Wednesday, June 12, 2013
The Tasting Kitchen
Looking for a great spot for brunch this weekend? The Tasting Kitchen is your answer! Not only do they have awesome food and drinks, but the ambience and location is wonderful. You can't go wrong with this choice.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Tortellini with Broccolini & Pesto
This is one of my sister's favorites and has become one of mine as well. It can be rich with the combination of pasta, cheese and pine nuts. But, the basil, parsley and fresh bite of broccolini balance it out perfectly for a delicious spring or summer meal!
Ingredients:
- 1 pound tortellini
- 1 bunch of broccolini cut into florets
- ½ cup Pesto (recipe below)
- ½ cup French Vinaigrette (recipe below)
- Salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan cheese
- Toasted pine nuts
Whisk the pesto and vinaigrette together and set aside.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the broccolini in boiling water for 3 or 4 minutes
until just tender. Drain with a slotted spoon and cool in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Cook the tortellini in the same water you cooked the
broccolini in, according to the package directions.
Combine the tortellini and broccolini in a serving bowl and
toss with the pesto vinaigrette dressing. Season with salt and pepper. Sprinkle
with parmesan cheese and toasted pine nuts and serve.
French Vinaigrette
- 1 cup olive oil
- 2TBS freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 4TBS white wine vinegar
- 2TBS Dijon mustard
- 1 garlic clove minced
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 TBS each basil tarragon and oregano
Pesto
- 2 TBS toasted pine nuts
- 1 garlic clove crushed
- Salt & Pepper to taste
- 1 cup fresh Basil leaves
- 1 cup Italian parsley leaves
- 4 ounces Parmesan cheese
- ½ cup olive oil
Monday, June 10, 2013
Wild Rice, Citrus & Herb Salad
I love the fresh flavors of summer, especially the combination of different herbs. This salad is great for a party, picnic in the park, or make it all for yourself and enjoy it all week long. You can change up the vegetables and fruit to make it a seasonal salad all year long.
Ingredients:
2/3 cup Jasmine Rice
1/2 cup Wild Rice
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt
Black Pepper
1 small red onion, chopped
1 cup pomegranate seeds
1 cup chopped, roasted asparagus
1 avocado
Zest of 1 orange
1 cup feta cheese
3 tablespoons each, chopped Italian parsley, chives and basil
3 tablespoons each, toasted pine nuts and chopped walnuts
Dressing:
1 small shallot, minced
2 tablespoons champagne vinegar
1/3 cup fresh pomegranate juice
Zest & juice of an orange
Salt & Pepper
2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
(Wisk all ingredients together and let sit in the refrigerator for 10-15 minutes)
Cook the jasmine and wild rice according to the directions on the package. Cool slightly and combine both rices in a large bowl. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon onto the rice and toss with salt and pepper. Let it sit while you prepare the rest of the ingredients. Mix in the asparagus red onion, and pomegranate seeds. Pour half of the dressing in and mix it together. Next, add the nuts, cheese and herbs and toss. Add the rest of the dressing just before serving.
(You can also serve this over a bed of lettuce the next day with leftovers!)
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Monday, May 6, 2013
Mac & Cheese
There's nothing better than comfort food on a cold, stormy night. This mac and cheese casserole makes enough to have leftovers too!
Ingredients:
- 1 lb. sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 lb. gruyere
- 1/2 lb. fontina
- 6 cups milk
- 1 cup panko bread crumbs
- 1 cup parmesan
- 1/2 cup butter
- 1/2 cup flour
- 2 tsp. dry mustard
- 2 tsp. freshly grated black pepper
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. white pepper
- 16 oz. pasta (favorite shape: spirals, shells, elbows, etc.)
Pre-heat the over to 350 degrees.
Being the sauce by creating a roux. Over medium heat, melt the butter in a large sauce pan. Once the butter has melted and started to bubble, add the flour. Whisk the flour and butter to cook out the raw flour taste for about 1-2 minutes.
Add the milk and whisk the mixture together. Turn the heat up to medium high and continue to whisk until it starts to bubble around the edges. Then, reduce the heat down to low.
Add the gruyere, fontina and cheddar, one handful at a time. Whisk each part until it has melted before adding more cheese. After all the cheese is incorporated, add the salt, both peppers, and mustard and stir completely.
Add the pasta to a baking dish and pour the sauce over the pasta. Sprinkle the parmesan over the top and the panko bread crumbs. Bake for 45 minutes. Cool slightly and serve!
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Thai Green Curry
One of my favorite Thai dishes, brought to your kitchen. I love the combination of sweet and spicy flavors. Mix the green curry paste with coconut milk and your choice of tofu, shrimp, chicken or mixed veggies and you've got yourself a delicious Thai dinner!
Ingredients:
(adapted from The Pretty Blog)
- 4 fresh green chilies, deseeded and roughly chopped
- 2 T chopped fresh ginger
- 3 cloves garlic, chopped
- 1 t dried coriander
- 1/2 t dried cumin
- 1-2 cups of fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
- 2-3 T water
- 2 T vegetable oil
- 1 can coconut milk
- 1 t sugar
- fish sauce
- 2 t lime juice
- salt
- fresh cilantro for garnish
- tofu, shrimp, chicken (cut into thin strips), or mixed veggies
In
a food processor, combine chilies, ginger, garlic, dried coriander, cumin,
fresh cilantro and process to a paste. Add a few tablespoons of water to create
the right consistency.
