Thought of the Day

I read this somewhere last week and it has stuck in my head.

"Ignoring the facts doesn't change the facts."

Something to think about........  

Changes

Well, I’ve decided to change the focus of this blog back to my original goal.   Originally, I wanted it to be more of a personal blog, kind of an online journal of sorts with a variety of topics.   Well, as you can tell it has turned a little food focused.   I’m not saying it is a bad thing; after all my life tends to revolve around food.   But I want to get this blog back to it original roots and see where it takes me in that respect.   But, don’t worry change is good; I've decided to start a separate food blog.    Check it out here:  www.penelopethefoodie.com

Yes, I am going to try to maintain three blogs.  

1) A personal/fun one (http://livelearnanddrinkwine.blogspot.com)

2) A food one (www.penelopethefoodie.com)

3) A sparkling wine one  (http://blog.thesparklingqueen.com) 

Check them all out monthly!   You can also subscribe to each one so you are alerted when there is a new post.    Cheers!

    

My First (and last) Brazilian Blowout

I got my first Brazilian blowout this week.  

I know friends that have gotten them and loved them and when I saw a Groupon for one, I couldn’t resist.   (I’m a Groupon addict.)   And, I would never pay the full $250 price for a blowout.   I decided to try it because I have very thick hair with a natural wave to it that takes forever to blow dry and style.  If I want to straighten it, I have to add on another 30-40 minutes to my get-ready time.   So, I was excited at the prospect of smooth straight hair for up to 2 months.  

As the original Brazilian blowout promises “Through the use of a Brazilian Super Nutrient Complex and a proprietary polymer system, the Brazilian Blowout actually improves the condition of the hair by creating a protective protein layer around the hair shaft to eliminate frizz and smooth the cuticle.”

Q. What kind of look will you get from the Brazilian Blowout?
A. The hair will be left totally frizz-free, shiny, effortlessly manageable and with plenty of body and bounce. There will still be the option to wear hair curly/wavy (depending on the hair type) and the freedom to blow dry hair smooth and straight in a fraction of the time invested prior to receiving the treatment.

Q. Is the Brazilian Blowout going to make my hair straight?
A. If your hair is wavy, the Brazilian Blowout will make your hair appear naturally straight and healthy. If your hair is very curly, it will minimize frizz while enhancing the appearance of the natural wave/curl. If you have straight, frizzy hair, this treatment will eliminate frizz and promote radiant shine.

I had heard it could take more than two hours but it actually took less than an hour, and I have a lot of hair.   My stylist was kind of crabby so it actually was kind of uncomfortable.    When I got there she washed my hair aggressively (as in it hurt) and then when it was wet she combed a chemical through it, blow dried it, and then flat ironed it.   Apparently the heat of the flat iron is what seals the chemical in.   

I was told it would last longer if I wash my hair less often (not a problem for me as I usually wash my hair every other day) and if I buy the special shampoo and conditioner – for $70!  

I wasn’t sure what to tip her because the original price was $250 but it took her less than an hour?  She was also crabby and it wasn’t that pleasant of an experience.  I settled on $20 and still feel like it was too much.   I also felt like I "had" to buy the shampoo and conditioner.   Which I did, but later returned it when I found it on amazon.com for $50 for both.  

Total cost: $75 Groupon + $20 tip + $50 shampoo and conditioner = $145

Verdict

Now that I’ve washed it I can’t really tell a difference.   My hair does not “appear naturally straight and healthy.”  I will definitely have to spend time flat ironing it to get the look I had when I left the salon. 

I would not do it again.   I don’t think it was worth the cost.  And now that I’ve done a bit more research (which I should’ve done before) it turns out that the FDA warns against it citing dangerously high levels of formaldehyde. (http://www.webmd.com/healthy-beauty/news/20110907/fda-brazilian-blowout-hair-straightener-is-dangerous)

And after further research on the Original Brazilian Blowout site, I found this…… 

WHAT TO EXPECT: When you arrive at the salon, the process is as follows.

