Giving Thanks

Hello!

I'm trying to be better at posting regularly!

Obviously last week was Thanksgiving.  I spent it at my house in Milwaukee with my mom, sister Tausha, and little nephews, Cole and Owen.  My mom cooked all morning and made an amazing dinner, per usual. I just spent the day drinking mimosas.  (I offered to help, but she was on a roll) Cole just watched Netflix in my bed and asked for "alone time" because clearly a 4 year old just needs a break from reality. Owen ran around like a crazy 1 year old and screamed "KK!" all day.

Later that night, I drove up to Tomah to see my family that came in to town!  Leiah came back for the weekend, yay! I had to make this delicious Hawaiian dried beef dip, because it is a staple for get togethers.

I had my little cousins help me with it, because I was trying to get them to like me and it worked.  I think.  I was expecting them to not like it, but they could not get enough! haha, they were eating it like crazy!

They helped rip up the bread :)

Ducks gotta eat, too.

Not kidding, they ate it up.

Here is the recipe! (I learned this from my mom, btw)

Hawaiian Beef Dip

• 16oz Sour Cream
• 2 cups Mayonnaise (Come on, Miracle Whip is disgusting, don't use it)
• 6oz Dried Beef (it's next to canned tuna and all that, usually in a jar or packet)
• 2Tbsp Minced Onion
• 2Tbsp Parsley Flakes
• 2tsp Beau Monde 
• 2 Kings Hawaiian Sweet bread bowl (can use rolls if they don't have bread bowl)

1. Mix Sour Cream and Mayonnaise with spices. 2. Slice the dried beef into small pieces, I normally do little squares.  3. Add dried beef to dip and refrigerate if you have patience (we DO NOT HAVE PATIENCE) 4.  Cut out center of bread bowl, leaving just the edges with bread  5.  Rip apart bread into big, bite size pieces 6. When you're all ready, scoop dip into center of the bread bowl and DIP THAT BREAD IN UNTIL IT'S ALL GONE

We normally buy 2 bread bowls, because then we have enough bread to dip, normally 1 isn't enough. It's so good, I kind of want to go to the store and buy ingredients for it to make right now.  But I'm trying to get back on my "health" kick, so I'll resist.  

Enjoy, y'all!

P.S. Chris and Kristen, this recipe is for you.  Please make it for your kids immediately.  ;)

I'm Back: The Good Land

I'm back! A little later than expected, but I have been busy.

For all family members and friends who do not yet know, I have moved from La Crosse to Milwaukee aka "The Good Land".  That's really what Milwaukee means, look it up.

I moved in June to start a new job here which has been a blast.  I now live close to all of my best friends from high school and we hang out what seems like, every day.

I am living with my best friend, Ashlie, on the East side over by Lake Michigan which is awesome.  Tons of young professionals in this areas, so it's fun.  Plus, I live down the road from a place that has unlimited sushi lunch for like $14.  I may never leave.  Here are some pictures of my new place! I am slightly obsessed with it!  

Eventually I will update my room from child to adult

Our kitchen is square, it's hard to tell in this picture!

That room on the left is our spare room which mostly gets filled with all my work crap

Hope you love our place, because Ash and I worked very hard to decorate! It has been fun to move from crappy college housing to actual nice places.  

As for my cooking, I have been severely slacking.  My friends and I have been trying out all the restaurants around here and going to brunch at new places practically every weekend.  I have a feeling I will pick it back up this winter when it starts to get cold and I won't go anywhere.  

I did go up to La Crosse a couple weekends ago for Oktoberfest, and on my way back, I stopped at my Aunt and Uncle's.  They stocked me up with some veggies.  I will be using the butternut squash very soon to make a lasagna! That will probably be my next post!! So stay tuned! 

Ok, that's all for now.  I promise I won't wait as long to post again!!

Bye, bye!

Update

Just a littl update for anyone checking in here, I am currently going to have to blog be on hiatus for a week or so more. I will have some exciting and informative posts here soon! This is a busy/changing time I my life that I will fill everyone in on soon enough! Ta-ta! 

Birthdays and Stuff

HEELLLLLOOOO!

I was planning on writing this post a few days ago, but it was a busy week in my world.

I went back home for the weekend to celebrate my best friend Ashlie's golden birthday! Yeah, 23 is a big age for us.  *Cue Blink 182 "Nobody likes you when you're 23"*

We were very excited.

