January 2, 2012
OMG was what I thought when I tasted this white bean and poblano chili. This is amazing. I served it over white cheddar polenta and topped with plain yogurt (sour cream substitute) and cilantro. I can't wait to make this again. This is just another cheap, healthy, and delicious meal I will add to my collection.
-rebecca
OMG was what I thought when I tasted this white bean and poblano chili. This is amazing. I served it over white cheddar polenta and topped with plain yogurt (sour cream substitute) and cilantro. I can't wait to make this again. This is just another cheap, healthy, and delicious meal I will add to my collection.
-rebecca
December 31, 2012
We are full into the overcast and cold days of winter and I have been day dreaming of the hot mediterranean sun and warm mediterranean waters of Turkey, so I decided to pull out my Turkish cookbook. I made this dish of eggs poached in tomatoes and peppers for brunch and served with flatbread and plain yogurt. A great way to start the day.
-rebecca
We are full into the overcast and cold days of winter and I have been day dreaming of the hot mediterranean sun and warm mediterranean waters of Turkey, so I decided to pull out my Turkish cookbook. I made this dish of eggs poached in tomatoes and peppers for brunch and served with flatbread and plain yogurt. A great way to start the day.
-rebecca
December 12, 2011
Quiet time at the Johnson house is officially over. This creation of beauty was delivered today. I absolutely love it! I think my dearest and sweet husband preferred the keyboard I was using since it had a volume button. Finally committing to taking lessons is one of the greatest things I've ever done. Thanks Jefferson for the nudge!
-rebecca
Quiet time at the Johnson house is officially over. This creation of beauty was delivered today. I absolutely love it! I think my dearest and sweet husband preferred the keyboard I was using since it had a volume button. Finally committing to taking lessons is one of the greatest things I've ever done. Thanks Jefferson for the nudge!
-rebecca
December 12, 2011
Peppers stuffed with rice, black beans, tomato, and cheese, oh my! I served this with an avocado salad. It was even better the next day for lunch.
-rebecca
Peppers stuffed with rice, black beans, tomato, and cheese, oh my! I served this with an avocado salad. It was even better the next day for lunch.
-rebecca
December 10, 2011
We are heavy into running season and I managed to pick up a trophy at a half marathon we ran this weekend. I am particularly pround of my accomplishment considering how windy it was. The best thing about these long races is the celebration afterward. . . .Mexican food and cerveza.
-rebecca
We are heavy into running season and I managed to pick up a trophy at a half marathon we ran this weekend. I am particularly pround of my accomplishment considering how windy it was. The best thing about these long races is the celebration afterward. . . .Mexican food and cerveza.
-rebecca
November 13, 2011
I treated myself and purchased and asian steamer that I have been wanting for awhile. As soon as it arrived on my door step I started making these asian dumplings. I stuffed them with bok choy, carrots, and tofu, and also make some with shrimp and scallops. I served with two varieties of asian dipping sauces. Yum! I can't wait to try it out again.
-rebecca
I treated myself and purchased and asian steamer that I have been wanting for awhile. As soon as it arrived on my door step I started making these asian dumplings. I stuffed them with bok choy, carrots, and tofu, and also make some with shrimp and scallops. I served with two varieties of asian dipping sauces. Yum! I can't wait to try it out again.
-rebecca
November 11, 2011
It's that time again, pizza and movie night! This time I topped my pie with mushrooms, greek olives, basil, mozzarella, and crushed red pepper. Very tasty. I highly recommend using a pizza stone since it helps give the dough a bit of crunch. Good pizza, good wine, good company, and a good movie. That's what Friday nights are all about.
-rebecca
It's that time again, pizza and movie night! This time I topped my pie with mushrooms, greek olives, basil, mozzarella, and crushed red pepper. Very tasty. I highly recommend using a pizza stone since it helps give the dough a bit of crunch. Good pizza, good wine, good company, and a good movie. That's what Friday nights are all about.
-rebecca
November 4, 2011
I made a french salad nicoise tonight and topped with with some pepper seared tuna. The salad is a classic and has green beans, tomatos, potatos, kalamata olives, and romaine lettuce. I topped it with a fresh basil vinaigrette. Scrumptuous!
