FoodFash

Adventure Begins in the Kitchen

Go Go Gadget Perfect Sandwich

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The instant a portobello mushroom sandwich comes into sight when browsing a menu, it’s a deal.  For reasons unknown, I was so intimidated by a homemade portobello steak that I deemed them a treat.

Similar story with roasted tomatoes.  Only recently discovering that I LOVE tomatoes as soon as the tangy funk disappears, I had never tried the roasted version on my own.  Attempting to tackle two unknowns during a one hour lunch break (cut short by the slowest train ever) could have been a tad too aggressive.

I go-go-gatcheted around my kitchen like I was last minute tidying up before a guest arrived.  Adrenaline pumping, stomach growling, clock racing.

I drizzled the tomatoes with olive oil, stuffed with crushed garlic, and sprinkled with salt and pepper.  Likewise, I drizzled the portobello cap with olive oil and balsamic vinegar.  There was no time for slow roasting…  I cranked up the heat to 500 degrees, flipped on convection, and prayed they’d finish before it was time to rush back to the office.

Meanwhile, I mixed mayo, fresh basil, lemon zest, and lemon juice together to mimic this sauce I fell fast in love with during my LA visit.

I slathered one side of homemade ciabatta bread with the mayo mix and covered the other side with baby spinach.  The lemon juice thinned the mayo out quite a bit, so it’s not nearly as coronary clog-esque as it appears!

Even though the veggies had no choice – I was so so late – they were ready.  Phew!  I slapped the sides together and basked in glory.  Did I really just make the sandwich of my dreams at a record pace?

Yes, yes I did.

My New Pet, In Pictures

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Breakfast: “Green” Smoothie

(Smoothie = Handful of Spinach, 1 apple, 1/2 cup frozen mango, 1/2 cup frozen mixed berries, 10 baby carrots, 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup ice cubes)

Snack: Homemade Ciabatta Bread with Crofter’s Superfruit Spread

Lunch: Smart Dog with Sauerkraut and Dairy-Free Creamy Tomato Soup

Dinner: Right Foods Soy Ginger Noodles

Dessert: A Mutilated Mango

And lastly, an intro.

Meet Oscar, my new “pet”.

Remember my recent bread baking addiction?  Well…  It’s still going strong.  I’m determined to make a sourdough loaf, which requires a starter or pet.  A starter is a batter of flour and water that requires daily feeding and over time becomes full of living yeast and bacteria.  Sounds pretty gross, but that grossness is responsible for the delish sour taste in sourdough.

Here’s to hoping I keep Oscar alive and well!

I

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Where Thai food is concerned, the only thing better than super tasty Thai is super tasty Thai with a side of Thai Elvis, who can be found exclusively in Hollywood at Palms Thai Restaurant.

Frosty mug o’ beer to the tune of Heartbreak Hotel?  Yes, please.

Ariel and I kept it classic by ordering Tofu Pad Thai and Vegetable Curry.  I say classic because I’m fairly certain these are the two most Americanized Thai dishes one could ask for.  Irrespectively, they’re our faves.

The boys opted for a more authentic route.

Matteo had the seafood noodle soup.

And Adam ordered the Spicy Noodle Soup.

Ariel and I eagerly mocked the boys and their food presentation poses.

Palms Thai, or Thai Elvis as we like to call it, is guaranteed goodness.  And!  The deliciously heaping portions are cheaper than cheap.  With most dishes in the $7 range, you can order whatever your little heart desires without breaking the bank.

 

Winning!

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I was hoping spring rolls would be an easy to whoop up kind of dinner before heading to the Celebrate The Web Event “Raising The Bar”.

There turned out to be a significant amount of prep work involved.

Softening the noodles, frying the tofu, cutting the veggies…

I was racing against the clock.

However, once all of the details were taken care of, finishing was easy breezy.

We used rice stick noodles, fried tofu, mango, cilantro, red onion, and cucumber as the stuffing.  And at some point during my speedy roll construction, I completely forgot to add the lettuce!  A little bit of a bummer, but they were still super tasty.

Ariel and I ate (standing) as we rushed to get ready while Matt cleaned the whirlwind of a kitchen that I left behind.  Savior.

Then we were off!

We re-watched all thirteen web pilots, anxious to find out who would be Winning! that night.  When they announced Relapse as the Audience Choice Winner, I looked next to me only to find a completely frozen Team Discovery Channel.  It wasn’t but seconds later, the entire crew hopped on stage to humbly accept the award they so deserved.

Sharing this moment with Ariel couldn’t have made me an ounce happier!!!

And then we celebrated!