAAAAAQSs/UAzscq7V6PI/s1600-h/IMG_5452%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5452" border="0" alt="IMG_5452" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7ov-BeFeQAU/UKRYQTlefzI/AAAAAAAAQS0/Sb0VhN9AXcg/IMG_5452_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>This cheesecake got rave reviews at the party and Brian is fully enjoying the leftovers ;)</p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-53569997550654864082012-11-07T21:49:00.001-05:002012-11-07T21:49:11.336-05:00A Bump and Other Updates<p>Hello!!!</p> <p>Well step one in getting back to blogging was my last post.  Now step 2 needs to be trying to get back to a schedule.  Apparently easier said than done ;)</p> <p>But I’m going to start with a little update on my baby bump progression…or lack there of!</p> <p>I know I’ll look back in a few months and regret saying this, but….I WANT MY BABY BUMP!  </p> <p>Yes it would be nice to take the picture every week, in the same spot, with the same outfit… but well that’s just not happening.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n0ZIH6sLquA/UJsdf0ve09I/AAAAAAAAQMs/4THCs92gBSM/s1600-h/4%252520weeks%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="4 weeks" border="0" alt="4 weeks" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mFdOc88ihX0/UJsdgS4k2vI/AAAAAAAAQM0/lOOWSWV4BM0/4%252520weeks_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="373" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lrnev4H_XsY/UJsdg7wkHyI/AAAAAAAAQM8/7e7J9ELKZVM/s1600-h/5%252520weeks%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="5 weeks" border="0" alt="5 weeks" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-DD3070wxNUw/UJsdhmxKCkI/AAAAAAAAQNE/fY9zOMfEeyY/5%252520weeks_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="373" /></a>  </p> <p>And of course missed a few weeks, but as far as belly growth they were quite uneventful.   My pants didn’t even start feeling tight until around week 11 or 12!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-7lM14DEpm1w/UJsdigPu-aI/AAAAAAAAQNQ/0p8WosMDIlg/s1600-h/Bump%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Bump" border="0" alt="Bump" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hpt5TPeIZ0Q/UJsdjHb6wdI/AAAAAAAAQNY/F1FgowpSJVs/Bump_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="350" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-m6zVMvm3CrY/UJsdjQS6IPI/AAAAAAAAQNg/yCXflOQo154/s1600-h/13%252520weeks%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="13 weeks" border="0" alt="13 weeks" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-U5jhapAE2rc/UJsdkJHxWsI/AAAAAAAAQNo/6TEzLNW-w6Y/13%252520weeks_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="361" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zSNKA6LRk1g/UJsdk_Wwf5I/AAAAAAAAQNw/JfkazRHKqxQ/s1600-h/14%252520weeks%2525202%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="14 weeks 2" border="0" alt="14 weeks 2" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wuHZ-vVrrI8/UJsdlPbmjVI/AAAAAAAAQN4/6YrXFwSo2w0/14%252520weeks%2525202_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="361" /></a>  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JGZFA9t65LU/UJsdl1cy2jI/AAAAAAAAQOA/j_76gL94KNE/s1600-h/IMG_3450%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; margin-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3450" border="0" alt="IMG_3450" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yQ9Fm5NdUkI/UJsdmXwTNQI/AAAAAAAAQOI/OGmtKw9dGaw/IMG_3450_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="170" height="361" /></a></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p>The other funny thing is when I took those photos I always felt like the bump looked bigger in the picture than it did in the mirror to my eyes.</p> <p>So yeah, unless you know I’m pregnant most of the time I don’t even look it.  But I’m also not wearing leggings and tight shirts out in public haha.  </p> <p>Case in point… I was 16 weeks this past weekend and had a fabulous time at Elizabeth’s wedding!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ccI3FZzGn00/UJsdm8YV_LI/AAAAAAAAQOQ/ChGB_UpFX-8/s1600-h/IMG_5246%252520%252528750x563%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5246 (750x563)" border="0" alt="IMG_5246 (750x563)" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iDA0JL6Rhuw/UJsdnNQ2S-I/AAAAAAAAQOY/ty9r_VmMZkE/IMG_5246%252520%252528750x563%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="350" /></a></p> <p>Me, the lovely bride <a href="http://ontapfortoday.com/" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a>, and <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/" target="_blank">Tina</a>!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-j6DRIdzDQbw/UJsdn9FzPmI/AAAAAAAAQOg/Cxapc0r35IQ/s1600-h/IMG_5233%252520%252528563x750%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5233 (563x750)" border="0" alt="IMG_5233 (563x750)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-T5OUp-nfBXc/UJsdoUh38qI/AAAAAAAAQOo/SBM08phQFgs/IMG_5233%252520%252528563x750%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="272" height="361" /></a></p> <p>I was looking for a dress to camouflage the belly and think I succeeded.  I actually decided to use <a href="http://www.renttherunway.com/" target="_blank"><strong>Rent the Runway</strong></a> for this!!  I’m bigger than my normal size with my growing belly and apparently chest as well, so I didn’t really want to by a dress that would only be good for a few weeks.  I also had a $50 birthday credit to RTR and decided to try it out!</p> <p>Luckily the dress ended up JUST fitting over my chest ;)  But it worked and I loved it!  So fun, and just had to toss it in a pre-paid envelope the next day!</p> <p>And you can’t see it but I’m also wearing my fun magenta/pink heals I wore at my wedding!  </p> <p>The wedding was a blast and even bonus there were cake pops!! </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-D52naM0pReA/UJsdpIML4HI/AAAAAAAAQOw/6y__cDCnhWY/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525289%252529%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="photo (9)" border="0" alt="photo (9)" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wamkgM9eQbU/UJsdpkiaEFI/AAAAAAAAQO4/vg3LlNoHcAM/photo%252520%2525289%252529_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>I’m definitely not in maternity clothing yet, but I’ve been getting a lot of use out of those <a href="http://www.target.com/p/be-maternity-beband-assorted-colors/-/A-13742281" target="_blank">Be-Bands!</a> They are like a stretchy band you can pull up over your pants in order to leave your pants unbuttoned. I have one in black and neutral. I’ve heard mixed reviews on them, but I love them so far…they make it so I can still wear all my pants!</p> <p>Lets see… in other news <font size="4">I turned 30 today!!  </font></p> <p>I love birthdays but still not sure how I feel about this one yet ;)</p> <p>But unfortunately it was a bittersweet day as my grandfather passed away on Saturday and the services were also today.  Not my first choice for a birthday, but it was actually really nice to be with ALLLLL my family today :)  My grand parents had 9 children and 25 grandchildren and we were all there.  </p> <p>There was even a small bouquet of flowers the night before at the wake from his great-grandchild on the way :)  Talk about a tear jerker.  </p> <p>Sorry to leave this post on a sad note!  </p> <p>But I’ll have more fun things to report soon.  Especially since I was told to be free Friday night ;)   </p> <p>Have a nice night everyone!</p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-91477939420519066072012-10-25T21:38:00.001-04:002012-10-25T21:38:24.438-04:00I’m back! With NEWS!!<p>Ok lets see if I still remember how to do this :)</p> <p>You’ve probably noticed I went on a little hiatus from blogging.  It wasn’t intentional at first, but then it was kind of nice honestly.  </p> <p>You see, pretty much since we returned from Seattle my eating has been a little…off.  I was eating things like crackers, and toast, and this handy ginger gum…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-knng5l7Mpjo/UInpho4AfhI/AAAAAAAAQKI/OD5LOEXyGjQ/s1600-h/IMG_3265%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3265" border="0" alt="IMG_3265" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-km-wNmtg584/UInpiE4TJ6I/AAAAAAAAQKQ/plZu4uv09Rk/IMG_3265_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a> </p> <p>One day I even got a <strong>steak and cheese sub</strong> for lunch….it was spectacular.</p> <p>I didn’t really feel like cooking, and was going to bed a lot earlier.  </p> <p>All of these things left me with pretty much <font size="4"><em>nothing</em> to blog about.</font></p> <p>But it’s ok.</p> <p>Because….</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z3MAPaJ18vo/UInpi0tPMPI/AAAAAAAAQKY/k9xvrF5Oc_A/s1600-h/photo%252520%2525288%252529-001%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="photo (8)-001" border="0" alt="photo (8)-001" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-EdvaTJMqMbE/UInpjkXl6II/AAAAAAAAQKg/Kyymkpk-zvY/photo%252520%2525288%252529-001_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="393" height="406" /></a> </p> <p>Yep!  I’m pregnant!  Official due date is April 22, 2013 but I go by April 19 because I was measuring a few days ahead at my last ultrasound :)</p> <p>Aside from some queasiness, a little tiredness, and my abnormal food choices I actually didn’t have that bad of a first trimester!  I know I’m extremely lucky.</p> <p>I always had it in my head that I was going to be so sick and throwing up all the time, so maybe because I was expecting the worse what I had didn’t seem too bad??    I did end up hugging the ‘ol toilet once but it was after our red-eye home from Seattle, a bus ride to our town, and then a cab home…not fun.  </p> <p>So I’d love to write lots more about the pregnancy and I intend to do so!  I’ve always left my blog open to write about whatever interests me and while I don’t plan on going all-baby-all-the-time with it, it’s obviously a big part of my life right now.  Plus I’ve loved reading other bloggers pregnancy journeys…so there will be more updates :)</p> <p>And more food!  And Crossfit! (yes I’m still Crossfitting)</p> <p>So I do apologize for being absent for so long, but I’m so happy to be back at it!  </p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-84716943993374287472012-09-21T06:00:00.000-04:002012-09-21T08:29:03.617-04:00Celebration Pumpkin Bread!It’s a <a href="http://www.beantownbaker.com/2012/09/megans-virtual-bridal-shower.html">virtual Bridal Shower</a>!! <a href="http://www.beantownbaker.com/2012/09/megans-virtual-bridal-shower.html">Jen</a> is our lovely host and she got us all together to celebrate the upcoming wedding of one of my favorite local bloggers…<a href="http://megan-deliciousdishings.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Megan</a>!! <br />
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Since we all know Megan is a fabulous baker, we thought it was only appropriate that we celebrate with some of our favorite baked goods!<br />
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Lucky for me (and Megan), this is the time of year when I have the urge to make one of my favorites…<a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2010/10/taste-of-fall.html" target="_blank">Chocolate Chip Pumpkin Bread!!</a><br />
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<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LCdfZC8mndc/UFkc_ykE4BI/AAAAAAAAQHo/c43kCpGGq4I/s1600-h/IMG_5332%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5332" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8J5Gzv_wsU4/UFkdAdkmfpI/AAAAAAAAQHw/pGV1V0t7Ohg/IMG_5332_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="IMG_5332" width="465" /></a> <br />
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I’ve written about this recipe before, but it was originally a bread my mom made that I was obsessed with. She gave me the <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2008/10/full-afternoon-and-full-stomach.html" target="_blank">recipe</a> which I’ve included in <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2008/10/full-afternoon-and-full-stomach.html" target="_blank">this post,</a> but of course I had to tweak it and make it a smidge healthier :) You can find <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2010/10/taste-of-fall.html" target="_blank">my version here</a>! <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2eCl4wsX02c/UFkdA9vZAzI/AAAAAAAAQH4/ve0O0QcqR60/s1600-h/IMG_5338%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5338" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-9uxOEQpSUZc/UFkdBWWrAJI/AAAAAAAAQIA/cM_7kgfxMuY/IMG_5338_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="IMG_5338" width="465" /></a> <br />
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<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ClMh1rj8syQ/UFkdBxMp-JI/AAAAAAAAQII/gpw5J23JnDE/s1600-h/IMG_5339%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="IMG_5339" border="0" height="311" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ztRIDRyMY2Y/UFkdC9MmqhI/AAAAAAAAQIQ/DQJCabkpC-4/IMG_5339_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border: 0px currentColor; display: inline;" title="IMG_5339" width="465" /></a><br />
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Happy (virtual) Wedding Shower Megan!!! The big day is almost here!! Wish you the best! Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-66977665222920239782012-09-17T21:47:00.001-04:002012-09-17T21:47:34.120-04:00Back to Basics: BLTs!<p>I feel like it takes me so long to feel “back to normal” after a vacation.  This maybe partly due to the fact that I continue to have a half empty suitcase on my floor for a good week after returning…</p> <p>Well this weekend I finally did all my laundry and even spent some time in the kitchen!  </p> <p>Nothing too time consuming, but it was nice even to have a sit-down breakfast.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3SbvsPigWiI/UFfSj9pmTSI/AAAAAAAAQDY/TGKKU2EYkWc/s1600-h/IMG_5313%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5313" border="0" alt="IMG_5313" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ryAu6Q-oqAw/UFfSknDC5MI/AAAAAAAAQDg/2tuxTFXY-Vg/IMG_5313_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>An old standby…French Toast!  I made it with TJ’s Whole Wheat Tuscan Pane which is a pretty dense chewy bread so it needed to soak in the egg mixture for much longer.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M8N4AzfhSx0/UFfSlAlKqlI/AAAAAAAAQDo/k5b38lN5W6A/s1600-h/IMG_5315%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5315" border="0" alt="IMG_5315" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mk1P392i2pc/UFfSlh5lUJI/AAAAAAAAQDw/ccjlmHuJo04/IMG_5315_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>With bananas, strawberries, real maple syrup and butter!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-QQ-zThbedkc/UFfSmHM2W8I/AAAAAAAAQD4/NXSYvdofpiA/s1600-h/IMG_5314%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5314" border="0" alt="IMG_5314" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dg3-KtxbxyA/UFfSmh6M6cI/AAAAAAAAQEA/ru7KmxUUlho/IMG_5314_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Great way to start the day.</p> <p>The simple meals got even better as we approached lunch time.  </p> <p>We had taken Bromley to the dog park, and on the ride home I started getting excited for BLT’s!</p> <p>We had some gorgeous tomatoes that were ripe from the garden and what better way to eat them than with salty bacon, lettuce, and toast!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-K34DPkLV3mk/UFfSnK_7JdI/AAAAAAAAQEI/uP4THd1QEZs/s1600-h/IMG_5319%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5319" border="0" alt="IMG_5319" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-riuAyrDOrqY/UFfSnpbI1II/AAAAAAAAQEQ/g2Mte8v0g0U/IMG_5319_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Also super excited to use the bacon from our latest Meat CSA!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HjIC3AZ3Sp8/UFfSoO88G0I/AAAAAAAAQEY/6PHKd6Z-emo/s1600-h/IMG_5321%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5321" border="0" alt="IMG_5321" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-B1LT7ATtYAU/UFfSokl3qcI/AAAAAAAAQEg/djREJOn8LU4/IMG_5321_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>This is hands down the best bacon I’ve ever had!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hoUttjYIAnU/UFfSpCnzzwI/AAAAAAAAQEo/WMbPsNIwbNA/s1600-h/IMG_5317%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5317" border="0" alt="IMG_5317" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-eRJfY3pVqsM/UFfSpRoIvKI/AAAAAAAAQEw/id5AJk5mI70/IMG_5317_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Sandwiches ready for assembly!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a3vqRjrlDMI/UFfSp65UkaI/AAAAAAAAQE4/PYmUge7ivIk/s1600-h/IMG_5322%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5322" border="0" alt="IMG_5322" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-s-8bnIme2yU/UFfSqezsvGI/AAAAAAAAQFA/9mAycAuABP8/IMG_5322_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Lightly toasted bread, a little smear of mayo, and the rest.</p> <p>The key is to cooking the bacon on med/low….if you cook it too high, it starts to curl up and bend and that doesn’t make for easy sandwich assembly.  Cooking it for longer on med/low gets it just as crisp but still maintains its shape.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CNveHNb40zM/UFfSqyGV-II/AAAAAAAAQFI/-1g0-A40HcU/s1600-h/IMG_5323%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5323" border="0" alt="IMG_5323" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SD6DBMFnT6o/UFfSrAlaB8I/AAAAAAAAQFQ/roQsoIlqgU0/IMG_5323_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Lots of bacon :)</p> <p>And a deli pickle for good measure.