Summer Freshness on A Plate!!

WATERMELON/TOMATO SALAD

Something about mixing sweetness and tartness... throwing in some fresh herbs... and in minutes... Voila!!! An amazing summer side salad that can add spark and brightness to any main course!!

This is my take on a couple of recipes inspired by both Giada DeLaurentiis and Alexandra Guarnaschelli; a fusion of their ideas, if you will.

About 1 pint of cherry tomatoes (cut in half)
6 oz. of seedless watermelon (cut into small cubes)
1 tbsp. fresh chopped Tarragon
1 tbsp. of fresh lemon juice
1 1/2 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
About 1/3 cup of extra virgin olive oil
Sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the liquid ingredients and season to taste. Place all other ingredients in a medium sized salad bowl and pour the liquid over; fold over gently so that neither the tomatoes nor the watermelon get bruised.
Season to taste; but go easy on the salt in an effort to maintain the brightness of the fruit. You don't want to dull the fruit with the salt.

You can alternate the herbs with chopped fresh basil or fresh mint and there really is no right or wrong way to do this. If you have other tomato varieties; those can be used as a substitute... although the cherry tomatoes work the best.

This side is truly lovely with a light white fish or grilled/roasted chicken. Your guests will be wowed... I have made 2 different versions of this salad... and every time, a true hit!!

I would love to hear back with feedback or alternative versions of this salad!
Happy cooking and as always, happy eating!!


Elle :)

Eating in America

Some months ago I wrote a blog about something that I am quite passionate about and have a soft spot for in my heart... the nutrition (or sometimes, lack thereof) in America and how it is affecting our health and well-being. I shared about a lecture I attended where Alice Waters, renowned chef and writer, spoke about a change that is desperately needed in our schools and in our country in general. This change pertains to what we are feeding our children and what we are choosing to consume as adults. We live in a culture that is heavily saturated with so many fast food options that eating processed and fatty foods has simply become a way of life because it is easier, more convenient, and sadly, with so many "value" menus out there, cheaper (at least that's the front end acquisition cost). Alice was standing against this and the conversation was about sustainable food; growing our food supply (fruits and vegetables) locally and organically, and incorporating those foods, in our everyday meals.

There are several pioneers in this revolution, leaders that are truly passionate about this cause and simply choose to take a stand for our health as a country. I personally think these people, like Alice Waters, are real life heroes. As I sit here in my living room watching the preview of Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution, I definitely have to add Jamie to that list of heroes. Even though his mission is a bit different and doesn't necessarily stress growing our own food, the general idea is similar. That is, we need to change our food system, and more importantly, eating habits to make America healthier.

ABC is airing this new reality show, where Jamie is trying to revolutionize the way schools are feeding our children. The premiere show begins in Huntington, West Virginia, which has been declared the unhealthiest city in America. As part of the show, Jamie attempts to also teach local families how to cook and eat more healthily. As you might expect, the show documents the struggles he will have endured in this process, but one can't help but be moved by his tenacity and determination. I must admit that I was moved to tears, and as I sit here writing about it, I am still saddened by the people's resistance to change, and the evident ignorance that prevails about what "is good for us" and what real nutrition is. Having said that, I am no expert in the matter, but after years of a lot of personal research and changing my eating habits full circle four times over (at least) and being a member of a family that has literally revolutionized how they eat at home, I can't help but become truly present to how we, culturally speaking, live with a mindset of "ignorance is bliss"; and by default living with a "what you don't know won't kill you" mentality. This mentality was very apparent to me in the show. I would love to know how everyone else thinks after seeing the first episode.

My words might seem a bit harsh to some, but I speak from my heart. I truly believe this show is a wake up call, of sorts, to our country, communities, families. There is no time like the present to educate ourselves and our loved ones about what is truly "good for us" and what is hurting us, and how some of the food we are eating, sadly, is making us sick. Ironically, the information is at our fingertips... a Google search away!

I made a commitment when I started this blog that my posts would be fun to read, but I am also committed to sharing what I can about incorporating healthy habits into meals. Yes, I blog about a lot of decadent foods and restaurants, but like with anything, all of that should be experienced and enjoyed in moderation. How we eat everyday and how and what we cook at home, is what matters. So, as the saying goes: "The Buck Stops Here". This simply means that I need to bring you more recipes of healthy meals. I too have a burden in my heart about how the people that I love eat. That being said, it's not the end of fun and yummy things, just remember that moderation is key.

I invite you all to watch this new series with me... Challenge all the parents out there to sit and watch this with your kids... seeing is believing!! Will you join me??? It may not be "happy" TV... but it is a reality check that we should all consider. There is no better place to start revolutionizing how our country eats, than in our own homes! I would love to hear your thoughts, please share!

Jamie Oliver's Food Revolution
2 Hour Premiere
Friday, March 26, 2010
8:00 pm PDT
ABC (Check your local listings)

Movies.... As they should have been intended!!

Gentlemen.... Listen up! If you are looking for the ideal "date night".... and want to make a lasting impression??? Going to the movies has never been this appealing!!

In old town Pasadena.... GOLD CLASS CINEMAS is now catering to a new genre of movie-goers!! Come see what it's all about!

The beauty of planning ahead is that you already have your tickets waiting for you... (it is very recommended to go online a few hours or days before you plan on arriving, given the limited seating!)...

Next, you are escorted down a pair of escalators, where you will be greeted by a very cheerful staff and a fantastic lounge. You may want to arrive a bit earlier (at least 45 mins. before showtime); this allows you to enjoy the lounge and one of the many specialty beverages they will prepare for you (You heard correctly...they have a full bar).