But first, I stopped at my aunt and uncles to spend the night and have some quality time.  I was sent home with some fresh eggs, homegrown honey, fresh maple syrup, apple chips, and some canned cabbage, so needless to say, I was one spoiled and happy gal.  

Gourd Garden

Fresh eggs and homemade non-gmo bread makes my tummy smile.

So, before leaving for the weekend I had to actively try not to go crazy with eating whatever I want, like I usually do.  I made a huge batch of trail mix and put them all into little baggies for the car ride or whenever I was hungry which tends to be a lot.

Trail Mix

• Raw Almonds
• Pecans
• Banana Chips
• Sunflower seeds
• Dried Pinapple
• Dried Cranberries

It took all I had in me not to add some dark chocolate chips, but this is a good combo that won't be bad for you like the ones you buy at the gas station.  It's also much cheaper! *score*

This helped me on my way home, majorly.

Tom, Alex, Ash, and I went to Benihana for dinner and of course Tom just has to order Ash and I a fishbowl with our dinner.  (that always ends well)

Fast forward to after dinner.  3 bottles of champagne, a bottle of Jameson, and many fireball shots later and wouldn't you know, I'm home in bed by midnight! Who is shocked?! Not me, falling asleep at the table at Trinity.  I clearly cannot handle my liquor like I used to, but I JUST GET SO EXCITED TO SEE MY FRIENDS I CAN'T STOP.

I baked so many treats for Ash, because they are her favorites and who can say no to her?!

Funfetti cupcakes, s'more bars, and coco chip cookie bars, oh my!

What a pretty best friend I have!!

We definitely were missing our best friend, Allisen as well.  It's just not the same when all of us aren't together!

After a fun and wild hour out on the town and 7 hours of sleep later, it was of course time for brunch.

We went to The Wicked Hop in the Third Ward, and it was packed.  But it was a beautiful day, so who can complain?! 

My hangover kicked in shortly after, so I had a s'more bar and the sugar rejuvenated me, it was amazing.

After a quite unhealthy Sunday, I decided to kick it back into gear when I returned to La Crosse and make a new recipe. Spring Rolls.  They look delicious when I see pictures, so of course I had to try for myself.

The first time, I made them vegetarian.  I used the spring rolls found in the refrigerated section of the grocery store next to the wontons and all that jazz.

The second time, I added a little shrimp to get some more protein.

They definitely did the trick to making me feel better after all those sweets I was bound to have.

Spring Rolls

• 2 Rice paper spring rolls
• Shredded Carrots
• Sliced Red Cabbage
• Sliced Bell pepper
• Spinach
• Additional add ins: Sprouts, Shrimp (approx. 3-4), Chicken, Radishes, etc.

Soak rice paper in warm water for about 15 seconds.  Arrange veggies in the center of the roll.  I didn't do exact measurements because you can kind of add however much of each you'd like.  Just use your judgment as to not over fill the rolls.  Once all ingredients are in, roll it up!

I had a dipping sauce for mine.

Sauce

• 1 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 1 tbsp liquid Aminos (or low sodium soy sauce)
• I added a little garlic powder and you can add Sriracha to spice it up! I heated it for about 15 sec. in the microwave to combine and stirred it all well.

ENJOY.

Recipes and Realizations

Today, Leiah and I were talking about what I should do a post on next, and she told me to watch this documentary on Netflix called "Fed Up".  It came out in September of last year, and I don't know why I am just finding out about it!

I immediately watched it and am so happy that this is being addressed.  If you haven't seen it, I highly recommend, but I'll give a little recap.  It's about how processed foods and additives in fast foods are causing increases in sugar intake, leading to diabetes and obesity.  Even in products that say "low fat" or "low calorie", they are replacing the fats with sugar.

Now, let me repeat what I have previously stated, I don't claim to know everything, I am just trying to know more.  I loved this documentary because I WAS THAT PERSON.  I was like "Oh, low fat yogurt? Totally! Reduced fat Wheat Thins? YUM".  It is SO eye opening to actually READ the ingredients on the packaging.  If you don't recognize the ingredients, or if the list is a mile long, why would you put that in your body? Your body doesn't even know how to digest it, so it stores it as fat!

I could go on and on about this, because it makes me so sad to see parents feeding their children all of these high-sugar foods.  It has taken me years (yes, years) to get where I am right now, and I am nowhere near perfect.  Changing these things does not happen over night.  Cutting out all of the processed and man-made foods does not come easy.  I was still buying lean cuisine or weight watchers frozen meals just a couple of years ago, thinking I was eating "healthy".  Have you ever looked at those ingredients? YIKES.

