RED RED WINE (REDUCTION) YOU MAKE ME FEEL SO FINE

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY VEY!

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Healthy Steak-frites in a red wine reduction.

Extra lean beef, a butter-free reduction, and only 60 calories of frites!

Who knew?

Extra lean cuts of beef include: Eye of round roast, Top round steak, Mock tender steak, Bottom round roast, and Top sirloin steak.

I used a top Sirlion filet in this dish.

Also, as a side note, if you purchase grass-fed beef, it is lower in saturated fat and cholesterol and higher in heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids.

And also in this dish, BRAND SPANKING NEW Baked Kettle Chips in Salt and Pepper. 120 calories per serving. And guess what? My recipe only calls for HALF a serving!

Seriously, you don't feel like you are missing a thing.

**

• 2-3 Filet Mignons
• Salt and Pepper
• 1/4 cup of Red wine per person for reduction
• Olive oil
• Baked Kettle Chips in Salt and Pepper flavor (these are Kosher, by the way)

Alright, first things first--

You never want to use a wine in cooking that you wouldn't want to drink at your table. So, bite the bullet and get a nice bottle to have with your meal, and reserve for the reduction.

Salt and pepper the filets to create a crust. Olive oil your pan on a medium heat, getting the temperature up before you add your meat. You can tell that the temperature is up when your olive oil gets thin. Once the meat is on the grill, turn to medium heat.

Get a nice brown crust on your steaks ( approx 3 minutes per side) before moving them to the oven (pre-heated at 400). I prefer a medium-well cook (4 minutes), but if you want more rare, you may not need the oven at all.

You will be slicing your meat, so if you cheat and cut into it to check on how much it has cooked, it's really no big deal. You can even slice the meat before you toss it in the oven! If you are using the oven to keep cooking the meat, line an oven tray with tin foil and spray lightly with olive oil. If you do choose to slice pre-oven, keep a watchful eye on your steaks.

Back in the pan, there should be bits of meat, some yummy juices, and remnants of salt and pepper -- these are all fabulous and will make your reduction that much better.

Bring the heat back up in your pan once you add the wine. Bring it to a boil, then simmer about 4 minutes on medium heat.

Now, it's plating time! Enjoy and don't forget to enjoy the wine, both in the reduction and on your table!

How to plate: On a gorgeous crisp white plate, lay your slices of beef on one side of the plate, and the chips on the other. Pour the red wine reduction over the steak. OR Stack your steak over a small mountain of the chips and then pour the reduction over both.

DON'T GO CHOCOLATE BARKING UP THE WRONG TREE

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY / OY VEY!

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Choooooocoooooooolate. Yes, chocolateeeee.

Mmmm. Oh yeah.

On a side note, I do believe those Dove commercials with the brown silk sheets fluttering as the women eat chocolate while moaning wildly is a bit too much.

The following recipe is all about personalizing your dessert. If serving during a dinner party, this looks like you spent the whole day on it.

The reality is, that it take about 10 minutes and an hour to set in the freezer.

And to top it off, dark chocolate is good for your heart and fitting into your jeans tomorrow morning.

**

• 3 Chocolate bars (I prefer dark -- over 60 percent)
• Nuts and Berries (I've used almonds, pistachios, and dried cranberries. Try cashews.)
• Dash of Canola oil.

Break up all the chocolate into squares. You can melt the chocolate two ways. Oy: in a pyrex bowl in the microwave. Oy Vey: in a pyrex bowl over a pot of boiling water (through contact heat).

Once the chocolate is melted, coat a pyrex dish or baking tray with either wax paper or saran wrap. Spray very very very lightly with Canola oil (Pam).

Pour the slightly cooled chocolate onto the tray. Sprinkle your selected nuts and berries or dried fruit onto the chocolate.

Throw into the freezer for about an hour.

How to Plate: Break the chocolate bar into large pieces and stack organically.

OBSESSION

No, not the Calvin Klein fragrance. Or the Animotion song.

My new obsession is my VITAMIX Pro-blender.

It literally has changed my eating habits and expanded my recipe ideas. With it, the possibilities are endless-- ice cream (not the best for you, but better than Breyers) and soup naturally heated by the friction of the blades.

I will be sharing my recipes for my rich and creamy Black Bean Soup and a seriously delicious Chocolate Shake with you this week!

A special shout-out goes to my future mother-in-law who bought it for us from our registry!

DAILY HEEL WATCH

STELLA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! (courtesy of Barneys)

A CURE FOR THE SECRET STASH (AKA Getting Your Cheese Fix)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

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It's okay. We all have it. Somewhere deep within our pantry, we have a Secret Stash.