-rebecca
I made a french salad nicoise tonight and topped with with some pepper seared tuna. The salad is a classic and has green beans, tomatos, potatos, kalamata olives, and romaine lettuce. I topped it with a fresh basil vinaigrette. Scrumptuous!
-rebecca
November 2, 2011
I heart tomatoes! One of the most versatile veggies out there. My very favorite way to eat them is when they've been roasted in the oven. I roast them with olive oil and garlic on a low temp for about an hour and they are just delectable and have a sort of sweetness to them. You can add these to salads, sandwiches, or just about anything, but tonight I threw them in with some pasta topped with arugula and feta cheese.
-rebecca
I heart tomatoes! One of the most versatile veggies out there. My very favorite way to eat them is when they've been roasted in the oven. I roast them with olive oil and garlic on a low temp for about an hour and they are just delectable and have a sort of sweetness to them. You can add these to salads, sandwiches, or just about anything, but tonight I threw them in with some pasta topped with arugula and feta cheese.
-rebecca
October 16, 2011
The Johnsons ran a half marathon today, 13.1 miles for the record. As hard as it was, these things are always a lot of fun and the blisters, cramps, bruises, and rashes are worth it. Did I mention there is free beer and pizza at the finish line? This run is our inaugural event of the season and we've got some really great things planned so stay tuned.
-rebecca
The Johnsons ran a half marathon today, 13.1 miles for the record. As hard as it was, these things are always a lot of fun and the blisters, cramps, bruises, and rashes are worth it. Did I mention there is free beer and pizza at the finish line? This run is our inaugural event of the season and we've got some really great things planned so stay tuned.
-rebecca
October 15, 2011
Paul and I had a very tasty brunch today outside on the patio. I still had some wheat sourdough and goat cheese from my recent trip to the farmers market, so I combined the two and added scrambled eggs and asparagus on top. Very tasty!
-rebecca
Paul and I had a very tasty brunch today outside on the patio. I still had some wheat sourdough and goat cheese from my recent trip to the farmers market, so I combined the two and added scrambled eggs and asparagus on top. Very tasty!
-rebecca
October 8, 2011
We spent the weekend in Austin and stopped in at the farmers market while we were there. I picked up lots of goodies including whole wheat sourdough bread, goat cheese, olive oil, and way too many fresh veggies to list. A great time had by all. Stay tuned to see all the great goodies I will create with my bounty.
-rebecca
We spent the weekend in Austin and stopped in at the farmers market while we were there. I picked up lots of goodies including whole wheat sourdough bread, goat cheese, olive oil, and way too many fresh veggies to list. A great time had by all. Stay tuned to see all the great goodies I will create with my bounty.
-rebecca
October 6, 2011
The tuna at the grocery looked so fresh and flavorful that I had to pick some up. Really good high quality tuna is truly one of the joys of life. If its cooked right it tastes like butter and just melts in your mouth. I coated it with fresh ground peppercorns and seared it for just one minute on each side. I served it with a lime, soy, seasame dipping sauce and lo mein noodles with stir fried veggies. Just heavenly!
-rebecca
The tuna at the grocery looked so fresh and flavorful that I had to pick some up. Really good high quality tuna is truly one of the joys of life. If its cooked right it tastes like butter and just melts in your mouth. I coated it with fresh ground peppercorns and seared it for just one minute on each side. I served it with a lime, soy, seasame dipping sauce and lo mein noodles with stir fried veggies. Just heavenly!
-rebecca
October 4, 2011
I'm usually in a pinch for time on Tuesday, and quite frankly every day of the week, so I usually try to put something together pretty quickly. I thought my favorite fall salad would be perfect since it comes together in no time. I look forward to fall just so I can make this salad. Its fresh baby spinach, pears, pecans, walnuts, blue cheese, rosemary, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. I serve it with a crusty bread that's slathered with roasted garlic. Something truly magical happens when you combine these ingredients. I can't recommend this salad enough.
