Tasty

Potato Scallion Feta Frittata

January 19, 2015

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Trying to come up with a gluten free brunch option can be a bit of a struggle, but thanks to my favorite Smitten Kitchen cookbook, I now have a top contender – a Potato Scallion Frittata.  The “crust” is made of crispy roasted potato slices (aka potato chips) and the mixture of scallion, feta and bacon (which you can also omit for a vegetarian option) is the PERFECT way to start your day!

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Potato Scallion Feta Frittata 

recipe via Smitten Kitchen

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 3/4 lbs Yukon Gold potatoes
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 lb bacon, cut into matchsticks
  • 3-4 scallions, thinly sliced
  • 2/3 cup crumbled feta
  • 6 large eggs
  • 2 tablespoons milk
  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Coat roasting pan with olive oil.
  3. Peel potatoes and use a mandolin to cut them into 1/4-1/2 inch circles. Chop in half if you have larger potatoes.
  4. Transfer to oiled roasting pan and season with salt and pepper.  They don’t need to be evenly distributed and can overlap to allow for different cooking textures (steamy/softer and crispy/crunchy).
  5. Roast for 30 minutes until mostly cooked. You may want to toss them halfway through.
  6. Cook bacon in a well seasoned oven proof pan until crisp.
  7. Once cooked remove bacon and transfer to a paper towel lined plate to cool.
  8. Keep bacon drippings in pan and add an additional tablespoon of olive oil if you see fit (I didn’t add it).
  9. Arrange roasted potatoes to the bottom of the skillet (crispy side up).
  10. Sprinkle bacon, then scallions, then feta over the potatoes.
  11. Whisk eggs with milk, salt and a little pepper in a bowl an pour over potatoes.
  12. Cover skilled with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
  13. Remove foil and bake for another 10-15 minutes or until edges are puffed and the center is set.
  14. Serve immediately from skilled (serves 6-8 breakfast sized portions).

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Notes:

  • I cut my potatoes 1/4 inch.  They definitely were very crispy and more potato chip like, so I would recommend somewhere between 1/4 and 1/2 inch for the perfect thickness (until you would like a crunchier crust).
  • I bought the thick cut bacon from Prather Ranch, and boy does it make a difference.  Not that this wouldn’t be good with your run of the mill bacon, but it is GREAT with this stuff.
  • As far as I’m concerned, Valbreso feta is the only stuff that exists, but in case you haven’t jumped on this bandwagon, DO SO NOW.  It’s so amazing and helps to kick this frittata up a notch!

Potatoes

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Whether you follow a gluten free diet or just love mixing up your breakfast line-up this is the perfect way to start your day!

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Sip

Bourbon Snow Cone

January 16, 2015

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In 4th grade we had to bring a snack to share with our class that reflected something from our family’s ancestry/history.  My mom is from Vermont, so she and my dad brought in shaved ice that we poured real Vermont maple syrup  over (they used to pour it over snow for an easy treat).  While it was a huge hit, it wasn’t something we ever had on a regular basis at home – so when I grew up and bought a snow cone maker (isn’t that how it usually works!?), I couldn’t wait to try a grown up version of the Vermont concoction. Here is what I came up with…

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Bourbon Snowcones

  • lemon juice
  • maple syrup
  • water
  • bourbon
  1. Fill large ice cube trays 1/3 way full with lemon juice, top with a splash of (Vermont) maple syrup and fill remaining tray with water.
  2. Let freeze overnight (or longer) until completely frozen.
  3. When ready to make your snow cones, remove ice cubes from freezer (they will be very sticky), and put into a snow cone maker.
  4. Fill glass to desired level and top with bourbon (about an ounce or so…. depends if you want more of a snow cone or more of a slushy).

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Bourbon Snowcone

 

Tasty

Pistachio Milk

January 14, 2015

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I love making my own almond milk, but sometimes a girl just has to mix it up.  When I came across a recipe for pistachio milk I got SUPER excited to give it a try… and it didn’t disappoint!  The major perk? No soaking, so whenever the craving hits you can whip up  batch in a few minutes!

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Pistachio Milk 

  • 1 cup pistachios
  • 4 cups water
  • 2 teaspoons honey
  • pinch of sea salt
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  1. Mix ingredients in a blender for 1-2 minutes.
  2. Mixture will be milky in appearance and foamy on top.
  3. Strain through a nut bag and store in an air tight container for up to 5 days.

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Pisatchio Milk

Pistachio Milk

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Click here for my Vanilla Almond Milk recipe!

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Looks

Wellness Wish List

January 13, 2015

Wellness Wish List With the holidays over and everyone in full-fitness swing, I wanted to share my favorite health centric products… I’m curious to hear yours!

  • Farm Fresh to You Box – I always preach about my Farm Fresh to You boxes (that I know get on a weekly basis). They help to up your fruit and veggie consumption, and now that I’m focusing on eating whole foods, these really are the basis for my success. Do yourself a favor and give it a try with this link. Use code Whit WHIT1117 for $10 off your first order!
  • New Sneakers – I’ve been on a sneaker kick lately, and J loves any reason for me to swap my heels for something a little…. flatter. 🙂
  • Foam Roller – My sister’s boyfriend recently gave me Foam Rolling 101 and I’ve been trying to get back into the habit.  By picking up one of these (for under $20!) and keeping it at home, I don’t really have an excuse not to. Here’s to being flexible in 2015!
  • Coordinates Collection Bracelet – Who says a little glam can’t help with your wellness?! I bought these beauties for my mom and sisters this holiday season (post to come!) – and love wearing something that makes me smile. So come on, treat yo self!
  • Murad Acne & Wrinkle Cleanser – Le sigh.  At first it was just acne I was fighting, now it is also wrinkles.  When will it end?!  Luckily this cleanser has helped to keep both of my “issues” at bay.  If you haven’t found a cleanser you are in love with, I highly recommend giving this a try.
  • Baby Lips Lip Balm – My little sister has been raving about this product for years and due to the slightly cheezy packaging I always avoided taking her advice.  Fast forward to me asking her one too many times “what lip gloss are you wearing,” and I had to jump aboard this train. Do yourself a favor and do the same. (I’m loving “Grape Vine” right now.)
  • Barre3 Classes – Last year I discovered Barre3 and have been preaching ever since.  If you are local, get your booty into a class with me – otherwise download their Barre3 app ($5 from the App Store) and try out their Barre3 videos in the privacy of your own home.
  • Fun Workout Gear – Working out is lame enough as it is, so lose the old college t-shirts and get some cute get-ups! I love this sports bra from Tonic, but you can’t go wrong with Athleta, Lulu and Beyond Yoga.
  • Spiralizer – It’s also no secret I love my Spiralizer. For under $50, do yourself a favor and become obsessed along with me.  I highly recommend splurging on the 4 blade version, and with all your goodies from your Farm Fresh to You box, you won’t be at a loss of what to whip up!