Mothers Day 2016

What do you say when your 18 year old son asks if he can cook you Mother's Day dinner? Well, "yes", of course. Thank you, Mason, for the bacon wrapped, stuffed jalapeños and the herbed butter burgers!  Mighty yummy!

Adzuki Beans....Lal Chori Dal

So I find this little jewel of a place in my new hometown, New Castle, called The Emporium. I can tell that Phil, the proprietor, and I are going to be new best friends. Despite the fact that he carries many "prepper supplies", a concept that is completely foreign to this city girl, he also carries many interesting foods including heirloom seeds, beans, etc. and, boy, does Phil know his stuff!!! I ended up buying several varieties of heirloom beans including these Far East Adzuki beans. Rich in flavor, these beans work well with the Indian spices. Finished off with Greek yogurt and chopped cilantro, these beans would make a meal in themselves. We did pair it with pork tenderloin, fingerling potatoes and fresh green beans. Bon appetit!

The First Quarter

A few shots of good wine and food that didn't make it to the blog. Memories from all. Where does the time go? Never enough time for good food, family and friends! Bring it on, 2016...I am up for the challenge!

Shrimp Tacos with Ensenada Slaw

My friend, Amy, always talks about this yummy slaw so I finally tried it on fried corn tortillas with sautéed shrimp and topped with fresh avacado. Super delicious! Very bright and clean. The lime in the slaw perks up your tastebuds and the Tabasco gives it just the right kick. You could definitely use any kind of taco filler, but the lighter fish options seem to compliment the slaw without overpowering it. Best part (other than the taste)....dinner done in thirty minutes! NEVER happens at our house! Bon appetit!

Slaw

1/2 head cabbage, cored and shredded (about 4-6 cups)

2 cups peeled and shredded broccoli stems

2-4 tablespoons cilantro, chopped (optional)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

4 teaspoons lime juice

Tabasco, to taste

Salt and pepper

Mix veggies together in a bowl. In separate bowl whisk together mayo, lime juice and Tabasco. Toss with veggies and sprinkle to taste with salt and pepper. Put in fridge while you prep the fish tacos.

The Spicy Goat

Prepared this little concoction tonight. Ground chuck on a seeded bun with goat cheese, red onions and lots of spicy red pepper jelly. Mere words cannot describe.....I am definitely on some kind of a burger kick, which is not my usual fare. The meat was amazing with the tangy cheese and the sweet heat of the spicy jam (yeah, it's a Southern thing) and the tart onions. I will definitely be doing this again, maybe with ground lamb next time. Ground turkey would also work well. Bon appetit!

Le Petite Fondue

So this new restaurant opens in town and I found yet another reason to get together with my twin, Heidi. (Not that we really need a reason!). Most beautiful amazing girl ever! I want to be just like Heidi when I grow up!!! I haven't had fondue in probably about ten years and it was super nice. I love when you go out to eat and just experience things you wouldn't normally make at home. Thanks, Heidi! Hug, hug, smooch, smooch! Love you and your big heart; you always inspire me!

(Ps - sorry I stole all these amazing photos of you; I just love the many faces of Heidi!!!)

Saturday fun at Jack Browns

Where do you go to have an amazing burger unlike any you have ever had? Jack Browns, of course. Spent the day hiking with my guy, seeing the 611 roll through town, visiting the Taubman Museum, partying with friends and eating these awesome burgers. I am going to have to eat every one on the menu. So far I've had two of them. Only a dozen or so more to go! Yum!

                                                       Local IPA. One of our favorites.

      Kevin had their daily special with BBQ Fritos which I refuse to eat, but I'm sure it was amazing!

The Jack Bondurant is one of my favorites. Who would have ever thought to pair a fried egg with a burger? Seriously one of my favorite combinations! I've also had the Elvis burger with the peanut butter             which sounds disgusting, but totally rocked!!!

                                                                Yeah....don't ask....

     Batter covered deep fried double stuff Oreo! Mere words cannot explain how good this is!