DAILY HEEL WATCH
PLV by Pour La Victorie Parallel Lines Heel (courtesy of Urban Outfitters.com)
These gorgeous suede heels are under $190!
CAPRESE WRAP
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY VEY!*
The following is one of the chicest ways to make a salad into an appetizer. It's simple, gorgeous, and required no fork!
**
- Balsamic vinegar
- Basil leaves (the bigger, the better)
- 1 tomato
- 1 fresh mozzarella in water
On the stove top, heat the vinegar until it boils and thickens.
Wash your basil leaves, dull side up.
Chop your tomato and mozzarella into small chunks. Mix, toss and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Spoon the mixture into each basil leaf. Wrap it carefully, and pin with a toothpick. Line them up on a crisp plate.
Drizzle the balsamic reduction on to the platter of Caprese wraps.
SOME THINGS JUST FEEL RIGHT
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!*
How do you know when something is right? Like a relationship, or a singular moment, or a person in your life...It just feels right-- that's when you know.
Whether it's the yang to your yin, the Cheech to your Chong, the Jack to your Jill, the following recipe is one of the oldest appetizers in the book of food: Prosciutto and Melon.
This perfect blending of salty and sweet is nothing short of perfection-- it just feels right.
**
Some restaurants plate this dish with long crescents of melon slices and throw some pieces of Prosciutto on top. This requires the eater to use their fork and knife-- which is not what I consider finger food.
I prefer to cut my melon in long, narrow, uniform chunks to create a modern appetizer plate.
I cut each piece of Prosciutto in half and wrap each smaller piece around the melon, securing it with a toothpick.
- 1 package of Prosciutto
- 1/2 melon
Some restaurants plate this dish with long crescents of melon slices and throw some pieces of Prosciutto on top. This requires the eater to use their fork and knife-- which is not what I consider finger food.
I prefer to cut my melon in long, narrow, uniform chunks to create a modern appetizer plate.
I cut each piece of Prosciutto in half and wrap each smaller piece around the melon, securing it with a toothpick.
PESTO CHICKEN AND PASTA (THAT AIN'T ROCKET SCIENCE)
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!
*
When I was in 4th grade, I discovered that the back of my Math book had all the answers to every mathematical equation. I thought I was a genius for finding the answer page.
I would start to do the equation, and then just look in the back of the book. My plan was foiled when my teacher caught me. She said, "Sara, the only person you are cheating is YOU." And she was right. From there on out, I did my work and never cheated again in school.
Besides the fact that I didn't end up going to MIT (although it would have made for a better story if I suddenly became a math mastermind), I do believe in cheating...in the kitchen.
I think it's OK to cheat in cooking up something delicious and saying you made the packaged pesto from scratch.
And if you’ve got some chutzpah, make the pesto yourself! In a food processor: add 2 garlic cloves, 1 full cup of washed basil leaves, some pine nuts and a hearty amount of Parmesan —or no cheese! Process finely. Replace this mixture with the store-bought kind.
**
- Chicken cutlets
- Fresh whole grain pasta
- Plastic bin of Pesto
Boil water in a large pot.
Grill Chicken in a pan with olive oil.
When the chicken is almost done, take out and chop. Return meat to pan. Add a small amount of pesto to the mix.
When the water is boiling, add salt and pasta until done. Drain.
Back in the pot, add a dash of olive oil, and empty the pasta and the pesto into pot. Reserve some pesto for the top of the dish. Mix well.
How to Plate: Use the chicken strategically to dress the pasta—arrange chicken on top, drizzling additional pesto over the whole dish.
CHEESE CHIPS?!
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!*
Living in Los Angeles requires a LOT of schlepping, which means hours upon hours in your car. Bring this along as a low-carb kick in the touchas!
The below is a delightful snack that is BIG on flavor, and gorgeous on the plate.
It's a cheese chip. Or if you want to sound fancy, a "Parmesan crisp."
You can make these and use them instead of crackers for appetizers, or in place of potato chips with a sandwich.
The below is a delightful snack that is BIG on flavor, and gorgeous on the plate.
It's a cheese chip. Or if you want to sound fancy, a "Parmesan crisp."
You can make these and use them instead of crackers for appetizers, or in place of potato chips with a sandwich.
**
Heat up your pan to medium-high. Spray your pan and sprinkle in the grated cheese in a small circular pile. You want to make sure the cheese grates are close enough to touch each other.
