tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66907450838706725072024-03-06T12:02:24.455-08:00Portland PeepsWhere food and friends meetCindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.comBlogger237125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-57845512506799163462013-05-23T13:59:00.001-07:002013-05-23T13:59:43.762-07:00Moving...I’ll be blogging at <a href="http://decisivecook.com/" target="_blank">The Decisive Cook</a>. I hope you’ll follow me! Stop by and say hi.<br />
<br />Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-41595331827466734352013-05-07T11:36:00.003-07:002013-05-08T23:36:13.429-07:00Double Chocolate Sorbet<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">A cooking extravaganza took place in my kitchen last weekend. I enjoyed every minute of it... well, <i>almost</i> every minute. I’m not a big fan of the clean-up aspect of creating a large meal.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Our friends and neighbors, Pete, Joey and Alice, were our dinner guests on Saturday night. Alice is almost two, and having her at our dinner table was a delight. It brought back so many memories of when my daughter was that age. Even though I did not make specific kid food for her, she ate everything with gusto, including basil pesto, panko-crusted salmon, even a bit of the baby greens salad with goat cheese and cranberries. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">It was a warm day, around 85 degrees, which in Portland in May, is unusual, and downright hot! Some kind of frozen dessert was in order, so I chose a chocolate sorbet. My husband also requested his new favorite <a href="http://www.portlandpeeps.blogspot.com/2013/04/atlantic-coast-lemon-pie.html" target="_blank">lemon pie</a>, so I whipped up one of those too.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Do you love chocolate? Do you have an ice cream maker? Yes? Then you need to make this incredibly chocolatey sorbet right away. If you love chocolate, but do not have an ice cream maker, you will need to buy one or borrow one from a friend. This dessert requires this tool to create the proper consistency. Any inexpensive ice cream maker will do.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8719051822/" title="5413CS-144Ed by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="5413CS-144Ed" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7395/8719051822_e452bd9e68_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></span>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">This dessert is exclusively for chocolate lovers. The only thing you’ll taste when you bite into it is chocolate. But, hey, it is light in caloric content (unless you eat the whole quart), and it’s gluten-free!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8721834190/" title="5413CS-111-Edit-Edit by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="5413CS-111-Edit-Edit" height="336" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7407/8721834190_399381dc45.jpg" width="500" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;"><b>Double Chocolate Sorbet</b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Makes 1 small quart</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>Adapted from The Perfect Scoop</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/double-chocolate-sorbet" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<!--?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?-->
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">2 1/4 cups water<br />1 cup sugar<br />3/4 cup unsweetened Dutch-process cocoa powder<br />1/4 teaspoon sea salt<br />6 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped<br />1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">In a large saucepan, whisk together 1 1/2 cups of the water with the sugar, cocoa powder, and salt. Bring to a boil, whisking frequently. Let it boil, continuing to whisk let the mixture boil for about 45 seconds.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
Remove from the heat and stir in the chocolate until it’s melted. Then stir in the vanilla extract and the remaining 3/4 cup of water. Chill the mixture thoroughly. I covered it and placed it in the fridge for the night. Then place the chilled mix into your ice cream maker, and run it for about 25 minutes. Remove from the ice cream maker and place it into a sealed container. Freeze for 4-6 hours before serving.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><i>When this dessert was placed in front of our youngest guest (topped with a colorful macaron and a dollop of whipped cream), her one word says it all: “Wow!”</i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-9217336622186906062013-04-29T09:29:00.000-07:002013-04-29T16:09:41.626-07:00Atlantic Coast Lemon Pie<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8678943732/" title="41413LP-142 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41413LP-142" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8256/8678943732_910f9ca1ae.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">When I first heard about this pie, I had to pull off the road.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">NPR’s ‘All Things Considered’ was on the radio. They were airing a story from food blogger Katie Workman, creator of <a href="http://www.themom100.com/" target="_blank">Mom100 blog</a>, and author of <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mom-100-Cookbook-Recipes-Pocket/dp/0761166033" target="_blank">The Mom100 Cookbook: 100 Recipes Every Mom Needs in Her Back Pocket.</a> Apparently, while vacationing in North Carolina, Katie fell head over heels for a lemon pie. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I heard descriptions of the pie’s tangy sweetness — along with angry honking from the car behind me — while I scrambled to take notes on where to locate the recipe for this dreamy lemon pie.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">If you’ve spent any time along the North Carolina coast, you may have already tasted something like this. The recipe Katie shares is from Bill Smith, chef of <a href="http://www.crookscorner.com/" target="_blank">Crook’s Corner Cafe</a> in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. This is Bill’s version of the lemon pie commonly served at seafood restaurants along the Carolina coast when he was growing up.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8678942788/" title="41413LP-173 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41413LP-173" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8400/8678942788_fc0c27e0b8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">The fabulousness of this pie is not in any one ingredient, but rather the combination of a thick, crunchy, sweet and salty crust, and the tangy sweetness of a custard-textured lemon filling. The fact that it’s way easier than any pie I’ve ever met, is also a plus. I took Katie’s advice, and served it with billowy whipped cream on top, but you could make a meringue out of the egg whites not used in the filling. I personally prefer the consistency and flavor of organic heavy whipping cream thank you.</span><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: large;">Bill Smith’s Atlantic Beach Pie</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace; font-size: x-small;"><b><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/atlantic-coast-lemon-pie" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></b></span><br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">THE CRUST: </span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 1/2 sleeves of saltine crackers </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/3 to 1/2 cup softened unsalted butter </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">3 tablespoons sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">THE FILLING:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">4 egg yolks</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">1/2 cup lemon or lime juice or a mix of the two</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Fresh whipped cream and coarse sea salt for garnish</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Crush the crackers finely, but not to dust. You can use a food processor or your hands. Add the sugar, then knead in the butter until the crumbs hold together like dough. Press into an 8 inch pie pan. Chill for 15 minutes, then bake for 18 minutes or until the crust colors a little.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">While the crust is cooling (it doesn’t need to be cold), beat the egg yolks into the milk, then beat in the citrus juice. It is important to completely combine these ingredients. Pour into the shell and bake for 16 minutes until the filling has set. The pie needs to be completely cold to be sliced. Serve with fresh whipped cream and a sprinkling of sea salt.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8677833743/" title="41413LP-163 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41413LP-163" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8677833743_d797d285e4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">I couldn’t help but think about how the lemon filling would taste with my homemade, butter crust. Maybe I could add a bit of fleur de sel, I thought. But when I mentioned this to my husband, he was quick to share his thoughts about how it’s the combination of textures and flavors that makes this pie as fabulous as it is. So, I guess I won’t mess with success! </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;">Anyone else already familiar with this wicked-good pie from the East?</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Courier New', Courier, monospace;"><br /></span></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-47423456026244906402013-04-21T15:28:00.000-07:002013-04-25T18:44:44.477-07:00Simple, pure, homemade: Vanilla<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">When baking, I always strive to use the best ingredients possible, so after reading an article about Madagascar vanilla, I was ready to trade in my old Schilling vanilla for something more rich, and flavorful. But when doing a Google search for Madagascar vanilla, the price gave me pause. I learned that pure vanilla extract is the second most expensive spice in the world, with saffron in the number one spot. Pricing really good stuff, (around $20 for a 8oz bottle), pointed to one solution... its time to try my hand at making my own.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
If you have a local spice store near you, I found it to be the best place to start. I stopped in at the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/SavorySpiceShopPortlandSellwood" target="_blank">Savory Spice Shop</a> in Portland’s Sellwood neighborhood where I found a variety of beans at much lower prices than grocery stores or online. I decided on three different beans, all which, according to the authorities at Savory Spice, will create different flavored vanillas: Madagascar; Mexican; and Madagascar Organic. They were priced at $5-6.75 for a package of three. Add to that the price of a bottle of vodka, around $14, and hinged 8oz bottles (found at Storables), and you’re paying a little more than half price.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br />
This turned out to be super easy. It only requires two ingredients, beans and vodka. The most difficult part? Patience. It takes about 3-4 months to brew.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8651378172/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="41313VV-124 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41313VV-124" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8381/8651378172_1e1baa6821_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Step One.</b> Gather supplies. Vanilla beans (three beans for each 8oz bottle you’re planning to make). Premium vodka (or a flavorless vodka works too) 1/5 will make 3-8oz bottles of vanilla. Bottles. I found 8oz hinged stopper bottles at Storables for $2.95 each. (I really like these hinged bottles, but feel free to use any bottles in various sizes that seal tightly you like.) A funnel, or you can also just pour the vodka into a pitcher with a spout to make pouring into the bottles easier.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span>
<br />
<div style="font-family: Times; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8651378318/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="41313VV-111 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41313VV-111" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8651378318_ae0e320eef.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Step Two.</b> Wash the bottles you plan to use, and let them dry.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8651378486/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="41313VB-120 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41313VB-120" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8397/8651378486_d513923937.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Step Three.</b> Slice three of your vanilla beans in half lengthwise, and add them to a clean dry bottle. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Continue until you’ve filled all your bottles with split vanilla beans.</span></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8650279811/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="41313VV-179 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41313VV-179" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8394/8650279811_cee5f3f949_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><b>Step Four.</b> Carefully pour vodka into each bottle. Seal the bottles. Label them so you remember which bottle holds which flavor of bean. Store the filled bottles in a cool, dry, dark place, giving them a gentle shake every once in a while.</span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8670160348/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="42113VA-151 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="42113VA-151" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8119/8670160348_0582007752_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b>Step Five. </b>I attached these labels to keep track of the specific beans I used. Later I’ll design some permanent labels for them.</span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">That’s it! So easy!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Just leave the beans inside, and as you use the vanilla, add vodka to keep the bottle filled. You can also add a couple fresh beans to the mix and remove a couple every once in a while to keep your vanilla fresh.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-51676202423754979952013-04-12T11:34:00.001-07:002013-05-16T10:06:41.477-07:00More Dr. Oz green grub<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I enjoyed last week’s <a href="http://www.portlandpeeps.blogspot.com/2013/04/dr-oz-3-day-detox-cleanse-from-my-point.html" target="_blank">smoothie based cleanse</a> so much, I went on to try another <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-ozs-fat-busting-formula-3-days-3-fat-busting-meals-lose-3-pounds" target="_blank">Dr. Oz created diet</a> this week. This 3-day formula claims that if you eat the same 3 meals, at about the same time each day, you will lose 3 pounds. The three meals required are specifically designed for weight loss. One of the ideas behind this diet, is to consume most of your calories early in the day when you’ll be most likely to expend them.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I like the idea of having my meals all planned out, but eating healthy does have its price. The pre-diet trip to the grocery store is <i>not</i> an inexpensive one. Whole, organic foods can translate to whole paycheck without much effort. I’m looking forward to summer when some of these veggies can be harvested from my own garden.