tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-76074277340776649442024-03-13T05:21:20.797-05:00city girl | country rootsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.comBlogger142125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-81143307168581053902014-04-11T10:39:00.000-05:002016-07-01T08:25:15.478-05:00Today...Today is different. Today is exciting. Today is emotional. Today is new. Today has been coming for a long time now...<br />
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Today is my last day at a job that I've held for 6 years, 2 months and 7 days. I woke up this morning at 5:30 am feeling refreshed and ready to start my day with a sweaty 60 min yoga sculpt class. I needed to begin this day on my mat, present in this moment that has been brewing for what feels like so long now. </div>
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The decision to leave the comforts of a job and routine so familiar and so "good on paper" was a not an easy one; in fact it's been downright scary at times, but I knew I had to make the change. I've learned so much during this time and in this place, and I was never going to feel completely ready, but the time had come that I <i>had</i> to jump. I had to leap with my heart full of optimism and faith in myself and not look back. Thankfully, I have an incredible network of support around me - family and friends who encourage me to follow my dreams and pursue that which will leave <b>my heart and soul feeling fulfilled </b>at the end of the day. </div>
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In 11 days I leave for Costa Rica to take what I am happily referring to as a mini sabbatical. The opportunity to live life for almost 2 months in a beautiful country, where I will no doubt learn a great deal about myself and continue to discover who I am, spend time with people I care about, work on projects that fulfill and motivate me, and plan for the future - one. day. at. a. time. It's an opportunity I simply could not let pass by me. </div>
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Upon my return from Central America I get to follow my passion into the food & natural products industry by working with my <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinyButMightyPopcorn" target="_blank">family's company</a></b> and contracting other exciting projects with individuals I have come to know and respect immensely. All in the spirit of good food, good living and doing good for all that is bigger than me and bigger than us. </div>
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Making big life changes is scary, sure - but what's even scarier is regret. I feel it in my <i>bones</i> that I am meant to pursue what's in sight. I know it won't be easy, but I am ready for the new challenges and experiences that await me on the other side of change... </div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-79786165174483307012014-04-01T13:11:00.000-05:002015-02-02T18:05:36.660-06:00Asparagus + Basil Pasta with Goat Cheese + Toasted Pine Nuts<div>
In order to catch up on life's latest happenings (some big changes for me...more on that later!) I had one of my girlfriends over for dinner last week. I told her I planned to cook some asparagus pasta...not an asparagus lover, Alex said she'd just pick it out if she didn't like it. Fast forward to the end of our meal that night and not only had I heard "YUM" out of her, but her bowl was practically licked clean. With one recipe I had changed her mind about this ingredient and I challenge you to do the same for the non-asparagus lovers in your life. The flavors in this dish are light & fresh but full of zest. It's a super healthy recipe so you won't feel bad eating every last bite - and it pairs nicely with delicious, mellow wine. Enjoy!</div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">Asparagus + Basil Pasta with Goat Cheese + Toasted Pine Nuts</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">*makes 2 servings</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients: </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 servings of whole wheat pasta noodles (we like thin whole wheat spaghetti)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1 bunch asparagus, shaved </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1 bunch green onions, diced well up into the green parts </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 c VRGF olive oil (or other high quality brand)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- pinch of sea salt</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- pinch of freshly ground black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Basil sauce:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 c VRGF olive oil (or other high quality brand)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- juice from 1 lemon</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- lemon zest (from 1/2 the lemon)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/8 tsp black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1 large garlic clove (or two smaller cloves)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 c fresh basil leaves</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Pasta toppings:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- asparagus tips + 1 tsp butter</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 c crumbled goat cheese</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 tbsp pine nuts, toasted </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- torn fresh basil (about 3 leaves divided between two servings)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- fresh ground black pepper</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Directions:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Prepare pasta according to package directions. While pasta cooks, prepare asparagus and sauce.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rinse asparagus and pat dry. Cut off tips and set aside in a small bowl. Using a potato peeler, shave the asparagus lengthwise into long strips. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a large pan or heavy bottom pot, heat 1/4 c olive oil over medium heat. Add in diced green onions and saute for 2 mins, stirring constantly. Stir in asparagus strips, add salt and pepper and continue to cook over medium-low heat until tender, about 10 mins. Cook the asparagus tips by steaming them or adding them to a small pot of boiling water. Boil for about 4 mins, then drain water. Add 1 tsp butter to pot and mix with tips; set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">In a shallow baking pan add the pine nuts and toast until golden, about 7-10 mins. Remove and set aside.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Combine all ingredients for the Basil sauce in a small food processor and pulse until well combined. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain and add it to the pot of asparagus and green onions. Stir until well combined then remove from heat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Divide the pasta mixture into serving bowls. Top evenly but generously with the Basil sauce. Add asparagus tips, toasted pine nuts, goat cheese and fresh ground pepper. Serve immediately. </span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-68481704434399242042014-02-28T10:53:00.004-06:002014-02-28T16:31:11.462-06:00Bad Ass Butcher: Andrea Deibler Makes Her Mark with Whole Animal ButcheryI was recently asked to guest blog for the upcoming <b><a href="http://goodfoodfestivals.com/" target="_blank">Good Food Festival & Conference Chicago</a></b> - one of my favorite events of the entire year here in our food-loving city. This Festival represents all things that have become so important to me - good food, whole foods, natural products, healthy living, environmental conscientiousness, community, sustainability, responsibility and supporting your local farmer and neighbor. This year's Festival marks the <b>10th Anniversary </b>and everyone involved could not be more excited. I'll be at the Festival representing my family's company - <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinyButMightyPopcorn" target="_blank">Tiny But Mighty Popcorn</a></b> - and I can't wait to connect with more incredible souls this year. Check <u><a href="https://www.eventbrite.com/e/10th-anniversary-good-food-festival-conference-2014-tickets-9442836779" target="_blank">here</a></u> for tickets and I hope to see you there!<br />
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In the meantime, head to the <a href="http://goodfoodfestivals.com/blog/chicago/whole-animal-butchery-with-andrea-deibler/" target="_blank"><b>Good Food Festival & Conference's Blog</b></a> to read my piece on local Chicago butcher <b>Andrea Deibler</b> - one bad ass lady who is making a name for herself through the practice of whole animal butchery.<br />
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Andrea Deibler | photo:
©Ashley Arp<o:p></o:p></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-26451735620656262932014-02-21T10:42:00.000-06:002014-02-21T10:42:54.239-06:00To Be In Awe...I was lucky enough to visit the beautiful Costa Rica for my second time this past week, and I was just as awestruck as the first time around. Being in the jungle, up in the mountains, on the beach looking into an endless ocean...you really begin to remember just how small we are and just how big & beautiful this world is. We must treat it with respect, as we must treat one another, for it's a force more powerful than we know.<br />
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The most beautiful thing we can experience is the
mysterious. It is the source of all true art and science. <br />He to whom this
emotion is a stranger, who can no longer pause to wonder and stand rapt in awe,
<br />is as good as dead: his eyes are closed. -Albert Einstein</h2>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: ashley arp | Uvita, Costa Rica</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-21097272595961949992014-02-02T12:27:00.002-06:002014-09-26T11:05:32.981-05:00Lightened Up Caramel Corn!Usually, you're not going to find this girl indulging in sweets. I'm much more of a savory fan. When presented with the option of cheese or caramel corn, I'll choose cheese every time. However, I recently discovered this recipe for lightened up caramel corn and it's gotten me to forget about cheese for at least a little while...<br />
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Just the right amount of subtle, sweet flavor (thanks to coconut oil for popping the popcorn and a little vanilla almond milk in the sauce), this lightened up caramel corn is a <i>must</i> try. It takes less than 15 mins to whip up this tasty little treat and it's perfect for a game day get together or movie night in.<br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Lightened Up (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinyButMightyPopcorn" target="_blank">Tiny But Mighty</a>) Caramel Corn</b></span></h2>
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<i>Adapted from <a href="http://www.raisingarrows.net/2013/10/healthy-caramel-corn-that-actually-tastes-good/" target="_blank">Amy's Caramel Corn</a></i></div>
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<b>Popcorn:</b> Heat 2 tbsp coconut oil in a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&keywords=popcorn+maker+stir+crazy&tag=googhydr-20&index=aps&hvadid=50908561985&hvpos=1t1&hvexid=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=13906611999804249688&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=b&hvdev=c&ref=pd_sl_7py5k0imih_b" target="_blank">Stir Crazy</a> or heavy pot with lid (there should be enough oil so it melts down to about a single layer of oil in the bottom of the pot). Add 1/2 cup of Tiny But Mighty popcorn kernels to the oil and cover with lid (make sure not to add too many kernels - you also want these in a single layer at the bottom of the pot. Too many kernels won't allow them all to pop!). Let pop, shaking pot once about halfway through to move unpopped kernels to the bottom of the pot, then remove from heat. Move popcorn to a large mixing bowl.</div>
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<b>Sauce:</b> In a small saucepan bring 6 tbsp butter, 2 tbsp vanilla unsweetened almond milk and 1/2 cup brown sugar to a boil. Simmer over medium heat and stir constantly for 5 mins. Remove from heat and pour over popped popcorn and mix until well combined. Let stand a few mins and stir again, repeating this step two more times - then enjoy</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-26753807598133253502014-01-31T15:14:00.001-06:002014-01-31T17:32:40.559-06:00Restaurant Week at Cicchetti!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">When <b><a href="http://www.choosechicago.com/things-to-do/dining/chicago-restaurant-week/" target="_blank">Restaurant Week 2014</a></b> rolled around I already had the
names of a few new spots tagged in my mind, hoping they'd be participating in
this <b>newly extended 14-day food extravaganza</b>. When I
checked the list of restaurants my eyes lit up as soon as I spotted
<b>Cicchetti </b>(pronounced Chi-ketty). When I first read about
Cicchetti I was immediately impressed by the concept & consideration
dreamed up by the owners. When Cicchetti
opened in December it was officially given the <b>Green Seal certification </b>for
their use of sustainable materials in both construction & kitchen
operation. Their website also showcases
a dedication to viable food practices, simply stating: </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">"Cicchetti is the
realization of our dream to showcase the great wealth of sustainably produced
Midwestern food and spirits in an Italian/Mediterranean context."</span></h2>
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<o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></o:p><span style="font-family: inherit;">With chef Mike Sheerin, formerly of Blackbird and
Trencherman, running the kitchen alongside pastry chef Sarah Jordan, formerly
of Blackbird and Boka, the folks dining at Cicchetti are in more than good and
capable hands. We enjoyed every ounce of
our meal - the portions were perfectly delicate but not too dainty, and the
flavors spot on. This is one small
plates spot I'll be visiting again and again.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Check out Cichetti's Restaurant Week Menu </span><u style="font-family: inherit;"><b><a href="http://chicago.simpleviewcrm.com/docs/amenities/Cicchetti%20RESTAURANT%20WEEK%20menus%202014.pdf" target="_blank">here</a></b></u><span style="font-family: inherit;"> - and photos
of our dinner below!</span></div>
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfiQEvvjM0g/UuwKqDL85YI/AAAAAAAAFFc/uj8pKRFiwP8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-HfiQEvvjM0g/UuwKqDL85YI/AAAAAAAAFFc/uj8pKRFiwP8/s1600/1.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cicchetti Restaurant Week menu (L) and regular menu (R)</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2dl_KE6szDQ/UuwKuSHQYfI/AAAAAAAAFGM/HCVUglykNc8/s1600/DSC_0464+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-2dl_KE6szDQ/UuwKuSHQYfI/AAAAAAAAFGM/HCVUglykNc8/s1600/DSC_0464+%25281%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Inside the front bar</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy818Iy-jHo/UuwKuE3adnI/AAAAAAAAFGI/AdaP47ujzqo/s1600/DSC_0463.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-xy818Iy-jHo/UuwKuE3adnI/AAAAAAAAFGI/AdaP47ujzqo/s1600/DSC_0463.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Back dining room</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzlKrhvCPng/UuwKrSesp7I/AAAAAAAAFFY/1Fak7Y6w8ak/s1600/DSC_0453.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-KzlKrhvCPng/UuwKrSesp7I/AAAAAAAAFFY/1Fak7Y6w8ak/s1600/DSC_0453.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A delicious & affordable red blend of which we ordered not one, but two bottles</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQgnZ9iVeuA/UuwKpzn14MI/AAAAAAAAFE4/oPl27NOO68k/s1600/DSC_0442+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-BQgnZ9iVeuA/UuwKpzn14MI/AAAAAAAAFE4/oPl27NOO68k/s1600/DSC_0442+%25281%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
La Quercia Prosciutto, slow cooked sweet potatoes, pumpkin seed salsa
verde w/ greens<o:p></o:p></div>
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7yCkhs75As/UuwKpz5tPHI/AAAAAAAAFFA/syerhqwko34/s1600/DSC_0443+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-O7yCkhs75As/UuwKpz5tPHI/AAAAAAAAFFA/syerhqwko34/s1600/DSC_0443+%25282%2529.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
Nonna’s Meatballs, pancetta tomato sauce, ciabatta (these were incredible!!!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72jZ3Ch2l_c/UuwKrPRgBZI/AAAAAAAAFFM/QuH2dR6BxXw/s1600/DSC_0446.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-72jZ3Ch2l_c/UuwKrPRgBZI/AAAAAAAAFFM/QuH2dR6BxXw/s1600/DSC_0446.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
Bruschette Assortite - (clockwise) porkbelly, fennel, golden
raisin agrodolce; </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
tuna conserva, pickled shallot, parsley; duck liver, cocoa
nibs <o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3yLyUH13VI/UuwKrYwAw7I/AAAAAAAAFFU/1Vi25tYu2KU/s1600/DSC_0447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_3yLyUH13VI/UuwKrYwAw7I/AAAAAAAAFFU/1Vi25tYu2KU/s1600/DSC_0447.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
White Bean Soup with Speck Crème, pickled escarole (amazing!!!)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UptUzfCi2Cw/UuwKr_jm1OI/AAAAAAAAFFk/HSXh7L8xy1E/s1600/DSC_0454.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-UptUzfCi2Cw/UuwKr_jm1OI/AAAAAAAAFFk/HSXh7L8xy1E/s1600/DSC_0454.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
Gnocchi with Braised Pork Shank, celery root, pear,
buttermilk, dill, chestnut crisps (to die for!!!) <o:p></o:p></div>
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVtZRSd5l0w/UuwKsjjAezI/AAAAAAAAFFs/tUSBMJB2uiU/s1600/DSC_0456.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dVtZRSd5l0w/UuwKsjjAezI/AAAAAAAAFFs/tUSBMJB2uiU/s1600/DSC_0456.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