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K-EeKfnIveA/UFfSr7zOlgI/AAAAAAAAQFY/RrWwoIeYL8k/s1600-h/IMG_5324%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5324" border="0" alt="IMG_5324" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-55v0TmFvszU/UFfSscvJUTI/AAAAAAAAQFg/HeJ6OWQrG04/IMG_5324_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I savored every bite!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qHc2ATE71fk/UFfSslbkwYI/AAAAAAAAQFo/-wCvBjQw3go/s1600-h/IMG_5326%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5326" border="0" alt="IMG_5326" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bUQfYcY_q4o/UFfStORlnsI/AAAAAAAAQFw/5yE9w5pegSM/IMG_5326_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Why are the simplest things always the best!</p> <p>I kind of want another one right now.</p> <p>It’s also been really great getting back to a normal workout schedule!  My legs are still sore from Saturday morning Crossfit:</p> <p>7 time:</p> <p>5 sandbag cleans  <br />5 back squats (at 80% of your 1 rep max) <br />5 strict pull-ups</p> <p>The sandbags are 60lbs.  I can clean over 100lbs using a barbell but these sandbags are really awkward!</p> <p><img title="Tactical Sandbags" alt="Tactical Sandbags" src="http://www.roguefitness.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/header_sm_image/0dc2d03fe217f8c83829496872af24a0/s/a/sandbag-1.jpg" width="463" height="367" />(<a href="http://www.roguefitness.com/tactical-sandbags.php" target="_blank">source</a>)          </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Then the squats!  I haven’t done a 1 rep max in a while, but my most recent 3 rep max was 140lbs so I used 110 for this workout.  35 of those…are hard.  </p> <p>It was a good one and I am feeling it!</p> <p>Oh and did I mention we had a little belated anniversary dinner Saturday night at <a href="http://mentonboston.com/" target="_blank">Menton</a>!  :)  </p> <p>All in all a great weekend.</p> <p><strong>What’s your favorite sandwich???</strong></p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-1232079771516738442012-09-10T22:45:00.001-04:002012-09-10T22:45:21.084-04:00Victoria Part 2: Butchart Gardens & Sea Plane<p>Monday is done and over with.  The first full week back at work after 2 short vacation weeks is going to be rough.</p> <p>Although the nice cool weather today made it a bit more pleasant.  Feels like Fall around here and that makes me happy :)  Hopefully that will kick my butt in gear to start cooking and baking more!!  </p> <p>Good thing I still have more to share from my trip.  Lets finish my time in Victoria, BC.  I’ve got a few more notable things to tell you about.</p> <p>I don’t have pics from this dinner, but I have to tell you about it because it may have been the BEST meal of the whole trip.  It was a slightly chilly night in Victoria and none of us were in the mood for a huge meal after our afternoon tea.</p> <p>We ended up at this French restaurant: <a href="http://www.lecole.ca/" target="_blank"><font size="4">Brasserie L’ecole</font></a> mainly because I decided I wanted French Onion Soup :)  Which I had, but first we shared some mussels.  They were cooked in a tomato, pancetta, rosemary sauce with garlic bread crumbs.</p> <p>I wanted to pick up the bowl and just drink that broth.  Best mussels I’ve EVER had.  The soup was also delicious, but I just had to tell you about this place and those mussels.  </p> <p>Ok, so the next morning after breakfast we headed on a bus to a popular tourist destination:  <a href="http://www.butchartgardens.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1" target="_blank">The Butchart Gardens</a>.</p> <p><a href="http://www.butchartgardens.com/index.php?option=com_frontpage&Itemid=1" target="_blank">The Butchart Gardens</a> was a private estate turned public site and now a National Historic Site of Canada.  Basically 55 acres of gorgeous gardens.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-18jBTE1Y3Es/UE6lZrekg-I/AAAAAAAAP64/FrGkVEPUup8/s1600-h/IMG_5183%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5183" border="0" alt="IMG_5183" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-OFvrO8-Uecg/UE6laCl9yDI/AAAAAAAAP7A/AgIH79dLeII/IMG_5183_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Z0JmczGikOw/UE6lalN1JBI/AAAAAAAAP7I/WeZfz1Bv5FM/s1600-h/IMG_5114%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5114" border="0" alt="IMG_5114" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ODF0V3PyTso/UE6lbSMB_aI/AAAAAAAAP7Q/H-teVIep4gY/IMG_5114_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-NdVDxNaLmrE/UE6lb_mDlYI/AAAAAAAAP7Y/DueUPxJEH-w/s1600-h/IMG_5126%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5126" border="0" alt="IMG_5126" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Qg1NcTNU9WE/UE6lcZ9DV7I/AAAAAAAAP7g/bNh_6kc6sSE/IMG_5126_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6mAesGR8bAw/UE6lc9u4yMI/AAAAAAAAP7o/zDWpn7CwFGw/s1600-h/IMG_5127%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5127" border="0" alt="IMG_5127" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jT8r3Zy3D2c/UE6ldeyMqPI/AAAAAAAAP7w/1Wf5HzZs1Ho/IMG_5127_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Yx9DG4xkHg0/UE6ld02x4RI/AAAAAAAAP74/5Ldo3CWAV5U/s1600-h/IMG_5144%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5144" border="0" alt="IMG_5144" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F-LbqlH609k/UE6leZyQ6wI/AAAAAAAAP8A/AItTEnZfNWc/IMG_5144_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-k1vP0HhTDlw/UE6le6Z4waI/AAAAAAAAP8I/nwPfSqUKAcg/s1600-h/IMG_5152%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5152" border="0" alt="IMG_5152" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wFNh8wNuw8g/UE6lfRQVM-I/AAAAAAAAP8Q/4rTDHR4kJag/IMG_5152_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-_S-PiDByHPE/UE6lfyp-WGI/AAAAAAAAP8Y/yXS2W6Q-kK4/s1600-h/IMG_5153%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5153" border="0" alt="IMG_5153" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-P-7OCZeZsoE/UE6lgS-_5aI/AAAAAAAAP8g/wIR6MK0jP6g/IMG_5153_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g6Pz3EKig7s/UE6lg9mMeiI/AAAAAAAAP8o/dcjvZDOnmv4/s1600-h/IMG_5163%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5163" border="0" alt="IMG_5163" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XfwrcPZGmI0/UE6lhd-0ZJI/AAAAAAAAP8w/kkQWx0adbM0/IMG_5163_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Gorgeous right?  They even sell the seeds of most of their flowers in case you see something you want to plant at home.</p> <p>The most exciting part of the trip?  Our flight back to Seattle in a Sea Plane!!  SO happy we did that instead of the ferry again!!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nxSlt1le_-0/UE6lh74oydI/AAAAAAAAP84/z1Ivxbct1ig/s1600-h/IMG_5191%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5191" border="0" alt="IMG_5191" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-DUdksrchxWo/UE6liVEVQRI/AAAAAAAAP9A/u7rmyzAiDHY/IMG_5191_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Oh and guess who got to sit in the co-pilot seat?????</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UaQcSKbT1kc/UE6likjZ89I/AAAAAAAAP9I/PhxFtt1qAAQ/s1600-h/IMG_5194%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5194" border="0" alt="IMG_5194" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-a07v88ERd3s/UE6ljBGsRoI/AAAAAAAAP9Q/1Xa6OVEXJHs/IMG_5194_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qhvMPIX329A/UE6ljgkjv8I/AAAAAAAAP9Y/yx15lQITaso/s1600-h/IMG_5225%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5225" border="0" alt="IMG_5225" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-C-VYV2g5yc0/UE6lkF1HXaI/AAAAAAAAP9g/JZk_8jutXzs/IMG_5225_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Very cool. </p> <p>The engine was a bit smelly and the sun was beating down on me before we took off, but then it was amazing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o-vEYtTwpzA/UE6lkbGaHLI/AAAAAAAAP9o/Ln3P1dzOJ6w/s1600-h/IMG_5210%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5210" border="0" alt="IMG_5210" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s9jvXv18HL4/UE6lkvQa6hI/AAAAAAAAP9w/lqvN-18x8os/IMG_5210_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I could see Mt. Rainier in the distance throughout most of the 40min flight.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8diFtxnSisI/UE6llF9CE3I/AAAAAAAAP94/UqGMIMevby4/s1600-h/IMG_5230%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5230" border="0" alt="IMG_5230" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-61PeWblGuzI/UE6llWCdUWI/AAAAAAAAP-A/lbuGXB3ozgM/IMG_5230_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>As we got closer to Seattle the view got even better!</p> <p>The space needle!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3Ko7HsQYDPY/UE6ll37gncI/AAAAAAAAP-I/-6NDcwYDeW8/s1600-h/IMG_5236%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5236" border="0" alt="IMG_5236" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bxiqR-ttXUQ/UE6lmVoHmZI/AAAAAAAAP-Q/I73bVNt_t34/IMG_5236_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4P6QQE7ufMM/UE6lmrtXqVI/AAAAAAAAP-Y/Hc7S4O9_-Ds/s1600-h/IMG_5239%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5239" border="0" alt="IMG_5239" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SjzX7p8kzqk/UE6lnBOK61I/AAAAAAAAP-g/RdHMG16JStU/IMG_5239_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>See Mt Rainier above the buildings??</p> <p>Landing was crazy…it looked like we were headed straight for those buildings, but then he turned and we descended down to a lake in the city.</p> <p>The next series of pictures are a bunch I snapped on the way down…</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-8WfFll-mZcg/UE6lnY_x2LI/AAAAAAAAP-o/kYpQoJdP3_0/s1600-h/IMG_5245%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5245" border="0" alt="IMG_5245" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pPFwJH-x3tk/UE6ln8FBh0I/AAAAAAAAP-w/koL5yE722cE/IMG_5245_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0MkXM65xq_8/UE6loDydL4I/AAAAAAAAP-4/KzEKjB7iFoM/s1600-h/IMG_5247%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5247" border="0" alt="IMG_5247" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AfvyzXjTnR4/UE6lolPL9XI/AAAAAAAAP_A/KdfONHgF-d0/IMG_5247_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oc7Vg_HOZ-w/UE6lo2FOTUI/AAAAAAAAP_I/MXORYDPa4jg/s1600-h/IMG_5248%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5248" border="0" alt="IMG_5248" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-nPNgdonfO5A/UE6lpUt2vqI/AAAAAAAAP_Q/xKnLzp9-gMc/IMG_5248_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qM-XkLLtqP0/UE6lpgVjmuI/AAAAAAAAP_Y/Vzf05HvVxZ8/s1600-h/IMG_5249%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5249" border="0" alt="IMG_5249" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DtfiBa-rvwo/UE6lqOjTbfI/AAAAAAAAP_g/9Fgg9aCmnIY/IMG_5249_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eEuPFF8EqYg/UE6lqcPeFUI/AAAAAAAAP_o/1D5UQ8u2Mmo/s1600-h/IMG_5250%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5250" border="0" alt="IMG_5250" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-J9WLhEmlPmA/UE6lq1MXFHI/AAAAAAAAP_w/PLBfr5MzvPY/IMG_5250_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-d2ReupLgwZc/UE6lrXjPdTI/AAAAAAAAP_4/8kR9iAknug8/s1600-h/IMG_5251%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5251" border="0" alt="IMG_5251" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FIK1U1_TrrQ/UE6lrr6EusI/AAAAAAAAQAA/Vxfu6bv24T8/IMG_5251_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hrVYuH9JRSQ/UE6lr-qldNI/AAAAAAAAQAI/-Qp2suZJM_8/s1600-h/IMG_5252%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5252" border="0" alt="IMG_5252" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-n5OGZ4AjDKc/UE6lsZWx-dI/AAAAAAAAQAQ/VbTBjnSpoyU/IMG_5252_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pOxu1O62F1E/UE6lssceqTI/AAAAAAAAQAY/ZvDawp6vhHg/s1600-h/IMG_5253%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5253" border="0" alt="IMG_5253" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UT0DrDLdnmQ/UE6ltNNOAsI/AAAAAAAAQAg/XkaGljTtu14/IMG_5253_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-icvwZADhILo/UE6ltTawOkI/AAAAAAAAQAo/HiRnwDu7gfg/s1600-h/IMG_5254%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5254" border="0" alt="IMG_5254" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-dR6VeWQOKjw/UE6lt7prX9I/AAAAAAAAQAw/LYUEe6jxdo0/IMG_5254_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-v4L9yegAOoE/UE6luNPC-2I/AAAAAAAAQA4/m2st7OSlAh4/s1600-h/IMG_5255%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5255" border="0" alt="IMG_5255" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6nIdkgSgrN8/UE6luUcC0NI/AAAAAAAAQBA/FSLD8hY0PwA/IMG_5255_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a>  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-owBimHHnyk4/UE6lu2SkARI/AAAAAAAAQBI/OH4hcAlWQuU/s1600-h/IMG_5257%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5257" border="0" alt="IMG_5257" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-2GG8Ds2T67I/UE6lvB4r5wI/AAAAAAAAQBQ/_uZv0nP8oJE/IMG_5257_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> Made it!</p> <p>Such a cool experience!!  You need to try this if you ever get the chance!!</p> <p> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_vAbBm52jBk/UE6lvoeIKqI/AAAAAAAAQBY/PzR394QZL9Y/s1600-h/IMG_5263%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5263" border="0" alt="IMG_5263" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bLjZ49AMgos/UE6lwGGiK4I/AAAAAAAAQBg/NfEhQE_t-4Q/IMG_5263_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a>   </p> <p><strong>Have you ever taken a sea plane or small plane like that?  Did you like it or was it scary???</strong>  Brian was a little nervous at first, but he thought it was awesome as well :)</p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-62132082187614171282012-09-05T21:22:00.001-04:002012-09-05T21:22:44.055-04:00Pacific NW: Victoria & Tea at The Empress<p>Helllloooo there!!!  I didn’t disappear I swear!  I was just on vacation, and leading up to vacation was craziness at work and getting ready for said vacation.  </p> <p>Brian and I went out west to Seattle to visit my mom.  She is living there temporarily for work, so that leaves us a free place to stay right in downtown Seattle!</p> <p>She also took the days off that we were there, and we had a blast exploring Seattle as well as heading to Victoria, BC for 2 days.</p> <p>I’ll do part 1 of our time in Victoria :)</p> <p>Thursday morning we took a ferry right from Seattle, through the Puget Sound and into Victoria, BC which is on Vancouver Island.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-xpHWwVs08Y0/UEf6jrBCPTI/AAAAAAAAP0w/HJfJaHs80nw/s1600-h/IMG_5054%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5054" border="0" alt="IMG_5054" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uIRY-1XGSnk/UEf6kCWAunI/AAAAAAAAP04/wlROL00Qg8o/IMG_5054_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>The ferry takes just under 3 hours, which put us in Victoria at around 10:30am!   </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-duy9quGdC0Y/UEf6ke3lKJI/AAAAAAAAP1A/zwEwVdpbbTU/s1600-h/IMG_5057%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5057" border="0" alt="IMG_5057" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-eFlLp07byhQ/UEf6k-5YVII/AAAAAAAAP1I/-HiZZfD6qUo/IMG_5057_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>That’s the Empress Hotel where we would be staying that night.  One of our top activities we wanted to do while in Victoria was the well known afternoon tea at the Empress Hotel.</p> <p>You already know mom and I love to go to afternoon tea, and we have been going <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/search/label/High%20Tea" target="_blank">every Mothers Day for years to various locations around Boston.</a>   </p> <p>After checking into the hotel, we set out to explore.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-5zF5EmPm8Iw/UEf6lUzm8wI/AAAAAAAAP1Q/cE-Bkj4rq0I/s1600-h/IMG_5061%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5061" border="0" alt="IMG_5061" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-LQp10H_qJ2w/UEf6mG2xN0I/AAAAAAAAP1Y/yKoeb_PZpTo/IMG_5061_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PiagwIcJzqs/UEf6mnksQQI/AAAAAAAAP1g/rQJ54mLJFNA/s1600-h/IMG_5067%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5067" border="0" alt="IMG_5067" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-w4jj0CMbaH0/UEf6naXGW-I/AAAAAAAAP1o/fZ2BqGyx3c8/IMG_5067_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_5zSMitRW0Y/UEf6nyBHl5I/AAAAAAAAP1w/uHUYO_Czkq4/s1600-h/IMG_5071%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5071" border="0" alt="IMG_5071" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kD-SnflFJ8k/UEf6o7h8bBI/AAAAAAAAP14/RVuXSG39sN8/IMG_5071_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Victoria is a really cute city with lots of shops and very walkable as a visitor.    </p> <p>Later on we went back to the hotel to change for tea!  This was Brian’s first afternoon tea.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Aj25E5vhmzE/UEf6pdW-tEI/AAAAAAAAP2A/4hLuyz5cqEg/s1600-h/IMG_5086%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5086" border="0" alt="IMG_5086" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zMZ9x4sRYqk/UEf6qPqCKPI/AAAAAAAAP2I/ZnFhmUWfz28/IMG_5086_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="357" height="551" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jUjnyRGe5H0/UEf6qkcYkhI/AAAAAAAAP2Q/v8SZsWGPRbM/s1600-h/IMG_5087%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5087" border="0" alt="IMG_5087" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-iIqUKKGkDn8/UEf6rBFND6I/AAAAAAAAP2Y/Z_AmieildoQ/IMG_5087_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-FmfWV5kRyOQ/UEf6r-pE7bI/AAAAAAAAP2g/yE3Pg84rp1g/s1600-h/IMG_5089%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5089" border="0" alt="IMG_5089" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-3rP6HBO58NY/UEf6sdwiP3I/AAAAAAAAP2o/lb6Z5NINq_k/IMG_5089_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lSSSshB9rHA/UEf6sw9RH-I/AAAAAAAAP2w/HFJECAqGa2s/s1600-h/IMG_5092%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5092" border="0" alt="IMG_5092" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cLtVt4cNyKI/UEf6tQgUyBI/AAAAAAAAP24/uvIjKaA8apo/IMG_5092_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a>   </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>We had the classic afternoon tea and each selected the type of tea we wanted to drink.  