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

 





SRIRACHA

So I have been on a soba noodle sriracha KICK! If you have no idea what sriracha is, you need to get your snow boots on and get your ass to the store! Last night I was feeling like I wanted to spice things up during the thunder-snow(WTF). The recipe that follows is easy peasy and can be made ahead of time!! If you are a sriracha VIRGIN I want you to try a little squirt on your morning eggs…you will be addicted in no time!

Soba, cauli, kale, chicks, sriracha, miso, tahini, garlic, agave=AMAZEBALLS

Ingredients:

Soba noodles (I used just enough for me)

5 or so nice leaves of kale rinsed dried chopped and massaged with salt, EVOO and lemon

Roasted cauli or whatever veggies make you happy (toss with EVOO salt and pep and roast at 375 for about 20 minutes (flipping 1/2 way)

1 handful of chickpeas

Dressing:

1 squeeze of sriracha

1tbsp tahini

1tbsp miso

1 garlic clove (grated)

2 tbsp water

Agave-just a little dribble to balance out the flaves

Cook your noodles as directed, drain, and cool ( I always rinse with cold water so they don't stick)

Then add your massaged kale to your dish, place your soba on one side and your roasted cauli on the other, chickpeas down the center.

After mixing the dressing together drizzle it all over your delicious bowl of goodies!

This noodles in this dish give the satisfaction of a carb( a healthy one) and the veggies add a perfect texture while the creaming dressing has a kick but a touch of sweetness

If miso and tahini are not in your language try them!! Get out of your comfort zone and add them to your 2014!

Happy cooking!!

LLL

EmME

xo

KALE-AHOLIC

So those of you who really know me or just met me know that I HEART KALE! It's so GOOD and so GOOD for you! If you aren't quite obsessed like me A.) You aren't massaging it like its your main squeeze or B.) You aren't massaging it like its your main squeeze!!

Its all about the EVOO, kosher salt, lemon juice and getting your hands in there!! Check out my previous post if you have no idea why I'm talking about massaging lettuce!!!

Anywho…I thought I would show you some of my cray cray DELISH combos!

Kale with NJ sweet corn, roasted summer squash and parsnips

with a sprinkle of toasted sliced almonds for a crunch

This colorful combo has roasted carrots, cauliflower, and brussels with a side of Greek olives and toasty bread! I gotta have my CRUNCH! I think a see a little avo hiding too…love the creaminess! 

Hard boiled eggs(I make them every Sunday) chopped ago, a smear of hummus, Greek olives and toasty bread! Hummus isn't just for dipping people!!!

Have fun with cutting your veggies different ways! I cut mine more like fries so I could dip them in carrots you are missing out!! CANDY! This salad has a pile of fluffy parm which pairs well with kale!

CHICKPEAS are my easy protein!! I usually buy the low sodium ones BUT when I'm really extra healthy I soak and boil my own! Let me tell you there is such a HUGE difference in flavor!! In this salad I tossed in a couple homemade croutons and roasted some beets!! If you think you don't like beets you need to erase that food memory from Aunt Dorothy's Easter Dinner with canned beets and pickled eggs!! They are fabulous just roasted! ( Scrub them really well, chop off the greens, wrap them in foil with a drizzle of EVOO and roast at 400 for about 40 minutes) Let them cool a little but then take a paper towel and rub the skin off! VIOLA! Their natural sweetness and earthiness is divine and a great addition to any salad!!

I hope this post inspires you to add your faves to a delicious kale salad!! It is truly a blank canvas! I never get bored with my salads bc well…

LLL

xo

EmME

What is REAL love?

My hubby and I celebrated Vday a little early with a delicious dinner at our cozy home.

Of course I still got sassed up and curled my hair (which I never do). When planning my menu I wanted something sexy, simple, tasty, and pretty.  I'm talking about my menu, not me but thank you! 

Blood Orange Gin Fizz

Chilled Garlic Shrimp

Spinach salad with frizzled pancetta 

Linguini with fresh tomatoes, toasty breadcrumbs, fresh basil

Lemon Scorpini

Vino ALWAYS

I want to share with you the delish pasta dish that can be made for a special occasion or a quick weeknight meal! I am proud to admit that I haven't quite perfected it yet but I am damn close!! Cooking is like a sport for me! I will practice until I get a hole in one!! Keep in mind that the following recipe is not set in stone! Add your own faves to it!! Sun dried tomatoes, olives, artichokes…I'm thinking capers next time!