No, I'm not talking about your man's porno collection. (Which is also something you need to come to terms with, by the way.)

Whether it's your favorite salty snack, (Mine: white cheddar popcorn)

Something for your sweet tooth, (Mine: fat free brownie mix)

Or a deep-rooted childhood craving (Mine: macaroni and cheese)

And as of right now, my Secret Stash has gone, well… public.

Your craving needs to come out of the pantry.

Because once we know how to make that not-so-healthy secret food a little bit healthier, there is no need to hide it. Below is a healthier dish that magically curbs my craving for Macaroni and Cheese.

As for his porn collection, please, by all means, keep it hidden away behind closed doors.

**

* 1.5 cups Broccoli

* Handful of Shredded Mozzarella

* 3 triangles of Laughing Cow

* 2 oz. Gouda

* Dash of Milk

* Dash of Garlic Powder (optional)

Preheat the oven at 375.

On the stovetop, at medium heat, melt the cheeses and mix thoroughly with the milk to create a cheesy sauce. Add a dash of garlic powder if you'd like.

In a Pyrex dish, do a once over with some non-stick spray, and add the broccoli to the glass tray.

Once the cheese sauce is completed, pour over the broccoli and bake for 20 minutes.

Voila! The softened broccoli and cheese really fills my craving!

DAILY HEEL WATCH

Christian Louboutin's Candy Heels (in Black)

My fiancé was kinda sorta obsessed with these when we went to Barneys last weekend.

(Hint hint: You can buy them for me, honey!)

SKINNY SOUP

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

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Since I'm getting married in two months from yesterday (!), we have been trying our very best to eat healthy, low carb, and balanced meals.

I've been enjoying cottage cheese and pomegranate seeds for breakfast (delish) and making the below soup for some dinners, especially on cold, rainy nights.

Since we eat this as our main course, and our only source of protein, I add a lot of egg whites. It's really up to you how much you want in there.

**

• Chicken Broth (I prefer Better Than Bouillon)
• 2 large handfuls of Arugula
• Handful or Carrots (chopped)
• 1/2 Teaspoon of Minced Garlic
• Sriracha Hot Chili Sauce (to taste… depends how spicy you want to go)
• Egg whites

In a large pot on medium-high heat, make 6 cups of broth. Add your minced garlic and chili sauce.

Let it heat up. Add the arugula and carrots. Mix until it starts boiling.

As the soup boils, shake your carton of egg whites (or stir if extracted directly from eggs into a bowl) and slowly pour into the soup.

Turn the heat to medium and wait for the egg to fully cook.

The great thing is that the eggs cook in the delicious spicy broth, making the usually bland egg whites rather tasty.

How to Plate: Spoon into big bowls and enjoy!

DAILY HEEL WATCH

Who can resist these snakeskin stunners from Fendi? Not I! (get them here at Barneys)

FALL INTO (LOVE) FALL SALAD

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

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Falling into Fall is a little like falling in love. It's love at first sight--the change in temperature, the changing of the leaves…

Or is it love at first taste?

The first signs of Fall have finally arrived in Los Angeles, and there is nothing better than a warm salad to get you cozy as the air cools.

Side Note: I buy pre-cubed Butternut squash. If I wasn't wearing heels, I would maybe do it myself, but the question remains: When am I NOT wearing heels?

**

• Arugula
• Goats cheese
• Butternut squash (cubed)
• Salt and Pepper
• Olive oil and Red Wine Vinegar
• Raspberry Vinaigrette

Toss the cubed squash with a dash of olive oil and salt and pepper. Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes at 390. I like it a little burnt, so keep an eye on it.

In a large salad bowl, add crumbled goat cheese to a bed of arugula. Use a hearty amount. The smooth goat cheese will balance out the slightly bitter / peppery arugula.

In a small bowl, mix one part raspberry vinaigrette with one part red wine vinegar and two parts olive oil. Throw a little salt and pepper into the mix. Shake and pour over the salad.

When the baked butternut squash is done, throw it on top of the arugula and toss.

DAILY HEEL WATCH - SUEDE ACCENT BOOTIE SEASON

On Top: YSL's Easy Bootie $895.00 (find them here at Barneys.com)

and

Below: Baker's Grey and Black Elizabeth Bootie $100.00 (find them here at Bakers)

NO COOK SESAME SNAP PEAS

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: (LESS THAN) OY!

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No smoking.
No walking on the grass.
No carbs after 4pm.

But... No cook? How could this be?

Here, on a sexy little cooking website, how could a dish be "No cook?"

Believe it, those two little gorgeous words sum up this fabulous and tasty side dish.

