Chopped Salad

Salad

1 bunch Asparagus, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

1 head Iceberg Lettuce, shredded

2 Cucumbers, shredded

3 Carrots, shredded

2 Avocados, chopped

Dressing

1 /2 cup Red Wine vinegar

1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 Scallions

2 tablespoon fresh Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, chopped

1 teaspoon Salt

1/2 [...]]]>

Chopped Salad

Salad

1 bunch Asparagus, chopped into 1/2 inch pieces

1 head Iceberg Lettuce, shredded

2 Cucumbers, shredded

3 Carrots, shredded

2 Avocados, chopped

Dressing

1 /2 cup Red Wine vinegar

1/2 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil

3 Scallions

2 tablespoon fresh Thyme, Rosemary, Oregano, chopped

1 teaspoon Salt

1/2 teaspoon Pepper

Combine dressing ingredients in a mason jar.  Give it a shake and place in the fridge overnight.

Bring a saucepan of water to boil.  Add a pinch of salt.

Boil asparagus pieces for about 2-4 minutes, until just cooked.

Remove from pan and cool.

Combine the asparagus, lettuce, carrots, cucumbers and carrots to a large bowl.  Toss to combine.

Toss with salad dressing.

Sprinkle the avocado across the top.

Serve.

It’s springtime in my garden which means my herbs are growing like weeds.  I thought that a homemade salad dressing would be a great way to use up a bunch of them hence the salad recipe.  I also had a wonderful herbed chopped salad while I was in Las Vegas and wanted to make it at home. Here it is!

Cucumber Saketini

Serves 2

2 oz gin

2 oz sake

1 whole Persian cucumber plus 6 thin slices

3 fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon Honey

In a blender, add whole cucumber, basil, honey and sake.  Blend until the cumber and basil are completely smooth.

In a shaker with ice, mix [...]]]>

Cucumber Saketini

Serves 2

2 oz gin

2 oz sake

1 whole Persian cucumber plus 6 thin slices

3 fresh basil leaves

1 tablespoon Honey

In a blender, add whole cucumber, basil, honey and sake.  Blend until the cumber and basil are completely smooth.

In a shaker with ice, mix together the gin and sake combination.  Pour into a martini glass and garnish with slices of cucumber.

Serve.

This drink is a strange combination of healthy and alcohol.  The cucumbers and basil are very refreshing but this drink is almost pure alcohol.  If you like martini’s, you’ll love this drink!

I would recommend using Hendricks Gin as it has hints of cucumber.

Purse by Calvin Klein (similar here), Shoes by Cole Haan (similar here), Jeans by Forever 21, Jacket by H&M (similar here), T-Shirt by Kohl’s, Sunglasses by Target, Earrings by Stella and Dot, Necklace c/o Dogeared [...]]]>

Purse by Calvin Klein (similar here), Shoes by Cole Haan (similar here), Jeans by Forever 21, Jacket by H&M (similar here), T-Shirt by Kohl’s, Sunglasses by Target, Earrings by Stella and Dot, Necklace c/o Dogeared (via LuckyFABB)

I love red.  It’s so bold.  Red, white and blue obviously go together but I never want to look like a flag.  I mixed in some grey and light denim to break up the colors and pull the look together.

Roasted Green Chile, Chicken and Potato Soup

Serves:  4

2 teaspoons butter

1/2 large yellow onion, chopped

1 carrot, thinly sliced

3 stalks celery, sliced

2 large chicken breasts

1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2” pieces

1 jalapeno, seeded

6 cups chicken stock

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon [...]]]>

Roasted Green Chile, Chicken and Potato Soup

Serves:  4

2 teaspoons butter

1/2 large yellow onion, chopped

1 carrot, thinly sliced

3 stalks celery, sliced

2 large chicken breasts

1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and chopped into 1/2” pieces

1 jalapeno, seeded

6 cups chicken stock

1 teaspoon oregano

1/2 teaspoon marjoram

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper

1 cup white wine (I used Riesling)

1/4 cup agave nectar

1 avocado

Turn on grill to high.  Place the jalapenos and chicken breasts on the grill.  Cook the chicken until just cooked.  Grill the jalapeno until blackened and soft.

Chop up the chicken into bite size pieces.  Set aside.

Use a blender to chopped up the jalapeno.

In the bottom of a medium size pot, melt the butter over medium high heat.

Add the onions and celery.  Saute until tender, about 4 minutes.

Add the jalapeno sauce, chicken stock, oregano, marjoram, salt and pepper to the pot and bring to a boil.   Let cook for about 5 minutes.

Once boiling, add the potatoes, carrots, agave nectar and wine.  Reduce to a simmer and cook until the potatoes are tender, about 10-15 minutes.  Remove from heat and then add the chicken.

