Bimbimbop for the In-laws.....someone have steak and potatoes on stand by

I love my in-laws (Still can't believe I am married)!  They are sweet and wonderful!  They both are huge fans of steak and potatoes. My Father-In-Law LOVES spicy foods which has inspired a spicy pot roast, spicy mac & cheese, spicy taco meat and a multitude of spicy twists on classic dishes. However, it has meant the world to me that over the past few months they have allowed me to try prepare different out of their normal eating habit foods for them like couscous, ground turkey and crabs (my Mother-In-Law hates fish) in their kitchen.  Well, last night they let me take them to Korea.  Or a modified version of Korea.....by making one the cheapest meals for four people 

Bimbimbop

Traditional Bimbimbop (as seen in the photo to the left) is white rice with pickled and raw vegetables, a fried runny egg or yolk, chili paste and meat/ fish (optional).  Soy sauce served on the side.

Now me, I turn this meal into leftovers night since I always have rice and eggs on hand.  Hence the cheapest meal EVER.  I saute whatever vegetables I have in the refrigerator and dice up whatever proteins.  Then served the cooked veggies and warmed up meats on plates around the table.  I made a big pot of rice then fry up an egg per person. Because I don't keep chili paste in my kitchen, I substituted with hot sauce. Whatever is on hand.  And put soy sauce on the table.  

TA-DA Americanized Bimbimbop!!!!

Well, I almost had a heart attack when my Mother-In-Law agreed to try my Korean fusion dish after watching a cooking show together where they served Korean style rice.  However, I was not going to ask twice or double check. So, I went full steam ahead and made it for dinner two nights later.  In the fridge I found half a bag of shredded carrots, half a napa cabbage, 2 onions, head of garlic, two jalapenos and two steaks left over from dinner two nights ago (see pic right) . Again, this is a great recipe because you use what's in your refrigerator and pantry.  This recipe is even good with just the rice and fried egg.

So for the rice which the husband made (things involving measuring he tends to take over).  Normally for the two of us we make 2 cups of rice and save half for making fried rice.  However, when cooking for 4, we did 4 cups of rice.  So, the hubby melts 4 tbsps of butter (one for each cup) then add the rice. This toasts the rice and brings out the nuttiness. He added garlic, salt and some MSG.  When the rice is nice and warm, he added the water and cooked as the packaged described.

Well, while the hubby did that, I did the chopping.  I diced two onions. When I onions were nice and tiny, I put them in a pan with a little oil and butter to sweat out until they were clear.  While the onions cooked, I cut up 4 cloves of garlic and the ENTIRE half of the napa cabbage.  Once the onions were clear, I added 2 cloves of  garlic and the cabbage along with more butter (don't call me Paula Deen) and soy sauce.  I let the cabbage cook, only stirring occasionally until the rice was ready.  Then I diced up the two jalapenos and steak.  I sauteed both the steak and jalapenos separately with a clove of garlic each.  By the time all this was done, I had 3 minutes left on the timer for the rice.  So I started frying eggs.  For my Mother-In-Law, I scrabbled two eggs since she does not like runny egg yolks.

And

They enjoyed it. They ate it ALL up!  My Mother-In-Law actually asked if i would make the dish again!

OMG my sweet southern in-laws went Korean and loved it.  Next step, introducing Moroccan!  But we will save that battle for another day.

Luna Bars

In the comments of my previous post, Luna bars were suggested!  Luna Protein Bars were also ranked by Women's Health magazine as one of the best protein bars.  Click here for article.

So I got two different flavors to try this week, Luna Protein Cookie Dough and Luna Protein Mint Chocolate Chip.
Mint Chocolate Chip-Good
-there were no chocolate chips-pout
However the bar tasted minty and chocolaty with a weird bitter taste.   These bars have the perfect texture which chewy slightly crunch with a nugget coating.  After eating the bar, I was left with a nice chocolate mint taste in my mouth which beats cough syrup and card board.

And...
Cookie Dough-okay.  Definitely not as bad as the Strawberry Shortcake horrible ones.  But not as good as the Minot Chocolate Chip Flavor. So I would get again but only if they were out of the other flavors. The texture is good just loike the Mint chocolate chip BUT the taste is bland and bitter.  Not bad but not good.  The flavor makes this bar average :(

SPECIAL NOTE: These  bars only had 12 grams of protein vs the 19 grams in the Pure Protein bars.
However the Luna bars had 130 mg more of potassium, 15% more calcium and 3 grams more of fiber.

