Tasty, Travels

Cooking Class

August 22, 2013

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I was excited to check off the 2nd item on my Summer To Do List (slow and steady wins the race… right?), when J and I were lucky enough to attend a cooking class hosted by one of our good friends!  The class took place at a local Italian restaurant – Il Fornaio, and we had a blast drinking great wine, spending time with friends and learning to make gnocchi! Here were some of the highlights:

I had no idea gnocchi was so easy! Here is how we made ours…

Gnocchi Recipe

  • 2 large russet potatoes
  • 1 cup flour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • pinch of salt
  1. Boil potatoes like you are going to make mashed potatoes (45 minutes or so or until they are tender)
  2. Once they are ready, strain and put them through a ricer and let them cool to room temperature
  3. Create a mound of potatoes and hollow out the center (make a little crater)
  4. Pour egg and flour into center of mound and start folding dough until well incorporated (don’t over knead)
  5. Once mixed (should feel like a soft pillow and only takes about a minute), roll dough into a thick log and cut into one inch sections
  6. Roll each section into a skinny rope and using a butter knife slice into bite size/gnocchi sized pieces
  7. Pick up each gnocchi piece with your thumb and index finger, holding it on the cut sides. Place it on the end of the fork closest to the handle and roll it in a forward motion to the front of the tines.  Repeat on all pieces.
  8. Boil the gnocchi about 2 dozen at a time (don’t crowd!). After they float to the surface, count 20 seconds, lift them out with a skimmer/strainer.
  9. Add some reserved pasta water to a frying pan and then add whatever sauce you are going to coat your pasta with.  Warm it up and add pasta to coat.  Enjoy!
  10. I also would recommend pan frying them in olive oil after boiling them to create a crunchy bite, then adding to sauce (Note: I’ve never done this… I just think it would be a good idea*)
Tasty

Healthy Eggs Benedict

August 21, 2013

Eggs Benedict

I’m always looking for fun spins on my favorite foods (especially the ones I don’t indulge in often), so when I came across this recipe I knew I had to give it a try!

Tips:

  • To poach eggs: 
  1. Heat a couple inches of water in a frying pan with a 2 T of vinegar until bubbles begin to form at the bottom (but don’t boil!)
  2. While the water is heating in your pan, put eggs into a bowl of boiling water for 30 seconds or so.
  3. Then slowly crack the egg into the “bubbled water” as close to the water’s surface/as delicately as possible (as to not “disturb” the egg)
  4. Let them cook for 5-10 minutes until cooked to your liking.
  5. Use a slotted spoon to remove them and transfer to your dish.
  • We love Dijon mustard and added a little bit more to the vinaigrette (closer to a teaspoon) 
  • I recommend tossing the arugula with the vinaigrette (reserve a bit to drizzle atop the eggs after)
  • Toast the English Muffins!
  • We used farm fresh eggs and Proscuitto di Parma sliced fresh from the deli and boy did it make a difference!

Eggs Benedict

Looks

Favorite Things

August 20, 2013

Military Jacket Black Maxi

I love buying things that you aren’t expecting to love as much as you do… this outfit pretty much sums it up.  I bought this military jacket, long sleeved maxi dress and DV sandals not once expecting to wear them with as much regularity as I do.  Also the gold tassel necklace came in my PopSugar Must Have box, and is not something I would buy on my own – but I wear at least once a week! 

Black Maxi

Black Gold SandalsJ.Crew Military Jacket, Tart Long Sleeved Maxi, Dolce Vita Black and Gold Sandals, Gold Tassel Necklace

Tasty

Nacho Party

August 19, 2013

We were looking for a fun way to mix up Sunday night dinners… so after a morning at the lake and an afternoon in the pool no one was in the mood to slave in the kitchen… so was born – a Nacho Party!

Nachos

I spread chips on a baking sheet and sprinkled beans and shredded cheese on top.  A baked them in a preheated oven at 375 degrees for about 5 minutes (or until cheese is melted).

Tips: 

  • Chips should be medium thickness – greasy or super thin/thick chips will not make for great nachos.  Tostitos Simply Natural or the Organic Trader Joe’s chips are great options. 
  • Cheese that melts well is critical.  I made three separate baking sheets of chips – 1. Monterey Jack/Pepper Jack Blend, 2. Mild Cheddar, 3. Combination of 1 & 2

Chips

Prepare toppings in separate bowls for your guests to choose their own toppings.

Suggestions: 

  • Meat (I bought pre-marinated Carne Asada and Pollo Asada at TJ’s)
  • Guacamole/Salsa/Sour Cream
  • Cilantro
  • Radishes
  • Avocado
  • Diced Tomatoes

Toppings

Fiesta time!!! Stay tuned Friday for a great cocktail recipe to make for your Nacho Party 🙂

Nacho Party