Fresh finds

 There's something magical about fresh foods; something extra tasty about home and locally grown goods. One of my absolute favorite parts of Oregon summers are the amazing farmer's markets, berry/fruit farms near by, and the humble pots of tomato & basil plants behind our white & rugged picket fence. This week's market find was a gluten free lemon pepper fusilli dried pasta. The two women selling certainly won me over with their sweet southern accents. We paired the flavored pasta with a simple blend of our home grown tomatoes and basil along with what seems to be our favorite ingredient of turkey bacon & voila! A delicious, fresh meal! 

We are looking forward to trying a new flavored pasta next week. 

(After frying the bacon, we used the same pan with extra virgin olive oil & garlic sauteed with the tomatoes)... try it!

 Clam shell pasta bowl c/o Beyond Jordan Studio.

You can find this pasta & more at Pappardelle's Pasta.

Trying something new

This month, we are trying something new for meal planning. Actually, I've really never done meal planning. This is a first! 12 days in, and we're doing pretty well at sticking to it. In order to eat out less, eat healthier (trying GF for the past 2 months- I feel so much better), and waste less money on un-eaten foods, we're giving it a go. 

The first step was printing off a calender and entering both of our schedules. It took me a while to realistically plan the placement of meals throughout the week due to the fact that our schedule is different each day. I also hoped that by creating a schedule and keeping it up on the fridge, Andrew could look ahead and see that a certain night was left-over night and help himself (I call him my little garbage disposal, he'll eat just about anything).  Not only are we trying new things, but it also makes grocery shopping a lot easier and more efficient!

This was a favorite meal from last week. And, gluten free!

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Brown Rice Pene Pasta

Pesto

Cottage cheese

Tomatoes

Roasted brussels sprouts 

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Dishes by Beyond Jordan Studio

http://beyondjordan.com/

 -Cook pasta per package instructions

-Roast halved brussels sprouts at 425 degrees for 18-20 minutes (seasoned with olive oil + garlic salt)

-Combine pasta, roasted brussels, sliced tomatoes, pesto, & cottage cheese

-Enjoy! 

((Add turkey bacon for some extra protein))

Wildlife Refuge & Roasted Sweet Potato-Veggie Couscous

 I found a new little piece of tranquil paradise- Oaks Bottom Wildlife Refuge. I pulled up a map of the Portland area and looked for parks I had not yet been to. Then I see this ginormous wildlife refuge with bike paths & walking paths galore. Amazing! I drove over to check it out and was seriously in heaven. It helped to have warm, sunny weather. The air felt fresher, the birds chirped all around. I ran into a group of 4 deer within 5 minutes of walking. A woodpecker was knocking away, and a snake slithered across the path 2 feet ahead of me. I felt one with nature and can't wait to take Andrew back with me next time. I'm wondering how I never knew about this place...

On another note, I'd like to share one of our favorite meals with you:

Roasted Sweet Potato-veggie CousCous

 We probably eat roasted sweet potatoes and veggies 3 times/week. Sometimes just plain. But, throwing some cous cous in there adds a nice texture and taste.

I meant to add turkey bacon in the mix but was out- but I recommend throwing some turkey bacon or regular bacon in to make your man extra happy! 

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Roasted Sweet Potato-Veggie Couscous

2 sweet potatoes

2 heads broccoli

Other vegetables (Brussels Sprouts and/or Kale)

1 cup couscous

Olive Oil

Garlic Salt

Herbs Provence/Sage or both

Preheat oven to 425. Cut sweet potatoes into small cubes or triangles & spread onto baking pan. Drizzle olive oil over potatoes and stir/spread oil to get a little coverage on each piece.

Season with garlic salt, Herbs provence, sage, or another herb of your choosing. Place in preheated oven.

Do the same to the Brocoli in a separate baking pan but use much less olive oil. Just a little drizzle will do & no need to spread around (we normally throw Brussels sprouts in with the broccoli). Place in preheated oven with sweet potatoes.

Cook Couscous as directed on bag/box. 

Roast for 20-25 minutes or until brownish. We cook the sweet potatoes and broccoli in separate pans because the broccoli tends to cook faster. Keep checking on the broc until slightly brownish. 

Throw some turkey bacon in there and enjoy a healthy, delicious meal!

**To make it gluten free, use quinoa or rice**

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Oreo Chewy Bars

You must try these. No ifs ands or buts about it. They literally take 5 minutes to make and are oh so enjoyable to eat. AND, only 3 ingredients! I didn't say they were healthy by any means... but sure delicious! I made a pan before work this week and took it in for my co-workers to help make a dent into. I'm pleased to say that they were a hit! In fact, after night 2, I was only left with these measly pieces to photograph.

1 package Oreos

4-5 cups Marshmallows (I used the mini ones)

4 Tbsp Butter

You can even purchase gluten free oreos to make this a GF dessert. I've been a sucker for oreos lately. Might be one of my greatest weaknesses at the moment. 