In
a wok, heat oil over high heat. Add the paste and fry quickly for 1-2 minutes,
stirring continuously. Add coconut milk, turn heat down to medium, and bring to
a simmer. Now add tofu, shrimp, chicken or veggies and cook in liquid for 5
minutes, covered.
Add
sugar, a few drops of fish sauce, lemon/lime juice, and season well with salt.
Simmer for another 5 minutes, then remove from heat.
Serve
on Thai rice, and top with green onions and fresh cilantro leaves.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Stella Rossa
Some nights you want a casual night out, and some nights you just don't want to cook. Whichever you're feeling, Stella Rossa has the answer. Stop into their restaurant and dine on their delicious handcrafted pizzas, or get them to go and enjoy at home after a long day. They get the crust just right - crisp on the bottom and a chewy, doughy center. I'm still dreaming about this Fennel Bianco Pizza!
Fennel Bianco
(hand-shaved fennel, burrata, fresh rosemary, torn basil, organic olive oil)
Hobbs Pepperoni
(organic tomato, fresh mozzarella, parmesan)
Thursday, April 18, 2013
Golden Road Brewing
If you're looking for a great local LA spot - Golden Road Brewing is your place! They have a laid back vibe, inviting and friendly people, and a GREAT housemade beer selection. Oh, and did I mention they have vegan food options on the pub menu! Stop in for a beer, stay to watch a baseball game, or meet a group of friends for a day of outdoor games, drinking and fun.
Also, if you're looking for a spot to host a party, there is a "secret" bar called Chloe's that is adjacent to the Golden Road Pub. It has a more elegant/upscale feel and can be rented out for private events!
Also, if you're looking for a spot to host a party, there is a "secret" bar called Chloe's that is adjacent to the Golden Road Pub. It has a more elegant/upscale feel and can be rented out for private events!
View of Golden Road from San Fernando Road
5410 W. San Fernando Road, Atwater Village, CA
213.373.4677
Inside Seating
"Get Up Offa That Brown"
English-style Brown
Pub Menu
Vegan Pretzel with Spicy Mustard
Fried A.L.T (Avocado, Lettuce, Tomato) Sandwich
Golden Road All Lit Up At Night
The Scene
Chloe's Private Bar
Don't Leave Without Taking Some To Go!
"Point The Way IPA"
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Tieks
How have I lived this long without Tieks?!? They are a great new addition to my flats collection and have a few added bonuses! They are very comfy due to extra cushioning in the heel, so you can be on your feet all day and night in them. They fold up into themselves so you can take them with you on the go, or put them in your purse to change into when your heels start to hurt. AND, they have a vegan option! There are so many colors to choose from, it's hard to pick just one. The blue sole adds a fun, signature touch, so whichever you choose, you really can't go wrong!
Visit Tieks Boutiek to shop for a pair of your own!
Tuesday, April 16, 2013
Roasted Butternut Squash Tacos
Life can get busy! So, here's a dinner idea that's fast, healthy and filling! Cut butternut squash into cubes (make sure you seed it and peel the skin off) and toss on a baking sheet with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast in a 400 degree oven for 25 - 30 minutes. Allow them to cool slightly while you place tortillas in the over for a minute or two to heat them up. Then, put the tacos together by spreading guacamole on the tortilla and top with black beans and roasted butternut squash. Quick, easy, and a delicious weeknight meal!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Black & White (with a pop of color)
You can never go wrong with black and white. They are two staple colors that work so well together and lucky for me they are this season's hottest trend! Add a pop of color with a necklace, purse, shoes, or scarf and bring your outfit to life.
Jeans: Citizens of Humanity
Top: Black Sheer Tank (tied in front)
Blazer: Eliza J Woven Jacket
Pants: Zara Tuxedo Style Leggings
Necklace: Etsy
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
Clementine
If you're looking for a cute cafe where you can sit and enjoy a cup of coffee, seasonal food, and a delicious pastry - Clementine is your place! It's located across the street from the Century City Mall and is a great stop for a salad, sandwich or a take-home dinner. Their menu is inspired by what they find at the local farmer's market, and everything is made from scratch. Fresh, seasonal and delicious!
1751 Ensley Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90024
Quinoa Salad
with shaved brussels sprouts, radicchio, flame raisins,
toasted hazelnuts and sherry vinaigrette
Roasted Beets
with clementines, avocado, goat cheese and toasted walnuts
Red Velvet Cupcake
Monday, April 1, 2013
Tomato Soup
The weather can be unpredictable in the Spring. This weekend we had a few beautiful, sunny days, and then the clouds came in. The mix of the cooler weather and the need to detox after all the Easter candy, called for this tomato soup. It's light, healthy and will warm you up on a chilly day. I like to make a big batch and save the extra for an easy meal that I can heat up again during the week.
Ingredients:
- 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 2 pints cherry tomatoes
- 1 medium yellow onion (diced)
- 1 medium carrot (peeled and diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 4 cups chicken broth
- 1/2 cup fresh chopped basil
- 1 Tbs. fresh chopped oregano
- 1 tsp. fresh chopped thyme
- 1 tsp. red pepper flakes
- salt and pepper
- olive oil
Meanwhile, in a pan, heat a little olive oil and saute the onion and carrot with salt and pepper until the onion is translucent. Then, add the garlic, oregano, thyme and red pepper flakes and saute for another minute or so. Next, add the canned tomatoes and their juices along with the roasted tomatoes, and chicken broth and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and add the basil, then cover the soup and allow it to simmer for 30 - 40 minutes. Using an emersion blender, puree the soup until smooth. Add salt and pepper to taste and serve with croutons and a basil leaf on top.
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