Posted in Uncategorized on April 22, 2011 | 1 Comment »
Our bags are packed, the cat sitter is organized and we’re off to Berlin today .
I’ve decided not to take my computer with us so don’t be surprised to find things extra quiet around here the next few days.
To everyone back home, have a fun and safe Easter! I love you and miss you!
Posted in Uncategorized on August 4, 2010 | 4 Comments »
Before heading out yesterday, I made a final attempt to use up the remaining fresh food in my refrigerator.
In doing so, I may have found the most portable food.
Believe it or not, spring rolls are perfect for traveling.
They are compact, combine a healthy mix of protein, carbohydrates and plenty of veggies, they are a tidy food to eat, creating no mess, and best of all, they taste great!
I included the peanut sauce inside the rolls so it was even more portable.
Once I had enough rolls, I used up the extra sauce, rice noodles, basil, cucumber and carrots to make my lunch yesterday.
Sprinkled with peanuts, the spring roll in a bowl was created!
Oh so good!
I can’t wait to tell you all about London… but first I need to get out there see something!
Have a great day, all!
Posted in Uncategorized on July 27, 2010 | 1 Comment »
When I was a kid, my parents struck the fear of fields into me.
Not just any field, mind you, cornfields.
It’s never taken much to scare me.
My own imagination creates scenarios which are far more frightening than anything my older brother or anyone else could say.
Unlike my best friend, Shana, these fears weren’t even exacerbated by watching Children of the Corn.
My fear of cornfields was all about getting lost.
Stepping into a field to realize that I didn’t know how to get out again.
Rows of corn going on and on forever, no end in sight.
To this day, cornfields scare me.
Luckily, not all fields make me whimper with fear.
Whenever I go to the Farmer’s Market, I imagine running through their fields.
Up and down rows of beets, broccoli, collard greens, and other vegetables that grow no higher than 2 feet in the air.
While at the market today, I bought a fresh salad mix that I would be happy to get lost in.
I’m not talking iceberg, romaine, and a few arugula leaves.
When I say mix, I mean mix.
The variety of different leaves, flowers, herbs and greens in the mix was truly inspiring.
I don’t even know what everything is!
But one thing I do know, is that this mix was the perfect base for a sweet potato falafel salad.
Mmm, flowers and other colorful living greens!
Now I’m off for some bedtime reading, How to Get Out of a Corn Field.
Posted in Uncategorized on July 26, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Looking for a cool summer treat that’s low on calories but high on decadent flavor?
How about an extra protein punch to go with this decadence?
There’s no need to head to your corner coffee shop and spend an arm and a let, you can make this one right at home.
Makes 2 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup chocolate soy milk
- 1 cup silken tofu
- 3-4 Tbsp coco powder
- 1/2 Tbsp vanilla extract
- 1 Tbsp. agave nectar
- 1/2 scoop protein powder such as Vanilla Sun Warrior
- 10 ice cubes
- 1/2 cup coffee or espresso, frozen in an ice cube tray
Method
Blend all ingredients together until smooth and incorporated. You may need to scrape down the powders from the sides of the blender.
You want rich and creamy? You’ve got it!
Posted in Uncategorized on July 25, 2010 | 2 Comments »
Before the adventures in Sweden and Denmark were underway, Sebastian and I spent 5 days together in Berlin.
Berlin is Sebastian’s home town and any time we go back, he in in his element.
Of all the cities in Germany, Berlin is my favorite too. It is young, fun, multicultural, artistic, and unusual. I just love the Berlin buzz.
Although I’ve been to Berlin 6 times in the past 3 years, I had never been to the top of the TV tower.
Well, not until this time at least!
I’ve seen many a city from the top of tall buildings, and although the view was great, I wouldn’t put this top at the top of my list because the shape of the glass made it hard to take good pictures. Nevertheless, here are a few shots of the great city of Berlin!
In addition to playing tourist in his home town, Sebastian also showed me a good time at his friend’s birthday BBQ.
In order to save him from embarrassment, I did my best to make the most “normal” food choices.
Step 1: Buy meat look alike products
Make sure you have enough to share!
Step 2: Buy grillable veggies 
Mmmm…good looking guy modeling sweet corn. Be still my heart!
Step 3: Eat some junk food too!
Orange-stained finger tips just scream BBQ fun!
Step 4: Remember that Halloumi is always a hit.
Not just for vegetarians, everyone loves halloumi!
Step 5: Bring your goods in a container with beer and other BBQ necessities.
Step 6: Be nice to the griller and lick your lips with the rest of them!