Check out this site if you are a recipe follower. If not, just wing it with the following guidelines:

• Grind/chop/crush the oreos (I used my mini food processor) & set aside
• Melt butter in microwave and immediately stir in marshmallows to melt. You may need to microwave the marshmallow/butter mix further
• In a large bowl, mix the crushed oreos and butter/marshmallow mixture.
• Pour and press into a pan and allow to sit for 10 minutes.
• Cut up and devour

In other news... I enjoyed this sweet little fella' today- baby diarrhea and all. Look how good he's sitting up now!

Second love

Okay, I admit it... I've found a second love.

My crock pot. 

It sure ain't fancy or new or pretty, but I love it. I love getting home from a busy night's work, throwing ingredients into my crock pot, and waking up to the mouth watering aroma of deliciousness. Even better is the effortless dinner to enjoy. Mmmmh, so good. 

These 3 easy recipes are on the crock-pot to do list this week. 

This site has 300+ crock pot recipes. Knock yourself out. Photos from the links below.

Slow cooker spicy chicken lettuce wraps

Crock pot black bean soup

Apple Butter

Fall Fest Weekend | Part 1

 To kick off Fall Fest weekend, we headed out to the boonies for some apple picking (Bell's Orchard). You'd think that this would be a popular fall weekend attraction; but thanks to the heavy rain, we had the place all to ourselves. Quite literally. It was perfect. Thanks to the rain, I also got very few photos.

Muddy boots, Costco Pizza, & 40 pounds of apples later, we had ourselves an apple pie making party. 

Andrew, Brandon, Sam- Med School buddies 

'Twas a great start to the weekend! 

Saturday called for football, food, and lounging. What else could our tired med student hubbies ask for? Catherine and I worked away in the kitchen and the boys enjoyed being couch potatoes.

Catherine had the house perfectly decorated for a fall football day. She even made some delicious sweet tea in perfect southern style. Yum. Can't get enough sweet tea.

The following treats were made and devoured (click on link for recipe):  

Bloomin' Onion Cheese Bread

Bacon-Wrapped Water chesnuts

BBQ Chicken potato skins 

Chesse-Chile Queso 

This was just half of the full fall fest weekend. More to come!

fresh yumminess

We made this appetizer together on my birthday and it was oh so good! Andrew said it well- "this is the perfect bite of fresh yumminess." We enjoyed coming home from the store with fresh, organic ingredients & cooking away. So easy & so tasty. We even had the leftovers for breakfast the next morning! See the recipe below...

My Photos- but, Recipe from...  

Guacamole Bruschetta

Yield: about 20 bruschetta

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 5-7 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Guacamole Bruschetta is a simple appetizer that is sure to be a hit at any party!

Ingredients:

1 French baguette, sliced about 1/2 inch thick (about 20 slices)
3 medium ripe avocados
1/2 large onion, minced
1 clove garlic, minced
1 medium jalapeño, stems and seeds removed, minced
1/4 cup cilantro leaves, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
3/4 teaspoon coarse salt
A dash of freshly grated black pepper
2 Roma tomatoes, chopped

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degree F. Place the baguette slices on a large baking sheet. Place in the oven and bake for 5-7 minutes, or until baguette slices are slightly golden and toasted. Remove from oven and let cool to room temperature.
2. To make the guacamole-cut avocados in half. Remove seed. Cut the avocado into chunks. Remove peel. Place avocado into a medium bowl. Add the onion, garlic, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. Gently stir, until combined, try not to mash the avocado chunks. Add the chopped tomato and gently stir.
3. Place a spoonful of guacamole onto the baguette slices. Serve.

 Try it!

Help me Rhonda, Help, Help me Rhonda

 

 

It was so nice to have my Aunt Rhonda here from Houston for a few days last week. I used this opportunity to take her to some of my favorite Portland spots. Though we both decided that more time was necessary to hit up everything, I think she got a good taste of this great city. There was a lot of eating, walking, and sightseeing. She even assisted me with a mini newborn photo shoot. I sure had a blast!

Here are 10 "Portland" things that we did while she was here (photos don't correspond with #'s):

1. Antique shopping and walking in Sellwood (Milwaukee st) 

2. Farmer's Market (Pioneer Square)

3. Strolls along SW Waterfront

4. Mississippi Street Fair (NE Portland)

4. Little Big Burger (Mississippi St)

5. Cha Cha Cha (mexican food NE Portland)

6. Aerial tram ride up to "the hill" (OHSU)

7. Pine State Biscuits  *Rhonda rated this her #1 fav*

8. Walking/Shopping along Alberta St. (NE Portland)

9. The Waffle Window II (Alberta St- NE Portland.) **Rhonda rated #2 fav**

10. Pedicure & walking/shopping along NW 23rd St (NW Portland)

 Just for your listening pleasure, I've included this lovely song... I was surprised that just 1 person started singing it when meeting us.