JUST SUE ME! (WITH A NO-COOK SUMI SALAD)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

It's an OY VEY! if you are not buying pre-chopped cabbage

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Sumi salads (aka Asian cabbage salads) are pretty common. Many recipes call for wontons or noodles, or even ramen. 


For my recipe, I've added deli-sliced chicken, and left out the carbs, for this refreshing take on the Sumi salad. 


If you don't like it, well, then, you can sue me!

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• 1 large head of cabage (or a bag pre-sliced)
• 1/2 cup toasted sesame seeds
• 6-10 scallions/green onions. I used 8.
• Handful of chopped carrots
• 1/2 cup of red cabbage, sliced (or buy pre-sliced)
• 1/2 pound of deli chicken, unsalted, chopped

• 1/4 cup oil
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 2-3 teaspoon pepper
• 6 tablespoon of rice vinegar

In a small bowl, whisk together the oil, honey, salt, pepper and rice vinegar. 

In a large bowl, mix all other ingredients.  


Toss and coat. Serve and enjoy!


Easy enough?

A QUICKIE: CHICKEN PAELLA

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

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Blame it on a long day. Blame it on a headache.

Sometimes, you're just NOT in the mood...

...To cook.

(What did you think I was talking about?!)

Well, fear not, my fellow fabulous foodies! 

This chicken dish is all done on the stove top, is super-duper easy, and seems like you have been stewing this paella all day.

All you need is a pot, and a pan, and the ingredients below!

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• 1 onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 pound of chicken (I prefer tenders)
• Chorizo... or 2 chicken sausages -- I used pre-cooked smoked andouille chicken, which made this dish gumbo-ish
• 10 oz packet of frozen, cooked brown rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon of olive oil
• 1/2 cup of white wine
• salt, pepper, and paprika

 Rub salt, pepper, and paprika on the chicken tenders. 

On medium high, saute the chorizo/ chicken sausage until golden brown. Remove to a plate and add olive oil to the pan. Add the chicken and cook 4 minutes per side. Remove and add to plate. 

In the pan, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft. Add the rice and coat. 

Move this mixture to a pot sprayed with olive oil. 

In the pan, add the 1/2 cup of white wine and boil, picking up all the juicy bits -- then add to pot. 

In the pot, add the can of tomato chopped with juice, and the 2 cups of chicken broth. 

Bring up to a simmer, and add the cooked meat. 

Let it simmer for 15 minutes. Or all day. 

Serve and enjoy!

MY WAY GOURMET (BASIL PARMESAN) POPCORN

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

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Every time I walk into the movie theater, there is that unmistakable smell that heightens my senses as I rush to the snack counter.

Popcorn.

The truth is, popcorn can be far from butter-ball fattening... and enter into the world of fabulousness.

The following recipe is easy, flavorful, chic and above all else, gorgeous.

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• 1 cup Popcorn kernels
• 2 tablespoons of Butter OR Olive oil
• 1.5 tablespoons of Olive oil(I prefer to splurge with a high end Italian blend-- it makes all the difference)
  
• 2 handfuls of Parmesan cheese (grated)
• Sprinkle of Basil (dried or fresh, finely chopped)
• Sprinkle of Garlic powder
• Salt (to taste)

In a pot on medium heat, add the 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil and the kernels. Put the top on and wait until the kernels start popping. They will go for about 3 minutes.

Shake the pot around often, as soon as the kernels start popping, and remove from the heat as soon as they slow down.

In a small bowl: Microwave to heat up your butter or oil for about 30 seconds.

Move the popped corn into a large serving bowl. Add the butter into the bowl and toss to coat. Sprinkle the basil, salt, garlic powder, and Parmesan.

Toss to coat, and serve hot!

How to Plate: Serve in a large bowl, or in retro popcorn holders like this!

WAKE ME UP BEFORE YOU GO-GO (MAKE A SMOOTHIE)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY! / OY VEY!

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My fiancé wakes up every morning and makes the following recipe.

And he wakes me up every morning to the very loud sound of our Vitamix blending the following recipe.

This is a great manly morning protein shake… BUT I prefer to serve this in a chic 3 oz. shot glass to serve as a palate cleanser with a fabulous brunch.

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3-4 cubes of ice
3/4 - cup of milk, skim or fat free
1 serving of whey powder, vanilla (I think 1 serving is 2 scoops)
1/2 handful of frozen mixed berries
1 banana (or 2 tablespoons of plain, unsweetened yogurt)
1 teaspoon of peanut butter

Throw all items into the blender in the order above. Mix until smooth. Enjoy!

NO-FUSS HUMMUS

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY! / OY VEY!

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Besides the fact that the title rhymes, yes-- this recipe IS no fuss.

Hummus is something I usually buy at the grocery store. No thought crosses my mind that I can make it myself.

Not only is this recipe fresh, but you can completely customize it to your tastes.

All you need is a food processor or Vitamix.

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• 1 1/2 cans of chickpeas AKA Garbanzo beans (rinsed and strained but retain a little liquid)
• approx 1/3 cup of Olive oil -- or more, to taste. This is a time to step it up and buy the fancy kind.
• OK-MAK crackers or Pita Chips
• Minced or roasted Garlic (your call if you want any at all)
• Salt and Pepper to taste

OK. This is easy. Throw your bit of liquid from the beans and all of the 1 and a half cans into the blender. Add garlic if you would like.

Once you get the beans in the processor, add olive oil to thicken and smooth. Salt and pepper to taste.

Plate with some pita or crackers in a stainless steel dish (as pictured)

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!

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.

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* 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!

STRAWBERRY SHORTCAKES (A SALAD)

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

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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!

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• 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.

TURKEY CHILI

DIFFICULTY LEVEL: OY!

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On a cold winter ski day in Park City, I was flying down the mountain enjoying the fresh snow.

Although not very experienced, I was able to keep up (for the most part) with my pro-level ski friends.

On the last run of the day, after a few beers, I decided to take another route.

Unfortunately, the path I chose was a double black diamond with MOGULS.

After a rough ride down, and a long day on the slopes, I make this to warm our bellies:

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• Garlic, minced, 1 tablespoon
• 1lb ground turkey
• Chili powder
• 1 can of black and / or white beans, drained (I use one of each)
• Picante sauce (glass jar), mild or spicy
• 1 can of stewed tomatoes (with liquid)
• 1 medium onion
• Blue corn tortilla chips for dippin!

Chop and cook the onions and garlic in pan with a bit of olive oil. Let them soften and add turkey and cook through (break it up in little pieces... not patties.) Add (5-7) dashes of chili powder to meat and onions as it cooks.

In a big pot, add: Picante, 1 can of stewed tomatoes with juice, beans (drained) and cooked turkey/onions/garlic mixture. Mix all together and add 4 tablespoons of chili powder... or more to taste! Put top on pot and keep at medium-low heat, stir every 5 minutes for 20 minutes. Let pot sit on low or off... keep stirring and enjoy!

How to Plate: Spoon into bowl. Add a dollop of sour cream or guacamole and insert one tortilla chip to stand upright in center of bowl.

Trief: Add cheese or sour cream! Goy it up!