Sweet sweet South

What an amazing weekend... the sun decided to shine in Portland Saturday which lead to a beautiful hike at Eagle Creek with not one, but three bald eagle sightings. This was followed up by a trip to refuel at a new-ish Portland Tapalya, that serves up cajun tapas. While the idea of cajun tapas is brilliant, the restaurant left a bit to be desired, especially after finding a fantastic recipe for cheesy grits...(see recipe below).

One good thing about visiting a good restaurant with lots of potential is it inspires me to head into the kitchen to see what I can come up with. Here's what I've found tasty in the past week as well as some ideas I want to try out this week (if I can find the time!)

Seitan Verde

This dish turned out pretty good although I think in the future I would replace the seitan for shrimp, chicken or maybe potabellos. Salsa verde makes a fantasic marinade and goes great with peppers, zucchini and mushrooms.

One medium red pepper
10 or so mushrooms
1 half large yellow onion
garlic clove
1 large zucchini
Handful chopped spinach
4oz of seitan (or shrimp or meat of choice)
salsa verde (I cheated and used Trader Joes salsa verde but I think next time I'll try this recipe
http://simplyrecipes.com/recipes/tomatillo_salsa_verde/

Marinate your seitan(or whatever form of protein you pick) for at least 3 hors in 2 cups of salsa verde and one chopped garlic clove

Saute onion, peppers, mushrooms on medium high with a tablespoon or so of olive oil for around 10 minute

Add seitan and reduce heat to medium. Cook with lid on for 15-20 minutes until veggies are soft but not mushy

Serve with fresh cilantro and green onion with no-fry refried beans (http://allrecipes.com/Recipe/Refried-Beans-Without-the-Refry/Detail.aspx), mexican rice and a tortilla to sop up the yummy juices.

This recipe turned out pretty delicious and is quick enough for a week night meal.

I like to blame it on my Grandpa, he grew up in Lafayette, Louisiana, but I have a bit of a southern belle deep inside that craves the richness of Cajun grub and southern bbq. The following recipe for jalapeno cheesy grits go equally well the way we had this weekend with poached eggs and veggie hash or as a dinner side with collard greens and bbq shrimp or buttermilk oven fried chicken. If you though grits weren't for you, I think this recipe might change your mind....

Jalapeno Cheesy Grits

2 cups milk
2 cups water
11/2 tsp salt
1 cup cornmeal
1/2 tsp pepper
4 tbsp butter
4 oz shredded cheddar
1/2 jalapeno, chopped

Bring milk, water, salt to boil over medium heat

Add cornmeal, slowly, while whisking

Decrease heat to low, whisk every few minutes

cook 20-25 minutes, add cheese, chopped jalepeno and butter, and mix well

This week I plan on trying acorn squash risotto with Gorgonzola, avocado and grapefruit salad with red onion and citrus vinaigrette and a cashew curry.

Cheers!

Healthy Living In the New Year!

I rang in the New Year a bit differently this year. Rather than going to a big party or crazy club, we ran off to a snowy cabin for the weekend with just two of our closest friends. The weekend was filled with snow, good food, laughter and adventure.

On New Year's eve after a long day of snow boarding, we made a delicious meal and then took off on a snowy night hike. We made it back just in time to have a champagne toast at midnight and to watch the ball drop. New Year's day I spent a lot of time thinking about what made our weekend so amazing and how to bring that spirit into 2011. Here is my short list of resolutions for a healthy, happy year:

-Play outside more, if not every day, at least as often as possible, extra points if there is snow or waves involved
-Spend more time at home(s). Rather than going out to happy hour after work I want to have friends over for dinner or play games at friends homes (this is good for the old pocket book and makes you think more creatively for fun activities, currently we're planning a rotating trivia night)
-Nurture body and soul-Eat well, more pilates (For the best pilates, yoga, massage, visit http://www.genuinemovement.com/ Colleen is amazing!),more quality time with the people I love, more books and crafts and cooking and things I love.
-Keep a tidy, happy home

In the spirit of my New Year's Resolution to eat healthier and nurture body and soul, here is brand new recipe I whipped up today for a healthy brunch!

Poached Eggs with spinach and Roasted Tomatoes in Lemon Cream Sauce
serves 2
4 cups spinach
2-3 small to medium pearl or roma tomatoes
4 eggs
4 slice whole wheat bread
1 cup fat free or light cottage cheese
Half lemon
Tablespoon fresh grated parmesan
Tablespoon dijon mustard
Salt +pepper to taste
garlic clove

Start by slicing tomatoes and roasting on 500 with chopped garlic and a spray or drizzle of olive oil. (Broil for 10-15 minutes)

While tomatoes are roasting, steam 4 cups spinach with a tsp of lemon juice and a clove of garlic

Toss cottage cheese, Parmesan, salt, pepper, tsp dijon mustard and a sprinkle of cayenne into a small sauce pan and cook on medium low, stirring regularly. When the cottage cheese has melted into a smooth sauce-like consistency add juice from half lemon and turn to low.

Poach four eggs to your liking and serve on top of layered spinach and roasted tomatoes, cover with a couple of tablespoons of lemon cream sauce. Serve with whole wheat toast and fresh fruit

Much healthier than eggs benedict and really delicious!

Stay tuned to hear how tonight's recipe of Seitan Verde turns out...

Cheers!