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I talked my husband into participating in this diet with me. I thought it would be fun to have someone to commiserate with. I think he enjoyed knowing what he was having for each meal, and even more, having all his meals made for him.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Breakfast</span></b> consists of protein (egg), dairy (reduced fat swiss cheese), monounsaturated fats and fiber (avocado), salsa (a plethora of vitamins), carbs (whole wheat English muffin). This was filling. I usually grab a piece of toast and slather it with peanut butter or almond butter with my coffee in the morning, so this is more than I usually eat before noon. I was full until <i>after</i> lunchtime.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8640697775/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="41013HB-115 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41013HB-115" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8245/8640697775_6b1ebb81c9.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i>Did you know that avocado is a superfood? Two-thirds of the fats in avocados are monounsaturated, which helps lower bad cholesterol and maintain, or increase good cholesterol. They’re a rich source of vitamin E too, which is a powerful antioxidant. A two-tablespoon serving contains 2 grams of fiber and an entire fruit contains about 10 grams.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Lunch</span></b> is the largest meal of the day on this diet, and a bit too much food for me to consume at one time. Not sure who Dr. Oz had in mind on this one. It would have been the perfect amount <i>if</i> I had run a marathon in between breakfast and lunch. Unfortunately, I had not.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8640659509/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="41013HL-102 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41013HL-102" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8265/8640659509_d126cddf9e.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i>I opted for one bean burger instead of two. I’ll give you specifics on the nutritional values to look for when purchasing these prepackaged veggie burgers a bit later.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8640659147/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="41013HL-124 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41013HL-124" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8400/8640659147_5d2f4205c9_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i>A side of sweet potato fries go with lunch. They were my favorite part! Sweet potato (or yam), sliced, drizzled with olive oil, sprinkled with oregano, baked until crispy. </i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Dinner</span></b> is a green smoothie. Fruit and vegetable drinks are a really good way to get plenty of fruits and veggies into your system. Imagine trying to chew as many fruits and vegetables as you can drink. Your body is able to digest them and absorb the nutrients so much easier in liquid form. If you tried the green lunch smoothie I posted last week, and found it to be somewhat hard to swallow, you’ll love this one. Really! Trust me on this. The addition of banana and vanilla whey protein powder make it creamy and delicious. If I didn’t know what was in it, and I had my eyes closed while drinking it, I never would have guessed it was green.</span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8641761854/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="41013HL-140 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="41013HL-140" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8541/8641761854_869de7cd11.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">You should consume the least amount of calories at dinner time. This shake will burn fat and help to build lean muscle. The recipe</span> makes about 4 cups, which was about 2 cups too much. It really was delicious, but I was too full to finish it, so on subsequent nights, my hubby and I shared the single serving amount.</i></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black; font-size: 13px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">The Recipes:</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"> </span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: black;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-ozs-fat-busting-formula-3-days-3-fat-busting-meals-lose-3-pounds" target="_blank">All recipes from Dr. Oz</a></i></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></strong></span></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Breakfast</strong></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">: Tex-Mex Egg and Cheese Muffin</strong></span></div>
</div>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px; text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients</span></strong></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 egg</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 tbsp olive oil</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">1 slice of reduced fat Swiss cheese </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">2 slices avocado </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">1 tbsp medium salsa </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">1 whole wheat English muffin </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; font-weight: bold; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directions</span></strong></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Lightly oil a small ramekin with some olive oil and crack an egg into it. Use a fork to scramble the egg a bit, or at least pierce the egg yolk so the egg won't explode. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Ladle one tsp of salsa on top of egg and layer the cheese slice (folded in half) over it. Microwave on 50% power for 1 minute and 20 seconds (time may vary depending on strength of microwave). </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Carefully remove ramekin from microwave – ramekin may be hot, use potholders if necessary </span><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">– </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">and let sit a few minutes to settle. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Run a small knife around the rim of the cooked egg and gently invert over the toasted muffin half. Top with the remaining 2 tsp of salsa, remaining olive oil and slices of avocado, and the top half of the muffin.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><br /></strong></span></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Lunch</strong></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">: Double Bean Burger</strong></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Ingredients</strong></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">2 pre-made bean burgers <i>(see note below)</i></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Iceberg or butter lettuce (2 whole leaves)</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">1 portobello mushroom, sliced into 1/2 inch strips</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">1/2 yellow onion, sliced into rings</span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">1/2 tbsp olive oil</span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">
</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Directions</strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">When mushrooms are done, remove to a plate and add onions. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Add half the oil to a large non-stick sauté pan and cook the mushrooms in one layer on medium heat, flipping over once until nicely browned on both sides. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Add remaining oil and cook the onions until softened and browned, about 10 minutes. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Add back mushrooms and stir together.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>Buying Guide for Bean Burgers:</i></span></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">
</span></span>
<br />
<ul style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.5em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://static.doctoroz.com/sites/all/themes/droz/images/menu-leaf.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 1px 0.35em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0.15em; margin-left: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.15em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 1.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>Beans must be listed in the first two ingredients</i></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://static.doctoroz.com/sites/all/themes/droz/images/menu-leaf.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 1px 0.35em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0.15em; margin-left: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.15em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 1.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>150 calories or less per serving</i></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://static.doctoroz.com/sites/all/themes/droz/images/menu-leaf.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 1px 0.35em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0.15em; margin-left: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.15em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 1.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>5 grams fat or less per serving</i></li>
<li style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: url(http://static.doctoroz.com/sites/all/themes/droz/images/menu-leaf.gif); background-origin: initial; background-position: 1px 0.35em; background-repeat: no-repeat no-repeat; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; list-style-image: none; list-style-type: none; margin-bottom: 0.15em; margin-left: 0.5em; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0.15em; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0.2em; padding-left: 1.5em; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><i>400 mg sodium or less per serving</i></li>
</span></span></ul>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span></span>
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">
</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Side: Baked Sweet Potato Fries</span></strong></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients</span></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 sweet potato, skin on </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 tbsp olive oil </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 tbsp dried oregano </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Directions </span></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Pre-heat oven to 425<span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #222222; line-height: 16px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">°F</span>. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Scrub potato under cold water until clean. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Cut potato in half and save for later use. Cut potato half into long wedges. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">In a bowl, combine potato wedges, olive oil and dried oregano. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Spread on a rimmed cookie sheet and bake until browned and cooked through, about 30 minutes, turning halfway through.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></strong></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-size: large; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Dinner</strong></span><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">: Lean Green Supper Shake</strong></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">3 cups of green veggies <span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">– </span>kale, spinach, chopped romaine, celery </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 green apple<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">2 cups of ice</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">1/2 banana </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">1 scoop vanilla whey powder </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">3/4 cup of unsweetened almond milk<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18px;"><strong style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; font-weight: bold; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">Directions<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></strong></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">Combine all in a blender and blend well. Pour into glass, garnish with a celery stick or slices of green apple. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"></span></span><br />
<div style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: transparent; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-color: initial; border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-style: initial; border-top-width: 0px; color: #333333; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; outline-color: initial; outline-style: initial; outline-width: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; line-height: 18px;">
</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b>Thoughts and tips:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">• The almond milk selection out there is confusing. Choose one that’s unsweetened. I liked Blue Diamond brand. It’s available in two lines, sweetened and unsweetened. In each line they offer three flavors: original, vanilla and chocolate. I like the vanilla flavored, and since it wasn’t specified, you could go for the chocolate flavored.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">• The selection of bean garden burgers is even more confusing. I found several, most of which did not fit the criteria for Dr. Oz’s buying guide. I picked up several brands and mixed and matched to get to where they needed to be in terms of fat, calories and sodium intake. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">• I loved the green shake! It’s rich and creamy!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">• The baked sweet potato fries are a great snack!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">• The meals are substantial. I gained a pound after the first day. You can alter the amounts to suit your own appetite. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="background-color: white; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">• <span class="Apple-style-span" style="line-height: 18px;">Just to be clear, I am volunteering to do this Dr. Oz diet, but I am not affiliated with him, or anyone representing his ideas in any way.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">• After the diet, my weight was exactly the same as when I started. I can’t recommend this for weight loss, but it’s great for eating healthy meals, and I’ll be saving the green drink and sweet potato fries recipes for future use.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-15202172526591952452013-04-04T08:34:00.001-07:002013-05-16T10:09:13.427-07:00Dr. Oz 3-day Detox Cleanse, from my point of view<div style="text-align: center;">