Add a bit of spice on top -- pick just one or none at all.
As the edges brown, slowly and carefully flip the cheese for the other side to brown.
After it's done, you can drain on a paper towel before plating.
Enjoy!
- Parmesan cheese (grated)
- oil spray
- garlic powder (optional)
- paprika (optional)
- cayenne pepper (optional)
Heat up your pan to medium-high. Spray your pan and sprinkle in the grated cheese in a small circular pile. You want to make sure the cheese grates are close enough to touch each other.
Add a bit of spice on top -- pick just one or none at all.
As the edges brown, slowly and carefully flip the cheese for the other side to brown.
After it's done, you can drain on a paper towel before plating.
Enjoy!
CHIMICHURRI (IN A HURRY) SALAD
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY! / OY VEY!*
Here is a wonderful salad that is so quick and packed with flavor, everyone will think you've spent hours on it!
The dressing is easy, the steak is easy, what is there not to love?
The dressing is easy, the steak is easy, what is there not to love?
**
- 1 bunch of flat leaf Italian parsley, rinsed and cut w/o stems
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- salt, pepper and garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons of crushed garlic
- teaspoon of red pepper flakes
- 2/3 cup of olive oil
- flank steak
- bag of mixed greens
In a food processor, combine the parsley, oregano, olive oil, garlic and pepper flakes. Slowly add the oil until it turns into a nice mixture. Add a dash of salt and pepper to taste.
Season your steak with salt pepper and garlic powder. On medium heat, cook your flank steak evenly. Once done, about 5 minutes on each side, let the steak sit on a cutting board.
Rinse your lettuce. Wait a moment until you cut the flank steak-- you do not want those amazing juices running!
How to Plate: Start with your mixed greens. Add a few pieces of steak, then top with the chimichurri sauce.
Parve: Use with kosher steak or chicken!
THE IMPORTANCE OF CEREAL
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Yes, it's that time again. MONDAY morning.
Wash your face, have a cup of Joe, get your day started.
But don't forget to eat!
Having daily breakfast boosts brain function.
It has also been proven that cereal-eaters consume less fat throughout the day.
HOLY GUACAMOLE!
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!*
That Josefa heel (below) really got me in the mood for Mexican!This app is fun to look at, fun to eat, and is a guest favorite. It can quickly become a bite-size appetizer if you use cherry tomatoes.
A perfect pair with some Grapefruit Margatinis!
**
- 1 medium-size tomato
- 2 avocados, ripe and ready
- 1/2 small onion, chopped
- small handful of cilantro
- salt, pepper, and a dash of olive oil
- a fresh package of guacamole (in refrigerated section at your grocer)
First, use a small sharp knife to cut a circle in the top of your tomato. Create a bowl by scooping out the seeds.
To make the guacamole: chop up the avocado. The best way to do this is halve the avo, use a knife to cut a grid into it, then a spoon to scoop it out! Add your onions with a dash of salt, pepper and olive oil. Mix in a handful of cilantro and a squeeze of a lemon.
Otherwise, use prepackaged fresh guacamole and fill the tomato.
How to Plate: Use a beautiful dish and arrange the tomato in the center. Surround with tortilla chips!
ORANGE (YOU GLAD I MADE THIS) CHICKEN
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY! / OY VEY!*
There is something about rice and chicken that makes you feel good inside. It's like "cuddling" for your taste buds.
You know how your guy doesn't always want to cuddle? This dish may just make him go wild for some snuggling. And it's so delicious, he might even do the dishes afterward.
See, you don't always need to go to Chinatown for some great Chinese-inspired food!
**
- 1 lb chicken tenders (easier to chop into pieces)
- 1/2 cup of orange juice
- 1/2 cup of low sodium soy sauce
- handful of snap peas
- packet of brown rice (instant)
- teaspoon of minced garlic
- salt and pepper to taste
Please Note: The only reason this is an OY VEY! is because it requires cutting raw chicken.
Chop up that raw chicken into bite-size pieces.
In a Pyrex dish, mix the orange juice and soy sauce evenly. Marinate your chicken for at least a half hour.
Warm up your pan to medium heat. Spray with cooking oil, transfer your marinated meat and cook your chicken. Reserve most of the marinade. Season while it cooks with a dash of salt and pepper.