-rebecca
I'm usually in a pinch for time on Tuesday, and quite frankly every day of the week, so I usually try to put something together pretty quickly. I thought my favorite fall salad would be perfect since it comes together in no time. I look forward to fall just so I can make this salad. Its fresh baby spinach, pears, pecans, walnuts, blue cheese, rosemary, balsamic vinegar, and olive oil. I serve it with a crusty bread that's slathered with roasted garlic. Something truly magical happens when you combine these ingredients. I can't recommend this salad enough.
-rebecca
October 2, 2011
Fall is officially here and October is my very favorite month of the year. I started dusting of my fall/winter receipes even though it is still pretty warm here. I made a really good "chili" with red chard, butternut squash, black beans, chili spices, and a few red bell peppers. I topped it with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives. It was so good that we ate it before I could take a picture of the finished product.
-rebecca
Fall is officially here and October is my very favorite month of the year. I started dusting of my fall/winter receipes even though it is still pretty warm here. I made a really good "chili" with red chard, butternut squash, black beans, chili spices, and a few red bell peppers. I topped it with cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chives. It was so good that we ate it before I could take a picture of the finished product.
-rebecca
October 1, 2011
Beach, boil, and beer, thats what weekends are made for. We spent the day at the beach and them came home and made a "recession" shrimp boil which was mostly corn and potatoes and a little bit of shrimp. We did splurge on some good San Francisco beer though, one of Paul's favorites.
-rebecca
Beach, boil, and beer, thats what weekends are made for. We spent the day at the beach and them came home and made a "recession" shrimp boil which was mostly corn and potatoes and a little bit of shrimp. We did splurge on some good San Francisco beer though, one of Paul's favorites.
-rebecca
September 27, 2011
I had some grouper leftover from the last time I went to the market so I cooked it up pontchatrain style with a white wine cream sauce, mushooms, and chives. Before cooking I coated the fish heavily with blackening seasoning and pan seared in olive oil. Served with creamy gnocchi and sauteed spinach. You just can't go wrong with a fancy seafood dinner eaten at home on the couch.
-rebecca
I had some grouper leftover from the last time I went to the market so I cooked it up pontchatrain style with a white wine cream sauce, mushooms, and chives. Before cooking I coated the fish heavily with blackening seasoning and pan seared in olive oil. Served with creamy gnocchi and sauteed spinach. You just can't go wrong with a fancy seafood dinner eaten at home on the couch.
-rebecca
September 25, 2011
In Turkey we did as the Turks do and drank a lot of fresh fruit and vegtable juice. In one small seaside town we had a cold class of carrot juice mixed with orange juice and I was instantly in love with the combination of flavors. I don't have a juicer and carrot juice is pretty spendy so I decided to combine the flavors in a stir-fry. I added so snow peas, ginger, soy sauce, and baked tofu that was marinated in orange juice. This worked great, and I will continue to find ways to combine these flavors and may even buy some carrot juice when I'm feeling rich!
-rebecca
In Turkey we did as the Turks do and drank a lot of fresh fruit and vegtable juice. In one small seaside town we had a cold class of carrot juice mixed with orange juice and I was instantly in love with the combination of flavors. I don't have a juicer and carrot juice is pretty spendy so I decided to combine the flavors in a stir-fry. I added so snow peas, ginger, soy sauce, and baked tofu that was marinated in orange juice. This worked great, and I will continue to find ways to combine these flavors and may even buy some carrot juice when I'm feeling rich!
-rebecca
September 17, 2011
It's that time again! The hummingbirds are moving through now and we saw lots of the pint sized birds this weekend at the annual Hummingbird Festival in Rockport. A few highlights of the trip were getting to see the birds being banded and seeing several birds of prey that were brought in by a rehabiliation organization from Austin. A cold beer and some good seafood by the shore certainly made the trip an enjoyable one.
-rebecca
It's that time again! The hummingbirds are moving through now and we saw lots of the pint sized birds this weekend at the annual Hummingbird Festival in Rockport. A few highlights of the trip were getting to see the birds being banded and seeing several birds of prey that were brought in by a rehabiliation organization from Austin. A cold beer and some good seafood by the shore certainly made the trip an enjoyable one.
