Pinterest: the 50/50 shot at a good meal

Pinterest used to be the center of my day for many many months. Not sure if that was due to an easier/awful job, or just being enamored by the site and totally losing my MarthaStewartSelf in all of the pins, but I pinned A LOT. I also use to try a lot of recipes. I also used to look at wedding pins like it was my job. I also used to try to plan gifts and Christmas shopping with a board.

Now, I am luckily if I spend more than 10-15 minutes on there a week! I also stopped following most of the wedding boards I used to (different story for different day, but it felt good to stop feeling depressed that I am no where near getting married). Sadly, I've also stopped creating on the regular. Weather that is a meal or a craft, I just don't have time with work and the new dog (yes, I said new DOG- I'll get to that in a post soon).

Luckily, my workload has been way more reasonable these past few weeks and I've been able to carve out tiny pieces of "me" time. In an attempt to utilize some leftover ingredients from a earlier meal, I found a chicken recipe that looked pretty tasty. I finished work on time (!!!), kenneled the dog without him acting like he was dying, and ran to the local grocery store to grab ingredients.

Guess what----it was pretty dang good. And I share not only because I am proud that I did something that was like my old normal self BUT because my theory on Pinterest recipes is that you've got a 50/50 shot of finding a good one. Many have flopped and failed miserably. Many have been good. But when I really look at it, it is seriously around a 50% success rate. So in an effort to save all of you hardworking, overly busy, and craving creative times like me people- I figured share a good one!

So here it is: Lemon Butter Chicken

Image via 

These Are Some of My Favorite Things

✤If you are like me you have a plethora of Instagram photos- but what to do with them? Printic is a great option- but isn't exactly cheap. I stumbled across this tutorial the other day, that I might be willing to give a shot. 

✤I love a good list of advice- particularly when it comes to advice regarding your twenties. This had some particular gems that really hit home for me. 

✤The day-to-day lives of dancers have always fascinated me. I love this side by side comparison of a "normal" life to a dancers life. 

✤A good cup of of chai is one of my favorite warm drinks. With all this blustery winter weather here in DC, this recipe that a friend recommended is on my list of things to make. 

✤Winter always makes me crave pasta, and this recipe is looking pretty tasty. Followed by this dessert, I am pretty sure I'd have a meal made in heaven. 

Parsnip Soup

I haven't been eating very well lately. I also have totally fallen off my working schedule. Partly because I did something to my knee skiing a few weeks ago, so I've been trying to take it easy. There has been a lot of pasta, and cheesy things being consumed. 

Tonight I wanted something will lots of veggies. Something light, and also quick and easy (since I was dining solo). A salad was my first inclination, but being January and all- I wanted something cozier. 

Months and months ago the BF and I shared a bowl of creamy parsnip soup at a local restaurant, and it was so good, I have been thinking about it since then.

Browsing a few recipes I found a recipe for Potato, Carrot and Parsnip soup.

It hit the spot! I halved the recipe, didn't use as much 1/2 & 1/2, and increase the amount of parsnip, and ended up with a really tasty soup that was quick, easy and delish!

Check it out if you need a quick weeknight dinner! 

While we are on the subject of soups...anyone have their own recommendations? I personally love a pureed soup, or lentils! 

I am not sure I could have taken a more unappetizing photo! This does NOT do it justice! But let's all have a laugh at my lame photography, since I was in such a rush to eat my bowl of soup!

The Fall Whomp Whomps

I have been some sort of ill for almost two months now. Seriously. It just hasn't let up.

Before heading off for the wedding palooza I came down with something that lingered the entire trip. Then upon arriving home I went into a full-blown illness complete with a hacking cough that made my brain hurt. I still have that cough on and off. To top it all off, Monday I ended up dragging myself to one of those emergency walk-in medical clinics as I was having back and side pain coupled with a fever the the shakes like no other. I am now on day five of a ten day course of antibiotics. All the meanwhile, starting a new job. Let's just say this hasn't been my finest fall. Luckily, I am finally feeling a bit better today and on the mend, but I've still got five days of doctors orders of laying low (no gym, no glass of red wine, no massive amounts of dairy and lots of sleep). Some years you just get all the luck huh?