After about 3-5 minutes, when the chicken is almost fully cooked, add your handful of snap peas and the minced garlic.
Mix all around for about 3 more minutes so that the flavors marry. Add in some of the marinade and let it simmer on Low heat.
In a microwave safe bowl, cook the rice with water according to the box directions.
Drain, plate and serve!
How to Plate: It will be gorgeous on a crisp long white plate (See my above pic!)
DAILY HEEL WATCH
Pour La Victoire's Bernadette Platforms (courtesy of Bloomies)Cross straps, pyramid studs, metallic leather -- I'm in heaven.
THE IMPORTANCE OF EATING AT HOME
While it can be fun and easy (and not always affordable) to go out to eat every night for dinner, there is an indescribable joy in eating a delicious meal in your sweatsuit.If you don't plan on cooking, why not take home some great sushi and buy Sapporo and sake to make a Great Night In?
The benefits of having a fabulous meal in the comfort of your own home MAY just be the tool you need to inspire you to turn on the oven and cook.
W-OW! WHAT A DRINK!
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DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!**
In our long-winded search for our wedding location, my parents, fiance and I decided to test-drive dinner at the new W Fort Lauderdale.The interiors: fabulous. (*please note the gorgeous jellyfish tank picture I took)
The dinner: slightly salty.
The cocktails: impeccable.
And that's all that matters, right?
Here's my take on the drink I ordered-- A mojito-inspired Prosecco delight!
**
Muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of the glass. Add the Malibu rum and fill the remainder of the glass with the Prosecco.
Top with a sprig of mint and enjoy the good life!
- 5 mint leaves (plus a sprig for garnish)
- 1/2 oz. of Malibu Coconut Rum
- Prosecco (a crisp white sparkling wine grown in the Italian region of Veneto)
Muddle the mint leaves in the bottom of the glass. Add the Malibu rum and fill the remainder of the glass with the Prosecco.
Top with a sprig of mint and enjoy the good life!
DAILY HEEL WATCH
These very sexxxy YSL Tribtoo Slingbacks go perfectly with that Jellyfish tank!
(courtesy of Saks Fifth Ave)
(courtesy of Saks Fifth Ave)
I'M BAAAACK!
Just got back to LA from my trip to Florida.
Just a word of advice-- do not Travel in Heels.
Big mistake.
Get ready for a great week of new recipes and fabulous heels!
X
Sara
Just a word of advice-- do not Travel in Heels.
Big mistake.
Get ready for a great week of new recipes and fabulous heels!
X
Sara
FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK
Above, Lanvin's Asymmetrical Dress
Below, Jil Sander's Asymmetrical Thong Sandal (courtesy of Barneys New York)
Below, Jil Sander's Asymmetrical Thong Sandal (courtesy of Barneys New York)
TREND WATCH - WOOD GRAIN PLATFORMS
1. Giuseppe Zanotti's Platform Heel $778.00 (Zappos.com)
2. Miu Miu's Platform Bamboo Slingback $695.00 (courtesy of Bergorf's)
3. Baker's Carey Heels $89.99 (courtesy of Bakersshoes.com)
Eat Eight Grain and WEAR IT TOO!
STRAC(CIATELLA) IT TO ME!
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!*
Look, some days, I am just L-A-Z-Y. Not just a little "couch potato" lazy.
I don't feel like writing. I don't feel like blogging.
And DARE I say, I don't feel like looking at shoes.
(GASP)
Yes, admitting it IS the hardest part.
But these are the days that ignite inspiration.
No, not the inspiration of a sloth.
The inspiration to make my fiance a hearty, healthy dinner that looks like I spent hours in the kitchen-- when, in reality, I was just being lazy.
The following recipe comes from one of those days. We all have them, and this is the lunch or dinner to make. It's delicious.
**
- 4-6 cups of Chicken broth - I am IN LOVE with "Better Than Bouillon" Vegetarian Chicken Broth
- Minced garlic (a tablespoon, more or less)
- Salt and Pepper (a dash)
- 1 cup Whole Wheat noodles (I like the twisty kind)
- 2 Eggs (scrambled)
- Handful of Arugula
Boil broth in a pot. Toss in a bit of garlic and pepper. Add pasta and cook through. They usually take 5-12 minutes.
Lower the heat.