Step 7: Enjoy some East German chocolates for dessert.
Ok, maybe this did happen as step 1… but I encourage you to wait.
On the way to the BBQ, we visited the downtown area of the borough in Berlin where Sebastian grew up.
Posted in Uncategorized on July 25, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Yesterday was a day spent sleeping and cooking.
Not too bad in my books.
The morning started off quite late but with another tropical fruit smoothie.
For this batch, I added about a teaspoon of coconut butter. Extra tropical!
After some light housework and grocery shopping, it was time for lunch.
Yesterday lunch was a 3-course affair.
It all started with steamed beet greens and a quinoa cracker with cheese.
The greens were topped with homemade herb butter, lemon juice and garlic powder, salt and pepper.
Followed by boiled corn with more herb butter, salt and pepper.
Then finally, the beats were finished. Squeezed lemon juice, S & P on top.
It was a beautiful, farm fresh, summer lunch!
Saturday morning, I was ripped from my sleep with an incredible pain in my leg.
Now, I’ve only had 3 charley horses in my lifetime, all of which occurred during the night and in my calf muscles.
I woke up to feel every fiber of my left calf muscle, bulging from my leg. It’s so strange to see and feel the ridges of the muscles. Something I couldn’t make the muscles do if I wanted to.
The muscles spasm lasted about a minute, but the pain was excruciating.
It literally took my breath away.
Once the muscle relaxed to normal again, my entire leg was throbbing so badly that I couldn’t fall back asleep. So, I got up, drank a ton of water, then laid back in bed to toss and turn.
I guess I need to eat more bananas and be sure to stretch more thoroughly after spin class.
Lesson learned.
Needless to say, I was tired all day so took an afternoon nap. Bliss.
Before I knew it, I was hungry again. Luckily, Sebastian and I had big plans for dinner.
Right now, these golden wild mushrooms are in season in Germany.
I’ll admit, when we bought these, we didn’t know how to cook them or what they were called in English.
I now now that German pfifferlinge are chanterelle mushrooms in English.
After a quick internet search, we learned to clean the mushrooms under running water then cook them in butter, crushed garlic and herbs.
Simple enough!
- fresh chanterelle mushrooms
- 2 cloves garlic, smashed with a knife, skins removed
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- fresh dill (next time I will use rosemary instead)
- salt and pepper
The mushrooms are really “meaty,” thick and chewy. They have a very subtle flavor that can’t really be described. Lovely though.
We also enjoyed boiled potatoes, red cabbage with apples and a protein of choice with our meal. Oh, and a pfifferlinge back-up sauce, just in case.
It was rich. It was filling. It was divine.
I opted for marinated tofu while Sebastian made a turkey burger for himself.
After making his plate, he said “I have a dead bird on my plate, what have you got on yours?”
“I’ve got dead veggies.”
Strange things are happening around here lately, it appears that the meat-eater is becoming more vegetarian that the vegetarian.
After 2 bites, Sebastian said he couldn’t eat the dead bird any more so I shared my tofu with him.
The night before, while eating the Swedish Lasagna I slaved over, he said, “this tastes great, but I’m just not in the mood for eating seafood lately.”
Hmm… interesting.
Upon further investigation, it came out that my beloved has been eating at McDonalds lately (Gasp!) Now to gasp again, he admitted that the last few times he’s eaten there, he’s ordered only their veggie burgers! (Gasp!)
Yes, strange indeed.
Can it be that after 4 years, he’s converted to my ways?
We may never know, but with a meal like this, can you blame the guy?
Posted in Uncategorized on July 23, 2010 | 1 Comment »
If you thought the Sweden re-cap was over, you’re wrong!
But I promise, this is the last one!
One day, I was feeling adventurous and took off for a day of independent sight seeing in Helsingborg.
Helsingborg has an interesting history, for decades, it was fought over between Sweden and Denmark. Helsingborg has belonged to both countries but now rests in the hands of Sweden.
As you can see, there isn’t much dividing the two countries.
Helsingborg is known for shopping.
But my first stop was to see the remaining tower of the fortress Karnan.
The tower is from the 14th century and is the only remaining building from the old castle.
In front of the tower is the old city gate. An impressive combination.
After climbing 146 spiral steps, I reached the level with the view.
The tower was built so well that it was impenetrable.
Enemies would rather hold the city in until the residents starved rather than try to siege the fortress.
While at the top, I spotted a bird of prey. He was as interested in me as I was in him. He had quite a view from the top of the tower, just like the defending soldiers 700 years ago.