Mom and I both chose the Empress Blend.</p> <p>First to come out was fresh organic blueberries with whipped cream</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-boEe144wwb8/UEf6uP9aQwI/AAAAAAAAP3A/po7f9G4f-dI/s1600-h/IMG_5095%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5095" border="0" alt="IMG_5095" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MgCbfnyclFY/UEf6uisykkI/AAAAAAAAP3I/YfzVm8dJ3Vc/IMG_5095_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Tea</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lwAYYOnTOqg/UEf6vZzJOLI/AAAAAAAAP3Q/bJA5xjBXD1U/s1600-h/IMG_5096%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5096" border="0" alt="IMG_5096" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QsOWwxJCpAo/UEf6wCa5MjI/AAAAAAAAP3Y/Uh7OdszQno0/IMG_5096_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>A classic tea service generally has finger sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, and finally pastries and sweets.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0FExp_gBubs/UEf6w03_yxI/AAAAAAAAP3g/sU2na5OkLCc/s1600-h/IMG_5097%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5097" border="0" alt="IMG_5097" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XVSDs_RMvNw/UEf6xc0Wr6I/AAAAAAAAP3o/LaTGBbIq1DU/IMG_5097_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="312" height="482" /></a>   </p> <p>The tower was served with 3 each of everything.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QjlwCOoqgfI/UEf6xytokDI/AAAAAAAAP3w/t8k3zn4zpnc/s1600-h/IMG_5098%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5098" border="0" alt="IMG_5098" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-fS8PEe31t1w/UEf6ykHnnaI/AAAAAAAAP34/oK1wcYUAGXY/IMG_5098_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>From left to right:  smoked salmon, egg salad, curried chicken salad, ham and cucumber, and a sun dried tomato tapenade.</p> <p>I’ve never liked egg salad, but I actually tried it this time and wasn’t too bad!  Not crazy about it, but I liked it :)  </p> <p>My favorite was the smoked salmon.</p> <p>The best part, in my opinion,…scones</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-zPi6TyuKs58/UEf6zG0OAcI/AAAAAAAAP4A/9G2vaYGIVGA/s1600-h/IMG_5099%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5099" border="0" alt="IMG_5099" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-x0oWY-OdC4U/UEf6zoZiRpI/AAAAAAAAP4I/6EbZQHCTucY/IMG_5099_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>These were particularly delicious scones…light and fluffy with Devonshire cream and strawberry jam.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--vX6Vx3-J54/UEf60KOkGwI/AAAAAAAAP4Q/V-LRkb6pp2k/s1600-h/IMG_5100%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5100" border="0" alt="IMG_5100" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tc1nJ72odik/UEf60s_tTbI/AAAAAAAAP4Y/cgc-8IokAoo/IMG_5100_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>For the sweets we have French macarons in the back, then a pear cheesecake, in front of that is a pistachio/chocolate checkerboard cake covered in marzipan, and little lemon tartlets up front.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-o_rWQUcEwNg/UEf61mHgAnI/AAAAAAAAP4g/5by6vVvZwDk/s1600-h/IMG_5101%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5101" border="0" alt="IMG_5101" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gx5QCC6MZts/UEf62Dp4oNI/AAAAAAAAP4o/AJwCcJAOURo/IMG_5101_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>By this point I’m getting too full to finish but had to try everything.  They were all so good it’s hard to pick a favorite…although I am partial to lemon curd :)</p> <p>We all had a wonderful afternoon</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rldPTO_3t7w/UEf62vTqxsI/AAAAAAAAP4w/A-KGg-GwDig/s1600-h/IMG_5106%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5106" border="0" alt="IMG_5106" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-XxyylRTqSbI/UEf63buIaII/AAAAAAAAP44/5ZcCXo-yTvg/IMG_5106_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-19EVr9TR8Lg/UEf64Gi4jCI/AAAAAAAAP5A/FzSmNCGpFn8/s1600-h/IMG_5112%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_5112" border="0" alt="IMG_5112" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-50QynH2dDR8/UEf64jaN_bI/AAAAAAAAP5I/e5t3kQrysTI/IMG_5112_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a>    </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Can’t wait to share pictures from the Butchart Gardens and our Sea Plane ride back to Seattle…THAT was awesome.  </p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-15625328532404817802012-08-22T21:54:00.001-04:002012-08-22T21:54:46.281-04:00Meat CSA and Zucchini Noodles<p>First a little overview of the Meat CSA we joined last month, and then fun with a new kitchen toy!</p> <p>Earlier this summer I went in search of a local meat CSA.  We’ve been really trying to make a point to only buy grass-fed beef, local meats, and either organic chicken or close to it.  Luckily Whole Foods has their <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/about-our-products/quality-standards/animal-welfare-standards" target="_blank">animal welfare rating</a> which makes this a lot easier. </p> <p>I guess you could say the next step would be to try and buy local when possible!  That’s where a meat CSA comes into play.  I’m sure by now you’ve heard of Community Supported Agriculture and probably in terms of veggie shares or fruit shares.  Well a meat CSA works the same way…you purchase a “share” of the farm.</p> <p>I didn’t have a recommendation when I was looking so I went with a good old internet search, which led me to<strong> <a href="http://www.chestnutfarms.org/" target="_blank">Chestnut Farms!</a></strong></p> <p>Things I was looking for in a CSA were convenience in the pick-up location, price, and information about their farm and how the animals are raised and fed.  </p> <p>I loved this statement on their website:</p> <p><strong>“Our CSA is for people who love animals and happen to eat meat.  It is for people who want to know the farmer that raises their food and be sure that the meat they consume is humanely raised without any hormones or antibiotics.”</strong></p> <p>Couldn’t have said it better.  </p> <p>Feel free to read more about their farm and their operations on their <a href="http://www.chestnutfarms.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=62&Itemid=53" target="_blank">website!</a> </p> <p>So right now we opted for a 15lb share (the smallest they offer is 10lbs).  We figured we’d start there and if it was too much we could go down to 10.  Our first pick up was in July and the amount was pretty perfect.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rlo2raTnU4E/UDWNMtDtorI/AAAAAAAAPv8/QNfJZolKBeQ/s1600-h/IMG_4977%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4977" border="0" alt="IMG_4977" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-pIXWQ31kFbs/UDWNM7ua8YI/AAAAAAAAPwE/AsndwEfdkWk/IMG_4977_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>When you pick up your cooler you bring back the cooler from the month before.  During the pick-up they also have farm fresh eggs for sale, as well as a cooler full of “bits and pieces” that are either free or just $1…these are items like marrow bones, pork fat, bacon ends.  </p> <p>This months share:</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-lPDW6P4b8l4/UDWNNZOXzhI/AAAAAAAAPwM/fPcfSbcWN7g/s1600-h/IMG_4978%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4978" border="0" alt="IMG_4978" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-chNtZ6hlgjU/UDWNN2cv8fI/AAAAAAAAPwU/O6_eIUUr0wE/IMG_4978_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <ul> <li>a whole chicken </li> <li>chicken breasts </li> <li>3 packs of ground beef </li> <li>fresh kielbasa </li> <li>bacon </li> <li>3 packs of sirloin </li> <li>Lamb stew meat!  Excited about the lamb! </li> </ul> <p>Last month was similar except instead of lamb we got pork, and instead of bacon and kielbasas we got homemade fresh chorizo and a couple smoked chicken breasts.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HhNyMHkcIqk/UDWNOcdQj7I/AAAAAAAAPwc/a8-ISzlBRVA/s1600-h/IMG_4979%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4979" border="0" alt="IMG_4979" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8-idsIC1rfI/UDWNO-Tm22I/AAAAAAAAPwk/S-vlf8Kvaco/IMG_4979_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-toy7LOXCAzQ/UDWNPdN6_BI/AAAAAAAAPws/qg7Lsvrlw6k/s1600-h/IMG_4980%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4980" border="0" alt="IMG_4980" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7KCICP-yMSw/UDWNP5nqgFI/AAAAAAAAPw0/iRTmlO6Vjbo/IMG_4980_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Their ground beef in phenomenal.  I don’t know why it’s SO much better, but it is.  It’s grass fed, and very lean because they don’t add any fat to it.  So you need to make sure you add fat when cooking.  But the first time we made burgers with their beef they were delicious!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_ysArSX7ORY/UDWNQbDrDTI/AAAAAAAAPw8/TUWKNghaQis/s1600-h/IMG_4981%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4981" border="0" alt="IMG_4981" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-UaoUKKX-E_U/UDWNRYTI8cI/AAAAAAAAPxE/9raG_JN0_tQ/IMG_4981_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Everything is vacuum sealed and frozen and we just take out what we want when we want it.       </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The farm is located out in the middle of Massachusetts and they welcome visitors who want to check it out anytime!   I hope to visit someday soon!</p> <p>I’m also excited that they offer fresh turkeys for the holidays to shareholders!  </p> <p>Ok I think I’ve talked enough about my monthly cooler of meat :)  If you have any questions about it just ask!!</p> <p>I picked up the share yesterday and immediately took out some ground beef for dinner.  </p> <p>I also broke out a new toy…</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-O8djAS6kZMo/UDWNR0IEvCI/AAAAAAAAPxM/SOIvb9llY6c/s1600-h/IMG_4987%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4987" border="0" alt="IMG_4987" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-rts93J3HMa8/UDWNSCErG_I/AAAAAAAAPxU/uQis23HE2JQ/IMG_4987_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>My spiralizer!!  </p> <p>I bought the <a href="http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0007Y9WHQ/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=yoguandberr-20&camp=213381&creative=390973&linkCode=as4&creativeASIN=B0007Y9WHQ&adid=05WZDTP8DQ50WDQ5SWX5&&ref-refURL=http%3A%2F%2Frcm.amazon.com%2Fe%2Fcm%3Flt1%3D_blank%26bc1%3D000000%26IS2%3D1%26bg1%3DFFFFFF%26fc1%3D000000%26lc1%3D0000FF%26t%3Dyoguandberr-20%26o%3D1%26p%3D8%26l%3Das4%26m%3Damazon%26f%3Difr%26ref%3Dss_til%26asins%3DB0007Y9WHQ" target="_blank">World Cuisine Spiral Vegetable Slicer</a> from Amazon.</p> <p>First up…Zucchini!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-PRJNc80Dwd8/UDWNSr0qdyI/AAAAAAAAPxc/0gnP4jKKZx4/s1600-h/IMG_4988%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4988" border="0" alt="IMG_4988" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ZrH9c8lwXFQ/UDWNTE6l_-I/AAAAAAAAPxk/HxhD_mVBTWM/IMG_4988_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vwSgdEFBrhE/UDWNTpklFBI/AAAAAAAAPxs/3nl9Tiouilc/s1600-h/IMG_4989%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4989" border="0" alt="IMG_4989" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3i-wNusigrk/UDWNUNm-GYI/AAAAAAAAPx0/tFAMQWcc38M/IMG_4989_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F9o89MB6Bbg/UDWNUh_gDyI/AAAAAAAAPx8/BxnyEN9AxIo/s1600-h/IMG_4991%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4991" border="0" alt="IMG_4991" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-BUKpFwpXuIY/UDWNVIL8clI/AAAAAAAAPyE/nc24Fm1xa0c/IMG_4991_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>SO EASY!!  Seriously took 20 seconds to turn a whole zucchini into noodles!</p> <p>I also whipped up a Bolognese-type sauce</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iOJCFmKZIKI/UDWNV_EG9QI/AAAAAAAAPyM/T5YgyvAJe3c/s1600-h/IMG_4986%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4986" border="0" alt="IMG_4986" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bCrCqXjpS6A/UDWNWTBT38I/AAAAAAAAPyU/KATc-wMXhtE/IMG_4986_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <ul> <li>Sautéed onions and garlic in a little coconut oil</li> <li>added 1 chopped carrot</li> <li>add ground beef (little over 1 lb)</li> <li>1 can tomato paste mixed in</li> <li>about 1 cup water/chicken broth/white wine</li> <li>salt/pepper/herbs and spices of your choice</li> <li>simmer</li> <li>stirred in a little half & half at the end :)</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hF9-gg7Byyc/UDWNW9gfKoI/AAAAAAAAPyc/tvktiheL-z4/s1600-h/IMG_4992%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4992" border="0" alt="IMG_4992" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-AA3mSRMmk8s/UDWNXSElq5I/AAAAAAAAPyk/EPZglRUy2pU/IMG_4992_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p> I added a pinch of nutmeg to the sauce which made it awesome btw.  Try it.  </p> <p>For the noodles, I just sautéed them in a little olive oil for just 1-2 minutes just to heat…they barely need to be cooked.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-sCvgm5JI70U/UDWNX7YB9wI/AAAAAAAAPys/gt2nM2UQERQ/s1600-h/IMG_4996%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4996" border="0" alt="IMG_4996" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TJiZxd9yvf0/UDWNYRQhDvI/AAAAAAAAPy0/Gjl0IZUX2wg/IMG_4996_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rIeJvJlfa7Q/UDWNY7EGhoI/AAAAAAAAPy8/BC4O29XukQI/s1600-h/IMG_4998%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4998" border="0" alt="IMG_4998" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Y08tUvWp6KA/UDWNZVWVAJI/AAAAAAAAPzE/VfufV56cN_g/IMG_4998_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Love at first bite :)</p> <p> <strong>Do you belong to any CSA’s??</strong>  I always mean to sign up for a veggie one, but never do…plus paying it all upfront makes it a hard one to swallow at the time.  I pay each month with the meat.</p> <p><strong>Ideas for that fresh kielbasa?????</strong></p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-24866278177401938872012-08-19T21:56:00.001-04:002012-08-19T21:56:50.873-04:00Some Local Action<p>Lots of great LOCAL things this weekend!  Including our dinner tonight!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-_1Q-Z9ak5bw/UDGZK3OS9LI/AAAAAAAAPrc/UfAdUHC2D30/s1600-h/IMG_4973%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4973" border="0" alt="IMG_4973" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Vt8ROeoacT0/UDGZLSqz74I/AAAAAAAAPrk/_mYyDzcZbwE/IMG_4973_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Roasted chicken from our meat CSA.  We just started this CSA last month through <a href="http://www.chestnutfarms.org/" target="_blank">Chestnut Farm</a>, and I’ll tell you a lot more about it later this week after we pick up this month’s share this week!  </p> <p>Red leaf lettuce and corn from the Farmer’s Market this morning.  The corn was super sweet and I wish we had bought more!  Luckily I have access to various Farmer’s Markets during the week in Boston.  Sometimes I like to swing through at lunch time.</p> <p>Even the homemade croutons were made from Sour Dough bread from <a href="http://www.slowrise.com/bakery/bakery.php" target="_blank">Nashoba Brook Bakery</a> out of West Concord, MA.  So far this is the only <strong>TRUE sourdough</strong> we can find at Whole Foods (or any of our grocery stores around here).  Even the Whole Foods bakery sourdough has yeast and an added acetic agent.  If you want traditional sourdough bread…which is generally easier to digest because of the fermentation, then it should have basically 2 ingredients….flour and water. Maybe salt.  But NO yeast!!  The yeast is created by a starter of water and flour which creates its own wild yeast.  </p> <p>I digress…. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zDMSj9n__9E/UDGZL98zZ4I/AAAAAAAAPrs/tHYcGKFppZI/s1600-h/IMG_4972%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4972" border="0" alt="IMG_4972" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-viqR_q72Mpk/UDGZMrhwmkI/AAAAAAAAPr0/rdMukgO0_Vg/IMG_4972_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>The chicken was made using my favorite recipe…Thomas Keller’s <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/My-Favorite-Simple-Roast-Chicken-231348" target="_blank">Simple Roast Chicken</a>.  It’s just the best.   Last time I roasted a chicken I even went back to my previous “go-to” recipe (Barefoot Conetessa’s), but it just wasn’t the same.  Plus this is the SIMPLEST recipe ever.  The high heat + chicken fat can cause some smoke in the oven but this time we put a foil lined cookie sheet underneath to help :)   </p> <p>It’s SO worth it for that crispy skin!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-k425ArxOlZ8/UDGZNP-SXvI/AAAAAAAAPr8/Q1pS8Fl_Qh8/s1600-h/IMG_4976%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4976" border="0" alt="IMG_4976" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8KNQKCL3qz8/UDGZN07GLdI/AAAAAAAAPsE/aouFHOiF8NA/IMG_4976_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>The corn was grilled.  