Braised Short Rib Ravioli, house tomato sauce<o:p></o:p></div>
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cV_m4g_kw2M/UuwKshjE2FI/AAAAAAAAFGE/oLe--UePwi8/s1600/DSC_0458.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-cV_m4g_kw2M/UuwKshjE2FI/AAAAAAAAFGE/oLe--UePwi8/s1600/DSC_0458.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
Reverse Affogato coffee ice cream, malted crème, anglaise, seasonal
doughnuts<o:p></o:p></div>
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</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NgGjfk5Q94/UuwKs6S8MsI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/Wd-bffGCODY/s1600/DSC_0459.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6NgGjfk5Q94/UuwKs6S8MsI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/Wd-bffGCODY/s1600/DSC_0459.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><div class="MsoNormal">
Ricotta Cheese Cake braised apples, graham cracker<o:p></o:p></div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxmcUCDAZAQ/UuwKtQ6o8jI/AAAAAAAAFF8/co9zp9wneCg/s1600/DSC_0461.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BxmcUCDAZAQ/UuwKtQ6o8jI/AAAAAAAAFF8/co9zp9wneCg/s1600/DSC_0461.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We were unexpectedly gifted with shots of limoncello at the end of our meal - we left quite happy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>※ ※ ※</b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-27161473810525091322014-01-06T22:49:00.003-06:002014-01-07T16:28:50.536-06:00Homemade Vanilla Bean Marshmallows!Baby, it's cold outside! I hope you've all been staying warm on this bitterly cold day - and staying safe! What better time of year to enjoy some hot cocoa with marshmallows - especially if they're homemade vanilla bean marshmallows! Now doesn't that sound nice?<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lGCOt8A3pY/UsuBwLvr7hI/AAAAAAAAE_0/fnzHyNvp_Jc/s1600/IMG_2819.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-6lGCOt8A3pY/UsuBwLvr7hI/AAAAAAAAE_0/fnzHyNvp_Jc/s1600/IMG_2819.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade hot chocolate + vanilla bean marshmallows on Christmas Day</td></tr>
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<br />
I took my first attempt at marshmallow making a few days before Christmas. After whipping up my standard holiday goodies I wanted to add something fun & surprising to the mix. For some reason, marshmallows had been on my mind. I remember one of the only times I really enjoyed a marshmallow was at <b><a href="http://www.hotchocolatechicago.com/">Hot Chocolate</a></b> - an incredible restaurant in Chicago. It was there that I first tasted house-made Mexican hot chocolate with house-made marshmallows. The combination was unforgettable. Beyond that - unless it's sandwiched between two graham crackers with a chunk of chocolate & toasted - you probably won't find me consuming these sweet little treats.<br />
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I am aware that marshmallows, for the most part, are universally adored. Little did I know just how huge of a hit these little vanilla-spiked squares would be - particularly with members of my family. We enjoyed them on Christmas at my brother's house and again at my parents' house in Iowa for our extended family Christmas. This recipe makes about 24 marshmallows (depending on how you cut them) and there wasn't a scrap to be found after our two family get-togethers. I'd call that a success.<br />
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I found a recipe for vanilla bean marshmallows from <a href="http://www.marthastewart.com/341856/vanilla-marshmallows">MarthaStewart.com</a> and followed it almost exactly - it starts out a bit odd (especially if you've never made marshmallows before) but I included some photos to give an idea that you're on the right track.<br />
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Recipe below - stay warm out there!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHwiBIfp4qg/UsuCBYIkB7I/AAAAAAAAFBc/OpMkbNyuSug/s1600/IMG_2807.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rHwiBIfp4qg/UsuCBYIkB7I/AAAAAAAAFBc/OpMkbNyuSug/s1600/IMG_2807.jpg" height="640" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vanilla Bean Marshmallows - finished product</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8okgY7hKTj4/UsuB5zXIXqI/AAAAAAAAFAM/4YW1XtEbCcc/s1600/IMG_2797.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8okgY7hKTj4/UsuB5zXIXqI/AAAAAAAAFAM/4YW1XtEbCcc/s1600/IMG_2797.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sugar, corn syrup + water boiling</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BxIVJJjdH0/UsuB5vTQUfI/AAAAAAAAFAI/xHi-wntEM7A/s1600/IMG_2796.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2BxIVJJjdH0/UsuB5vTQUfI/AAAAAAAAFAI/xHi-wntEM7A/s1600/IMG_2796.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Water + gelatin before adding boiling mixture</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYWJx-NAG6U/UsuB8JEKPsI/AAAAAAAAFAg/pUI1EyJSFqo/s1600/IMG_2799.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wYWJx-NAG6U/UsuB8JEKPsI/AAAAAAAAFAg/pUI1EyJSFqo/s1600/IMG_2799.jpg" height="428" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scraped Madagascar vanilla bean</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lovely little treats</td></tr>
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Homemade Vanilla Bean Marshmallows</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>*makes about 24 1.5" x 2" marshmallows*</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients</b></span></div>
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<li class="ingredient first item-odd" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- Nonstick cooking spray</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- 3 (1/4-ounce) packages unflavored gelatin (4 come in a single box)</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-odd" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/2 cup cold water</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 cups granulated sugar</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-odd" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2/3 cup light corn syrup</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 teaspoon coarse sea salt</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1 vanilla bean, scraped</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-odd" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">- powdered sugar, sifted - for coating</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="font-size: 14px; list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: 1.35714em; line-height: 1.27;"><br /></span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 1.27;"><b>Directions</b></span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="font-size: 14px; list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Lightly spray a 9-by-9-inch baking pan with cooking spray. Line pan with plastic wrap, leaving a 2-inch overhang on all sides (like a sling); set aside.</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the <b>whisk </b>attachment, sprinkle gelatin over 1/2 cup cold water; let stand for 10 minutes. Meanwhile, in a medium saucepan combine sugar, corn syrup & 1/4 cup water. Place saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil; boil rapidly for 1 minute. Remove from heat; turn the mixer on high and slowly pour the boiling syrup down the side of the mixer bowl into the gelatin mixture. Add salt and continue mixing for 11 minutes.</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Add vanilla extract & vanilla bean seeds, and mix until well combined. Spray a rubber spatula or your hands with cooking spray. Spread marshmallow mixture evenly into prepared pan. Wrap sprayed sides of plastic wrap over top of marshmallow mixture in pan. Spray a sheet of plastic wrap with cooking spray and place, spray side down, on top of marshmallows if not all the way covered already. Let stand for at least 2 hours (no more than 6).</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Remove wrapped marshmallows from pan and place on a cutting board. Unwrap marshmallows on cutting board. Using a sharp knife that has been heated under hot water & wiped clean, begin to cut marshmallows into 2-inch squares. Rinse knife under hot water and wipe clean after every other cut.</span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></li>
<li class="ingredient item-even last" style="list-style: none;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Once marshmallows are all cut, add powdered sugar to a medium bowl and toss marshmallows to coat, working in batches. Marshmallows will keep in an airtight container for up to 6 days.</span></li>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-42346161955218812482013-12-19T13:04:00.006-06:002013-12-19T13:20:04.288-06:00'Tis the Season...to Look Beyond OurselvesDuring a time when many of us are scrambling to find the perfect gifts for all the loved ones in our lives, we must remember that it's not the monetary value of a gift, but the thought that counts. And while we're on the topic of thoughtfulness...I hope everyone will take the time to think about those who don't have the luxury of being stressed to find the perfect present. Those who instead worry about feeding or clothing their families, who have recently lost their job or who feel particularly lonely this time of year.<br />
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The spirit of the season should inspire us all to give to those who have less than us. Let us inspire others through our actions. Whether it's actually stopping to drop a dollar into one of the red Salvation Army buckets, donating to the clothing or food drive sponsored by your work or school - every little bit counts and could make a huge difference in the life of someone who really needs it.<br />
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<b>My challenge to you this season:</b> be the person who inspires others. Be the one to donate on your walk to work; someone walking behind you may see your act of kindness and, instead of buying that Starbucks latte, they donate those few dollars to someone who needs it more. Be the person who stops at Target to buy canned goods not for the recipe you have planned, but for your local food donation bin. Be the person who holds doors open for others, the person who smiles and says hello. Be someone who cares about others, and show it through your everyday actions - big & small.<br />
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If you're looking for more ways to make a difference, I've spotlighted some of my favorite <b>unique charities </b>that are based right here in the Chicago area. These are some <b>seriously cool companies doing </b>some <b>seriously meaningful things</b>. Check them out - I hope you get inspired too.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aT_WpDr6tjE/UrMnSMZn9XI/AAAAAAAAE9w/AGkzheD2_dU/s1600/GH.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-aT_WpDr6tjE/UrMnSMZn9XI/AAAAAAAAE9w/AGkzheD2_dU/s640/GH.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Growing Home's <a href="http://growinghomeinc.org/learn-more/transitional-employment" target="_blank">Website</a></td></tr>
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<a href="http://growinghomeinc.org/" target="_blank">Growing Home</a></h2>
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Growing Home's mission: to <b>operate, promote, and demonstrate the use of organic agriculture as a vehicle for job training, employment, and community development</b>. The Benefits of this company are two-fold. First, they provide transitional employment for individuals with criminal backgrounds or those facing homelessness; and second, their programs bring more local and organic produce to the Chicago area, which benefits the entire community. In fact, their produce is sold at the <a href="http://www.greencitymarket.org/" target="_blank">Green City Market</a>, through a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) Program, and to many local restaurants. Anyone can donate to this fantastic organization or even volunteer - learn more about how to do so <a href="http://growinghomeinc.org/get-involved/" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a>.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-BI9A5fwn4/UrMtHaSWmzI/AAAAAAAAE-M/UWylc6rG9S4/s1600/RtC.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1-BI9A5fwn4/UrMtHaSWmzI/AAAAAAAAE-M/UWylc6rG9S4/s640/RtC.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <a href="http://reversethecursechicago.com/" target="_blank">http://reversethecursechicago.com/</a></td></tr>
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<h2>
<a href="http://reversethecursechicago.com/" target="_blank">Reverse the Curse</a></h2>
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Founder <a href="http://reversethecursechicago.com/about/" target="_blank">Jeremy Freeman</a> views himself as a "social entrepreneur who is seeking to change the world. One goat at a time." A statement that may seem humorous at first, but Jeremy has a <b>real cause</b> that is <b>really inspiring</b>. In 2011 he foun<span style="font-family: inherit;">ded <b><a href="http://reversethecursechicago.com/" target="_blank">Reverse the Curse</a> </b>(the name is a play on the legendary <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Curse_of_the_Billy_Goat" target="_blank">Cubs curse</a>*), which <span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">gives goats to i<span style="font-family: inherit;">mpoverished families and entrepreneurs in the Dominican Republic to enrich their lives and help lift them out of poverty. The company partnered with World Vision back in May 2011 and in just a few years they've managed to give</span></span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"> hundreds of goats and two chickens to families in need. Going forward, the organization is excited for the opportunity<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to </span></span></span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;">work directly with partners in the Dominican Republic to develop goat breeding centers and goat farms.</span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 24px;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">Checkout their site for how to donate - and don't miss the comfy lookin' tees for sale </span><a href="http://reversethecursechicago.com/product-category/goat-products/" style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;" target="_blank"><b>here</b></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit; line-height: 24px;">.</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">*Reverse the Curse is not associated or affiliated with The Chicago Cubs or MLB
Licensing.</span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac8MK0fkoMg/UrM9IvRoQwI/AAAAAAAAE-g/CCezs40gpq4/s1600/WB.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="406" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ac8MK0fkoMg/UrM9IvRoQwI/AAAAAAAAE-g/CCezs40gpq4/s640/WB.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo: <a href="http://www.workingbikes.org/">http://www.workingbikes.org/</a></td></tr>
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<h2>
<a href="http://www.workingbikes.org/" target="_blank">Working Bikes</a></h2>
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Working Bikes is a unique company that seeks out discarded or damaged bicycles in the Chicago and surrounding areas. The company also collects bikes, bike parts, crutches, sewing machines and wheelchairs from donors, recycling events and their their many <a href="http://www.workingbikes.org/drop-off-locations/" target="_blank">drop-off locations</a>. They repair and refurbish bikes so they can be reused in both the local community and other countries in need. From their website:</div>
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"<b>Global Impact: </b>Working Bikes ships thousands of bicycles each year to our partners in
countries throughout Latin America and Africa including, El Salvador,
Guatemala, Panama, Uganda, Ghana, and many others. <b> </b></div>
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<b>Local Impact:</b> Working
Bikes partners with homeless transition, refugee resettlement, and youth
empowerment programs here in Chicago to donate bicycles and put them to good
use on the streets of our own community."</div>
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The company donates over 6,000 bikes a year with the philosophy that bikes are not just one of the most economical and common modes of transportation, providing access to jobs, schools & medical attention, but they also provide a means to transport goods and generate electricity via pedal-powered machines. <br />
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">⁂</span></div>
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Talk about thinking outside the box - each one of these companies is doing important work to better the world, and each one of them should make us think "What more can I do to help?" </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">'Tis the season to look beyond ourselves</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">⁂</span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-66625687617422072062013-12-10T22:59:00.002-06:002013-12-11T14:22:40.085-06:00'Tis the Season for Great Taste: First Annual Tasting Table Open Market!Though I managed to get less than four hours of sleep Friday night (work holiday party, followed by some live blues, late night tacos & dancing 'til 4 am at a country western dive bar), I was not going to miss the <b><a href="http://www.tastingtable.com/entry_detail_pseudo/national/events/open-market-2013/home" target="_blank">Tasting Table Open Market</a></b>, something I'd been looking forward to for months. I'm very happy to report that I made it to the Market right as doors opened at 11 am with a smile on my face, ready to support my community.<br />