Honestly, I never thought I would be this person, watching what I am putting into my body, but it's scary to see the future generations eating junk for every meal.  This is why I LOVE making my meals as homemade as possible and checking the ingredients to everything I buy.  This documentary might scare you, and I kind of hope it does.  It'll definitely make you think twice before you buy those  "Lean Pockets".

Ok, off of my little rant about that.  I have been making some pretty delicious meals this week that I will share with you here.  One is probably one of my favorite meals ever, chili! I realize this is more of a "Fall" food, but it just snowed the other day, so whatever.

The recipe I followed makes about 3 servings, so feel free to double or triple or whatever you need to do.  You can also freeze it if you would like.

Turkey Chili

• 10 oz. ground turkey
• 1 can black beans or kidney beans (I used light red kidney)
• 1 can vegetable broth
• 1 1/2 cups diced tomatoes 
• 3/4 cup diced onion
• 1 diced pepper (I used red)
• 1/4 cup diced jalapeño (optional)
• 1 Tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• black pepper to taste

1. Brown turkey in a pan sprayed with non-stick cooking spray or drizzled with olive oil on medium-high heat.

2. Once turkey is cooked all the way through, add in onions and peppers and cook for about 3 minutes.

3. While turkey is browning, in a sauce pan bring vegetable broth and beans to a simmer, then stir in spices and tomatoes then cook for 2 minutes.  

4. Combine ingredients in sauce pan and cook until warm, then serve.

I don't have a picture, SORRY :(

I ALSO made coconut chicken, yum! :) This I do have pictures of!

Coconut Crusted Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast tenders
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup unsweetened coconut flakes
• 1/2 cup almond flour (or other GF flour)
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Spray a cooking sheet with non-stick spray.

2. In a bowl, whisk the eggs together, in another bowl, mix coconut, flour, and spices until well combined.

3. With a fork, dip chicken in egg first, then coconut mixture making sure to fully coat the chicken, then place on baking sheet.

4.  Bake for about 15-20 minutes, until they start to look golden brown.  

You can serve it with an all natural marmalade, or I did it with plain greek yogurt mixed with some Sriracha! 

Spring Is In The Air

There has been an immense amount of rain lately.  Why do I always seem to forget what the weather is like every single year? I don't know.

Here's to hoping it clears up and we can enjoy the 60s and 70s while we have them, before the summer heat comes.

So, Easter was this past weekend and I luckily got to spend it with the fam.  By fam, I mean my cousin, Jacquelyn and the occasional appearance of Ryan.  Yay for a weekend off of work! 

AND the Badgers won on Saturday, so there was quite a bit of excitement that night.  

Also, it was so nice out this weekend.

Can't complain.  

Besides that, I'm going to post a recipe for these Banana, Greek Yogurt, and Oat muffins that I made last time I made a blog post, while super hungover.  I remade them yesterday, and surprise, surprise, they were much better this time.  Probably because the first time I made them, I had all the lights off because I just couldn't handle life at that point, but I thought baking muffins was a good idea? I don't know why I do that to myself. 

BUT, these are actually pretty good and easy and travel-friendly.  I found it on Pinterest, but changed some things up.

Banana Oat Muffins

• 2 Ripe Bananas
• 2 Cups Oats
• 2 Eggs
• 1 cup Plain Greek Yogurt
• 1/4 cup honey or agave
• 1 1/2 tsp baking powder
• 1/2 tsp baking soda
• 1/4 cup dark chocolate chips
• 1 1/2 tsp cinnamon 
• 1 tsp vanilla
• 1/2 tsp nutmeg
• Optional: nuts, and you know I added coconut! 

Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  Blend all ingredients (except chocolate chips) in a food processor until well mixed.  Stir in chocolate chips.  Pour batter into muffin tins and bake for 15-20 minutes. 

These pictures don't really do them justice.  They are really moist and yummy, I promise!

Zoodles

I have been seriously slacking on my blogging the past couple weeks considering I was doing it much more frequently.  Whoops.  I wish I could say it was because I was super busy doing important stuff, but I was mostly binge-watching House of Cards and working.  My life is so boring.  I do have other posts written, I just don't post them because I am always changing stuff and debating whether it is even interesting or not.