And the croutons were made last minute by cutting up 2 slices of bread into cubes, heating about 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet, and toasting the bread!  Mmmm buttery grilled bread.</p> <p>I also whipped up a quick vinaigrette of olive oil, red wine vinegar, white wine vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, and dill.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-jRfo2WSVLEg/UDGZOUqJz4I/AAAAAAAAPsM/FaX3ABnBud4/s1600-h/IMG_4975%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4975" border="0" alt="IMG_4975" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-UL4_avF5QuI/UDGZOxp9BkI/AAAAAAAAPsU/hzWZizoVipY/IMG_4975_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>  Dinner was simply awesome.</p> <p>Earlier in the day we had another Farmer’s Market find of an heirloom “pineapple” tomato, made into caprese salad with basil from our garden.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-19tHxjiBMO4/UDGZPXMsLQI/AAAAAAAAPsc/KYNoWcZg0tA/s1600-h/IMG_4967%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4967" border="0" alt="IMG_4967" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wcyxwglj88A/UDGZQP97h9I/AAAAAAAAPsk/Bt8LxO1KZcs/IMG_4967_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ySMfby-eQ8M/UDGZQT_owBI/AAAAAAAAPss/1TUQIfopl84/s1600-h/IMG_4969%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4969" border="0" alt="IMG_4969" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3_8PC0NelMY/UDGZRSppcCI/AAAAAAAAPs0/R81o9lZTsqY/IMG_4969_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> Brian and I devoured this.</p> <p>In other Local fun…the <a href="http://healthylivingsummit.com/" target="_blank">Healthy Living Summit</a> was this weekend!!  </p> <p>I had purchased a ticket, but ended up only being able to come for the cocktail party + Saturday morning, but I still had a great time!</p> <p>The conference was at the Hyatt on Memorial Drive in Cambridge which I actually had never been to before!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8FkgN1Mh0ig/UDGZSHQdJMI/AAAAAAAAPs4/y3ujZ-yJZ3Y/s1600-h/IMG_3193%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3193" border="0" alt="IMG_3193" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-F3eQSPdKLfg/UDGZSw_n9hI/AAAAAAAAPtE/plZzQZWXXwM/IMG_3193_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="346" height="477" /></a>   <br />view of Boston from across the Charles River taken from the glass elevator inside the hotel!</p> <p>Got ready for the cocktail party<a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ERabXNeDKTA/UDGZTlfkrmI/AAAAAAAAPtM/n_c8dwKDytM/s1600-h/IMG_3194%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3194" border="0" alt="IMG_3194" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1GfDSTU-pY4/UDGZUJrUfdI/AAAAAAAAPtU/WmglxnUEA_U/IMG_3194_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="343" height="473" /></a> </p> <p>Reunited with my HLS 2011 roomie <a href="http://ontapfortoday.com/" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a> who planned the whole cocktail party!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-dOYObXHXuSc/UDGZUoFHwuI/AAAAAAAAPtc/5AfbGD4NbZo/s1600-h/IMG_3196%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3196" border="0" alt="IMG_3196" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-fRcdOeaDN24/UDGZVB3AqdI/AAAAAAAAPtk/aUH2R2dryBY/IMG_3196_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a> </p> <p>She did a bang up job.  And we had fun with the photo booth props during a little Reach the Beach reunion…</p> <p><a href="http://carrotsncake.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_0315-563x750.jpg"><img title="IMG_0315 (563x750)" border="0" alt="IMG_0315 (563x750)" src="http://carrotsncake.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_0315-563x750_thumb.jpg" width="454" height="604" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://carrotsncake.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_0313-750x563.jpg"><img title="IMG_0313 (750x563)" border="0" alt="IMG_0313 (750x563)" src="http://carrotsncake.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/IMG_0313-750x563_thumb.jpg" width="569" height="428" /></a> <br />(above 2 photos from <a href="http://carrotsncake.com/" target="_blank">Tina</a>)</p> <p> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-j0BzhysyHNk/UDGZVUwoHQI/AAAAAAAAPts/BzR5m2JYUq8/s1600-h/IMG_0877_thumb%25255B1%25255D%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_0877_thumb[1]" border="0" alt="IMG_0877_thumb[1]" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Kfa1RLVbf1U/UDGZWIc9-oI/AAAAAAAAPt0/x55uOpsh840/IMG_0877_thumb%25255B1%25255D_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="498" height="390" /></a> </p> <p>(above photo from <a href="http://www.healthyhappierbear.com/" target="_blank">Ashley</a>)</p> <p>The night ended with some quality roomie bonding over my first ever Room Service!</p> <p>Yes we pulled the cart between our beds :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-6akePefFh40/UDGZW_G7iWI/AAAAAAAAPt4/LpFmsC3QYbA/s1600-h/IMG_3199%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3199" border="0" alt="IMG_3199" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-INEUwd0S-9k/UDGZXVuf5aI/AAAAAAAAPuE/KOE2FuYRsVY/IMG_3199_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>As I mentioned before I had to cut my HLS short this year…because my friend’s daughter was turning 1!!</p> <p>I mean who could resist this face…</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-NhrGQ9-mcWY/UDGZX0DGXsI/AAAAAAAAPuM/vT8bxf5YmvM/s1600-h/IMG_3207%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3207" border="0" alt="IMG_3207" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-tOCLZ7Uyizk/UDGZYVO5yNI/AAAAAAAAPuU/ypLb5RCQfKg/IMG_3207_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="302" height="416" /></a>  </p> <p>Concluding with a stop at the new <a href="http://www.premiumoutlets.com/outlets/outlet.asp?id=101" target="_blank">Merrimack Premium Outlets</a> and my weekend has come full circle :)</p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-76686005260929485542012-08-12T22:32:00.001-04:002012-08-12T22:32:31.924-04:00A Celebration Weekend<p>It was an eventful, yet happy and celebratory weekend!</p> <p>Saturday I had a friend’s baby shower…and there’s nothing cuter than seeing all the cute baby clothes.</p> <p>And on Sunday I celebrated another friend’s Bridal Shower, AND my aunt and uncle’s 60th birthdays!!</p> <p>This morning I headed down to my blog-friend-turned-real-friend <a href="http://www.ontapfortoday.com" target="_blank">Elizabeth’s</a> bridal shower!!</p> <p>She is getting married in November, and today her bridesmaids threw her a beautiful shower down at her family’s house.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-If1PHvj7wc0/UChnC1Mu_4I/AAAAAAAAPmQ/jFDXV_ifEoc/s1600-h/IMG_4926%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4926" border="0" alt="IMG_4926" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-tCvmhWw8_WA/UChnDV0RoBI/AAAAAAAAPmY/Gfn_EjN61rY/IMG_4926_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>There were lots of gifts</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ajx8jMOlwls/UChnD9CZxgI/AAAAAAAAPmg/erwxpAQrlHY/s1600-h/IMG_4928%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4928" border="0" alt="IMG_4928" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-cyV39wAUqPI/UChnEd7rxBI/AAAAAAAAPmo/ak1KpbiVtLM/IMG_4928_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Good food</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-swmowuFhge4/UChnEpxklPI/AAAAAAAAPmw/vxemTXUsM8U/s1600-h/IMG_4930%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4930" border="0" alt="IMG_4930" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Tdkptshc0YM/UChnFXCTpNI/AAAAAAAAPm4/Bmv2hmZAZhA/IMG_4930_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>And adorable cupcakes</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-HDtbHuHggfU/UChnFh5QGSI/AAAAAAAAPnA/-fJWi-w6XZI/s1600-h/IMG_4933%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4933" border="0" alt="IMG_4933" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RIJi33h-XcA/UChnGLxQFBI/AAAAAAAAPnI/2fawfH-gaf4/IMG_4933_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>I was also the first winner at Bridal Bingo!  Booya!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-z47_K_dAGow/UChnGpiNB9I/AAAAAAAAPnQ/PuUSQ_c3ISs/s1600-h/IMG_3180%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3180" border="0" alt="IMG_3180" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XR1zzLKoWog/UChnHAKmWwI/AAAAAAAAPnY/kSvjYyfiaJs/IMG_3180_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://carrotsncake.com/" target="_blank">Tina</a>, <a href="http://ontapfortoday.com/" target="_blank">Elizabeth</a>, and Me :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-WeRjMUaWTSI/UChnHjr7R1I/AAAAAAAAPng/YyVMo4y0rUk/s1600-h/IMG_3182%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3182" border="0" alt="IMG_3182" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BCzodjYQ1sE/UChnH53UkrI/AAAAAAAAPno/n99gcCXFGwQ/IMG_3182_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="351" height="484" /></a> </p> <p>I can’t wait for their big day!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hEzVC1cgcy4/UChnIpZrLxI/AAAAAAAAPnw/ArDBpqbmCjU/s1600-h/IMG_4929%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4929" border="0" alt="IMG_4929" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-y3fX94LvkTI/UChnI08rBaI/AAAAAAAAPn4/RIm11AxtZyM/IMG_4929_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Straight from the shower, I headed to my aunt and uncle’s house for a birthday bash that my cousins threw for them!</p> <p>No lack of amazing food…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-oPyu_oIwESw/UChnJX3oe9I/AAAAAAAAPoA/FccrMhzI-FM/s1600-h/IMG_4940%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4940" border="0" alt="IMG_4940" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-K-1kLzvU4NM/UChnJhGm8mI/AAAAAAAAPoI/E1Q4vZrMwFI/IMG_4940_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-W6U-I7SIiVg/UChnKCN_LWI/AAAAAAAAPoQ/ca-8nfxRIr4/s1600-h/IMG_4941%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4941" border="0" alt="IMG_4941" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KZFKzGYyDDQ/UChnKvst2HI/AAAAAAAAPoY/FRDJvGWDqMY/IMG_4941_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Fresh figs on Dubliner cheese…awesome combination!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-axz8_7IsoMo/UChnLKx65gI/AAAAAAAAPog/OPMGLfQAfh0/s1600-h/IMG_4946%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4946" border="0" alt="IMG_4946" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-JFFZYVDHFnE/UChnLfjhRaI/AAAAAAAAPoo/hh-mDCZgVU8/IMG_4946_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-SnLPzCr_1Lo/UChnL55uKUI/AAAAAAAAPow/6x6-o_iZMVk/s1600-h/IMG_4944%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4944" border="0" alt="IMG_4944" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-mdwLNq7poxI/UChnMbifkiI/AAAAAAAAPo4/GgyzycAgTPw/IMG_4944_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Giant bowl of tomato & mozzarella salad!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-s4ky__NKMyg/UChnMvD3blI/AAAAAAAAPpA/yoUb4WGKQQk/s1600-h/IMG_4943%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4943" border="0" alt="IMG_4943" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YQ0fkk_IRoM/UChnNO1aCqI/AAAAAAAAPpI/K4joARCV_-U/IMG_4943_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>The main dish…Lobster Rolls…tons and tons of lobster rolls</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-o3D0BH8Re9Y/UChnNnBkoZI/AAAAAAAAPpQ/n_I8Lg7kbjY/s1600-h/IMG_4939%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4939" border="0" alt="IMG_4939" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-1GGfmpM7h9Y/UChnOB33RQI/AAAAAAAAPpY/p4S_lrgpQfM/IMG_4939_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>On hot buttery rolls.  Drooling just looking at the picture now.  I had one, and then split another with Brian later.</p> <p>But I think my FAVORITE dish of the day was this <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mexican-Seafood-Cocktail-231992" target="_blank">Mexican Seafood Cocktail</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-VOadK1d1XA0/UChnOW4VrtI/AAAAAAAAPpg/3gAMnISghNQ/s1600-h/IMG_4938%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4938" border="0" alt="IMG_4938" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-hqH8L9CS_-g/UChnO043MtI/AAAAAAAAPpo/Wz9carLpVn8/IMG_4938_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>It was similar to a cold gazpacho, but it had lots of crab meat, shrimp, and big chunks of avocado!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-u5FHlKaLQ2Y/UChnPUL52YI/AAAAAAAAPpw/jK-yHcuiUwU/s1600-h/IMG_4934%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4934" border="0" alt="IMG_4934" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2SjT05wNEjU/UChnPsHKV1I/AAAAAAAAPp4/oNDaGvb23o8/IMG_4934_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>SOOooo delicious.  The recipe is here on <a href="http://www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/Mexican-Seafood-Cocktail-231992" target="_blank">Epicurious</a>, and I NEED to make this soon!!        </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>There was also two huge Pavlovas for dessert (<em>giant meringue topped with fresh whipped cream and strawberries)</em>,  along with a pink champagne birthday cake!   </p> <p>It was a fun and delicious afternoon with family!</p> <p>This weekend flew by, and sadly work tomorrow!   </p> <p><strong>Question… what’s you’re favorite meal to make in the heat of the summer??</strong>  I feel like I’ve had less and less meals to post on here because I’m just not cooking as much or as creatively in this hot summer heat!! </p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-51903695971233496552012-08-06T22:04:00.001-04:002012-08-06T22:04:01.779-04:00Maine + Friends + Concert + Lobster<p>I had a crazy fun weekend in one of my favorite places and want to give you guys the slightly abbreviated re-cap.  I didn't bring my real camera with me, so iPhone/instagram will have to do. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gf8hKEB0M8g/UCB3VM5ZnpI/AAAAAAAAPg0/AbGgZzE7_lQ/s1600-h/IMG_3151%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3151" border="0" alt="IMG_3151" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-03sR32lYFZI/UCB3VvtsukI/AAAAAAAAPg8/QXpk_GcpB6E/IMG_3151_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a> </p> <p>It started after work Friday with a little work event at the <a href="http://www.harpoonbrewery.com/index.cfm?pid=28487" target="_blank"><font size="3">Harpoon Brewery</font></a> down in the Seaport area.  I actually can't believe I haven't been here before.  We didn't do a tour, but our group and another private group had one of their tasting rooms where you can just hang out and sample as many beers as you want in the hour and a half time frame...they were nice and let us stay till 7:15 instead of 7 :). They had about 12 beers on tap to try. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-65XZCSv48yM/UCB3WCNLbWI/AAAAAAAAPhE/LEv1IrulYUM/s1600-h/IMG_3149%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3149" border="0" alt="IMG_3149" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cxgON3qxuTw/UCB3Wv8Q8oI/AAAAAAAAPhM/1yYaMmv9duo/IMG_3149_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a> </p> <p>First up for me was the <strong>UFO Pumpkin</strong>!  I know some people are all "noooo, too soon for pumpkin!" but I am not one of them.  It's getting to that time during the summer where <em><strong>I can't WAIT for fall</strong></em>.  I remember enjoying UFO's pumpkin last year and it was just as delicious this year.  I also tried their barrel aged White IPA, their Cider (which was actually amazing, and I didn't think I was a big cider fan), the Leviathan series Red Squared, and finished off the evening back at Pumpkin. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M0CiMxDj-AI/UCB3WwIU7tI/AAAAAAAAPhU/TOMihFsX5zc/s1600-h/IMG_3150%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3150" border="0" alt="IMG_3150" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-qCgDRHphTfE/UCB3Xf21_rI/AAAAAAAAPhc/Ri_pQ-GFZ54/IMG_3150_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="301" height="414" /></a> <br /><em>The Red Squared was good, but I could only handle a small taste…very strong, and somewhat bitter.</em>  </p> <p>I'd definitely recommend going there and doing the tour! Then you can sample the beers after.  While my co-workers headed down Seaport Blvd to continue the evening, Brian picked me up and we headed to <a href="http://www.toddenglish.com/" target="_blank">Olives</a> in Charlestown for my best friend's birthday dinner! </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WofET-HYYCE/UCB3XzYE8YI/AAAAAAAAPhk/shzaRwz340E/s1600-h/IMG_3152%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3152" border="0" alt="IMG_3152" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-il-lEzlGUoI/UCB3YQay0TI/AAAAAAAAPhs/q-jSA5UZy9Q/IMG_3152_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a><em>Blurry :(</em></p> <p>I hadn't been to Olives since 2007 but it was just as good as I remember...although I hope their AC compressor arrives because it was quite humid and uncomfortable in there that night. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_lu-Cai5i1I/UCB3YwV1LoI/AAAAAAAAPh0/LUNSV4_CaSY/s1600-h/image%25255B2%25255D.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="image" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oBxDeaDbobs/UCB3ZkypwfI/AAAAAAAAPh8/rDAkByPtoMk/image_thumb.png?imgmax=800" width="271" height="361" /></a> </p> <p>The next morning Brian, Bromley, and I hopped in the car and headed north....destination: Portland, ME. </p> <p>A group of friends and I got tickets to the <a href="http://gentlemenoftheroad.com/" target="_blank">Gentlemen of the Road</a> show, being headlined by Mumford & Sons in Portland. