Friday, June 14, 2013

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs! Here are my favorite recipes this week!

Herb Grilled Chicken with Creamy Broccoli Orzo
c/o A Taste of Home Cooking
Ingredients
8 oz orzo (rice-shaped pasta)
Extra-virgin olive oil
1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut in half lengthwise
2 teaspoons herbes de Provence
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 large shallot, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained 
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
6 oz plain fat-free or low-fat Greek yogurt
1/4 cup heavy cream
3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan plus extra for sprinkling
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper


Directions
Cook orzo according to package directions. Drain and set aside. 

Drizzle the olive oil over the chicken and season with herbes de Provence, salt and pepper; set aside.

Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.

While the grill heats and right after you drop the orzo in the water, heat the 2 tablespoons of oil in a heavy large skillet over medium heat. Add the shallot and garlic, and saute until tender and fragrant, about 1 1/2 minutes. Add the broth and tomatoes and scrape any bits off the bottom of the pan. Simmer the tomatoes for 2 minutes, then add the broccoli. Cook until broccoli is tender, about 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Start grilling the chicken while the broccoli cooks, turning after 4-5 minutes and grilling for another 3-4 minutes. Remove the chicken from the grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes, then cut into slices. 

Stir the yogurt and cream into the tomato and broccoli mixture. Add the drained orzo and toss to coat. Remove the skillet from the heat. Add the Parmesan and toss until the sauce coats the pasta thickly. Season the orzo with salt and pepper to taste. Sprinkle on extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve with the grilled chicken.


Loaded Cauliflower 
c/o Laloosh
Ingredients

  • 1 medium sized head of cauliflower
  • 1 cup reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
  • 4 slices extra lean turkey bacon, cooked and diced
  • 1 cup black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 medium tomato, diced
  • 4 scallions, diced
  • 1/2 cup fat free sour cream
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Directions
  • Break cauliflower down into florets, and then steam to cook. I did this by placing the cauliflower into a large, microwave safe bowl, added about 1 inch of water, and covered with plastic wrap. I microwaved on high for about 4-6 minutes, or until the cauliflower was tender to my liking. Drain any remaining water.
  • Spray a small, nonstick skillet, with non-fat cooking spray or an olive oil mister and set over medium high heat. Add in black beans, tomatoes, garlic and cumin. Sauté until heated through…about 2 minutes.
  • Divide cooked cauliflower amongst 4 serving bowls, and season with salt and pepper.
  • Top each serving with ¼ cup cheese, and microwave for about 1 minute, or until the cheese is melted.
  • Now top each serving with ¼ of the tomatoes/black beans, 2 tbsp fat free sour cream, and ¼ of the chopped bacon and scallions. Serve immediately.


  • S'Mores Cookies
    Ingredients
    • 1/2 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
    • 1 cup all-purpose flour, (spooned and leveled)
    • 1 cup whole-wheat flour (spooned and leveled)
    • 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
    • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
    • 1/2 teaspoon salt
    • 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
    • 3/4 cup light-brown sugar
    • 1 large egg
    • 8 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, cut into 30 squares
    • 15 large marshmallows, halved horizontally
    Directions
    1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In a food processor, pulse oats until finely ground. Add flours, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt; pulse to combine. In a large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in egg, scraping down side of bowl. With mixer on low, beat in flour mixture just until combined.
    2. Drop dough by tablespoons, 1 inch apart, onto two baking sheets. Top each with a chocolate square. Bake just until lightly golden, 11 to 13 minutes, rotating sheets halfway through. Remove sheets from oven; heat broiler. Top each cookie with a marshmallow. One sheet at a time, broil until marshmallows are lightly browned, 1 to 1 1/2 minutes. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool.

    Thursday, June 13, 2013

    Geometry

    Geometric prints, for me, can be hit or miss. But with the right print, you can wear a great pattern and take it from retro to modern, casual to classy, and anywhere in between. 

    You really can't beat the price for the versatility of this blouse. Wear it alone with shorts, under a suit, pair it with a long necklace or maybe even a neon skirt.

    You must click to see the back of this dress, it has the cutest peek-a-boo hole. And the price. Come on.

    Last Call Neiman Marcus, Equipment Geometric Silk Shorts, $69
    These silk shorts are adorable. I love the high waist and pops of yellow.

    Michael Kors, Printed Jersey Dress, $99
    You can totally pull off this dress. It's got great hem line details and it's jersey so it's easy to wear alone or layer a belt, blazer or denim jacket.

    The geometric print trend will continue through the fall, so why not try it out now with some breeze pieces that you can experiment with it. 

    Be fabulous today!

    Wednesday, June 12, 2013

    All Tasseled Up

    Happy humpday lovebugs,
    I love earrings, probably because they add the perfect addition or enhancement so close to your face. They can stud, dangle, or in today's case tassel. We've looked at other tassel accessories in the past, but today let's look at tassel earrings.

    Brooks Brothers, Stone and Tassel Drop Earring, $64
    These are half off and they are a steal in my opinion. Just beautiful, and you can't beat Brooks Brothers quality.

    BaubleBar, Snow Pearl Tassel Drops, $26
    Oh just so classy. Perfect for a sundress for evening or LBD.

    A little rocker-chic from J. Simp. I dig it.

    Simple, elegant, and so easy to mix in with just about anything.

    Tassels don't seem to be going away anytime soon. We seem them on jewelry, bags, shoes, you name it. Try these beautiful earrings and get some guaranteed compliments.

    Be fabulous today!

    Tuesday, June 11, 2013

    Flipping for Flops

    Yesterday we looked at bathing suits, let's stay with the trend and look at some gorgeous rubber flip flops. Colors, prints, styles, are endless these days, but how about something that you'll enjoy putting on your feet and add some sass to your outfit.

    Tory Burch, Thandie, $42
    I'm just in love with this platform because it's different and the print is fabulous. 

    Nordstrom, Ipanema Trends VI, $24
    I have not heard of Ipanema flip flops before but I love the price point and love their prints.

    Vera Bradley, Plum Crazy, $32
    OK now stay with me, I know Vera can be polarizing, but I'm just crazy about this stripe mixed with the print.

    Simple, pretty and easy with denim.

    These are rubber flip flops that you won't be embarrassed to wear. Flip flops that will make your pedicure pleased.

    Be fabulous today!