VERDICT- Yes- I will buy the luna protein bars again preferably the Mint Chocolate or other flavors.  I am a sucker for things with as much calcuim as a glass of milk.  Plus at 170 calories, they are a perfect snack.

Making protein brownies in an attempt to be wifely

Now, those of you who know me, know I can't bake or somewhat bake.  Well, I can but only at 3am when I am too tired to experiment.   Yes- experimenting is my problem.  I can not just leave a recipe be I must enhance or at least think I am enhance.  The difficulty with baking is it is a science.  You must recalculate for the new ingredients added.  This explains why I can bake at 3am.  I am so tired I actually follow the recipes.  Warning-if you wake up and the kitchen is full of baked goods, I could not sleep and you may be in trouble (sorry honey).

So, for the love of my husband (still weird), I decided to try a little baking.  I wanted to support his new health and workout goals which include upping his protein intake.  Like way up.   Therefore, I decided to research baking with protein powder.  However due to my limitations or lack of discipline I wanted to use a boxed mix.   Also, I wanted to work with I had in the pantry which was a chocolate peanut butter flavored protein powder.  Naturally, I found tons of from scratch recipes.  But none using boxed mixes.   I did find a community board that suggested add an extra egg to a boxed mix along with 2 scoops of protein powder.  Based on this advice I decided go against the dismal odds and experiment with baking  (insert scary music here ).....

AND

The brownies actually turned out good!!!!!!  Not Amazing! I still have some perfecting to do. They definitely taste like brownies but a little off. Some of this may have to due with the protein powder which to be honest is not that wonderful tasting.  But my husband (OMG) was so happy for a new protein treat and couldn't stop eating them that I had to cut him off so he would have some later this week.

Here is what I did.

As shown above I used Betty Crocker Dark Chocolate Brownie mix.  I added 4 whole scoops of the Whey Protein Powder to the dry ingredients along with a 1/4 tsp of chili powder and 1/4 tsp of salt. I mixed the dry ingredients together.  Then added wet ingredients as list (1/4 cup of water and 2 adds)  however, I substituted the 1/4 cup of oil with 1/4 cup of applesauce which cut calories and fat while adding vitamin  C and a fruit serving.  Additionally, I added 1 whole egg and 1 egg white as well as an extra 1/2 cup of water.

Then I baked it on 350 for 40 minutes.  I like my brownies gooey and chewy so if you like a more firm brownie I would bake for 45-50.  Please keep in mind this recipe is tried in Florida which is at sea level.  If you are in a high atltitude adjustments may need to be made.
So Basically
1 box of Betty Crocker
3.5 eggs
1/4 cup applesauce
4 scoops of protein powder
3/4 cup water
put combined ingredients in a greased pan
bake for 350 for 40-50 minutes
And Ta-Da you have protein brownies which if cut into nine brownies, have 11.5 grams of protein!!!

The recipe is by no means perfect. However it was good enough to make me have to hide these babies from the man.  I will continue to update the blog as I continue to perfect these brownies which judging by the rate of consumption will be next week sometimes if I am lucky.

If you have any suggestions for protein powder baking or cooking please comment or email me.

Chick Peas are the new potato chips? NO/maybe/I don't know

While playing on yahoo, I saw this article/video, "Swap Potato Chips and Croutons with These."  Naturally, I clicked on the link!  What could possibly replace chips!  I mean I am a salty snack craver. Chips, pretzels, cheezits, cheese and olives are my lifelines to sanity when stress eating!  My husband (Gosh that never gets old or less weird)  can vouch for the many times I have made him stop on his way home to humor my food needs...  and I am not even pregnant!!!

So...I am always down to find a nice healthier salty snack.  NEVER A REPLACEMENT because then I might go a little nutty and start screaming, "Hand over the chips or I am going to destroy dinner!"
The link turned out to be an episode (3 minutes and 12 seconds) for Judy Greer's "Reluctantly Healthy."  You may know the actress Judy Greer as the witty sarcastic character from "Mad Love," "27 dresses," "Two and Half Men" and "Arrested Development."

