Friday, March 21, 2014

Friday Foodday

Happy Friday lovebugs, here are some of my favorite recipes this week.

Tortellini Chili
c/o Closet Cooking
Ingredients
  • 1 tablespoon oil
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1+ tablespoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 pound ground beef or turkey
  • 6 cups beef broth or chicken broth
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 8 ounces fresh cheese tortellini
  • salt, pepper and cayenne to taste

Directions
  1. Heat the oil in a pan over medium-high heat, add the onions and saute until tender, about 3-5 minutes.
  2. Add the garlic, chili powder, paprika and cumin and cook until fragrant, about a minute.
  3. Add the beef and brown, about 6-8 minutes, before draining any grease.
  4. Add the broth, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, oregano and tortellini and bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer until the tortellini is tender, about 10 minutes.

Crispy Black Bean Tacos with Feta and Slaw
Ingredients
1 (15 oz.) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1/2 teaspoon cumin
salt and pepper
1 1/2 cups broccoli slaw mix
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 scallions, thinly sliced
1/3 cup chopped cilantro
vegetable or canola oil
8 white or yellow corn tortillas
crumbled feta cheese
Bottled hot sauce for serving

Directions
Place the beans, cumin, and salt and pepper to taste in a bowl and partially mash.

In another bowl, toss the broccoli slaw mix with olive oil, lime juice, scallions and cilantro. Season to taste with salt and pepper, and set aside.

Heat about 3 teaspoons of the vegetable or canola oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add as many tortillas as you can fit in a single layer. Move the tortillas around in the pan so they're all evenly coated with oil on both sides. After one side is golden brown, flip the tortillas over and spoon some of the bean mixture onto one half of each tortilla. Cook for about 1 minute. Fold the tacos in half and cook until golden brown and crispy, 1-2 minutes per side.

Remove the tacos to a paper towel-lined plate and drain off any excess oil. Open the tortilla and stuff with some of the slaw and crumbled feta. Repeat the process with the remaining tortillas, adding more oil to the pan, as needed. Top with hot sauce, if desired, before serving.

Hamentashen
Ingredients
2 1/2 cups flour
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup oil
2 eggs
1 teaspoon baking powder
3 tbsp orange juice
Raspberry and apricot jam


Directions
1- Preheat the oven to 350.
2- In a bowl combine all ingredients except the jam. Mix well until a dough is formed.
3- Roll dough out onto the counter. Using a drink class cut into circles.
4- Place a small spoonful of jam in the center of each circle. Pinch the sides together and bring the bottom up, forming a triangle around the jam.



Thursday, March 20, 2014

Something Blue

Spring is for florals but when you get past the pastels, the magentas, and the orchid colors, you will find yourself in a more jeweled world. The sapphire. This color neither navy nor sky blue, its somewhere in between.

For reference we go to the pros: pantone.

These petal inspired earrings are a step up from your average stud earring.

NY & Co, Soft Floral Pant, $59
A gathered elastic waistband makes these easy breezy pants perfect for a warm summer night. 

This light and airy accessory can be added to a simple tee, under a denim jacket, or with a white button down.

Talk about your classic sundress. This simple sapphire lace floral can stand alone or pile on a statement necklace

Florals are expected this time of year, mix it up with an unexpected color: sapphire. 

Be fabulous today!

Wednesday, March 19, 2014

First Star I See Tonight

Sometimes it is all about the statement necklace. Other times you need to let your ears do the talking. And listening because you'll be getting a lot of compliments. The statement earring comes in all shapes and sizes, today we're looking the starburst earring. It's blingy, spacey and perfect for work or play.

A fabulous price for a great statement. These beauties are Gatsby party ready or rocker chic with ripped jeans.

How fun are these studs? I love them with a suit or a denim jacket. Great pop of color.

BaubleBar, Crystal Meteor, Drops, $34
I love these white beauties because they are perfect with neon. 

These have to be my favorite. Simple and beautiful, these studs are easy to wear with just about anything.

Starburst earrings are a great way to make a statement. When wearing a bigger earring, go simple or not at all with the necklace. 

Be fabulous today!

Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Pop Quiz, Bro

Pop vocabulary quiz. Brocade. What does it mean. [insert Jeopardy music here] Ok, time's up. Brocade come from the Italian broccato meaning "embossed cloth". It often uses silver and gold thread and packs the pattern punch. Now a pattern like brocade can sometimes be heavy, old fashioned, and not necessarily spring-weather ready. The way we can warm up this style is brighten the color, use metallics to our favor and, well, let's take a look.

The lime color here is perfectly citrus and lightens up the floral-inspired pattern.

J Crew Factory, Gilded Jacquard Top in Brocade, $79
The rounded hemline is the least awesome thing going on here and that's saying something. The cut, the color, you really can't beat this minty emerald canvas.

Modcloth, Debut Dramatist Dress, $54
Another way to lighten up this pattern is to mimic the pattern on a simple cotton maxi. This oversized pattern balances perfectly with the longer length.

BB Dakota, Joss Jacket, $30
A cute baseball jacket is perfect to layer on with a tee. Unclear why this model is giving us the stink eye.

Brocade is easy to wear in the winter month, Brighten up the colors and find light fabrics to wear it in the warmer months.

Be fabulous today!