We spent last week at the Oregon coast. Games were played, walks on the beach, movie watching, a beach bonfire, ball throwing sessions for doggies, and a trip to the Oregon Coast Aquarium... and lots of eating. What is it about the ocean air that makes us want to eat, eat, and eat some more? The sun went down, it must be time for ice cream and cookies. Never mind the fact that I’d already consumed too many M&M’s to count, Guinness, and a large mango smoothie topped with whipped cream earlier in the day. Not to mention the breakfast, lunch and dinner we consumed in-between snacks.</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8611930056/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="4113GC-101 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="4113GC-101" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8103/8611930056_047d8eeaf5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Time to cleanse! I’ve never participated in anything like this before, but then I have not been the age I am now, with a brand new tendency to collect a few extra pounds around my mid section.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Recently, a friend told me about her 25 pound weight loss through a <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-ozs-detox-cleanse-pt-1" target="_blank">Dr. Oz diet</a> that begins with a 3-day smoothie based cleanse. The initial cleanse claims to reboot your system and balance hormones. Sounds promising. I like the fact that everything can be found at a local grocery store, and it’s all recognizable, healthy, simple food. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Just to be clear, I am volunteering to do this Dr. Oz developed cleanse, but I am not affiliated with him, or anyone representing his ideas in any way. I brought this challenge on completely unaided. This cleanse was developed several months ago, and many people have done it and survived, maybe even thrived, I don’t know. All I know is that I really like the idea of eating super healthy for a few days.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DLag4AeHA9zftRg-o1ZgkX6BmfZapUZCFOFjDm3NEGodx5GNeJLyCYLbx9pfxGcoQpsd3GgEX8GyQK5pgmZyCPeCgLWtpJJE4dFCXOO2LsxLt0D4VPUskEuTEkA_E-BGPiwm_KMe4Yc/s1600/4_055_3DayDetox.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2DLag4AeHA9zftRg-o1ZgkX6BmfZapUZCFOFjDm3NEGodx5GNeJLyCYLbx9pfxGcoQpsd3GgEX8GyQK5pgmZyCPeCgLWtpJJE4dFCXOO2LsxLt0D4VPUskEuTEkA_E-BGPiwm_KMe4Yc/s640/4_055_3DayDetox.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Graphic from <a href="http://www.doctoroz.com/videos/dr-ozs-3-day-detox-cleanse-one-sheet" target="_blank">The Dr. Oz Show web site</a></span></i></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8615898910/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="4213OZ-131 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="4213OZ-131" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8120/8615898910_fae11627af.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 1:</span></b> I got up extra early to create the breakfast concoction that would kick start my Monday. While sipping a hot green tea with lemon, I dropped ingredients into the blender one by one... Raspberries, banana, spinach, almond butter, lemon juice, flax seed, and cold water. Yum! This made one full glass of goodness. Just before I finished it, I took a multivitamin with the final sip and followed that with about three ounces of a strawberry flavored probiotic supplement yogurt-like drink. So far, so good!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
At 11:30 I started making my lunch. I’ve never met a vegetable I didn’t like, but that was before I met celery and cucumber blended together. I peeled the cucumber and removed the seeds, peeled the skin off the apple and removed the core. Chopped up four celery stalks. Cut up a whole pineapple, removed the core, cut it into chunks, and placed the remainder in the freezer. It took me exactly two hours to choke this smoothie down. This made two large glasses full (or about 4 cups), which was a glass and a half too much. This green concoction was followed by another multivitamin and an Omego 3 supplement.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I chose the breakfast smoothie as my snack, since it was by far the best out of two. By 5:30 I was starving, but I managed to put off drinking the dinner smoothie until around 7pm. So far, the dinner drink was my favorite. The combination of mango, blueberries, avocado, kale, coconut water, and a bit of spice from the cayenne, was good.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I ended the day with a luxurious 30+ minute extra hot Epsom salt and lavender oil bath... ahhhhhhhh.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8616768233/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="4213OZ-110 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="4213OZ-110" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8107/8616768233_32cbfbd9d8.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BREAKFAST</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8611929808/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="4113GC-112 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="4113GC-112" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8248/8611929808_ce8ac58310.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">LUNCH</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8615898772/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="4213OZ-135 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="4213OZ-135" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8106/8615898772_8acdd21fce.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">DINNER</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 2:</span></b> I woke up with a slight headache, but that quickly disappeared after a cup of green tea with a slice of lemon. I’m feeling less hungry than I did yesterday and much more energetic. And, guess what? I lost 4 pounds!! Seriously! Probably just fluids, or my scale is wonky, but I’m psyched and motivated to continue.<br />
<br />
After I consumed the morning smoothie, vitamin and probiotic, I got to work putting together the lunch smoothie. It’s so large, and my least favorite, so I wanted to take a little of it with me to drink on the way to yoga. I figured this would give me a head start on tackling this green monster, which consists of more chewing than drinking. Note: Keeping it as cold as possible helps a lot.<br />
<br />
I doubled the recipe for the dinner smoothie and drank half of it for the snack portion and the other half for dinner. I’m really craving real food, but I’m sure I can handle one more day of this. I had to make a trip to the grocery store tonight for a few more ingredients I’m running short on. That was torture. When did grocery stores start with all the samples?<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Day 3:</span></b> I had a slight headache in the morning again, but I guess that’s to be expected since I haven’t had any caffeine since Sunday. After drinking a cup of green tea on my morning commute, the headache magically disappeared. I drank the morning drink on the way to a meeting. I’m starting to get used to this to-go food in a cup.<br />
<br />
By lunchtime I was starving, but not looking forward to having that green drink. Much to my surprise, it actually tasted decent today. I’m not sure why, there was no difference between today’s lunch drink and yesterday’s or the day before that, but the flavors tasted better. Acquired taste? This reminds me of when I was in my 20’s and wanted to be able to order a simple drink in a bar. I forced myself to like gin so I could order a dry martini up with two olives. Ha! I felt so grown up. Now I’ve taken another maturation step and acquired a taste for celery and cucumber!<br />
<br />
The dinner drink was again fabulous, but left me wanting hot, chewable food. I was really looking forward to morning, planning my breakfast of a farm fresh egg and... coffee.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Thoughts and tips:</span></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>• Buy the best fruits and veggies you can afford.</b> I purchased everything at my local New Seasons. They were very helpful with the vitamins and supplements I needed too. Everything I used was fresh, locally grown and organic, which makes a difference for me psychologically as I’m consuming it. It’s so comforting to know you’re putting only good things in your body.<br />
<br />
<b>• I am a protein addict.</b> I don’t feel right unless I have regular protein based foods, but I never felt deprived during the 3-day cleanse. Each drink has some form of protein in it. I never thought one tablespoon of almond butter would be enough protein for breakfast, but it seemed to be fine.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>• Keep the drinks cold.</b> It really helps to have at least one item in each drink that’s frozen when you put it in the blender. I purchased fresh frozen blueberries, which added a lot of sweetness to the evening drink. After cutting up a whole pineapple, I froze the chunks in a sealed container. The raspberries I used were already in my freezer from our last crop. Keeping these drinks ice cold helps their palatability immensely.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>• Drink plenty of water throughout the day.</b> This will help keep you hydrated and keep things moving along.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>• Stay close to a bathroom.</b> Make sure you are relatively close to a bathroom the whole time you’re on this cleanse. All that liquid has to come out, not to mention how these fiber-filled smoothies clean out your colon.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>• You don’t need an expensive blender to make these drinks.</b> The glass container on our old 15-year blender broke a month ago, so we borrowed an inexpensive one from my Mom. It worked fine.<br />
<br />
<b>• Coconut oil and almond butter.</b> The benefits of these fats are astounding, and they became my friends during the cleanse. But remember, these are good in moderation, because they are some of the only sources of protein you’re consuming during the cleanse. Don’t go adding these in large quantities to your existing diet, they’ll definitely make you pack on pounds.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>• Remove the peeling, or not.</b> The recipes don’t say anything about whether certain fruits and vegetables should be peeled. I did peel the apple, cucumber, and lime, but I suppose if you’re feeling adventurous you could leave them intact. I find those parts too bitter and tough for my taste.<br />
<br />
<b>• My cravings have been curbed.</b> Now that I’ve completed the cleanse, my cravings for anything remotely unhealthy have been eliminated.<br />
<br />
<b>• Questions?</b> You can ask me anything about the cleanse you want. I might even know the answer.<br />
<br />
Enjoy the cleanse! I’m going to go chew on something now.</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-36433992773156042942013-03-26T17:54:00.002-07:002013-03-26T17:59:15.215-07:00Soup's On!<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8573791210/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="22413BT-122 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="22413BT-122" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8524/8573791210_f02fbc1af1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Last week I was ready to fire up the barbecue, raise the shade umbrella, clean the layer of green scum from the outdoor furniture, and let the outdoor dining season begin. The month of March has fooled me before, and this Portland spring was no exception. Rain, along with cold temperatures, returned as quickly as they had briefly departed. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
Because the soup days of winter are not yet over, I want to share one of my favorite soups with you, my dear readers. This is the kind of soup that can easily be thrown together without much effort. You may already have many of its necessary ingredients on hand.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8573791046/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="22413BT-146 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="22413BT-146" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8573791046_b6e0ba060b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
</div>
<b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><br /></b>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-size: x-large; text-align: left;"><b>Chicken and Wild Rice Soup</b></b></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<i style="font-size: 12px; text-align: left;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/chicken-and-wild-rice-soup" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></i></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="text-align: left;">INGREDIENTS:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span itemprop="amount" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">1 </span><span itemprop="name" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">(6-ounce) box long-grain and wild rice mix (such as Uncle Ben's) </span><br />
<span itemprop="amount" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">1 tablespoon</span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;"> </span><span itemprop="name" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: left;">olive oil</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">1 1/2 cups</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">chopped red onion </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">1 cup</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">chopped celery</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">1 cup</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">chopped carrot </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">2 </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">garlic cloves, chopped </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">1 </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">(8-ounce) package mushrooms, halved </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">1/4 cup</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">all-purpose flour</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">1/2 teaspoon</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">dried tarragon</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">1/4 teaspoon</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">dried thyme</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">2 cups</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">water</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">2 tablespoons</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">dry sherry</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">2 </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">(15.75-ounce) cans fat-free, less-sodium chicken broth</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">1 </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">(12-ounce) can fat-free evaporated milk</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span itemprop="amount" style="text-align: left;">3 cups</span><span style="text-align: left;"> </span><span itemprop="name" style="text-align: left;">shredded roasted skinless chicken</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;">DIRECTIONS:</b></div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: left;">
</span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">• Prepare rice according to package directions; set aside. Roast 2-3 large chicken breasts; shred and chill.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">
</span><span style="text-align: left;"></span></span>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="text-align: left;">• In a large Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and next 4 ingredients (onion through mushrooms), and sauté for 6 minutes, or until the onion is tender. Lightly spoon the flour into a dry measuring cup, and level with a knife. Stir the flour, tarragon, and thyme into the onion mixture, and cook for 1 minute, stirring frequently. Add 2 cups of water, sherry, broth, and evaporated milk; bring mixture to a boil. Reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes or until slightly thick. Stir in cooked rice and chicken; cook for 10 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Great with a loaf of warm, buttered artisan bread for dipping.</span></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><span style="text-align: left;">
