Happy Tuesday, friends! I'm not sure what the weather is like your area now, but it is a dark and gloomy day here in Indy. Somehow this seemed like the perfect recipe to share, since it's so bright and colorful, and all the fresh produce really makes me think of summer.
So in addition to getting back into the blog recently (yay!), I've also gotten back into Pinterest and all the visual inspiration that comes with it. This recipe is one of those gems, and we went crazy over all the flavors. It felt light and refreshing, and came together in a flash. I will definitely be making it again!
Salmon with Zesty Citrus Salsa Recipe adapted from Self Serves 2-4, depending on how much salsa you use
Well what do you know, I'm actually writing a post today! No one is more surprised than I am, but John and I had such a fun date night Friday, that I just had to share. Especially because it involves a great deal for any of you living in or visiting Indy this week!
Devour Downtown occurs twice a year in Indianapolis, usually once in the winter and once in the summer. For two weeks, almost every downtown restaurant offers special menus and significantly discounted rates. It's such a great time to try out new restaurants, especially ones that might normally be too pricey. Plus, I'll take any excuse to dress up for a night out!
Top: Forever 21 (Christmas gift from my mom) Pants: Zara (from my 2008 trip to Tokyo!) Shoes: Target Pearl Necklace: Reis-Nichols (my wedding gift from John) Bracelet: Brighton (Christmas gift from John's aunt Linda) Clutch: Hand-me-down from my mom
Sapphire and diamond earrings: Reis-Nichols (my Christmas gift from John!)
Enter: St. Elmo's. St. Elmo's is a pretty famous steakhouse in Indy. It serves some of the best cuts of meat, plus its famous shrimp cocktail. It was even featured on a recent episode of Parks and Recreation!
This fantastic food comes with a hefty price tag, so John and I had never been before. However, during Devour Downtown, it offers a menu for $35 a person. Included was an appetizer (salad or shrimp cocktail - which normally costs $16!), an entree (salmon, chicken or filet mignon) with smashed potatoes and green beans on the side, and a dessert (creme brulee, bread pudding or cheesecake).
Shrimp cocktail, Filet (with blue cheese topping) and creme brulee for this happy girl! Forgive the pictures...dim lighting in the restaurant and I didn't want to use my flash.
Our meal was absolutely delicious, and John and I had the best time. I left feeling very appreciative of John's little surprise idea, and it kicked of a great weekend filled with redecorating our apartment a bit, an impromptu dinner date with my good friend Ally (another Devour Downtown host - Scotty's Brewhouse), brunch with one of my favorite journalism professors in Bloomington, and a big IU basketball victory.
post-dinner self portrait - never the best!
Enough about me...
How was your weekend? Do any of your cities or towns offer events like Devour Downtown?
Here is yet another post I typed up months ago, and only recently managed to edit the photos. Hopefully that doesn't deter you, because this is fantastic. I know I'm known for using adjectives, but I sincerely mean the praise for this delicious recipe (Thank you, Jourdan!).
In a nutshell, this is a warm, creamy and hearty meal. You really don't need anything else to make it a meal, although a nice green veggie on the side certainly wouldn't hurt. I'm thinking of experimenting by adding spinach to this, to really round out the meal. If you make some modifications be sure to share!
On a side note, I do apologize for the poor-quality pictures. I'm working with my iPhone, since our camera is on the fritz, and the dark winter lighting certainly doesn't help matters.
Hey there! No need to be impressed with another post so soon. In fact, judge away as I tell you that I typed up this post back in November, and just recently got around to editing the pictures. I'm surprised that I still had them!
However, my tardiness is no bash on this quick meal. I whipped it up in a flash before work, and we had plenty of leftovers to freeze and eat later. This was a tasty and easy meal, and perfect for the cold winter months. Enjoy!
{Slow-Cooker} Creamy Chicken & Black Bean Chili Serves 4-8, depending on servings
Well happy New Year! A little late, I know, but ... better late than never, right? Anyhoo, I hope your 2013s are off to a fantastic start, and that you had wonderful holidays. I know that I've been absent from my little corner of the blog world these last few months, and while I'd love to say "I'm back!" I just can't say that yet. I hope to be - and soon! - but for now my sporadic visits are all I can commit to. I do sincerely appreciate those who continue to visit!
That being said, I knew I had to post this recipe when a) John asked me to make it twice...in one week, and b) several people at work commented on it smelling so good as I reheated it for lunch!
So, first things first, if you don't like cauliflower, you will probably still like this soup. John is not crazy about cauliflower, but says that it was so creamy and tasted nothing like cauliflower (though we couldn't figure out what it did taste like). The best part...there is no dairy in this (unless you add a little shredded cheese at the end...so worth it for my dairy-eating friends)! Roasting the cauliflower adds an incredible flavor and texture to this soup, and you will not believe how creamy it is, without one bit of cream or milk.
Please just take my word - and the fact that I am writing a post after such a long absence just because this is so tasty! - and make this. It's super healthy, low calorie and absolutely delicious!
Creamy {Dairy-Free!} Roasted Cauliflower Soup Serves 4-6, depending on portions
I've been so absent from my little, itty-bitty place in the blogosphere these past few months. It's certainly been a trying year. I've chosen time with my little family (love you, John and Hoosh!), extended family, friends (though not nearly enough!), and students over daily posts and comments to other blogs. I know this has been the right decision, but I would by lying if I said I didn't miss writing and communicating with all of you!
