Vegetable Lentil Soup

It's just starting to cool off, and I'm already getting excited about making soups and chilli's.  I love making a big pot of soup on the weekend and being able to freeze it or take it for lunches.  It's easy, nutrient rich, can help prevent bloating, and has been noted for aiding in weight loss (depending on what you're throwing in).  This year I'm looking for more vegetarian soup ideas outside of the usual vegetable soup.  This one seemed like a great addition to my limited list of soup recipes and it will definitely be a repeat.  Lentils are low in fat and a good a source of protein and fiber. The carrots, celery and other vegetables bring some great nutrients to the table as well.  This soup is super flavorful. It definitely has a kick to it (back off on the cayenne if that doesn't sound like a good time to you) but the oregano, paprika, and lentils bring out a somewhat sweet taste. This recipe is a perfect fall meal.

Vegetable Lentil Soup
Makes 8 servings

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours

Ingredients:

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
1 cup chopped onion

2 cloves garlic

1 ½ cup chopped celery

1 ½ cup chopped carrots

1 cup dry green lentils
1 medium tomato, diced
1 ½ teaspoon oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin

½ teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
a couple dashes black pepper and salt
3 cups vegetable stock
3 cups water

Directions:

1. Sauté onion and garlic in olive oil over medium heat until tender. Stir often.
2. Add celery, carrots, tomato, lentils and spices and continue to cook 5 minutes.
3. Add vegetable stock and water and bring to a boil for a couple minutes.
4. Reduce heat to a simmer and cover.  Allow to simmer for 45 minutes until lentils are tender, stirring periodically. The soup will be done after 45 minutes (everything will be thoroughly cooked) but allowing it to simmer for a couple hours really brings out the flavors.

This could easily be frozen and saved for later. Hope you enjoy!

Buffalo Hot Wing Pretzels

I have now made these a few times in the past month, I love them that much.  This is not even remotely a healthy recipe, but I am already a sucker for hot wings and anything buffalo flavored.  A great bonus to this tasty little snack is that they pack that hot wing kick without the huge mess.  I made a batch of these for our beach trip from a recipe I originally found on Mom In Time Out.  They were good, but they turned out a little Worcestershirey for me. A little tweaking brought me to the recipe below, which has a little more of a buffalo kick without the aftertaste of Worcestershire. It is definitely my favorite.

Buffalo Hot Wing Pretzels

Super easy and a great game day snack

Makes: 1lb Pretzels

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Bake Time: 30-45 minutes

Ingredients:
½ cup Frank’s buffalo wing sauce

½ cup butter

1 tsp Worcestershire sauce

2 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp seasoned salt

16 oz bag of pretzels

Directions:

1. Preheat oven to 300F and line 2 large cookie sheets with parchment paper. 
2. Melt butter, wing sauce, and Worcestershire sauce over medium heat until combined. Stir often; this should take less than 5 minutes.
3. Add garlic powder and seasoned salt
4. Empty the entire bag of pretzels into an over sized bowl
5. Drizzle hot wing mixture over pretzels and gently toss until all pretzels are coated. 
6. Spread pretzels across parchment paper somewhat evenly and bake for 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes, until dry.

If you have extra time, let the pretzels sit for 10-15 minutes after coating. If really gives it an extra pop of flavor. Hope you enjoy!

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Burrito Bowls and Burrito Salad

I eat way too many burrito bowls.  Not only do these fix my weekly Chipotle cravings, they are quick go-to meals that I can easily pack up for lunch the next day.  I don’t really have too defined of a recipe I go by, but instead try to work with whatever produce I have in my kitchen.   This is definitely a fun flexible meal.

A friend and I happened upon Chipotle a few weeks ago and I decided to try the salad.  It was not only huge, but delicious.  It was like a burrito bowl on a bed of lettuce with this wonderful chipotle vinaigrette and I thought “I can do that.”  Well this week was the first I’ve made and while not the same as Chipotle’s, it was delicious (and I would like to think, a little healthier).  Instead of a recipe, I’m just going to list the components and let you handle the assembly.  I stick to a love of vegetables, but you can really however much you would like of each component.

1.       Cilantro Lime Rice
I know everyone has their own tricks for cooking rice but I generally cook mine in the oven.  It’s how my mom does it, and I have yet to burn it this way.  Combine ½ cup rice and 1 cup water in small casserole dish add a dash of salt, 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro (or a little more if using dried cilantro).  Cover dish with foil and cook for 30 minutes at 350F (45 if doubling) then turn off oven and let sit for at least 30 minutes.

2.       Black Beans
I used organic canned black beans, but if you read the labels, a lot of products are sticking to more natural preservatives like salt.  Heat up and maybe throw in a little garlic ( ½ clove at the most) and dash of cayenne pepper

3.       Sautéed onions and peppers.  If I have any on hand, I’ll usually sauté in extra virgin olive oil for just a few minutes, until slightly soft.