1. Stylist will shampoo your hair with the Brazilian Blowout specially formulated Anti-Residue; Professional Shampoo to prepare your hair for the optimal smoothing result.
2. After towel drying, your certified Brazilian Blowout stylist will divide your hair into sections and begin to comb the Brazilian Blowout Professional Treatment through each section of the hair from root to tip; lightly dusting each section with the solution.
3. Solution will surround each hair shaft with protective protein layers to smooth and flatten the cuticle.
4. Stylist will then blow-dry your hair as straight as possible with a flat or round brush.
5. Once the hair is dry, the Stylist will divide the hair into four sections and begin using a flat iron to further straighten the hair in 2-3 inch sections.
6. Once complete, the Stylist will rinse the hair (no shampoo), towel-dry and apply the Brazilian Blowout Masque to further seal in the professional formulation. After 60 seconds, the stylist will rinse the hair once again and towel dry.
7. The Stylist will then apply the Brazilian Blowout Smoothing Serum to further seal the cuticle and assist in detangling the hair prior to the final blow dry.
8. The Stylist will then blow dry the hair straight one final time and style as desired.

You will leave the salon in approximately 90 minutes with beautiful, smooth, healthy radiant hair!  (http://www.brazilianblowout.com/bb_original)

Well, my cranky stylist never did the last 3 steps (6-8)!   No wonder it was so quick!   I just wrote a note to the salon asking for an explanation.   I will let you know if I hear back.    I’m seriously NOT happy.  

Update:  I sent the salon a friendly note telling them that my experience was not quite up to par and asking for an explanation why the last 3 steps were not followed.    I got a response within three hours:

"Thank you so much for letting us know about your experience, and we do apologize that you were not happy with your service. Due to the fact that everyone at the salon is self employed, I wanted you to know that I forwarded your email to Kelly and informed her that I was sending this email to you, and for her to contact you to rectify the situation. Again, our apologies and we hope to see you in our salon again sometime!"

I was impressed by the responsiveness and will let you know if I hear from the stylist.    

UPDATE:  I never did hear from the stylist and after 2-3 weeks went by I let the salon know that I hadn't heard from her and go no response.   I also had major hair breakage.   I will not be getting a Brazilian Blowout ever again, and I will certainly never go to Salon Intrigue (Minneapolis) again.  

New Recipe of the week: Bacon & Leek Risotto with Poached Egg

This recipe has been sitting in my “Recipes to Try” file and I finally had the perfect fall night to try it out.  My husband isn’t a big egg guy, so I decided to make it during a cooking night with a girlfriend who just had a baby girl.  Her adorable daughter is named Julia after Julia Child.   I love it!   

Original recipe: Bacon and Leek Risotto with Poached Egg

·  PREP TIME: 50 minutes

·  TOTAL TIME: 50 minutes

·  SERVINGS: 6

Recipe by: Jill Dupleix

Photograph by: Nigel Cox

Ingredients

·  6 large eggs

·  5 cups low-salt chicken broth

·  1 tablespoon olive oil

·  6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces

·  2 cups thinly sliced leeks (white and pale green parts only; about 2 large)

·  1 1/2 cups arborio rice or medium-grain white rice (about 10 ounces)

·  3/4 cup dry white wine

·  3 tablespoons finely chopped fresh Italian parsley

·  1 tablespoon butter

·  2 tablespoons finely grated Parmesan cheese

·  Fresh Italian parsley leaves (for garnish)

·  Additional finely grated Parmesan cheese (for garnish)

Preparation

·  Bring large skillet of water just to simmer over medium-low heat. Sprinkle water with salt. Working with 1 egg at a time, crack into small bowl and slide egg into simmering water. Cook eggs until whites are cooked through but yolks are still runny, 3 to 4 minutes. Using slotted spoon, carefully transfer poached eggs to medium bowl filled with ice water. DO AHEAD Eggs can be made up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate in same bowl of ice water.

