Recipe #75... French Yogurt Cake & Strawberry-Lemon Sauce... Oooh La La

Before having my daughter, I read the book "Bringing Up Bebe," by Pamela Druckerman.  It's a pleasant and enjoyable read about one mother's inquiries into french parenting.  She seeks to discover why french children seem so well behaved and french parents so chic and pulled together.  The yogurt cake is a recipe that children make with their mothers for an afternoon snack.  Nearly the whole recipe can be measured using a single yogurt cup - I have been making this without the help of little hands and am looking forward to sharing the kitchen with Emilia soon.  While I can't guarantee that your chic-meter will raise considerably or that your child will exercise greater wisdom and self control after serving up this dessert, I can tell you that you should prepare to feel very fancy... I have been using the Bon Appetit French Yogurt Cake Recipe and have detailed it below.  Voila! 

French Yogurt Cake & Strawberry-Lemon Sauce
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 10 Servings

Strawberry-Lemon Sauce 
1 Container Fresh Strawberries
1 Tbsp Sugar
Juice from 1/2 a Lemon

Slice strawberries and coat with sugar and lemon juice.  Blend until you achieve the consistency you prefer... smooth or chunks of strawberries... or don't blend at all

French Yogurt Cake
Nonstick Vegetable Oil Spray
1 1/2 c All-purpose Flour (Or a Fave Flour Combo)
2 tsp Baking Powder
3/4 tsp Salt
1/2 c Sugar
1 Tbsp Lemon Zest
3/4 c Whole-Milk Greek Yogurt (I love Greek Gods Honey)
1/2 c Vegetable Oil
2 Large Eggs
1/2 tsp Vanilla Extract

Preheat oven to 350.  Coat loaf pan or round cake pan with sprat.  

Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl.  Add sugar-coated lemon zest, yogurt, oil, eggs, and vanilla and whisk to blend.  Pour batter into pan and smooth top.  Bake 45-50 mins, until top is golden brown and tester comes out clean.  Cool completely.  

Drizzle cake slices with sauce before serving and add a dollop or whip cream for some extra fancy.  Bon Appetit! -A

Recipe #74... Citrus Caesar Dressing on Grilled Romaine Salad... Grill A Meal

A few summers ago, my husband and I took a trip to Stowe, Vermont with my parents.  We had many memorable meals, including one at the Von Trapp Family Lodge (yes! the musical family from the Sound of Music)... but one that stands out to me still was a grilled romaine salad at Simon Pearce's restaurant in Quechee, Vermont.  Located within a beautiful, one of a kind glass blowing studio and mill, the restaurant delights all of your senses.  I haven't forgotten the grilled romaine and we finally got around to trying it!

Citrus Caesar Dressing
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 4-6 Servings

1 clove Garlic
1 Tbsp Lemon zest
3 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice
2 Tbsp Anchovy paste
1 Tbsp White wine vinegar
2/3 c Olive oil
1/4 c Mayo
Salt + Pepper

Grilled Romaine
2 Heads Romaine Lettuce
Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Parmigiano-Reggiano

Coat grill with olive oil and turn it to Med/High Heat.  Cut romaine in half lengthwise and grill 4-5 mins, turning occasionally.  Place a romaine "wedge" on each salad plate and drizzle with dressing.  Shave fresh cheese on top!  The romaine is crunchy, smokey, and sweet paired with a citrusy, bitey dressing.  My husband is a caesar salad aficionado and while it was a little lemony for his taste, it earned high marks on presentation!  Happy Crunching... -A  

Recipe #73... Silk for the Soul... Small Celebrations

I throw "small celebrations" when I feel I deserve them.  When I change an especially messy diaper I celebrate with dark chocolate.  When I manage to get kitchen cleaned up without someone pulling the naughty things out of the cabinets, it certainly warrants a dollop or two of Ready Whip, and while nap time is a treat in and of itself, I still celebrate with a simple, yet oh so luscious treat...
  

Silk for the Soul
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 1 Generous b/c Mommy Needs It Serving

2 c Milk of your choice (I like Vanilla Soy Milk)
* If using Cow's Milk, Add a little 1/4 tsp vanilla and powdered sugar
1 c Ice (big cubes usually 5 or 6) 

Topping *Spoiler Alert - This is the best part!! 
1 Healthy Swirl of Ready Whip (definitely exceeds recommended serving)
1 Shake of Cinnamon 
1 Straw for Sipping and Slurping

Blend this up for a little sweetness for your soul while your sweet little soul snoozes away... Carry your blender and contents into a far away room or skip the blending and go iced... whatever it takes to not wake the baby...  -A

Recipe #72... Tummy Trouble Tonic... For all Ages

Note: My little one is dealing with some tummy bumpers.  It hurts my heart.  Emilia is rarely sick, so when she is we are both derailed a bit.  Tummy troubles are minor but still no fun... especially when your diet is limited to the excitingly (j/k) bland BRAT (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) diet.  So I decided to fix a BRAT-inspired smoothie to literally mix it up and help her stay hydrated.  
  