</span></span>
<br />
<ol itemprop="instructions" style="background-color: white; font-family: arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; list-style: none; margin: 0px 0px 12px; padding: 0px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</ol>
</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-84609920909232222812013-03-17T14:40:00.001-07:002013-03-21T09:17:45.209-07:00Why would I want to eat kale?<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8565604169/" title="21413FP-145 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="21413FP-145" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8236/8565604169_2bd197c3c5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
Before 2012, I may have seen this leafy vegetable, probably even taken a bite of it. I don’t recall. It must not have left an impression.<br />
<br />
I read recently where kale was being roasted and eaten as a snack. Kale chips. The crunch of potato chips without the fat and grease? Okay. The minute I tried this crispy, crunchy form of kale, I was hooked!<br />
<br />
There are several varieties of kale, each full of nutritional value and gobs of fiber. The only one my local grocery stores stock is curly kale. Curly kale has ruffly leaves and a slightly pungent, peppery flavor.<br />
<br />
According to <a href="http://www.aliveraw.com/Articles/Kale-The-Underappreciated-Superfood.aspx" target="_blank">AliveRaw.com</a>, researchers have discovered that kale is rich in calcium, lutein, iron, beta-carotene, and vitamins A, C, and K. One serving of kale provides 192 percent of the recommended daily amount of vitamin A, which acts as a preventative against lung diseases. Kale’s abundance of phytochemicals is what bumps it up to a superfood. Phytochemicals are substances associated with the prevention of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and hypertension. Phytochemicals are believed to help prevent cell damage, prevent cancer cell replication, and decrease cholesterol levels.<br />
<br />
To think I was just trying to get more vegetables into my daughter’s tummy. By the way, she can eat an entire bunch of roasted kale in one sitting.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8565603865/" title="21413FP-147 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="21413FP-147" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8507/8565603865_b4d35fd747.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8565603497/" title="21413FP-157 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="21413FP-157" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8235/8565603497_311aa172fb.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If there’s any left, I add it to soups...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8566700440/" title="21413FP-165 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="21413FP-165" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8523/8566700440_7acffa866d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Or throw some raw kale into our morning smoothies...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8566695084/" title="31513SL-117 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="31513SL-117" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8384/8566695084_b361cffd2d_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Roasted Kale</span></b><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/roasted-kale" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></span></i><br />
<br />
2 bunches kale<br />
2 Tablespoons good olive oil<br />
2 large cloves garlic, minced<br />
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper<br />
<br />
Preheat your oven to 375°F. Rinse the kale and pat it dry thoroughly. Remove and discard the thick ribs and roughly chop or break up the leaves a bit. Pat leaves dry again. In a large bowl, toss with olive oil, garlic, sea salt and pepper. Spread out onto a large rimmed baking sheet. The kale leaves do not need to be in a single layer, they shrink in volume as they bake. Bake for 15-20 minutes, giving them a stir every five minutes or so, until its tender, crisp on the edges and slightly browned.<br />
<br />
Pour votre santé!<br />
<br />
<br />Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-45072895342556051452013-03-16T17:58:00.003-07:002013-03-18T09:33:41.148-07:00St Patrick's Day DinnerMy daughter is a vegetarian, my husband is eating low carb and high fiber, and I’m trying to keep everyone fed, which creates challenges both at the grocery store and in the kitchen. Regardless, I’ll be slow roasting a chunk of corned beef tomorrow. It’s a tradition I look forward to.<br />
<br />
If you missed last year’s post on corned beef, you can find it <a href="http://portlandpeeps.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-favorite-non-irish-st-patricks-day.html" target="_blank">here</a>. In that post, I educate you on what type of meat to purchase that will provide the most flavorful, nutritious option. I was clueless as to why the cuts of beef differed so dramatically, so I needed to do some research. What I found rocked my world! Check out <a href="http://portlandpeeps.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-favorite-non-irish-st-patricks-day.html" target="_blank">last year’s post</a> before you’re disappointed by mediocre, unnaturally colored, stringy corned beef.<br />
<br />
However you choose to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day (or not), I highly recommend this soda bread from one of Portland’s local bakeries, <a href="http://www.grandcentralbakery.com/" target="_blank">Grand Central Bakery</a>, I’ve included that recipe <a href="http://portlandpeeps.blogspot.com/2012/03/my-favorite-non-irish-st-patricks-day.html" target="_blank">here</a> too. With a hint of sweetness, an amazingly moist crumb, and subtle flavors of orange and caraway, this bread is the perfect accompaniment to just about anything.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/6980004279/" title="31711ID-104 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="31711ID-104" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7202/6980004279_7d076f6a1f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/6833876074/" title="31711ID-143 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="31711ID-143" height="324" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7197/6833876074_564c4f0469.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
For instance, it’s really good with this...</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/6980004845/" title="31711ID-130 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="31711ID-130" height="640" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7065/6980004845_f27c4d34f3_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="color: #666666; line-height: 18px;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sláinte!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Duit!</span></div>
</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-13515213546752415022013-03-07T18:52:00.002-08:002013-03-18T09:32:32.563-07:00Fresh Fruit Tarts with Pastry Cream<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8502961452/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="22313BT2-137-Edit by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="22313BT2-137-Edit" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8242/8502961452_1be0b8052c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I guess you could call these tartlets, if you must.</span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Note to self: when baking pie, tarts or tartlets, make sure your house will be filled with friends and/or family who will actually help eat your creations.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Weekday dinners at our house generally consist of light fare lately... salads, soups, brown rice with sauteed veggies, fish. Pasta, bread, and desserts have loosely become weekend foods. I do mean ‘loosely,’ since sometime around Wednesday I start to crave a good juicy burger. Midweek also happens to be when cooking nightly dinners has worn thin and I want someone else to cook <i>and</i> do the dishes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">It’s hard to believe two weeks already passed since I created these. Fortunately, they freeze really well, so we were able to enjoy them for a few weekends. I want to share these little tarts so you too can experience their amazingness. Holy cow they’re incredible!</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Unlike a pie shell, a tart’s shell texture is more like a shortbread cookie. It has to be sturdy enough to cradle its contents without crumbling.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I want to apologize right now for all the eggs you will need to make these. Oh, and you’ll also be needing cream and butter. Splurge on the best ingredients you can. Trust me, you won’t be sorry.</span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8508085413/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="22313BT-113-Edit by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="22313BT-113-Edit" height="263" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8234/8508085413_8ce213d659.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You can make the shells days in advance of the custard filling. I like desserts that allow me to do things in steps so they seem much less time consuming. The custard can also sit covered in the fridge for a day or so. Just add the freshly washed fruit and whatever other toppings float your boat just before serving.</span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8502826880/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="22313BT-240 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="22313BT-240" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8226/8502826880_f1e51bd0c5.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I used three kinds of berries... blueberries, raspberries, strawberries.</span><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8510387299/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="22313BT2-118 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="22313BT2-118" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8366/8510387299_8eb8d66963.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8506772131/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="22413BT-294 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="22413BT-294" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8506772131_8ed694a929.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8507882916/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;" title="22413BT-266 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="22413BT-266" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8229/8507882916_d1148de5c2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Fresh Fruit Tarts with Pastry Cream</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/fresh-fruit-tarts-with-pastry-cream" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></i></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Makes ten 3 1/2 inch or two 7-inch tarts</i>
<i><br /></i></span><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(a slightly modified recipe from Miette pastry shop in San Francisco)</span></i><br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pastry Shells:</span></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3 1/3 cups all-purpose flour</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup sugar</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup cold unsalted butter, cubed</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 large egg yolks</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6-8 Tablespoons heavy cream</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Combine the flour, sugar and salt in the bowl of a stand mixer. Mix on low speed for 30 seconds using your paddle attachment. Add the cubed butter and beat until the mixture is as fine as cornmeal (about 5 minutes).</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. In a separate bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and 2 tablespoons of the cream. Add this to the flour mixture in the mixer bowl and mix it all until just combined. Add more cream 1 tablespoon at a time until the dough comes together into large chunks. Gather the dough into a ball, pat it into a disk and wrap it tightly in plastic wrap. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Divide the dough to make the portions you need and pat gently into disks. Roll out each dough disk on a lightly floured surface to about 1/4 inch thick and 1 inch larger in diameter than the pans you’re using. Drape the rolled-out dough into the tart pans, gently pushing it into the bottom edges and against the pan sides to make a strong, straight shell. Trim the edges flush with the top rim of the pans. Prick all over the bottom with a fork and place them in the freezer for 30 minutes.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Preheat the oven to 350°F. Bake the shells for 20-25 minutes or until golden brown. Cool in the pan, remove and cool completely on a wire rack before filling.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Pastry Cream:</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups whole milk</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 vanilla bean</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">7 large egg yolks</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup sugar</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 Tablespoons cornstarch</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 Tablespoons unsalted butter, room temperature</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1. Pour the milk into a medium saucepan. Use a sharp knife to slit the vanilla bean lengthwise and scrape the seeds into the milk. Throw in the pod. Heat until almost boiling (bubbles will begin to form at the edges). Remove from heat, cover and let steep for 1 hour.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2. In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, sugar and cornstarch until smooth. Set the bowl on a kitchen towel or nonskid surface and whisk the egg mixture while pouring about 1/2 cup of the hot milk into the mixture to temper. Gradually pour in the rest of the milk, whisking constantly. Pour the contents of the bowl into the pan and turn the heat to medium-low.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">3. Cook, whisking constantly until the mixture thickens and comes to a slow boil, about 2 minutes. Immediately strain the cream through a fine-mesh sieve into a clean container. Discard the vanilla bean. Let the pastry cream cool to room temperature, for about 10 minutes, then whisk in the butter until it’s completely incorporated.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4. Cover the pastry cream with plastic wrap, pressing the plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the cream to prevent a skin from forming. Refrigerate until well chilled, at least 1 hour and up to 3 days.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Final assembly: Divide the chilled custard among the shells evenly. Top with blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, or your favorite fruit. Make sure to wash the fruit just before placing it onto the cream filling so that it stays firm and fresh.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>
