Cauliflower Fettuccine Alfredo

Alex and I were in Miami last weekend for a wedding, and for the 30 minutes that we actually stayed in the hotel (the weather was awesome and we laid out by the pool the whole time), we turned on a cooking competition show which was featuring a Cauliflower Fettuccine Alfredo vs. a usual Fettuccine Alfredo.

When we got back on Monday, and I asked Alex if he wanted fish for dinner (our usual weekday meat) he requested the Cauliflower recipe we saw on TV. And, because he asked so nicely, I obliged (rarely happens.)

I was too tired to compare recipes like I usually do, so I found this one from a Pinch of Yum, and decided to "fix" it to make it a little healthier and a little more to our liking.

Changes made to the recipe:
I only used 4 cups of vegetable broth- the boxes of broth from Whole Foods come with 4 cups and I happened to have an unopened one in the fridge. I also omitted the heavy whipping cream (you'll see it in the picture because I originally pulled it out to use, and then decided it defeated the whole purpose of making a healthier version.) Same thing with the butter-  use Olive Oil instead. Everything else we had in the cupboard and fridge (another reason Alex lucked out of getting what he wanted.)

Ingredients

1 lb. uncooked fettuccine noodles
3 small heads cauliflower
6 (4) cups vegetable broth
6 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon butter
1 teaspoon salt
pinch of nutmeg
pinch of black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
¼ cup heavy cream
1 cup starchy boiling water from pasta pot

Added:
1/2 cup of shredded Parmesan cheese
Roasted shredded Chicken




Directions {according to a Pinch of Yum and updated with my changes}
1. Chop the cauliflower leaving the stems.
2. Bring the vegetable broth to a boil over medium high heat and add cauliflower.
3. Cook until cauliflower is soft, about 20 minutes.

4. Add 1 tablespoon of Olive Oil to medium hot skillet. Add the minced garlic and saute for 4-5 minutes or until soft and fragrant.
5.  As the garlic and cauliflower are cooking, bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the fettuccine according to directions on package, reserving some of the starchy water to add to the sauce later.
6. Transfer cauliflower to a blender with about 2 cups of the broth. You may need to do this in batches depending on the size of your blender.
7. Add the sauteed garlic, salt, nutmeg, and black pepper and puree until very smooth, about 5 minutes.
8. Once the mixture is moving, stream the olive oil into the blender. Add more broth or water if the mixture is too thick to move through the blender. You want it to turn through the blender easily. When puree is very smooth, transfer back to the butter/garlic skillet.
Add the cream and cook over low heat. Add the starchy pasta water (or regular water if you’re not making pasta) and keep warm until ready to serve. 
9. Combine noodles and sauce in a large pot or skillet.
10. I bought a Roasted Chicken and shredded the meat and added it to this dish. It was delicious!

I found mine to be a little watery because we omitted the cream, so instead, I added in some nice shredded Parmesan to thicken it up. I also added in some parsley at the end to put a little green in the dish. Adding some peas or broccoli may be a good touch too.

Enjoy! XO

Weekend of Cherry Blossoms

The Cherry Blossoms are just starting to show their bulbs, and some are starting to bloom downtown. The closing events for the Cherry Blossom festival will take place this weekend. We plan on biking down Saturday morning, but if you're in town next week, you'll probably have more luck seeing more trees blossoming with the beautiful pink flowers - with way less crowds. Goodbye Spring Break tourists!

Found this guy on Monday outside the White House

Baked Tomatoes with Parmesan

And here is another easy, delicious, healthy Mediterranean diet recipe for you.

Ingredients:
Plump Tomatoes
Olive Oil
Oregano
Parmesan Cheese
Salt
Pepper

Directions

• Heat oven to 400F.
• Slice Tomatoes (I cut mine into thick pieces). 
• Place on tin foil in deep dish pan. 
• Sprinkle with Salt & Pepper. 
• Sprinkle with dried Oregano (or use fresh if you want/have it)
• Sprinkle on Parmesan cheese (I grated a nice Parmesan on ours)
• Drizzle the Tomatoes with Olive Oil
• Place in oven for 10 minutes.
• After 10 minutes, broil for a minute or two to lightly brown the top of the cheese.

I served the tomatoes with a Parmesan crusted Tilapia I picked up from Whole Foods and Far East Garlic & Herb CousCous.