I watched the episode and thought,  "I love Judy Greer!"  And this is a great idea. Sidenote- this was blogged about on Oprah.com.  The episode presented roast chickpeas in a like EVOO, salt and paprika as the swap item!!!  Now I will admit the idea of never having chips again seems unrealistic.  This seems like a nice occasional alternative when I have the time and energy to make them in advance, because when I want my salty fix, waiting an hour for these babies to bake seem like mission impossible. However, I decided to give this recipe a try.

The video lists

3 cups of chickpeas

1 tbsp EVOO

1/2 tsp salt

1 tsp parika

bake at 350 for 40-50 minutes

I gave this recipe try...BUT of course I totally added garlic and chili power.

And...

It was good, not great, not OMG I will never eat chips again. The chickpeas come out with a nice crunchy outside. The chickpeas tasted nice nutty which I enjoyed as a nice snack. The recipe is great for entertaining vegetarians or health nuts. This would be perfect if you added curry powder and served them as a little appetizer for an Indian or Moroccan themed dinner party. However, I don't think this is something I would serve to my picky very southern in-laws.

ALSO, I made these two days ago and took them for a snack at work (finding healthy good tasting snacks is hard) and I tend to do a lot of prep for the week on Sunday. Verdict- the chickpeas did not stay well.  They got a little stale and soggy.  Think like cold french fries.....YUCK.
Basically, I saved them to give to my husband (still weird) who will eat anything.  Great idea in concept, but not a satisfying substitution long term solution.  Afterall, I am not making these every time I have a craving for chips. But they are a fun new recipe I will use for entertaining.

FYI-If you use canned chickpeas like me some of the skins comes off.  This didn't bother me, but it may look weird if you are not use to cooking with them.

VooDoo my wallet liked but Dog where was the bacon?

Since being in Tallahassee, the husband (don't know if I will ever get use to that) and I have been doing weekly date nights!  They are a great way to get out of the house and get some us time between all the family time, crazy work schedules, my insane traveling agenda and all the other stuff that pops up in life!

Of course, not every date can be as opulent as dinner at Cypress.  We are on a budget after all!  So I started researching places we had not been in Tallahassee that had great deals or were a little more affordable (i.e. cheap as in less then $20 for 2 people ).  And I came across this website.  It was amazing.  The site listed affordable places to eat, examples of the pricing and food suggestions as well as the restaurants website and address. Well towards the bottom was the interestingly named Voodoo Dog.  I was intrigued.  Plus, I had heard about it previously from the hubby's (OMG) uncle.  Thanks Roger!!!  Knowing the hubby's LOVE of hot dogs, I decided to surprise him by going here!

Well, even before we entered the purple building, the hubby was excited!  The place is known for it's bacon wrapped then fried hot dogs.  With a very atypical menu that offers hot dogs with a variety of not so usual toppings. The guy at the front recommend the new menu option, "The Jefferson" which is a hot dog with mac and cheese topped with butter crackers crumbles.  And I figured why not, I love mac and cheese.  The hubby (WEIRD) went for the Fat Katz which was topped with spicy brown mustard, sauerkraut and swiss cheese. Of course, I got fries because it is fries and urbanspoon's reviews listed them as good.


The grand total with a soda fountain drink and a PBR tall boy

Less than $16

So the hotdogs were good, messy and funky!  The dogs themselves were not super salty or strong in flavor; my guess was because these dogs are meant to make ingredients shine not overpower them.  Basically, if you just want a plain old hot dog, go elsewhere!  My favorite of the two was the Fat Katz which reminded me of a nice deli reuben sandwich.  The Jefferson was good with the crunch cracker crumbles adding textures to the creamy mac and cheese.  But seemed to miss something.......no clue what...I am just being picky and honest.

OH SHOOT...

I just realized it....my dog was suppose to be a bacon dog.  It was not!  I can assure you there was no bacon on my hotdog.  I love BACON and it's crispy crunchy texture.  The hotdog was good enough for me not to notice but I guess the bacon was the thing I was missing.

                         This makes me sad and feel a little silly it took me this long to realize 

the fries!  They were so yummy!  Super hot and fresh out of the frier as all good fries must be.  Seasoned but not too salty or undersalted!!!!  There was also a few sauces in the places for dipping.  For example, there were malt vingear spray bottles.  As well as this Voodoo Sauce which was spicy vingeary and super yummy.