·  Bring broth to simmer in medium saucepan; cover to keep warm. Heat oil in heavy large saucepan over medium heat. Add bacon and cook until crisp, stirring occasionally. Using slotted spoon, transfer bacon to paper towels to drain. Add leeks to drippings in pan; cook until soft but not brown, stirring often, 4 to 5 minutes. Transfer 2 generous tablespoonfuls leeks to small bowl; reserve for garnish. Add rice to pan; stir 1 to 2 minutes. Add wine; stir until absorbed, about 2 minutes. Add 1D2 cup warm broth to saucepan; stir until broth is absorbed. Repeat adding broth and stirring until rice is tender but still firm to bite and sauce is creamy, stirring almost constantly, about 23 minutes total. Add bacon, chopped parsley, butter, and 2 tablespoons cheese. Season to taste with salt and freshly ground black pepper.

·  Meanwhile, heat poached eggs in medium skillet of simmering water just until heated through, 1 to 2 minutes.

·  Divide risotto among 6 bowls. Top risotto in each bowl with poached egg. Sprinkle egg with salt and pepper. Sprinkle with parsley leaves, additional cheese, and reserved leeks.

My Variation:  

-          I did not have any white wine on hand so I just skipped it.

-          I just fried the eggs instead of poaching them and kept the inside runny.

-          I did not add butter or parsley.

-          I added more parmesan – what can I say, I LOVE cheese! 

My photo:

 

Verdict:  I would definitely make this recipe again.  It was really good.  For dinner I never think of using egg as my protein but I really liked it.  This recipe would definitely do the trick when I'm craving comfort food this winter. 

New Recipe: Monster Cookies

Saturday was National Homemade Cookies Day, and of course I couldn’t let that day go by without making some homemade cookies.    My husband requested cookies with M&M's in them and I love peanut butter, so I decided to make Monster Cookies, which I’ve never made before. I found lots of variations online.  Some included raisins, or chocolate chips.  I decided to just go with oatmeal, peanut butter, and M&M's.  

Here is the recipe I decided to use:

Monster Cookies
From your Everyday Home Cook
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup butter, softened
3 eggs
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 1/2 cups peanut butter
4 1/2 cups oats (quick cooking or old-fashioned)
1 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup M&M’s chocolate candies

Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.  Beat together butter and sugars.  Add eggs, vanilla extract, and baking soda, and mix well.  Mix in peanut butter until well-blended.  Add oats and stir until combined.  Mix in chocolate chips and M&M’s.

Drop cookies by ice cream scoopful (or normal sized) about 2 inches apart on an ungreased baking sheet.  Bake in preheated 350 degree F oven for 15 to 20 minutes.  Let cookies cool on baking sheets before moving to wire racks.  Store in an airtight container.  Makes 2 dozen “monster” cookies, or 4 to 5 dozen regular-sized cookies.

Here is the link:  http://www.everydayhomecook.com/2011/01/monster-cookies/

My note:   As I mentioned, I did not use chocolate chips.  I used 2 cups of M&M’s instead.   I also didn’t have enough oatmeal, I was about 1 ½ cups short.   This may be the reason I burnt my first batch?   I set my timer for 15 minutes and at 9 minutes they were flat and burnt.   I don’t know if it was because of my lack of oatmeal or what, but I would keep an eye on them if I were you.    My second batch turned out really yummy (although a little flat also).   

Verdict:  I will definitely be making these again.   However, they are dangerous as I LOVE peanut butter and don’t know when to say when.   

Enjoy!    

Remembering September 11, 2001

Like significant dates of generations past, September 11 will always be a day to remember.   As my parents will describe how they knew what they were doing when JFK was shot and when the space shuttle exploded, I will always remember what I was doing September 11, 2001.   

