Food & Wine

All Hail to Kale!

January 8, 2012 By Deanna

Kale, hmmmm – either you’re saying…

Yeah - yum! or…

Oh no – ewwww! or…

What the heck is kale?

If your reaction was anything but the first, you are truly missing out!

Honestly, kale is not something I ever entertained eating up until about a year ago. I mean, it’s only purpose is really to dress your plate when you’re dining out, right?

Well, one of the many wonderful things I love about my job with Whole Foods Market is how much I learn each and everyday. As someone who has always been very health conscious and eats healthy, I thought I knew a lot about nutrition prior to starting my job early last year. Well, I was wrong – I can’t believe how much I have learned and continue to learn on a daily basis! It’s really exciting!

One of my favorite things that I have learned is the many different ways to prepare kale, which is one of the most nutrient dense vegetables with tons of health benefits.

I’ve written about kale before. I love to put it in a Green Smoothie (as I love to sneak greens in a smoothie any way I can). My favorite summertime smoothie is Pineapple, Ginger, and Kale. It’s super delicious and refreshing. Kale, in a smoothie, however is not what I would consider a starter green. Kale, in a smoothie, is definitely an acquired taste since it’s relatively strong. If you are new to smoothies I would suggest starting with Spinach or Chard as they are mild and practically tasteless when you add some fruit.

I also love to steam or sauté it. Many times I chop up some garlic and add to either chicken broth or vegetable broth (whichever I have on hand), cook up the garlic a bit and then put my kale in the pan, cover it and steam away. It’s super delicious, even my 10 year old loves it! There are many great recipes online, I found this Bobby Flay recipe last year that was also quite delicious.

Yesterday, I was looking to make a side dish or have a salad so I was googling looking for some interesting kale salad recipes, as I haven’t tried that preparation yet. As you can imagine, I stumbled upon many delicious recipes. I decided to try a Roasted Carrot, Avocado and Kale Salad from a blog called, Top of the Apple.

As always, I make modifications so here is my version. To see the original version (with delicious photos, click here).

Roasted Carrot, Avocado, & Kale Salad

serves 2 (generously – could be up to 4)

6 thin carrots, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

2 tablespoons olive oil, divided (could even reduce a bit if necessary – also I used a Tuscan Herb infused oil that we love so experiment!)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1 head kale, coarsely chopped (about 6 cups)

1 tablespoon lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 avocado, sliced

1/2 cup crumbled queso fresco (I used Feta)

handful of edamame for each plate

2 tablespoons toasted pine nuts, sesame, and pumpkin seeds (we omitted the pine nuts)

Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil. In a bowl, combine carrots, 1 tablespoon of the oil, salt, and cayenne; toss until carrots are completely coated. Spread on baking sheet. Bake 20 minutes, turn carrots, bake 15 minutes more. Meanwhile, in a large mixing bowl, combine kale, remaining 1 tablespoon of oil, lemon juice and salt. With clean hands, firmly massage kale until tender and bright green, about 2 minutes. Add roasted carrots; toss gently. To serve, divide kale and carrots among two plates. Arrange avocado slices, toss on your edamame and top with cheese and your toasted nut/seed mixture.

I have to tell you – this recipe was AMAZING! My husband devoured it and was still talking about it this morning. I can’t wait to make it again! I would love to serve this with a delicious piece of salmon or some scallops – it makes for a super nutritious and tasty meal.

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Food & Wine, Things I Love, Wellness Tagged With: greens, Kale, salad, side dish

Spring Fever in January?

January 7, 2012 By Deanna

Today was absolutely glorious! My car registered 63 degrees at one point! I really got a case of Spring fever and it’s only early January.

We threw Faith’s bike in the back of the truck, loaded all the dogs in the car and headed up to the track to get some exercise and enjoy the beautiful outdoors. It was delightful!

Once we got back home, I decided to try out a new smoothie recipe I found recently, with my own adjustments, of course!