Serve with avocado.

Lately I’m really into fire roasted jalapeños.  In my world, fire roasted means turning on the stovetop and letting them blacken over the gas flame.  Not complicated.  Anyway, I’ve been putting them in everything.  It all started with this soup.  Just make sure you take out the jalapeno seeds otherwise your mouth will be on fire!

Spiced Mango Tea

Serves 2

1 oz Spiced rum

2 oz Mango Nectar

4 oz strong black tea

Splash of orange liqueur

Add all ingredients into a glass.  Mix to combine.  Add ice and serve.

Super simple.  Super good.  I could easily make this for a crowd.  [...]]]>

Spiced Mango Tea

Serves 2

1 oz Spiced rum

2 oz Mango Nectar

4 oz strong black tea

Splash of orange liqueur

Add all ingredients into a glass.  Mix to combine.  Add ice and serve.

Super simple.  Super good.  I could easily make this for a crowd.  Keep this drink in mind for your next party!

Denim Shirt by Kohls (similar here), Maxi Dress by Forever 21, Metallic Clutch by H&M (similar here – I actually like this one better), Shoes by Prabal Gurung for Target, Sunglasses by Ray Ban, Bracelets by Forever [...]]]>

Denim Shirt by Kohls (similar here), Maxi Dress by Forever 21, Metallic Clutch by H&M (similar here – I actually like this one better), Shoes by Prabal Gurung for Target, Sunglasses by Ray Ban, Bracelets by Forever 21 and Christian Dior, Watch by BCBGeneration, Necklace by Stella and Dot, Earrings c/0 Tacori (via LuckyFABB)

Prints can be loud but if you know how to incorporate them into your wardrobe, they can be quite versatile.  I’ve already worn this dress at least 4 different ways.  My advice to you is to pair it with complementary neutrals or layer with colors from the pattern in the dress.

Easy Coconut Sweet Rice

Serves 4-6

1 can coconut milk

1 can coconut cream

1-2 cups jasmine rice

1/4 cup honey plus more as a topping

pinch of salt

zest of 1 lime plus juice

*Must have a rice cooker for this recipe

1 Mango, chopped

Pour in 1 cup [...]]]>

Easy Coconut Sweet Rice

Serves 4-6

1 can coconut milk

1 can coconut cream

1-2 cups jasmine rice

1/4 cup honey plus more as a topping

pinch of salt

zest of 1 lime plus juice

*Must have a rice cooker for this recipe

1 Mango, chopped

Pour in 1 cup (use your rice cooker measuring cup) of rice into the rice cooker.

Add the salt, honey, coconut milk and cream to the rice cooker.

Close the lid and let cook normally for white rice.

Once the rice is finished add the zest of 1 lime and the juice to the mixture.

Serve with a little extra zest, honey and mango.

This is not a fancy dessert.  It’s simple and easy when you need some to satisfy that sweet tooth.  It’s not overly coconutty (yes, I know that is not a word) or sweet.  It’s just right.

It’s pretty easy to find good wine between $15-$20.  I see lists everywhere of people making suggestions but nothing under that price.  I like wine and enjoy it at home with dinner or when we have friends over.  The thing is that I’m not willing to go broke trying to entertain my friends [...]]]>

It’s pretty easy to find good wine between $15-$20.  I see lists everywhere of people making suggestions but nothing under that price.  I like wine and enjoy it at home with dinner or when we have friends over.  The thing is that I’m not willing to go broke trying to entertain my friends or just enjoy a great tasting wine.  There are so many different varieties of wine that I knew that affordable and tasty wine must exist.  I just needed to find it.  I have done extensive drinking research.  I’ve asked everyone I know and even those I don’t know, especially on Instagram.  I’ve been able to compile a pretty solid list my favorites.  Enjoy!

-       Gabbiano Chianti $5.99

-       Charles Shaw Cabernet Sauvignon also known as “Two Buck Chuck” $2.49

-       Naked Grape Moscato $6.99

-       Husch Chardonnay $9.99

-       Sho Chiku Bai Nigori Unfiltered Sake $3.49

-       Depreville Rose $8.99

-       Chateau St. Jean Fume Blanc $9.99

-       Barefoot Pinot Grigio $7.97

-       Ravenswood Zinfandel $9.99

-       Apothic Red Table Wine $8.99

Thanks to Christine, Romy, Nelson, Mark, Annette, thechucs, cmlenox, _shannonmartin, and teefhackett for your help and suggestions.  It was a team effort.

Do you know of any wines under $10?  I’m still taking suggestions!