Whether you are coming home late from work, are in need of a healthy quick snack, or are a just plain lazy Jane, you must give this recipe a try!

Talk about making food so easy, you can even cook in your heels...

**

• Sugar snap peas (2 cups)
• Sesame seeds
• Salt
  
• Sesame oil (you can add a dash of extra extra virgin olive oil)

Wash your snap peas and dry thoroughly. In a large bowl, lightly coat the peas with sesame oil (and/or olive oil-- whatever you have on hand), then toss with salt to taste and a good amount of sesame seeds.

Easiest ever.

How to Plate: A cute little ramekin is appropriate for this side dish / snack!

Hello, Gorgeous!

Drama, Drama, Drama!

Check out these OUT OF THIS WORLD Alexander McQueen stunners from Paris Fashion Week!

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK

Inspired by a rainy day, it was PALE PALE PALE all over the Cynthia Rowley show. Her use of beige and gray drove home the new colors of the next few seasons.

Get the look with Kate Spade's Ivory Bow Pumps (very similar to what was worn on the runway!)

(courtesy of Fashion Week Daily and Zappos)

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK

Get PREEN's Japanese bondage inspired look, which dominated their runway at New York Fashion week,
with these D&G Dolce and Gabbana's off-set Caged Heels.

(photo courtesy of Zappos)

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES (A SALAD)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

This following recipe is in honor of one of my dearest friends, Maggie, on her 30th birthday.

I assisted her in making this fresh and delicious salad inspired by Lemonade, and I am happy to share this with you!

**

• a handful of fresh strawberries (sliced in halves)
• a handful of crumbled Gorgonzola
• mixed greens and/or fresh spinach
  
• a handful of walnuts (candied or not, as long as they are unsalted)
• raspberry vinaigrette and balsamic vinaigrette and olive oil
  

In a small bowl, mix equal parts vinaigrette to olive oil. Mix thoroughly with a fork or whisk.

In a large salad bowl, mix all the ingredients.

Coat with the dressing and serve cold.

How EASY was that?! Enjoy!

QUICK TIP: Grilled chicken tastes fabulous on top of this salad.

DAILY HEEL WATCH - LABOR DAY SPECIAL!

VIVIENNE WESTWOOD is taking "Jellies" to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL...

(photo courtesy of Zappos.com)

GUILT FREE TACO TUESDAY

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY VEY!

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It's Tuesday. That can only mean ONE THING.

Taco night!

The below dish is easy on the eyes, easy in the heels, and easy on the waistline.

**

• 2 grilled chicken breasts OR store bought rotisserie chicken.
• 1 jar of salsa you love (I prefer roasted garlic salsa)
• a handful of chopped lettuce
• a package of pre-made fresh guacamole (or make it yourself if you have the time: 2 avocados, cilantro, a squeeze of lime, a dash of olive oil)
• a sprinkle of Oaxaca cheese (or use Parmesan like I did)
• a can of black beans
• a handful of frozen corn
• blue corn soft flour tortillas

In the oven, warm your tacos on a tray at low heat.

Cook your chicken-- or, if store bought, just fork your chicken, shredding it. In a topped pan on medium low heat, add your chicken and the whole jar of salsa. Let it sit and stew anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. Mix if you'd like.

Drain your can of black beans into a bowl and add the frozen corn. Heat it in the microwave until hot. I like to add a dash of salt and cayenne pepper to this mix for a little punch!

Remove your tortillas from the oven, and top as such: lettuce, bean and corn mix, stewed chicken, guacamole, sprinkle of cheese.

For Parve: Cook your kosher chicken, and leave out the cheese!

How to Plate: Open-faced on a crisp white square (as above) This can be served in a set of 3 as a dinner, or single servings as an appetizer!

DAILY HEEL WATCH

Kate is BACK in BLACK (and hot pink!)

CLICK ON LINK FOR THE SHOE

"I'M BAAAACK" POM CHICKEN CASHEW SALAD

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY / OY VEY!

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My computer died on me, my parents were in town, and I took a little "mini vacay"... and I am truly sorry that I haven't done a post in the past week and a half.

I hate not being able to share my recipes that are "so easy, you can even cook in your heels."

Now that my new computer has been ordered and my lovely fiance has allowed me to use his fancy computer, I am back in business!

You know what ELSE is back? Pomegranate seeds are back in season!

I'm here to celebrate with a light and delicious Summer salad perfect for lunch or dinner.