I was dying to try this new recipe I found for a Cherry Chocolate Smoothie. Cherry and chocolate? Yum! I couldn’t think of anything better. Of course, I love to sneak my greens in a smoothie somehow – so I chose to add spinach since it doesn’t affect the taste.

Well, it was as good as if not better I thought – absolutely divine! I haven’t been adding fruit to my green smoothies lately, so this was a sweet treat. Here’s the recipe:

Cherry Chocolate with Sneaky Greens Smoothie

Serves 1

8 oz. of milk (for mine I used unsweetened vanilla coconut milk and for Faith’s we used skim – use the milk of your choice)

5 fresh strawberries (although the recipe called for 5 frozen, we had fresh)

1/2 cup of frozen cherries (oh so yummy!)

1/2 scoop of chocolate protein powder (my favorite is Plant Fusion)

A handful of ice cubes (add more or less depending on your desired thickness)

A few handfuls of spinach

I used my favorite kitchen gadget, my vitamix to blend away. This smoothie was so delicious and is now a new favorite!

Have you ever tried a green smoothie? Start with spinach. I swear you won’t even taste it! Add blueberries or cherries to your smoothies and your kids won’t even know it’s there! Try it and let me know what you think!

Here’s the original recipe: Cherry Chocolate Smoothie – thanks for the inspiration!

4 Comments Filed Under: Food & Wine, Green Smoothies, Things I Love, Wellness Tagged With: Green Smoothies, healthy eating, nutrition

Oreo Chocolate Trifle

July 4, 2011 By Deanna

I love making trifles. They are so easy! We went to a picnic this weekend and this was my daughter’s request because she just loves it. It was super yummy!

Oreo Chocolate Trifle

1 box cake mix of the chocolate variety

1 package of oreo cookies (crushed – put in a plastic bag and crush away)

1 large container of cool whip (I use reduced fat)

2 boxes of instant chocolate pudding (I use skim milk)

Prepare your box cake mix based on package directions. I modify mine by reducing the oil (if it calls for 1/2 cup – I reduce to 1/3 cup) and I add about a 1/2 cup of applesauce. I follow the directions for the water, but use either egg substitute or egg whites instead of all eggs. Everyone loves the way my box cakes come out and this is the trick. It makes a super moist and light cake.

Once your cake is cooled break it into pieces as you layer. I start with cake, then add a layer of pudding, a layer of cool whip and then crushed oreos. Keep layering until you reach the top.

It’s super delicious and always a crowd pleaser! Enjoy!

1 Comment Filed Under: Food & Wine, Things I Love Tagged With: dessert, recipes

I Love Sweet Potatoes!

June 2, 2011 By Deanna

I love sweet potatoes! I could take or leave a regular potato, but must admit that I have a weakness when it comes to a sweet potato. Having said that, I don’t eat them very often, but would pick a sweet potato over a white potato any day.

I’ve been dying to try a recipe from Rip Esselstyn’s Engine 2 Book - Rip’s Sweet Potato Bowl. Tonight was the night and it was DELISH!

Here’s a peek:

I didn’t have a chance to get cilantro, so I used some delicious fresh scallions. I also used a tangerine balsamic from one of my favorite gourmet ktichen shops. I love avocado, but instead of incorporating it in the dish, we topped our plates with some avocado.

This dish was amazing and loaded with mango, black beans, sweet potatoes, scalllions, peppers, and yummy goodness! I always like to break from the traditional, but yet not go so outside the healthy box. This dish is definitely the ticket! It is hearty enough to stand on it’s own. It was fantastic!

The Sweet Potato Bowl was absolutely incredible. I am going to definitely make this again!