In hopes that this is a "no judgment zone", I'm going to divulge that I'm feeling slightly hungover (sorry parents).  BUT in my defense, the Badgers won last night, and I did a little celebrating.  After saying "this is my last drink" 4 different times, I realized I cannot hang like I used to.  I blame it on college for not preparing me for life after college.

SO, I'm going to pretend like I'm being healthy today and post about a meal I made a couple weeks ago and then actually order delivery because that's where I am in life right now.

Right before I made this meal, I debated making a post about how much I hate the Vegetti.  I don't know if that's how you spell it, but it's and "As Seen On TV" thing that spiyralizes vegetables.  (Sorry about my grammar today I'm not on my game)  Anyway, I finally got the hang of it, so I like it again. I just couldn't get it right the first 3 times I used it.

It is soooo cool and it is such a great/fast substitute if you want to make pasta!  I have only tried zucchini, but you could do carrots or cucumbers for a salad or something!

I just spiraled one zucchini, sautéed it in some EVOO, then cooked some ground turkey and threw in some spinach and marinara! So simple and fast and delicious. You can totally add your own veggies and everything else you want, I just am in a hurry and don't buy other stuff normally.  But it's good.

I made some homemade marinara, have I posted that recipe before? If not, here it is:

Marinara

• 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil (EVOO)
• 1 tsp minced garlic
• pinch of sugar/salt combo
• optional: crushed red pepper flakes, oregano, basil, etc. whatever you wanna spice it up with

In a pot, brown the garlic with the olive oil, then add in tomatoes, and seasonings and simmer for about 7 minutes.  Super simple and easy to do when you're cooking anything else.  

Tennessee (There Ain't No Place I'd Rather Be)

I have been kind of MIA this past week, because I have been busy exploring Tennessee with the family.  My sister Leiah goes to PA school in Memphis, and my cousin August goes to Pharmacy school in Nashville.

After a random conversation with Leiah about a month ago, I had a spur of the moment decision to buy a plane ticket.  I have spent the last week in Nashville/Memphis eating and walking and drinking and shopping.  Wow, are those my favorite things or what?!

Anyone from the Midwest knows that this winter has been BRUTAL.  So, a little break from bitter cold was fabulous.

It was mid 50s-60s the whole time.  Yay!

Also, right when I arrived in Nash, I was promptly greeted with a cheese platter from Gus, haha. :)  Me + Vacations = free for all.  I don't really like to eat healthy when I'm anywhere but where I live.  WHO CARES. Gotta live a little, right?

We had some quality family time, and my friend Lindsey came to visit since she lives in Atlanta now.  I killed 3 birds with one stone in this trip.

Gus showed us around downtown that night, and we went to a bar called Losers.  Apparently Sam Hunt goes there from time to time and he is one of my favorite, new Country singers.  Plus, he's really good looking, so that doesn't hurt.  They had live music there, and the drummer was wearing a Packer shirt, so of course we started a "Go Pack Go" chant.

The next day we went around to Broadway where all the fun happens.

Love this sign at Biscuit Love Brunch

This picture was at Honkey Tonk Central, which is 3 stories and had balconies so we could be outside.  Also, if you didn't know, it isn't illegal to smoke in bars here, so it was nice to get some fresh air.  It was so weird to see/smell when you're so used to not being around that. Yuck.  

The rest of the week Leiah and I spent together doing random/fun stuff.  We made sushi and watch The Bachelor, of course. I still can't even talk about how annoyed I am with the new season of The Bachelorette...ABC fail.

Where was Matt Neary when you need him to roll?

Lei and I got massages, did some exploring, went to the zoo.  I don't think I have ever seen a panda so this was a big deal.

Jelly Belly collection dedicated to Ashlie Jones, duh.

Downtown Memphis

How cute is this?!

I had tons of fun and it was so nice to have a relaxing little week.  I can't wait to come back and visit! 

PIZZA.

It's time for a crowd pleasing favorite: pizza.

Of course, I'm going to ruin the fun and tell you about a healthier way to make this pizza.

I made a cauliflower crust.  I was absolutely skeptical about this, because who wants a pizza crust made out of a vegetable? Not me.

However, I've seen a million recipes online, so I figured I might as well give it a try.  Here is where I found mine.

After making this recipe, I have a few comments.

First, HOLY COW.  It was AMAZING.  I was so surprised.  It's one of those situations where you don't expect it to taste as good as the original, but it did.  And, it was SO simple to make.  How great is that?!