**

• handful of fresh Pomegranate seeds (in salad section)
• one romaine heart (per person)
• one chicken breast (per person)
• handful of Cashews
• 3 slices of a Mandarin orange or similar sweet orange

• store bought Balsamic vinaigrette
  
• store bought Raspberry vinaigrette
• 2 tablespoons of Cranberry juice
• 2 tablespoons of olive oil
  

Salt your chicken and spray a tin foil lined tray to cook the breast for about 15-20 minutes at 375.

In a salad bowl, add your rinsed and chopped lettuce, cashews, pomegranate seeds, and mandarin orange slices.

In a small bowl, mix equal parts of the two vinaigrettes, olive oil and cranberry juice with a fork.

Once the chicken is ready, chop and place of the bed of salad, and tossing with the "homemade" dressing.

DAILY HEEL WATCH

Believe it or not, I am HEELED out!

I know, ME of all people!

How on Earth did this happen?

Well... I have been wedding shoe shopping for the past two weeks and have been everywhere from Saks, Neimans, Barneys, YSL, Fendi, Dior and Prada. My feet have been in some GORGEOUS shoes, but none have been "perfect."

However, Jimmy Choo so far has been the closest thing. Their evening shoes are comfortable, simple and elegant, and most importantly, they are high enough without me thinking I am going to break my neck on my wedding day.

What do you think?

HIGH PROTEIN SCRAMBLE FOR B-L-D

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

I'm getting "wedding dress ready."

It's just about 4.5 months until the big day and I need to start stepping up my game. Big time.

Here is a new favorite of ours that is amazingly delicious, affordable and easy to make for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Who could ask for more?

**

• 1/2 pound of pre-cooked chicken cutlets, chopped
• Packet of instant brown rice (use only 1/3 cup cooked)
  
• 1/3 cup of pre-made, fresh Pico de Gallo
• 1/2 cup of egg whites
• salt and pepper to taste

In a pan, cook your egg whites with a dash of salt and pepper. Make your brown rice as the box instructs. Warm up your cooked chicken.

How to Plate: On a large crisp plate, display all of the elements separately, to be mixed upon consumption.

DAILY HEEL WATCH

Prada's New Cut-Out Slingbacks

YUMM-O!

(courtesy of Barneys)

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK

Galliano's Christian Dior runway was SUPER sexy black with blasts of neon colors.

Get the look with these Kate Spade pumps paired with a LBD.

FILO-CRUSTED SALMON STUNNER

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY VEY!

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While sitting Shivah for my grandma, my father's friend who knew I was “in Hollywood,” approached me for chit chat. The small talk turned into a feature film pitch.

Talk about being inappropriate.

But in the chaos of many of life's ups and downs, there is always something appropriate-- a good hearty meal. And this may be just the ticket (another family specialty).

This dish is perfect for a dinner party!

**

• Salmon filet (boneless)
• Filo dough (in frozen food aisle)
• Fresh dill
• Bottle of Cardini’s Original (it’s Kosher!)
• Sour cream (low fat)

Defrost Filo and unwrap 4 pieces. Rinse and dry the salmon. Break up little pieces of dill and spread around on fish. Wrap with the 4 layers of Filo. If using a long piece of salmon, overlap lengthwise, multiple batches of the 4 layers over the whole piece of fish. Lay salmon on a PAM-sprayed baking tray, spray a little Pam on top of filo, and bake on 350 for about 20-25 minutes, until browning on top.

In a microwaveable bowl, use: 1 part dressing, 1 part sour cream, and a handful of dill. Microwave until hot.

How to Plate: Cut the salmon into pieces and spoon sauce on top. Enjoy!

Treif: You can bake chicken wrapped in filo dough too! Follow the recipe and enjoy.

**This dish is great hot or cold**

I'M BACK!

This past week has been rough, to say the least.

Rougher than most.

You know what you do when life (heartless people) gets you down?

Cook.

Well... Cook, stuff your face, buy some shoes, and cook. All you can do is get back up and face the heat in the kitchen.

That's what I did, so I will have some wonderful NEW recipes and fabulous heels to share this week!

FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK

BLACK LACE was all over the Chanel and Valentino runways during Paris Couture Fashion Week…

Bring it into your work day look with these gorgeous pumps!

HIP TIP: KOOL AID

Kool Aid kinda reminds me of summer camp.
Summer camp and boys.

I never understood how the pitcher-man was able to drink himself. It's a little weird.

What ISN"T weird is that those flavor crystals provide long-lasting all day lip color! Yes, lip color!

As an adult, that big ole glass pitcher-man has a whole new meaning.

Just dab a dash of water into a small puddle of the Kool Aid crystal flavor of your choice. Rub on lips. Let it sit for a moment and then wash off!

