Friday, March 30, 2012

Friday Foodday

Oh thank goodness lovebugs, we made it. Happy Friday. Here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Cowboy Hash Skillet
c/o Table for Two Blog
Ingredients

3 large potatoes, washed and cut into 1/2 inch cubes (it’s up to you if you want to peel them, I didn’t because it gives it a more rustic look)
1 medium green pepper, diced
1 medium red pepper, diced
1 small onion, diced
1 lb. chorizo sausage, casings removed
4 large eggs (one egg for each skillet hash)
Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions
  • In a large skillet, cook the potatoes with 2 tbsp. of olive oil for 5-7 minutes until they start to get soft and the outsides are starting to brown. Then add in the green pepper, red pepper, and small onion. Cook until they’re soft.
  • Add in the chorizo and cook until the meat is thoroughly cooked through and veggies are completely soft, about 10 more minutes. Make sure to mix and stir all the ingredients together so they get coated with the spicy chorizo. Salt and pepper, to taste.
  • While the chorizo is cooking with the veggies, cook an egg sunny side up or however you like it. I cooked mine sunny side up because I liked the runny yolk atop of the hash. Set aside.
  • Once all the veggies and chorizos are done cooking, plate them in a large bowl or individual skillets (if you have them). Top the hash with your eggs.


  • Roasted Red Pepper & Goat Cheese Pasta
    c/o Lauren's Latest
    Ingredients
    2 whole red bell peppers
    2 tablespoons olive oil
    1 small onion, diced
    2 cloves garlic, minced
    1 cup fat free half & half
    4 oz. garlic & herb goat cheese
    2/3 cup grated parigiano reggiano cheese
    1/2 cup artichoke hearts (optional)
    1/2 lb. linguine, cooked to al dente
    salt & pepper, to taste




    Directions
    Preheat oven to 500 degrees. Place red peppers on baking sheet and bake 20-30 minutes until peppers are charred. Remove from oven and cover with foil 10 minutes.
    In the mean time, saute onions and garlic in olive oil 7 minutes or until tender. Pour in half & half, goat cheese, salt & pepper. Stir to melt goat cheese into sauce and keep warm over low heat.
    Uncover peppers, peel off skin and remove stem and seeds. Chop into large pieces and place into sauce along with parmesan cheese. Stir to melt cheese and remove from heat. Pour sauce into food processor and puree, or use an immersion blender. Place back into hot pan and toss with cooked pasta. Taste and adjust seasonings. Top with more parmesan cheese, pepper, salt and parsley, if desired.




    Grilled Garlic Dijon Herb Salmon
    c/o Skinny Taste
    Ingredients

    • 4 garlic cloves
    • 1 tsp dried Herbs de Provence
    • 1 tsp red wine vinegar
    • 1 tsp olive oil
    • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
    • olive oil spray (I used my misto)
    • 4 (6 oz) wild salmon fillets, 1" thick (if frozen, thaw first)
    • salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
    • 4 lemon wedges for serving
    Directions
    In a mini food processor, or using a mortar and pestle mash garlic with the herbs, vinegar, oil, and Dijon mustard until it becomes a paste. Set aside.


    Season salmon with a pinch of salt and fresh pepper. Heat a grill or grill pan over high heat until hot. 


    Spray the pan lightly with oil and reduce the heat to medium-low. Placethe salmon on the hot grill pan and cook without moving for 5 minutes.  

    Turn and cook the other side for an additional 3-4 minutes spooning on half of the garlic herb mustard sauce.


    Turn and cook 1 more minute spooning the other side of the fish with remaining sauce. Turn once again and let the fish finish cooking about one more minute. Note: the fish should have a total cooking time of about 9-10 minutes per inch. If your fish is thinner, reduce the total cooking time.

    Transfer the fillets to plates and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

    Thursday, March 29, 2012

    Pattern Purse

    Yesterday we looked at some great red clutches, today let's stay with the purse topic and look at some great patterned bags!

    Loving the double strap on this tote. And the color and pattern combination is very casual and chic.

    Last Call Neiman Marcus, Turn-lock cross body sequin bag, $80
    So many great things going on here, sequins, color, pattern, hardware. Great little bag for the weekend.

    A mutli color chevron tote! How great for spring?

    This clutch is downright tropical but in a great dressy way. The bamboo inspired closure is a great added detail.

    Pattern is always fun to wear, especially when its with an accessory like a bag or scarf. 

    Be fabulous today!

    Wednesday, March 28, 2012

    Ruffles and Flowers

    Hey lovebugs! Happy hump day! We're getting there!

    I love a great girly clutch and today we're looking a great red clutches with some extra flare. These bags have fantastic ruffle details that add an extra bit of interest to an otherwise small piece.


    I'm obsessed with this bag. It's a great night out bag and the color options to choose from are endless.

    These great petals remind me of the cherry blossom petals here in DC. The bow is a great touch.

    Franchi, Taylor Red, $90
    I really like the square look of this clutch and gold touches are really special.

    Endless, La Regale 24997 Clutch, $75
    This clutch reminds me of the bottom of a great skirt. This playful layering of fabric is fun and flippy.

    Sometimes a sleek patent leather clutch is what an outfit calls for; but sometimes go for something a little more whimsical.

    Be fabulous today!

    Tuesday, March 27, 2012

    Drop It Like it's Hot

    The drop waist trend seems like it's everywhere right now; but how do you wear when you're not walking the red carpet? Let's look at some great options for right now when E! isn't knocking on your door.

    Macy's, Nine West Dress, $67
    I love the change in stripe direction on the waist and the short sleeves. I'd add a neon bauble necklace for a great pop of color.

    Alice and Olivia, Stapen Drop Waist Tunic Dress, $78
    Anyone else think this model looks like she's about to be attacked? Just me? Ok. Let's look past that. Great jersey material dress that's just screaming for sky high heels and a night out.

    Modcloth, To Peach Her Own Dress, $87
    Stay with me on this one; I'd unbutton at least four buttons and wear a great detailed lace cami underneath to break up the color. Maybe a straw floppy "Kentucky Derby-esque" hat.

    Anthropologie, Marian Flapper Chemise, $34
    A simple chic silk shift. Fantastic color.

    I think the biggest advice to wearing a drop waist dress is trying it on first. Each dart and line runs differently and you really need to see it on and not online to decide if its right for you.

    Be fabulous today!