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The<b> first annual TT Open Market </b>was held on the third floor of Block 37, an urban shopping center located in the Chicago Loop on State Street. The space was raw and beautiful; huge windows faced the festively decorated Macy's and allowed natural light to flood the room. Exposed rafters and concrete floors were warmed immensely by hanging lights, poinsettias and evergreen garland. Bustling bodies flocked to the vendor tables to sample and snack - everywhere you looked people were smiling, laughing & tasting, just exactly as intended.<br />
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Upon entering my friend Angie & I made a beeline to the <b><a href="http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/" target="_blank">Intelligentsia</a></b> table (a <a href="http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/content/history" target="_blank">Chicago original</a>), where they were pouring hot cups of their <b><a href="http://www.intelligentsiacoffee.com/product/coffee/celebration-blend" target="_blank">Celebration Blend</a></b>: a mix designed to mimic a hot toddy with flavors of spiced rum, red fruits, mulling spices and wild honey aromatics. Usually I prefer a little almond milk in my coffee - not necessary with this cup. It was so.good. </div>
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We made our way around to all the vendors in a speedier fashion than I'd prefer, but I had an appointment to run to and was left with no choice. Still, we managed to strike up some lovely conversations with a handful of participating folks. Making an effort to learn about another person & what they are passionate about really does wonders for your soul. Have you ever heard that <b><i>passion is infectious</i></b>? It's completely true. Though I feel I don't always know what to say, engaging by asking simple questions - "How did you get started? What is your favorite product? Do you have a retail space?" - can be the little spark that ignites a meaningful conversation. You get to walk away with more knowledge and you leave that person feeling uplifted because you took a genuine interest. <br />
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<span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">⋗ </span></span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large; font-weight: normal;">if you want to be interesting, be<i> interested</i> </span><span style="color: #bf9000; font-size: x-large;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">⋖</span></span></h2>
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Now, a little shout out to some of the products & people we got to know at the Market, in addition to Intelligentsia:</div>
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<b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/gcpantry?hc_location=timeline" target="_blank">G & C Pantry Co.</a></b>: Within the first minute of talking with these friendly folks I learned that G & C Pantry was born out of a demand for hot sauces - smoked jalapeño & sweet potato flavors, to be exact. These uniquely flavorful sauces are the brainchild of the chef and owner of one of my favorite spots in the city. Chef Mark Steur of <b><a href="http://www.carriagehousechicago.com/" target="_blank">Carriage House</a></b> decided to start bottling his original recipe sauces because they were constantly disappearing off the tables in his restaurant. They are now for sale through G & C Pantry, along with his kitchen brine, which means everyone wins. If you haven't made your way to Carriage House yet to enjoy the 'modern low country fare' - fix that soon. Not only is the food fantastic, but it's one of the most beautiful & cozy spots I have ever seen.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4vZ5_ir1jQ/UqfrKAju5zI/AAAAAAAAE6A/oOaBR-BaPzg/s1600/DSC_0271.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="416" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-S4vZ5_ir1jQ/UqfrKAju5zI/AAAAAAAAE6A/oOaBR-BaPzg/s640/DSC_0271.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef <b><a href="http://www.carriagehousechicago.com/our-story/" target="_blank">Mark Steur</a></b> explains the G & C Pantry Co. dishes</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q83CN3IwPV0/Uqfrb5iw7SI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/Q2nnGpTtPM0/s1600/DSC_0273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-q83CN3IwPV0/Uqfrb5iw7SI/AAAAAAAAE6Y/Q2nnGpTtPM0/s640/DSC_0273.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jalapeno & Sweet Potato hot sauces</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.dailycandy.com/chicago/article/158359/BeKnown-Co-Catering-launches" target="_blank">BeKnown</a></b>: The ladies of BeKnown were simply a delight to speak with, and their homemade maple almond nut milk in mason jars melted my heart. BeKnown is a new catering service that's focused on using whole (as in not processed), locally sourced ingredients to create healthy, delicious dishes for omnivores & carnivores alike.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSQYOQffGGk/Uqfr14Mpw_I/AAAAAAAAE7A/TONeQ6EUx9A/s1600/DSC_0276.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eSQYOQffGGk/Uqfr14Mpw_I/AAAAAAAAE7A/TONeQ6EUx9A/s640/DSC_0276.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maple Almond Nut Milk</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ECFaCQdMCs/UqfrhZWbdSI/AAAAAAAAE6g/nHeDxB1QOZY/s1600/DSC_0274.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9ECFaCQdMCs/UqfrhZWbdSI/AAAAAAAAE6g/nHeDxB1QOZY/s640/DSC_0274.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b><a href="http://bittercube.com/" target="_blank">Bittercube</a></b>: Handcrafting bitters and cocktail consulting? These gents know their stuff. While speaking with Ira Koplowitz we found out that he learned about making bitters while working at the <b><a href="http://theviolethour.com/" target="_blank">Violet Hour</a></b>, one of Chicago's most impressive cocktail operations. He experimented with different recipes and took his craft further by starting Bittercube with friend, Nicholas Kosevich. Find out more about these two <a href="http://bittercube.com/about/" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFRq3NZr9VE/Uqfo2l4TPqI/AAAAAAAAE4M/--_ud-CrAPo/s1600/DSC_0241.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-kFRq3NZr9VE/Uqfo2l4TPqI/AAAAAAAAE4M/--_ud-CrAPo/s640/DSC_0241.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bitters</td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.beurrage.com/p/our-products.html" target="_blank">Beurrage</a></b>: A small bakery located in Pilsen, Beurrage boasted an impressive offering of sweet & savory croissants, among other goodies. It was difficult choose just one, but once we did we were convinced we made the right decision. Who wouldn't love layers of flaky, buttery croissant enveloping fig, prosciutto & chèvre?!</div>
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<b><a href="http://lesirop.com/" target="_blank">Le Sirop by Femme du Coupe</a></b>: Curated cocktail syrups that, just like fashion, change with the seasons. An adorable and incredibly knowledgeable gal sporting a perfectly festive shade of red lipstick mixed up the syrups with some locally made apple cider - a super refreshing treat after our coffee.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCyoYYyJVuw/UqfoRKr8WSI/AAAAAAAAE3g/TysFBHY_9Zs/s1600/DSC_0231.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="402" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-zCyoYYyJVuw/UqfoRKr8WSI/AAAAAAAAE3g/TysFBHY_9Zs/s640/DSC_0231.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lavender Honey syrup</td></tr>
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A few more photos from the event below - cheers!<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqXc_IQ_4oA/UqfpLGMjHkI/AAAAAAAAE4s/QM-a454bpuw/s1600/DSC_0251.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="434" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MqXc_IQ_4oA/UqfpLGMjHkI/AAAAAAAAE4s/QM-a454bpuw/s640/DSC_0251.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oDxeqUpVSs/UqfpePliY2I/AAAAAAAAE48/uE05apjpDH4/s1600/DSC_0252.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6oDxeqUpVSs/UqfpePliY2I/AAAAAAAAE48/uE05apjpDH4/s640/DSC_0252.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Love love these prints</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ws6bIIBewbQ/UqfoFjqpA_I/AAAAAAAAE3U/gK66zxoL2EA/s1600/DSC_0226.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ws6bIIBewbQ/UqfoFjqpA_I/AAAAAAAAE3U/gK66zxoL2EA/s640/DSC_0226.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Old Town Social & Nellcote menus</td></tr>
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lawk6Q1A4M4/Uqfn8tAjgFI/AAAAAAAAE3M/QQ9eyMvQAlM/s1600/DSC_0225.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-lawk6Q1A4M4/Uqfn8tAjgFI/AAAAAAAAE3M/QQ9eyMvQAlM/s640/DSC_0225.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cocktail area</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iXk-zFR-ls/UqfoV2EzI0I/AAAAAAAAE3s/xrkYT4d8-OU/s1600/DSC_0228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0iXk-zFR-ls/UqfoV2EzI0I/AAAAAAAAE3s/xrkYT4d8-OU/s640/DSC_0228.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lillie's Q</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9yFiFjhsVA/UqfpKWtxVAI/AAAAAAAAE4o/Wzoa7QhEXMw/s1600/DSC_0245.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-c9yFiFjhsVA/UqfpKWtxVAI/AAAAAAAAE4o/Wzoa7QhEXMw/s640/DSC_0245.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama's Nuts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-HQs-2Uyss/UqfpPNJCf9I/AAAAAAAAE40/Xd5tkjl2rVI/s1600/DSC_0249.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-N-HQs-2Uyss/UqfpPNJCf9I/AAAAAAAAE40/Xd5tkjl2rVI/s640/DSC_0249.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Malika Ameen // By M Desserts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw7Yqnp9QqQ/UqfpmJjHBfI/AAAAAAAAE5M/nMmwD5Ga4UU/s1600/DSC_0254.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zw7Yqnp9QqQ/UqfpmJjHBfI/AAAAAAAAE5M/nMmwD5Ga4UU/s640/DSC_0254.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">found Vintage Living</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfLb6q0djhQ/Uqfqp6_qkGI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/qtmb1lEhAKI/s1600/DSC_0257.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="422" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rfLb6q0djhQ/Uqfqp6_qkGI/AAAAAAAAE5Y/qtmb1lEhAKI/s640/DSC_0257.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Do-Rite Donuts</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qypt4yxte1E/Uqfq4HqdMUI/AAAAAAAAE5w/U4uJyHE1cTg/s1600/DSC_0266.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qypt4yxte1E/Uqfq4HqdMUI/AAAAAAAAE5w/U4uJyHE1cTg/s640/DSC_0266.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Belly Q/Urban Belly // Belly Dog</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUh2Kjwt-w8/UqfrDkgUFmI/AAAAAAAAE54/MPxjHN0v3-U/s1600/DSC_0267.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-CUh2Kjwt-w8/UqfrDkgUFmI/AAAAAAAAE54/MPxjHN0v3-U/s640/DSC_0267.jpg" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chef <a href="http://www.starchefs.com/cook/node/4841" target="_blank">Bill Kim</a> (R) of Belly Q and Urban Belly</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-60262881076703101442013-12-05T11:49:00.001-06:002013-12-05T13:53:13.876-06:00Tasting Table Market in Block 37!No weekend plans yet? Or, perhaps your nights are planned but your Saturday is free? If you have any sort of appetite or appreciation for thoughtfully made foods & goods (not to mention tasty as hell), then get yourself and your friends to <b><a href="https://www.google.com/maps/preview#!q=Block+37%2C+108+N+State+St%2C+Chicago%2C+IL&data=!2m1!6s0x880e2cb6f9ec5673%3A0x42a167dc284c8268!4m37!1m36!4m8!1m3!1d28101!2d-87.6056211!3d41.8711973!3m2!1i1280!2i908!4f13.1!10b1!19m6!1e1!1e2!1e9!1e10!1e12!4smaps_sv.tactile!20m13!1e1!1e2!1e3!1e4!1e5!1e9!1e10!1e11!1e12!2m2!1i203!2i100!5smaps_sv.tactile!26m4!1e12!1e13!1e3!4smaps_sv.tactile" target="_blank">Block 37</a></b> (108 N State St) this weekend for the first annual <b><a href="http://www.tastingtable.com/entry_detail_pseudo/national/events/open-market-2013/buytickets" target="_blank">Tasting Table Open Market Chicago</a></b>! <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Rm5rM_QYR4/UqCs_lRwLHI/AAAAAAAAEt4/RafYoEyUILA/s1600/TTM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="348" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-4Rm5rM_QYR4/UqCs_lRwLHI/AAAAAAAAEt4/RafYoEyUILA/s640/TTM.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photo: <b><a href="http://www.tastingtable.com/entry_detail_pseudo/national/events/open-market-2013/buytickets" target="_blank">Tasting Table Open Market</a></b></td></tr>
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<b><a href="http://www.tastingtable.com/live_feed_detail/national/15803/Sneak_Peak_at_Tasting_Table_Open_Market.htm" target="_blank">This is your chance!</a> </b>Sample all those restaurants you read about, dream about & over which your mouths water. No need to plan your tactical CTA transfers or drive all over the city to various nabes to get to the spread out spots; Tasting Table has brought them all together for you in one place. Wasn't that thoughtful of them?! <br />
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The Market takes place over two days, broken into a <b>Night Market </b>on Friday 12/6 from 6-9 pm, and a <b>Day Market</b> on Saturday 12/7 from 11 am-4 pm. 60 chefs and food artisans will be dishing out their signature eats & treats - and it's only $5 to get in! Sounds like a great place to pick up gifts for the foodies in your life and fill your belly while you're at it. Plus, <b>supporting local small businesses and restaurants should always be at the top of everyone's lists!</b><br />
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A full list of vendors can be found below for each day of the Market, as well as some of my favorites/recommendations and spots I'm dying to try. Happy tasting!<br />
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<b>My Favorites List: </b> Acaida, Blackbird, Fish Bar, Intelligentsia, Longman & Eagle, Parson's Chicken & Fish, Little Goat Bread, Lillie's Q, Middle West<br />
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<b>My Must Try List:</b> !Bang!Bang Pie Shop, Maria's Packaged Goods, Mott St., Pecking Order, Rare Tea Cellar, Sauce and Bread Kitchen, Bittercube, Do-Rite Donuts, Fat Rice, The Farinata Project, Found Vintage Living, OSB at L&E Sausage Shop<br />
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※ Friday Night Market ※</h2>
Acadia | <span style="color: #783f04;">!Bang!Bang Pie Shop</span> | Blackbird | <span style="color: #7f6000;">The Bristol </span>| Floriole Cafe & Bakery | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Femme du Coup </span>| Fish Bar | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Fig Catering</span> | G & C Pantry Co. | <span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: inherit;">Intelligentsia</span> | La Sirena Clandestina | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Longman & Eagle</span> | Maria's Packaged Goods | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Manna Organics</span> | Marz Community Brewing | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Mott St.</span> | Nellcote | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Old Town</span> Social | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Parson's Chicken & Fish</span> | Pecking Order | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Rare Tea Cellar</span> | Saigon Sisters | <span style="color: #7f6000;">The Salsa Truck </span>| Sauce and Bread Kitchen | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Seasons Soda</span> | Smalls Smoke Shack | <span style="color: #7f6000;"><span style="background-color: white;">Travelle</span></span><span style="background-color: white;"> | </span>Uncanned<br />
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※ Saturday Day Market ※</h2>
<span style="color: #7f6000;">be known</span> | Beurrage | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Bittercube</span> | BLiS | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Breslin Farms LLC </span>| By M Desserts | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Do-Rite Donuts</span> | Edible Type | <span style="color: #7f6000;">The Farinata Project</span> | Fat Rice |<span style="color: #7f6000;"> Femme du Coup</span> | Found Vintage Living | <span style="color: #7f6000;">G & C Pantry Co.</span> | Intelligentsia | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Katherine Anne Confections</span> | Lillie's Q | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Little Goat Bread</span> | Mama's Nuts | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Manna Organics</span> | Mayana Chocolate |<span style="color: #7f6000;"> midwestroots</span> | Middle West | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Martyn George</span> | Nellcote | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Nourishing Notes</span> | OSB at L&E Saturday Sausage Shop | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Old Town Social</span> | Parson's Chicken & Fish | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Peerless Bread & Jam</span> | Rare Bird Preserves | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Rare Tea Cellar</span> | Rustic Tart | <span style="color: #7f6000;">The Salsa Truck</span> | Sauce and Bread Kitchen | <span style="color: #7f6000;">The Scrumptious Pantry</span> | Seasons Soda | <span style="color: #7f6000;">Spiaggia</span> | urban belly<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-59972275646022574012013-11-28T11:52:00.007-06:002013-11-29T19:26:51.018-06:00Gratitude Beyond MeasureMy heart is so full of new love & happiness, it feels like it might burst. On Tuesday, November 26 at 6:29 pm, my beautiful niece Amelia made her grand entrance into the world. And just yesterday at 2:15 pm, I got to meet her for the very first time. Walking into the hospital room, tiptoeing over to her nursery bed my eyes immediately welled with tears. I just couldn't believe she was finally here. This brand new, completely perfect little being - with a head full of brown hair and long eyelashes like my older brother. So peacefully sleeping, she was completely unaware of all her admirers in the room.<br />