4.       Tomatoes, sweet corn, avocado, anything else that may sound good.  Once again, if it’s on hand.  Corn and avocado are so good to top off your bowl/salad. 

5.       Dressing, salsa, guacamole.  I haven’t been able to find a chipotle vinaigrette and haven’t yet experimented with making my own.  I did find Marie’s chipotle ranch in the refrigerated section and while it may not be as healthy as the vinaigrette, man is it good.

My burrito salad, shown above, included romain lettuce, cilantro lime rice, black beans, sweet corn, avocado, and Marie's chipotle ranch. Like I said, assembly and the little extras you can include are totally up to you.  I can’t imagine it not being great! 

Mentone, Alabama

I think my first time going to Mentone, Alabama was during undergrad for a weekend retreat.  Between working at Riverview Camp for Girls for a following summer and returning for semesterly retreats, I have grown to love Mentone.  It is this tiny, adorable town sitting on top of Lookout Mountain.

 When Seth told me one of his friends was getting married up there, I eagerly agreed to be his wedding date (not that I would have done it any other way, but still…Mentone).  Friday night we stayed at Cragsmere Manor.  It was spacious and then some.  The best part were the views.

While Seth was busy with pre-wedding festivities, I got to meet up with a long lost friend at Riverview.

 

The wedding and reception were held at Camp Desoto and were absolutely beautiful.  We didn’t have time to visit Desoto falls or the wildflower café (I highly recomend both), or any of the little art galleries, but the weekend was still absolutely wonderful. Mentone is a great place to unplug and get away; you should go!

Foliage photo disclaimer: I know the leaves are just starting to change, but it felt like fall and I just couldn't help myself. Does anyone else get way too excited about fall?

Pumpkin French Toast

I truly believe fresh is always better.  That being said, I would rather stump my toe on hot coals than try to puree a pumpkin again.  An old roommate and I had a go at making pumpkin pie from scratch several years ago. That pie remains on my top 10 list of the worst things I have ever eaten.  So, the following recipe is super easy and uses canned pumpkin.  French toast is one of my favorite breakfast foods and is so easy to make.  This made a small batch for two or three people (6-8 slices of toast)

Pumpkin French Toast

Makes 8 slices

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes

Ingredients:
  bread (I used white, but wheat works as well)
  ¼ cup pureed pumpkin

  ½ cup milk

  2 eggs

  ½ teaspoon cinnamon and nutmeg to taste
  ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
  Maple syrup

Directions:

1.  Grease a skillet with butter and bring to medium heat
   
2.  Whisk together your eggs, milk, pumpkin, cinnamon, and nutmeg
   
3.  Dip a slice of bread in the egg mixture, make sure the bread is covered and move to skillet
   
4.  Cook on medium heat until the egg is fully cooked, look for a light brown color before flipping (approximately 3-4 minutes on each side).

Notes:
   French toast can  be easily saved for later by freezing it between sheets of parchment paper and reheated by toaster or microwave. 

Santa Rosa Beach

For the second year in a row, we made the short drive down to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida to celebrate Brittany's birthday.  Located just a few minutes east of Destin, Santa Rosa is an adorable little beach town on 30A.  I think this is probably one of the prettiest spots on the gulf.  The water was so clear and felt amazing for late September.

The trip was very relaxing and much needed.  Living so far away from some of my favorite people just makes me appreciate the time I get to spend with them.  We rented bicycles (checking that off the list) and ate great food but spent the most time reading, relaxing and catching up.

No-knead Wheat Bread

Who knew it was so easy to bake your own bread?  I don't buy bread anymore because there is no way for me to eat a loaf before it goes bad.  Not that this recipe didn't make more bread than I could eat, but I feel like it is way more acceptable to share fresh baked bread with a neighbor than trying to get someone to go halvesies with you on a bag of sliced store-bought bread.  An additional benefit to making your own bread is the wonderful smell that will fill your home.

I found this recipe on the side of a bag of Gold Medal all purpose flour and thought, "I bet I can do that." You can find the original recipe here.  For the most part, I followed the original recipe.  The few changes I made included using mostly whole wheat flour and cutting back on the salt.  The bread is best within the first couple days (and amazing when eaten fresh out of the oven).  I will definitely be experimenting with added herbs and cheese in the coming weeks.

No-Knead Wheat Bread

Makes 4 small loaves

Ingredients: 
3 cups lukewarm water
5 cups whole wheat flour
1 1/2 cups unbleached all purpose flour
1 package active yeast
1 1/2 tablespoons coarse sea salt

I used a stand mixer and allowed the dough to set in the bowl with a towel over it. The dough rose for about 2 hours at room temperature.  I then transferred the dough to the refrigerator where it stayed for an hour.  This step wasn't completely necessary, but it did make it easier to handle.  You can tell from my picture, I got a little excited with the flour.  It is very necessary for handling, but too much will make it a little tough.

Hope you enjoy!