If you are ever in Helsingborg, do not skip the tower of Karnan!
After the tower, I walked over to a church I spotted from above, St. Mary’s.
Also began in the 14th century, St. Mary’s church was completed around 1450.
This stained glass window tells the history of Helsingborg and the struggle for ownership. My favorite part are the trees on the bottom, they remind me of the quilt my mom made for me.
Although the entire church was incredibly ornate, I was most interested in the three ships pointed to the alter.
In my home church, we also have a ship pointed to the cross. The church I grew up in was founded by Danish Lutherans.
I couldn’t help but marvel at the connection between a strange church in Sweden and my home town.
After taking in the serenity of the church, I opened my handy city guide in search of a restaurant. In the restaurant section, they even had listings for vegetarian restaurants. I easily found my way to Vegeriet.
Clean, comfortable and friendly… my kind of place!
I ordered their “famous veggie burger” and an apple, pear and ginger juice.
To my surprise, I was served with a mixed greens salad, coleslaw and a delicious, chewy bread with whole nuts and dried fruit inside.
The meal was fantastic. When the burger arrived, it came with another small salad with sprouts and a creamy curry fruit salad.
Well nourished and ready to carry on, I walked to the harbor.
Such a stunning welcome, wouldn’t you agree?
Flags of the Nordic Countries.
Unsurprisingly, there was also a beach.
I attribute the many beaches in Sweden to the fact that the winters are so long and dark.
Once the sun is out and the temperatures are up, every Swede is out swimming.
Now, are you ready for the best find of Helsingborg?
Are you sure?
Wait for it…
this will change your life!
I discovered where Batman lives!
Come on, Batman, when choosing an alias, you’ve got to be a little more creative!
Posted in Uncategorized on July 23, 2010 | 2 Comments »
Dinner didn’t start with cookies… but in certainly ended that way.
The original plan for tonight was to have a picnic along the Rhine.
Unfortunately, the beautiful blue skies turned to ominous gray clouds.
So, dinner was had at home.
I was thinking Sweden meets Italy and decided to wing it tonight.
As luck would have it, my crazy concoction turned out quite well.
If you use the recipe below, take care and use your own judgment as I didn’t measure things as I went along. The recipe below is only an estimate.
Ingredients
- 1 box lasagna noodles
For the filling
- 1 zucchini, finely chopped
- 2 red onions, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- tomatoes, blanched,de-skinned and chopped
- 1 small bunch dill, stems removed
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 Tbsp. butter
- 1 small box frozen baby shrimp (what are they really called?)
- salt and pepper to taste
- splash of white wine
For the cheese sauce
- 3 Tbsp. butter
- 3/4 cup milk
- 1/2 cup crème fraiche
-1/3 cup graded parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup graded mozzarella
- a few sprigs of dill
- splash of white wine
- flour for thickening
Method
As you can see, dinner was not exactly healthy.
Why stop with an unhealthy dinner when there are always dessert options available?
My sweet tooth was a callin’ and since the oven was already hot, I whipped up a little something from my Recipe Wish List.
Click on the link above to get the recipe for yourself.
Holy Yum!
Although my body was nearly in sugar-shock, my taste buds were doing the happy dance.
Seriously, if you need a crowd pleaser, try these out.
I thought I had whole hazelnuts but upon pantry inspection, discovered that I only had the pre-ground variety. Nevertheless, the results were divine.
Especially when topped with a spoon of vanilla ice cream!
Sebastian could live on a diet of bread and nutella alone, so he is one happy camper about now.
From the moment I saw the recipe on Angharad’s blog, I knew I had to make these cookies for the sweetie in my life.
Our picnic that wasn’t has turned out to be a great night.
Happy Weekend, Everyone!
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged garden, how to, seeds, sprouts on July 23, 2010 | 5 Comments »
Have you ever wondered, while looking at a $5 box of alfalfa sprouts, why you don’t just grow your own sprouts at home?
It can’t be too hard, right?
For Pete’s sake, you make your own nut butters, sprouting seeds should be a piece of cake!
The catch is, you’re not sure how to begin.
Well look no further and put away that $5 bill.
Home sprouting is easy, affordable, and pretty much fool proof.
Not that I’m calling any of you a fool.
Let’s just get that out of the way, shall we?
Another perk, you most likely have the materials needed to sprout your own seeds just sitting around your house, waiting to be put to good use.
All you need:
- 1 large glass jar with a wide mouth
- a fine piece of cloth (cheese cloth, muslin, and even sheer netting work well)
Just be sure that the weaving is smaller than your seeds
- rubber band
- glass bowl for propping
- organic sprouting seeds or grains
That’s it! I told you’re already well equipped to begin!