So...timing...today was a tough day. I felt emotionally, mentally and physically drained. And apparently it was evident, as many people at school took note. I went to a great dinner with my hubby and in-laws before they all headed to Bloomington for the IU game, while I went home to be responsible and work, sleep, etc.
But...I was in a funk. I was distracted from work. TV was boring. I couldn't focus on my book. I was just feeling...ugh. So I got on my knees and started praying; praying for guidance, strength, peace, wisdom, faith, trust. I poured my heart out. And when I was finished, I was suddenly compelled to pull up my Christmas list on my phone. I was drawn to Amy Grant. And the song I came to? "Breath of Heaven (Mary's Song).
Wow. The words in that song - a song I hadn't thought of since last Christmas - spoke to me and lifted me. I sang my heart out. I don't think it was an accident that I was directed to that song. To those words. Though my prayers might not all be answered immediately or in my time, I felt that God was trying to tell me that He heard me, and that I wasn't alone.
And then it got better. I saw my devotions book and realized that I hadn't done my devotions today. The message: Through the Dry Season. I couldn't believe it was a coincidence that I came across this, and I felt so compelled to share it with you. It comes from Joel Osteen's Your Best Life Begins Each Morning devotional book, a wonderful Christmas gift last year from my mother-in-law Leslie.
There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven; a time to be born and a time to die, a time to plant and a time to uproot. {Ecclesiastes 3:1-2}
"We all go through dry seasons in our lives, times when we don't see anything happening. Maybe you've been praying and believing, but your prayers aren't being answered; or, you're giving, but you don't seem to be getting anything in return. Maybe you are doing your best to treat people right; you're going the extra mile to help others, but nobody is going out of their way to help you. What's going on? Is God's Word a lie? Do these principles not work? "No, these dry seasons are proving grounds. God wants to see how you are going to respond. What kind of attitude will you have when you are doing the right thing, but the wrong thing keeps happening to you?"
Maybe this isn't applicable to you in your time of life. Or maybe, like me, you read that scripture and those words at just the right moment. I will continue to focus my trust in God's providence and to have faith in wait and trial.
Wishing you all a joyful start to this holiday season, and hoping to share some festive recipes and decors with you along the way!
Here I am with another Rapp family recipe! Hanky pankies are always a big hit with crowds, as I personally experienced when I made them for my sorority sisters' monthly girls dinner! These are a staple at the lake and family events because they are easy to make and freeze.
I've adapted these slightly - subbing ground turkey for ground beef - and adjusting the cheese. It's completely up to you and your family's taste preferences! Velveeta cheese will give you a very creamy combination, but you're welcome to use any other type of cheese if you don't like processed food.
PS: Still stuck in iPhone picture land. What can you do, eh?
Hanky Pankies Recipe adapted from Mimi & Leslie Rapp Yields about 16 hanky pankies (depending on loaf size)
I have been absent for far too long. In fact, I've typed up recipe posts for several other recipes and the like, but my camera cord has been MIA. Whoops! So, my upcoming posts all have pictures from my phone. Better than nothing? I hope so, because I've definitely missed my frequent blog posts and conversations with you!
The title of this recipes comes from Rachael, and a text I got from her after I made these. The original title was "Shrimp Salad on Cucumber," which is not the best. When I told John about Rachael's title suggestion he got SO excited (go Moyer!). He thought it was way better than the original.
Anyhoo, this is a super easy recipe to throw together, plus the "shrimp salad" portion involves NO mayo - how great is that?! It was the perfect thing to throw together before my girlfriends arrived for our monthly "girls dinner." Everyone gobbled this down, and it was so easy (and tasty!) that I will definitely be making it again soon.
Oh, and did I mention that it's healthy? Well, it is! Enjoy!
Inside Out Sushi Recipe adapted from Skinnytaste Yields about 40 pieces
As soon as I saw this recipe I knew I had to make it. Last week I made my first-ever batch of enchiladas, sans recipe. They were good, but I felt I could make some just a bit better. I didn't post the recipe because I was on the phone with my sister while I was making them.
Now that I've eaten these, I'm SO glad that I didn't post the other recipe. These enchiladas were so beyond amazing that I can't even believe I made those other enchiladas. Seriously. I'm not even an enchilada person, but wow.
I'd like to play around with these some more to substitute the cream of chicken soup for less processed ingredients. However, for a quick and easy meal, the canned soup is a big time-saver. I highly recommend these, and I anticipate I'll be making more meals from Picky Palate quite soon. Enjoy!
Fiesta Chicken & Spinach Enchiladas Recipe adapted from Picky Palate Serves 4-6, depending on portions
Ever since I made these tasty delights, I've had tons of new traffic to the blog. Thanks to all the wonderful people who commented on that recipe, I have a new - and easy! - recipe for you. All I can say is that it was a relatively effortless meal, which is great for me during the week. John was a happy, happy camper, too. He shouted "awesome!" after his first bite, and he hasn't stopped talking about them since.
Normally I would say more, but honestly I'm too tired and I know these will speak for themselves. So make them!