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My brother & sister-in-law and our entire family had so much to be thankful for already, but the birth of this healthy & beautiful baby girl has filled our hearts with so much joy and gratitude it's nearly impossible to measure. <br />
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This new Auntie is so, so thankful and happy - I hope you all are too.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-8300804563035806272013-11-16T14:01:00.000-06:002013-11-17T08:37:32.506-06:00Auntie To BeExactly one week from today, my little niece Amelia is due to make her grand entrance into the world. Anxious, excited, curious, overjoyed & proud are just a few words to describe how I feel as I sit here thinking about holding her for the first time. I know the full gravity of meeting her won't hit me until I'm in that moment, but I tear up just thinking about how wonderful this little baby is going to be, and how incredibly lucky she is to have my brother and sister-in-law as her parents.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kathy, Ian + baby Amelia | photo by Addison Arp</td></tr>
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I can only begin to put into words how much I look up to my big brother, Ian. He is absolutely the funniest person I know, and his wit is unparalleled. His antics, silly commentary & hilarious dance moves are always the highlight of any time spent together with our family. He is crazy intelligent, incredibly thoughtful, a talented lawyer/businessman, an amazing self-taught cook, and he makes a seriously mean old fashioned (among many other cocktails he's perfected). We love cooking together and we're always the ones helping mom get a food & drink game plan nailed down for family celebrations. We talk music, movies, hilarious youtube clips & food nearly every day, and he has always been there if I needed him. Though it may sound a bit cheesy, he totally is one of my best friends. </div>
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I could stop there, but I'd be selling Ian short if I didn't mention what an incredible partner he is to my amazing sister-in-law, Kathy. I've had the privilege of watching their relationship grow into the unbreakable bond that it is today, and I am so excited to see the next chapter in their lives begin with the addition of Amelia. Kathy made a seamless transition into our big & crazy family, and she's like another sister to my other siblings and I. She's the perfect person to support, love & grow with my brother and she is going to be an amazing mother to a very beautiful and loved little girl. </div>
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Not only am I spoiled to be one of Amelia's three aunties, but Ian and Kathy have also asked me to be her godmother! In true Ian & Kathy form, they didn't just simply ask - they thoughtfully surprised me by having me look at "before & after" photos of their house on Ian's iPad. About six photos in this one popped up and I immediately burst into tears and yelled "Of course I will!!!"</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3_GVLYX7Qg/UofHvH3M5HI/AAAAAAAAEsU/jlftEbIejBs/s1600/photo.PNG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="296" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-z3_GVLYX7Qg/UofHvH3M5HI/AAAAAAAAEsU/jlftEbIejBs/s400/photo.PNG" width="400" /></a></div>
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There is so much love awaiting this little girl, and it will never run out. I can't wait to see Ian & Kathy as parents, to see my parents in their new role as grandparents, my sisters as aunts, my little brother an uncle, and I cannot wait to be Aunt Ashley. I also can't think of a better gift arriving just in time for the holidays than this little baby girl. Amelia - I'm so excited to meet you!!!!!!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">❤ ❤ ❤</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-91656517625403664572013-11-14T17:42:00.001-06:002013-11-15T09:57:24.032-06:00Stop - Read - Do: 20 Things Everyone Should Start Making Time For Again<div class="MsoNormal">
Today I stumbled across an article that was posted to one of my favorite websites, <b><a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/about/" target="_blank">Thought Catalog</a></b> - a lovely, fun & creative little website, Thought Catalog is a collection of the random - or often calculated - thoughts average folks. Very relatable, often funny, sometimes bizarre, and at times - super inspiring. This particular piece, written by Brianna Wiest, is one of those that should make you stop in your tracks and say "why haven't I been doing more of these things all along?" </div>
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Wiest's article is titled, "<a href="http://thoughtcatalog.com/brianna-wiest/2013/11/18-things-everyone-should-start-making-time-for-again/" target="_blank">18 Things Everyone Should Start Making Time For Again</a>" - and she's right, about every one of them. Please take a moment to read her thoughts - you'll notice there are actually 20 total. Feeling inspired, I took the liberty of adding two of my own at the end. I was also pleased as punch to learn that in just the last week, I had actually done 10 out of the 18 things! Pretty awesome, but I know there's room for improvement so I'm going to make a commitment to do more, since I know these things can only have a positive effect on my life. I challenge you to be inspired too, and to take a little extra time to reconnect to the people and things that are most important to you.<br />
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<b><s><span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 18pt;">18</span></s></b> 20 Things Everyone Should Start Making Time For Again</h2>
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NOV. 13, 2013<o:p></o:p></div>
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By BRIANNA WIEST <o:p></o:p></div>
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1. Writing things by hand. Letters to friends, lists for the store, goals for the week, notes for lovers, thank you cards and memos to coworkers. Digital communication is easy and convenient but ask anybody: there’s a huge difference between texting someone to say that you love them and hope they have a great day and writing it on a note and leaving it next to their bed. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">I'm pen pals with my Grandma Betty, and I wrote her a letter to say hello and catch up last week. I received an "I'm thinking of you" card from her just yesterday. I cherish our letters back & forth and I keep a shoe box full of them.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Letter from Grandma Betty</td></tr>
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2. Savoring time to do nothing. Taking a cue from pre-industrialized society and cultures that enjoy siestas and long, drawn-out, sit-down teas that serve no other purpose than to spend time enjoying the time you have.<o:p></o:p></div>
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3. Thinking before responding. We've become too conditioned to require things immediately. Someone asks a question, and we have to respond that second. Such was not the case before instant messaging and comment threads. A sign of true intelligence and confidence, I think, is someone who takes time to consider the question at hand in a little more depth, and then offers a response.<o:p></o:p></div>
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4. Cooking a nice meal just for the sake of doing so. It really trains you to defy your need for instant gratification and of course puts you in touch with something that’s very human and can be lovely if done right.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">This one is often checked off on my list, since I love to try new recipes and post them to the blog. Last week I made the Thai sauce with sweet potatoes & red peppers over rice. This week I'm working on tackling spaghetti squash for my first time. Every recipe I do is from scratch - no short cuts. It's beyond therapeutic for me, gives me a great sense of accomplishment and totally puts me at ease. </span></div>
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5. Getting really dressed up for no other reason than just wanting to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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6. Books. Actual hard copy books that you can scribble notes in and mark off sections of and smell ink through and hear the sound of turning pages and bending spines while you read. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">I am someone who does not own a kindle or any other tablet/reading device. I either read hard copy books, paper newspapers or magazines. I do also read articles online if I have no other way of accessing them. Right now I'm reading "<b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Cultivating-Ecological-Conscience-Essays-Philosopher/dp/1582437521" target="_blank">Cultivating an Ecological Conscious: Essays From a Farmer Philospher</a></b>" by<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 16px;"><span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: inherit;">Frederick L. Kirschenmann. I saw him speak last year at the Good Food Festival and it was like seeing a living legend. So many profound nuggets of wisdom.</span></span></div>
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7. Making phone calls to relatives for no other reason than to just say hi, and to ask how they’re doing.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">I had the most lovely conversation with my Aunt Lynn last night - I learned about her road trip plans with my uncle to Colorado for the holidays to see one of their sons and she got to hear about my recent road trip to the South. I had a big smile on my face when we hung up.</span></div>
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8. Disconnecting from technology frequently enough that we won’t be anxious and feeling like we’re missing something when we try to do so for an extended period of time. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">I have been disconnecting a lot lately; sometimes it's OK, other times I know I can't do it for too long because of certain responsibilities I have. I will say this: if I haven't "liked" as many of your Facebook or Instagram photos as I sometimes do, it's because I'm not going on those sites. There are days when I don't check - and I kind of love those days. But when I get back to it I always end up seeing so much beauty being put out in the world from all those creative folks I know personally, and all the ones I've never even met. So good job, guys - you rock.</span></div>
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9. Celebrating things with long, multiple course dinners that we hold for people as opposed to just drinking ourselves into an oblivion and being belligerent (that has it’s time and place, of course, but having thoughtful, celebratory dinners is a dying art). <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">This is kind of a halfsie for me - not one done in the last week, but in the last month. Back in mid-October I <b><a href="http://citygirlcountryroots.blogspot.com/2013/10/harvest-dinner-party-happy-heart.html" target="_blank">held a dinner party</a></b> for no reason with some fantastic ladies. Cider, appetizers, dinner, dessert and after-dinner drinks - everyone came together, brought food, drinks & great attitudes. A fantastic time had by all and one that will be replicated many times over.</span></div>
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10. Cleaning because it’s satisfying and doing things like painting walls or getting fresh flowers just because it’s therapeutic.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">This is another almost weekly occurrence for me. Some people think I'm a little Type-A, and they just might be right. But the truth is - just like cooking - cleaning is also therapeutic for me. I'm also happier when I can relax in my beautiful, cozy, <i>clean </i>apartment :)</span></div>
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11. Spending time with kids, and doing kid things with them. They just know what’s up.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">Although I have not had the chance to hang with kids lately, I'll look forward to doing this much more once my niece arrives in the next week or two. It'll be a while before she'll be able to carry a conversation, but she'll still know what's up. Kids rule - if you need more proof <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cnzbZ2RA4qQ" target="_blank"><b>watch this</b></a>.</span></div>
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12. Answering things in a timely fashion, not putting off invitations and requests just because we can.<o:p></o:p></div>
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13. Making sure relationships are actually based on time spent with one another. People seem to be sustaining them through only digital means with increasing frequency and I can understand how that’s important if it’s temporarily long distance but in general, physically being with people is the only thing that will give you that sense of human connectedness.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">I had the chance to get a big dose of this last weekend when I took a road trip to Louisville and Nashville with three of my girlfriends (more on that later!). It was wonderful to reconnect and I wish I could be so connected with others in my life - another "room for improvement" category.</span></div>
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14. Just sitting and listening to music. We’ve made music background noise in our everyday lives, but now and again we should just sit and enjoy it like people used to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">During our trip to Nashville we had many chances to sit and listen to music, and it was awesome. We even got to see my friend Chris sing a few songs - he's a super talented singer/songwriter who lives in Nashville and is one of the funniest people I know. <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/chrisgelbuda" target="_blank">Check him out here</a></b>. We also got to see one of our favorite bands live in Louisville - <b><a href="http://www.thelonebellow.com/" target="_blank">The Lone Bellow</a></b> - AMAZING show! They made sure to meet, take photos & chat with everyone after the show too. Insane talent & these folks couldn't have been nicer...</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">My ladies & I with The Lone Bellow!</td></tr>
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15. Traveling by train, or if that’s not possible, at least exploring places that you pass every day. Especially if you live in a big city, there are always little hidden gems around that you won’t believe you lived without seeing while they were a block away from you all along.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">Though I commute every day on train, I'm taking this one more in the context of a longer train ride to a destination I'd much rather get to - like taking the Amtrak from Chicago to New York, or taking a train in another country. I took a train once from Venice to Florence in Italy and it was lovely. I'd like to do it again.</span></div>
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16. Putting personal health and well-being first, as it often falls to the wayside in importance. This means, aside from the obvious, taking those personal days and using them to just relax. We’ve made such a quirky commodity out of enjoying napping and relaxing, as though doing so makes us boring and old. It doesn’t, it’s healthy.<o:p></o:p></div>
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17. Planning something, especially with someone else, as simple as dinner or as grandiose as a long vacation next year. You always need something to look forward to.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">Let's face it - I'm a planner. Always have been, always will be. I just really enjoy it - but that's not to say I can't just let go & go with the flow at times, because I can (I swear!). Some great plans were made & executed this weekend while we were in Louisville and Nashville, but for the most part we decided to just wing it - and it turned out great!</span></div>
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18. Stopping to talk to people throughout the day. Connecting with them genuinely, as such interaction is really important but is becoming increasingly less common. Turning our phones off when out to dinner (who even turns them off anymore?) and learning to not spend all of our time documenting whatever we’re doing for social media. It often takes away from the experience itself.<o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">I have been much more aware of this lately, especially because some pretty great people I work with are really good at this - they are totally genuine about it, and I doubt they ever think twice. There is a real sense of community you have the power to create if you stop to genuinely get to know those around you. Trust me, it makes for a happier experience for all involved.</span></div>
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19. (from Ashley): <span style="color: #7f6000;">Taking the time to plan a surprise for someone you care about. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #7f6000;">I love surprising people. There is often a lot of thought & planning that goes into a surprise, but sometimes it takes very little to surprise someone - either way, the best part by far is how it makes them feel. Think about the last time you were (pleasantly) surprised - did your heart jump up and down with happiness and joy? I bet it did! Did you feel excited and grateful? I bet you did! Whether it's calling someone out of the blue, sending a note or flowers, planning a surprise visit or party - surprises are the BEST! Now go, SURPRISE SOMEONE! It really is awesome.</span></div>