There have been a few things that have been keeping me in good spirits despite feeling a little crappy. First off, can we just say n-e-w j-o-b. That adjustment is always hard, but when you feel proud of yourself for landing a job you really wanted, you feel pretty darn good waking up every day and turning on your computer. (That 2 minute commute to my "office" doesn't hurt either!). Also, did I mention that I got the second highest score on a post-training test?? AND I was in a training class with people who had been at the company for years! So what-what! Rockin-it!

I also brought these beauties home last weekend from my beloved Trader Joes.

They really make me smile. So much so, that I was thinking that I should challenge myself to have flowers around at least once each month. Kind of a twelve bouquets challenge for the year. 

I also cooked something. Amazing, considering I could hardly bend over to reach our pots and pans we store in the lower cabinets. I wanted to try a fresher-than-canned-soup chicken noodle soup. While it wasn't amazing, it was pretty good. It certainly tasted better than anything coming out of a can, and boasted a ton of fresh chicken, and tons of fresh veggies. I'll take it as a win.

Let's just hope I am on the up-swing of all this illness now!

Cooking 101: Pinterest Culinary School

Another Pinterest win on the books. This one was even a single serve (easily scale-able for Sunday night dinners) but with having my freezer stocked with Costco salmon- this was an easy, quick and delicious meal.

I swear that Pinterest has become my cooking 101 class! I have had more success with Pinterest recipes than I have ever had in my life!

Anyways. Make this salmon. Paired with some rice, sauteed spinach, it was the perfect post-workout dinner!

From Natasha's Kitchen....

Baked Salmon with Garlic and Dijon

 

Save Print

Prep time

10 mins

Cook time

15 mins

Total time

25 mins

 

Author: Natasha of NatashasKitchen.com

Skill Level: Easy

Cost To Make: $10 – $12

Serving: 4

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs salmon
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 2 large OR 3 small cloves of garlic, pressed
• 1.5 tsp Dijon mustard
• ½ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp freshly ground black pepper
• ⅛ cup mild olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Lemon slices

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 450° F and line a rimmed baking dish with foil.

1. In a small bowl, combine 2 tbsp freshly chopped parsley, 2-3 cloves pressed garlic, 1.5 tsp Dijon, ½ tsp salt, ⅛ tsp pepper, ⅛ cup olive oil and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Mix well.
2. Cut salmon into even portions and lay them onto your lined baking dish skin side down.
3. Generously brush all sides of your salmon with the sauce and top with fresh lemon slices.
4. Bake at 450°F for 12-15 minutes or until just cooked through. Don’t over-cook or your fish will be dry. Voila! Easy, excellent dish.

Cauliflower Fettuccine Alfredo

One of two things is going on with my social media habits. 

1) I am either a really good pinner. (You can find me here)

OR

2) Pinterest really does have a plethora of really amazing and fantastic ideas and recipes.

Let's go with both so I can give myself a pat on the back. I've tried a few recipes that I have found interesting from Pinterest, but to-date, the most recent endeavor triumphs over the others.

Cauliflower. Fettuccine. Alfredo. Yes....CAULIFLOWER. 

It was epic. Creamy. Flavorful (and not tasting like purred veggies), garlicy, rich, filling, and at the same time didn't make me feel like a brick after I had eaten a nice size bowl. It also kept WAY better than traditional alfredo and didn't just break down into a whole bunch of oil. This was boyfriend and dude-friend approved. I can't stop raving about it.

I followed the Pinch of Yum recipe with a few minor modifications.