The only thing you’ll probably need to buy are the seeds/ grains
All health food stores carry sprouting seeds as do some regular grocery stores.
In Germany, you can even pick up a bag in the food aisle of drug stores.
Be sure that you buy seeds and grains which are intended for sprouting.
You do not want to buy seeds which are intended for planting in the ground.
Sprouting seeds YES
Planting seeds NO
A bag of sprouting seeds will probably cost between $1-$4, depending on the variety.
For this demo, I’m using a prepared mixture of fenugreek, lentils, and Daikon radish seeds.
I like this mixture because the lentils taste sweet and nutty while the radish and fenugreek taste spicy.
Also, radish seeds, when combined with other seeds, block the growth of bacteria and milder. More on this later.
Each package of sprouting seeds will include general guidelines for growth.
There are three stages to sprouting seeds: germination, growth and harvest.
So, let’s begin shall we?
Germination simply describes the process of a seed changing from dormancy to life.
To reincarnate your seeds, they need to soak in water.
Depending on the seed variety, this can take from 6- 12 hours.
Step 1: Put 1-2 Tbsp of seeds in your jar and fill it up with water. Let the jar sit for the recommended amount of time, as stated on your seed package.
My seed mixture recommended 6-8 hours.
Step 2: After your seeds have soaked for the given amount of time, put the cloth over the mouth of the jar, seal it on with the rubber band, then drain the water away.
Step 3: Put the jar upside down in a clear container (aim for a 45 degree angle) and set in a sunny place.
For the next few days, your seeds will grow into sprouts. All you need to do is rinse the seeds 2-3 times daily to moisten and prevent bacterial growth.
Step 4: Simply fill the jar with water, gently swirl it around, then drain the water away.
Before you know it, your little seeds will begin to sprout!
Your seed package will tell you how many days to allow from germination to harvest. The recommendation takes into consideration when the sprouts are at their top flavor.
My seeds grew for 2 days before I harvested them.
2 Tbsp of seeds yielded 1.5 cups of sprouts.
Step 5: Give your fully-grown sprouts a final rinse then store them in a paper-towel lined container in the refrigerator.
Step 6: Your seeds can be stored for at least 10 days in the refrigerator. If you notice mold, a funny smell, or sliminess, throw the sprouts out.
You must be aware of the health of your sprouts when growing them at home.
Bacteria and mold can easily be avoided by keeping your seeds rinsed and well drained.
Standing water is a haven for both mold and bacteria so be sure that your jar is angled in a way that the water is free to drain. Also, make sure that the supporting container is free from standing water.
Many people new to sprouting mistaken developing root fibers for mold.
If you look closely at the photo below, you will notice the root fibers.
Small, fuzzy hairs growing out from the sprouts’ roots are normal.
Just to name a few of the health benefits, sprouts are:
- raw and living
- highly active antioxidants
- have shown to prevent some cancers
- easily digested
- per calorie, sprouts have a greater concentration of vitamins, minerals, proteins and enzymes compared to any other food
For more detailed descriptions of the health benefits of particular sprout varieties, visit this site.
You can also refer to this site for both the economical and nutritional benefits of home sprouting.
The uses for sprouts are really limited only by one’s imagination.
Sprouts can be cooked into veggie burgers and added to stir fry.
Top a salad or sandwich with sprouts.
Add them to your smoothies or fresh juice.
Incorporate the flavors into soups, vegetables and grains.
Use in place of dried seasonings.
Posted in Uncategorized, tagged Fruit, orange juice, peaches, protein powder, smoothie, strawberries on July 23, 2010 | Leave a Comment »
Summertime in Germany is hot this year.
When I go to bed, I’m hot.
I wake up throughout the night because I’m hot.
My first though in the morning is, “I’m hot.”
In my sleep deprived mind, hot= tropical.
Tropical= fruit.
Hot and hungry= tropical fruit breakfast smoothie.
- 1 ripe peach, pit removed
- 2 handfuls fresh strawberries, stems removed
- 1 frozen banana
- 1/2 scoop Vanilla Sun Warrior Protein powder
- 1/2 tsp. maca
- 2 heavy glugs of orange juice
Put everything into a blender and whip it up until creamy and smooth.
There may be no ‘tropical’ fruits in this smoothie, but you’ll get the idea once you taste it.
Now sit back and act like your raised body temperature is due to an exotic holiday.
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Eating Abroad