-rebecca
September 16, 2011
We went to the grocery yesterday when Paul picked me up from work and they had some grouper that looked really good. I've never had grouper before and since I am always up for trying something new, we picked some up. I pan fried it and made a really good herbed potato salad with celery, dill, basil, parsley, and green onions. I used greek yogurt in both the potato salad and the tarter sauce and added lots of lemon to everything. The grouper was fantastic! I think its a fairly versatile fish and will certainly pick some up again.
-rebecca
September 6, 2011
Well, I finally got the courage to take piano lessons. I don't know anything about music, but am always playing an imaginary keyboard that is mounted to my steering wheel, my office desk, and kitchen counter. I figure since I am really good at typing (it can't be much different right?) and have a great love of music, I should give it a try. I have been to two classes so far and I absolutely love it! Class goes by so fast and I am actually disappointed when its over. The teacher even asked me to play a duet with her for the rest of the class. I think she knows that I am a prodigy, a real Mozart in the making. Since I had class tonight I didn't have much time in the kitchen so I put together this quick, healthy, and delicious dinner in less than 15 minutes. Its a salad of canned northern beans, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, crushed red pepper, romano cheese, fresh tomato, and spring greens. I served it with some pre-made polenta that was cooked under the broiler just long enough to give it a bit of a crunch. Fantastic, cheap, and way easy.
-rebecca
August 13, 2011
Every year at the end of the summer our community pool opens for a doggy play day. We took our two and had a great time. The organizers had a best trick contest and races. Lots and lots of fun had by all on a hot summer day.
-rebecca
August 8, 2011
My local store had sockeye salmon on sale recently, and since it was reduced by several dollars a pound, I bought a lot and have had it in the freezer. More great salmon dishes to come. I cooked it on the grill with some sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. I served it with a dish made of roasted new potatos, red onion, rosemary, and green beans. This is one of my favorite side dishes because it's healthy, cheap, and easy to make.
-rebecca
My local store had sockeye salmon on sale recently, and since it was reduced by several dollars a pound, I bought a lot and have had it in the freezer. More great salmon dishes to come. I cooked it on the grill with some sweet and spicy barbecue sauce. I served it with a dish made of roasted new potatos, red onion, rosemary, and green beans. This is one of my favorite side dishes because it's healthy, cheap, and easy to make.
-rebecca
August 6, 2011
Tonight Paul and I made this fantastic mediterranean dinner. We got some great spices at the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul and decided to put them to use. We made stuffed grape leaves, a feta, tomato, and cucumber salad, and lamb kebabs with pita bread. We also made garlic and dill yogurt. Everything was great! It was almost as good as the food we ate in Turkey! I must admit I was a little worried about the stuffed grape leaves, but they were awesome, well worth the effort. I've also include a photo of Sam, special kitchen assistant extraordinaire!
-rebecca
August 6, 2011
We had brunch outside today after a very active and busy morning. This is one of my very favorite weekend summer snacks, smoked salmon, onion & chive cream cheese, capers, spring lettuce, and dill sprigs on pumpernickle. Absolutely fantastic.
-rebecca
We had brunch outside today after a very active and busy morning. This is one of my very favorite weekend summer snacks, smoked salmon, onion & chive cream cheese, capers, spring lettuce, and dill sprigs on pumpernickle. Absolutely fantastic.
-rebecca
August 5, 2011
Strawberries are really good right now and full of flavor, so for desert I made strawberries with amaretto custard. I make this alot since all you need are eggs, sugar, and your favorite liquor. The original receipe calls for Grand Mariner, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
-rebecca
Strawberries are really good right now and full of flavor, so for desert I made strawberries with amaretto custard. I make this alot since all you need are eggs, sugar, and your favorite liquor. The original receipe calls for Grand Mariner, but you can use whatever you have on hand.
-rebecca
August 5, 2011
We usually have pizza and movie night during the weekend, but this time I decided to make a slight variation and made these spinach, mushroom, and three cheese calazones. They are great served with a good marinara sauce.
-rebecca
We usually have pizza and movie night during the weekend, but this time I decided to make a slight variation and made these spinach, mushroom, and three cheese calazones. They are great served with a good marinara sauce.