CREAMY CAULIFLOWER SAUCE

Author: Pinch of Yum

Serves: makes about 5 cups

 

INGREDIENTS

• 8 large cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 5-6 cups cauliflower florets ( I used one full head of a decent sized cauliflower)
• 6-7 cups vegetable broth or water (I used one box, and seemed to cover my cauliflower, but was only about 4-5 cups)
• 1 teaspoon salt (more to taste)
• ½ teaspoon pepper (more to taste)
• ½ cup milk (more to taste)- I had some cream on hand, so I used that instead, but a little less than 1/2 cup
• I added two types of cheese- Freshly grated peccorino and parm- I think this is what made the dish! I used probably 1/2ish in total.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Garlic: Saute the minced garlic with the butter in a large nonstick skillet over low heat. Cook for several minutes or until the garlic is soft and fragrant but not browned (browned or burnt garlic will taste bitter). Remove from heat and set aside.
2. Cauliflower: Bring the water or vegetable broth to a boil in a large pot. Add the cauliflower and cook, covered, for 7-10 minutes or until cauliflower is fork tender. Do not drain.
3. Puree: Use a slotted spoon to transfer the cauliflower pieces to the blender. Add 1 cup vegetable broth or cooking liquid, sauteed garlic/butter, salt, pepper, and milk. Blend or puree for several minutes until the sauce is very smooth, adding more broth or milk depending on how thick you want the sauce. You may have to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender. Serve hot! If the sauce starts to look dry, add a few drops of water, milk, or olive oil.

So I also have to say I am bit embarrassed to admit this...but I was so enamored with this sauce, that I had woofed down almost my entire bowl before I thought to take a photo...so you get a photo of my half eaten pasta. Glamorous. Not. (Also please pardon the blurry photo--again I was too involved with eating)

 I also had been having a cake craving. Which is pretty odd. I usually never crave cake. We even tried a cupcake to see if that would satisfy my craving...it did not. So I whipped up this little gem. An easy cake recipe, that completely hit the spot and satisfied that nagging craving!

 Has anyone else found some amazing recipes on Pinterest? I am excited to try this baked salmon!

Teeny Tiny Apartments and Metro Buses

DC. DC. DC. I loathe you right now.

A little story that happened this week: 

A childhood friend of mine who happened to end up in DC invites me over frequently for crock pot dinners and wine (just like how our mom's hang out back home...maybe sans the crock pot). It had been awhile since we had seen each other (we had TONS to catch up on) and he invited me over for Wednesday dinner. It ended up that his place with a bit chaotic to have dinner that night so I offered to host since I never host.

I mean let's be real, I eat lucky charms and frozen burritos for dinner when I am at my place.  I am just a serious disaster in the kitchen when it comes to cooking. I do know how to bake. Baking and cooking are NOT the same thing. You can see this story is not going to end well.

All bright-eyed-and-busy-tailed to put on the bestdinneryouhaveevereatandohandreadidyoulearntocook?, I left work headed to the grocery store and even managed to remember to buy an appetizer. At home I quickly shove things in my closet, picked up the bathroom and made sure to have the table set complete with entertaining candles. Cheese platter out, bottle of pumpkin beer cracked, I slice, dice, stir and prep for a meal of brussel sprouts with bacon and shallots, creamy parmesan polenta, and grilled petite fillet steaks. B arrives, we crack the wine, are swapping work horror stories, and I finally get the steaks on the grill pan. Smoke starts to accumulate despite my fan and open window efforts. My teeny tiny apartment doesn't come with a hood fan, so naturally it just gets worse and worse.

Logical option: open the front door so I am getting cross ventilation from the hallway.

The part I didn't think about with opening that door. Central fire alarm system. BEEEEEEEEEEP!!!BEEEEEPPPP BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP BEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!