Ingredients:

1 box Linguini

1/2 cup panko or homemade bread crumbs

1/4 cup Parmesan

1 tbsp dried Italian seasoning

1 pound cherry toms

8 cloves garlic

1/4 cup EVOO

2 tsp sugar

1 tbsp kosher salt

Fresh basil

After rinsing and drying your toms place them in a broil proof baking dish (trying to keep them in one layer). Add garlic then drizzle with EVOO, and sprinkle with sugar! Mix with your hands or a spoon if you are afraid to get dirty:) Oh yeah, and I forgot to tell you to preheat your oven at 450…Anywho, after your toms are coated with good stuff mix your breadcrumbs with salt and dried Italian seasoning. Dust the toms with the breadcrumbs then get your hands dirty again! Time to pop these babies in the oven so they can make your kitchen smell like Italy! They are going to bake for about 15 minutes so we better get our water boiling for the pasta! Always salt your water to give it flavor! Once the water is rolling dunk those noodles in and cook away! Check on your toms…watch out for the beautiful waft of toms and garlic when you open the oven!! They should be having a party in there...splitting and browning. If this is happening put them under the broiler for another 5 or so minutes! Keep your eye on them!! Drain your pasta and put it back in the pot with a drizzle of EVOO! Add your homemade roasted sauce to the noodles, place a nest of pasta on each plate, add a couple leaves of basil (I like to rip mine for its rustic appeal) shower the dish with parm and fall in love.

Fall in love with the man across from you.

 Fall in love with the comfort of your home. 

Fall in love with the flavors exploring your mouth.

Fall in love with simplicity.

Fall in love with yourself.

LOVE

xoxo

LLL (live laugh love)... in case you weren't sure

EmME

MASSAGED kale

I enjoy massaged kale salads at least a handful of times throughout the week! I am emphazising that this is massaged kale (lucky green shit right)?! First things first WASH your kale really well unless you like to crunch on sand!! Then dry it the best you can and chop however you prefer your greens. Top with a drizzle a little evoo or grapeseed oil (or oil of your choice), a grind of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon! And now MASSAGE like its that guy you've been crushing on!(you might want to do this when noone is watching) I like to dribble a little agave into the mix to take any of the bite out! Now that you have your base its time to be creative!! Roasted or raw  veggies, nuts and seeds, avocado, beans, chicken, salmon, quinoa...your options are endless and this is why I can eat this so many times in one week! I crave it!

***

My SNOW DAY creation:)

Massaged kale, roasted brussels sprouts and sweet pot, diced avocado, chickpeas and a sprinkle of dried cranberries! (with a side of sprouted grain bread for crunch)

Now its your turn! Go for it! If you are a kale virgin maybe try to add your fave dressing first!(I would still massage it A.) Texture B.) So you can day dream about your heartthrob! Then once you are feeling brave experiment!!

happy munching

LLL,

Em

SNOW DAY again…

As much as I hate it I love it! I get to enjoy my morning coffee in my comfies, concoct a delish breakie, snuggle with the love of my life (my dog Quincy) and share my yummy ideas with you! What is your typical breakfast? Egg whites? Cereal? Greek yogurt with fruit? I LOVE breakfast! I wake up hungry and can't wait to crunch into whatever is on the menu that day!!! I've created a very simple breakie that makes me happy and satisfies all of my needs (at least something does) haha…It is cheap, quick, crunchy, creamy, and HEALTHY!!! Thank god because pizza and wine have been my diet! Soooooo…drum roll please!!!!!

So coffee is a MUST!!! Pike place is my go to!! 

Food for Life Spouted Grain bread is my crunch! My creamy is 1 mashed banana with a dash of cinnamon, topped with a dollop of almond butta! Yep that's what I said! BUTT-A! When you bite into this deliciousness you might just have a FOODGASM! Just sayin…

happy breakie

LLL

em