I was vacationing in Greece with three girlfriends.   After 9 days our trip had come to an end and we were in Athens after island hopping (Mykonos and Santorini) getting ready for our flight on Sept. 12. 

At the airport on our way to the islands

Out on the town, having a great time

 In all honesty it is kind of a blur.   I remember one man in a van we were riding in trying to tell us that a plane crashed in Florida.   I remember thinking “wow that is sad, but not really national news.”    And then another man said all the airports in the U.S. had been closed, which got my attention.   When we got to our hotel lobby a British man said, “Your country is under attack, you should go turn on the news.”    We went to our hotel room and turned on the TV.   The twin towers were smoking from the plane hitting it and there was still confusion about what happened and whether it had been one plane or two.   Then, about less than five minutes after we had turned on the TV the towers came crashing down and my heart sank.    At the time I didn’t know that people had time to evacuate; in my head I was thinking the plane hit and then a few minutes later the towers crashed down (I was thankful to later find out that people had some time to evacuate and while it was a tragedy it certainly could’ve been much worse).    It was surreal and I didn’t really understand the magnitude of what was happening.    And it was not clear whether it was an accident or what.  Then as it unfolded and the plane in Pennsylvania crashed it became clear that it was indeed terrorism.     For a fleeting moment I was a little relieved to be out of the country at the time as they didn’t know what other cities might be attacked.   I was, however, very worried about my family/friends and I was worried about if/when I was ever going to get to go home.    While we were taking it all in, our hotel phone rang and it was Tom (my then friend and now husband) calling to see if we had heard the news and to see if we were okay and when we’d be coming back.  It was sweet.   Our parents and everyone said they had tried to reach us but somehow Tom was the only one who got through.    He said everyone in Minneapolis had been sent home from work and they were going biking because it was a nice day and they wanted to step away from the TV for a bit.  

As it was all sinking in, I was just ready to go home.   After leaving the U.S. on Sept. 2, all my clothes were dirty, we had explored everything we came to see, I had exceeded my budget, I didn’t care for Athens, and the trip was just ready to be done.    While we had an absolute blast, traveling with three other women for almost two weeks is plenty.   It was time to get back to my own space, my own schedule, etc…..

We were optimistic and checked out of our nice hotel on Sept. 12 and headed to the airport.    This was not smart.    We got to the airport and there were lines everywhere.   We were told that no one with a U.S. destination could fly and once they were able to then they would go in order of days; meaning people with Sept. 11 tickets would be booked before Sept. 12 and so forth.   It was chaotic because people in airports around the world had been grounded and that was a lot of people to coordinate.  

We tried (okay, I begged) to at least get out of Athens and fly to Amsterdam, where one of the ladies I was traveling with had access to a company apartment and it was a Northwest Airlines hub so we thought we’d have better odds.   We pleaded to go anywhere (London, Paris, Rome, etc...), just hoping to get a little closer to home and to get a change of scenery.   No luck.  Anyone with a U.S. destination was grounded.  

I was so done with Greece and really wished we could’ve gotten out of there.  It would’ve been better if we had been stuck on Santorini; much better actually.   I loved that island but Athens was frustrating me, the people were rude and it was dirty.  

We tried to get back into our nice hotel but it was sold out.   The only hotel we could find was 30 minutes outside of the city near the water.   It was a total tourist trap, with the buses lined up outside as proof.   I also remember it catering to the older (60+) crowd.   Complete with buffets and the evening dance by the pool.   It was like a Holiday Inn.

I was not happy at this point, but tried to I take it in stride.    We had to pay to stay longer in Athens, we didn’t know when we would get home, and to be honest I didn’t feel that much compassion from the Greeks.    To the point that I felt like there might be some hostile ones.  Of course I’m thinking mainly of one guy I saw on the beach the next day who gave me the evil eye and looked mean and scary.   I actually convinced myself he could potentially be a terrorist.  I too was on high alert.