Oh that's right. I set off the BUILDING's fire alarm. First instinct was to flee the scene of the crime, but logic took over and I knew it was best to fess up so they didn't end up searching the entire building and getting the fire department all up in arms. After 7 painful minutes with the entire building standing outside, the building manager arrived and I fessed up to my stupid cooking mishap. Luckily, she was INCREDIBLY understanding. She probably knew the humiliation of having everyone in the building know it was me was enough punishment. We avoided having the fire department show up, but it was bad. Really bad. B did his best to make sure we ate our cold meal and finished that bottle of wine, but I won't lie... the minute he left and I was alone, I burst into tears. 

This wasn't even an incident where I burnt something, or things were going to end up tasting bad. This was my teeny tiny apartment, not having the shit that an apartment at the price I pay would have anywhere else. I start to over think that "why am I doing this anymore? what am I getting out of being here anymore?" and it became way more than a stupid fire alarm and cold steak dinner. It was a "I am really tired of all of this" cry.

Then there has been the buses. Last night, making me late to meet friends by almost 30 minutes. This morning I waited 20 minutes for a single bus to show up. Overall commute took 45 minutes when I could have (and should have) just walked.

So DC, you and your over priced, teeny tiny, pathetic excuses for apartments can just leave me alone for awhile. I am tired of your public transportation that just makes me claustrophobic and antsy, and I will say it...I will trade in my metrocard for a new car and a commute any day at this point. Just show me where to sign.

Today.

It was stunning out today. I started the day with a three mile run. Sustained my first blister from the new pair of shoes and successfully bled all over them. Yuck. After that I whipped a fruit smoothie with a few kale leaves thrown in for good measure. After showering and watching some food network I headed out to Buzz Bakery in Alexandria (one of my favorite places to hang out) and put in about 2 hours of GMAT studying. I then headed over to King Street so I could check out the Gap and Nine West outlet stores. I also took the Nikon along to practice with what I learned from the Pioneer Woman yesterday and shot the above two shoots. Again...nothing amazing. But progress. Perhaps.

After old town I headed to Target to pick up some of the apartment essentials and a random shirt I saw. Then I swung into Old Navy, found a clearance pair of summer sandals and then dashed in and out of B&N to pick up a Math practice book so I can keep plugging away with this GMAT studying.

Earlier in the day on Food Network I had seen a show about homemade falafel. For some reason this really stuck with me and on my way home I just had to stop at the store and get the ingredients to try this out. Never mind the fact it was 9:30 by the time I got home. But I did it. I used this recipe and enjoyed one of my first completely vegetarian meals that I have ever cooked. (My whole day seems to be a bit on the vegetarian side). I have to say...it was really tasty. I do need a food processor. I did the whole thing in a blender but I am thinking a new kitchen appliance is going to make it into my 415 sq. feet before I know it.

Tomorrow is a HP date with Sam and Ashley-- "Samley", perhaps dinner or lunch with them as well. And then I just have a pile of Laundry, a dirty apartment and some new GMAT studying materials to attack. This weekend is flying by. I don't like it.

Not. One. Bit.

Staub and a Dinner Failure

I recently just added a Staub cast iron grill pan to my kitchen line-up. She is a beaut! Cobalt blue, shiny, non-stick surface and heavy enough for me to seriously injure and intruder if that were to ever be and issue.




We took her for a spin tonight and besides the evident fact that my cooking skills are so below where they should be (can anyone say yucky fish for dinner?) she worked great! I currently have a flank steak going through the final stages of marination in my fridge right now which I will attempt later this week.

Honestly though…why can’t I cook? I can bake. Just about anything. But cook. No. Absolutely not. This is not just a problem for me, but think about the poor soul who marries me and finds out I can only put cupcakes, baklava, cookies, and cheesecake on the table?  Pretty sure if  when I go back to school I will starve to death since I won’t live in ADPi and have Sandi to cook my meals, leave “late plates”, or access to the kitchenette!