Seriously, I'm getting hungry just thinking about it.

Second, it makes A LOT.  I would recommend making half the recipe, so that's what I'll include down below.  If you'd like the two pans of it, then go ahead and make the original! I just personally did not need that much.  However, I definitely finished it all anyway.  (over the span of a couple days, not all in one sitting)

Third, I made both the pizza option and the cheesy "bread" option, because I had so much.  I, myself, preferred the cheese bread option the best.  I don't know why, I just like it much better. I can't explain that one.  Pizza, though, you can add your own toppings.  So, that's definitely a close second.

Lastly, almost every recipe I have seen for cauliflower crust calls for using a cheese cloth to ring out the moisture from the cauliflower.  This helps the crust become more crisp.  I chose the lazy route with this recipe and refrained from buying a cheese cloth. I would recommend doing this, however, because I know it will help get that texture!

I am planning on buying a cheese cloth or a nut milk bag asap, though.  I am dying to make my own cheese from almonds and make homemade almond milk.  I'm super cool and exciting.

Anyway, here is the result/recipe!!!! ENJOY

Cauliflower Crust

• 2 Cups cauliflower, riced in a food processor (about 1/2 head cauliflower)
• 2 Eggs
• 1 Cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese 
• 1 1/2 tsp Oregano
• 2 Cloves of garlic, minced
• salt & pepper, to taste
• 1/2-1 Cup shredded Mozzarella Cheese to top
• Optional: veggies for pizza, marinara (desired amount) 

1.  Preheat oven to 425.  Prepare pizza pans with parchment paper

2.  Add roughly chopped cauliflower florets to food processor and pulse until rice-like texture

3.  Put in microwave safe container with a lid and microwave for about 6-8 minutes

4.  Once microwaved, place cauliflower in a large bowl, and add eggs, mozzarella, oregano, garlic, and salt and pepper.  

5.  Place mixture on pans and shape into pizza or breadstick form.

6.  Bake for 25 min., or until golden brown. Once golden, sprinkle with remaining cheese and bake for 5 more minutes if doing cheese bread.  If doing pizza, top with marinara, toppings, and cheese.  

I topped my pizza with some spinach

Welcome to March

**Written while binge watching The Walking Dead**

It's finally March!

That means a few things.  My social media gets bombarded by March Madness talk, Shamrock Shakes are back, Girl Scouts will tempt you with cookies, and most importantly, Spring is approaching.  I can start to slowly switch my coffee to iced.

Newest obsession: Chai Tea Lattes
I tried the Starbucks one a couple months ago, and I am HOOKED.  If you have never tried one, they are creamy, warm spicy drink.  Highly recommend.  I like to buy from local, small businesses, and Moka is pretty amazing.

Craving one now.

Since, ya know, the seasons are starting to change, I'm trying to spruce up my breakfast situation.

My quest for a healthy lifestyle is forcing me to be creative and stuff.

I have major culinary skills now, because I finally learned how to poach an egg.

This was my biggest accomplishment of the day, considering it was my lazy day off work.

I bought some gluten free English muffins.  Yum! Maybe it's sad that these types of things make me excited, whatever.

My little creation today was delicioso.

If you've never poached an egg before, it's pretty simple.

Fill a sauce pan or a skillet with 2-3 inches of water and bring to a boil.  Reduce to a simmer.  Use a spoon to create a "whirlpool" in the pan.  Break egg into a small bowl, and pour in close to the water's surface, in the center of the whirlpool.  Cook for 3-5 minutes, and use a slotted spoon to remove from the water.

Easy!

I just topped a toasted English muffin with spinach, sliced tomato, egg and some salt and pepper.  

*Optional add-ons: cheese, avocado slices, hollandaise, HoT sAuCe, that's all I've got for you.  

NYFW Favorites

New York Fashion Week was last week, and I'm a little behind.

There was one trend that I am really loving right now.  Sometimes when it comes to fashion, I see styles that I wouldn't necessarily wear, but I can appreciate it anyway.

Not every personality or body type can pull off every style or clothing trend, so it's important to find out what works for you.

My cousin, Jacquelyn, came over a couple days before fashion week wearing an adorable outfit, so I was really excited to see it was a big trend.

How precious is she?!

Oh, by the way, the big trend was OUTERWEAR.

I love coats and jackets and fur.  It's fun to see how other people put together outfits.  

Here are some of my favorites that I saw :