Enjoy! XO

Ted's Bulletin {Brunch}

We went over to Eastern Market the other Sunday and decided to brunch in the Capital Hill neighborhood. Friends have been raving about Ted's Bulletin so we decided to give a try - just FYI - the wait was a true hour long and this is pretty typical. So we put in our name and then went and shopped at Eastern Market a few blocks away.

The wait was definitely worth it! Homemade pop tarts, milk shakes, and the most delicious breakfast sandwiches - and all reasonably priced (hard to come by in DC!)

We ordered a cinnamon pop tart and a strawberry pop tart to start along with a Bloody Mary and a Pomegranate Mimosa.

For my meal, I ordered Ted's Ultimate Breakfast Sammy - omg, so good! A fried egg, scrambled egg, sausage, bacon, cheddar cheese on Texas toast, with a side of shredded hash browns (the best kind) - all under $10.00 - amazing! I could only eat half of it because it was so big.

Alex ordered the Walk of Shame Breakfast Burrito that comes with sirloin steak, scrambled eggs, hash browns, cheddar cheese and green chili sauce for about $12.00. Again - delicious!

If you have yet to go to Ted's, you're missing out. I also think it's great place to go with guests from out of town - especially if they aren't accustomed to DC brunch prices. This is a great meal for a great price - and c'mon - they have homemade pop tarts!!

Enjoy! XO

Greek Island Chicken Marinade

Continuing with my weekday Mediterranean Diet plan, I found this delicous and easy! recipe on Allrecipes.com. I changed up the recipe a little bit to use what I already had in my fridge.

Instead of white vinegar, I used apple cider vinegar. I also omitted mushrooms (hate them) and didn't grill them on skewers.

Ingredients:
1/4 C of olive oil
1/4 C of lemon juice (I squeezed 1 and 1/2 fresh lemons)
1/4 C of white vinegar (I used apple cider vinegar and was delish)
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 teaspoon of cumin
1 teaspoon of dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme
1/4 teaspoon of salt

1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken breast, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
2 large bell peppers: I used yellow and green
12 cherry tomatoes, diced

You really can use whatever vegetables you prefer or what you have in the fridge. And if you don't already have some of these spices, I highly recommend buying them - you'll find them in most Mediterranean diet recipes.



Directions:
Since I changed up the recipe a little bit, my directions will differ from that on Allrecipes.com

• Whisk the olive oil, vinegar, garlic, cumin, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper together in a large glass or ceramic bowl. Add the chicken and evenly coat. I then transferred this to a large Ziploc bag. 

Chicken in the greek island marinade

• Preheat oven to 375F.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and shake off excess liquid. Discard the remaining marinade. If you have skewers, then you can thread your meat and vegetables and then bake (or grill) them. I didn't have any skewers so I just laid everything out on aluminum foil. I added a little olive oil to the vegetables.

Yellow pepper, green pepper, cherry tomatoes, marinated chicken

• Bake until the chicken is no longer pink, about 15-20 minutes. 
• I prepared half of a box of original cous cous to lay the chicken and vegetables over. (Takes about 5 minutes to make. You can find a box of cous cous that comes with seasoning at any grocery store)

Added fresh wheat bread and a side of olive oil 

Enjoy! XO

Seafood Cous Cous Paella {Mediterranean Diet}

If you haven't heard about the study recently published about the Mediterranean Diet than you may have been living under a rock.

Indulging in extra-virgin olive oil, nuts, red wine and easy on the red meat are a few highlights of the study that have shown if you stick to the Mediterranean diet, not only will you live a healthier life, you will be happier. You think that's why the Greek's economy tanked? Because they're too busy enjoying life?
Maybe :)

Anyway, I found this delicious Seafood Cous Cous Paella from EatingWell.com. A note, it is only a serving for 2 so you may want to double up on the recipe. I love all seafood so I did stick to the recipe and make it with bay scallops and shrimp - if you're not a fan of either one of those - you could try it with another seafood of your liking. We also had a lot of the ingredients already in the house - except for the Saffron Thread - which is not cheap by any means. But I was able to find some at my local Whole Foods.

Ingredients:

• 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon fennel seed
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• Pinch of crumbled saffron threads
• 1 cup no-salt-added diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1/4 cup vegetable broth
• 4 ounces bay scallops, tough muscle removed
• 4 ounces small shrimp, (41-50 per pound), peeled and deveined
• 1/2 cup whole-wheat couscous

Directions:

• Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add onion; cook, stirring constantly, for 3 minutes. Add garlic, thyme, fennel seed, salt, pepper and saffron; cook for 20 seconds. Stir in tomatoes and broth. Bring to a simmer. Cover, reduce heat and simmer for 2 minutes.