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20. (from Ashley): <span style="color: #7f6000;">Take a chance & tell someone you admire them. No games, no rules, no acting coy. This could be viewed different ways - are you telling that guy or gal that you think they're pretty swell, and you'd like to see them again? Maybe you're telling your best friend of 10 years that you think they're a bad ass friend and a great person (don't forget to tell your parents you love them too!). No matter who it is, you'll feel better after you say it.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-74960409540741168162013-11-06T22:14:00.004-06:002013-11-06T22:26:40.975-06:00Thai Sauce Over Brown Rice, Roasted Sweet Potatoes + Red PeppersAnother day, another Thai craving - this time satiated with hearty, whole food ingredients in the comfort of my own kitchen, rather than the kitchen of my favorite local Thai place. With fall foods dancing in my head (Thanksgiving is only a few weeks away!) I decided to recipe hunt for something that would combine Thai flavors and some seasonal fall ingredients. Since I had yet to dig my way into any sweet potatoes this season, thoughts of crafting a yam curry made me smile. Though this dish didn't end up actually as a curry, the bolds flavors of the dish - a twist on a spicy thai peanut sauce - cured my cravings and left me feeling full, satisfied and not one bit guilty. <br />
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This dish is loaded with good-for-you ingredients and is super hearty. Sweet potatoes and red peppers are loaded with Vitamin C - especially good as cold & flu season approaches. Sweet <span style="font-family: inherit;">potatoes also contain </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">calcium, folate, potassium and beta-carotene. Beta-carotene is an antioxidant which converts to Vitamin A in the body. </span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Their high potassium content also means that sweet potatoes can ease muscle cramps, which are often related to a potassium deficiency. Brown rice is a whole grain rich in anti-</span>oxidants and high in fiber. The garnishes (green onions & cilantro) are light but flavorful, and every ingredient in the sauce is a whole food - nothing processed, nothing for you to feel bad about. I hope you enjoy!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natural beauties, flaws and all</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Potatoes pre-roast</td></tr>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Lightened Up Thai Sauce Over Brown Rice with Roasted Sweet Potatoes + Red Peppers</span></h2>
*adapted from <a href="http://cookieandkate.com/2013/spicy-thai-peanut-sauce-over-roasted-sweet-potatoes-and-rice/" target="_blank">cookie + kate</a><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Ingredients</span></b><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Rice & toppings:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1 1/4 c brown rice </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 3 green onions sliced into thin rounds (green & white parts)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- fresh cilantro, washed, patted dry & torn into pieces</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- sriracha sauce (for extra spice, if desired)</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Roasted vegetables:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 sweet potatoes, peeled & diced into 1 1/2 inch cubes</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 red bell peppers, deseeded and sliced into thin strips</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 tbsp coconut oil, warmed to liquid consistency</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 tsp cumin powder</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">- sea salt</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
Thai Sauce:<br />
- 1/2 c chunky Almond butter (you can use peanut butter too, just make sure it's all-natural or organic. I buy Almond butter instead of peanut butter, which is why I used it in this recipe)<br />
- 1/4 c reduced sodium soy sauce<br />
- 3 tbsp organic apple cider vinegar<br />
- 2 tbsp raw honey<br />
- 1 tsp grated fresh ginger<br />
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed<br />
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes<br />
- 2 tablespoons water<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span></b><br />
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Peel & dice sweet potatoes, add to a large bowl and set aside. Cut & dice red peppers, add to a medium bowl and set aside.<br />
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Preheat the oven to 425 degrees (F) with a rack in the middle and another rack near the top. Line two cookie sheets with aluminum foil.<br />
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Toss sweet potato chunks with a generous tbsp of coconut oil, the cumin and a dash of salt. Next, toss the peppers with a tbsp of coconut oil and dash of salt. All vegetables should be lightly coated with oil on all sides. Arrange the sweet potatoes in a single layer on covered cookie sheet. Arrange the peppers in a single layer on a separate baking sheet. Roast the sweet potatoes on the middle rack for about 35 minutes, tossing halfway. Roast the peppers on the top rack for about 20 minutes, tossing halfway. Veggies will be browned on the edges, softened and appear caramelized when done.<br />
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Bring a large pot of water (about 1/2-3/4 full) to a boil. Once the water is boiling, pour in the rice and stir. Turn the heat down to medium and cook for 30 mins, stirring about every 5 mins. Turn off the heat and drain the rice, then return it to the pot and cover with a lid. Let rice steam for about 5 mins. Remove the lid and fluff rice with a fork - season salt to taste.<br />
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In a medium bowl, whisk together the sauce ingredients. If the sauce is too thick, whisk in a little more water. Add sauce to a small saucepan on the stove and bring to a light boil over medium heat. Stir, then reduce heat to low once it begins to boil. You want the sauce hot when drizzled over the rice & veggies.<br />
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To serve, top rice with roasted vegetables, a heavy drizzle of sauce, and a sprinkle of chopped green onions and cilantro. Enjoy!<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-26301276968361461142013-10-31T16:10:00.003-05:002013-10-31T16:10:59.214-05:00Happy Halloween!!!I just had to share this youtube video a friend passed along today. Little kids, all dressed up for Halloween, had their usual candy swapped out for healthier snacks - and their reactions are priceless!!! I think it's especially funny to anyone who works - or shops - in the natural foods/natural products/health industries.<br />
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Tofu ghost-mallows anyone??</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>H<span style="color: orange;">A</span>P<span style="color: #674ea7;">P</span>Y <span style="color: orange;">H</span>A<span style="color: #674ea7;">L</span>L<span style="color: orange;">O</span>W<span style="color: #674ea7;">E</span>E<span style="color: orange;">N</span>!<span style="color: #674ea7;">!</span>!</b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-1415446476017372022013-10-30T14:12:00.000-05:002013-10-31T16:22:25.689-05:00Salad Inspiration - Vol. 1I had to share this gorgeous salad I had for lunch today - the colors (not to mention the taste!) make me so, so happy. Goes to show you don't need artificial dyes or processed foods to create and enjoy something beautiful, healthy & oh-so-tasty. This Volume of Salad Inspiration showcases a bowl of red & purple shredded kale, quinoa, chopped pecans, grilled chicken and pomegranate seeds with a lemon vinaigrette. Already admitting I've transformed into a <b>dirty little kale lover</b>, this concoction left me wondering why I don't incorporate pomegranate seeds into my meals more often. They're tart, crunchy and loaded with antioxidants, which means I'll be finding ways to enjoy these little babies a lot more often!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-60157133368090550502013-10-28T09:24:00.002-05:002013-10-28T12:25:59.635-05:00Goat Cheese, Fig + Caramelized Onion CrostinisAfter my last post covering the Harvest dinner/potluck I held at my apartment I received a bunch of emails and requests for the goat cheese crostini recipe. Well, my lovely friend Quinn put these together and they were a huge hit at the party. They are light but loaded with flavor, making them the perfect bite to get your appetite going without filling you up too much just before dinner. Plus - they are super easy! Quinn was sweet enough to send me her recipe to share with all of you, so here it is - enjoy!<br />
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<h2>
Goat Cheese, Fig + Caramelized Onion Crostinis</h2>
<b>Ingredients</b><br />
- 1 French Baguette<br />
- 1 small log of goat cheese (left out to soften). You could also use gorgonzola if you prefer.<br />
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- 1 tbsp butter<o:p></o:p></div>
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- 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil<o:p></o:p></div>
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- salt & pepper<o:p></o:p></div>
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- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar<o:p></o:p></div>
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- fig jam or fig preserves (I used store bought, but some recipes
give instructions for how to make)<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b>Directions</b><br />
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Preheat oven to 425 degrees (F). Cut the baguette into crostini-size pieces and put on a baking
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In saucepan, heat up 2 tbsp olive oil and 1 tbsp butter
on medium heat. Add the onions then cover and cook on medium-low heat for about ten
minutes. Uncover, cook on low heat for
about 25-30 minutes, stirring about every five minutes. If they are cooking too fast, lower the heat. When onions are golden brown (caramelized), add 1 tbsp of balsamic
vinegar, a dash of salt & pepper and deglaze any brown bits for the pan. Cook for about 2-3 more minutes, then remove from heat and let cool.</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-18336425182119525072013-10-22T14:38:00.001-05:002013-10-31T14:39:57.924-05:00Harvest Dinner Party & a Happy HeartThere is almost nothing I enjoy more than playing host to family & friends in my home. Right now, home is my beautiful, quirky one-bedroom apartment in Lincoln Park. No matter the season, this place brims with a charm that makes my heart happy day in & day out. Today, much of the Midwest will see snow for the first time in months, but I don't mind a bit because that means I get to fire up my wood-burning fireplace & cozy up under a big cable-knit blanket to write or watch a movie. Talk about my happy place. Having this quaint spot mostly to myself for the past two years has no doubt spoiled me, but I love to share the good vibes of my little bungalow by having people over for dinner, drinks or weekend visits in hopes that they leave with their <b>hearts feeling a bit happier too</b>.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">photos of my grandparents & great grandfather in my bedroom</td></tr>
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On Saturday night I had the pleasure of hosting seven girlfriends for a fall/harvest dinner party at my place, and it was a smashing success. I must say, I have some pretty awesome ladies in my life who are not only genuine, fun, smart and funny as hell, but each one of them knows how to prepare a mean fall dish, as evidenced by our menu that night. <br />
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Planning a dinner party is one of my absolute favorite things to do for some very specific reasons; I obviously adore the hosting aspect, but it's the idea of bringing people together to break bread, connect face-to-face & forge or strengthen a sense of community that I love the most. We're all busy, we all have conflicting schedules, but if we can somehow carve out the time to commit to sitting down with one another to reconnect and share a meal, <b>it doesn't just fill our stomachs - it feeds our souls. </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KA0FHZY0EL4/UmXyhA9ve6I/AAAAAAAAEfw/CZ1iHqb-v7k/s1600/DSC_0013.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-KA0FHZY0EL4/UmXyhA9ve6I/AAAAAAAAEfw/CZ1iHqb-v7k/s640/DSC_0013.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table set & ready</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlnKhxQF7Vo/UmXybZCISOI/AAAAAAAAEfg/jrjo6F8-G50/s1600/DSC_0017.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="410" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nlnKhxQF7Vo/UmXybZCISOI/AAAAAAAAEfg/jrjo6F8-G50/s640/DSC_0017.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Getting their spiked cider on</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S30xataTQGs/Uma_rlP_lxI/AAAAAAAAEis/Oa3eaL6wnDA/s1600/cider.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-S30xataTQGs/Uma_rlP_lxI/AAAAAAAAEis/Oa3eaL6wnDA/s640/cider.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This cider made my entire apartment smell heavenly</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbEYXNUkWgs/UmXy3fbl9MI/AAAAAAAAEgA/chK56w7wOo8/s1600/DSC_0027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NbEYXNUkWgs/UmXy3fbl9MI/AAAAAAAAEgA/chK56w7wOo8/s640/DSC_0027.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodness simmering in my kitchen</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcDfh52MZsU/UmXzK4znq8I/AAAAAAAAEgY/ZeYE3SkpdgE/s1600/DSC_0032.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RcDfh52MZsU/UmXzK4znq8I/AAAAAAAAEgY/ZeYE3SkpdgE/s640/DSC_0032.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goat cheese, fig & caramelized onion crostinis!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GDStuXTpA9A/UmXzTREzi2I/AAAAAAAAEgg/WYuMXoKy8s0/s1600/DSC_0033.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-GDStuXTpA9A/UmXzTREzi2I/AAAAAAAAEgg/WYuMXoKy8s0/s640/DSC_0033.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Homemade hummus dip & fresh veggies</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NMNFbWMy2dQ/UmXzj23uKRI/AAAAAAAAEg4/FdTWFlPKcI8/s1600/DSC_0038.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="394" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-NMNFbWMy2dQ/UmXzj23uKRI/AAAAAAAAEg4/FdTWFlPKcI8/s640/DSC_0038.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look at those smiles - I heart my friends</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0k4d5war6qs/UmXzjga0wcI/AAAAAAAAEg0/pP3FNw_PnA4/s1600/DSC_0037.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-0k4d5war6qs/UmXzjga0wcI/AAAAAAAAEg0/pP3FNw_PnA4/s640/DSC_0037.JPG" width="426" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Table of plenty</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qje15WiqPY/Uma-qQCG9dI/AAAAAAAAEic/Lcvo3J6mD6A/s1600/halloween+cookies.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3qje15WiqPY/Uma-qQCG9dI/AAAAAAAAEic/Lcvo3J6mD6A/s640/halloween+cookies.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Halloween cookies, decorated by Cindy!</td></tr>
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After dinner we broke out dessert (Halloween cookies, pumpkin bars & pumpkin macaroons!) and a few more bottles of wine. Eventually the <b><a href="http://www.makersmark.com/" target="_blank">Maker's Mark</a></b> made an appearance alongside the bottle of <b><a href="http://theowlsbrew.com/" target="_blank">Owl's Brew</a></b> that was sent to me as a gift - I must say the two went together quite well. The post-dinner music switched from <b><a href="http://www.bandofhorses.com/us/home" target="_blank">Band of Horses</a></b>, <b><a href="http://betaradio.com/" target="_blank">Beta Radio</a></b> and <b><a href="http://www.shovelsandrope.com/" target="_blank">Shovels & Rope</a></b> to YouTube video requests for songs from our high school days and hilarious SNL clips.</div>
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We also spent the next few hours playing a game that you download on your cell phone called <b><a href="https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/heads-up!/id623592465?mt=8" target="_blank">Heads Up</a></b>. It's sort of like Pictionary & Catch Phrase combined. Look it up & download it for your next party or family get together - trust me, you won't be disappointed! Our favorite categories had us acting out clues or humming them - I haven't laughed that hard in a really long time. At one point I stepped away from the game to snap some photos of this perfect evening - happily buzzed on spiked cider & wine, full of delicious food and completely content, loving each other's company - none of us wanted to be anywhere else. It was immediately decided that this was going to be a tradition, the next one to be held in December. </div>
