Back from my hiatus!

WOW!  Okay, so it's been a year.  I'm encouraged by the fact that I am still getting "likes" on my Facebook page, regardless of the fact that there have been no new posts.  And I'm up to almost 1,000 views on my page!  Crazy.

You'll have to forgive me my long absence.  But soon you'll understand what a crazy year it's been....

So, it started last summer when I decided I wanted to join the Air Force.  And not only that, but I wanted to throw my lot in for the highly competitive Officer Training School, or OTS.  Despite encouragement from friends and family, I didn't really think I stood much of a chance.  Come December, my recruiter called with the news.

"Ma'am, of the 100+ names submitted for this board, only 3 were selected.

You were one of the three."

Ummmm....Come again?!

However, before I could head off to Maxwell AFB and enjoy peak summer weather in Alabama, I had a wedding to attend.  My own!

Josh and I were married on June 6, 2013 with the Pacific as a backdrop on the breathtaking island of Maui.  I may be a little biased...but it was the most amazing wedding I've been to ;)  And the party afterward was pretty killer, too.

Check out Taylor McCutchan Photography, who is responsible for the stunning photography from our wedding.  His work blows me away.

After spending 3 weeks in Hawaii, it was time to come home and enjoy being newlyweds...at least for a couple weeks.  On July 9, I reported to Maxwell AFB.

OTS was a grueling 9.5 weeks.  Not only was it mentally and physically exhausting, but I missed my new husband more than words can say.  The first couple weeks were rough.  Really rough.  It was a huge adjustment for me to learn this new military lifestyle.  And to be away from everything and everyone I knew and love while doing it....I wanted to quit...

But, I got through it!  And I made some pretty great friends along the way.  I've set my self onto a great career path....and I'm not going to lie, I enjoy the new "Lieutenant" before my name ;)

My brother, Tim, and sister, Katie

Josh pinning on my gold bars!

Now that I was done with my first step in my Air Force career, it was time for the second.  Josh packed up all our belongings and hopped in the car.  It was time for our first move...to Keesler AFB in Biloxi, Mississippi.

Now, I know it doesn't sound glamourous.  In fact, I was none to thrilled to find out where we'd be spending our next year.  However, we are absolutely in love with being down here.  It's a completely different landscape and culture than we've ever known.  And the exploring has already begun!

I've envisioned a new concept for this blog.  While it will still center around food and healthy recipes, I've decided to also use it as a tool to chronicle my new adventure.  I hope you enjoy learning about new places as much as I do.  I hope you're the type who appreciates the need to explore and talk to the local people.  (I've already got something in store for this weekend, thanks to a local fisherman we met!  But more on that later...)

So, on that note...Welcome to our first stop: Mississippi and neighbors!  I've got some great Cajun recipes in store for you :)

Cajun Lentil & Mushroom "Burgers"

*adapted from this adorable vegetarian blog:  Oh My Veggies

Ingredients:

• 1/2 c. dried brown lentils, rinsed
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 c. water
• 8 oz. baby portobello mushrooms
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp red wine
• 1/2 c. veggie broth
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 c. old fashioned oats
• 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
• Salt & pepper, to taste
• All your favorite burger fixin's

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

In a small sauce pan, bring the lentils, bay leaf and water to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes.  Remove from heat, drain and discard bay leaf.

In a food processor, pulse mushrooms and lentils until coarsely chopped.

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.  Add garlic and saute for 30 seconds.  Add the mushroom and lentil mixture and cook for about 5 minutes.  Next, add the wine and cook until absorbed.  Add the broth, soy sauce, oats and Cajun seasoning.  Cook until liquid is absorbed, stirring occasionally.  Season with salt and pepper and remove from heat.

 Once lentil mixture has cooled enough to handle, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.  Create four patties with the lentil mixture, packing tightly.  Bake in preheated oven for 25-30 minutes until cooked through.

Create your burger!  I don't usually eat buns (I don't really care for all the bread), so I just added some hummus and tomatoes to my burgers.  Serve with seasoned sweet potato fries.  I washed it all down with a new brew we discovered:  a Sweet Potato Stout by the Mississippi brewery Lazy Magnolia.  Delicious!

The Wonderful Zucchini & Fresh Summer Spaghetti

So, remember my picture from last post?  My recent "farmer's market haul" (all for under $15 I might add!)..?  Well, here's a recipe I threw together using a few of those fresh ingredients.

