Currently

A little bit of what is going on with me!
FlowersCooking…scones.  Oatmeal ones, to be specific.  I have also been on a kick with trying some new recipes that I have had typed on virtual sticky-notes on the front of my computer and recently, they are calling my name.  I seem to be all about change in the kitchen lately and with a weekly Farmer’s Market for inspiration, my family can pretty much expect just about anything these days!  And I am planning on experimenting with chia seeds soon so we will see how that goes.

Sweating…to Insanity.  I decided to stop pussy-footing around my workouts and instead, found the hardest thing I could find.  That kind of all or nothing type of mindset isn’t always good, but in this case, I am hoping it leads to a more steady workout schedule.

Eating…chicken wings and sushi, although not together. Ha!  I think I could eat both of these foods everyday.  And oatmeal.  And milk.  And peanut butter.

Praying…for some friends that are going though some health issues.

Crushing…on long necklaces.  Please forgive this rare moment of girlieness, but if I put on some jewelry, then make-up and decent shoes usually follow.  Don’t worry.  I won’t start recommending nail color anytime soon, but I am not ashamed to tell you that pendant necklaces are right up my alley.  And if it can withstand my 14 month old chewing on it, then major bonus points!

Reading…or rather, finished reading: The Aviator’s Wife.  Outrageously good book.  Has anyone else read it?  I just started a book club within my local Mom’s Group and that was our first novel.  The Light Between Oceans is up next and I am crazy excited to start it.  Any motivation to read recreationally (aka, time out for this tired Mama!) is a very good thing.

Spending…more time with my kids and less time doing things that can wait.  I have been extremely aware of how fleeting these early years are with them.  So, to that end, I have been honing my domino castle making skills, reading more books with a flashlight in blanket forts, and taking more pictures of the whole family doing everyday things.  Because those are the best things.

Special thanks to Back To Her Roots for the inspiration for this post!

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad There are so many things I love about this dish, that I just…like…I can’t even deal.

This might sound weird, but the fact that I finished this recipe just in time for summer is really the best part.  Because now I, and of course you, can enjoy it all. season. long.  *sigh*  I’m so happy.

So yes, this is a continuation of my quinoa love fest, but if you don’t like quinoa, well, it actually doesn’t really matter.  This dish is just as fantastic made with brown rice, couscous, or a personal favorite of mine, orzo.  Although, I wish you wouldn’t!  It would be doing yourself a serious disservice.  The texture and nutty flavor are part of what make this one-plate meal so addicting.  Addicting.  As in it is nearly impossible to stop snacking on it before it hits the table, type of addicting.

With all the veggies and lean meat thrown in, it is certainly not short on satisfaction.  I picked these particular vegetables and flavors because they lend themselves to each other very well; almost like a greek salad, but better.  But if you didn’t add the chicken, it would be an awesome dish to bring to a summer barbecue when you needed something to pass around.  You can make it ahead, it is fine chilled or at room temperature, and it goes with everything.  The Honey-Lemon Grilled Chicken is so fantastic in this you won’t even believe it, so grill extra and save yourself some time for a meal later in the week.  The Grilled Yogurt Chicken is good too.  Plan ahead and take advantage of the convenience!  If I ever have extra, which is quite rare, I plan to use leftover cold flaked salmon in here too.

Maj-or drool fest.

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad Mediterranean Quinoa Salad One Year Ago: Marshmallow Buttercream & Homemade Granola Bars
Two Years Ago: Vanilla Ice Cream, Lemon Thyme OrzoStrawberry Watermelon Coolers, & Fried Corn

Mediterranean Quinoa Salad
The dressing isn’t heavy for strong.  It is just enough to boost the flavor of the veggies without drowning them!

1 recipe Basic Quinoa
1/2 cucumber, cubed
1 sweet bell pepper, cubed
1 pint cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
2 cooked chicken breasts, cubed
2 T chopped fresh mint
8 oz feta, diced
Stir all ingredients together and chill.  Meanwhile, in a glass measuring cup, add:
1/4 c extra virgin olive oil
1/4 c red wine vinegar
1 T honey
1/2 tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
Whisk together and pour over salad, tossing well to distribute the flavors.  Taste for seasoning.  Enjoy!

Classic Deviled Eggs

Classic Deviled Eggs I learned a lot of things from my parents.

I learned how to sew, how to cook, how to check all the fluids in my car, and how to change a tire.  My Mom taught me how to be a good public speaker and how to bake.  My Dad taught me how to make eggs over easy and how to grill the perfect steak; salt and pepper only please!

Among other (more important) things, of course, I can add ‘how to make deviled eggs’ to that list.  You may think this isn’t any great feat, but every time I serve them to people other than my immediate family, they always say Wow!  And I always give the same surprised response.  I just assumed, like grilling a good steak, that making great deviled eggs was something everyone knew how to do!  We ate them all the time growing up, and these days, I like to surprise my family by whipping them up for casual occasions like a picnic in the park.  BLT’s, deviled eggs, a big container of fruit, and a jar of olives is quite spectacular on a breezy summer day.  Without fail, a bite of a these takes me right back to my childhood, where I must say, there never seemed to be enough to go around.  For some reason, they also conjure images of my Mom in a floor length orange and yellow flowered skirt and a long sleeved, chambray shirt, circa 1975.  I would imagine they are nostalgic to a lot of people as they are, after all, a bit of americana, right?  Deviled eggs seem to surface at every pot luck around the country; usually sitting right next to the lime and pineapple jello salad with the carrots shredded on the top.  And they are always the first to go, whether they have the controversial pickle relish stirred in or not!  Because we Americans know a good thing when we see it.

But mine are plain.  Plain and classic.  Four, maybe five ingredients, and you are all done.  The kind of recipe that you really don’t need actually.  You will make them once and you are set.  Ready for the park or a neighborhood pot luck.  Just don’t forget the jello salad.
And congratulations to Noelle #19 for winning the giveaway!!

Classic Deviled EggsClassic Deviled EggsOne Year Ago: Tofu Chocolate Pudding
Two Years Ago: White Chocolate Rainbow Cake

Classic Deviled Eggs

6 large eggs, hardboiled *see note*
1/4 c mayo
1 tsp mustard, classic yellow is preferred, dijon is OK too
black pepper to taste
paprika

Cut the eggs in half lengthwise.  Put five of the yolks in a small howl and discard the sixth.  Mash the yolks with a fork and add the mayo, mustard, and pepper.  Mix well.  Pipe or scoop the filling into the egg halves.  Dust with paprika.
*Note*  There are a ton of different methods and tips out there for making the perfect hardboiled egg.  Through experience, this is how I do them.  Put your eggs in a shallow saucepan and cover with cold water.  Put them over high heat and when they come to a boil, turn the unit down so they boil, but not vigorously, and set your timer for 7 minutes for extra large eggs, 6 minutes for large eggs.  When they timer goes off.  Pull them off the heat and let them sit in the hot water for 10 minutes.  Drain, and chill in ice water.