summer eats

 

My faves...lounging, sun, food & wine, tabbouleh

What more could a Lebanese want?

P.S. tootsies-OPI Cajun Shrimp  



A weekend home wouldn't be a weekend home without menu planning, grilling, IPA's, tasty wine, and laughter in the kitchen. I love finding inspiration in new creative dishes but I definitely have my go-to's and seasonal favorites! Swordfish topped with roasted peppers served over refreshing barley salad studded with crisp green beans and pops of tomato is TOP on my summer must haves!  The earthy thyme and zest of lemon pairs well with the perfectly roasted swordfish.  This dish like most that I make is very versatile.  If you aren't a fan of swordfish you could swap it out for whatever strikes your fancy! The KEY to good cooking is fresh flavors and quality ingredients.

 

 

 

 Green Flash IPA-holyhoundtaproom.com

 



 

This barely salad is best served warm or room temp! So before digging into anything else we cooked our barely! This grain should have a slight bite to it to truly show off its nutty, earthy, rich flavor.  Next add 1/2ed cherry toms, sliced onion, 1/2ed kalamatas, fresh thyme, lemon juice, zest, evoo, salt, pep. You might be wondering proportions but that's the fun thing about cooking.  Taste as you go and make it however it hits your palette the best! I happen to like more lemon so I might add more zest and juice than most.  Allow this dish to sit and season once more before serving!

 

I got us a nice hunk of swordfish at the store so before cooking I cut it into three even pieces.  Drizzled with evoo and fresh garlic.  Allow your fish to sit out a little before putting in the oven (20 mins) to get the chill off. While the fish is "chillin or unchillin" char your red and yellow peps! You can either do this over a gas stove or pop them in the oven with evoo and blast the broiler! The peppers will become slightly charred...slice and admire their beautiful bright color and scent! Slide the swordfish in next on BROIL. I always know when fish or meat is finished by giving it a little push with my finger.  Swordfish should have a little bounce to it to ensure that it is moist and light.  I would say after 8-10 mins on broil take it out and tent some foil over top bc it will continue cooking and this technique will hold in the juices.

 

After about 5 plate up your delish barley salad, top with a nice piece of swordfish and delicately arrange your peppers on top! This dish is fresh, earthy, bright, healthy, and simple! No excuses!

 

On the side for another little taste of July, I created a shaved zucchini salad topped with salty flecks of feta.

 

 

Flat leaf parsley, sliced red onion, shaved zucchini drizzled with (white wine vin, Dijon, shallot, honey, lemon, evoo, salt, pep) and sprinkled with the salty tang of feta cheese!

  

These dishes need to be on the TOP of your summer faves list! Take the time to get lost in your kitchen, invite your friends over, or share your passion with your lover.  Pour a nice white and enjoy the flavors of summer, as they only visit once a year.

 

Live, Laugh, Love,

EmMe



 

and Q...

 

 





coriander, cumin, fenugreek, garam masala, cardamom, mustard seed, turmeric, chili powder, ginger, cinnamon, garlic, curry leaves, cilantro, chilis...

 

Indian cuisine has always sparked my interest but has been very foreign to me.  Other than cumin and a few other ingredients I was a deer in headlights.  My determination and passion in the kitchen lead me to Kamini.  She welcomed me into her world of colorful cuisine, filled with warm notes of cardamom, spicy sprinkles of chilis and pops of bright citrusy cumin. To begin our adventure we traveled to the local Indian market! You know I LOVE MARKETS! I was like a kid on Christmas morning! As Kamini and I strolled through the earthy fruits and veggies, roots in tact, she fulfilled my curiosity with more knowledge than I had expected.  I thought Indian cuisine was all about curry piled atop white rice! Well well well...that is just the beginning my foodie friends. Cinnamon aids in digestion and is known for its blood sugar and cholesterol lowering properties.  Cardamom with its lemony eucalyptus flavor cures bad breath, loss of appetite, depression, indigestion... Fenugreek encompasses a very bitter taste but is a great blood purifier, laxative and helps maintain metabolism.  Turmeric gives Indian food its rich appetizing color, reduces liver toxins and can be used as a natural anti-septic for small cuts. These health benefits are only a few that I thought might GRAB your curiosity! I had no idea either! Kale and quinoa, as much as I love you and always will MOVE OUT OF THE WAY!

 

 





the SPICE of LIFE

 

 

Not so sure about these...

 

 

Rice anyone?

 

 

Warmth

 

 

L.E.N.T.I.L.S.