First off, a little info about...Zucchinis!  I actually didn't really start eating this veggie until this summer.  Because I've been doing my produce shopping locally this summer, I obviously have been seeing a lot of items in the summer squash family lately...zucchini being one of those items.  And after making a few delicious dishes with the stuff, I can't get enough!  And how awesome for us that it's LOADED with health benefits.  To name a few:

• One cup only has 36 calories and about 10% of your daily fiber
• This high fiber content not only aids in digestion, but also can help lower cholesterol
• Contains vitamins A & C as well as folate, which act as antioxidants in the body
• Contains potassium and over 10% of the daily dose of magnesium, both of which help to lower blood pressure

There are many more benefits...these are just some that I found particularly interesting.  Even though I work in a pharmacy, I really hate seeing people taking 10 medications a day to solve problems that I feel can be solved by just putting the right kind of food in the body.  And because I don't want to end up taking multiple medications for blood pressure, cholesterol, stomach, etc. I spend a ridiculous amount of time learning about how I can prevent it with diet.  Thus....zucchini research ;)

And without further ado, I give you....

Fresh Summer Spaghetti

Ingredients

• whole wheat spaghetti noodles (I used about 2/3 of a box)
• 1 c. chopped sun-dried tomatoes
• 1/4 c. extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 2 medium tomatoes, chopped
• 1 zucchini, chopped
• 1/4 cup basil leaves, chopped (I had some purple basil on hand, so I ended up using a combination of this and sweet basil)
• 2 chopped garlic cloves (about 1 tbsp)
• Coarse salt and fresh ground pepper, to taste
• 1/4 c. toasted pine nuts, for serving
• grated Parmesan, for serving

Cook the noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente.  Drain.

While noodles are cooking, heat 2 tbps of oil over medium heat in a large skillet.  Add the zucchini, garlic, salt and pepper and saute for about 5 minutes until zucchini is softened.  Add chopped tomatoes and cook for another 5 minutes.

Combine pasta and zucchini and tomato mixture in a large bowl.  Add sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and the rest of the olive oil (you can add more here if desired).  I like to top mine with some toasted pine nuts and Parmesan.  To toast the nuts, just add to a small skillet and cook over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until pine nuts start to turn a golden brown.

And a delicious, fresh and healthy dinner is served!

Travel - Chicago

Hello my friends!  Okay, I know I've been a total slacker with updates...but I do have a good reason!  I've been a travelin' fool this last week...and having too much fun to get on the internet much ;)  But I'm home and back to the routine now.

So let me start by saying this post is going to be a little different...meaning it's going to be a travel post.  One of the things I love to do is share with others the awesome adventures I discover.  So, no recipe with this one...but rest assured!  Check out my haul from the farmer's market yesterday...good things will be coming :)

I do want to start with this.  I've recently had a couple people really wonder why I place my priorities in the way that I do.  And basically this statement sums it up:  I work to travel.  And obviously keep a roof over my head and food in my belly.  But creating memories in different places is what really makes me love life.  I hate to say that people are passing judgement on me for this priority, but sometimes I kinda think they are...so let me break it down like this.  I don't care about designer purses, cable television, a new wardrobe for every season.  My ideal date is a hike down a beautiful path rather than a fancy dinner and movie.  I cook all my meals...meaning I only eat out maybe two or three times a month.  I would take a weekend getaway over a ridiculously expensive piece of jewelry any day of the week.  Materialism is not really my thing...experiencing life is.  And this is what I know.  Some people find spirituality (i.e. God) in Church.  And that is wonderful for those people.  However, here's where I have found my spirituality, my inner peace:  on top of a beautiful mountaintop in Maine, looking out over the Atlantic; in the quiet beauty of the rolling green hills of Ireland; on a pristine white beach in the Caribbean found after a hike that no other travelers wanted to make, leaving the beach all to ourselves; hiking through the giant redwoods of California, hearing only birds and the crunching under our feet.  The list goes on, but you get the idea.  And the final thing I know?  I would not trade a single one of those memories, or even a little bit of the overwhelming feelings they create, for any one of the dollars it took me to get there.

And this is what makes me happy :)


Chicago
So, let's get started!  I spent last weekend in Chicago with my longest friend, Angela.  She's going to be living there for at least the next 3 years, so I'm sure this is only the start of our adventures together.  I know I'll miss her, but it sure was great spending a whole weekend together and chatting about our last 10 years as friends.

Here are some of the highlights!

Obviously, one goes to Chicago, they are going to want some deep-dish pizza!  (And let me just interrupt myself for a moment.  I know my blog is all about healthy cooking...and that's exactly the way I live my day-to-day life.  However, vacations are a different matter... We only live once after all!)  The first night in town, we stopped at Giordano's for some of their famous Chicago stuffed pizza.  It's a little touristy...but man!  Can they make a pizza!  We ordered the pizza size that was listed for 2 people....but I learned you can just go ahead and double the amount of people they say it's for haha.  Plenty of leftovers!  And honestly, pretty decently priced too.  Of course, pizza and beer kinda go hand in hand...so we also ordered the Matilda, which is brewed at the local Goose Island brewery (Chicago's oldest craft brewery and also definitely worth a visit!).