As a group we decided it wasn’t important for us to fly home together and that we should just take what we could get via whatever connections would work.   Myself and one other gal got booked out of Athens through London and then Detroit then to Minneapolis.   The lady explained that we would have to stay overnight in Detroit.   Well, that was music to my ears.   My Mom lived about 75 minutes outside of Detroit and I really wanted to see her and hug her.   So she picked us up and we went out for Mexican food (nice break from the Greek food) and then stayed at her house for the night and she brought us back to the airport the next day. 

Thinking back, I remember when I FINALLY boarded the long flight from London to Detroit the last guy to get on the place was a Muslim in his turban and all.    I had noticed him in the lobby and he just made me nervous.  I couldn’t relax on the plane.  He was in the very last row and kept checking his watch and looking in his little black book.  It was really freaking me out.   I didn’t want to be prejudice, but 9/11 really opened my eyes to terrorism and the idea that there are people that really hate Americans and will take their own life to support their cause and kill others.  That was a very scary realization.  Again, I was on high alert.   As I type this I also remember a moment at the airport in Amsterdam.   They came on the speakers and requested one minute of silence for those that lost their lives in 9/11.   I couldn’t believe it.   The whole airport went mute.   Seriously, I could’ve heard a pin drop.   Do you know how hard it is to quiet and entire airport with mobs of people and kids and equipment    It was amazing and a moment I will never forget.  I felt the warmth of that room and felt united at a nation at that point.  

I finally got home on Sept. 16.  

Boy how times have changed since that day.   Traveling will never be the same and people will never be the same.   While I don’t live in fear, I definitely am aware of the threats out there and am appreciative of our country and the people fighting to protect us and our freedom.    My heart sincerely goes out to those families that lost loved ones (both in 9/11 and in the military); I can’t imagine the pain and sorrow.    I also know there were a lot of heroes that day and am thankful for that.   I’m also thankful and grateful for the military and their determination to hunt down the terrorists and bring them to justice.    While I don’t wish anyone dead, I was happy to hear that Saddam Hussein had been eliminated.  

If there was a lesson to be learned from all this, I think as in the name of our country we need to remain UNITED. 

God bless the United States of America and all of its citizens.   

Triathlon #2

If you remember last year, my cousin talked me into doing the Okoboji Triathlon in Iowa with him and a group of people.   I signed up and did it.   Last year was very relaxed and it took us about 4 hours.   We pretty much had a picnic in the transition area in between sports.    It ended up being a great experience and one I decided I must do every year.   In addition, when I was stressed about wardrobe changes last year I ended up breaking down and buying a one-piece tri suit for $100.   My husband gave me a hard time for wasting the money on “something I was never going to wear again.”   So, I bet him that if I did use it again, in another triathlon that he had to reimburse me the $100.  That was extra motivation to sign up this year.   

I signed up for the YWCA (woman’s only) Triathlon in June and just completed it this past weekend.   I honestly was more prepared for the triathlon last year than this one.   For one thing I have been battling severe hip pain (have been to an orthopedic surgeon, chiropractor, physical therapist; have tried many different vitamins, stretches, strengthening exercises, etc….) since April, which has limited my running significantly.     For another, I was doing pretty well in June and then the heat of July hit and I couldn’t get motivated to do anything.    I got back into training in August but that left me only 2 weeks before the Aug. 14 tri.    With that in mind I set a goal for myself of 2 hours and 15 minutes.   I told my husband that with a start time in the water of 8:15 that I would cross the finish line between 10:15 and 10:45; with an additional explanation that 10:15 would be a miracle and if it was after 10:45 I would be crabby and to avoid me at all costs.   

Well, Sunday was a beautiful day for a triathlon.   I got up at 5:30 to eat and get myself together before I headed to the location around 6:30 a.m.   The morning started out really foggy and it was cool to see all the women arrive through the rising fog to challenge their bodies.   While I didn’t feel particularly well rested, I felt well hydrated, well fed, and well prepared as far as my gear (i.e. – I didn’t forget anything).      

