Hanukkah 2010

I absolutely love celebrating the holiday season.  So in honor of Hanukkah, I decided to prepare a beautiful meal inspired by the season for my husband, sister, and good friend Laura, who's one of my oldest friends from Ohio. Since I grew up in a town with a very small Jewish population, my friends and I would always include each other in our different holiday traditions... Ie. I would join them for Easter brunch while they would join my family for Passover seder.  It was an experience that I loved that not only made me appreciate their traditions more, but also serve as an eye opener to show how similar we all are despite our religious labels.

Like all of those years growing up, some things never change... (thank goodness). We had a wonderful night filled with good food, good spirits, and good friends/family.  Isn't that what the holidays are all about?

Here's what was served:

Latkes with Apple Sauce/Sour cream to start:

Spicy Pumpkin Soup:

This soup is out of this world-it is now my favorite soup of all time.

Zomick's Challah:

This challah is equally delicious.  I bought it at Whole Foods and it's one of the best challahs I've ever had! It's great dipped in the soup.

Roast Chicken with Dried Fruit:

Also a wonderful dish-the chicken is moist and succulent and the dried fruit is the perfect accompaniment.

Double Stuffed Sweet Potatoes:

Marshmallows, butter, & brown sugar-need I say more?

Store-Bought Jelly Donuts:

Who doesn't like donuts?

Happy Holidays!

PC: Latkes: diana's desserts, Soup: Junior Master Chef Australia, chicken: Bon Appetit, Food Network, Park East Kosher, & KosherMart

First comes love, then comes marriage...

First, I'd like to apologize for my lack of blogging.  I promise I haven't forgotten about you.  Lets just say that I never imagined anything coming between me and my love of food/entertaining until I entered the wonderful world of motherhood (or pregnancy).  That's right you read it correctly, and not only am I pregnant but it's with twins! 

Since receiving the wonderful news, I haven't been able to cook or prepare a normal meal in months. But don't you worry, after passing the 3 month mark last week I have found that many foods are starting to appeal to me again and regardless, I have to force myself to eat a balanced diet for the sake of my babies. So long diet of bagels, cookies, chips, and ice cream. I'll miss you dearly.

So last night I finally got back on the saddle (to my husband's delight) and prepared a super easy meal: Sweet and Sour Meatballs with whole wheat couscous.  It was hearty, filling, and healthy-enough. :) But I have to say that I am not a fan of the slow-cooker. Patience and pregnancy do not seem to go hand in hand for this girl.   

PC: dairygoodness.ca



Lanvin for H & M

Calling all fashionistas: it's been confirmed that Lanvin is collaborating with H & M! Stay tuned until November 23rd to get your hands on these edgy designer duds at H & M prices. 

Here are some of my favorite pieces from the fashion house's recent collection (not H & M-I wish):

PC: Coquette, New York Magazine-Fashion

Burrito Bowl

Thanks to Closet Cooking I have another easy Mexican meal under my belt: the deconstructed burrito aka the Burrito Bowl.  This hearty meal includes everything you'd find in your typical burrito: cilantro lime rice,  spicy black beans, fresh pico de gallo, and tequila lime chicken all topped with sour cream and grated jack and cheddar cheese.

Even better, no utensils are required-just serve tortillas instead.

And to make this meal healthy, just use brown rice, low fat sour cream and cheese and stick to your serving size.

PC: Closet Cooking

Retro Storage

Only Fish's Eddy would have such stylish and retro storage jars.

PC: Fish's Eddy

Stunner

Dream dress:

Skinny B-tch

I often turn to Mexican when I want a no-fuss weeknight meal that will taste good and do good for my body. My latest find: Old El Paso (Chicken or Steak) Fajitas. With only 4 ingredients to be purchased at the grocery including the kit itself, fajitas have never looked so good, and to be honest I've never felt so good... about a weeknight meal.

 I pair mine with refried beans (out of the can) and sliced avocado.  It's delightful, beyond simple as it takes around 15 minutes to make, and best of all, you wake up the next morning feeling skinny-mini! It's my kind of meal.

Here's what to look for at the grocery:

And here's how beautiful your meal could look:

Dinner doesn't have to stress you out! Just go the Old El Paso route.

PC: Old El Paso, Kalyn's Kitchen