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<b>Heart = Happy</b> - oh so Happy.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRRJ8cd7weI/UmXzuWYcbFI/AAAAAAAAEhA/jgQKf_O6Rt4/s1600/DSC_0045.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZRRJ8cd7weI/UmXzuWYcbFI/AAAAAAAAEhA/jgQKf_O6Rt4/s640/DSC_0045.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Games begin</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSfu-1bOaGY/UmXz4Q_zaFI/AAAAAAAAEhI/HJu_8FtC1zI/s1600/DSC_0051.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="458" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-wSfu-1bOaGY/UmXz4Q_zaFI/AAAAAAAAEhI/HJu_8FtC1zI/s640/DSC_0051.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Laughter ensues</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yih9RHjpBw4/UmXz6-HUDWI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/j-SIHZRFDDw/s1600/DSC_0052.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yih9RHjpBw4/UmXz6-HUDWI/AAAAAAAAEhQ/j-SIHZRFDDw/s640/DSC_0052.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These girls are awesome</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LS1aP9wdNYs/UmXz-rO5p7I/AAAAAAAAEhY/xeegLDFONdg/s1600/DSC_0053.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LS1aP9wdNYs/UmXz-rO5p7I/AAAAAAAAEhY/xeegLDFONdg/s640/DSC_0053.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Maker's + Owl's Brew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33mXhBE2CqU/UmX0MEms7TI/AAAAAAAAEhg/83W1oyBz-d0/s1600/DSC_0055.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-33mXhBE2CqU/UmX0MEms7TI/AAAAAAAAEhg/83W1oyBz-d0/s640/DSC_0055.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The last ones to leave the party - I laugh til I cry with these two</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BcPlkkMewg8/UmX0Nw1bnfI/AAAAAAAAEho/MYsPN500_rI/s1600/DSC_0058.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="412" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BcPlkkMewg8/UmX0Nw1bnfI/AAAAAAAAEho/MYsPN500_rI/s640/DSC_0058.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The next morning - dinner party success!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMEDXYcwDKQ/UmX0U_eqdII/AAAAAAAAEh4/XB6aJFuGMr8/s1600/DSC_0060.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rMEDXYcwDKQ/UmX0U_eqdII/AAAAAAAAEh4/XB6aJFuGMr8/s640/DSC_0060.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This guy looked lonely - luckily he joined the others in my tummy a short while later :)</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lKv0yZGzrlU/UmX0YdcIoZI/AAAAAAAAEiA/Se4Kn0EefXQ/s1600/DSC_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-lKv0yZGzrlU/UmX0YdcIoZI/AAAAAAAAEiA/Se4Kn0EefXQ/s640/DSC_0061.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHWh1ihCXMs/UmX0R2m6SkI/AAAAAAAAEhw/Didgo_TrPCs/s1600/IMG_2188.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZHWh1ihCXMs/UmX0R2m6SkI/AAAAAAAAEhw/Didgo_TrPCs/s640/IMG_2188.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We did good</td></tr>
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There were<b> so many amazing dishes prepared that night:</b> spiced rum-spiked apple cider with cinnamon sticks; homemade hummus dip & veggies; fig, goat cheese & caramelized onion crostinis; pumpkin & goat cheese empanadas; creamy butternut squash soup; a pear, goat cheese & candied walnut mixed greens salad with maple balsamic dressing; Maker's Mark & cider glazed turkey and pork meatballs with rosemary & sage; Gorgonzola, pear & walnut flat bread pizzas; and homemade pumpkin bars, Halloween cookies & pumpkin macaroons for dessert. We ate extremely well thanks to every one's hard work & creativity. <br />
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I leave you now with my recipe for the meatballs I made - these were the perfect touch to compliment the butternut squash soup, meatless pizzas & other dishes. And they couldn't have been much easier either! I hope you enjoy :)<br />
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Maker's Mark & Apple Cider Glazed Turkey + Pork Meatballs<br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">*adapted from </span><a href="http://www.ibreatheimhungry.com/2012/09/bourbon-cider-glazed-turkey-meatballs.html" style="font-size: small;" target="_blank">this recipe</a></h2>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WdDb7jfydP0/UmbTphVqaFI/AAAAAAAAEjE/ZalKjwBGvT0/s1600/meatballs.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-WdDb7jfydP0/UmbTphVqaFI/AAAAAAAAEjE/ZalKjwBGvT0/s640/meatballs.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b style="font-size: x-large;">Ingredients:</b></div>
Meatballs:<br />
- 1 lb lean ground turkey, thawed<br />
- 1/2 - 1 lb ground pork sausage, thawed<br />
- 1 tbsp fresh sage, chopped<br />
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, chopped<br />
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder<br />
- 1 tbsp dried onion flakes<br />
- 1/4 tsp coarsely ground sea salt<br />
- 1/2 tsp coarsely ground pepper<br />
- 1 egg, whisked<br />
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Glaze:<br />
- 1/2 c Maker's Mark Bourbon (or similar bourbon of your choice)<br />
- 1 1/2 c apple cider<br />
- 1/4 c brown sugar<br />
- sprig of fresh rosemary to simmer in pot<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Directions:</b></span><br />
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Cover a large cookie sheet with a layer of foil and spray with cooking spray - set aside.<br />
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In a large bowl combine all ingredients for the meatballs. Roll into 1.5 inch balls and place on the cookie sheet in rows - they can be close together. (You will have between 20-30 meatballs depending on the size you roll them). Place in oven and bake for 15 minutes.<br />
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Add all glaze ingredients to a small bowl and whisk together until combined. Add to a small saucepan and cook on medium-high for about 10 mins, or until glaze starts to appear thicker and shiny. Add the cooked meatballs to the glaze & stir to coat evenly. Simmer on low heat until ready to serve (careful not to simmer for too long so glaze evaporates. I recommend not simmering for longer than 45 mins on very low heat).<br />
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Serve with a big spoon for plating or with toothpicks - enjoy!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-24815380197913151252013-10-18T16:15:00.001-05:002013-10-25T15:07:28.295-05:00Say Hello: Costa Rica and Andrew Mattison of Rancho DiAndrew<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Costa Rica.</b> It’s hard to know exactly where to begin. Though my trip was over three months ago, it still feels like just yesterday I was soaking up the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">surreal scene around me, doing yoga under the hot sun in the front yard of our home overlooking the ocean and <b><a href="http://www.anywherecostarica.com/destinations/playa-hermosa" target="_blank">Playa Hermosa</a></b>. Since </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">returning from Costa I've</span><span style="font-family: inherit;"> dreamed about going back nearly every single day - maybe for a week, possibly a month...or for the </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">foreseeable future? Sounds a little far-fetched I know, but if you had an experience like I did it's not all that hard to imagine. I still don’t know what the outcome will be; all I know is that I can’t wait to be back again.</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Working on my headstand in our front yard</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">The unique opportunity to visit this incredible place seemed to pop up out of nowhere, catching me a bit off guard; yet </span><span style="background-color: white;">somehow my decision to say yes required a surprisingly minimal amount of thought. “Use your passport and come to Costa Rica. Yoga, beaches, </span><span style="background-color: white;">jungle, sunshine, happiness. Just do it.” With little </span><span style="background-color: white;">effort</span><span style="background-color: white;"> I was coerced into traveling over 2,000 miles by myself to a country I’d </span><span style="background-color: white;">never been to, not really knowing what to expect when I got there. I simply knew I had a place to stay with my friend Amanda, who would be </span><span style="background-color: white;">arriving down there for her first time just two weeks before me. Beyond that, and my return flight home, no plans were made. Little did I know </span><span style="background-color: white;">the <b>life-changing adventure </b>that was about to unfold, who I’d meet or how it would all impact me. Allowing myself to </span><span style="background-color: white;">say yes to this experience was the <b>best decision I've m</b></span><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">ade yet.</span></b></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rh75cb_EWnQ/Ula6QO_lIwI/AAAAAAAAEYk/papJRLCSQ5w/s1600/1234980_10101695037263679_795792590_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-rh75cb_EWnQ/Ula6QO_lIwI/AAAAAAAAEYk/papJRLCSQ5w/s640/1234980_10101695037263679_795792590_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Is this real life?</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGREOFkM-5A/Ula-7mkHsjI/AAAAAAAAEZM/yIzJuwXofQE/s1600/1234783_10101695033391439_1261027301_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NGREOFkM-5A/Ula-7mkHsjI/AAAAAAAAEZM/yIzJuwXofQE/s640/1234783_10101695033391439_1261027301_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heading through the jungle to Playa Ventanas</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Though my time in Costa Rica was only one week of my life, it changed me forever. You know, t</span><span style="background-color: white;">here parts of this earth </span><span style="background-color: white;"><b>so incredibly beautiful</b>, that beauty will seep through to your soul; </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">that shit can and <i>should</i> have a profound effect on your life. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Of course, seeing parts of this big ol’ world you've </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">never seen before is sure to open your eyes, but only the lucky ones allow it to open their hearts. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Physically being in Costa Rica was <b>completely surreal. </b> Waking up in the mountains, surrounded by the rain forest, under a </span>different<span style="font-family: inherit;"> kind of sunshine. The sound of monkeys and the occasional peaceful rain storm, followed by one incredible sunset after another and stars reflecting </span>off<span style="font-family: inherit;"> the ocean at </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">night. All of that would have been more than enough to bring me back, but it was the people I met and spent time getting to know </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">in Costa who really made my trip unforgettable. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Heavenly</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Amanda & I under my favorite tree at Playa Hermosa</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Enjoying a rainstorm from the hammock on our front porch</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our friend Don</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hiking to see Ventanas de Osa</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhq6AAVRaV4/UmGWkJb8WhI/AAAAAAAAEb8/7niiPdHg1hc/s1600/ventanas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lhq6AAVRaV4/UmGWkJb8WhI/AAAAAAAAEb8/7niiPdHg1hc/s640/ventanas.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ventanas de Osa | Windows to the Sea</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Not my first time on a quad #countrygirl</td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">While in CR I was able to seemingly live life as a local and not a tourist; the people I spent my days with all contributed to me having that experience. We lived in a house up in the mountains; </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I happily grocery shopped & cooked meals for friends; we hosted a dinner party; our friend <b>Chris </b>was by now a veteran of Costa, and also the musician playing gigs at the local bar (not to mention the one driving us all over Costa - thank you, Chris!); our friend <b>Don</b> took us on a 4-hour quad excursion through the jungle & hiking to see <b>Ventanas de Osa</b> - way more fun than having to pay a tour guide. Then there was <b>Andrew</b> - or Drew, as most people know him. </span><span style="background-color: white;">Drew is one of those incredibly happy, unbelievably hard working, life-loving kinda guys. He literally whistles while he works, particularly when he's cooking up a storm for his friends or guests. And o</span><span style="background-color: white;">h yeah - he also has some of the kindest eyes you'll ever see.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew | photo: <a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/" target="_blank">Rancho DiAndrew</a></td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">Drew is a California transplant who's called Costa Rica home for 5+ years now - and his home isn't your average bungalow - it's a custom-built eco-compound complete with a main house - <a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/?page_id=66" target="_blank"><b>Casa Rica</b></a> (his primary residence complete with yoga deck & guest quarters), second and third houses - <b><a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/?page_id=905" target="_blank">Mango House</a> </b>& <b><a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/?page_id=899" target="_blank">Casita</a></b>, respectively, as well as two gorgeous cabins - <b><a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/?page_id=70" target="_blank">El Jardin</a> </b>&<b> <a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/?page_id=70" target="_blank">Bird's Nest</a> </b>- complete with stunning ocean & jungle views. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">The property, dubbed <b><a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/" target="_blank">Rancho DiAndrew</a></b> after Andrew and his brother<span style="font-family: inherit;">, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 17px; text-align: left; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Dionysos, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">was the realization of a dream that began many, many y<span style="font-family: inherit;">ears ago. </span></span></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Back in 1987, Andrew's father, </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">Richard Mattison</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">, </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">took a surf trip to Costa Rica and fell in love with the lush coastal mountains that met the great Pacific. After a serendipitous meeting with a local Tico in a bar one night, Richard was invited to visit a beautiful one hundred acre farm in <b><a href="http://www.anywherecostarica.com/destinations/uvita/tours/san-josecito-beach-day-tour" target="_blank">San Josecito</a></b>. It was this land that stole Richard's heart - a lush jungle high up in the mountains, overlooking the ocean. When an offer was extended to him to purchase it at an </span><span style="color: #222222;">incredible</span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;"> price, he couldn't pass it up. Richard bought the property the very next day and over the next 15 years he brought Di & Andrew to Costa for their summer vacations. It was during that time that Andrew fell in love with the culture & beauty of Costa Rica, and he decided to make it his life's goal to start a business and live life in CR. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: inherit;">After </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">graduating from California State University, Monterey Bay with a business degree in Hotel/Resort </span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Management in 2008, Drew made his way back to CR to build <b>Rancho DiAndrew</b> and begin a new chapter of his life, and to this day he considers it the most rewarding thing he's ever done. </span></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MuGpeQu8nF4/UmDBYaw0oKI/AAAAAAAAEa4/uNX0Z_bmNOo/s1600/IMG_1450.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-MuGpeQu8nF4/UmDBYaw0oKI/AAAAAAAAEa4/uNX0Z_bmNOo/s640/IMG_1450.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On our way up to Drew's</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jY63awS--us/UmGUwLGl-1I/AAAAAAAAEbk/eN2607hMvS8/s1600/1185820_10101695540545099_1421836679_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="450" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jY63awS--us/UmGUwLGl-1I/AAAAAAAAEbk/eN2607hMvS8/s640/1185820_10101695540545099_1421836679_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Dinner on my last night in Costa</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">After meeting Andrew, getting to know him & spending time in his world, it's obvious why he's so happy in CR. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">He works hard but loves what he does and where he does it, and his passion is infectious. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: inherit;">Not only does he own & operate <b><a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/" target="_blank">Rancho DiAndrew</a></b>, but he's the most bad ass <b>waterfall tour guide</b> in Costa Rica (<b><a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/?page_id=146" target="_blank">more info here!</a></b>), an incredible<b> surfer </b>who loves giving lessons (<a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/?page_id=258" target="_blank"><b>sign up here!</b></a>) and an excellent chef who will cook for you if you're smart enough to book your next retreat or vacation at <b>Rancho DiAndrew</b>. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #7f6000; font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>Q&A with Andrew Mattison of Rancho DiAndrew</b></span></h2>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Ashley: </span>What made you want to
move to Costa Rica?</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b> </b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Drew:</span></b> I have been traveling to Costa Rica with my family
since 1991 to surf and experience the great culture. There is no place quite
like the Southern coast of Costa Rica. Coastal mountains full of world class
waterfalls that meet the ocean with incredible beaches and surf spots. It has
everything I enjoy about nature in one region. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">Since I was about 15 I knew I wanted to make a life here.