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-j4mJXz8GF0A/UCB3aXcDMII/AAAAAAAAPiE/WvWXb7hWpCE/s1600-h/IMG_3162%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3162" border="0" alt="IMG_3162" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OZSjAveFCIY/UCB3az1FpBI/AAAAAAAAPiM/hew2YTN7Qbo/IMG_3162_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a> </p> <p>We ended up stopping on the way up in Portsmouth for a late breakfast/early lunch. </p> <p>Iced coffee from Breaking New Grounds and a salad from The Works. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h-YgrR88Kaw/UCB3bG-rEeI/AAAAAAAAPiU/JDDzhBC98BA/s1600-h/IMG_3158%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3158" border="0" alt="IMG_3158" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-XcSjPUUac4c/UCB3bn5IecI/AAAAAAAAPic/aioH-n2tlYo/IMG_3158_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qxRoebtR8JU/UCB3cfDYdqI/AAAAAAAAPik/4r9kUxkYLDs/s1600-h/IMG_3157%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3157" border="0" alt="IMG_3157" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rUy7_yHribU/UCB3crEb5RI/AAAAAAAAPis/mwigst3QFcw/IMG_3157_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>Hit the spot. </p> <p>We then continued another hour north to Portland.  I didn't have a dog-sitter, so we took Bromley and stayed at my friends house who lives about 10min from Portland.  It was nice not having to pay for a hotel, not worry about the dog, and relax before the show! </p> <p>My friend and a few others were biking over from her boyfriends office, but dropped us off less than 2miles from the venue.  The concert had a <strong>bicycle valet</strong> to encourage people to ride over!! How cool is that?! </p> <p>It was a pretty warm and humid days but being along the coast made it much more bearable.  Brian and I walked through The Old Port and then down the bike path that runs along the bay.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4wSM84W41us/UCB3dWmkTyI/AAAAAAAAPi0/-M0IOJ_lD3c/s1600-h/IMG_3159%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3159" border="0" alt="IMG_3159" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1aUUFs4LWKw/UCB3doEzxYI/AAAAAAAAPi8/BfsTet0b-0I/IMG_3159_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-_OtoyLpnq-M/UCB3eO-cOtI/AAAAAAAAPjE/Thr0I_vKKSE/s1600-h/IMG_3160%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3160" border="0" alt="IMG_3160" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-OSkZQ3tzbJE/UCB3ehc2MfI/AAAAAAAAPjM/RPJgjQGgz_M/IMG_3160_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="361" /></a>  </p> <p>We had lovely views on the walk over.  </p> <p>Then we arrived!  The concert took place on the Eastern Promenade which is a big grassy hill overlooking the Bay.  The area was gorgeous with the ocean in the background of the stages.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-lDBTVE20-4Y/UCB3fLcjXSI/AAAAAAAAPjU/MKca4s7NMqc/s1600-h/IMG_3163%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3163" border="0" alt="IMG_3163" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-4JlhD_UYUBs/UCB3fZ00JyI/AAAAAAAAPjc/tuwkTseK-1s/IMG_3163_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>This was the biggest concert that the city of Portland has had here, so it was a big deal for everyone around the area.  Plus there were a bunch of bars/restaurants that hosted after-parties.  It’s a perfect area for something like this…very walkable.  </p> <p>It was a big insane inside if you wanted a beer or food.  They had a TON of different food vendors…all the food truck companies in the City!!  However the lines were ridiculous and I was SOOO happy we ate beforehand.  </p> <p>The beer lines were also a bit crazy, but they actually went faster than they looked.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-c7MBlX0qNSk/UCB3f6QRntI/AAAAAAAAPjk/OqbBwY651bU/s1600-h/IMG_3165%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3165" border="0" alt="IMG_3165" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-KxSct3ZfMJY/UCB3gefp2eI/AAAAAAAAPjs/VU41B-FjyBw/IMG_3165_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://www.shipyard.com/" target="_blank">Shipyard</a> and <a href="http://www.grittys.com/" target="_blank">Gritty’s</a> were the two beer sponsors….yay for good beer at a concert!    </p> <p>We arrived around 5 (show started at 2 but there were 6 bands).  I don’t know who was playing when we first arrived, but once we got settled we saw Dawes…who I hadn’t actually heard of, but they were really good!  </p> <p>Then a surprise short set by The Dropkick Murphy’s!  They were playing a separate after-show at a nearby theater, so this wasn’t expected!  Very cool!!</p> <p>Then Mumford came on!  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Vu0Ot-5wHJs/UCB3g_CvuBI/AAAAAAAAPj0/CU5_geAnNJY/s1600-h/IMG_3168%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3168" border="0" alt="IMG_3168" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Muc_8pNcSWA/UCB3haICzjI/AAAAAAAAPj8/NpPW4QMNY8U/IMG_3168_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>Honestly, going into the concert I was a fan, but not really a huge fan…I liked their songs, but didn’t actually even have the album…woops.  Well that is all changing, because I thought they were phenomenal!  They sounded amazing and I realized I  like a lot more of their songs than I thought.</p> <p>Here’s a little snip-it from “Little Lion Man” which was the 2nd song they played.</p> <iframe height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/r9OS4hkjXnQ" frameborder="0" width="560" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen"></iframe> <blockquote></blockquote> <p> Sorry, wish I recorded longer!!</p> <p>It got dark as they continued…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cbunBSHZXJo/UCB3h-ne0GI/AAAAAAAAPkE/xdzZKmfQwZQ/s1600-h/IMG_3171%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3171" border="0" alt="IMG_3171" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BzVPge7f3rY/UCB3iF6UD4I/AAAAAAAAPkM/kWTtDqbK0jI/IMG_3171_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>It was just a really nice night, awesome concert, gorgeous venue, and one of my favorite places.</p> <p>  The next morning, Brian and I headed back into the Old Port for brunch.</p> <p>We went to <a href="http://www.farmerstablemaine.com/" target="_blank">The Farmers Table</a>, and luckily snagged a table outside.</p> <p>So guess who likes runny egg yolks now????  THIS GIRL!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-dCE3DCpYUGU/UCB3iuGHk3I/AAAAAAAAPkU/oKP2mY71Ufs/s1600-h/IMG_3172%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3172" border="0" alt="IMG_3172" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-wGMi5XKr9kA/UCB3jLlIvjI/AAAAAAAAPkc/msCpmTV5F1w/IMG_3172_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>I only JUST recently started to like them and am SO happy about it!  I don’t know what it was but they grossed me out.  Actually I didn’t even really like eggs at all until some point late in college.  And even then only eggs with “stuff” in them like omelets or scrambles with veggies and cheese.  </p> <p>So when I recently made that yummy sweet potato hash….remember?  I just KNEW it would be the perfect time to try it out.  Delish.  </p> <p>So, to get back to this weekend..that was my first time EVER ordering eggs Benedict with actual poached eggs.  This Benedict had thick Canadian bacon, sliced tomato, arugula, the egg, and hollandaise.  Loved it.</p> <p>Brian had their braised brisket and sweet potato hash with over-easy eggs and hollandaise.  Also amazing.</p> <p>And if that wasn’t a good enough food weekend<em><strong> (I should mention we grabbed some apps at Fore Street after the concert, and stopped at Two Fat Cats bakery earlier in the day as well)….</strong></em> </p> <p>We stopped by a fish market and grabbed 4 lobsters to bring home.  </p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-wPH9-IcHbgA/UCB3jjS9vyI/AAAAAAAAPkk/KzeUZVX2HJ0/s1600-h/IMG_3174%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_3174" border="0" alt="IMG_3174" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Mob6MX13GT0/UCB3kGf9d7I/AAAAAAAAPks/dKaLSwPV0cc/IMG_3174_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a></p> <p>Lobster Feast.   </p> <p>Top Notch weekend right there!  </p> <p><strong><em>Have you ever been to “all day” type concerts/festivals??</em></strong>  This wasn’t exactly all day…and honestly I don’t know how people sit out in the heat for entire days!!  We were there for about 4-5 hours and that was PLENTY! </p> <p>Also if you live in New England, or anywhere for that matter, and haven’t been to Portland, ME….GO!!  </p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-5845254169235106092012-08-02T21:49:00.001-04:002012-08-02T21:49:24.627-04:00Willow Tree Farm: Chicken Pie!<p>For some reason, chicken pot pies are never something I think of making, or even buying for that matter.   I don't know why though, they are the epitome of comfort food, and it let's you have "pie" for dinner! </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ZbVvE7Mc7q4/UBsuAc4Yl0I/AAAAAAAAPdQ/DTF7F5CGtvM/s1600-h/IMG_4886%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4886" border="0" alt="IMG_4886" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gJhqc_JXVSQ/UBsuA1pH3VI/AAAAAAAAPdY/TO1m105G3mA/IMG_4886_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Recently, the nice people at <a href="http://www.willowtreefarm.com/" target="_blank">Willow Tree Farm</a> asked if I'd like to try out their chicken pot pies to review, and I gladly accepted.  Willow Tree is a local family owned and operated company out of Attleboro, MA specializing in chicken...especially chicken pies and chicken salad. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WsxDXVzqfZw/UBsuBQebc8I/AAAAAAAAPdg/vK6W7GzbQf8/s1600-h/IMG_4888%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4888" border="0" alt="IMG_4888" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9h4ebG_d3yk/UBsuB8oBLQI/AAAAAAAAPdo/LiRSUreXfag/IMG_4888_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>In most grocery stores around New England you can find their chicken pies in the freezer section and their chicken salad at the deli. </p> <p>I selected their Chicken Pie with vegetables which had carrots, peas, and green beans. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-9axm5gZDFFM/UBsuCX2n_BI/AAAAAAAAPdw/GlxpRnHYm60/s1600-h/IMG_4890%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4890" border="0" alt="IMG_4890" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-mejOGDrE80g/UBsuC_hkBGI/AAAAAAAAPd4/JblDFutJ2zY/IMG_4890_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>With the heat we've been experiencing around here this summer, I was holding out for a "cooler" day to turn the oven on for this meal.  My wish finally came true this past Sunday when we had a nice day in the 70's ;) </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-HbJUzdw_BUw/UBsuDUFHdGI/AAAAAAAAPeA/f4xJ4Lp_9BM/s1600-h/IMG_4892%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4892" border="0" alt="IMG_4892" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-8K2wKiWsS6Y/UBsuD0AUxiI/AAAAAAAAPeI/Fn06Sfk0Gfw/IMG_4892_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Preparation is simple, place the pie on a baking sheet and bake for 1hr 15min.  I took the suggestion on the box to brush the crust with milk first to give it a nice golden brown finish. </p> <p>Before we knew it, dinner was ready.  We had simple side salads to go with our meal.  The pie technically has 3 servings but if it's your main course I would say it feeds 2...we had no problem eating the whole thing. </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KwoYYXmLzwU/UBsuEem3dCI/AAAAAAAAPeQ/2G7iSQRIJT4/s1600-h/IMG_4898%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4898" border="0" alt="IMG_4898" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bc5W-ktaXLI/UBsuE0V6RyI/AAAAAAAAPeY/qs4g_AHwb_0/IMG_4898_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Unlike some chicken pot pies this one only has a top crust which I really like!  Most of the time I feel like the bottom crust is just a filler and gets soggy anyways...this also keeps the calories down a bit. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-cMUTqcCKxCQ/UBsuFOvbhMI/AAAAAAAAPeg/e9m9UFk257A/s1600-h/IMG_4901%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4901" border="0" alt="IMG_4901" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3EOTUTwPEqI/UBsuFmjbnYI/AAAAAAAAPeo/aRt2624Qd8Y/IMG_4901_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/--npi1UtEVis/UBsuGVpNGlI/AAAAAAAAPew/zZrZRBl0nJw/s1600-h/IMG_4902%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4902" border="0" alt="IMG_4902" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-O2cXWTcYaS4/UBsuG0NQTlI/AAAAAAAAPe4/pq_beY8GJv8/IMG_4902_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>I really enjoyed the big hunks of white meat, and the filling was nice and salty...in a good way, at least I thought so.  The crust was crisp and golden brown..good, but not as tender and flaky as it could of been. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3FohU0CzCoU/UBsuHajgLlI/AAAAAAAAPfA/Z84o72NOy80/s1600-h/IMG_4905%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4905" border="0" alt="IMG_4905" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-pVDWYEPLJnQ/UBsuH0d5iBI/AAAAAAAAPfI/DWBfiluIZxE/IMG_4905_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>I'd love to see them make a pie with just real butter and/or olive oil, instead of the shortening and soy or palm oils, but that would be my only gripe. </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Xbful4jOTJI/UBsuIZWUFAI/AAAAAAAAPfQ/-W9566Uz8QM/s1600-h/IMG_4903%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4903" border="0" alt="IMG_4903" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2POigr3bk1I/UBsuI8stibI/AAAAAAAAPfY/JvBBsG26-Mk/IMG_4903_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p> This would be a perfect meal for a brisk fall or winter day when you want something homemade but don't have the time.  Throw one of these pies in the oven, go do your other tasks around the house, and dinner's ready! </p> <p>If you live in the area you can also check the <a href="http://www.willowtreefarm.com/about-our-retail-store" target="_blank">Willow Tree Farm retail store</a>  in Attleboro where they that pies, chicken salad and so much more!  I love their seafood salad and wish I could eat it more often, and they also make an awesome buffalo chicken dip which I ate copious amounts of at a friends house on Superbowl Sunday :) </p> <p>They also have fresh turkeys you can order for the holidays...<a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2010/11/different-morning-thanksgiving-preview.html" target="_blank">my "house Thanksgiving"</a> 2 years ago used a Willow Tree bird and it was delicious. </p> <p>Big thanks to Willow Tree Farm for providing me with the chicken pie! </p> <p><em>Disclaimer: I received a coupon for a free chicken pie, but all opinions are always my own.</em></p> <p><strong>Do you rely on frozen meals sometimes??</strong>  As much as I love cooking everything homemade as often as I can…I also have to be realistic in that I keep my schedule pretty jam packed which leaves very little time for dinner some nights.  However, when I do by frozen foods I always makes sure the ingredient list is good and not filled with crap or chemicals :)  </p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-41381562255213692192012-07-22T22:16:00.001-04:002012-07-22T22:16:46.120-04:00Grillin' = Eggplant + Tomato + Goat Cheese<p>During the summer heat, most of our meals around here consist of some type of protein and some vegetable…on the grill.  We have an AC in our house, but when its <em>really</em> hot, and that has been most of the time around here, the last thing I feel like doing is cooking indoors.</p> <p>Luckily, I think most everything tastes amazing fresh off the grill so I’m not complaining.  </p> <p>The dilemma I’m usually faced with is what seasonings to use to make tonight's dinner different from last nights.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-jpvetcme1VY/UAyz7M01VxI/AAAAAAAAPa8/I5TV27z7rEQ/s1600-h/IMG_4805%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4805" border="0" alt="IMG_4805" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-yYLgAmnlff0/UAyz7nBpJsI/AAAAAAAAPbE/V92bjUAiQ_4/IMG_4805_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Fish is super easy when you grill it in foil!  This was a pieces of wild Alaskan salmon with lemon, capers, and herbs.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XA8LASHiXo8/UAyz8Nm7dEI/AAAAAAAAPbM/AdrFgMQllSY/s1600-h/IMG_4809%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4809" border="0" alt="IMG_4809" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3LlAwXD9ly8/UAyz8bPq5wI/AAAAAAAAPbU/EFWyofczhA8/IMG_4809_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>But generally we just check out what meats/fish are on sale and go from there.  However we just started a meat CSA share from <a href="http://www.chestnutfarms.org/" target="_blank">Chestnut Farms</a> which I’m psyched about and will let you know more as we work our way through our first month’s share.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-SNZHz6dL6Dw/UAyz81o5MmI/AAAAAAAAPbc/_BGnNyXfwS4/s1600-h/IMG_4813%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4813" border="0" alt="IMG_4813" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-knYgct9nkcQ/UAyz9fMmjjI/AAAAAAAAPbk/63HFrrZcddU/IMG_4813_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Anyways, so one day I was browsing through Anthropologie and saw this cookbook!  <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-R-Rn8Alt0nk/UAyz9w819gI/AAAAAAAAPbs/DLOv_2Ay2hA/s1600-h/07-05-12%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="07-05-12" border="0" alt="07-05-12" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-sDBSYNWJuAc/UAyz-WzF5MI/AAAAAAAAPb0/91kykZA20G8/07-05-12_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="292" /></a></p> <p>I think Anthro is one of my favorite places to find awesome cookbooks.  They don’t have many but they are all usually pretty good!</p> <p>This book, <a href="http://www.anthropologie.com/anthro/product/home-books/24956922.jsp" target="_blank">The Gardner & The Grill</a> is packed with recipes for the grill using all sorts of veggies, meats, fruits, and even sandwiches and flatbreads.</p> <p>The first recipe I made was for a grilled Eggplant with Grilled Marinara Sauce!  I had an eggplant that needed to be used, so this was perfect and so easy.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M1wOGA9GcrQ/UAyz-6Ry5OI/AAAAAAAAPb8/Dfn45ZQuLAQ/s1600-h/IMG_4797%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4797" border="0" alt="IMG_4797" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-WwEpArG_D6Q/UAyz_CHrroI/AAAAAAAAPcE/AYGc13xFJeA/IMG_4797_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>I’ve never been a huge eggplant fan, but I love it when it’s prepared so its cooked really well so it gets buttery and soft.  Even better with a nice grill flavor.</p> <p>Because of this, I make sure to prep my eggplant to remove the bitterness and extra moisture…Eggplant will suck up any liquid or oil like a sponge!</p> <p>I don’t remember exactly where I got this tip, but this is what I do:</p> <p>Eggplant Prep!</p> <ul> <li>slice eggplant in thin slices</li> <li>arrange on a baking sheet</li> <li>sprinkle both sides with a little salt</li> <li>cover with paper towels</li> <li>place another pan w/heavy object on top</li> <li>let sit for at least 30 min.</li> </ul> <p>I let mine sit for longer actually, until I’m ready to use it.  The salt brings the water to the surface so the paper towels can soak it up.  This also removes some of the bitterness. <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gJsUvXE-_k8/UAyz_k1TuYI/AAAAAAAAPcM/gbwNNeqxJwY/s1600-h/IMG_4801%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4801" border="0" alt="IMG_4801" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bhr4P_CpKqY/UAy0ALmxTvI/AAAAAAAAPcU/FjHRvACfU5w/IMG_4801_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Now:</p> <ul> <li>Heat one side of your grill to medium/med-high</li> <li>brush the eggplant with olive oil</li> <li>Chop 2-3 large tomatoes </li> <li>2 cloves garlic, minced</li> <li>handful of basil, rough chopped</li> <li>salt + pepper</li> </ul> <p>Make a faux pan out of aluminum foil and put in it the tomatoes, garlic, basil, drizzle of olive oil, and a sprinkle of salt + pepper. <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-SpUJe07yAFw/UAy0AqShtLI/AAAAAAAAPcc/8o4GKilc6_8/s1600-h/IMG_4802%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4802" border="0" alt="IMG_4802" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-oSwCIaedL4w/UAy0BzWHBAI/AAAAAAAAPck/11emK8YLFXY/IMG_4802_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <ul> <li>Grill eggplant slices over direct heat, and place pan of tomato mixture on indirect side.</li> <li>Cook eggplant for 4-5 min per side, or until soft and it has good grill marks (watch thin pieces as they will burn fast).</li> <li>Meanwhile stir tomatoes a couple times.</li> <li>Once eggplant is done, remove everything from heat and arrange eggplant on a platter.</li> <li>Top with tomatoes and crumbled fresh goat cheese.</li> </ul> <p></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-foYclyg-lHU/UAy0Cb7z-pI/AAAAAAAAPcs/pCAPmiBFnFY/s1600-h/IMG_4800%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4800" border="0" alt="IMG_4800" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ErOGZ8rFxhQ/UAy0CuPMu2I/AAAAAAAAPc0/VyyuOvLaVxs/IMG_4800_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>This was fantastic!  Even Brian who didn’t think he really liked eggplant, loved this as well.  In fact I’ve been buying more and more eggplants lately and can’t wait to make this again.</p> <p>This was super simple and would make a great side dish for a party or bbq.  </p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-7981586146756271252012-07-16T22:28:00.001-04:002012-07-16T22:28:54.073-04:00Crossfit and 5k<p>I truly believe Crossfit has improved my running.  Since Reach the Beach, I’ve gone for 1 <em>maybe</em> 2 runs, aside from any running that may be incorporated into the workout that day in Crossfit.</p> <p>Instead of running, I’ve been WODing…4-5 times a week, and I love it.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cd-ye6_sPRE/UATN126YR_I/AAAAAAAAPZo/_jgCEkGDq8E/s1600-h/rowing4.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="rowing" border="0" alt="rowing" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-SWMF-wkmFcE/UATN2YBFUtI/AAAAAAAAPZw/yvXfYWA0ENQ/rowing_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="347" height="461" /></a> <br /><em>(taken from our Crossfit facebook page)  That's me in front in case you couldn’t tell.</em></p> <p>So then 4th of July rolls around and I register for a local 5k that is 5 min from my house and a bunch of people from Crossfit are running as well!</p> <p>The 4th turned out to be a pretty warm day.  Brian was running too and we decided just to take it easy and see how it goes.  The heat usually doesn’t bode well for me.</p> <p>A few minutes after we started I see that we’re keeping a fairly fast pace (for me) and I’m worried about crapping out later.</p> <p>Let’s just say I was shocked that we maintained a good pace the whole time!  We stopped twice at each of the water stations, but just kept trucking…and I ended up with a new PR!!</p> <p><strong><font size="3">28:26!!!!</font></strong>  My <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2010/03/cold-wet-awesome-race.html" target="_blank">previous 5k PR was a couple years ago at 29:10</a>, and since then I usually hover around 30 minutes.  I can NOT believe I maintained that pace in that heat!  I was so pumped!!</p> <p>Some of my fellow crossfitters after the race!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UxV9KkBCQOY/UATN2wQ5EtI/AAAAAAAAPZ4/xu4AAczFCxw/s1600-h/Feeney%2525205k%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Feeney 5k" border="0" alt="Feeney 5k" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ARdCJVKm_sw/UATN3SYXpuI/AAAAAAAAPaA/VaP-f-xgALk/Feeney%2525205k_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a> </p> <p>Looking forward to more races :)  </p> <p>So yeah Crossfit is awesome, I love it.  </p> <p>I love being able to see the results each week…especially the lifting.  I’m really loving the Olympic lifts as well as the power lifts.  I guess its in my genes…my dad used to be a competitive power lifter.  I have photos I need to scan in…they are awesome from his lifting days back in the 70’s/80’s!</p> <p>We recently started a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVBgKB4Gnsw" target="_blank">Fran</a> cycle at Crossfit.  We tested our Fran time, and from there we are going to do lots of workouts focused on improving those skills, and then re-test in about 6 weeks!</p> <p><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVBgKB4Gnsw" target="_blank">Fran is a well known benchmark workout</a>…every crossfitter wants to know their “Fran time”.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fjmVTnYJGYo/UATN37rr-sI/AAAAAAAAPaI/rqhq4ommc9A/s1600-h/IMG_3091%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_3091" border="0" alt="IMG_3091" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-yl1tSRQPreE/UATN4TXFUsI/AAAAAAAAPaQ/ybCctxrKfBk/IMG_3091_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="348" height="465" /></a> <br /><em>(me, Post Fran…loving me new Lulu top!!)</em></p> <p>Its a quick workout, 21 reps, 15 reps, then 9 reps of thrusters (65lb for women) and pull-ups.  </p> <p>Since this is supposed to be a quicker workout we found our maximum 1 rep thruster (which is a front squat with the bar, and as you stand up you “thrust” the bar up overhead)…. and then used 50% of our 1 rep max.  </p> <p>The point is, you don't want to use such a heavy weight that it slows you down too much.  Our coach didn’t want anyone over the 6-8 min mark.</p> <p><strong>I used a 45lb bar, and </strong><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iidgi91mFWE" target="_blank"><strong>body rows</strong></a><strong>.</strong>  We didn’t use band assisted pull-ups this time…if you couldn’t do unassisted pull-ups you did <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oftXys8EFcA" target="_blank">ring rows</a> or <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iidgi91mFWE" target="_blank">body rows</a>.</p> <p>My time was 5:52.  </p> <p>Looking forward to testing it again!</p> <p>And even thought I can’t really do unassisted pull-ups for a workout yet…  I did get THREE kipping pull-ups in a row!!  Booya!  </p> <p>I guess that I’m just excited that in just over 7 months of Crossfit, I am able to see myself improving.  It’s definitely motivation to keep on going!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GNbrJitWnck/UATN4-KGfXI/AAAAAAAAPaY/XhZGZ4G-H3s/s1600-h/bridjill-818x1024%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="bridjill-818x1024" border="0" alt="bridjill-818x1024" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iC2nx2WqObU/UATN5X9Mp6I/AAAAAAAAPag/B-z3Jdqa-LY/bridjill-818x1024_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="443" /></a> </p> <p>So there’s my little fitness update for you :)</p> <p><strong>What keeps you motivated??</strong></p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-17177294788960298202012-07-12T18:30:00.001-04:002012-07-12T18:30:53.301-04:00Sweet Potato + Black Bean Hash<p>Oh snap…look who has another post this week!</p> <p>Not that it should really be an accomplishment but I’ve gotta get back on track with baby steps I guess ;)  </p> <p>Plus some things are just too good not to share!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-S7eYS-cTLTU/T_9QA3SsP1I/AAAAAAAAPYE/wUNgaEaizOw/s1600-h/IMG_48172.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4817" border="0" alt="IMG_4817" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Iia2daSllFE/T_9QBqqXQHI/AAAAAAAAPYM/mvSTfgTJe5Q/IMG_4817_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Not sure where I got the inspiration for this, but I was trying to think of ways in use sweet potatoes in breakfast, plus I had some black beans in the fridge.  Boom.  Hash!</p> <p>If you want to make it Paleo just leave out the beans…it would be delicious either way.  Personally I don’t get the whole “no beans” part of the paleo diet.  From what I’ve read the “anti-nutrients”in beans are in their uncooked state…and once properly soaked/prepared, the anti-nutrients are almost entirely gone.   Considering you can’t exactly eat uncooked beans, I’m not sure what the big deal is.</p> <p>Woops, sidetracked.</p> <p><font size="4">Sweet Potato + Black Bean Hash <br /></font><font size="2"><em>(for two people)</em></font></p> <ul> <li><font size="2">2 tsp coconut oil</font> </li> <li><font size="2">1 medium sweet potato, diced </font></li> <li><font size="2">1/2 small yellow onion, diced </font></li> <li><font size="2">1 red or green bell pepper (or 1/2 each) diced</font> </li> <li><font size="2">1/8 tsp smoked paprika</font> </li> <li><font size="2">1/8 tsp paprika (or use 1/4 tsp paprika if you don’t have smoked)</font> </li> <li><font size="2">garlic powder, few shakes</font> </li> <li><font size="2">crushed red pepper flakes, few shakes </font></li> <li><font size="2">1/4 tsp salt</font> </li> <li><font size="2">1/2 cup black beans (cooked or canned)</font> </li> <li><font size="2">1 tsp butter or more coconut oil</font> </li> <li><font size="2">2 eggs</font> </li> <li><font size="2">avocado (sliced, served on the side…optional, but SO good for you!)</font> </li> <li><font size="2">sour cream (optional)</font> </li> <li><font size="2">salsa (optional)</font> </li> </ul> <p><font size="2">Note: best to chop the potato, onion, and pepper in small pieces so they cook faster.</font></p> <p><font size="2">In a cast iron or non-stick skillet heat the 2 tsp coconut oil over medium heat.  Add onion and pepper.  Sauté for 3-4 minutes.  Add sweet potato.  Stir in paprika, garlic powder, crushed red pepper, and salt.  Cook for another 5-7 minutes, only stir occasionally as the potatoes will only get browned if they sit still against the pan.  As the potatoes are just about done to the consistency you like, add the bean and cook another 1-2 minutes.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hOsY2uRx6v8/T_9QCOC4CkI/AAAAAAAAPYU/Z1s79oFSBFo/s1600-h/IMG_48192.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4819" border="0" alt="IMG_4819" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Cv2XQfPFcmw/T_9QCpf7G1I/AAAAAAAAPYc/M_gCtL7GGJ4/IMG_4819_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p><font size="2">Plate the hash on two plates, set aside somewhere to keep warm (sometimes I put them in a “cool” oven, or even turn the oven on for a couple minutes then off just to warm it a smidge).</font></p> <p><font size="2">In the same pan heat the 1 tsp butter or coconut oil.  Crack 2 eggs in the pan and cook to your liking….I did over easy.</font></p> <p><font size="2">Serve egg on top of hash….bacon on the side if you like!</font></p> <p><font size="2"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-rz6TW9epJCg/T_9QDFxosnI/AAAAAAAAPYk/rG9zTBaSMgg/s1600-h/IMG_48202.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4820" border="0" alt="IMG_4820" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-BEbJ4AJEDss/T_9QDqg_NPI/AAAAAAAAPYs/5cLy6FgixRY/IMG_4820_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="2">The avocado on the side is a MUST for me.  I also added a little sour cream, but didn’t need any salsa…flavorful enough on its own.<strong>  I even liked a slightly runny yolk!!  Who am I??</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hZKirDFmg3o/T_9QEP_90nI/AAAAAAAAPY0/RVqfW-swW7Q/s1600-h/IMG_48232.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4823" border="0" alt="IMG_4823" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-AEqVT90tAsY/T_9QEhgBQNI/AAAAAAAAPY8/pabfqT3SyzU/IMG_4823_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I LOOOOVED this breakfast!!  It’s not a <em>ton</em> of food, but the proportions are really easy to adjust if you’re feeding more people or if you or your guest have bigger appetites!  Or just add more eggs :)  Brian and I tend to eat similar servings sometimes, but I know some of you might have husbands who eat <em>way</em> more so go nuts!  We were both completely satisfied…not too full, just right.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nul5wHt3xDE/T_9QFEl7qfI/AAAAAAAAPZE/xua6Yntfi5g/s1600-h/IMG_48242.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="IMG_4824" border="0" alt="IMG_4824" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-hmrwY8SIiAk/T_9QG_MyeCI/AAAAAAAAPZM/f_DdDtuzebo/IMG_4824_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Iced latte as my bevy of choice.</p> <p>Lots of healthy fats, protein, and carbs here!   </p> <p>I used to think I hated hash…in my mind it was always corned beef hash, like that weird stuff from a can, but thankfully now I know better and there are numerous ways to make a “hash” that do not involve canned meat products ;)  </p> <p>Do you like hash?  Favorite version??</p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-18455107971502411122012-07-08T20:49:00.001-04:002012-07-08T20:49:53.796-04:00Watermelon: Granita & Popsicles!<p>Hellooooo!  </p> <p>I just got back from an incredibly delicious dinner with my mom and Brian at <a href="http://toro-restaurant.com/" target="_blank">Toro in the South End</a>.  I haven’t been since last year and my mom and I were craving it…specifically the corn on the cob and paella.  </p> <p>Anyways…just had to mention that.  Other than that it has been a pretty low key weekend.  My mom has been travelling a lot for work so it was nice to spend some time with her.  It’s also been pretty toasty around here although I can’t complain…it’s summer, and this is summer weather. Although I really wish we had a pool, or a least a close friend with one ;)</p> <p><font color="#ff0080" size="4"><strong>Watermelon!</strong></font></p> <p>I bought a big whole watermelon earlier this week because I had a few people over on the 4th, but we never got around to eating it.  </p> <p>I decided to hack away at it so we could eat it during this week.   </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-RC61QECo-Ek/T_oqju_lNkI/AAAAAAAAPVQ/MMYdXvOFTg0/s1600-h/IMG_4827%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4827" border="0" alt="IMG_4827" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-nOazOqe7yD4/T_oqjzE-FuI/AAAAAAAAPVY/CmtCmYEFC5U/IMG_4827_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>SO.MUCH.MELON.  It filled that bowl, and that’s a pretty large mixing bowl…about 12” diameter.  I don’t think the 2 of us could eat it all this week without it either going bad or us getting sick of it so I decided to use about less than 1/2 of it to make some frosty treats!</p> <p>I saw this recipe on the Whole Foods website earlier in the week: <a href="http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/recipes/3298" target="_blank"><font size="4">Watermelon Granita</font></a></p> <p>Perfect!</p> <p>I made about 1/2 batch loosely following the recipe:</p> <ul> <li>4 cups watermelon, put into blender</li> <li>blend until smooth</li> <li>add juice & zest from 1/2 lime</li> <li>1 – 2 tsp honey (more or less if you like)</li> <li>blend again</li> <li>pour into a glass baking dish (mine was 11” x 7”)</li> <li>Place in freezer</li> <li>I stirred with a fork every 30min for about 2 hours (then left for dinner), when I came home it was frozen and time to scrape up with a fork!