The following day was spent wandering the city by foot...which in my opinion is the best way to travel almost any big city.  After brunch at Fox and Obel (delicious and economically priced for a big city), we stopped by one of the most obvious destinations...the Bean in Millennium Park.  Who knew taking pictures of yourself reflected off a giant metal bean could be so fun??  From there we checked out the Taste of Chicago that was, fortunately for me, going on that weekend in Grant Park.  And let me tell you...I'll be back for that!  This festival was HUGE!  In fact, it's been going on every year since 1980 and is the largest food festival on the planet!  Check that one off the foodie bucket list ;)

Fisherman's Eggs at Fox & Obel.  Smoked trout,  potatoes, and  poached eggs with a truffle hollandaise .

Seriously.  So addicting. 

Buckingham Fountain with the Chicago skyline.

After spending a good bit of time at the festival, we meandered on down to Navy Pier and took a ride on the iconic ferris wheel.  I don't normally spend $6 to ride a ferris wheel...but it does allow for some beautiful views.

And finally, we finished up our day with probably one of the greatest dining experiences of my life so far.  We found a Japanese BBQ we decided to try out called Gyu-Kaku.  There were three floors to the restaurant - we sat on the third floor where you are required to remove your shoes before entering the dining room and are seated on the floor.  We ordered the Geisha dinner to split and it ended up being a great way to try a lot of food for a smaller price per person.  In the center of every table there is located a heated grill.  After an appetizer of miso soup, salad, spicy tuna maki, and sukiyaki bibimbap, they started bringing out the meats! We had shrimp and various types of steak, all thinly cut, and some foil wrapped asparagus.  The fun part is...we grilled all our own meats on our own personal grill.  This dinner was so fun...and lasted for a couple hours, allowing us to really enjoy our meal.

Our second full day wasn't quite so full of activities (we were pretty exhausted after day one haha).  We started with a Cajun feast for lunch at Heaven on Seven.  The decorations were a little Mardi Gras cliche, but the food was in fact quite heavenly!  And there was a wall of hot sauces that was pretty dang awesome. We opted for the Cajun buffet, where your server will bring out bottomless amounts of different dishes.  We only needed one of each!  Sooo much food!  And this is where I also discovered that I ADORE collard greens.  Couldn't get enough of that dish!

Next, we went Goose Island brewery.  Now, I've been pretty into craft beers for a few years now...thanks to my fiance, Josh.  Any time I check out a new city, I make it my mission to check out the local beer scene.  The first part of any brewery tour is pretty much the same...you learn a little bit of history about the brewery, they go through the brewing process (water, yeast, malt, and hops!), and probably will talk a little about their own signature brews.  But the best part?  The tasting portion :)  The cost at Goose Island is $10.  This pays off at the end when each person receives a pint glass and six taster portions of some of the most recent types of brews.  It's such a great way to try new beers you wouldn't have otherwise been introduced to.

Please, let me know other Chicago must-sees or places to eat!  Like I mentioned before... I'll definitely be going back ;)

Farmer's Market Fabulous

Another reason why I love summer?  Farmer's markets!  I really just started getting into these things late spring of this year....thanks to my wonderful stepsister Amanda ;)  But now, it's become a part of my weekly grocery shopping.  My shining moment?  Week's worth of grocery breakdown: $25 - Farmer's Market.  $8 - Kroger. I'm gonna go ahead and call that a win!

There are a lot of benefits to choosing to purchase from your local market.  The biggest reason I started is because I'm trying to stick to organic as much as possible.  I'm interested in cutting out the food that requires unnatural (and in my opinion, unhealthy) processes to put food on the average American's table in the cheapest, quickest way possible.  I don't want to purchase food that's had to travel 2,000 miles to get to me and in the process lost most of its valuable nutrition anyway because of the techniques used by large corporations.  And yes, even though some things might cost me a little more, I'd rather my money go back into supporting the local economy.  To me it's about quality and sustainability.  

Oh, and another thing...the larger markets usually have vendors set up where you can get a delicious, fresh bite to eat.  This trip to the 2nd Street Market in Dayton included a salmon, cream cheese, spinach, and caper crepe....Mmmmm!

If you're interested in finding a local market to try out yourself, click here.

Because I do the majority of my shopping at the market, I'm usually coming home with quite a bit of produce.  The recipe that follows is a result of me going through my refrigerator last night trying to use up the rest of my produce before it went bad on me.  Enjoy!

