The Good. The Random. The Fun. v. 42

The Good:

That would be a gluten-free everything bagel with hummus, lox, and avocado! Finally got myself to a gf bakery on the UWS and it did not disappoint!

The Random:

And just a croc...chilling on the sidewalk...

The Fun:

After 16 weeks of training, I did my last long run over the weekend! 20 miles in the rain (and mud...) and am officially tapering for the big day!! 

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Green Smoothie 2021

Every year around St. Patrick's Day I have fun creating a new, healthy green smoothie. Usually, my green additions are pretty "tame" and not unheard of like avocado, spinach, kale, or even mint. This year I actually forgot to think about a new green add-in and had to make do with what was in the freezer. Which left my only option as...frozen broccoli. 

Before you go "oh no, no way, never" let me start with the disclaimer that like frozen cauliflower in a smoothie, it's really a neutral flavor and pretty darn nutritious! My Ninja Bullet blended the broccoli right up, and the texture was no different than any other smoothie I ever make.

I used my usual base: almond milk, banana, some PB powder, and frozen mango. I also ended up adding in some green grapes too since it wasn't as green as I wanted it and needed a touch more sweetness. 

Sometimes it's just fun to try something new. Can't say tossing broccoli in will be my go-to, but I did feel extra healthy that morning! 

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Hipster Kasha Varniskas

Kasha varnishkas is a classic Eastern European/Jewish dish. Also called "kasha and bowties" since it's traditionally made with bowtie shaped pasta. It's basically Ashkenazi comfort food - but this time I gave it a hipster, healthier twist with Banza chickpea pasta!

Kasha - or buckwheat - is a naturally gluten-free grain. It comes from Asia but set up shot in Russian cuisine, which many traditionally Ashkenazi dishes come from. 

As a child, my mom would make this many weeks for shabbas. The picky eater that I was often would just eat plane pasta - no kasha, no veggies, just bowties. But I still lovingly declared "we are having kasha and bowties for dinner!"

Now, as an adult, I love this easy comfort food. It's really nothing fancy. It doesn't look super pretty. The ingredients aren't overly original. But it's Jewish soul food - part of my roots.

Ever since going gluten-free, I haven't been able to replicate this classic. Sure. There are GF noodles, but it's not kasha unless it's kasha and bowties! Well, thank you Banza for making bowtie shaped pasta so I could remake this dish, 2021 style!

Sometimes, a little nostalgia goes a long way with food and this one hit the spot!

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The Good. The Random. The Fun. v. 43

The Good:

My 2020 election shirts arrived! They give me some hope. 

The Random:

Late October and CVS is juggling Halloween merchandise in the next aisle over and Chanukah and Christmas cards in the card aisle. I can't keep up anymore.

 The Fun:

This little leaf hopper bug showed up at arrival one day this past week. It just hung out as the kids ooed and ahhed as they entered the building. 

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Misfits Market

I have been toying with the idea of getting Misfits Produce for ages now and finally decided to give it a go! I am starting out with the smaller box every other week and it's been so fun! I've gotten three boxes and it's been a super way to get a mix of produce I might not think about picking up at the market. Even better, is that quality is amazing too - nothing that screams "ew don't pick that one!"

Box 1:
The mini tomatoes and cucumbers lent themselves to salad toppings, the chard and onion got sauteed with curry spices, the limes were so refreshing in my water, the scallions were added to some stir-fries, the potatoes and baby cauliflower got roasted, apples, mango, and pluots were snacks, and the heirloom tomatoes were added to some wraps!

Box 2:
The salad greens, tomatoes, cucumber, roasted beets and carrots, and avocados made for one amazing salad. I roasted up the baby broccoli, kale, red cabbage, and huge cauliflower for some delicious dinners. The Asian pears abd nectarines were great snacks and the limes were perfect for making water tastier. The onions and spaghetti squash are waiting in the wings.

If you want to try Misfits, you can use my code (not sponsored everyone who uses Misfits gets a code!) and you'll get 25% off your box! --> COOKWME-GB4STD

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The Good. The Random. The Fun. v. 29

The Good:
Crenshaw melon anyone? Saw it at Whole Foods and gave it a try - a softer, sweeter cousin of the honeydew!

The Random:
I had to chuckle at Whole Foods using the hot bar as merchandise space in the COVID age. The "no hands please" sign just adds to the motif!

The Fun:
A certain someone turned 7 (?!?) and we had a family Zoom cake and candles party to celebrate him.

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Thai Banza Pasta Salad

Growing up we made a dish called Thai Salad all the time, especially in the summer. Angel hair pasta, tossed with baby corn and slightly cooked peppers and broccoli, and topped with a perfect sauce. It was our staple for family open houses and picnics. Easy to whip up and a crowd-pleaser.

Once we had to go gluten-free we never found a rice pasta that worked well in the moment or as leftovers. So sadly, this dish that was once one of my favorites became one I dreamed of.

Then, a few weeks ago I had a lightbulb moment. My new favorite, Banza pasta would probably work so well! It holds up great, especially leftovers. Added bonus - it's healthy! I had actually never used the Banza spaghetti before so it was fun to try a new shape when testing this out, too.

Well. Success. Success. Success! I was so excited to have this work - not just as I prepared it, but the leftovers too. I made some roasted salmon to go on top (for extra protein), and years ago we always offered tofu or salmon as toppings. This 100% works with traditional pasta, but if you're looking to make it GF for sure use the Banza!

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