</li> </ul> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7jGKkeUHXrk/T_oqkWo3ACI/AAAAAAAAPVg/MDiXagdioC8/s1600-h/IMG_4841%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4841" border="0" alt="IMG_4841" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-zlDHCDDYxB4/T_oqk7om7dI/AAAAAAAAPVo/IRDfR95V1Fg/IMG_4841_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-H4aM8zw1Zu0/T_oqlZ-R7jI/AAAAAAAAPVw/3O_e7LBj9Sk/s1600-h/IMG_4843%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4843" border="0" alt="IMG_4843" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4xuOJZM1iSI/T_oql_x1HlI/AAAAAAAAPV4/wGN7cinChF4/IMG_4843_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Until it’s all icy</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-PNUKGILRHQc/T_oqmbP1FCI/AAAAAAAAPWA/q_JzePe5dd8/s1600-h/IMG_4844%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4844" border="0" alt="IMG_4844" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-TdMOkj2XkG8/T_oqm8xaSUI/AAAAAAAAPWI/PWP2eu8blIY/IMG_4844_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-WkQTZwOuwqs/T_oqnehpXZI/AAAAAAAAPWQ/hVhBRTaMxTI/s1600-h/IMG_4852%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4852" border="0" alt="IMG_4852" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-a-bOcvJ1AGc/T_oqnyGryqI/AAAAAAAAPWY/WdwpuIznvmU/IMG_4852_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>So cool and refreshing!!  This was so easy I’d love to try it with other flavors.  The original recipe said to top with mint or basil which I think either would be delicious.</p> <p>I think I want to try Espresso Granita next…we had some in Rome on our honeymoon….it was sweet espresso granita topped with freshly whipped (unsweetened) cream…amazing.       </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-cJMu0qGxaYg/T_oqoNLNVuI/AAAAAAAAPWg/asv3ZC38w9w/s1600-h/IMG_4851%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4851" border="0" alt="IMG_4851" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-lwEuo7-PpS8/T_oqo7mZAxI/AAAAAAAAPWo/JSrhqPPQOOE/IMG_4851_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>This is perfect hot weather food.    </p> <p><font size="4"><strong>Next!</strong></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-10hacGNB30w/T_oqpFrx5nI/AAAAAAAAPWw/nSRrBK3iSo0/s1600-h/IMG_4831%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4831" border="0" alt="IMG_4831" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wsnjQDmbQ4k/T_oqpudRfhI/AAAAAAAAPW4/_AtQLmh7YeE/IMG_4831_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Using the same ingredients, I put more watermelon chunks in the blender, the juice and zest from the other half of the lime and blended again.</p> <p>This time I ran the mixture through a fine mesh sieve:</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-1bSTIJZsuIw/T_oqqPZ-B_I/AAAAAAAAPXA/5sA2GNB8WDk/s1600-h/IMG_4833%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4833" border="0" alt="IMG_4833" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-zhxYmWIi03I/T_oqqvpAq6I/AAAAAAAAPXI/Kh0cqmtXPYo/IMG_4833_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>And filled popsicle molds with the remaining strained watermelon juice!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-h29xcc2NLho/T_oqq22v3fI/AAAAAAAAPXQ/W2wzAf4Vtbc/s1600-h/IMG_4836%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4836" border="0" alt="IMG_4836" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rPXmJN0wd1c/T_oqrZEqNGI/AAAAAAAAPXY/m7r2ob-TuXc/IMG_4836_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>I bought those popsicle molds for less than $10 at Bed Beth and Beyond and have been dying to try them out.  </p> <p>These will also come in handy on these hot days! <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-u0orDR7xHWM/T_oqr_G2jVI/AAAAAAAAPXg/dpqGsSSLTnQ/s1600-h/IMG_4835%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4835" border="0" alt="IMG_4835" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-_h8GrFPE3cg/T_oqsJabRYI/AAAAAAAAPXo/y_fkmRT3LD0/IMG_4835_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Don’t worry, we still have a GIANT container of fresh watermelon to eat this week ;)</p> <p><em>sidenote: the pops and granita are <strong>paleo</strong> friendly!  The use of honey is up to you :)</em></p> <p>You could also make some amazing <strong>cocktails</strong> with fresh watermelon puree…<strong>mojitos, margaritas</strong>… the possibilities are endless.  I also plan to enjoy some <font size="3"><strong>watermelon + feta </strong></font>this week too!  </p> <p><strong>What’s your favorite way to use up extra watermelon??</strong></p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-23763909355110753612012-07-01T22:06:00.001-04:002012-07-01T22:06:37.610-04:00Adventures in Cake Decorating: My 1st with Fondant!<p>Happy July friends!  </p> <p>Scary that one of the “summer” months is already down!  </p> <p>My weekend has been a combination of crazy, busy, delicious, and relaxing!  That’s a lot of different things for one weekend.</p> <p>Friday -  Saturday: Crazy/Busy!  And OK, delicious.</p> <p>My goddaughter Riley had her 3rd birthday party on Saturday and I was flattered when her mom (my good friend) asked if I’d make the cake!  See, Riley is allergic to eggs and my friend remembered when I made those <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2012/03/guinness-chocolate-cupcakes-egg-free.html" target="_blank">yummy eggless Guinness cupcakes for St. Patty’s day</a> this year, so she asked if I could make an eggless birthday cake!</p> <p>I was especially excited when she told me it was a Tangled themed party.  For those of us without kids/not around kids…Tangled is the new Disney version of Rapunzel.</p> <p><img src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/a/a8/Tangled_poster.jpg/220px-Tangled_poster.jpg" width="220" height="326" />(<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tangled" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>This was my first chance to make a fun, colorful, themed cake!!  </p> <p>I started Googling <em><strong>“Tangled birthday cakes”</strong></em> and found some great ideas!  One of my favorite ideas involved making a long yellow (“blonde”) braid out of fondant to wrap around the cake!  This seemed like a fairly easy, but cool looking effect!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pih-5wrRYvY/T_EB69cVcGI/AAAAAAAAPQU/x_syu4D6_-s/s1600-h/IMG_4769%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4769" border="0" alt="IMG_4769" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-3NV3sIwW_PQ/T_EB7JaoNSI/AAAAAAAAPQc/baRFWARqJu4/IMG_4769_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>I had never used fondant before (and was never really a fan of the taste), so I was excited/nervous to try it out.  I asked my pastry chef aunt what kind she recommended to buy.  She directed me to the “<strong>Duff</strong>” brand.  Yeah, the guy from Ace of Cakes!  He has a whole line of colored fondants and other cake decorating supplies at Michaels stores.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-avqE8-1NUcY/T_EB7lwHSQI/AAAAAAAAPQk/hMxvnFX3yKQ/s1600-h/IMG_4766%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4766" border="0" alt="IMG_4766" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-rR647Uq8WcM/T_EB8JEskjI/AAAAAAAAPQs/-2qN-GxS0hk/IMG_4766_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>I bought a container of the yellow, and a small container of hot pink that I figured I could use for other decorations on the cake.  </p> <p>After scanning through some recipes on line I decided to use this recipe for the cake:  <a href="http://www.egglesscooking.com/2011/03/09/chocolate-layer-cake/" target="_blank">Chocolate Layer Cake from Eggless Cooking</a>, except I used the equivalent of 2 flax eggs instead of the applesauce.</p> <p>And a raspberry mousse filling using these two recipes as a guide: <a href="http://cakejournal.com/recipes/raspberry-mousse/" target="_blank">Raspberry Mousse 1</a> & <a href="http://blissfullyinsane.com/?tag=egglesschocolateraspberrycake" target="_blank">Raspberry Mousse 2.</a>  My version involved:</p> <ul> <li>1 bag frozen raspberries</li> <li>1 cup sugar</li> <li>1 packet gelatin</li> <li>1.5 cups heavy cream</li> </ul> <blockquote> <p>I heated the raspberries and sugar until the raspberries were breaking down, then added the gelatin, stirred and brought to a boil, lowered heat and kept stirring until it was all dissolved (next time I might dissolve gelatin first in some hot water).  This mixture needs to cool.  Then whip cream to soft peaks, and fold berry mixture in.  </p> </blockquote> <p>Friday night I baked the cakes.  I did 1.5 times the recipe and made a 10” round, 8” round, and 6 cupcakes which I was planning to use as the “tower” on my cake.  </p> <p>I also made the mousse Friday night and chilled overnight.  </p> <p><em>Luckily </em>I couldn’t sleep well that night and decided just to wake up at 5:30am Saturday morning (instead of the 7:30am I had set my alarm to).</p> <p>This was a good thing considering I was working on that cake up until we left the house at 11:15am!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Y0iCsON0jnc/T_EB8oVFDsI/AAAAAAAAPQ0/Bw0agScj278/s1600-h/IMG_4757%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4757" border="0" alt="IMG_4757" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-6s74uFWh81A/T_EB8z5trRI/AAAAAAAAPQ8/OoVjZ1aP6EU/IMG_4757_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>First order of business was to slice the cakes to layer them.  I was NERVOUS!  Eggless cakes don’t hold together as well, and these layers were going to be thin!</p> <p>Carefully…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KSD3ezQpLGo/T_EB9X3VC2I/AAAAAAAAPRE/tNrMEwhSn_w/s1600-h/IMG_4759%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4759" border="0" alt="IMG_4759" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F3a5PsDrRYc/T_EB9zV0JBI/AAAAAAAAPRM/ddPwuPxyV88/IMG_4759_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p>Success!!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-mLOcWgdel6M/T_EB-fEjYLI/AAAAAAAAPRU/HshPmPnpXNs/s1600-h/IMG_4754%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4754" border="0" alt="IMG_4754" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Sj9-Ou-917I/T_EB-5MtaNI/AAAAAAAAPRc/DxZykT6QrPw/IMG_4754_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I then SLOWLY transferred the top layer back into the pan now lined with plastic wrap. </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-A4R2fGxjdUE/T_EB_Sy0QrI/AAAAAAAAPRk/7pWs6yuW1k8/s1600-h/IMG_4758%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4758" border="0" alt="IMG_4758" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-F6BMu4Jrvtw/T_EB_90kmfI/AAAAAAAAPRs/gRK2wNpT6D4/IMG_4758_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>This went well for both cakes…I thought I was good to go!</p> <p>Filled with the raspberry mousse:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-M-g6qw2rqQQ/T_ECASEdAyI/AAAAAAAAPR0/1hRtHR5RcfI/s1600-h/IMG_4761%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4761" border="0" alt="IMG_4761" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-4frjJV3oTTo/T_ECAuEFWUI/AAAAAAAAPR8/fqYuJYFeX_M/IMG_4761_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-wHNmag7iYxc/T_ECBE4F3nI/AAAAAAAAPSE/OXkt8eTZ_x0/s1600-h/IMG_4762%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4762" border="0" alt="IMG_4762" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-HwIwThQeiUI/T_ECBkf9MqI/AAAAAAAAPSM/fyvcBzswhE8/IMG_4762_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>All that was left was to put the other layer on top…<strong>that’s when THIS happened:</strong></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nb5IjGiPPLs/T_ECCHZJdgI/AAAAAAAAPSU/hIm13UALuyI/s1600-h/IMG_4763%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4763" border="0" alt="IMG_4763" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-h66wucRTUeU/T_ECCgQMgTI/AAAAAAAAPSc/XtDyEDQ358A/IMG_4763_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> Yes I had to puzzle piece my top layer on the mousse!!!  OMG I was freaking out, but just had to go with it and decided that would be on the bottom of the cake.    </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Luckily the 8” cake went better, then both went back in the fridge to set.</p> <p>Meanwhile I got to work on my fondant braids :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-0pErd5QXznA/T_ECC3Zbm5I/AAAAAAAAPSk/kj3z9RcgiAE/s1600-h/IMG_4772%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4772" border="0" alt="IMG_4772" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bEut-zqcals/T_ECDY9pG4I/AAAAAAAAPSs/b_dpVqYbPAs/IMG_4772_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I rolled out long pieces of fondant (p.s. this stuff IS good, tastes like candy corn/circus peanuts).</p> <p>I started to braid, but seeing as those strips ended up being almost 4ft long, it was NOT easy.  So I opted to break them and make 2 shorter braids.</p> <p>The cupcakes for the tower were not staying together, so I used 4 cake cones, “glued” together with frosting.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-OJTHPRjZeV0/T_ECDyO51zI/AAAAAAAAPS0/Y1TtWZg4o1Q/s1600-h/IMG_4773%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4773" border="0" alt="IMG_4773" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4LPBVulRdwc/T_ECEbKkmjI/AAAAAAAAPS8/oA4JR3jcoOk/IMG_4773_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>In the back is some rolled out pink fondant, I used cookie cutters to make flowers, and also rolled out more to wrap around this cake cone tower.</p> <p><em><strong>Note: I used simple butter cream for this: butter, confectioners sugar, vanilla, cream.  Simple yet delicious, it’s my FAVORITE kind of frosting.</strong></em> </p> <p>Kitchen was a MESS at this point!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-hHSFULuuiL8/T_ECEnYmJvI/AAAAAAAAPTE/ksPrx8zvs9M/s1600-h/IMG_4775%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4775" border="0" alt="IMG_4775" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-iywMP8XDy3Q/T_ECFGR17ZI/AAAAAAAAPTM/xyq3VRh_9SU/IMG_4775_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>I began assembling and frosting the cakes.  I first did a crumb coat, which is a very thin layer of frosting which you let harden before applying the rest of it.  This is to prevent crumbs from mixing with your frosting (it’s okay if they mix with the crumb coat).</p> <p>The mousse layer, even though it had chilled a couple hours, was bulging out the sides a little and in turn mixing with my frosting!  Even with the crumb coat!  I was having ISSUES.</p> <p>This is where the fondant saved the day.  Now I get why this stuff is so popular for cake decorating!  It makes it SO easy to make a smooth clean finish…and/or cover up a crappy icing job ;)</p> <p>I made a “stripe” out of the remaining pink fondant and wrapped it around the bottom layer.  The fondant braid covered a lot too…it was awesome.</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-YAc2tdCWbqc/T_ECFsB0xDI/AAAAAAAAPTU/HHzRFjS5XHY/s1600-h/IMG_4781%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4781" border="0" alt="IMG_4781" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-kJmHdvA-5C8/T_ECGSokBHI/AAAAAAAAPTg/Q7e6qQUJrdM/IMG_4781_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p> I used two long “lollipop” sticks as dowels to hold the tower into the cake, and the top of the tower was a sugar cone covered in icing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gX9lWC-EVQQ/T_ECG_q9MMI/AAAAAAAAPTo/4ZLF290UOFg/s1600-h/IMG_4787%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4787" border="0" alt="IMG_4787" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-br5ItWGwb7U/T_ECHE7LkhI/AAAAAAAAPTw/3yerIhOaDG4/IMG_4787_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Ok, so it looked like a pastel Christmas tree to me, but give me a break…I’m learning.</p> <p>I really wanted a “window” for the hair to be coming out of, but I just did NOT have the time or patience at that moment.   </p> <p>I still have a LONG way to go in the cake decorating department but I was pretty pleased with how it came out!</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-e00tMdC7Oks/T_ECHmODWWI/AAAAAAAAPT4/5gBG88Btm0I/s1600-h/IMG_4783%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4783" border="0" alt="IMG_4783" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ebaiy05hsqs/T_ECIBNbNII/AAAAAAAAPUA/x2E2v1SqMX8/IMG_4783_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="370" height="585" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/--gEE36DQYCM/T_ECIr6cRWI/AAAAAAAAPUI/TEM9Z1epLJs/s1600-h/IMG_4782%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4782" border="0" alt="IMG_4782" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-bg5lxh2OSZ8/T_ECJDiPibI/AAAAAAAAPUQ/xbWtr8PxghU/IMG_4782_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Kt8OFAH8iN0/T_ECJhhUmmI/AAAAAAAAPUY/Ez5ZI1mD2A0/s1600-h/IMG_4785%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4785" border="0" alt="IMG_4785" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-YdR-14GJKFg/T_ECJwlm3VI/AAAAAAAAPUg/dB8oTg6xM4c/IMG_4785_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a> And regardless of how it came out, I thought it tasted awesome!  That was a really nice cake recipe…very moist and chocolaty!   I’d probably use less filling next time too…or make double the cakes so the cake layers would be thicker.  </p> <p>Now I’m itching to try another, but next time I’ll give myself MUCH more time the day before.