Nearly Empty... Sweet Success!

Tummy Trouble Tonic
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 2 sip cup servings

3/4 c Coconut Water (hydration)
1/2 c Plain Greek Yogurt (protein and probiotics)
1 Fresh Strawberry (for taste)
1 Banana (the "B" in BRAT)
1 Small Handful of Ice (Our little one prefers less frozen flavor) 

When you are 13 mos old, a flexi straw and cup are more of a toy than method of sustenance intake - based on our recent experience.  More smoothie decorates the floor than remedies a bumping belly.  I found a Nuby sip cup with a straw perfect for her smoothies (in sickness and in health).  Blend your smoothie extra smooth to fit through the sip cup straw.  I hope you don't need this recipe anytime soon...  -A

Back from My - Extended - Vitamix Vacation...

I really can't believe it's been over a year and a half since I mixed and blogged.  I have been a little sidetracked since August 2012... my life forever changed... my schedule not completely my own.

Since my last posting...

A pretty good reason for a Vitamix vacay

I got pregnant (yeah!)
Got "morning sickness" - the kind that lasts 20 hours a day (ewww!)
My tastebuds were hijacked and consequently I was revolted by vegetables and the sight of the Vitamix (man oh man!)
My body required Arby's regular roast beef and Reuban sandwiches to survive the first 18 weeks of pregnancy - both of which aren't really suited to Vitamixing (unfortunate!)
The sickness passed by week 20 (shew!) but the aversion to greens did not (are you kidding me?)
I delivered a lovely baby girl (heart melts)
And with much trepidation I resumed my relationship with vegetables (leaf by leaf)
I blended a bit and breastfed a lot (just how it goes)
I did start making Emilia's solid foods, but cheated on my Vitamix with the Baby Beaba (for shame)
All the energy previously reserved for crafting concoctions for the Vitamix was now allocated to crafting silly songs and diversions for my growing gal (again, just how it goes)
I did manage to make a not-so-healthy purple shake in honor of the Minnsota Vikings during football season (recipe here)
And finally in the fall we sold our home and moved to our temporary home with my parents (Vitamix in storage)
We are moving into our new home in May and I finally feel like I have my feet under me enough on the mom front to resume mixing and blogging (I know I'm on the slow program, but please tell me this is normal)

So I guess what I'm trying to say is... stay tuned.  I have a new family member to blenderize for.  I hope my next recipe elicits some "nums!" and smiles from the high chair as well as the other end of cyberspace.

Recipe #71... Skol Vikings Shake

What better way to cheer on your favorite NFL Team than slurping a team spirit smoothie?  It's a win-win if you ask me.  Note: We shook it up with this shake in August 2013.
  

Skol Vikings Shake

Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 2 servings

1 1/2 c Milk of your choice
2 c Vanilla Ice Cream or Frozen Yogurt
1 c Frozen Blackberries
1 c Frozen Peaches
1 c Ice (big cubes usually 5 or 6) 

Blackberries for the purple, peaches for the gold, and Vanilla Ice Cream to ensure you get some cheers from your fans...  -A

Real Simplicity from Real Simple... So Elegant...

"We are indeed much more than what we eat, but what we eat can nevertheless help us to be much more than what we are."

                    - Adelle Davis, August Edition of Real Simple

Recipe #70... Summery Strawberry Smoothie... Summer's bounty in a glass...

Note: These Anthropologie towels make me so happy!  Cool pastels and energizing oranges can make all the difference in the duties of dish drying.  I accidentally coordinated the color of this smoothie with my pink towel... enjoy this refreshingly sweet strawberry chameleon... 
  
Summery Strawberry Smoothie 
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 2 servings

1 c coconut water
1/2 avocado
2 c cubes watermelon
1 sweet apple
2 c frozen strawberries
1 c Ice (big cubes usually 5 or 6) 

As summer heats up (literally and figuratively) take time to savor the sweet stuff in your everyday environment... Make it a bright day...  -A

Recipe #69... Whole Living's Roasted Red Pepper Hummus... DIY popular snack

Note:  This recipe hails from the June edition of Whole Living Magazine.  I haven't blenderized hummus in the Vitamix for a while and so it seemed like a decent thing to do...  literally mixing it up a bit in my kitchen.