After working in the hospitality business for most of my life I realized this was my calling to make a living and enjoy Costa Rica. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Ashley:</span> What do you love
about living in Costa Rica?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Drew: </span></b>I love being able to go for a surf and have an
ice cold coconut and fresh ceviche once you leave the water. I love being able
to work in and enjoy fresh jungle swimming pools that make you feel better than
you have ever felt before. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">I love the community of Ticos and expats all living together and
helping each other. This is an amazing thing that is hard to find anywhere. The
people that live here and move here (for the most part) love what this place is
and stand together to protect it from developers and people who don't respect
the environment.</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px;">Waterfall tour | photo: <a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/" target="_blank">Rancho DiAndrew</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrew cliff jumping on his waterfall tour | photo: <a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/" target="_blank">Rancho DiAndrew</a></td></tr>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Ashley:</span> Do you plan to stay
in Costa Rica?</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Drew:</span> </b>I plan on staying in Costa Rica as long as it stays as good
as it is now. People/Governments seem to have a way of going to the nicest
places on earth and ruining them with hi density condos, pollution, etc. I will
stay in Costa Rica until they ruin it. I hope it never happens this way here.
We shall see...</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #7f6000;">Ashley:</span> Why should people
visit Costa Rica/Rancho DiAndrew?</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Drew:</span> </b>People should visit Rancho DiAndrew for several reasons. It has the
complete package of what you think of when you hear Costa Rica: jungle,
wildlife, waterfalls, great beaches/surf spots, amazing views of the mountains
and ocean, and every tour you can think of is available. Cliff diving,
repelling, zip lining, white water rafting, kayaking, whale watching, ATV
tours, horseback riding, sport fishing, etc. The list goes on and on. The focus at Rancho DiAndrew </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">is on customer service, which explains why it's the number #1 ranked specialty lodging in the Uvita area (and has been for 2 years). Rancho DiAndrew also offers world class yoga retreats - like the upcoming <b><a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/?page_id=262" target="_blank">STELLAR LIFE RETREAT</a> (November & January dates!)</b>, surf adventures and waterfall tours to guests & visitors in the area.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Basically, Rancho DiAndrew and this area of Costa Rica have everything you
could wish to do on your Costa Rican vacation. We make sure to do everything in
our power to make your vacation the best it can be. Come check us out, you
won't be disappointed!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kL2i3LXNjS8/UmGUa2r3cMI/AAAAAAAAEbY/NnxrYayGUPQ/s1600/_DSC0860.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-kL2i3LXNjS8/UmGUa2r3cMI/AAAAAAAAEbY/NnxrYayGUPQ/s640/_DSC0860.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew surfing in Costa | photo: <a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/" target="_blank">Rancho DiAndrew</a></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Outdoor kitchen at Rancho DiAndrew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T383UrwqXUs/UmGWkN7W40I/AAAAAAAAEb0/1mktXWp6WCg/s1600/cabinprep.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-T383UrwqXUs/UmGWkN7W40I/AAAAAAAAEb0/1mktXWp6WCg/s640/cabinprep.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cabin prep with Drew</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qKXu0rE-5rs/UmGWkNSwejI/AAAAAAAAEb4/EOUJ9qru47w/s1600/Helping+hand.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="426" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qKXu0rE-5rs/UmGWkNSwejI/AAAAAAAAEb4/EOUJ9qru47w/s640/Helping+hand.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drew leading a friend on the tour | photo: <a href="http://ranchodiandrew.com/" target="_blank">Rancho DiAndrew</a></td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-59918473830793827482013-10-09T10:48:00.000-05:002013-10-18T00:12:29.600-05:00Harvest Kale SaladAlong with cooler, crisp temps, Fall brings with it a coziness that is hard to resist - particularly when it's in the form of baked goods containing the words <b>pumpkin, apple</b> or <b>spice</b>. I'm a firm believer of the "everything in moderation" ideal - a pumpkin spice latte here, an apple fritter there - nothing to freak out about. But I'm also someone who really enjoys & believes in keeping balance, which means I like to fill the spaces in between my sweeter indulgences with lots of rich produce, greens, fruits & veggies. My recipe for an easy to prepare <b>Harvest Kale Salad</b> has some sweet & savory notes of fall and is packed with oh so good for you ingredients that will leave you feeling happy, satisfied & energized.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZF8Z9jjfGM/UlQjyM1QuhI/AAAAAAAAEXI/xDe2zb2fv_s/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uZF8Z9jjfGM/UlQjyM1QuhI/AAAAAAAAEXI/xDe2zb2fv_s/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harvest Kale Salad</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BOMgRaTKyi4/UlQjnK0BoKI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/vQYEPqIY6MU/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-BOMgRaTKyi4/UlQjnK0BoKI/AAAAAAAAEWQ/vQYEPqIY6MU/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7sbQMTCRgc/UlQjnVOwudI/AAAAAAAAEWY/zy2JV_5_LGI/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-d7sbQMTCRgc/UlQjnVOwudI/AAAAAAAAEWY/zy2JV_5_LGI/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing Kale</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpLG4im2ytI/UlQjnOqJX7I/AAAAAAAAEWg/JKfPMHbJhPA/s1600/photo+3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FpLG4im2ytI/UlQjnOqJX7I/AAAAAAAAEWg/JKfPMHbJhPA/s640/photo+3.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Makings of a vinaigrette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UVLlar0XetM/UlQjntsrdvI/AAAAAAAAEWc/k_AHFw-Gv60/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-UVLlar0XetM/UlQjntsrdvI/AAAAAAAAEWc/k_AHFw-Gv60/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale - pre-massage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0xJDFH1t_c/UlQjn4rjlgI/AAAAAAAAEWk/BzHbSWtOOSw/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-a0xJDFH1t_c/UlQjn4rjlgI/AAAAAAAAEWk/BzHbSWtOOSw/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kale - post-massage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhsJA54FaV4/UlQjy0RoPbI/AAAAAAAAEXM/coW1btYr8GA/s1600/photo+5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yhsJA54FaV4/UlQjy0RoPbI/AAAAAAAAEXM/coW1btYr8GA/s640/photo+5.JPG" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Vinaigrette</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IQahm5FcU8/UlQjyCl0hVI/AAAAAAAAEXA/qE0rBWWq-i8/s1600/photo+1.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IQahm5FcU8/UlQjyCl0hVI/AAAAAAAAEXA/qE0rBWWq-i8/s640/photo+1.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Healthy & colorful Fall ingredients</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2t7psvNpicI/UlQjyQI0zCI/AAAAAAAAEW8/niS3qSJ-TMU/s1600/photo+2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2t7psvNpicI/UlQjyQI0zCI/AAAAAAAAEW8/niS3qSJ-TMU/s640/photo+2.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Preparing to toss</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OROYN_6uwRo/UlQjyqNrEDI/AAAAAAAAEXE/6jRlb0eDGZk/s1600/photo+4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OROYN_6uwRo/UlQjyqNrEDI/AAAAAAAAEXE/6jRlb0eDGZk/s640/photo+4.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ready to enjoy</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<br />
<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Harvest Kale Salad</span></h2>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Ingredients</b></span><br />
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<i>Salad:</i><br />
- 1 bunch green kale<br />
- lemon juice (half of one lemon)<br />
- 1 tbsp good quality olive oil<br />
- 1/8 tsp sea salt<br />
- 1/2 c dried cranberries<br />
- 1/2 c raisins<br />
- 1/3 c pumpkin seeds<br />
- 1/4 c reduced-fat crumbled Feta cheese<br />
<i>Vinaigrette:</i><br />
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar<br />
- 1/4 c good quality olive oil<br />
- lemon juice (half of one lemon)<br />
- 1/8 tsp fresh ground black pepper<br />
- 1 clove garlic, pressed or finely minced<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Directions</span></b><br />
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Tear kale leaves from hard center rib into bite-sized pieces; rinse kale and spin in a salad spinner or pat with paper towels to dry. Add kale to a large bowl and drizzle with olive oil, half of the lemon juice (about 1 tbsp) and add sea salt. Massage kale with hands, making sure to toss and coat all the kale evenly with oil, lemon & salt.<span style="font-family: inherit;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: inherit;">NOTE: </span><span style="font-family: inherit; text-align: center;">Kale is naturally bitter, so massaging it with olive oil, lemon juice & a little sea salt removes the bitter taste from the leaves, making for a much more enjoyable kale experience.</span></i><br />
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In a small bowl, whisk together the ingredients for the vinaigrette. Add the cranberries, raisins, pumpkin seeds and Feta cheese to the bowl of kale. Toss ingredients, then drizzle vinaigrette over salad and toss again to evenly coat. Serve immediately or cover, refrigerate and serve the next day. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: x-large;"><b>※ ※ ※</b></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-44759361568853651202013-10-04T11:23:00.000-05:002013-10-12T13:13:31.753-05:00The Best Gift<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">speaking directly to my heart - couldn't ask for anything more...</span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qB0hD_1qvvI/Uk7qZAK5qcI/AAAAAAAAEVw/eDwub7Z_gM0/s1600/6655f0cab8b12713a1c610ed654d09fe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-qB0hD_1qvvI/Uk7qZAK5qcI/AAAAAAAAEVw/eDwub7Z_gM0/s400/6655f0cab8b12713a1c610ed654d09fe.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/254312710181556967/" target="_blank">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<span style="font-size: large;">happy friday, all</span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-large;">※ ※ ※</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-72173299706102939492013-10-03T11:01:00.002-05:002013-10-03T22:32:07.316-05:00Tea Crafted for Cocktails? Meet Owl's Brew...I had the awesome opportunity this past weekend to attend the <b><a href="http://www.expoeast.com/expoeast2013/public/enter.aspx" target="_blank">Natural Products Expo East</a></b> in Baltimore, where I also spent some time with my family as part of the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinyButMightyPopcorn" target="_blank">Tiny But Mighty Popcorn</a></b> crew (owners/farmers are my aunt Lynn & uncle Gene). In between meeting all the wonderful fellow entrepreneurs, bloggers & buyers, I managed to make my way around the enormous show room floors to check out some of the intriguing products that were showcased. One in particular that stuck out to me - not only for its concept, but the packaging & design totally caught my eye - was <b><a href="http://theowlsbrew.com/" target="_blank">Owl's Brew</a></b> artisan teas. These teas are intentionally handcrafted & brewed for the purpose of being a <b>cocktail mixer</b>, specifically pairing well with vodka, whiskey, gin, rum, tequila & champagne. Um...AMAZING.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fx9qC862M1k/Ukz3RtY-RcI/AAAAAAAAEVA/Gh0S7F1b3OA/s1600/IMG_1937.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fx9qC862M1k/Ukz3RtY-RcI/AAAAAAAAEVA/Gh0S7F1b3OA/s640/IMG_1937.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<b>Owl's Brew</b>, based out of NYC, takes a fresh new spin on your traditional cocktail - but with their vintage, chalkboard-esque packaging it feels like these brews may have been hiding on the shelves of your local speakeasy all along. With numerous inventive combinations, Owl's Brew offers up intriguing yet <b>wholesome flavor profiles</b>, such as the <b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Coco-Lada</span> -</b> a fresh-brewed black tea with chai spices, pineapple & coconut paired with spiced rum, champagne or vodka; and the <b><span style="color: #7f6000;">Pink & Black</span></b> - a Darjeeling black tea with strawberries, lemon peel & hibiscus, paired with tequila, whiskey or vodka. Is your mouth watering yet?</div>
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m2dz_6VCr_o/Uk42CjYeNRI/AAAAAAAAEVg/G82BlcAJNiw/s1600/IMG_1938.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-m2dz_6VCr_o/Uk42CjYeNRI/AAAAAAAAEVg/G82BlcAJNiw/s640/IMG_1938.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />
I had the chance to taste test an <b>Owl's Brew cocktail </b>for myself at the trade show, where the gals sampling actually paired my brew with beer - a <b><a href="http://hoegaarden.com/" target="_blank">Hoegaarden</a></b> to be precise. The combination of their tasty tea and one of my favorite ales actually surprised me in the best of ways. After one sip I was sold. <br />
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Some <b>bonus facts </b>about Owl's Brew: not only are their teas sweetened with pure agave, which means they're naturally low in sugar, but this libation is likely to keep you on the <b>hangover-free </b>side of the fence due to its exceptionally <b>hydrating properties</b><span style="font-family: inherit;"> (<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 14px;">antioxidants, vitamins, minerals & electrolytes)</span> an</span>d <b>all-natural ingredients</b>. <br />
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Owl's promise? DRINK BETTER. </span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Owl's motto? DRINK WISE.</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;">╱ ╲ ╱ ╲</span></h2>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFk2kikuFzg/Uk2JOU7iTDI/AAAAAAAAEVU/k9sDLdzKEhY/s1600/OB.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dFk2kikuFzg/Uk2JOU7iTDI/AAAAAAAAEVU/k9sDLdzKEhY/s640/OB.JPG" width="478" /></a></div>