In a separate bowl, crack eggs and beat them. Toss a little salt and pepper into the mix.
Then, slowly pour the egg mix into the pot and stir in with fork.
Add the washed arugula and let it wilt down, for a minute or two.
How to Plate: Spoon into a large soup bowl. Who needs style when you’re lazy?
THE "MUST HAVE" ITEM
The season's "IT" item, the motorcycle jacket, has now been made into a shoe!
$1159.00 Alexander McQueen's Pelle Leather Sandal (courtesy of Zappos.com)
FOR A GREAT LEATHER MOTORCYCLE JACKET -- Click HERE
$1159.00 Alexander McQueen's Pelle Leather Sandal (courtesy of Zappos.com)
FOR A GREAT LEATHER MOTORCYCLE JACKET -- Click HERE
DAILY HEEL WATCH
Nothing says "Sexy Bitch" like these Croc Embossed Platforms from Miu Miu (courtesy of Neiman Marcus)!
These are brand-spanking NEW for Fall 2009 and come in Red and Black-- Which color would work best for you?
HIP TIP - APPLE CIDER VINEGAR
Apple Cider Vinegar.You can mix it with some olive oil to make a nice vinaigrette, but those three words (that just don't seem like they should go together) can actually change your life.
Hippocrates supposedly used it as a health tonic and American soldiers are said to use it to combat indigestion, pneumonia and scurvy.
It helps lower glucose levels in diabetes patients, and ACV is most widely known to help break down fat and lower glycemic levels while ingesting carbohydrates.
It can also cure DANDRUFF! Here is the recipe:
**
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Water
Mix 1 part ACV with 1 part water and pour into a spray or squirt bottle. Wet your hair with water, pat down, then spray themixture all over your scalp.
Allow to sit on your head for about 40 minutes, wash out, shampoo as normal.
(photo courtesy of iHerb.com)
TREND WATCH - FEATHERS
1. L.A.M.B.'s Leslie $359.00 (courtesy of Zappos.com)
2. Shannon Britt's Olivia $272.00 (courtesy of Zappos.com)
3. Marciano's Caroleen $157.00 (courtesy of Zappos.com)
4. Givenchy's Feather Strap Sandal $580.00 (courtesy of Barneys)
Which is YOUR favorite? Let me know!
2. Shannon Britt's Olivia $272.00 (courtesy of Zappos.com)
3. Marciano's Caroleen $157.00 (courtesy of Zappos.com)
4. Givenchy's Feather Strap Sandal $580.00 (courtesy of Barneys)
Which is YOUR favorite? Let me know!
DAILY HEEL WATCH
Christian Louboutin's Glittered Platform Pump (courtesy of Neiman Marcus)
There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home...
There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home...
A TRIBUTE - "DOM'S MOM'S MEATBALLS"
"DOM'S MOM'S MEATBALLS"- 2 pounds ground chuck
- 1/2 pound of ground pork
- 2 cups Italian bread crumbs
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup fresh parsley chopped
- 1 cup grated cheese parmesan
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves chopped very fine
- 1 onion minced
- 1/2 cup pine nuts (optional)
**
Place all ingredients in a large bowl and mix throughly. Let stand 1/2 hour. Shape into medium-size meatballs.
Fry gently in olive oil until lightly browned, or place on foil on a cookie sheet and bake for 1/2 hour at 35o degrees.
Gently place in your own hot spagetti sauce and cook on medium-low heat for 1 hour.
(1988 copyrighted material courtesy of Dom Deluise's EAT THIS... IT'LL MAKE YOU FEEL BETTER)
DON'T BE A DRUNK CHICKEN
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY / OY VEY!*
I understand-- work is stressful. Life is stressful. And every-so-often we need to unwind and relax.
Sometimes a few glasses of red wine will do the trick. But on other occasions, you need to go with the strong stuff.
Here's my Tequila Chicken recipe (that will go great with a Grapefruit Marga-tini!)
While the tequila in this dish is purely for flavor, don't get too sloshed-- it's not very lady-like.
**
In a medium pyrex dish, mix the tequila, lime juice, and orange juice with a dash of salt, pepper and chili powder. Soak your chicken for atleast an hour (up to 24 hrs) covered in the fridge.
When ready to cook, heat your pan on the stove top and spray with cooking oil. Cook your chicken evenly, about three minutes each side (depending on the thickness of the chicken).