</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-76839621207062439992013-02-19T15:15:00.002-08:002013-02-19T15:15:33.962-08:00Blueberry Pie<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8458720139/" title="2913B2-133 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="2913B2-133" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8090/8458720139_fd569a7505.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It seems a bit early here in the Northwest to be making berry pies, but blueberries are showing up at my local grocery stores and I couldn’t help myself. Not only is blueberry pie delicious, it’s healthy (except for the butter, shortening, and whipped cream parts), and blueberries are the easiest berries to bake with. No peeling. No slicing. No seed removal.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8465833780/" title="21113BP-112 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="21113BP-112" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8388/8465833780_0aeb10698c_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
<br />
Aside from using fresh, sweet berries, here are a couple tips to creating the perfect blueberry pie: do not over bake it; and keep the berries slightly firm by freezing them first. Don’t completely thaw them before you place them in the pie shell. I don’t mean you should leave them as frozen as the ones shown below. You can thaw them to perfection by running some cold water over them for a minute or two. I prefer that the berries still have a bit of tooth after the pie is baked, but if you don’t, then go ahead and skip the freezing part. See the little nubbly fruit pieces peaking out? Whole berries wrapped in a buttery, flaky crust. That’s the way, uh huh uh huh, I like it, uh huh uh huh.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8433473563/" title="13113BB-119 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="13113BB-119" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8225/8433473563_305c174af6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
My go-to blueberry pie recipe is very uncomplicated, as it should be.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Blueberry Pie</span></b><br />
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/blueberry-pie" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></span></i><br />
Freeze 4 cups fresh <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">blueberries</span></b> overnight. Rinse the frozen berries in a colander by running cold <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">water</span></b> over them until they are slightly, but not completely, thawed. In a large bowl, mix 1/3 cup all-purpose<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b> flour</b></span>, 3/4 cup granulated <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">sugar</span></b>, 1 teaspoon <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>cinnamon</b></span>. Mix well. Pour contents into a 9" <a href="http://portlandpeeps.blogspot.com/2012/11/basic-pie-crust-101.html" target="_blank">prepared crust</a>. Dot with 2 Tablespoons unsalted <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">butter</span></b> and 1 Tablespoon fresh <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">lemon juice</span></b>. Place a top crust over the filling, and cut slits in the top of the dough. Crimp the edges together. Brush the top with a beaten <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">egg white</span></b> and sprinkle with 1 Tablespoon granulated <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>sugar</b></span>. Place into a preheated <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">425°F</span></b>. oven for<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"> 35-40 minutes</span></b>, or until juices begin to bubble through slits. Remove and place on a wire rack until cooled. Serve room temperature with <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">ice cream</span></b> or a dollop of <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">whipped cream</span></b> on top.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-25675158914938364642013-02-14T11:22:00.001-08:002013-02-15T21:57:45.980-08:00Doggie treats I made these heart cookies for my 4-legged children. They love them!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8473319201/" title="21413FP-187 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="21413FP-187" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8233/8473319201_3a6e6a3167.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8473319041/" title="21413FP-189 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="21413FP-189" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8251/8473319041_ccebfb55af.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8474434980/" title="122512C-265 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="122512C-265" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8511/8474434980_d1ff162902.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here’s how you can make them too...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Yummy Doggie Treats</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Melt together: 3 generous Tablespoons <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>bacon grease</b></span>, 2 generous Tablespoons <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">peanut </span></b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">butter</span></b>. Add 1 cup <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">cornmeal</span></b>, 2 cups <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>all-purpose flour</b></span>, 1 teaspoon of <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>salt</b></span>, 1 <b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">egg</span></b>, 3/4 cup <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>chicken broth</b></span>. Mix well until it forms a dough.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Gather dough together and roll out to the thickness you want. Cut out shapes with cookie cutters. Bake at 400°F. for about 18-20 minutes. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8474406742/" title="21413FP-209 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="21413FP-209" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8097/8474406742_d26b7a1617_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Valentine’s Day!</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-84345739497748787122013-02-04T15:06:00.001-08:002013-02-08T11:33:00.621-08:00Zentangling<i>This post was written just after Thanksgiving 2012, but I just realized I failed to publish it. I figure the cold, dreary months of winter are here a while longer, so it’s still a good time to share this with you...</i><br />
<br />
The word Zentangle meant nothing to me until a few weeks ago. While visiting my MIL on Thanksgiving (she hosted and cooked a fabulous meal), she shared this new-to-me art form she’s playing around with. I was intrigued. That night I was Zentangling in my dreams. In spite of the fact that the next morning was Black Friday, I knew a search for Zentangling materials was necessary. I found pens and some decent paper at my local art store, got 20% off, and two free t-shirts to boot... I was excited. I’d never participated in Black Friday before.<br />
<br />
So what is Zentangling you ask? It’s often referred to as yoga for your brain. It’s a meditation achieved by drawing complicated looking patterns one line at a time. Simple patterns are combined in an unplanned way that grows and changes as you draw. With your mind engaged in drawing, your body can relax. Anxiety and stress melt away. Zentangle, the noun, was created by Rick Roberts and Maria Thomas. You can read more and order materials at their website <a href="http://www.zentangle.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8445011183/" title="112612-123 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="112612-123" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8445011183_ea2700d184.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
To begin Zentangling, you won’t need much.<br />
<br />
Here are the few items I purchased:<br />
<br />
Pigma Micron Archival Ink Pens in various sizes: 2-01, 1-03, 1-05 (black)<br />
Prismacolor Brush Tip Marker: size B (black)<br />
Pencils (I had a case full of graphite pencils, but any pencils will do)<br />
Strathmore small sketch pads (fine tooth surface)<br />
Strathmore Bristol (smooth surface)<br />
<br />
These materials got my daughter and I started, but pro tanglers recommend working on paper tiles made of 100% cotton, a heavy-weight fine artist’s paper with a beautiful vellum surface finish. My local art store didn’t carry these, so I compromised. The deckled-edge tiles are tempting me now though, and I’ll be ordering some as soon as possible. You can order Zentangle tiles <a href="http://www.zentangle.com/index.php?page=shop.product_details&flypage=products.tpl&product_id=23&category_id=8&option=com_virtuemart&Itemid=44" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8445011389/" title="112612-116 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="112612-116" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8043/8445011389_16b3baa5fa_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8445011593/" title="112612-108 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="112612-108" height="318" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8090/8445011593_468d509cef.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8445011759/" title="112612-103 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="112612-103" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8327/8445011759_7ffbc77e59.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
If you do a Google search for Zentangle or Tangling you’ll hit on a multitude of information, how-to’s, patterns, books, etc.<br />
<br />
Happy tangling!<br />
<br />
<br />Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-49931811699349575522013-01-31T15:51:00.001-08:002013-03-18T09:30:14.327-07:00Cauliflower Galettes<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy New Year! Does anyone make resolutions? I don’t. There is, however, an unspoken need to eat a little healthier after the sugar coma inducing holidays are finally over. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With dark days and cold nights still looming, the need for comfort food is prevalent. As I try to navigate away from the old meatloaf, mashed potatoes, pot roast standbys, I’m slowly gathering meatless meals for my vegetarian daughter. Every once in a while I run across one that I just have to tell you about.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8433107687/" title="122512C-126 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="122512C-126" height="326" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8502/8433107687_afab5d9035.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I met up with my friend Theresa at a local French restaurant for a birthday lunch a few months ago. Coincidentally, we were both wearing our favorite cowboy boots. It was very appropriate that she gifted me with this book... <i>Cowgirl Chef, Texas Cooking with a French Accent</i> by Ellise Pierce. As a Texas native who now lives in Paris, Ellise shares her cooking trials and tribulations throughout the book. Her recipes come with a story about living in Paris, things she loves or misses about her home state, or funny observations about the two cultures. I also just learned that she has a blog! You can find that <a href="http://cowgirlchef.com/" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cauliflower! That’s a vegetable that doesn’t find its way into my grocery basket very often! It includes cheese, so I knew it wouldn’t be too difficult to get my daughter to at least give it a try. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Cauliflower Galettes with Chipotle Creme Fraiche</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Makes about a dozen 2 1/2 inch galettes</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/cauliflower-galettes" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 medium head of cauliflower, cut into florets</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Olive oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Sea salt and black pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup cornmeal</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 teaspoons baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 teaspoon sea salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 teaspoon cumin</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 (5.29 oz) container Greek yogurt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup water</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 green onions, sliced</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup cheddar cheese, grated</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 tablespoons vegetable oil</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1. Preheat your broiler and line a cookie sheet with foil. Position a rack in the middle of the oven.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2. Toss the cauliflower florets on the foil-lined cookie sheet, add a little olive oil, and salt and pepper. Toss it all together with your hands, then slide the pan into the oven. The florets will begin to brown after about 10 minutes—when they do, pull them out of the oven and turn them over, so the other side browns too. This will take about 10 more minutes. When they’re browned on both sides, remove from the oven and let cool</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3. To make the galettes, in a medium bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, baking powder, sea salt, cayenne pepper, and cumin.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together the eggs, yogurt, and water. Add this mixture to the dry ingredients and stir together. If the batter is too thick, just add a bit more water. Gently fold in the cauliflower florets, grated cheddar, and green onions, reserving about 2 tablespoons of green onions for garnish.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5. Heat 2 tablespoons of the vegetable oil in a skillet and turn the heat to medium-low. When it’s hot, spoon about 2 tablespoons of the batter for each galette into the skillet, fitting in as many as you can. You’ll need to work in batches. Cook the galettes for 3-4 minutes, or until the bottoms are brown, and flip to the other side for another few minutes. You don’t want these to cook too fast, or they’ll be wet in the middle. Repeat with the remaining vegetable oil and batter. Serve with Chipotle Creme Fraiche, and sprinkle some chopped onions on top.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Chipotle Creme Fraiche</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>Makes about 2 cups</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
16 ounces creme fraiche or sour cream</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1-2 canned chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (you can add more if you like things extra spicy)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Toss your chipotles into a food processor to finely chop them up, or you can do this by hand. Add the creme fraiche or sour cream and stir it up.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Enjoy!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-39051607469012939242012-12-26T22:34:00.000-08:002013-01-17T11:42:02.964-08:00Making mud pieI hope you all had a fabulous Christmas! I’m enjoying a stay-cation this week, catching up on sleep and attempting to do my part in eliminating the sugary treats that have taken up residence in our house over the holiday.<br />
<br />
