Kale "Salad"

Yesterday was the definition of a fat day... one with no exercise, 3 cocktails, and both lunch and dinner out that were heavy meals at Sesame and Two Boroughs Larder. 

It's safe to say I have felt like a complete beached whale since, and today has been a detox day.  I'm chugging water by the liters, and focusing on plain greek yogurt with berries for breakfast, a light salad for lunch, and veggies and protein for dinner. 

Thank goodness for my CSA box.   Its no secret I love kale... cooked, sauteed, roasted, or in chips- bring it.  Raw? Blahhhh. Can't do it. I want so bad to like this kale salad from Eat, Live, Run, but I feel like I am eating a garnish when I bite into kale raw.

This kale "salad" was a mistake.  I tried to make the above, but literally had to spit out the raw kale.  I quickly sauteed it like spinach and as soon as it started browning, I knew I had hit the jackpot.  I hope you try it.  I loved it, and will be making it again tomorrow!

 

Kale "Salad"

Note: measurements are approximate, because like I said, this salad came about randomly and completely unplanned.  I suggest just using your gut on the porportionality of ingredients if you decide to recreate this.

kale leaves from 4 stalks, torn from stems and into bite size pieces
1/4 c cooked shelled edamame
1/4 c snow peas, ends pulled off and blanched for 1 min in boiling water
1/2 T sweet chili sauce (such as one from the Ginger People- which is the bomb by the way)
splash of soy sauce
drizzle of sriacha
toasted sliced almonds

Heat a large saute pan over med- high heat and spray generously with cooking spray.  Add kale and let it brown and wilt like spinach, stirring often, about 5 mins.

Heat a second pan with cooking spray over med heat, and toss edamame and snow peas.  Add sweet chili sauce, splash of soy, and a drizzle of sriacha.

Combine kale and veggies on serving plant, top with toasted almonds.

Nightly Routine

When we first told my parents we were getting a dog, my mom (only half- jokingly) threatened to repo our couch.  

They gifted us a nice couch as a wedding present, and she was concerned the dog would all but ruin it.  I had to convince her to stop going to consignment store to search for alternatives, but we have since had to teach Collins that the couch is off- limits.  Instead, she has taken up residence with another chair and ottoman in our house.

Every night before bed, I coax her into letting me join her in the chair for some snuggles.  She typically conks out while I respond to emails, read blogs, and check Twitter.

I tried to snap some photos without her noticing, but that was unsuccessful.  Nevertheless, I think these photos are hilarious.  I can only imagine what she was thinking.

"Mom, hmm, what's that?"

"Seriously. What is that?"

"Ok that's enough, can we go back to snuggling?"

"Fine"

On my mind...

My sweet grandfather,

who we affectionally call Bubba.

He is at Vanderbilt today for some testing and we are praying diligently for the doctors and nurses tending to him and to our great Healer.

This photo was taken the night when Lash and I got engaged.  Lash had arranged for our parents, siblings, and grandparents to be at a surprise celebratory dinner.  It meant the world to me that they were there, and I love the delighted expression on my grandfather's face as I was recapping the story :)

CSA Week 2

Tuesday is quickly becoming my favorite day of the week since I get to pick up my CSA goodies!!  Can you believe the generousity and the quantity? It all looks amazing and so fresh. I am so happy I did this!

This week's box included:

• 5 turnips
• 5 sweet onions
• head of cabbage
• lettuce
• 2 large kale bunches
• pint of strawberries
• 1/2 pint of snow peas

I am planing on making:

my sweet and sour crunchy slaw

a version of tyler florence's turnip puree

photo via foodnetwork

ashley's boone farm kale

photo via small doses

iowa girl eats cashew stir fry

photo via ige



What was in your box? 

Any fun recipes to share?

Mr and Mrs Reath!

Lash and I had the privilege of going to Atlanta this weekend to celebrate Mary and Blair tie the knot.  

Unfortunately, the drive was a little long for me because my companion was a little preoccupied.  

Read: med school books complete with noise canceling headphones.  

I was so ready to get out of the car! 

The ceremony was intimate and beautiful, and the reception a big fun Wofford College reunion!

Mary's dress was stunning, and the two were radiant all evening!

As a late night snack, they passed out CFA chicken sandwiches and cokes.  Let me tell you, that sammy was delicious and much needed!!  It was a cute idea, and very "Atlantan."

Congratulations to the newest Mr. and Mrs. Blair Reath!  

We were thrilled to be a part of your special day!

Boursin Stuffed Chicken and Roasted CSA treats

I had the best time plowing through our first CSA box with Gruber Farms!  Some people had a lot of questions about it, and I have to say I definitely recommend it!  With our household of two, we signed up for the small box for $275 for 12 weeks.  This comes out to about $20 a week in produce... which is a deal if you ask me!  Any given day I could spend much more than that on produce at Publix, and I am much happier supporting a local business.  Did you know that April was Eat Local Month for Lowcountry Local?