When the chicken is almost done, add a bit of the tequila marinade to the pan.
How to Plate: Looks chic over rice and beans!
- 1/2 cup of tequila
- juice of 1/2 a lime
- 1/4 cup of orange juice
- chili powder (a dash)
- 1 lb of chicken (thin cutlets)
In a medium pyrex dish, mix the tequila, lime juice, and orange juice with a dash of salt, pepper and chili powder. Soak your chicken for atleast an hour (up to 24 hrs) covered in the fridge.
When ready to cook, heat your pan on the stove top and spray with cooking oil. Cook your chicken evenly, about three minutes each side (depending on the thickness of the chicken).
When the chicken is almost done, add a bit of the tequila marinade to the pan.
How to Plate: Looks chic over rice and beans!
HIP TIP - BAKING SODA
Yes, it's in your fridge just sitting there.
But did you know that Baking soda:
- can brighten your teeth. Just brush!
- is a great exfoliant for a face scrub
- can put out fires
- cleans clogged drains
- relieves skin irritations (in a warm bath)
Who knew?
FASHION WEEK TO WORK WEEK
CANDY STRIPES!
Above, a shot from this week's Australia's Fashion Week-- runway of the siblings label, CAMILLA AND MARC.
GET THE LOOK with Betsey Johnson's Deandra Heel (courtesy of Zappos.com)
Above, a shot from this week's Australia's Fashion Week-- runway of the siblings label, CAMILLA AND MARC.
GET THE LOOK with Betsey Johnson's Deandra Heel (courtesy of Zappos.com)
DRESS UP YOUR VEGGIES
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!*
Sometimes, you get restless with the monotony of daily life.Don't deny it. We all do.
To curb this feeling, I need to get dressed up and dolled up and have a night on the town.
I deserve it! You do too.
But when I don't have the dough to go out (or the excuse to be taken out) ... I have to dress up my meal.
Get rid of those BLAND veggies you are serving with your main dish-- and make this!
**
Toss in your diced zucchini until you get some nice char marks. Spray a little more oil if necessary.
Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Then, add your Parmesan.
Toss and serve immediately.
- 2 zucchinis, sliced
- 1 shallot, sliced
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- Parmesan cheese
Toss in your diced zucchini until you get some nice char marks. Spray a little more oil if necessary.
Sprinkle some salt and pepper to taste. Then, add your Parmesan.
Toss and serve immediately.
THAI ME UP
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!*
Left-over Thai food is the best. It can't be beat.
But did you know that curry really isn't that hard to make on your own.
Give it a try!
But did you know that curry really isn't that hard to make on your own.
Give it a try!
**
In a medium heat skillet, add curry paste with the coconut milk. Stir until paste is dissolved and the mixture bubbles.
Add the onions and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer until soft, for 2 minutes.
Add the sliced chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If you are making instant rice, make it now in a separate bowl / pot.
In the skillet, stir and cook 3 minutes more or until the chicken is cooked.
See? Not that difficult!
- 1-2 lbs of raw thinly sliced chicken (cutlets preferred and are easiest to cut)
- Panang Curry Paste (at your local grocery store)
- 1 can of Coconut milk
- Bell pepper or onion (optional)
- Instant Brown rice (optional)
- Salt/Pepper to taste
In a medium heat skillet, add curry paste with the coconut milk. Stir until paste is dissolved and the mixture bubbles.
Add the onions and bell pepper. Bring to a boil, then simmer until soft, for 2 minutes.
Add the sliced chicken. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
If you are making instant rice, make it now in a separate bowl / pot.
In the skillet, stir and cook 3 minutes more or until the chicken is cooked.
See? Not that difficult!
(A CASE OF THE MONDAYS) GRAPEFRUIT MARGA-TINI
DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY! *
Yes, it's Monday. The first (and often extremely long) day of the work week.
Here is a fabulous cocktail to enjoy at the end of your day.
You can have this shaken and strained into a martini glass OR on the rocks with some salt.
It just depends how fancy you want to feel.
**
- 1/2 oz Orange Juice
- 3 oz Tequila (of your choice)
- 4 oz Ruby Grapefruit Juice
- Juice of 1/2 a lime
Add all ingredients into a shaker with some ice.
Shake, strain, pour and enjoy, you sexy bitch!
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