I also tend to have really negative experiences cooking fish. I just get so discouraged when I make something that gives me the yucks! It is a waste of money and then I also get all nervous about  cooking again—and heave forbid I would actually cook for someone! Gasp.
How did you all learn to cook? How have you gotten over your mental blocks of “I have no idea what I am doing with this pot and pan!”

oh. Is that right? You all love to cook? I am just abnormal? oh. ok. What’s new.
But really people…my default two chicken dishes and pasta are just not going to cut it anymore.

A Burrito and An Eggroll

So this past month has been packed with visitors (ok not packed but considering I keep a fairly small social circle--to have TWO visitors in one month is pretty "packed" for me).

Erica--who writes an amazing blog btw. Check her out. just left on Sunday (yes I cried as per usual when friends depart). We had a couple wonderful days together just chatting, getting caught up on each others lives, cooking some amazing food, eating some tasty brunch, and snuggling in bed since I am cover stealer.

I probably appreciate more at this point in my life more than ever the simple joy of sipping coffee with a girlfriend and just chatting. I knew I had it great growing up with a great group of friends and then in college meeting an otustanding group of women who I know will be entwined in my life more than I think even I will ever be able to full comprehend. But you take it for granted...until you don't have it anymore. Yes, all my girls are just a phone call, skype, text, email away...but that simple delight of just grabbing coffee, lunch, making dinner, drinking a whole bottle of wine is something that just isn't at my fingertips like it was in college living here in DC. I do have some amazing girlfriend here in DC, but my DC lends to a lot of work, and sometimes not as much personal stuff as I would like. Anyways. You get the point. Having Erica here was amazing and I miss her a lot already. And I am also so glad she is safe and doing what she needs to be doing for her right now.

Some highlights from the trip include this amazing dinner we just kind of whipped up on the fly. I had the fixins to make this pasta sauce that was handed to me by AlliBear's mom awhile back, and then Erica got me this great little cookbook that comes from a moment in NYC to have accessible fresh produce. From that we made a roasted veggie salad served over spinach with a garlic vinaigrette sauce (yes we made that--i know right!!?)

We also had a great series of photos that spawned from this conversation:

A: Ugh I am so bad about taking photos! We don't have a single picture of us together from your time here.
E: *shrugs*
A: Well I have my little camera
E: I'm asian I rock at taking the self portraits with the extended arm.

(Or something like that)

Which resulted in this:

 This one jusdt didn't do it for me.

 So then we took this gem. Yes you can see up my nose.

 We were drinking coffee and I look like I had a gallon of wine.

 Excited Erica.

 Ok maybe there was something in the coffee?

 Getting there

 My "excited eyes"

In the end. Not bad.

So special.

We did enjoy a wonderful brunch at Belga Cafe which has been on my list of places to dine at for awhile now. I will 100% be going back as I didn't want to order six menu items--but they sounded so good!

I was so glad to see Erica and I selfishly hope she moves somewhere close so I can see more of her! But for now, I just savor the days I get to spend with my friends!

Ratatouille Part Deux

Last night I was determined to actually cook dinner. And not "cook" one of my Trader Joes means that I have survived off of for the last year of my life. When I was in transition and searching for housing last October Ben graciously hosted a dinner party (pretty sure it was to provide distraction from what was going on in my life...so thank you Ben!) and made this delish Ratatouille recipe from Smitten Kitchen. On a side note I need to start using more of the recipes from SK, as the ones I have tried are delish and nothing too complicated for my cooking skills and itty bitty kitchen. This recipe for St. Louis Gooey Butter Cake is calling to me in my late night IambloggingandIwantsomethingsweetbecausewhenyouareanadultyoucaneatwheveryouwantinthecomfortofyourownbedandnoonewilleverknow

state.

Anyways. Back to my Ratatouille story. Ben made this for me and then I made it for cohabs Erin and Paul when I first moved into my new place. They were the first people I had over for food in my new apartment and the other day I was thinking how good that dinner had turned out. So I made it again.

A few lessons:

1) when you are too tired to cook. You are probably going to stop reading the directions and therefore leave out an ingredient. Luckily with this I was able to improvise and throw the ingredient in later.