This meal was phenom.  The boursin chicken has so.much.flavor.  Since it is a statement piece, I knew the roasted veggies would be a perfect accompaniment.  The sweet onions and parsnips caramelize perfectly and are so delicious.  I hope we get more in our next box Tuesday!  I want to put this back on the menu asap.

Boursin Stuffed Chicken 

3 chicken breasts, (cut in half as if butter flying but fully separated)
1/4 c chopped fresh basil
1/4 c chopped fresh parsley
1 (5 oz) Boursin cheese tub
1/4 c chopped walnuts
1 egg, beaten
1/3 c breadcrumbs, crushed ritz crackers, or panko
1/4 c Parmesan
2 tablespoons butter, melted

Preheat oven to 350.  Pound chicken breast halves to a uniform thickness.

Combine herbs, Boursin, and walnuts. Place 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons of cheese mixture on each breast and spread evenly on each piece. Beginning at the thinnest end, roll each up into round. Secure with toothpick if necessary.

Combine breadcrumbs and Parmesan in a small bowl. Dredge chicken in egg mixture and then in the breadcrumb mixture. Place in Pyrex pan and once filled with all pieces, drizzle with melted butter. Bake 30-45 mins. Yields 4- 5 servings

 Roasted Sweet Onions and Parsnips 

4 sweet onions
2 parsnips
1 tablespoon evoo
1/2 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

Preheat oven to 400.   Remove stems and outer layer from onions, and halve lengthwise. Peel parsnips and chop in larger pieces.

On a roasting pan, drizzle vegetables with evoo and salt and pepper. Roast 20-25 mins until begin to caramlize, turning once. Add splash of balsamic and return to oven for an additional 5-10 mins until soft in texture, and golden brown in color.  Yields 2-3 servings

CSA Week 1

My CSA weekly box from Gruber Farms started today!!  I was literally giddy with excitement all weekend anticipating picking it up, and could not wait to see what it included!

The first box included (from left to right):

• kale
• pint of strawberries
• parsnip
• collards
• radishes
• peas
• lettuce
• sweet onions

So cool!! All beautiful, fresh, and local, right out of St. George, SC.   I can't wait to try new veggies and new recipes.  I have to admit I've never done a thing with radishes or sweet onions so bring it on!

I have, however, eaten my body weight in kale chips lately, and wanted to try something new tonight to switch it up.  I stumbled across a few sauteed kale recipes and tweaked to my (asian obsessed) taste buds.  It was delicious!!

Sesame Kale with Garlic and Ginger

- 1 tsp sesame oil

- 1 garlic clove minced

- 1 tablespoon grated ginger 

- 1 large bunch kale, washed, leaves removed and coarsely chopped

- 1 tablespoon water, chicken or veggie stock

- 1/2 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds

- 1 teaspoon soy sauce

- dash of roasted red peppers flakes

Heat sesame oil over medium heat, saute garlic and ginger until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 mins. 

Add kale (in batches like you would spinach) and saute for about 2 minutes.

Add water or stock, cover, and steam until kale wilts but is still slightly crunchy.

Finish with toasted sesame seeds, soy sauce, and roasted red pepper flakes.

Strawberry, Banana "Ice Cream"

• Peel banana, cut into small pieces, freeze for 1-2 hours or longer.
• Place in food processor with frozen strawberries (or works perfectly fine without the berries)
• Blend until mixture magically becomes a frosty, yet creamy puree, scraping down the bowl when necessary.

For a fun variation, add a splash of vanilla, tablespoon of nutella, white chocolate chips, ground cinnamon, or unsweetened cocoa powder.  

So easy and guilt free!

Weekending

An Afternoon at Folly 

Fried Wickles 

Dinner at Triangle and Drinks with Anna and Betsy

More Doggy Destruction

 Special Delivery from Farming Friends

 with extra plants (perfect timing), strawberries, asparagus, and fresh tuna- yum!

the first casualty

The low last night and this morning was a cool 48 degrees.  In an attempt to protect our newly potted plants, we brought them inside for the evening.

Lash went to the gym this morning and let Collins roam around the kitchen for an hour before I woke up.   When, I walked down to let her out, this is what I saw.

Our plants were destroyed- completely uprooted, soil flung all across the kitchen, and finally eaten.

Right before we went to bed last night we were talking about what a good dog she has been and how thankful we were we got her... and then we woke up to this.  Haha!

So much for that green thumb, right?

Looks like I'll be back to Lowe's on Saturday for round two!

Waterdog

Easter Sunday we took Collie girl on her first cocktail cruise with my parents.

It was a little chilly, but so great to be out on the water.  She was a happy dog!

Bring on the summer!

RHCP

Remember in January, when I surprised Lash for his birthday with RHCP tickets?

The show was rescheduled to Saturday night from the original January date because the lead singer broke his foot.  RHCP is one of Lash's favorite bands, and he was literally giddy with excitement as we traveled to Cola. 