• Increase heat to medium, stir in scallops and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes. Add shrimp and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes more.

•  Stir in couscous. Cover, remove from heat and let stand for 5 minutes; fluff.

This is a very simple recipe once you get your chopping done! We made a Greek salad and paired with a Merlot.

Enjoy! XO

Out of town {Philly}

Hope everyone enjoyed their long holiday weekend. If you didn't get off from work on Monday - time to move to DC :)

We went up to the city of Brotherly Love on Saturday to watch my beautiful and talented cousin play in her college basketball game and to visit with my boyfriend's aunt and uncle. My cousin was amazing and we were so happy to see her. For dinner Saturday, we went to Lemon Hill. I don't have any photos but this place was great if you're looking for a casual environment with delicious food. I ordered the baked feta for my first course and then the braised pork belly as my main course - the braised pork belly was perfect - I highly recommend!

On Sunday, after I slept 12 hours (so embarrassing), we went to brunch at Cafe La Maude and my boyfriend and I both agree that this was one of the better brunches we've had in awhile! A French-Lebanese cafe, we ordered off of their special menu. I ordered a cheese-filled pita, topped with egg and cilantro rice. I never finish a plate (restaurants over feed you) and I ate every bite.

We then went to the Philadelphia Museum of Art - and, ok, I am spoiled in DC with most museums being free. We paid $20 a person so we made sure to walk every step of this huge museum! We tend to like more contemporary artists but one of the exhibits that caught my eye was this old Indian (India) temple hall.

The museum also has a huge selection of Monet and Picasso on display. There were a few pieces from my favorite abstract artist Kandinsky and some from Klee.

View from the steps of the PMA

And of course, a trip to Philly can't happen without a good cheesesteak! We skipped Gino's and Pat's and went to Jim's. Con: no cheese fries.  Pro: no cheese fries, and Jim's is way better!

Got Meat?

  

Enjoy! XO

Happy Valentine's Day

XO HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY XO

Happy Valentine's Day - last Saturday I spent the day making homemade Valentine's cards with some of the women at the local women's shelter. We had a lot of fun and I loved seeing all the creative cards that were made. Above is a few that I created - Hope everyone has a great day! XO.

Junior League of Washington Fete

This past Saturday was a full day of Junior League! I am part of the Junior League of Washington, a women's organization that volunteers it's time in the DC area promoting literacy. Along with volunteering, we also host social events in DC.

Saturday, I volunteered my mid morning at the N. Street Village - a shelter for abused women. We spent time making Valentine's cards and prepared lunch for the women. I joined the Junior League not only to meet new friends, but to meet new friends who had similar interests such as volunteering. If you're interested in joining, just shoot me an email and I can tell you more about it :)


Then, Saturday night, we had our Junior League of Washington Centennial Celebration Fete at the National Building Museum. The event was fun with the band from the New Vegas Lounge - motown music all night! And I behaved - instead of buying a new dress, I went with my black Anthropologie cocktail dress that I wore to a wedding this past fall. Some of my girlfriends and I left our men at home to have a fun girls night out!

Super Bowl Sunday {Go Ravens}

By now I hope everyone has gotten their Ravens gear or purple clothing out for Sunday :) It is definitely going to be one exciting game watching the Harbough brothers face off, the conclusion of Ray Lewis' career...and let's not forget- Beyonce is performing.

I have a ridiculous amount of Ravens gear. 

We will be watching the game at the bar Townhouse in Baltimore, but if I were to stay home, my menu would look something like this:

Taco Layer Dip
*If you want to get creative with your taco dip, make it into a football field - use the guacamole last and spread all over the top. With sour cream (or greek yogurt) make vertical lines to look like the yardage. For the endzones, either add chopped tomatoes to one side and shredded cheese to another, or if you want it to be purple endzones :) you can add purple cabbage strips.

Homemade Chicken Nuggets
Roasted Vegetable Quesadillas
Coco-Cola Glazed Chicken Wings
Truffle Football Cupcakes

And if you want to make an ode to Baltimore, you can make up these delicious Old Bay Crab Cakes.  and open a nice cold Natty Boh.

Enjoy! XO And Go Ravens!