2 Comments Filed Under: Food & Wine, Things I Love, Wellness Tagged With: main entree, mango, recipes, side dish, sweet potato

Craving Kale…

May 31, 2011 By Deanna

Today I came home from work and was craving kale, yes kale. I’ve been drinking green smoothies nearly daily for almost two months now and I’m now craving greens. So, I quickly did a google search to see what I could cook up fast to go with our tomato basil crustless quiche my husband had prepared for dinner. I found this amazing recipe (below) from Bobby Flay. Click here for the link. I used water since I didn’t have any vegetable stock and substituted a white balsamic in lieu of red wine vinegar since I didn’t have that either. I also used less oil since I was making a smaller portion of greens, but used my favorite Tuscan Herb infused Olive Oil. It was a hit and quite delish! Even our daughter, the toughest veggie critic liked it. I can’t wait to make it again!

From the FoodNetwork.com:

Ingredients

1 1/2 pounds young kale, stems and leaves coarsely chopped
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, finely sliced
1/2 cup vegetable stock or water
Salt and pepper
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large saucepan over medium-high heat. Add the garlic and cook until soft, but not colored. Raise heat to high, add the stock and kale and toss to combine. Cover and cook for 5 minutes. Remove cover and continue to cook, stirring until all the liquid has evaporated. Season with salt and pepper to taste and add vinegar.

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Food & Wine, Things I Love Tagged With: greens, recipes, vegetable side dish

This Wine is Ready for Summer

April 6, 2011 By Deanna

We’ve been itching to switch to some warmer weather wines. The weather has been playing games with us – one day it’s warm and spring like and the next it’s raw, rainy and cold.

Well as we were out and about this weekend, my husband surprised me with this delightful find!

Nativa Terra Reserva Sauvignon Blanc (2010) is a Chilean wine. I have to say that this is the best Sauvignon Blanc I’ve tasted in a long time. It was very fruit forward and crisp – a really delightful and refreshing wine. I could see us sitting on the back deck around my fire pit table on a warm summer night sipping this with friends.

Here are some tasting notes: “This distinctive Reserva Sauvignon Blanc has aromas and flavors of grapefruit and lemon peel mingled with tropical fruit and herbaceous notes. Crisp and well-balanced on the palate. Nativa has a long memorable finish.”

Wow, just reading that again makes me want to sample this one again. Thankfully, my hubby bought two bottles!

Cheers!

2 Comments Filed Under: Food & Wine, Things I Love Tagged With: sauvignon blanc, summer, wine

Maine, Lobster, and Street & Co

March 29, 2011 By Deanna

Ok, so I will write a lot about my love of Maine. In this case, it’s all about the food.

We love regional cuisine where ever we travel. No offense to the big chain restaurants, but if it’s some place I can go to at home – I’m not interested.

My husband and I first starting traveling to Maine nearly 11 years ago the year before our daughter came into our lives. We stayed a few days at a B&B in Portland and then headed to a quaint B&B in Kennbunkport.

While in Portland we were exploring the Old Port, a cobble stone lined part of the city that’s right on the water front. The Old Port has a lot of charm, great restaurants, cute boutiques, and lots of friendly people.

One night we found a restaurant and it was love at first bite! The restaurant, Street & Co, is on Wharf Street tucked between two rows of buildings on a small cobblestone street. Its exposed beams, open kitchen, and copper top tables all add to the charm and character of this gem that has become such a part of my family’s traditions.

During our first trip, I ordered the Grilled Lobster, which comes out in it’s own pan (split and cleaned, my favorite) over linguine with garlic, butter and seasonings. To say that this dish is amazing is an understatement. It is divine and succulent all wrapped up in one copper pan!

Now, typically at Street I don’t deviate too much – more often than not I get the Grilled Lobster. Unfortunately during our trip last week, I was so caught up in the experience that I forgot to snap a picture! Well, digging back through my phone I found this beautiful shot of the Lobster Diavolo for two (which we got prepared with a white sauce) when my husband and I went up in January for our annual weekend getaway to Kennebunkport. Equally as divine as my usual dish of Grilled Lobster, this beauty also had mussels, clams, and calamari. Yum!