It's a lip stain that will last the whole day long.

PICK 'EM UP COBB TACOS

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY VEY!

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Are you woman enough to head over to that hot guy across the bar and pick HIM up?

There are only three rules if you are going to give it a try. The biggest rule about "the pick up" at the bar is eye contact. If you don't have that, please, don't go over. Locking eyes is a sure fire way to see if there is any interest at all. And he isn't checking out your legs if he's staring at your shoes too long, so step away… unless you want a great wingman.

The second rule: know when it's time to go. If he isn't interested and flirting back, get out pronto!

The third rule: be yourself. There is no way you will ever find Prince Charming who loves you for you if you never show who "you" is.

While I like the ballsy idea of women picking up men, my favorite thing about FOOD is... the Pick Up. Hand-held, delicious appetizer-style food.

Cobb salads are my favorite. Who can resist the flavor of avocado, blue cheese, grilled chicken and bacon?

The following dish is a hand-held "pick up" appetizer version of this staple salad.

**

• Blue cheese
• Chopped tomatoes
• Grilled Chicken (tenders) OR Deli turkey
• Romaine hearts
• Avocado
• Dressing of your choice
• Turkey bacon

Prep your dish: Grill and season some chicken. You can replace the chicken with some deli sliced turkey, cut length-wise. Chop your tomato and slice your avocado into slivers. In a pan on medium heat, cook your turkey bacon to a nice crisp. When completed, break the bacon into bite-size pieces.

Take a piece of your washed/cut romaine heart and spread some blue cheese directly in the middle. Make believe you are buttering some bread-- without the butter and with no bread.

Top with a bit of everything, then sprinkle some crumbled blue cheese right on top. Drizzle lightly with your dressing choice. Enjoy!

How to Plate: Place each Cobb Taco in a line on a crisp white platter as you would see at a posh Mexican restaurant.

DAILY HEEL WATCH

Hot fuschia booties?!

I'm in HEAVEN with these Delman Jules stunners (courtesy of Zappos.com)

CONCEPT MEAL - 4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION

THE SHOE

Now THIS is the heel you want to celebrate our independence in, isn't it? These Louboutins will look stunning with a little red dress.

Forget the Statue of Liberty. You'll be the Statue of Gorgeousness.

THE MEAL

This is what you should serve:

Start out with a salad-- make my Hickory BBQ Potato Chip Crusted Chicken and chop it up, toss with some lettuce, tomato, corn, black beans and use BBQ sauce as the dressing!

For the main course, nothing says America like a burger. Make my BBQ Turkey Burgers with some fresh whole wheat burger buns and a side of freezer sweet potato fries you can easily pop in the oven.

Instead of Beer... why not serve some Beer Margaritas?

THE TABLE

Family style is always the way to go for a dinner like this. Set your table with a gorgeous huge salad bowl for the Potato Chip Crusted Chicken Salad and a large platter for your Turkey Burgers.

I always love the idea of a "Burger Bar."

All you need to do is set aside an area (or the center of your table) with all possible toppings in little ramekins. Think: Ketchup, mustard, mayo, tomato, onion, sliced pickles, grilled onions, BBQ sauce. This allows your guests to really customize their burger and truly make it their own.


THE MUSIC

Serve this posh Patriotic meal with the sounds of Bruce Springsteen and John Cougar Mellencamp.


HAVE A WONDERFUL FOURTH OF JULY HOLIDAY WEEKEND!

X

Sara

BRIE + AVOCADO = HEAVEN

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

*

You don’t need to be macher to make this geshmak sandwich! You may become a little zaftig if you eat too much of this neshoma nosh…

(Click here for my Yiddish Glossary)

**

• 2 Slices of Multigrain Bread (Orrowheat or Milton’s)
• Avocado slices (a few)
• Brie wedge, cut into slices
• Butter or cooking spray
  

Pam or butter your pan. Let it heat up just a bit.

Throw on your bread slices. Cover each piece of bread with brie.

Just when the cheese starts to melt, put the avocado onto one side, and combine the sides to create a sandwich. Flip the sandwich over until perfectly brown.


Welcome to heaven.

How to Plate: Put a small handful of mixed greens onto your plate. Cut the Sandwich in half and arrange sandwich in a tee-pee configuration to lean on lettuce.

For the Treif-minded: Add turkey slices or even some grilled chicken into this sandwich for some protein.

DAILY HEEL WATCH

Miu Miu's Studded X Band Sandal (courtesy of Barneys New York)

DAILY HEEL WATCH

Baker's ERYN Suede Pumps (courtesy of Bakersshoes.com)

These purple stunners are $80!