This chocolate pie recipe has been sitting in my recipe book for a couple years now, and I’ve been looking for a reason to make it. With texture that’s a cross between a chocolate-bottomed pie and a moist chocolate cake, <b>Mississippi Mud Pie</b> starts with a chocolate pastry dough. The filling includes whipped egg whites and chocolate that bakes to a thin crispy top layer with a moist cake-like center. It may not be the most beautiful looking pie on the planet, but it is appropriately named for its textural similarity to the rich, gooey mud found along one of America’s greatest rivers. And, it tastes way better than any mud pie I’ve ever made!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8312630955/" title="122512C-215 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="122512C-215" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8359/8312630955_e5f79bffab.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8312560347/" title="122612MMP-124 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="122612MMP-124" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/8312560347_35abf2d7c5_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8313609380/" title="122612MMP-127 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="122612MMP-127" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8212/8313609380_399b0c18fa.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Mississippi Mud Pie</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/mississippi-mud-pie" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Dough</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Cup unbleached all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Tablespoons sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Tablespoons unsweetened cocoa</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 Teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 1/2 Tablespoons vegetable shortening</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Tablespoons chilled unsalted butter, cut into small pieces</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 Cup ice water</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Filling</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 Tablespoons butter</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/3 Cup semisweet chocolate chips</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Teaspoon vanilla</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
4 large egg whites</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Cup sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3/4 Cup unbleached all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/3 Cup Dutch process cocoa</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 Teaspoon baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Dash of salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Directions</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To prepare the crust, combine 1 cup flour, 2 tablespoons sugar, 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor; pulse 2 times or until blended. Add shortening and chilled butter; pulse 6 more time or until mixture resembles coarse meal. With the processor on, slowly pour ice water through the food chute, processing just until blended (don’t allow the dough to form a ball); remove from bowl. Gently press mixture into a 4-inch circle; warp in plastic wrap and chill for about 30 minutes.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Preheat oven to 350°F.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Unwrap and place chilled dough on a floured surface. Roll into a 10-inch circle and press into a 9-inch pie plate. Fold edges over and flute.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
To prepare the filling, place 3 tablespoons butter and chocolate in a microwave safe bowl. Microwave on high for 30 seconds or until butter and chocolate melt. Stir to combine. Place vanilla and egg whites in the bowl of a mixer and beat at medium speed until foamy. Gradually add 1 cup sugar; beat until soft peaks form, about 2 minutes. Gently fold in melted chocolate and butter mixture.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Combine 3/4 cup flour, 1/3 cup Dutch process cocoa, 1/2 teaspoon baking powder, and a dash of salt in a small bowl. Fold flour mixture into egg white mixture. Pour filling into the prepared crust. Bake at 350°F. for 40 minutes. Cool on a wire rack.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-11241208947477208202012-12-14T11:24:00.001-08:002012-12-14T11:24:42.772-08:00Pecan TassiesWhat’s a tassie? It’s a small tart. These tiny tarts are created with a golden, flaky cream cheese pastry that cradles sweet, gooey pecan filling. They are mini pecan pies you can eat in one to three fabulous bites!<br />
<br />
I like these tasty treats because they are the perfect desserts for eating with your fingers, and you can make them ahead and pop them in the freezer before the holidays... what’s not to like?<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8272063669/" title="122311CC-145 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="122311CC-145" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8224/8272063669_69b27f41a7.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pecan Tassies</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/pecan-tassies" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Pastry</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cream together and chill for 2 hours or overnight: </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
8 oz. regular cream cheese</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Cup unsalted butter</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Cups unbleached all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Form chilled dough into walnut sized balls and press into lightly buttered mini muffin tins.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Filling</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 Cups brown sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/8 Teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 Teaspoon vanilla</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Tablespoons melted butter</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Tablespoon pure maple syrup</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Cup chopped pecans</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Beat eggs well. Add remaining ingredients. Fill pastry lined pans and bake at 350°F. for about 12-15 minutes. Remove tassies and let them cool on a wire rack. If you don’t plan to serve them within the next day or two, pop them into freezer-safe containers and freeze while they’re fresh. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Makes about 4 dozen tassies</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8273128854/" title="122311CC-157 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="122311CC-157" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8221/8273128854_6bd1f73c23.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8272063493/" title="122311CC-146 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="122311CC-146" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8493/8272063493_cbb3c54e67.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-50120731638417130902012-12-06T13:35:00.001-08:002012-12-06T13:40:30.288-08:00Holiday Cookies<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
Gather your butter! It’s time to make cookies. First up... butter cookies. I like to make the decorated cut-out, butter cookies first. They can be sealed in airtight containers and wait patiently in the freezer for weeks before the holidays, then thawed and decorated days before they’re eaten.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8249968269/" title="122311CC-172 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="122311CC-172" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8059/8249968269_c3d09dd0c9_z.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I love this recipe, cause it’s versatile. You can add a little flavoring, put the dough through a cookie press, or give it a different shape, and voila! A new cookie is born from the same dough!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8250002037/" title="123010C-5 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="123010C-5" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8250002037_cdf1bd79a2_z.jpg" width="427" /></a><br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/6033781029/" title="81011SB-107 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="81011SB-107" height="640" src="http://farm7.staticflickr.com/6088/6033781029_b26631d6bb_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Get creative when decorating. I like to cover the cookies with a layer of frosting, let it set for several hours, pipe on a design and sprinkle with sanding sugar. That way the sugar sparkles stick to the piped on frosting and your design really stands out.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8249968437/" title="122311CC-156 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="122311CC-156" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8208/8249968437_159d242997_z.jpg" width="427" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Butter Cookie Dough</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>This recipe makes about 4 dozen cookies</i><br />
<i>Two dozen snowflakes, two dozen spritz</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/butter-cookies" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Cups (4 sticks) unsalted butter, softened to room temperature</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Cups sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Large eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Tablespoons vanilla</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 Teaspoons salt </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
5 Cups all-purpose flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Cream the butter and sugar on high speed in the bowl of an electric mixer, or with a hand mixer for about 5 minutes, or until the mixture is light and fluffy. Add eggs, vanilla and salt. Mix on medium speed until they’re combined. With the mixer on low speed, add flour in two batches, and mix until it’s mixed well. Divide the dough into two equal portions. Place each section on a piece of plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, at least 2 hours or up to a week.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>When you are ready to bake:</b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Snowflakes -</b> Preheat oven to 350°. Roll out one or two disks of dough to about 1/8 inch thick. Using your choice of snowflake cookie cutter (I like the 3-inch one), cut out shapes and place 2 inches apart on baking sheets. Gather scraps together, and continue to roll out more cookies. Chill for about 10-15 minutes. Bake cookies for about 8-10 minutes, until they are golden brown around the edges. Let cool on baking sheets for a minute before transferring to a wire rack to cool completely. You can then store them in airtight containers at room temperature for up to 5 days, or in the freezer for several months.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>Spritz -</b> Preheat oven to 350°. To the basic sugar dough add a Tablespoon of orange zest. Transfer dough to a cookie press and pipe shapes onto greased baking sheets, about 1 inch apart. Sprinkle with sanding sugar(s). Chill for about 10-15 minutes. Bake 8-10 minutes, or until edges are light brown.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><b>Icing</b></span><br />
<i>These recipes make enough to frost two dozen cookies, or half of the above recipe. (Remember, you’re going to sprinkle the Spritz cookies with Sanding sugar)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-style: normal;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/butter-cookie-icing" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></span></i></span></i><br />
<br />
<b>For spreading:</b><br />
In a bowl, stir until smooth:<br />
3 Cups powdered sugar<br />
1 Teaspoon vanilla<br />
1/4 Cup water<br />
To tint, stir in food coloring, a teeny tiny bit at a time. A little goes a long way.<br />
<br />
<b>For piping:</b><br />
2 cups powdered sugar<br />
1/2 Teaspoon vanilla<br />
1 1/2 Tablespoons water<br />
Tint with a little food coloring. The icing needs to be stiff enough to hold a line when piped through a pastry bag fitted with an 1/8-inch tip. If it’s too thick, add a little water; if it’s too thin, add a little powdered sugar.</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-10375309184730412212012-11-27T18:35:00.005-08:002012-11-27T18:35:57.250-08:00Aprons!My dear Mother tells me she ordered my birthday gift. She reminds me of the fact that she recently attended an art show. “She bought me art?!” I envision a somewhat tacky chicken painting (sorry Mom). “Such a personal taste thing to buy me,” I thought.<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
It turns out, she did buy me art... </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrzY_MpApEw/ULUs0sp4U6I/AAAAAAAAAyM/xE_kjCCSdlM/s1600/spice_trailer.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My wearable art. Is this not the cutest thing you’ve ever seen? Mom chose so well!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-YrzY_MpApEw/ULUs0sp4U6I/AAAAAAAAAyM/xE_kjCCSdlM/s1600/spice_trailer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFUZ2wFYLhI/ULUsz1RuBoI/AAAAAAAAAyE/xD37tU4BdyE/s1600/spice_eiffel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-EFUZ2wFYLhI/ULUsz1RuBoI/AAAAAAAAAyE/xD37tU4BdyE/s1600/spice_eiffel.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I love polka dots!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div>
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5tUFrMQ5Dc/ULUsyxMa3BI/AAAAAAAAAx8/rawz1iKj0BE/s1600/spice_coffee.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5tUFrMQ5Dc/ULUsyxMa3BI/AAAAAAAAAx8/rawz1iKj0BE/s1600/spice_coffee.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">For the coffee loving cook</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I knew you’d want one! So here’s the info...</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
First, a bit about the artist: </div>
<div>
Chris Brady creates each and every apron herself. She uses only the finest, fashion-forward fabrics — from high-quality cottons to specialty fabrics such as machine-washable Ultraleather — and she carefully designs, cuts, and sews each and every apron in her Boise, Idaho studio. Most aprons are one-of-a-kind creations; a few include vintage fabric or trim.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Chris’ company is <a href="http://www.hotdishaprons.com/" target="_blank">Hotdish Aprons</a>. “For doing dishes ... or just looking ‘dishy’” is her tagline.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you have cooks on your holiday list, don’t hesitate to order one of these handmade, beautifully designed, works of art. And don’t forget to get one for yourself too! You’ll be glad you did. They’re offering free shipping through December!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There are several different styles to choose from. ‘Spice’ style is the one I have. It’s one piece at the top, so there are no ties around your neck. But there are several other styles to choose from. You can view them <a href="http://www.hotdishaprons.com/" target="_blank">here</a>.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I’m hoping this one with chickens on it arrives in my stocking this Christmas. It also came in yellow, but it looks like she may have sold that one (hopefully to my hubby).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YKkSMfHmEE/ULUto1yd8GI/AAAAAAAAAyU/uWdEm1zw8wM/s1600/chicken_red.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6YKkSMfHmEE/ULUto1yd8GI/AAAAAAAAAyU/uWdEm1zw8wM/s1600/chicken_red.jpg" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">NOTE: This post is not sponsored by Hotdish Aprons. Although I have never met Chris Brady, my Mom has, and says she’s a wonderful person. When my Mother gives someone a stamp of approval, you can be assured that person is pretty special.</span></i></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-25905009083722101852012-11-26T10:46:00.001-08:002012-11-26T10:46:23.265-08:00Corn Chowder<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