Overall, I enjoyed VooDoo Dog.  I mean it was nice and filling!  A fun and off the beaten path food option which introduces flavor combinations that make me think of Colombian hotdogs (you know the ones with chips, pineapple and the entire fridge).  As long as you don't mind the crazy toppings being the star, this is a cool place to try.  Just double check your order.

SIDENOTE- Despite the mixup, I will go back and actually try a bacon dog. However, I am investigating the dog for ALL topping before eating.

VooDoo Dog does not have a website.  But here is the link to the facebook page and  

Coconut Milk Never..Like Ever

YES- the Taylor Swift song is still stuck in my head. stop, laughing!  So, Coconut Milk....I love fresh coconuts.  Just smash it open and give me a straw. This is another wonderful thing Ms. Rachel has turned me onto.  However, I am lazy!!!!!  I will type it proudly.  Unless I can find the coconuts pre-cut or smashed, I am less likely to get them.  It is too much work for everyday....yes i typed that.  Me the person who will take the time to make her own vodka and who makes stocks just to use them to make bisque or more soups.  Therefore, I thought since I am loving the almond milk and I love coconut, I would natural enjoy pre-packaged Coconut milk.  Ummmmmmmmmmmmm

NO

I don't know what it is but, this is not for me.  Now, I have only tried the So Delicious brand coconut milk so it could be a brand thing.  However, the milk tastes water and not creamy along with artificially coconutty, super bland and lacking all sweetness.  I am sad to type Coconut milk for a cartoon we are never ever getting back together.

Unless you have a hot better tasting makeover.

Please comment if you have a brand that is AMAZING and will make me recant this blog.  I will be more than happy to give it a try.

My obsession with Cheese at Cypress

My mom and I swear we were rats in another lifetime.  One of my favorite meals is wine, cheese, good bread and more cheese. Maybe so olives or grapes thrown in for good measure. So for my birthday,  the husband (OMG still weird) took me out to Cypress in Tallahassee, FL.
His reason was for their AMAZING cheese selection and cheese plate!

And OMG was it good.

Upon arrival at our table, my husband handed me to cheese menu and said order a plate!(I knew I married him for a reason- he is my cheese enabler). Any place that has a cheese menu is already good in my book, but  a place that has a well put together menu is even better diversity and the uniqueness of Cypress' cheese menu was wonderful. (Cheese Menu Link)  The menu included Sheep's milk, truffle, and even raw milk cheese.  Needless to type, I was in heaven.  We ordered Montgomery Cheddar and Nuvola Di Pecora (see below for pic ).
Our waiter who was fabulous recommended the Roomano and it turned out to be our favorite. The cheese's texture reminded me of a good well aged Parmesan Reggiano with all the saltiness and depth but was more buttery and less sharp.
The cheddar was good  with a strong nutty grassy flavor.  I always love a well made cheddar.   The Nuvola Di Pecora was a nice semi-soft sheep's milk cheese.  It had the texture of a nice creamy Gouda but tasted tangy with a nice sweetness that balanced out the kinda herbal/vegetal notes. The cheese platter came with 2 strawberries, some nuts, and crostinis.

Because I was indecisive, I decided to get two small plates instead of a typical dinner order.  I got the  Southern-Soul Sea Scallops -which were paired with collard greens, tomatoes, fennel and a spicy oil.  The Scallops were cooked perfectly and the fennel paired well.  However, I must admit  the Gulf Coast Oysters & Biscuits  were by far my favorite.  The salt and not slimy oysters were topped with a sherried Cream Sauce, Leeks, yummy bacon, tomatoes with biscuits.  Think oyster pot pie. All the flavors paired and balanced each other out creating a truly rememberable food memory. 

The Hubby (Weird) ordered from the dinner menu.  How adult of him, right?  He ordered the  Cypress Vegetarian which was Fried Green Tomatoes, peas, goat cheese, Pickled Okra,  Garlic-Horseradish Sauce.  The fried green tomatoes were not greasy at all.  The pickled Okra gave the dish a note of playfulness and surprise along with adding a brightness of acidity.

OVERALL- I loved it!  I will so be back for more cheese and fun unique food!                                             SIDENOTES FOR THOSE INTERESTED IN CHECKING IT OUT- Cypress does have a $4 Happy Hour from 5-7pm which is only available at the bar.  Also, they are currently on restaurant.com.