 After our field trip, it was time to head home and get busy! We picked up this traditional Indian Street food at the market to tide us over before our feast! Dholka makes for a delish breakfast  with a cup of tea and a drizzle of chutney. This sponge-like snack is made from fermented chickpea batter and rice seasoned with chilies, mustard seeds and garnished with coconut and coriander.

 

 



This was so yummy! If I had to compare it to something more familiar, I would say it was kinda like cornbread but more airy and def not Paula Dean approved!  As I savored every nibble my nose was awaken by vibrant green cilantro Kamini was gathering.

 

 

Cilantro plays that LOVE or HATE relationship with most but with me I'm in LOVE

When incorporating this fresh herb into your summer recipes make sure you rinse it more than once! It is extremely sandy and as much as I love the beach and crunch, I'm not a fan of grit!

 

 

Cilantro+green pep (HOT)+garlic+ginger+salt+pep+sugar+ a touch of water whipped up in the blender=DAMN GOOD CHUTNEY

 

 

This smelled like glue...I am an art teacher n' all

 

 

Mixed with a little water, this become the wrap, pita, naan, crepe, DOSA for our yummy potato mixture that was steaming away!

 

 

The potatoes were tossed by hand with spoonfuls of these gorgeous colors! Followed by a couple pinches of sugar(traditional in most dishes to balance the flavors)

 

 

When it all came together this was our masterpiece! Dosa filled with warm, perfectly flavored comfort with a side of cilantro and coconut chutney.  As I observed our work of art, I couldn't figure out how in the world I was supposed to eat this thing! Kamini and her beautiful girls taught me the ropes! HANDS! We ripped pieces of Dosa and picked up the delish pots not leaving the plate without a swipe of green and white! OhEmGee!! My heart and soul were feeling the love.

 

 

And THIS is what its all about! These beautiful, young, innocent smiles enjoyed every bite! At the end of my visit I felt like I was home.  THIS is what cooking is! Connection, curiosity, warmth, creativity, peace, sharing, experimenting, knowledge, smiling hearts and spices that flavor our body and souls forever!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

eat drink and be merry

This past weekend was the definition of summer! Friends, family, hot sun, music, vino, lobster, cocktails, sand between my toes...My parents(BFF's) drove to NJ to visit me and Q (they love him more I think). Naturally to jumo start our weekend our lunch of homemade chicken salad stuffed tomatoes included a refreshing summer beer! The rest is history!

The secret to THE BEST chicken salad is sour cream! (shhh...secret;) I love presenting salads in market fresh tomatoes! Tuna, chicken, shrimp, quinoa, orzo...any kind of salad!!! Served with a nice hunk of stinky cheese, good mustard and fruit for a bright pop of flavor. Lunch is served!

After our field trip to Homegoods/TJ Maxx(my playground) it was time for yes, a Summit Saga IPA, fresh from Holy Hound in York pa! This brew wasn't overly hoppy and danced around just enough on my tongue! After a little cocktail hour of yummy beers and cocktails we enjoyed a fabulous dinner at

Origin! Literally a hop skip and a jump from my new place, this ZEN escape embellished with hanging lanterns and the flicker of candles features the best Thai food I've ever met!  Papaya salad, shrimp crab spring roll, pad see ew, chicken thai basil were the stars of our culinary feast.  Leaving the restaurant the sounds of live entertainment filled the summer night air! On our stroll to Kyma we floated through dancing, laughter, clinking of glasses...summer. We ended our evening under the stars sipping espresso and savoring bites of Greek pastry.

After sweet dreamin it was time to fuel up for round 2! This is one of the best granola recipes I have whipped up! Almonds, pepitas, sunflower seeds, flax seeds, coconut oil, maple syrup, cinnamon, and chewy sweet raisins! The is combo creates the perfect crunch over creamy yogurt and fresh summer fruit! A drizzle of local honey is always welcome!

 

I headed to the studio to teach Pilates and Susan joined us! Great fun! After sweating out some of my Pacific Rim from the previous night it was time for more!! Old York Cellars Summer Fest here we come!

Suzie Q and I

After 41 years they still got it goin on!

 

Blue Fish Grill grub! Grilled poblano pep, onion, shredded ancho chicken in fresh corn tortillas! Naturally I did I up with guac, pico de gallo, fresh cruchy slaw and homemade salsa! Our Reisling went well with the citrus and spice of our picnic.

Truly a taste of summer

Next on the itinerary...