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-R5M9U92h-AE/T_ECKpOivEI/AAAAAAAAPUo/C-iwevAAeIE/s1600-h/IMG_4783%25255B8%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4783" border="0" alt="IMG_4783" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2maUibjs2PI/T_ECLJgnK9I/AAAAAAAAPUw/vjcEIK5O-Fk/IMG_4783_thumb%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="295" height="455" /></a> </p> <p><strong>Have you gotten into cake decorating?  Played with fondant??</strong>  That Duff brand was awesome…very forgiving.  It’s pretty much like edible play dough…screw up and just roll it back up and start over.  </p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-66496438775037053562012-06-25T21:22:00.001-04:002012-06-25T21:22:23.781-04:00Warrior Dash<p>I feel like I have SO much to catch up on… from finishing up my thoughts on <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2011/11/san-francisco-treat.html" target="_blank">Reach the Beach</a>, the delicious food I ate on <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2012/06/marthas-vineyard-2012-lilly-lobster.html" target="_blank">Martha’s Vineyard</a>…even so far back as the rest of my <a href="http://yogurtberries.blogspot.com/2011/11/san-francisco-treat.html" target="_blank">trip to Wine Country back in the fall</a> <em>(yeah I just recently realized I never got around to that either…sorry).</em></p> <p>So lets begin and maybe I can get a few posts up this week!  </p> <p>A few weeks ago I participated in my very first obstacle race: <a href="http://warriordash.com/" target="_blank">Warrior Dash!</a></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-3bWzDA4ir_M/T-kOo15nnRI/AAAAAAAAPM8/GlY53ly0yvg/s1600-h/IMG_2777%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2777" border="0" alt="IMG_2777" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-N0JDDQ0RW-8/T-kOpWJRJFI/AAAAAAAAPNE/fTRem0kLylc/IMG_2777_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p> It was totally last minute, I really didn’t prepare much (aside from regular Crossfitting…which was actually fantastic training!), and I was REALLY nervous once we got there.</p> <p>Luckily I had a partner in crime who was also talked into signing up.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ANoL0cwXFYQ/T-kOp2m0FhI/AAAAAAAAPNM/li9Hhu9ZROo/s1600-h/IMG_2778%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2778" border="0" alt="IMG_2778" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-wbhmbfzRAuA/T-kOqWgvZpI/AAAAAAAAPNU/kcdQTuCvyRw/IMG_2778_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="361" /></a></p> <p>There we are nice and clean before it began.  I wore old crappy clothes that I didn’t care if I had to toss out…which I did.  Those are thin cotton leggings from either Target or Old Navy, and it pays to keep old running sneakers! </p> <p>I’m also really glad I wore the tall socks.  It was hot at first, but I didn’t have any scrapes or marks on my legs afterwards.</p> <p>We were supposed to start in the 1:30pm heat but we managed to get in with the 1pm group with my cousin and his friend!  I was seriously NERVOUS!  </p> <p>It was a 5k with 12 (?) obstacles.  I decided just to stick with my friend instead of go for any sort of time, so we did a lot of walking, and it was actually not <em>nearly</em> as bad as I had thought.  I kind of want to try it again and actually run the whole thing and see what I can get for a time!  I felt great the whole time.</p> <p>Some photo’s from the race…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-kQrMFpd05t4/T-kOq4Ph3sI/AAAAAAAAPNc/q9NOEf9XGuM/s1600-h/Capture1%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Capture1" border="0" alt="Capture1" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ABBkQEG0zHk/T-kOrWXkPjI/AAAAAAAAPNk/6SNVZa9T74k/Capture1_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="361" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ws37sIeJMmQ/T-kOsFc45vI/AAAAAAAAPNs/FzbOgmGxdSk/s1600-h/06-10-12%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="06-10-12" border="0" alt="06-10-12" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aTQm5rJAVLc/T-kOsbX4iAI/AAAAAAAAPN0/p_NVHdElTQU/06-10-12_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="292" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-uNCt7N5Qo_8/T-kOs_EL2KI/AAAAAAAAPN8/6lowr31aa_Q/s1600-h/Capture4%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Capture4" border="0" alt="Capture4" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-Oq5atgJkpos/T-kOtn5vcKI/AAAAAAAAPOE/qFj1TT-8lo4/Capture4_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="312" /></a></p> <p>MUD.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-0sOvsbCL5GY/T-kOuBazsHI/AAAAAAAAPOM/ERIMmOvpk0g/s1600-h/Capture5%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Capture5" border="0" alt="Capture5" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-aaYvFRgCj48/T-kOuiNWsBI/AAAAAAAAPOU/EheBFH5fB_c/Capture5_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="276" height="361" /></a></p> <p>After you finish you can get hosed down with fire hoses and we were so ready for that we forgot to take a muddy picture afterwards!!  Damn!  Thankfully the race camera’s caught them!</p> <p>I was nervous about the walls where I’d have to hoist myself up with a rope but turns out that wasn’t a problem (yay Crossfit!).  The scariest obstacle was the last wall which was completely vertical (the others before that had slight inclines), and it was also the tallest.</p> <p>It’s actually the wall behind the fire here…</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-oquZxrXYiFE/T-kOvFFOgeI/AAAAAAAAPOc/5cvy3Ql5cgs/s1600-h/Capture2%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="Capture2" border="0" alt="Capture2" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-w2IRRfIK7xE/T-kOvo0QHLI/AAAAAAAAPOk/HCcTeAh6w9A/Capture2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="275" height="361" /></a></p> <p>I went over the top of that one nice and slow, and then it was fine.  I’m actually surprised more people don’t get injured at these things…especially if you were trying to go fast…that was a tall wall and narrow…not much room for footing!   </p> <p>Post hose down with my cousin Pat:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nPRZOarQk4k/T-kOwGURTqI/AAAAAAAAPOs/Pnmgi4vhKEE/s1600-h/556556_881978700866_407170556_n%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="556556_881978700866_407170556_n" border="0" alt="556556_881978700866_407170556_n" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-GobtvWx9SDs/T-kOwiYqzjI/AAAAAAAAPO0/CpXyElCZT_w/556556_881978700866_407170556_n_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-7erTNDnCmVc/T-kOxIeLwYI/AAAAAAAAPO8/x0DaWdyAUsc/s1600-h/IMG_2783%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2783" border="0" alt="IMG_2783" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Sm_A5veQco4/T-kOxqnIjhI/AAAAAAAAPPI/szCfpspZO_M/IMG_2783_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="361" /></a></p> <p>Shoes go here:</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-C6H0KCEVrd4/T-kOyHMmc5I/AAAAAAAAPPQ/Lz-cw1SF4JY/s1600-h/IMG_2773%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2773" border="0" alt="IMG_2773" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-ZnwmIT36a8Y/T-kOyjhs0AI/AAAAAAAAPPY/BAxKoga6t9E/IMG_2773_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>My only gripe with this race is that for the roughly $80 registration the least they could do is give you some food tickets…even a water ticket!  See you get 1 free beer…but only the Miller Lite, not the other better beers they had, then you can purchase tickets ($1 = 1 ticket) for food afterwards.</p> <p>Honestly they can keep the t-shirt and novelty Viking hat…can I please have some water.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-JHdrYtRKNv4/T-kOzNIubGI/AAAAAAAAPPg/41VVN_Qdgi4/s1600-h/IMG_2784%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2784" border="0" alt="IMG_2784" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-pHeGGJc4ys4/T-kOzhTK0zI/AAAAAAAAPPo/Jw19-5nE5-M/IMG_2784_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a></p> <p>Aside from the fun picture above, I’m sure the hat will end up in the trash.  It was hot, I was starving, and when you’re wet/dirty/hot its kind of annoying to have to deal with getting tickets in an area NOT near the food, come back, get food…etc.  It just would of been nice to get a water bottle and a snack.  So we left shortly after.     </p> <p>Ok complaints aside, I still had a BLAST and want to do another one of these obstacle races!!</p> <p><strong>Have you ever done one of these??</strong>  This KIND of makes me want to do Tough Mudder…kind of.  I know it’s like 10x harder than this but this gave me the boost in confidence to know I could at least try it!  <strong>Ever get down and dirty crawling through mud??</strong></p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4052552525885927514.post-84274175936593086832012-06-17T10:38:00.001-04:002012-06-17T10:38:04.763-04:00Martha’s Vineyard 2012: Lilly & Lobster<p>Greetings from Martha’s Vineyard!</p> <p>I’m on my yearly trip over to the island with my best friend and her parents.  I’m a lucky girl, they keep adopting me year after year for this trip ;)</p> <p>Our trip started off as usual with a drive down to Woods Hole to hop on the Steamship over to Vineyard Haven.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-RBc_lODvS3s/T93rl180Q7I/AAAAAAAAPJE/EHhB-HgYaiY/s1600-h/IMG_2791%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2791" border="0" alt="IMG_2791" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-gYicd1C0w-E/T93rm4f-C4I/AAAAAAAAPJM/rEfpT0pL5-8/IMG_2791_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a> </p> <p>Think we packed enough??  This was my stuff and Jocy’s stuff…me for 4 days, her for a week.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7FRkP_EJnrs/T93rnNcBEaI/AAAAAAAAPJU/p64IkmKrDT4/s1600-h/IMG_2794%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2794" border="0" alt="IMG_2794" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2p78dFfL8rE/T93rnlxhIPI/AAAAAAAAPJc/fJo8fJefq4k/IMG_2794_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a> </p> <p>We thought the pile was pretty entertaining.  </p> <p>Yesterday morning I decided to hit up the local Crossfit Box here on island…</p> <p><a href="http://crossfitmarthasvineyard.com"><img src="http://crossfitmarthasvineyard.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/logo-copy-1.jpg?w=800&h=800" width="253" height="257" /></a>(<a href="http://crossfitmarthasvineyard.com/" target="_blank">source</a>)</p> <p>I’m glad I went!  It was a pretty small gym, but everyone was really nice and I had a great workout to kick off my little vacation.</p> <p>After a good warm-up consisting of sit-ups, over-head squats with PVC pipes, push-ups, and burpees we did this WOD:</p> <ul> <ul> <li>800M run</li> <li>30 ground-to-overhead (I did clean and jerks with 65lb)</li> <li>30 burpees</li> </ul> </ul> <p>It was a nice sweaty workout and I was back to the house less than 1 hour later!</p> <p>Then after getting ready we decided it was lunch time.  We hit up one of our FAVORITE spots in Edgartown: The Atlantic.</p> <p>I know I’ve said this before, but Jocy has got to be my favorite eating buddy because 99% of the time we love the same things and we both love sharing!</p> <p>We split the tomato bisque </p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-nDfI_-a5Xss/T93roL-Z6AI/AAAAAAAAPJk/cUT8CVd2Eic/s1600-h/IMG_2797%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2797" border="0" alt="IMG_2797" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-64LrEpw1uSs/T93rohsR5HI/AAAAAAAAPJs/qBE_wXCEJ2s/IMG_2797_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a> <br />(they even pre-portioned it out into individual bowls for us)</p> <p>and it comes with a mini grilled cheese with multiple types of cheese in there…including goat.</p> <p>It’s just heaven</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VVePkMaNBLQ/T93ro0VAiTI/AAAAAAAAPJ0/b8lkgzUqDK4/s1600-h/IMG_2799%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2799" border="0" alt="IMG_2799" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-f8MBKbKbO_k/T93rpUJzfzI/AAAAAAAAPJ8/Hj6rXWFI0sc/IMG_2799_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>Somehow this grilled cheese and tomato soup has become probably become one of our Top 3 favorite meals on the island!</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-eD5cN2a6pPA/T93rpq0qSsI/AAAAAAAAPKE/_O-AnH52j2s/s1600-h/IMG_2800%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2800" border="0" alt="IMG_2800" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-ohkCyhGfqsI/T93rqIf_lLI/AAAAAAAAPKM/2f1_Xe-mT1g/IMG_2800_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a></p> <p>Then this happened….</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-AiBnSMmNo7A/T93rqlY9-wI/AAAAAAAAPKU/J5uye_BJiBw/s1600-h/IMG_2801%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2801" border="0" alt="IMG_2801" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ZIi7vNzCsE0/T93rrVYvdyI/AAAAAAAAPKc/LqGpVDg7ybA/IMG_2801_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p>I texted that picture to Brian…he said I wasn’t allowed in that store.</p> <p>But he didn’t say anything about <em>this store…</em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-vINZXDmxv4s/T93rr5YFjFI/AAAAAAAAPKk/uusp-L_m1GY/s1600-h/IMG_2808%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2808" border="0" alt="IMG_2808" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QRaS77Cd_Zk/T93rsdII2FI/AAAAAAAAPKs/QZbh2GbMT20/IMG_2808_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a></p> <p>I only have 1 Lilly dress, from many years ago, and I wasn’t planning on it, but we decided to try stuff on :)     <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-fV0uaT3ydpI/T93rshNzgHI/AAAAAAAAPK0/bBxyNd4dRUs/s1600-h/06-17-12%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="06-17-12" border="0" alt="06-17-12" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-QLHtY9tS5Uo/T93rtPql3iI/AAAAAAAAPK8/8vZSbDWeBVc/06-17-12_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="501" height="327" /></a> </p> <p>And I did buy one….any guesses???</p> <p> </p> <p>If I could have purchased them all I would have…</p> <p> </p> <p>Ok I’ll tell you…the Navy one in the middle!  I was deciding between the Navy one and the one with the Yellow top.  The yellow was more comfortable, but the Navy fit like a glove and I could probably get more use out of it!  I was worried about the low back (see bottom right corner) but the dress is actually tight enough that I could go sans bra!  Woo hoo!  The dress is actually <a href="http://emmagrahamdesigns.com/shop-our-favorites/jordan.html" target="_blank">an <strong>Emma Graham</strong> dress</a>, I got it at <strong>In the Pink</strong> which usually sells all Lilly Pulitzer stuff but they had a few of these too…the pink one I tried on (also LOVED that one) was also Emma Graham!</p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>The day concluded with purchasing some delightful cheese, olives, and salami from here:</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-7Vg8ylvQobk/T93rtgJz-7I/AAAAAAAAPLE/lBOXPNjYUAI/s1600-h/IMG_2813%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2813" border="0" alt="IMG_2813" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-bH13kLYTm8Q/T93ruPxcjPI/AAAAAAAAPLM/vkBeLnAhOhs/IMG_2813_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="348" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-LwO-PPdJ-Pk/T93rusPGk3I/AAAAAAAAPLU/6hq7UUCU3D4/s1600-h/06-17-013%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="06-17-013" border="0" alt="06-17-013" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-PYIRZSHYIkY/T93rvDBmwbI/AAAAAAAAPLc/JYB9otDKD4M/06-17-013_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="292" /></a></p> <p>And finally this beast for dinner…</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-z6Yxi7tBVXc/T93rvhVqILI/AAAAAAAAPLk/xYbfx3EFlCM/s1600-h/IMG_2815%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2815" border="0" alt="IMG_2815" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-cgd9CtbTI7U/T93rv5kxVmI/AAAAAAAAPLs/7uGPWdRkMHI/IMG_2815_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="361" height="361" /></a></p> <p>Jumbo lobsters were on sale at the Edgartown Seafood Market.  Joc and I treated her parents (and us) to a nice 5 pounder!!  We had it cooked and then her and I took all the meat out.  We were going to have hot lobster rolls.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-JZ2jY1cFjso/T93rwdgfSCI/AAAAAAAAPL0/m8LIxyz_0l8/s1600-h/IMG_4656%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4656" border="0" alt="IMG_4656" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-KyNyFfWJQJM/T93rw5wTaAI/AAAAAAAAPL8/W4yjBU8te6c/IMG_4656_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>That would be the lobster next to a standard point and shoot.  </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-N40jU_DaXl8/T93rxblPZuI/AAAAAAAAPME/ff_x_8u8pSA/s1600-h/IMG_2816%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_2816" border="0" alt="IMG_2816" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-70wv126Zhxs/T93rx-CfxmI/AAAAAAAAPMM/knoxp6ftUMY/IMG_2816_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="271" height="361" /></a>  </p> <p>Mmmm Mr. Lobster you were delicious.  I was a little worried because I have heard larger lobsters can have tougher meat, but not this one!  Tender and flavorful!  We had a nice big salad and I had a pile of lobster meat.  We feasted :)</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-gKFQMRM4ceA/T93ryVHBHkI/AAAAAAAAPMU/6oRe-x3wouE/s1600-h/IMG_4648%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" title="IMG_4648" border="0" alt="IMG_4648" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-ha6hptWllBE/T93ry18GcTI/AAAAAAAAPMc/U2_kJ7HuYV4/IMG_4648_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="465" height="311" /></a></p> <p>Time to head to the beach!  Have a lovely day!! </p> Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00865727813737484972noreply@blogger.com19