chopped broccoli salad

My mom instilled in me when I was a kid to always eat my veggies. Of course there were a few disagreements on which ones were tastier than others (brussels sprouts have never been on my good side) However, for the most part I enjoy tasty veggies. One of my all-time favorites is broccoli. I remember being told as a kid that they were mini trees, so naturally I ate as many as I could in one sitting. With Spring in fully swing and summer not far around the corner, I have been trying to eat up as many veggies as I can to get in shape. The one thing I cannot get enough of lately is this chopped broccoli salad. I first discovered this at a local gourmet grocer and decided to whip up a batch at home. I've basically been making a big batch every week! It's THAT good!

chopped broccoli salad

ingredients:

1 bag of broccoli florets

1/2 cup of sunflower seeds (or as many as you'd like, they add a nice crunch)

3/4 cup dried cranberries

1/2 cup mayo

2 tbsp red wine vinegar

1/4 cup sugar

salt & pepper

** other variations include red onions and bacon. add what you like! 

In a medium bowl, mix chopped broccoli, sunflower seeds and cranberries. In separate small bowl mix, mayo, red wine vinegar, sugar and salt and pepper. (I added less mayo and sugar to the dressing to cut down on extra fat) Add dressing to salad and chill. Enjoy! 

french toast in a cup

I think it's safe to say that anytime you are constantly busy and have a million things to do, a sickness gets you. I've been hit with the weirdest sore throat ever, so basically I've been laying low and browsing the web to keep myself from going insanely bored. On a pinning spree the other night, I came across this brilliant idea and thought it sounded more than magnificent for my ailing throat. 2 minute french toast, BAM! 

Basically all you need is 2 pieces of bread, or enough  to fill your cup of choice, cube the bread, but a pad of butter at the bottom of the cup, fill with bread. In a separate bowl, mix one egg, 3 tablespoons milk and cinnamon, mix well and add over bread mixture. Let it sit there and soak into the bread for a minute. Next, into the microwave for a minute and add increments of 10 seconds after that until it's cooked to your liking. Add syrup and you have quickie french toast! 

guilt-free pizza

This weekend we are making our annual trip up to our favorite city, San Francisco. It's kind of become a tradition between the man  friend and I that we make a trip up there every year to enjoy all that the city offers. We love to try new restaurants, relax with a drink, explore new shops, and wander the city finding new areas we've never found. There is honestly so much to do in that city that I can hardly wait for the weekend. That being said, one of the main things we do is eat and drink, therefore my goal this week is to eat a little bit healthier so I have some room to indulge in whatever I'd like on vacation. After all, isn't that what vacation's about? A few weeks ago I came across this idea for a new way to make pizza from Lauren Conrad actually and I can't wait to try it this week. A cauliflower crust pizza that's low in carbs but still as tasty as real dough. You know you want to try it too!

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sweet summer peaches

Lately, I can't seem to get enough of everything peach. From drinks to sweets, it's been my go to flavor for these last weeks of summer. Over the weekend, I picked up a nice sweet bunch of the fuzzy fruit and can't wait to get a little creative with them. I'm thinking on a salad or on a pizza, and of course a sweet version, this one in particular!!  

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quinoa summer salad

As you know summer is in full swing and so are squeezing in workouts as often as I can, mostly because 1. it's bikini season and 2. I found the best fitness studio a few blocks from my house. Healthy eating and healthy living go hand in hand, so as my workouts have gotten more intense, I've been trying to experiment more with new and different foods to compliment. My favorite so far is quinoa, an ancient grain discovered by the Incas that is normally incorporated in South American cuisine. Quinoa is very similar to rice or cous cous and is fairly high in protein for a grain. It is good served either hot or cold, as a salad or a side dish. Ultimately, it's the best of both worlds, carbs and protein!

The best part is, I found this wonderful video that shows you how to cook it and was completely convinced to try it. Take a peek... you'll want to try it too!

This is my favorite way to prepare quinoa: For a tastier quinoa instead of using water, use chicken broth, it brings out more flavor. Served cold with chopped tomatoes and cucumber or zucchini and lightly drizzle with olive oil. Definitely my kind of summer salad.

(video from mynewroots, image source)

two pizza pies

The boyfriend and I started the week off right with homemade pizza and a movie night. (we watched the king's speech, a must see if you haven't already) With a prior 'not so successful' attempt under my belt, this round of pizza making was supreme. Although these pizzas were meatless, it did not lack flavor in any bite.

his pizza - plain dough, tomato sauce, chopped onions, mozzarella, spinach, marinated artichoke hearts, tomatoes

my pizza - herb dough, pesto, sliced garlic, mozzarella, chopped tomatoes

I can't say I had a favorite because they were both so different and so tasty. I'd gladly make them again for any quick pizza craving.

Now that's amore!

On a super side note: we got a little face lift up top today. I've been trying to figure out for awhile now a simple design that I felt fit. Sorry it took me so long, but this one is here to stay!

the perfect veggie sammie

I had my first veggie sandwich experience at an amazing cuban restaurant in san francisco, so it's hard to compare others to it because my first was such a good one. In my attempt to widen my ever curious foodie knowledge, I came across this recipe and it is the perfect combination of ingredients: roasted red peppers + goat cheese + zucchini + spinach. This would definitely make anyone a fan of veggie sammies.

proof: my meat eating, potato loving, cheesy boyfriend actually ate and loved this veggie sandwich. a full blown success, if you ask me!

oh la la marsala

Over this last weekend, I made the best chicken marsala of my life and I wanted to share the special ingredients that made it over the top delicious!

Drum roll please......mascarpone cheese and dijon mustard! I would never have thought the combo of those two ingredients would add such flavor to this dish but it did. The aroma fully enveloped my house and I was in food heaven all night. If you want to give it a try, check out this recipe.