Category Archives: food

04.20.11

Watermelon Salad.

I can taste summer in the air… Literally.  Now that the weather is warming up, all of that fantastic summer produce is just right for the picking. Last weekend, we grilled out and brought some of our summer favorites out of retirement.  Here is one that is always a crowd-pleaser.  People ask me for the recipe, and it’s so simple, it’ embarrassing.  I even buy the pre-sliced watermelon to save time.  Enjoy!
INGREDIENTS
  • 5 lbs. watermelon
  • 1/2 large red onion
  • 10 mint leaves, chopped
  • 5 oz. crumbled feta cheese
  • 1/2 cup canola oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • salt and pepper to taste
DIRECTIONS
1.) Slice watermelon into bite-sized pieces.
2.) Slice onion into thin strings
3.) Add watermelon, onions and mint into a large bowl
4.) Whisk together oil and vinegar and salt and pepper.
5.) Pour dressing over salad
6.) Add feta right before serving and toss.

03.24.11

La Cucina Italiana

I love to cook.  In fact, when I was a little girl, it was my dream to own a restaurant.  I even received a partial scholarship to Johnson and Wales Culinary Academy.  My parents talked me into attending a  “normal” four-year University (thank you Mom and Dad), on the condition that if I still had the burning desire, they would send me to culinary school in Italy after graduation.
After working in various eateries throughout college, the dream became less and less appealing.  They sexiness of owning a restaurant was overshadowed by the seven-day schedule, long nights, and various personnel issues.  Luckily, before my mom passed away, we were able to enjoy a week at Casa Ombuto Culinary School in Tuscany.  This is a memory that I will have for a lifetime, and one that I would like to someday share with my girls.
So, for now I try to enjoy cooking at home.  As my husband will tell you, it doesn’t happen nearly as much as any of us would like, but with two kids, a full time job, a husband and this little blog I hardly have time to order take out.  When I do have the opportunity to cook, or when we have guests over I love looking for new ideas.  I recently stumbled upon La Cucina Italiana— and I was so excited to share it with all of you.    Here were some favorites:
Roasted Lamb (How perfect is this for Easter???)

01.18.11

Detox: Day 16.

Sorry for the lack of updates, my darlings…  Life seems to be getting in the way.  I am now down 10 lbs. and feeling truly awesome.  Yesterday I received several compliments on my hair, and was told by three people that my skin had “a glow.”

In thumbing through my weekly reading of People, I stumbled upon this recipe.  Since we can now add beef into our diet, I decided to make it.
I modified the sauce recipe (no sugar of course, added mangos instead) and served it with a spinach salad and honey glazed carrots.  A certain someone may have cheated and had more than 4 oz. of steak… but how can you take beef away from a girl for two weeks and expect her NOT to lose control!?!

01.11.11

Detox: Day 9.

I feel like a new person.  So full of energy, my body feels lighter and moves so much better, oh, and I have lost 6 lbs!  Now,  I am going to admit I am a little perturbed because Mike, who is doing his “modified” version of the cleanse ate two more pieces of pizza last night and at weigh-in this morning has also lost 6 lbs.  A N N O Y I N G.  I just need to keep telling myself that men have the ability to shed pounds faster than women.
In other news- here is what I’ve cooked up for the next few days–Asian Chicken.
Baby bok choy, shiitake mushrooms, scallions, cilantro, ginger root, lemons, garlic, sesame oil, a sprinkle of red pepper (grapeseed oil and salt and pepper to saute chicken.)  Spicy and delish!
And here’s what it looks like all packed up for the week.  I have started pre-slicing the chicken breasts in half to make it easier during the week.
Stay tuned for a giveaway tomorrow that is going to knock your socks off!

01.06.11

Detox: Day 4.

Feeling good.  Energy levels are picking up.  Not really craving carbs, wine or diet coke.  I told Mike that I even felt skinnier today!  He has lost 3 lbs. so far but is not fairing as well.  I think he has eaten more green vegetables in the past four days than in his entire life! he has vowed to stick it out as everyone is different and some people have a rough go the first four days.  I, on the other hand just literally licked the plate from my lunch.  My concoction was delish!
 Here were all of the ingredients that I used… all organic, of course.  I added some mango that I picked up at Whole Foods, sooo good.
Here is was making me drool last night as I cooked it.  I had leftover Broccoli Arugula Soup for dinner.
And here it is on my plate at the office today.  Not the perfect presentation, but it was fantastic.

01.05.11

Detox:Day 3.

…And I’m feeling fine!  I am not feeling a huge energy surge yet, but my stomach doesn’t feel nearly as bloated.  Tonight I am making a fresh batch of chicken for the next three days.  I bought some habaneros, jalapenos, heirloom tomatoes, cilantro, onions, garlic and lots of limes.  I plan on serving it with a half of an organic avocado, which is allowed twice a week.  I imagine it might look a little something like this:
Mike on the other hand, thinks he just passed a kidney stone.  Here’s to hoping he makes it.

01.04.11

Detox: Day 2.

Today I woke up with a splitting headache like I had a hangover.  It went away after I drank my morning shake.  Then I hopped on the scale to find out that I already lost a pound!  Now, don’t get me wrong, I am not one of those psycho people who weigh myself daily.  In fact, until recently, I hadn’t stepped on the scale in months.
On tonight’s menu?  Broccoli and Arugula Soup from GOOP.  I made it the last time that I did the cleanse and it’s delish.  Thanks Gwyneth!
Follow me on Twitter to get more Detox updates!