Roasted Red Pepper Hummus
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 4-6 servings

1 whole roasted sweet red pepper
3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 15 oz can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
1 clove garlic (optional, in my opinion)
1/2 tsp red wine vinegar
1/2 tsp lemon juice
salt + pepper to taste

Serve with veggie slices or your favorite Crack-a-lackers!  You can even make a hummus experimental day and blend up other beans, add herbs or veggies (more experimentation on this blog is in store)... Have a happy hummus humdinger of a day! ... -A

Recipe #68... Cherry Chocolate Almond Smoothie... Enough said

Note: From the same Women's Health story that provided the introduction to Apricot Gazpacho, let me present the Cherry Chocolate Almond Smoothie...

Cherry Chocolate Almond Smoothie
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 2 healthy servings

1 1/2 unsweetened almond milk
1/2 c ricotta cheese or lowfat greek yogurt
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp cocoa powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp vanilla extract
1 1/2 c sweet cherries, pitted
4 ice cubes 

I used yogurt in mine and not ricotta... that is next on my list of alternate proteins to add to smoothies... along with tofu and cottage cheese... Until the next post, have a delightful week!  -A

Recipe #67... Fresh Tomato Sauce... Summertime or anytime

Note: It's getting to be that time of year...  Yes, Christmas in July does mean red and green... and purple and yellow... tomatoes are here!  When you're bursting at the seam with fresh tomatoes, and you aren't sure that another tomato-cucumber or caprese salad will receive the high praise it got the first 10 times you served it, blenderize your bushel boys and see how fresh tomato sauce goes... or maybe if you're feelin' frisky - bloody mary's ...

Fresh Tomato Sauce
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes enough for 2, 12" pizzas and extra for sauce

10 fresh tomatoes or 28 oz can of whole tomatoes 
2 carrots
4 large basil leaves (fresh)
1/4 white onion
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
2 cloves of garlic
Savory herbs (thyme, oregano, etc)
2 anchovies (optional)
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Salt and pepper to your liking... This sauce makes a wonderful pizza topper that is fun for all to construct!  Even Bernard the dog benefitted from this cooking adventure... and so did the person who mops in our house... more shredded cheese please... -A

Recipe #66... Honey Ginger Plum Smoothie... Inspired by a sundae

Note: Did you know that eating dried plums has been found to ward of bone fractures?  According to Women's Health Mag, plums are a source of antioxidants and potassium, and potassium helps regulate your fluids and contributes to healthy bones... who doesn't need a little fluid regulation from time to time... Here is a sweet fluid for your next bone-bolstering breakfast...

Honey Ginger Plum Smoothie
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 2 healthy servings

1 1/2 c milk of your choice
2 purple plums, pitted
1/2 orange, peeled
1 tbsp honey
1 tsp fresh or frozen minced ginger
1 tsp cardamom
1 tsp vanilla extract
5-6 ice cubes 

To savor this in sundae form, combine everything but the milk and vanilla in the blender/mixer for a rough chop and then use it as a topping for your vanilla fro-yo or ice cream.  Sprinkler a few pistachios (sans the shells) on top and you've got your sundae... Hooray for versatility... -A

Friendly Reminder of the Week...

The simple things no one should forget... though we sometimes do...

Happy week...  -A

Recipe #65... Sleepytime Smoothie... An evening snack to send you dreaming

Life is so hard...

Note: Reading back through my Yoga Journal archives, I came across the "Nourish your Dreams" article in the Dec. 2011 edition.  It offers suggestions for those wee hours when your sheep counting tallies start seeing 3 or 4 digits.   A small strategic snack before bed may calm your body and help you drift off into the clouds of drowse.  Your strategic maneuver - seek foods that are rich in tryptophan, a natural sleep inducer, + melatonin, and magnesium.  Why not include them all in a dreamy elixir?

Sleepytime Smoothie
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 2 healthy servings

1 1/2 c soy or dairy milk (tryptophan)
1-2 drops vanilla or almond extract
1 c tart cherries (melatonin)
6 walnut halves (melatonin + healthy fats)
1/4 c almonds (magnesium)
1 handful spinach leaves (magnesium)
ice (6ish cubes)
Optional dollop of honey or agave syrup

Draw the blinds, turn off the TV, grab your version of a "Yoga Journal," and prepare to greet the Sandman... Sweet Dreams... -A

Recipe #64... Apricot Gazpacho... Sweet summer soup

Note: Found this gem in the July edition of Women's Health.  While I was little skeptical about tampering with what works for traditional gazpacho, curiosity got the better of me... I am certainly glad it did!

Apricot Gazpacho
Add the following to your mixer of choice...
Makes 4 servings

10 apricots, halved
1/2 english cucumber
1/2 sweet orange
2 green onions, white & green parts
4 large basil leaves
2 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tsp orange zest
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper

Chill and garnish with avocado... Stay cool... -A