Stuffed Red Bell Peppers


Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup dry, white wine  
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tsp dried dill
• 1 tbsp dried parsley
• 2 cloves minced garlic 
• coarsely ground pepper and salt, to taste
• 1 cup cooked brown rice
• 1 can garbanzo beans
• 1/2 red onion
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/2 cucumber, seeded and chopped
• 4 red bell peppers ( you could use green...I just love red peppers :) )
• freshly shredded mozzarella cheese

To make the dressing, combine the wine, olive oil, dill, parsley, garlic, salt and pepper in a small bowl. 

Next, in a larger bowl, combine rice, beans, onion, tomato, and cucumber.  

Pour the dressing over the fillings and toss until evenly coated.  Let sit in the fridge for a couple hours to marinate. 

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Next, prep your peppers by removing stem and seeds.  Place in a pot of salted water, bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover and simmer for 5 minutes.  Remove the peppers and place on a baking dish.  Place filling in each pepper and cook for about 20 minutes in preheated oven.  Add your cheese and cook until melted, about 5 more minutes.

Finally, pour yourself a glass of that white wine and enjoy your farmer's market pepper :)

Red River Gorge with Homemade Granola

Well it's post number 5...and I think it's about time to bring in the first part of this blog's name...travel! :)  This last weekend my fiance Josh, his uncle Scott, and I did some backcountry camping in Red River Gorge, or the Red as it's affectionately called by climbing and hiking enthusiasts.  The park is located in Kentucky and is part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.  After our 2-day, 15 mile hiking trip, I realized I never really knew what camping meant until this weekend!  There is definitely something to be said about hiking off into the woods, finding a completely secluded area to set up camp, and truly enjoying nature.  We had an almost full moon this weekend, which made the night beautiful to behold.  I'm just glad we didn't run into any of those brown bears or copperheads that are known to be found in the area ;)  It was an amazing experience, and we're already planning for our next camping trip.  I'm not sure I can go back to campgrounds after this!

And of course, no trip to the Red is complete without a stop at Miguel's Pizza!  Josh and I first discovered this place last fall when we went on a day hike to Natural Bridge State Park, also part of the Daniel Boone National Forest.  This place is big in the climbing community.  Not only do they offer great food, but you can also purchase a variety of climbing equipment from shoes and helmets to ropes and carabiners.  And about that food.  Oh. My. Goodness.  They offer 45 different toppings to choose from for a pizza and varying sizes.  Now, I know this kinda goes against my healthy theme for the blog...but hey, 15 miles of strenuous hiking with 30 pounds on my back?  I earned it!  This time we chose banana peppers, artichokes, chorizo, and feta.  Washed down with an Ale 8 of course (bottled locally in Kentucky).  Mmmmmm :)

And finally....on to the recipe that goes along with this theme!  Now, because I knew I needed to carry everything I would need for this weekend on my back, I wanted to make a lightweight, healthy snack I could munch on.  Because hey, even though I was gonna be getting some serious exercise, I didn't want to completely give up my whole foods diet!  I came across this recipe on one of my favorite blogs:  100 Days of Real Food.  Check it out if you're serious about changing your lifestyle and cutting out processed foods.

Homemade Granola


Ingredients:

• 3 1/2 c. of steel cut oats
• 1 c. raw sliced almonds
• 1 c. cashew pieces
• 1/2 c. sunflower seeds
• 2 tsp. ground cinnamon
• 1 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1/2 c. honey
• 6 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 tsp. vanilla extract

* Note:  This recipe is very versatile.  Feel free to also use pecans or walnuts for your nuts, add pumpkin seeds or flaxseeds, or as recommended in the original blog, add 1 cup unsweetened shredded coconut (which I would have loved to add, but alas Kroger doesn't carry it).

Preheat the oven to 250 degrees and prep a baking sheet by lining it with parchment paper.

In a bowl combine the oats, almonds, cashews, sunflower seeds, and spices.

Next, heat the butter and honey over low heat in a small saucepan.  Once the butter melts completely, add the vanilla extract.

Pour the liquid over the dry ingredients and combine with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly coated.  Spread evenly over your prepared baking sheet and pop into the oven for 75 minutes.  Let cool completely and store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.  This makes for an excellent snack and I also found was a great addition to my breakfast in my unsweetened applesauce.  It can also be used as a homemade granola cereal.  Just crush in a plastic bag, dump it into a bowl, and pour your milk over it.  Delicious!

Mediterranean Diet...and some Hummus!