-rebecca
July 31, 2011
I made a great Brazilian fish stew tonight that had plantains and lime juice. I decided to keep the tropical theme going and made this mango and guava cheesecake. It was just fantastic. I will also definately make the fish stew again and hope to include photos next time.
-rebecca
July 28, 2011
We stayed in tonight since we were expecting some bad weather and decided to make one of my favorite rainy weather foods, a big bowl of pho. We used shallots, ginger, garlic, five spice powder, basil, cilantro, and rice wine vinegar to make the broth for this delicious Vietnamese soup. We paired it with a great California Chardonnay. We ended up with a fantastic noodle soup, but not a drop of rain.
-rebecca
We stayed in tonight since we were expecting some bad weather and decided to make one of my favorite rainy weather foods, a big bowl of pho. We used shallots, ginger, garlic, five spice powder, basil, cilantro, and rice wine vinegar to make the broth for this delicious Vietnamese soup. We paired it with a great California Chardonnay. We ended up with a fantastic noodle soup, but not a drop of rain.
-rebecca
July 27, 2011
I am really not a breakfast eater, but I do know how important it is. I recently made these energy truffles that I keep in the fridge and just grab a few with my morning coffee. I used banana, oats, peanut butter, walnuts, and cocoa powder. The great thing is that they don't require any baking. You just mix everything together and form into small bite sized truffles and stick in the fridge. I got this receipe from a fellow blogger whom also loves healthy whole foods. Thanks for the receipe "eat like birds".
-rebecca
I am really not a breakfast eater, but I do know how important it is. I recently made these energy truffles that I keep in the fridge and just grab a few with my morning coffee. I used banana, oats, peanut butter, walnuts, and cocoa powder. The great thing is that they don't require any baking. You just mix everything together and form into small bite sized truffles and stick in the fridge. I got this receipe from a fellow blogger whom also loves healthy whole foods. Thanks for the receipe "eat like birds".
-rebecca
July 25, 2011
Life is really rough at the Johnson's. Not sure why we even bothered getting a dog bed. You can probably see it over in the corner collecting dust. What you don't get from this picture is the obnoxiously loud snoring. It's really quite rediculous.
-rebecca
July 21, 2011
I've been craving blue cheese for a while now. I love the combination of blue cheese and avocados in cobb salad and decided to make this soup and sandwich variation of the classic. I used fresh corn to make a creamy corn soup and served it with a ciabatta loaf filled with blue cheese, avocado, poached eggs, and arugula. A fantastic summer meal!
-rebecca
July 20, 2011
I like to take full advantage of the summer sun and make sun tea. I set this out in the morning before I go to work and its ready when I get home. I bought this glass drink dispenser for $10 at a discount store and it has been the greatest thing I have purchased in awhile.
-rebecca
I like to take full advantage of the summer sun and make sun tea. I set this out in the morning before I go to work and its ready when I get home. I bought this glass drink dispenser for $10 at a discount store and it has been the greatest thing I have purchased in awhile.
-rebecca
July 18, 2011
This is one of my very favorite curry dishes. Its a south Indian curry with carrots, tomatos, sweet potatoes, chick peas, spinach, coconut milk, mango, cilantro, and lime. It is just fantastic and pretty cheap to make. It makes a lot and tastes even better the next day.
-rebecca
July 17, 2011
We decided to have mimosas to celebrate the USA team making it to the World Cup, you go girls!! I had some strawberry puree in the freezer so I added a bit for an extra layer of flavor. We splurged this time and got the $9 dollar bottle of champage instead of our usual $4 bottle. I think I'll stick with the cheap stuff next time. As with a lot of things in life, more expensive isn't better. Cheers!
-rebecca
July 16, 2011
Paul and I were craving something sweet after dinner so I decided to make these blueberry crumble bars. I'd like to think that the oats, almonds, blueberries, and whole wheat flour provided a healthy balance to all the butter. Delicious with an ice cold glass of milk.
-rebecca
July 16, 2011
Tonight was movie and pizza night. Homemade pizza is a family tradition, thanks grandma! Tonight I made two margarita pizzas. Since there are only a few ingredients in this pizza, it is essential that that ones you use are high quality, the most important being really good fresh mozzarella. Also, a lot can be said for making your own pizza crust. Yes, it takes more time but it is significantly cheaper. The pizza was fantastic, but unfortunately the movie wasn't as good.