The day after Thanksgiving, my teenage daughter tells me she’s thinking of becoming a vegetarian. “When I eat meat, it makes me feel bad.” </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
“Physically?” I ask.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
“No, I just feel bad killing animals.” “Would it be difficult for you if I become vegetarian?”</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This morning, as I packed her a lunch of red pepper hummus, pita bread, carrots, broccoli, and apple slices, I contemplated the challenges as well as her question. Difficult? Hmmm... let me get back to you on that one. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Fall and winter months are my favorite cooking months. The smell of homemade soups and stews wafting through the house is one of the things that gives me pleasure, and makes the cold weather tolerable. </div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
I made a vegetarian chowder yesterday and, because it was a huge hit, I want to share it with you. It’s a corn chowder, but unlike most, cellulite is not the main ingredient... it’s actually a lower fat, lighter version. This was tucked away in the dark depths of my recipe files, and I’m so glad to have rediscovered it.</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8220676375/" title="112612-161 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="112612-161" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8482/8220676375_1620b5297f_z.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="427" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Corn Chowder</span></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">(recipe slightly modified from Cooking Light Magazine)</span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/corn-chowder" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></span></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 Tablespoon unsalted butter</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 Tablespoons olive oil</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 Medium sweet onions, diced</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 Cloves of garlic, minced</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 Teaspoon sweet paprika</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4 Cups low-sodium vegetable broth</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 Celery rib, thinly sliced</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 Bay leaf</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1/2 Teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 Teaspoon sugar</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Freshly ground black pepper</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
4 Cups frozen corn kernels</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
5 Scallions, thinly sliced</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 Cup milk (or half and half if you want it richer)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1/4 Teaspoon dried thyme</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
A few dashes of cayenne pepper</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Sour cream</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1. In a large stockpot, combine the butter, olive oil, onions and garlic. Saute over medium heat until the onions are tender but not brown, about 10 minutes or so. Sprinkle with the paprika, stir, and cook for a minute.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2. Add the vegetable broth, potatoes, celery, bay leaf, salt, sugar and pepper. Cook, partially covered, until the potatoes are tender, about 15 minutes. Stir in the corn and scallions and cook for 2 minutes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
3. Scoop out 2 cups of the chowder and set it aside. Puree the remainder (if you have an immersion blender, it comes in handy since you can puree directly in the pot of soup) and return it to the pot. Stir in the reserved chowder, milk, thyme and cayenne pepper. Cook for 5 minutes. Serve hot with a spoonful of sour cream on top.</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-20796872901348618352012-11-20T15:50:00.000-08:002012-11-20T15:50:23.750-08:00Pumpkin SeedsIf you saved the seeds from those pumpkins you pureed...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8195417686/" title="111712PR-168 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-168" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8346/8195417686_1e7a74c760.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Rinse the gooey seeds in a mesh colander to remove as much of the pumpkin pulp as possible.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8195417468/" title="111712PR-169 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-169" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8070/8195417468_5410c936c1.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Lay them out on a stack of paper towels to dry.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8203593529/" title="111712PR-178 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-178" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8202/8203593529_5d6102f881.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After they dry, mix a teaspoon each of worcestershire sauce and vegetable oil together in a bowl. Add about two cups of seeds, and sprinkle with sea salt, spike, garlic powder, brewer’s yeast, or whatever spices you like. The sky’s the limit, just sprinkle on whatever spices float your boat. Mix it all up real good and spread the seeds out on a baking sheet. Bake at 300°F for about an hour, turning frequently.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8194323751/" title="111712PS-107 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PS-107" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8197/8194323751_b82af8e12d.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Nutrition note:</b> pumpkin seeds are a great source of zinc. Zinc is an antioxidant mineral, not produced naturally in our bodies. Zinc is helpful in obliterating free radicals and keeping your body healthy. If you want to maximize the amount of zinc (and fiber) you get from pumpkin seeds, consume them with the shells on. The shell itself does not contain much zinc, but there is a thin layer directly beneath the shell, called the endosperm, that does. Zinc is especially concentrated in this endosperm envelope. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So spice ‘em up, roast, and enjoy... endosperm envelope and all!</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-18113824782836278162012-11-17T20:39:00.001-08:002012-11-17T20:39:14.021-08:00Pumpkin Purée Let’s pretend there’s a canned pumpkin shortage going on. Every grocery store within 20 miles of your house is completely out, and Thanksgiving is just days away. How will you make that delicious <a href="http://www.portlandpeeps.blogspot.com/2012/11/pumpkin-pie.html" target="_blank">pumpkin pie recipe</a> you’re clutching in your hands? Well, lucky for you, you thought ahead and already picked up some pumpkins while they were plentiful. Or better yet, you grew your own. Either way, those pumpkins need to be pureed before they can be baked in a pie.<br />
<br />
It’s preferable to use smallish sugar pumpkins, (aka pie pumpkins). This variety will be sweetest and easier to cut than a large jack-o-lantern type pumpkin. Larger pumpkins can be used, but be ready to strain out excess liquid from the puree and use a large, sharp knife.<br />
<br />
Let’s make pumpkin purée...<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8195418816/" title="111712PR-100 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-100" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8479/8195418816_b25ba4ab75.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cut the top off the pumpkins. This will provide you with a flat spot to lie the pumpkin on to make cutting it into fourths much easier.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8194326287/" title="111712PR-136 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-136" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8194326287_e0d539b4c8.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cut the pumpkin into four pieces.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8195418146/" title="111712PR-142 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-142" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8339/8195418146_1a8a381e0f.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Scrape out the pulp and set the seeds aside for roasting later.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8194326467/" title="111712PR-125 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-125" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8486/8194326467_0abae97b33.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Once you’ve gutted all the quarters, place the pieces on a baking sheet. Bake in a 300°F oven for about an hour, or until they’re soft and browned.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8195417834/" title="111712PR-161 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-161" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8344/8195417834_aebe119bf2.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Take the roasted pumpkin pieces out of the oven and let them cool until you’re able to handle them.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8194324767/" title="111712PR-180 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-180" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8194324767_2a386cba0c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Cut away the outer skin so only pumpkin chunks remain. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8194324535/" title="111712PR-195 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-195" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8194324535_ee2da03892.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Place the pumpkin pieces into a food processor.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8195416764/" title="111712PR-211 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-211" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8060/8195416764_6cdbb54057.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Pulse several times until the pumpkin becomes a smooth texture. If the mixture is dry, you can add a Tablespoon or two of water. If it’s too wet, you can strain it through cheesecloth or a coffee filter to remove moisture. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Place the puree into containers with tight lids or plastic freezer bags. I like to place 1 1/4 cups in each container since that’s what I need for a pie.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8195416390/" title="111712PR-226 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111712PR-226" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8058/8195416390_937ccabe5e.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
If you’re not planning to use the purée right away, make sure you put it in the freezer to keep it fresh.</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-79357715828253939542012-11-13T14:17:00.001-08:002012-11-13T14:17:23.731-08:00Pumpkin PieIf you found yourself in Long Beach, Washington 13 years ago, you most likely passed a quaint little pie shop. That was My Mom’s Pie Kitchen. At that time, the shop operated out of a small trailer. The proprietors were two women, whom I came to respect for their handcrafted creations, as well as their warm welcoming personalities. In spite of the restaurant’s unassuming presence, the telltale line of people waiting outside told you when they were open for business. The shop later moved to a storefront along the main highway, but unfortunately when the older of the two women passed away in 2006, the shop closed. On what turned out to be one of my last visits, I did manage to convince them that I could not live another day without having a few recipes from their kitchen. My desperation must have been obvious, because I now have several recipes from My Mom’s Pie in my possession.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8183140484/" title="111312PP-139 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111312PP-139" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8183140484_34dc15a5b9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is the most perfectly spiced, flavorful pumpkin pie I’ve ever had the pleasure to eat.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8183140746/" title="111312PP-115 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111312PP-115" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8340/8183140746_d12a751739.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Creamy pumpkin custard, with complex notes of cloves, allspice, cinnamon and vanilla will surely make your taste buds sing.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8183100251/" title="111312PP-173 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="111312PP-173" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8201/8183100251_e462e95cf3.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Enjoy!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Pumpkin Pie</span></b></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i>(slightly modified from My Mom’s Pie Kitchen)</i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/pumpkin-pie" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></span></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
One unbaked 9" pie shell</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/4 Cups pumpkin (If you’re using canned pumpkin, make sure it’s 100% pumpkin)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 1/2 Cups sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
3 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Cup half and half</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Teaspoon cinnamon</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Teaspoon allspice</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/8 Teaspoon ground cloves</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 Teaspoon vanilla</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/4 Teaspoon salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In a large bowl, mix the cinnamon, allspice and cloves with the sugar. Warm the half and half just until it’s luke warm. Beat the eggs until smooth, and add the luke warm half and half, beating constantly. Stir the sugar mixture into the pumpkin. Add egg/half and half mixture, vanilla and salt.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Stir well, but do not beat.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Pour contents into the pie shell.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Bake the pie in a preheated 400 degree F. oven for 15 minutes to set the crust. Lower the temperature to 325 degrees F. for an additional 45 minutes. It may look a little soft in the middle, but it firms up as it cools.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I like to serve it at room temperature with a dollop of whipping cream. Due to the fact that it contains half and half and eggs, it should be kept in the refrigerator, lightly covered.</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-18040382397236577172012-11-07T01:00:00.000-08:002012-11-13T11:15:09.715-08:00Basic Pie Crust 101It’s almost holiday pie season! If, like me, you’re in charge of baking pies for holiday gatherings, you probably already have your own tried and true pastry and pie recipes down to a science. If not, and you want to create pies that will make you a pie queen amongst your family and friends, read on. I will share with you my favorite crust recipe and, in the coming weeks, most requested pies of the season.<br />
<br />