Wild Salmon Salad

Recently during my lunch break, I was sitting in our cafeteria watching the Dr. Oz show and they started discussing health benefits from fish. Interesting enough, there is a small list of types of fish that contain higher level of Omega-3 and have lower mercury levels. These include: anchovies, herring, mackerel (Atlantic only), sardines, trout and wild salmon.

We have been eating tilapia at least twice a week - for one, it takes me less than 10 minutes to make, and secondly, it's very inexpensive compared to other fish at Whole Foods. But now that I have given up my daily grande-soy-mocha- no whip at Starbucks, I can afford to spend the extra few dollars on healthier fish :)

Anyway, I picked up some wild salmon and made a fresh salad to go with it.

With skin side down on aluminum foil, I spread on dijon-mustard, sprinkled with salt and pepper then sprinkled with dill.  Baked in the oven at 375 for 11 minutes. (Times will differ based on your oven). When the fish starts showing white, it's time to take it out of the oven. I sliced the fish and laid it on top of the salad and drizzled a balsamic vinaigrette on top.

Enjoy! XO

California Coast

Last week I headed off to Vegas for 5 days for work - then took the opportunity to head to California for the weekend. We decided to have a small mini-reunion with Alex's Georgetown grad school friends. Unfortunately, I was under the weather all week but I am glad I decided to get out of bed Saturday to see these amazing views from the Pacific Coast Highway.

We flew into LA, then spent the afternoon in Santa Monica.

Santa Monica Pier

Alex & Andy

Looking at Malibu

Friday evening we headed to the hills of Malibu where our friend lives and has the most AMAZING views. Valleys, the ocean, and you can see the top of the clouds. (Mind you, if you get car sick, you'll need dremomine to drive up the hills.)

On Saturday, the group drove an hour north on the Pacific Coast Highway to Ventura. Along the way, we were able to stop at some look-out points for some more spectacular views.

Alan & Kelly

The boys

 Everyone besides me and Jeff went surfing in Ventura. Jeff and I lounged out on the shore and played a few games of Kings on the Corner :) The air was probably 60 degrees - too cold for me even with a wetsuit to think about surfing!

The group getting ready to hit the waves, man

wicked

On our way back to Malibu & Santa Monica, we stopped at a seafood spot off the PCH - and I ordered some delicious fried fish tacos. 

Fried Fish Tacos with Cilantro

And, we were able to stop at one more look-out along the way. I wish this could be my backyard...

Heaven?

A Great {Engagement} Gift

The holidays are behind us and with that - proposals are on the rise! I am delighted that so many of our friends have recently got engaged. I was looking for something useful {and cute} that I could send the new brides-to-be to help them with their planning, and luckily, Abby Larson from Style Me Pretty just released a WONDERFUL new wedding guide book based off of her popular blog.

If you are looking for something cute I highly recommend this book! It has a ton of DYI step-by-steps, outdoor wedding ideas, cute color combination ideas and more! And it costs less than $25!

Enjoy! XO

Lichenstein at the National Gallery of Art

If you are looking for something to do this weekend - well for one, go outside. It's supposed to be sunny and in the mid 50's - low 60's, but also, this weekend is your last chance to catch the Roy Lichenstein exhibit at the National Gallery of Art.

Lichenstein is known for his "pop art" and comic-strip like art. He uses bold colors like blue, yellow and red with thick black lines.

We will be heading there Saturday!

"Drowning Girl" - I have this hanging up in my office

Lewis' Last Hoorah at Ravens Stadium

This Sunday will be Ray Lewis' last time to run out of the tunnel doing his signature Ravens "squirrel" dance - although it makes sense that he is ready to retire after 17 years playing for the Ravens, it will be heartbreaking nonetheless.

On top of it being a playoff game, my heart will be racing and myself, like others, will be full of different emotions on Sunday. I also wonder if this means it will be Ed Reed's last home game. It has not been announced, and I hope I am wrong but I could see him resigning at the end of the season (That will hopefully be in Feb!)

I have been fortunate enough to be invited to many games the past three seasons with Alex's family and for that, I am forever grateful. One of my favorite things about attending the Ravens games is rushing from tailgating to make sure we are on time to see if the defense will be running out of the tunnel - so that I can see Lewis' dance.

Me at the Ravens games the last 3 seasons

Ray Lewis. Pics courtesy of BaltimoreRavens.com

We will miss you Ray Ray!