Month: September 2010

Green Cake for Your Half Birthday

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Okay, it’s been a while since I last posted, but let me tell you… I’ve been a busy bee.

I haven’t really mentioned this before but aside from taking classes and writing my exit project, I also thought it would be a good idea to get a part time job.  Being the foodie that I am, I applied to work at a patisserie.

Sounds fancy, I know.  It is.  Sorta…

3 days a week, I’m surrounded by butter pastries.  It’s amazing.  Not only that but it’s fun all around, and I get to watch the chef make incredible goodies.

So basically, I’ve forgotten to take pictures of things but largely I haven’t had time to make anything aside from the most boring meals ever known to mankind (and in my world that basically means large salads with every vegetable and grain I can possibly add to it).

But today, at work, as the chef was making a chocolate cake with marzipan filling and green buttercream for a little boy’s birthday, I was reminded of something I made a few days ago.

A bright GREEN half birthday cake for my (Irish) former (but still near and dear) roommate, Christina (aka Boo).

The cake was a delicious Almond Raspberry Layer cake with green cream cheese frosting.

It tasted delicious.  It looked ridiculous.

But then again I think that’s a pretty good way to describe our friendship.  Amazing, but also pretty ridiculous.

Happy Half Birthday, boo.

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Obsessed with Protein Pancakes/Waffles

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I have a few obsessions these days.

1.  The dogs I dog-sat this weekend.

That’s Goat.  Dave was in the other room when this photo was taken.

2.  Mad Men

Ahhhh sorry if you haven’t seen last night’s episode.  But Don and Peggy?!? WTF?  I’m almost a little concerned to say that I’m slightly pleased/happy/giddy over this whole situation!  Anyone else?

3.  Protein Pancakes/Waffles

Basically I’ve had them everyday for the past four days.  I’m happy to say the recipe is now perfected.

Perfect Protein Pancakes for one or two

2 tbsp whole wheat flour
2 tbsp all purpose flour
1 scoop vanilla protein powder
1/2 tsp baking powder
pinch of salt
1 small banana, mashed
1/4 cup milk
1 egg white
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (or almond extract)

Combine all the dry ingredients in a bowl.  Add the mashed banana, milk and vanilla and stir together until just combined.  In a small bowl whip up the egg white until it’s frothy.  Add it to the rest of the batter.  Bake in a heated waffle iron or cook on a griddle/pan for tasty protein filled breakfast goodies.

I like to slather mine in greek yogurt mixed with raspberry jam.

Definitely worth it.  Not to mention they’ll keep you super full for hours, which is always appreciated.

Off to read!  Have a good night!

Mango Pico de Gallo

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Friends, it’s hot.

I can’t deal.

This weekend is supposed to be in the 60s but honestly, that cool weather can’t get here fast enough.  Consequently, there’s noooooo way I’m turning on an oven, heck even the stove is getting lonely!

So what do you do when you really want to make something but it’s too damn hot?

Make something that doesn’t require an oven or a lot of cooking time. I have a suggestion…

Mango Pico de Gallo

1 cup mango, diced
1 onion, diced
1 jalapeno, seeded and finely chopped
2-3 tomatoes, diced
juice of 2 limes
1-2 tbsp (or more) fresh chopped cilantro
salt to taste

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl.  Toss together and serve with chips, tortillas, fish, rice, beans, sauteed greens, salads, etc.

Super easy, right?

I also have another suggestion: BBQ Tofu with Mango Pico de Gallo

Press, slice and marinate some tofu in your BBQ sauce of choice.  Using a handy George Foreman grill (or a pan or a BBQ), grill the tofu. On a plate, place one slice of grilled BBQ tofu, top it with some sharp cheddar cheese, top that with another slice of grilled BBQ tofu, then layer on some of the Mango Pico de Gallo.

Aaaamazing!  Sweet, smokey, spicy, salty, citrusy all in one delicious little package!

Perfect for a hot summer day!  You should probably enjoy this outside with friends and a cold beer.

Any other way would probably just be blasphemous.

Go make it now!

Goya Stuffed Tomatoes

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So I’ve been pretty bad about blogging this week.  I think it’s the combination of the heat, the start of classes, new part time job and my strange desire to do absolutely nothing at the end of most days.

I wish I could say my time away from this blog has been super exciting but sadly it hasn’t been.  I’ve been sort of underwhelmed with most things, cooking and blogging included.  But today I’ve decided to be my usual chipper self again.

I’m done being underwhelmed.

So a few days ago, I finally made something new today with fun ingredients.  Last week, I got a shipment of Goya products from Foodbuzz’s Tastemaker’s program.  It was perfect  because I didn’t feel like making something super complicated, but I’m not one to compromise on taste.  Consequently…

Stuffed Tomatoes

1 package Goya Yellow Rice, cooked according to instructions*
1 tbsp Goya olive oil
1 onion, diced
1 bell pepper
1 garlic clove
1 can of Goya Black Beans, or about 1.5 cups cooked beans
1 cup greens, chopped
A few large tomatoes
1 oz shredded cheese (optional)

Cook the rice according to the package instructions.  Actually don’t do that!  The package said to simmer the rice for 25 mins but mine was done after about 12!  It definitely would have burned if I had left it on for 25 mins.  Once rice is cooked, set aside.

In a pot, heat olive oil.  Add onions and peppers and cook for a few minutes until onions are translucent.  Add garlic, beans and greens.  Continue to cook for a few minutes, until the greens have wilted. Mix in the cooked rice.  Then you have a delicious tomato filling or just a tasty, versatile side dish on its own!

Should you have a ton of tomatoes from your garden or CSA like I did and actually want  stuffed tomatoes not just a delicious rice dish, core the tomatoes by cutting off the top and removing the center with a spoon.  Preheat your oven to 375F. Fill tomatoes with rice filling.  Sprinkle with cheese and bake for about 20 minutes. Allow to cool and enjoy!

Pretty delicious.  I’m definitely a fan of this yellow rice! Thanks for letting me try it out Goya!  I’m also excited to try out the Adobo Seasoning.  (P.S. You can get some Goya coupons on their website!)

Well off to do some reading and hit the gym!  Have a happy day!