The really great part for us is how much our now nearly 10 year old loves this restaurant, too! Her favorite dish is the Calamari over linguine with white sauce. In fact, during last weekend’s visit our fantastic waiter, Jay surprised me by immediately knowing what Faith’s usual dish was. Her eyes grew wide and well – he won her over by first asking about any food allergies. She’s very sensitive (and responsible) about her tree nut and peanut allergy so this was a HUGE bonus for her.

If you are in Portland, Maine – you have to visit Street & Co – no excuses my friends! And…if you haven’t been to Portland yet, why not? More to come on that later…

5 Comments Filed Under: Food & Wine, Things I Love, Travel Tagged With: food, Maine, regional cuisine, Street & Co, travel

My Yummy Ratatouille

March 29, 2011 By Deanna

I made this delicious recipe again last night. It’s really versatile. We served it on it’s own with some shaved Parmesan, but plan to have it again over some homemade meatballs with the leftovers. Faith had it over a little bit of penne. Great way to get in those veggies!

I’ve modified this recipe into my own creation….

Coat a skillet with non stick cooking spray (I use our Cuisinart Electric Skillet from William Sonoma as it makes a lot)

Chop 1 onion

Chop 3-4 garlic cloves

Saute until tender, but never over cook

Add 3 tablespoons of capers and cook for a few minutes.

In the meantime, dice 2 zucchini, 2 yellow squash, 1 eggplant, and a combination of peppers. Depending on what I have I may add 1 red, 1 green, and 1 yellow. It doesn’t matter, whatever you have throw it in 2- 3 is fine.

You can also add fresh mushrooms, if you’d like. Add those after the onions and the garlic before adding the other veggies if you do. Cover and let it all cook and steam for a bit until tender.

Depending on the consistency you want, add crushed and/or whole tomatoes – you can also do a combination of the two. Our favorite right now is a 90 oz can of San Marzano tomatoes that we get from Restaurant Depot. You can add any combination of canned tomatoes from the grocery store, however. More tomatoes makes it more like a sauce.

Let this mixture cook a little longer. Add fresh basil and salt and pepper to taste.

We serve it as is with some shaved Caesar style Parmesan cheese that we get at BJ’s.

It makes a lot so you can get a few meals out of it. You can serve it over pasta, meatballs, meatloaf, sausage, etc.

We don’t add any oil and it’s fantastic. It you want to use oil, you can saute the onions and garlic in olive oil. I’m conscious about added fat, so I don’t add any. You don’t even know it’s not there.

My magic tool for easily and quickly chopping all the veggies is the Progressive Onion Chopper. It’s a really inexpensive gadget that chops everything above quickly and easily. Here’s the link:

http://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/product.asp?SKU=13653801

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Food & Wine, Things I Love Tagged With: recipes, veggies

Wine and the Wineaux

March 24, 2011 By Deanna

Ok, so I’ve seen this posted around different places before, but when I knew I was going to start this blog about all things I love, I had to post it here.

My husband and I both have an affinity and an appreciation of wine. We spend a lot of time on the Connecticut wine trail and have enjoyed exploring the amazing vineyards we have right here in our beautiful state.

We also love to head out to the North Fork of Long Island, but don’t get out there as much as we’d like.

I always have people asking me to recommend vineyards in Connecticut, so I will be writing a lot about our travels through the Connecticut Wine Trail.

Live life like you mean it!

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Fried Donuts for Dessert – YUM!

March 22, 2011 By Deanna

My husband and I had a nice night out this past weekend.

Now, we try to make healthy choices most of the time, however I knew that I wanted to try one of the desserts while we were out.

I’d seen people get this dessert before and knew that I wanted to try it. It’s called, “Bag of Donuts” – can you say YUM?

They were fried pieces of dough dusted in powdered sugar. It came with 3 dipping sauces: Chocolate, Caramel, and Raspberry.

This dessert was so good, filling and fattening – but oh so delicious. I love to indulge in something different and unique. I prefer not to waste dessert on the ordinary.

How about you?

Leave a Comment Filed Under: Food & Wine, Things I Love Tagged With: dessert, food