So, anyone looking to eat healthier will in some form or fashion come across reading about the "Mediterranean Diet."  I'd say I've adopted this without even really realizing it.  But it's a whole foods lover's dream.  The basic points of this Mediterranean way of eating include the following:

• Sticking mostly to plant-based foods.  This would include lots of fruits and veggies, legumes, whole grains, and nuts.  
• Replacing butter with the healthy fats....you know what this means...olive oil!
• Using herbs and spices to season food, as opposed to loading up on the salt.
• Limiting red meat intake to maybe a couple times per month.
• Sticking mostly to chicken and fish when consuming meat...but still limited to only a couple times per week.
• And my favorite!  Drinking red wine!  Okay, okay...in moderation ;)

Research has shown that this diet can actually reduce a person's risk for heart disease.  Do you know what the number one killer in America is?  Yep...heart disease.  And this comes straight from the CDC, so you know I'm not making it up!

Okay, I hear ya...enough with the healthy spiel...get on with the recipe!  Well, going along with my Mediterranean diet theme....here's a recipe for hummus!  (Okay, I know we think hummus, we think Middle Eastern instead of I guess Mediterranean...but as far as I'm concerned the countries still touch the Mediterranean so I'm gonna go with it!  Plus, it follows the guidelines laid out above!)  

Oh, and also...this is the best hummus I've ever had.  Ever.

Roasted Red Pepper and Spinach Hummus

Ingredients:

• Red bell pepper
• 1 can of chickpeas, drained (but reserve the liquid)
• 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (depending on the level of heat you like.  One is great for added flavor...I like 2 to add some kick to it as well.)
• 2 Tbsp tahini sauce (this is a sesame paste you can find in the ethnic aisle of the grocery store)
• Juice from one lemon
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• A couple handfuls of fresh baby spinach.  I love adding spinach to recipes just for the additional nutritional benefits.

First, we wanna roast that red pepper.  Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Place whole pepper on a baking sheet and roast for 30 minutes, rotating about halfway after about 15 minutes.

Chop up your pepper and add to food processor along with chickpeas, chipotle peppers, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and spinach.  Pulse until just a little chunky, then add in olive oil while pulsing a couple more times.  Scrape down the sides with a rubber spatula.  If it needs to be a little creamier, pulse in some extra "chickpea juice" until you reach the desired consistency.

Store in the refrigerator when done!  I love this recipe because it's delicious, makes a ton of hummus, and is quite cost effective ;)  Great for snacks or replacing mayonnaise as a spread (veggie wrap with hummus anyone?).

A Healthier Take on Potato Salad

Oh, summertime.  Reasons why I love summer:

1. No snow!
2. Summer dresses.
3. Increased vacation potential.
4. Festivals!!  (my foodie self loves this especially!)
5. Cookouts :)

Because my dad was out of town on business last weekend for Father's Day, we decided to postpone for a week and have a cookout today instead.  Now, I love my dad...but he isn't always the best at giving me a heads up when it comes to family events.  I can't tell you how many times I've missed out on something because I had to work or didn't have time to change my schedule. (You know it's true Dad!)  So, when I was informed yesterday that I needed to bring a side dish or dessert, I knew there would be no time for grocery shopping. (Okay, maybe I should have assumed I was supposed to bring something, but I admit...sometimes things just need to be spelled out for me!) However, I remembered I had some new potatoes in the fridge that had looked too good to pass up at my last trip to the market.  Potato salad makes for an excellent summer cookout side dish!  Side dish it is.

Now, staying true to my desire to cook healthier, I knew mayonnaise was out for my potatoes.  After searching through my kitchen, I settled on a mustard vinaigrette instead.  (On a side note, can I also mention how excited I get when I already possess everything I need to make a dish?!  Woot!)

Potato Salad with a Mustard Vinaigrette

Ingredients:

• About 2 pounds of new potatoes, washed and quartered
• 1/4 c. olive oil
• 2 Tbsp. whole grain mustard
• 2 tsp. Dijon mustard
• 2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
• 2 green onions, white and light green parts only, thinly sliced
• 1 tsp. fresh, chopped rosemary
• 1/4 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Coarse salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste

Place the potatoes in a medium sized pot and cover with cold water.  Season with salt.  Bring to a boil and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, prepare the vinaigrette.  In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, both mustards, vinegar, green onion, rosemary, salt and pepper.

When potatoes are finished cooking, rinse with cold water to cool them a bit.  In a larger bowl, combine potatoes, red onion, and vinaigrette; toss until covered.  Season with salt and pepper.

And there ya have it!  A fresh, healthier version of potato salad that literally took me less than 20 minutes to whip up.  Hope you can enjoy it at a cookout of your own this summer!