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Check out Owl's Brew for yourself!<br />
<b>Website: <a href="http://theowlsbrew.com/">http://theowlsbrew.com/</a></b><br />
<b>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/theowlsbrew">https://www.facebook.com/theowlsbrew</a></b><br />
<b>Twitter: <a href="https://twitter.com/TheOwlsBrew">https://twitter.com/TheOwlsBrew</a> </b><br />
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<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: x-large;">Happy mixing!</span></h2>
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<h2>
<span style="font-size: x-large;">※ ※ ※</span></h2>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-4658613274125207722013-09-29T21:45:00.000-05:002013-10-01T08:54:35.369-05:00Best of the Wurst: My Guest Post for the Wurst Festival 2013!So...has it really been over 10 days since my last post? (eeek!) A lot has gone on over the past several days; other priorities stepped in and took my attention away from this place, this little world I've created as my outlet - my happy place. I try to do my best not to let more than a few days go by between posts, but sometimes life gets busy, and I have to remind myself that that's OK. I'm not one to glorify being "<b>busy</b>," but for me, busy can also mean taking time away from here and away from writing to relax (sip wine, cook, organize), to recover (currently coming off a five-day head cold), to travel (sparse internet connection) and to spend time with people I care about (unplug completely). So yes, I have been busy - but I hope you'll understand and continue to check back regularly, because with a new month beginning tomorrow (I love fall!) I have some great stories, recipes & other fun tidbits I can't wait to share with you. <br />
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In the meantime, please check out the <b>guest post</b> I wrote last week. My friends over at the <b><a href="http://goodfoodfestivals.com/" target="_blank">Good Food Festival</a></b> blog asked if I'd cover the first annual <b><a href="http://thewurstfestival.com/" target="_blank">Wurst Festival</a></b> that took place in Daley Plaza. This Festival was a spin on your traditional Oktoberfest; the meats, 'krout, toppings & beer were all sustainable & locally sourced - and man were they delicious! Check out the post here: <a href="http://goodfoodfestivals.com/blog/the-best-of-the-wurst-chicagos-first-annual-wurst-festival/"><b>http://goodfoodfestivals.com/blog/the-best-of-the-wurst-chicagos-first-annual-wurst-festival/</b></a><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sovDZwBNKhc/UkoqSkWUqaI/AAAAAAAAEUg/EauK7FfwtUA/s1600/Wurst+Fest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="460" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sovDZwBNKhc/UkoqSkWUqaI/AAAAAAAAEUg/EauK7FfwtUA/s640/Wurst+Fest.png" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wurst Fest!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSZUi3HTQHY/UkoqW3DWhAI/AAAAAAAAEUo/UXxNlFxE8w4/s1600/IMG_1718.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gSZUi3HTQHY/UkoqW3DWhAI/AAAAAAAAEUo/UXxNlFxE8w4/s640/IMG_1718.JPG" width="482" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locally sourced Italian sausage + krout - too tasty</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Until next time...<br />
xo Ashley<br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-73289588938949654962013-09-18T13:42:00.001-05:002013-10-15T12:46:40.801-05:00Getting Creative: Heirloom Tomatoes Three Ways!<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Have you ever had an heirloom tomato, or an heirloom
vegetable of any kind? If not, you’re
seriously missing out on some of the most imperfectly perfect, tasty
produce known to man. What does one mean
when they say “<b>heirloom</b>” vegetable? Heirloom
vegetables are specialty varieties whose seeds have been passed down for at
least 50 years. Most of you may not know
that today, many heirloom varieties that are still available are in danger of
becoming extinct. It’s a good thing
there are folks like my friends <b><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HggbWCz4V4I" target="_blank">Bob & Jen Borchardt</a></b> who are committed to
growing such varieties to keep them alive for future generations.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPHE459fyHY/Ul1_P6SRVCI/AAAAAAAAEak/a6acTfgGYJs/s1600/Bob&JenB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-QPHE459fyHY/Ul1_P6SRVCI/AAAAAAAAEak/a6acTfgGYJs/s640/Bob&JenB.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jen + Bob Borchardt | Photo property of <a href="http://www.harvestmoon-farms.com/" target="_blank">Harvest Moon Farms</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">As we near the end of tomato season I was lucky enough to be
gifted with two beautiful boxes of heirloom tomatoes by the Borchardts. Bob and Jen own & operate a beautiful
farm located in Viroqua, WI called </span><b style="font-family: inherit;"><a href="http://www.harvestmoon-farms.com/index.php" target="_blank">Harvest Moon Farms</a></b><span style="font-family: inherit;">. For the past several weeks </span>I've<span style="font-family: inherit;"> gotten an
inside glimpse at the wide variety & beauty of the produce they grow out at
the farm, as </span>I've<span style="font-family: inherit;"> been working with them on creating newsletters for their <b><a href="http://www.harvestmoon-farms.com/csa_gift.php" target="_blank">CSA Program</a></b>, now in its second to last week for the summer. <b>CSA</b> stands for <b>Community Supported
Agriculture</b>. In a CSA, participants
essentially buy a share in a farm upfront; then, for a scheduled amount of time,
they receive weekly boxes filled with a mix of fresh, seasonal produce. In the case of <b>Harvest Moon Farms</b>, produce
received by members is also often <b>organic</b> and/or<b> heirloom</b> produce - AKA <i>the
best stuff around</i>! The idea of a CSA is not
only to learn to eat seasonally, and therefore more </span>sustainably,<span style="font-family: inherit;"> but members
are also <b>supporting local farmers, producers, their community & their economies</b>.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Finding the little galley kitchen in my one-bedroom apartment
filled with vibrant heirlooms, I knew I </span>couldn't<span style="font-family: inherit;"> let these babies go to waste. Yes - <b><a href="http://www.freshpreserving.com/getting-started.aspx" target="_blank">learning how to can things</a></b> is on the
top of my “learn how to do” list; however, with a family wedding in Iowa last
weekend (lots of travel) and so many of after-work activities lately, finding
the time or obtaining the means to can was just not in the cards for me this
time around. So, what to do with all the
goods? I brought many of the tomatoes to
work and gifted them to those coworkers I knew were fellow foodies & home chefs. I also gave some to family members, but still
left myself with more than enough to enjoy.
After a few consecutive (and delicious) evenings of traditional BLTs, I mixed it up to get
creative with my use of the produce. I
now present to you <b>three different & easy ways</b> <b>to enjoy
heirloom tomatoes</b></span> (in addition to a traditional BLT!)<b style="font-family: inherit;">:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1) Mediterranean Heirloom Tomato & Quinoa Salad</span></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is a healthy & filling recipe that also works well as leftovers to enjoy for lunch (travels well to work) or dinner. Lots of nutrition here and it's vegetarian - make it vegan by simply omitting the cheese. Makes enough for about 3 servings.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1 cup cooked quinoa (see more on how to prepare quinoa <a href="http://citygirlcountryroots.blogspot.com/2012/09/whatever-you-got-quinoa-bake.html" target="_blank">here</a>)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 tbsp olive oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1 tbsp lemon juice</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- about 3 heirloom tomatoes, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/2 c cucumbers, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 c red onion, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 c diced Kalamata or mixed Greek olives</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- fresh basil - about 4 large leaves (you can use the rest in the Caprese Salad recipe below!)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1/4 c diced mozzarella cheese (part skim; could also use crumbled feta cheese)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- sea salt & ground black pepper, to taste</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Cook quinoa and set aside to let cool. For vinaigrette, using a whisk mix together oil, vinegar & lemon juice in a small bowl. Prepare all ingredients (vegetables, herbs & cheese). In a large bowl add the cooled quinoa, vegetables, herbs, cheese and vinaigrette. Season with salt & pepper to taste. Serve immediately or </span>refrigerate<span style="font-family: inherit;"> to enjoy later.</span></div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">2) Open-Faced BAT (Bacon, Avocado & Tomato) with Honey</b></h2>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">This is my twist on your traditional BLT. The substitution of avocado for lettuce still keeps it healthy, and the little drizzle of honey mustard </span><i style="font-family: inherit;">and</i><span style="font-family: inherit;"> honey on top make it feel sinful. Making the sandwich "open-face" takes away one-half of the bread but leaves all the taste.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 4 pieces of cooked bacon (may also substitute turkey bacon)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 1 medium avocado, sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 pieces whole wheat bread, toasted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 tbsp light olive oil mayo</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- honey mustard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- honey</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- salt to taste</span></div>
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Toast bread; top each slice with 1 tbsp light mayo. Pile on top the tomato and avocado. Season with a bit of sea salt, then add the bacon slices. Drizzle honey mustard and honey over top to your liking. Enjoy!</div>
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<b>3) Heirloom Caprese Salad</b></h2>
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This is your classic caprese salad, but the use of heirlooms significantly ramps up the flavor profile. Use good quality olive oil, sea salt & ground black pepper to get the best seasoning results.</div>
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<b style="font-family: inherit;">Ingredients:</b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- 2 heirloom tomatoes, sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- fresh basil, torn into small pieces (about 3 large leaves)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- fresh mozzarella, sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- olive oil (good quality)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">- sea salt & ground black pepper to taste</span></div>
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Prepare ingredients. Layer slices of tomato with slices of mozzarella. Top with the torn basil & generously drizzle with olive oil. Season to your liking with sea salt & ground black pepper. Enjoy!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7607427734077664944.post-57602628958679904002013-09-10T22:43:00.000-05:002013-09-12T09:23:09.635-05:00Quick Cultivate Recap!This year's <b><a href="http://chipotle.com/cultivate/" target="_blank">Chipotle Cultivate Festival </a></b>was another hit - and the busiest year the Festival has seen by far! So many good peeps made their way to <b>Lincoln Park</b> last Saturday to celebrate great food, beer, music & ideas, making for one hell of a fun day. I spent most of my Saturday with the <b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/TinyButMightyPopcorn" target="_blank">Tiny But Mighty Popcorn</a></b> team in the Artisans. We began bright & early at 8:00 am for set-up, smiles on our faces & iced coffees in hand. I worked until late afternoon, managing to cut out a few hours before Festival's end to meet some friends over in the craft beer tent. It was around that time I noticed Artisans and Brewers selling out of goodies & beer one after another, all while people socialized under the sunshine. Well, Cultivate - consider yourself a smashing success! Getting an estimated <b>36,000 people</b> to gather together, support local businesses & learn about the food they consume every day - that is no easy fete - but you somehow made it look easy. <b>Cultivate - I salute you</b>. <br />
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Cheers to another fantastic year!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X75wgRhHCEg/UjE1y8ZkxlI/AAAAAAAAENk/n-33wwWL2yc/s1600/IMG_1222.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="476" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-X75wgRhHCEg/UjE1y8ZkxlI/AAAAAAAAENk/n-33wwWL2yc/s640/IMG_1222.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Farmer Gene & Lynn ready to take on the day!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artisans tent</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">TBM kernels & Ready To Eat</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSacY53ZIdk/UjE1-47rw1I/AAAAAAAAEOc/63EHyCXDCTM/s1600/IMG_1238.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-dSacY53ZIdk/UjE1-47rw1I/AAAAAAAAEOc/63EHyCXDCTM/s640/IMG_1238.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I can't even handle how cute this little popcorn lover is!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4TYPp35gvg/UjE2CoD4AgI/AAAAAAAAEO0/YGp03FFuMm0/s1600/IMG_1248.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Z4TYPp35gvg/UjE2CoD4AgI/AAAAAAAAEO0/YGp03FFuMm0/s640/IMG_1248.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Madelyn & Carlos loving their TBM popcorn!</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4MaFuK4x2M/UjE2BRi4oiI/AAAAAAAAEOs/37c9NoF8KKc/s1600/IMG_1255.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T4MaFuK4x2M/UjE2BRi4oiI/AAAAAAAAEOs/37c9NoF8KKc/s640/IMG_1255.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Main stage - Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.</td></tr>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05219516197896224536noreply@blogger.com1