Blouse by Forever21 (similar here), Jewelry by Stella and Dot, Purse by Mango (similar here), Pants by Kohl’s (similar here), Shoes (similar here), Sunglasses by RayBan, Watch by Michael Kors

Here I am [...]]]>

Blouse by Forever21 (similar here), Jewelry by Stella and Dot, Purse by Mango (similar here), Pants by Kohl’s (similar here), Shoes (similar here), Sunglasses by RayBan, Watch by Michael Kors

Here I am wearing my camo pants, again.  They are just so comfortable and versatile I can’t resist.  I tried to mix it up with a simple but interesting top.  Instyle Magazine (May 2013) calls it the silky t-shirt.  It’s a nice alternative to a plain t-shirt.  The back on mine is actually sheer.  I like the feminine element contrasted with the very masculine pattern of the pants.

If you like foodfashionandfun.com, you can follow my daily adventures on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

Non-Dairy Tapioca Pudding

3 cups soy milk

1/2 cup small-pearl tapioca (not instant)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon fine salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Place 1 cup of the milk and the tapioca pearls in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Let the pearls soak uncovered at room [...]]]>

Non-Dairy Tapioca Pudding

3 cups soy milk

1/2 cup small-pearl tapioca (not instant)

1/2 cup granulated sugar

1/8 teaspoon fine salt

1/2 teaspoon vanilla

Place 1 cup of the milk and the tapioca pearls in a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Let the pearls soak uncovered at room temperature for 1 hour.

Add the remaining 2 cups of milk, sugar, and salt and stir to combine.

Place the pan over medium heat and cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture just comes to a simmer (do not let the mixture boil).

Reduce the heat to low and cook, whisking frequently, until the mixture thickens and the tapioca pearls are softened and translucent, about 15 minutes.

Serve warm (the pudding will thicken as it cools).

Place any leftovers in a bowl, press a sheet of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the pudding to keep a skin from forming, and refrigerate for up to 2 days.

I had a bunch of extra soy milk left over one day and couldn’t drink it all.  If I didn’t use it, then it was just going to go bad.  That’s when I came up with this tapioca pudding recipe.

Banana Mango Smoothie

Serves 4

2 bananas, sliced and frozen

1 mango, chopped and frozen

1 cup soy milk

1/4 cup agave nectar

1 teaspoon vanilla

mint leaves for garnish

In a blender, combine the frozen bananas and mango, [...]]]> UPDATE: This post made it to Tastespotting.com!

Banana Mango Smoothie

Serves 4

2 bananas, sliced and frozen

1 mango, chopped and frozen

1 cup soy milk

1/4 cup agave nectar

1 teaspoon vanilla

mint leaves for garnish

In a blender, combine the frozen bananas and mango, vanilla, agave nectar and soy milk.  Blend together until smooth.

Pour into glasses.  Garnish with mint leaves.  Serve.

The smaller the banana and mango are chopped the easier it is to chop up in the blender.  Trust me.  I was standing over my blender cursing at it because I didn’t take my own advice.

This smoothie comes out super thick.  So thick that you need to eat it with a spoon.  It’s creamy and good!  Enjoy!

Have you tried this recipe?  What do you think?  I’d love your feedback.

Jean Jacket by Old Navy (similar here), Shoes by (similar here), Pants by Kohl’s (similar here), T-Shirt by Kohl’s (similar here), Sunglasses by Cole Haan (similar here), Watch by Michael Kors, Jewelry by Stella [...]]]>

Jean Jacket by Old Navy (similar here), Shoes by (similar here), Pants by Kohl’s (similar here), T-Shirt by Kohl’s (similar here), Sunglasses by Cole Haan (similar here), Watch by Michael Kors, Jewelry by Stella and Dot

Well, hello from Las Vegas.  I took a quick weekend trip recently and took advantage of the different backdrop.  The strip and dessert definitely doesn’t look like my neighborhood where I normally shoot my outfit photos.

I recently bought these camouflage pants at Kohl’s for a steal!  Seriously good sales at Kohl’s.  I’m realizing that they are very versatile.  I’ve found that I wear them all the time with a ton of different colors, patterns and textures.  I’m starting to think of camouflage as a neutral.

Do you agree?  Is camo the new neutral?

If you like foodfashionandfun.com, you can follow my daily adventures on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook

Creamy Mushroom Pasta

Serves 4-6

16 oz. pasta (I used orecchiete)

16 oz. mushrooms, sliced

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

5 garlic cloves, minced

2 tablespoons flour

1 1/4 cup chicken broth

1/4 cup soy milk

salt & pepper

(clockwise from upper left) ASOS Floral Maxi Dress $81.38, Dorothy Perkins Black and White Dress $57, TOPSHOP Dip Hem Dress $100, Modcloth Dress $117.99, TOPSHOP Crochet Shift Dress $92, Dorothy Perkins Mint Dress $44