-rebecca
July 13, 2011
Here's what I've been reading. This book details first account interviews with many Islamic women of various nationalities. It's amazing how much the attitudes and traditions vary. One of the most interesting things I learned, having little to do with the title, is how the modern day country of Jordan was formed. Winston Churchhill and T.E. Lawerence (Yes, Lawerence of Arabia) decided that Abdullah, whom helped Lawrence fight the Turks in WW1, needed a throne of his own and drew the boundaries of the new kingdom on a map in 1921.
Threw together some fish cakes (a more wallet friendly version of crab cakes) and coleslaw for a nice summertime dinner. Fresh dill and lemon zest give the mahi mahi, cole slaw, and tartar sauce a nice fresh taste. I substituted greek yogurt for the mayo to lighten it up a little.
-rebecca
-rebecca
July 11, 2011
One of my favorite things about summer is seeing a Pride of Barbados in full bloom. This is one from my own yard, but I love seeing them all over town. Ahh, they make me happy just looking at them.
-rebecca
One of my favorite things about summer is seeing a Pride of Barbados in full bloom. This is one from my own yard, but I love seeing them all over town. Ahh, they make me happy just looking at them.
-rebecca
July 7, 2001
Took advantage of some red, yellow, and orange bell peppers that were on sale and cooked spicy sesame noodles with stir-fried peppers and onions with cilantro and sliced almonds.
-rebecca
July 6, 2011
Just finished reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. This is a great book that I think should be required civics/government class reading. My short and sweet take away from this book is "Get outta my way". Those of you who've ready it will appreciate the sentiment. Would love to read it again, but am ready to move on and expand my horizons.
Just finished reading Atlas Shrugged by Ayn Rand. This is a great book that I think should be required civics/government class reading. My short and sweet take away from this book is "Get outta my way". Those of you who've ready it will appreciate the sentiment. Would love to read it again, but am ready to move on and expand my horizons.
For dinner tonight we had jerk mahi mahi with mango cilantro salsa and coconut curry rice, yum! This is also great served with roasted plantains, a cold Red Stripe beer, and key lime pie with passion fruit sauce for dessert. Its like a trip to the caribbean without the baggage fees.
-rebecca
July 5, 2011
Spent the 4th of July weekend in one of my very favorite places on earth, the Frio River. Due to the severe drought the river was very low, but we still had a good swimming hole at our house. The highlight was the Leakey Independance Day parade where our dogs picked up some beads, and the town fair complete with funnel cake, kettle corn, and plenty of red, white, and blue. This 4th we hit all the American traditions, beer, baseball (improvised with a stick and a tennis ball), and apple pie.
-rebecca
Spent the 4th of July weekend in one of my very favorite places on earth, the Frio River. Due to the severe drought the river was very low, but we still had a good swimming hole at our house. The highlight was the Leakey Independance Day parade where our dogs picked up some beads, and the town fair complete with funnel cake, kettle corn, and plenty of red, white, and blue. This 4th we hit all the American traditions, beer, baseball (improvised with a stick and a tennis ball), and apple pie.
-rebecca
May 28, 2011
Just got back from a fantastic vacation in Turkey. This is by far the most amazing place I've ever traveled to. I can't image that I could ever love a city more than Istanbul. We visited some of the most beautiful and historic mosques in the world, the Topkapi Palace, the ancient Roman City of Epheses, and also spent a week just lying on the mediterranean. Traveling is my true passion and I haven't even scratched the surface of all the places I want to see. Time to start pinching the pennies for our next great adventure.
-rebecca
Just got back from a fantastic vacation in Turkey. This is by far the most amazing place I've ever traveled to. I can't image that I could ever love a city more than Istanbul. We visited some of the most beautiful and historic mosques in the world, the Topkapi Palace, the ancient Roman City of Epheses, and also spent a week just lying on the mediterranean. Traveling is my true passion and I haven't even scratched the surface of all the places I want to see. Time to start pinching the pennies for our next great adventure.
-rebecca