We had to take a little pit stop in route, however, when a "low tire pressure" warning light came on in my Volvo.  We he (let's be serious) checked four tires, put in more air, and we assumed everything would be fine..

But the dang light was still on!  We couldn't figure it out until we called my dad and he told us to check the spare tire's pressure.  That was it!  Who woulda thought?!  Thank goodness for that call because I was pleading for Lash to turn the car around to go swap it for his... which essentially would have had us nearly miss the show.

After the car trouble, a long drive, my general anxiety of the concert (I wasn't feeling 100%), I had to get mentally ready.  I hardly drink anything other than Chard, so Lash knew this was serious, lol.

The RHCP was a very fun concert to go to.  They sound amazing live, and they (as well as the crowd they drew) were very entertaining.  I do not know any of their new tunes, but thankfully, they played all of their old hits and we had the best time singing along.

Since the concert was the night before Easter (which is a very important, family holiday for us), we drove to Beaufort after the concert.  It was a haul- 2.5hrs- and I was honestly so tired I had to take a snooze on the interstate.  Lash had never driven to Beaufort from 95 and I told him to just look for the Point South exit and we would be fine. 

Ha.  This is embarassing but its one of those things where I could not remember the exact number of the exit, because I don't think of it when I drive, I just do it, ya know?  So... I guessed the exit number... and completely guessed him the wrong one.  I woke up 10 miles after the exit we were supposed to get off on, and in a complete daze, realized my mistake and panicked.  Thankfully, I have a very patience and understanding husband and the GPS had navigated us through the backroads of Ridgeland.  We made it to my parent's house just before 1:30 a.m.

It was quite the day!

Mary, Mary Quite Contrary

How does your garden grow?

I went to Lowe's this morning to pick up some fresh basil, rosemary, and mint to plant and enjoy throughout the spring and summer.

And somehow, squash, zucchini, bell peppers, and tomatoes ended up in my cart, too!

I am not known for my green thumb by any means, but I'm hoping my mother-in-law's skills rubbed off on my husband.  I have no expectations, just excited to see how it works out... but I am especially crossing my fingers for these little heirlooms!  

Won't know until you try, right?

What I'm Loving Wednesday

-   I signed up for a CSA with Gruber Farm in St. George.  I cannot wait to get the weekly box!  I love supporting locals farms and that all of these fresh vegetables are going to cause me to experiment more in the kitchen.  P.S. It's not too late to sign up so go check out their website!

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-  Tonight, we are going to the Family Circle Cup and get to watch the match between Venus Williams and Jelena Jankovich.  I am so excited!  I played tennis avidly growing up and admired both Williams sisters in their prime.  I'm pumped to see Venus in person (and sit in our great company seats!)

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-  The weather here has been unseasonably amazing, and I am trying to take full advantage of it with our backyard.  We love playing laddergolf, hanging out with the pup, and enjoying a beverage over the weekend!

-  I am obsessed with these BDG coral jeans I got from Urban Outfitters.  I did have to order up a size (colored jeans are not as forgiving as dark denim), but I wear them all the time!

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-  I love Mallee Point Chardonnay.  It is crisp, light, and honestly the perfect weeknight chardonnay.   You will not believe the balance on flavor for the cost--- only $5.99 at Total Wine-- it does not taste cheap! You definitely should pick some up next time you are there.

A Season

I feel as if I have entered in a new season of life these days, and as it is during anytime, change and transition throws me for quite the loop.

I can honestly say this has been the weightiest few months I remember.   With the wedding last May, things were busy, and while they required attention and detail, they also included a freedom and creativity that I could easily express.

These days, I find myself, no longer a newlywed, but quickly approaching a one year anniversary with my darling husband.  Though our schedule seems ever changing, we have easily adapted to our quaint little routine and I wouldn't change it for the world.  We are no longer a family of two, but a family of three with our precious four legged addition.  Family been in town or we've traveled to see them, which is particularly exciting as we have celebrated the engagement of my sister in law with a dear friend of ours from college!  My best friends have gotten married, christened their first borns, or moved to new cities and jobs.  I've accepted a supervisory position at work and I am doing my best to give 110% each today and share my passion with my incredible team.

With this new 'reality,' as I turned the page of my planner on Sunday to April 2012, I've since been asking myself, "how did we get here?"  The days are flying into weeks and the weeks into months.
 I cannot tell you the number of times I have sat down to update this blog, only to find the task of reconnecting the past few months too monumental and daunting.  I write a few sentences, get distracted or preoccupied, and immediately close my MacBook.

I've missed the blogging community. I've still been reading your posts, and though I admit I have not been the best at commenting, I'm glad to keep to still be keeping in touch on this one way street.  I've missed your comments and interactions, but I hope to be back more frequently with recipes and cute little puppy photos to share.  Thanks for sticking around!