2) Just because there weren't any left overs last time (when you served three people dinner) DOES NOT mean you need to make a full dish of something for my single eating self. To put it lightly...I have baked veggies overflowing in tupperwear.

3) The goat cheese is what makes it.

4) Also splurge on the thyme, it really does add all the flavor that is characteristic of Ratatouille.

5) Find a rat to sit on your head while you cook. It will make the stress of the week melt away.

And finally. This is one of the most visually appealing things I have ever made in my cooking adventures. It is simply beautiful with the layers of color. It makes me really lust for a fancy knife set so I could cut my red bell pepper in whole slices rather than butchering uncivilized like with my IKEA knives. But nonetheless...it was a beautiful meal:

The No-Good-Very-Bad Attempt at Homemade Fruit Rollups

Well this was a epic culinary fail. But luckily for your entertainment....there are photos!!! Ok so the idea came from Darby (who is A-dorable ps) at A Fly Through Our Window (read her blog-- you will fall in love with her and her family!). ANYWAYS, she posted her recipe on her blog with pictures, and it just looked too good to not try. Plus, I love fruit leather, fruit snacks, fruit roll ups--fruit anything basically. So here is her recipe for all you brave souls who obviously aren't going to pay attention to my epic fail.

So it started off with a trip to the store. Then I chopped and cleaned my lovely strawberries (Which are totally a steal right now!).

      

THEN we stuck the berries in a blender (first time it has made an appearance since the move) and added the applesauce and lemon juice. I few minutes swirling in there and I had my beautiful pink/red puree.

After the blender we (I mean I) put it on the stove and added my sugar.

So at this point all is going/looking well. I reduce to the point of Darby's directions. Pour onto my lined cookie sheet and pop it in the over which is set at the lowest temp. my oven can go. So we wait. And wait.

and wait.

and wait...

and check on it.

and wait some more....

and some more...

and then it starts to solidify and look like fruit leather/roll up material. But the center was still gooey. So we wait.

and wait.

and then we ruined it. By waiting. Ruined.

Crispy, not rollupy.

Disaster. That made it in the trash.

Boo.

I have no idea what I did wrong, but I am kind of determined to get it right. A few things: I think I need to bake in a friend's oven (preferably one that is newer than mine). I think the temperature regulation was a bit off. Also I think I could have reduced it a bit more before the cookie sheet. Anyways, if anyone has attempted Darby's recipe and rocked it...send me your tips!

MIA

Yes yes I have been pretty much MIA this week.





1) I have been exhausted. Like crawl into bed and wake up in the same position exhausted.





2) Really swamped at work so (no offense to my readers) the last thing I have had a desire to do is come home and get on the computer again and write a post.





3) The Olympics are keeping my little spare time occupied.





I really don't have a lot going on right now. Like I said work has me pretty busy. And by busy I mean really busy. Which is good. And bad. And stressful. And fun.

Some news I do have is I finally attempted eggs benedict for myself on Valentine's day. Nothing like making one of my favorite foods and having it turn out fairly decent. There was a bit too much lemon used in my sauce, but overall I pulled it off nicely. Gold stars for me! I definitely suffer from the syndrome where if you cook/bake something it is no longer appetizing, so I am trying to overcome that.

My stomach is now rumbling for a fried egg.

Well back to work...yes...I am still at work...it is 7:52pm...gross.

$5 Meals

Since we all know I am on a pretty strict budget one of the major expenses that stresses me out is food/groceries/meals. I was reading up one some of the blogs of note on blogger and found $5 Dollar Dinners. I haven't been able to read a whole lot of recipes and while I am not sure I will be able to make some of her recipes for $5 just because D.C. prices always seem a lot higher to me, it might be a good place to start in crating some yummy, cheap meals.

I'll let you know if I try any of her recipes, and if I can stay under $5 for them!