First things first. Let’s build a pie from the crust up. You have to have a flaky, flavorful crust to hold the filling in place, so let me help you master this.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8162503504/" title="11612PD-138 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11612PD-138" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7118/8162503504_08bb2e93dc.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Here are a few things you’ll NEED to create what I consider the perfect pie crust: </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
• Cold Unsalted Butter</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
• Unbleached flour</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
• Salt</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
• Ice Cold Water</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
• Food processor</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
• Plastic Wrap</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
• Pastry cloth and rolling pin</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
• A good pie plate (I like Emile Henry pie plates, they’re a little pricey, but totally worth it. They bake very evenly, and can go from fridge or even freezer directly into a preheated oven without breaking.) </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8151841184/" title="11312PDI-105 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11312PDI-105" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8348/8151841184_40699bf0b9.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
I like to make two crusts at one time. Even if I don’t use both of them right away, I’ll have a spare to use later. During the holidays, I like to have extra on hand for those last minute invites. This recipe is for a double crust. You can easily cut it in half. </div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8151728018/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11312PD-243 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11312PD-243" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7280/8151728018_0e57c482c5.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Measure out 2 cups of flour and pour it into the food processor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8151701531/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11312PD-247 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11312PD-247" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8483/8151701531_67a03358b5.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Add 1 teaspoon of salt and pulse for about 5 seconds.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8151701355/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11312PD-252 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11312PD-252" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7126/8151701355_1d9999b35c.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cut 2 cubes of cold unsalted butter into small pieces and add them to the flour/salt mixture.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8151726850/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11312PD-272 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11312PD-272" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8337/8151726850_d2a9b70234.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pulse in 5 second intervals about 4 times, or until the mixture is the consistency of small peas.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8151726342/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11312PD-281 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11312PD-281" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8347/8151726342_56b7e4bf05.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Place cubes of ice into a large glass measuring cup and add some water. Stir it around to make sure the water is icy cold. From the measuring container, measure out 1/4 cup cold water and add it slowly to the mixture through the tube of the food processor.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8151699807/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11312PD-308 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11312PD-308" height="500" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8061/8151699807_ccd9c98804.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turn processor switch to the ON position and mix until the dough starts to form a ball. It will take about 20 seconds before this happens. It should look like the dough in the above photo. Be careful not to over-mix.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8151699561/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11312PD-311 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11312PD-311" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7270/8151699561_eeb6155446.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gather the dough together into 2 equal balls and place each one onto a sheet of plastic wrap. Flatten the balls into a round disc, wrap them up, and refrigerate for at least an hour, or up to three days. You can also freeze it for several months.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8151725186/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11312PD-323 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11312PD-323" height="500" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7128/8151725186_c2657a5dff.jpg" width="334" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Take the dough out of the refrigerator or freezer and let it sit for several minutes, until its soft enough to work with, but still fairly cool to the touch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>ROLLING OUT THE DOUGH:</b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8162494081/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11612PD-102 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11612PD-102" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7268/8162494081_6de36ce065.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Spread 3/4 cup of flour over the pastry cloth and rolling pin. Roll dough into a circle until it measures about 2-3 inches larger than the pie plate. Make sure the pie plate you will be using is close by.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8162471643/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11612PD-111 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11612PD-111" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8209/8162471643_3e33862620.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Once you have rolled the dough out to the correct size, carefully roll it onto the rolling pin for transport to the pie plate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8162471473/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11612PD-115 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11612PD-115" height="309" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8069/8162471473_9825ddd572.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Carefully drape the dough as close to the center of the plate as possible. You can easily shift it one way or the other into position once you have it in the plate.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8162526774/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11612PD-126 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11612PD-126" height="334" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7113/8162526774_7eea32807b.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Press the dough into the sides of the plate and flute the edges using your thumb and first two fingers.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8162503254/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="11612PD-143 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="11612PD-143" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8485/8162503254_869986559b.jpg" width="500" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Voila! You are now holding a perfect unbaked pie crust. Place a piece of plastic wrap over it and place it back in the fridge until you are ready to fill and bake. Now pat yourself on the back. Good job! If you’re not planning to bake a pie the same day, you can freeze it until you’re ready.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Questions?</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Here’s the recipe:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Basic Butter Pie Crust</span><br />
<i>Makes two 9-crusts</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/basic-pie-crust" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>INGREDIENTS:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
2 cups unbleached flour + 3/4 cup for rolling out dough</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 Teaspoon Salt</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1 Cup (2 Sticks) Cold Unsalted Butter</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
1/4 Cup Ice Water</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>DIRECTIONS:</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Add flour and salt to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse for 5-10 seconds just to combine. With butter cut into small pieces, add those to the flour. Pulse about 4 times for 5 seconds each time, until the mixture is the texture of small peas. Add 1/4 cup ice water slowly into the bowl through the feeder tube. (I always use 1/4 cup because I’ve determined it turns out perfectly, but the amount you need may be slightly less.) Turn the food processor on for about 20 seconds, or until the dough sticks together and gathers in large pieces. Gather the dough together into one large chunk and divide it into 2 equal balls. On a hard, flat surface, place each ball of dough onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten them into round discs. Wrap them up and refrigerate for at least an hour before rolling out.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>Come back here next week. I’ll have a fabulous pumpkin pie recipe for you to add to that crust.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/4136529764/" title="pumpkin pie by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="pumpkin pie" height="334" src="http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2759/4136529764_cd736919e4.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-37743471267526721092012-10-19T16:00:00.000-07:002012-10-19T16:05:40.843-07:00what's keeping me busy<div style="text-align: center;">
I’m popping in to briefly tell you what’s happening in my world. I have a new love, and he’s keeping me very busy. </div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8103581899/" title="101612-136 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="101612-136" height="498" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8193/8103581899_19bfc4fafa.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8103162189/" title="101612-103 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="101612-103" height="481" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8476/8103162189_93e6761e35.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His name is Bleu.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8103176546/" title="101612-109 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="101612-109" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8467/8103176546_0c86cde84c.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
You wouldn’t know by looking at these images, but he’s a bit of a handful. He wants his meals to arrive at the same time each day. In spite of the fact that he has access to 5 million toys and 2 million raw hide bones, he still manages to chew things he shouldn’t. (The new space heater I bought two weeks ago has a cord that’s in three pieces.) My daughter is out two pairs of flip flops (I’m glad his tastes are cheap where shoes are concerned). He snacks on poop any chance he gets. He’s slowly tunneling his way to China through our backyard. He flunked kindergarten class by lunging aggressively toward an innocent little puppy. Remember <i>Marley and Me</i>?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
He follows me everywhere. He’s so happy to see me when I’m away for a couple hours, or minutes, you’d think he hasn’t seen me in weeks. (Think of those videos of soldiers returning home.) He loves me unconditionally. He warms my side of the bed before I get in, then after he has had sufficient cuddle time, moves to the foot of the bed, where he sleeps all night. He wakes up every morning with the most amazing enthusiasm for life like I’ve witnessed in no human ever. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bleu is smart as a whip. I taught him to sit, lay down, stay, and leave-it by the time he was just ten weeks old. When it comes to encounters with desirable objects other than doggie treats, we have a little ways to go. I do know he is capable, the challenge is getting past his stubborn streak.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8103176118/" title="101612-122 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="101612-122" height="640" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8052/8103176118_9b56ab3c5b_z.jpg" width="409" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Bleu’s goofy smile has the ability to warm my heart, and I love him to pieces!</div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6690745083870672507.post-10913295063572427852012-09-24T14:31:00.000-07:002012-09-25T08:55:22.205-07:00let’s make salsa!<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8021061571/" title="92412S-114 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="92412S-114" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8030/8021061571_f50a826457.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
My single tomato plant has produced a dozen smallish, red, ripe...fruits. Fruits? Sort of. Tomatoes are the fruits of the tomato plant, but when they’re used in cooking, they’re vegetables. (Thank you Google for that information.)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A dozen tomatoes will not make enough sauce to carry us through a cold winter.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For now, let’s make salsa!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8021060533/" title="92412S-157 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="92412S-157" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8033/8021060533_6d15e9906b.jpg" width="500" /></a></div>
<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="https://sites.google.com/site/portlandpeepsprintablerecipes/tomato-salsa" target="_blank">PRINTABLE RECIPE</a></span></i><br />
<br />
Start with 9-12 medium sized ripe tomatoes<br />
Cut them in half and take out the seeds.<br />
Chop them coarsely and throw them into a food processor<br />
Add:<br />
2 cloves garlic, peeled<br />
1 cup of cilantro<br />
3/4 cup chopped sweet onion<br />
2 Tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice<br />
1 spicy pepper (I used an ‘Italian Roaster’ because there were some ripe ones in my garden, but you could use jalapeño or serrano, if you want extra spice)<br />
1 teaspoon coriander (you could also use cumin if you like the flavor... I don’t)<br />
<br />
Blend until the salsa is a slightly coarse consistency. Not too chunky, not too pureed. Perfect for scooping up with a corn chip. Place in a sealed container and refrigerate for several hours or overnight so that the flavors have a chance to mingle.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Easy huh?</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
After all the salsa ingredients have gotten to know each other, call a few good friends, blend up some margaritas, grab a bag of corn chips... and enjoy!</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/7796339@N03/8021098547/" title="92412S-139 by two c creative, on Flickr"><img alt="92412S-139" height="334" src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8037/8021098547_5ed64a76b8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Cindyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15199328139152042955noreply@blogger.com4