101 in 1001

Happy first day of Fall!  In a lovely surprise, I stepped out into a crisp chilly morning when I went to take B out.  I love autumn.  I’m not sure if it is getting away from summer’s ridiculous Alabama heat and humidity or pulling out sweaters and boots and everything pumpkin.  The arrival of Autumn is always welcome.  The turning of a new season, especially spring and fall, always feels like a fresh start.  So, to kick off this lovely season, I'm staring a new to-do list.  101 in 1001 is a list of things I would like to accomplish in the next 1001 days (which equals approximately 2.75 years).  The idea, which came from Mackenzie Horan at Design Darling, is a happy medium between a to do list and keeping a bucket list.  In addition to a lot of personal goals I have had for some time now, my list includes a lot of activities around Montgomery.  Despite growing up just outside the state capitol and actually moving to Montgomery a little less than a year ago, I really haven’t explored the city as much as I’d like to.  I  really think this list will encourage me not only to live a little better, but to be more intentional in the weekly plans I make.  I have until the start of summer 2017 to meet my goals and will happily donate $5 to a charitable organization for each I do not complete.  I’ll keep you updated and hope that you will join in with your own list!

Personal Goals:
1.	Donate $5 for every uncompleted task (charitable organization TBD)
2.	Take a pottery class
3.	Learn calligraphy
4.	Sew a dress by myself
5.	Evenly hem a pair of pants
6.	Finish my t-shirt quilt
7.	See a TED talk live
8.	Get a new camera
9.	Learn how to use said camera
10.	Join a book club
11.	Read 5 career books
12.	Read 3 biographies
13.	Pick back up with Spanish and get to a somewhat conversational point
14.	Get a massage
15.	Take a cooking class
16.	Learn how to dry herbs
17.	Learn how to can and make jam
18.	Bake a soufflé
19.	Make ravioli from scratch
20.	Bake doughnuts
21.	Make macaroons
22.	Make my bed every day for a month
23.	Clean out my living room and office
24.	Keep my desk/table clean for an entire month
25.	Research savings options
Professional:
26.	Learn how to code VBA
27.	Take someone I want to learn from out to lunch
28.	Interview an environmental scientist about their career
29.	Keep a separate work to do list, leave it at work
Wellbeing:
30.	Drink 8 glasses of water every day for 2 weeks
31.	Go a month without eating fast food
32.	Try a juice cleanse
33.	See the sun rise every morning for a week
34.	Run every day for a week
35.	Run a 5K with a family member
36.	Run my 6th half marathon
37.	Join a yoga studio
38.	Try hot yoga
39.	Yoga outside
40.	Be able to do a headstand
41.	Go rock climbing
42.	Try a new workout class
43.	Take a self defense class
44.	Gardening-figure out what I’m doing
45.	Join a CSA
46.	Stick to a vegan diet for a week
47.	Stick to a vegetarian diet for a month
48.	Go a week without caffeine
49.	Go 3 months without killing a cactus
50.	Go a week without swearing, may involve taking a different route to work
51.	Complete 50 hours of community service
52.	Join a local church
Travel:
53.	Plan a trip to Europe
54.	Visit a new city
55.	Visit a new state
56.	Visit a new country
57.	Rent bicycles at the beach
58.	Go camping
59.	Visit an aquarium
In Town:
60.	Visit the Montgomery Museum of Fine Art
61.	See a play at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival
62.	See a play at the Cloverdale Playhouse
63.	Go to Montgomery Ballet’s holiday show
64.	See a movie at the Capri Theater
65.	Explore the F. Scott and Zelda Fitzgerald Museum
66.	Visit the Museum of Alabama at the Alabama Department of Archives & History
67.	Visit the Moo-seum (take Gray)
68.	Take a dinner cruise on the Harriott II
69.	Go to the planetarium
70.	Eat at 10 new restaurants around Montgomery
71.	Visit the Nature Center at Lanark
72.	Spend a day at a spa
73.	Do yoga at Old Alabama Town
74.	Visit 2 local art galleries
75.	Visit the Montgomery Zoo
76.	Kayak 2 new places in the area
Friends and Family:
77.	Buy my mom or grandmother flowers just because
78.	Take my dad out to eat
79.	Do something special with each of my nieces and nephews
80.	Go a year without missing a single family birthday
81.	Watch a sunrise with Seth
82.	Plan and cook a brunch for friends
83.	Throw a dinner party
84.	Reconnect with friends from high school
85.	Reconnect with undergrad friends
86.	Find ways to be more involved with other alumnae
87.	Go on a hike with friends
88.	Have an arts and crafts day/night with friends
89.	Celebrate 3 little holidays I normally wouldn’t with friends
90.	Ring in a new year with friends
91.	Bake cookies for the mailman
92.	Bake cookies for my landlord
93.	Bake cookies for my fix-it guy
94.	Buy a stranger coffee
95.	Leave a 100% tip for good service
Blogging:
96.	Learn and use html design elements on my blog
97.	Join a blogging network
98.	Meet other bloggers
99.	Start a blog series
100.	Add pin it feature to images
101.	Figure out my blogging routine