From Gold Class Cinemas

You are then escorted into the theater which houses anywhere between a couple dozen to about 30 luxurious lounge chairs.... (and yes, they recline).... you will even get a pillow and blankie, if your heart desires!

Your server presents you with a menu which consists of appetizers and finger foods!
From a foodie's perspective.... the food is not bad... but hardly deserves raves. The drinks on the other hand; very good! I will have to say, I do want to try the potatoe chips with blue cheese dipping sauce, next time and the Beignets, have been calling out to me!!

Having said that.... you may want to consider dinner (or lunch, whatever the case may be) beforehand. There are many local restaurants within walking distance, SUSHI ROKU (a personal favorite), being clear across the quad.

When your movie is over you have the option of hanging out in the lounge area, where a local DJ is mixing some fun background music!

I must say... not quite the movie experience we have become accustomed to! The only problem one might consider is that you may never want to see a movie the old conventional way! (And we thought it couldn't get better than "stadium" seating!)

For further information, go to: www.goldclasscinemas.com

Pasadena Location:
•Address: 42 Miller Alley, Pasadena, CA 91103, USA
•Phone: (626) 639-2260

Enjoy your movie!!! Cheers!

Leftovers = New Creation.... Amazing breakfast!!

On my previous posting I offered a simple and healthy recipe for CALABACITAS with QUINOA. I might be speaking for myself, but most recipes leave you with quite a bit of leftovers when you are cooking for one or two people... I personally enjoy leftovers reheated the next day, but I know many who just don't like them!

As an ode to all my single friends.... here are a couple very quick and easy breakfast ideas to recreate the CALABACITAS into a fresh light easy breakfast... I promise this is FAST!

Simply reheat (about 1 cup) of calabacitas in a skillet for about 3-4 minutes.... throw in 2 whole eggs (salt and pepper to taste).... and voila!! ... You have a Veggie Breakfast scramble! (Add more of the ingredients, depending on what you have left and how many servings you need).

From Food and Recipes

Serving Options:
You can eat this plain or tucked into a Sprouted Wheat Tortilla (I recommend the Ezekiel brand), Makes a great wrap and it is very healthy!

You can also substitute 3 egg whites for the whole eggs for an even lower calorie/high protein/low cholesterol version!

This can also work as an omelette, however, that might take a bit longer to make, and I promised this was FAST!

Garnishing with some cheese or fresh salsa livens up this meal!

Who said that making a fresh breakfast would be too complicated? You will have a dish in hand before the coffee has finished brewing!!

Enjoy!!

Elle :)

Starting a New Year on a Healthy Note...

In keeping my word to bring you more variety in 2010.... new recipes were part of that deal... and in some cases... those "recipes" I will post will comprise of "throwing" a few ingredients in a pan, for a quick, delicious meal, that not only is easy and healthy, but is also very wallet friendly! Many times, some of the best meals that are the easiest to whip up come from ingredients that are already in your refrigerator and pantry!

Here is a quick dinner that I (in this case) "threw together" in just a few minutes... the result: CALABACITAS with a side of QUINOA... Easy, tasty and fast... a great meal for working people... (a great one for vegetarians... and this could be vegan, as well!) and for those who have committed to being healthy in the new year!

From Food and Recipes

CALABACITAS:

2 Zucchinis or Mexican Squash (diced)
2 Yellow squash (diced)
2 fresh ears of corn (cut off the cob)
1 fresh Serrano pepper (seeded and chopped finely)
2 shallots (or about 1/3 cup of finely diced onion)
3 cloves of fresh garlic (minced)
2-3 tbsp. of Grapeseed oil
Goat Cheese (or queso fresco)
Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper

(Makes approximately 4 servings)


Saute the shallots or onion, minced garlic, corn and serrano chili in the oil for about 5 minutes. Add the squash (make sure it is not diced too small, as it will cook fast and possibly become mushy). Salt and pepper to taste. Cook for about 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally so that it cooks evenly. Sprinkle some of the goat cheese (or queso fresco)...(though it adds a lot of flavor to this dish... the cheese could be optional)... and stir in the cheese so that it incorporates itself into the dish. Grate some fresh Parmesan cheese on top to taste. It serves as a garnish as well!

(On a side note: There is no right or wrong way to make this dish. Traditionally, it is served with queso fresco, but I used goat cheese because that is what I had in the refrigerator. I have had Calabacitas a variety of ways, I prefer to saute in the pan this way, as it allows the squash to stay whole and still a bit crispy. Improvising is totally ok... again, use what you have!)


QUINOA

1 cup Quinoa
2 cups of Vegetable Stock (or Chicken Stock)

Bring stock to a boil in a 1 1/2 Quart saucepan. Reduce to simmer and add quinoa. Cover and cook until all the liquid is absorbed (about 10-15 minutes).

(About 4 servings)


This is a great and much healthier alternative to rice, easy and delicious (You can purchase this in most stores). Follow the directions on the box. Though the instructions call for water, I personally like to play with my food, so I change things up to add some flavor by using stock, without compromising the quality, healthy factor and taste; on the contrary... this is a great way to flavor this grain, without using too much sodium!


So there you have it! Fast, easy and delicious! This meal could be prepared in under 30 minutes from start to finish! If you plan ahead and purchase the ingredients on a grocery trip beforehand, making dinner on a whim, isn't so bad!

Are you cooking for one or two people?? I will follow this post with a recipe for the leftovers.... 2 dishes in one... how can you beat that??

Enjoy this "Fast food"... that is good for you!

Cheers To your health and a healthy 2010!

Elle :)