 

 VERVE

pre-dinner cocktails

Kettle slightly dirty up tini for me, Fig side car for Susan and Kettle tini on the rocks for Ray

#bestsomervillecocktails

 

Next stop KYMA

This might have been the best meal I've enjoyed (out) in a long time! The fresh bright flavors were simple and very authentic.

GORGEOUS

We enjoyed every bite of our Mediterranean experience and of course shot back the licorice laced ouzo (a couple times)!

 

What an AMAZING visit!! I am so fortunate to have THE MOST AMAZING mom and dad! They taught me how to LIVE LIFE TO THE FULLEST and that is exactly what we did!!

 

As they hit the road back to York pa I had another festivity to get ready for! I threw on my bikini with a long flowy skirt! My friend Tina picked me up and off to the beach we went!

Bradley Beach Lobster Fest

 

 

 

after devouring our lobster rolls and picking the corn out of our teeth this was my view...

the beach is hands down my happy place...

after taking in the ocean air and crunching on some sand we ventured down the boardwalk to Asbury Park

apparently this beautiful empty space was a casino at one time

 

 

 

the ocean breeze blew us to Watermark

this chill but swanky lounge was the perfect spot to end our day

Rosemary Collins for me and Pineapple infused rum for Tina!

 

 

and this is my definition of summer!

I hope that you are enjoying the sand between your toes, making new memories with friends and fam, and savoring the bright flavors of this amazing season!

eat, drink, and be merry

XO,

EmMe

 

 

 

 







new door

Charleston NC 2013



Hey loves!
I am back in action! Life was happening...life that I never thought I would experience.  As difficult as some moments were and will continue to be now and then, my heart beats have calmed...my mind sees blue skies, and my soul is free again.  If you have ever been through something that weighed you down and stole your spirit, you know exactly how ENLIGHTENING it is to finally feel like yourself again! So as one door closes another opens and as I enter the light, I will carry with me the life lessons and strength that I have gained.

As you all know my passion for cooking isn't just about kale salads (haha), it's about sharing... love, conversation, laughter, tears, fresh, wholesome, healthy flavors that satisfy the body and soul.  This is something that has remained constant in my life and has helped me through the days when I needed a pick me up.  Chopping, stirring, creating, experimenting, adding a dash of this and a dollop of that, all topped off with a drizzle of Italy and a sprinkle of earth, has always been my therapy.

To catch you all up to speed, I have some delish recipes that I want to share with you!

If you don't have a spiralizer you need to get your ass up and go get one NOW! Summer fresh zucchini and squash make the best (veggie) pasta. This dish in particular was a quickie! Who doesn't love them?! I spiralized then sautéed in some evoo, fresh garlic, salt and pep.  While that was bumpin and grindin, I was roasting my sweet pots at 400 in the oven.  I added some peas to the pan with the pasta then plated it all up with sliced avocado and a toss of chickpeas! I like to top it all off with shower of fresh parm and a dash of crushed red!

 

This next dish was AMAZEBALLS! Spiralized squash with all of the market fresh ingredients you spy! I actually threw the asparagus, corn, and shrimp on the grill pan first to get a nice char. Then I sliced the asparagus lengthwise so it would combine well with the zucchini and cut the corn off the cob.  The shallot, garlic, and crushed red were sautéed quickly in some EVOO then I added the squash for a light toss combining the flavs through the ribbons of color. I brought it all together topping with some peppery arugula, toasted pine nuts and a nice shaving of parm!

 

I'm going to leave you today with a dish that I have shared before and it will always be one of my comfort foods...tabbouleh! Instead of bulgur I switched things up by adding the ever so popular QUINOA! This ancient grain is full of health benefits and is extremely versatile.  After it was cooked and cooled I added my typical Mediterranean flavs.  Chopped toms, cuc, green onion, mint, flat leaf parsley, lots of fresh squeezed lemon, evoo, salt and pep. FRESH and brings back good food memories...my mom in the kitchen tasting, mixing, adding more and tasting until it has just the right balance of lemon evoo and salt...enough to make the dish express its true colors.

 

I enjoy this deliciousness with Greek olives, pita, feta and sometimes a dollop of Greek yogurt!  This also compliments grilled chicken or fish with a squeeze of fresh lemon!

 

I hope that some of these light summer fresh dishes have at least made you HUNGRY! haha...Healthy food doesn't have to be hard peeps! Summer is your time to shine! The ingredients are fresh and vibrant and don't need a lot of attention to make a great dish.  Create a food memory today, tomorrow, sometime this week...either for yourself, a friend, your family...I guarantee your belly will not be the only thing that is full:)

 

Q glam shot



 

xos