Myself and my gear are ready to go!

The swim started out in waves at 8 a.m.   I was in wave 6, which went into the water at 8:15.   I tried to stay to the back of the group to avoid all of the commotion.  Well that didn’t work out for me because this woman, whom I’ll call “the shark” decided that she wanted to get past me by going over me.  Not around – OVER!    Three times!    She literally swam on top of me 3 times.   I finally said “what the heck,” (no editing here, I was trying to show good sportsmanship) and just stopped to wait for her to pass on by in her big splashy mess of a stroke.   I couldn’t tell if she was overly-competitive or a bad swimmer?    I got kicked a couple of other times but got into a grove eventually.  That is until I ran into the noodle guy.   To paint a picture, there are people with those floaty noodles all along the perimeter in case you need to stop and catch your breath.  He was nice about me bumping into him and asked if I needed to stop on the noodle, I politely said “no, I just need to figure out how to go straight,” and continued on my merry way.   This happened one other time by the way – I ended up swimming into the middle of the square course but caught myself soon enough.   I guess I was so focused on my stroke and getting into a rhythm that I lost my sense of direction.   I’m going to blame the murky water – which I have to say felt awesome at 76 degrees.  

My transition from the swim to the bike needs some work.   I had everything set up nice and neat but I didn’t dry my feet well enough to get my socks on right and then I had trouble getting my running shoes on without the insole slipping.    I also decided to have a drink and some chocolate energy goo before I got my helmet on and headed off on my bike.  

The bike ride was nice.   As I reflect back I would like to instead be able to use the word “intense” rather than “nice.”   I kind of forgot I wasn’t out for a nice Sunday ride along the river.    Needless to say, I could’ve pushed it a little bit (okay, a lot) more.   I did pick some targets (the woman in the pink shirt, the woman with the funky helmet, etc…) to pass to get me moving and into “race” mode.    However, I was constantly reminded it was a race every time a die hard on a road bike zoomed past me at warp speed.  

The transition from the bike to the run was a little better.  I just had to pin my number on, grab a drink, and re-tie my shoe.   I was very thankful I didn’t have to go to the bathroom.  

As I headed off on the run I asked a spectator what time it was – 9:28 he replied.  What?   Was he kidding?   I couldn’t believe it.    I was going to make my goal!   I anticipated the run would take me 40 minutes due to my hip and sore legs (which would still get me in before my 10:15 a.m. “miracle” goal).   I jogged most of the way and only stopped a couple times to catch my breath.  I also considered slowing down because I wasn’t sure Tom was going to be at the finish line and I wasn’t sure how to find him otherwise.    But I carried on……    It was funny having my name on the bib because people on the sidelines would say “go Penelope, you can do it.”   I enjoyed the commentary as I do not like running without music and headphones are not allowed.   It was also interesting to see everyone who passed me along the whole race because our wave number and age were marked on our calves.   So if I passed someone that was 28 from wave 4, I was feeling pretty good.   But to get passed by someone in wave 9 was not so cool, it did however add a little spring to my step.    When I finally saw the finish line I started to sprint for the finish, just as I crossed the finish line I looked up and saw Tom.   I was so happy he made it to see me finish (he had just gotten there).    And finish I did – before 10 a.m.; in 1 hour and 44 minutes!   I completely beat my goal, which felt amazing.   Now I need to beat this time next year and collect my $100 from Tom.

Sprint Towards the Finish

Happy to be done and happy about my time.

Sweet sign Tom made me

   

Results:

Swim (500 yards) - 11:37

Transition 1 – 4:16

Bike (15.5 miles) – 54:34

Transition 2 – 2:55

Run (3.1 miles) – 30:40

I definitely need to work on my transitions, but was really happy with my times in each area.    The winner was 24 and finished in 1 hour, 7 minutes, and 25 seconds.   973 women crossed the finish line, with the oldest being 74.  Now if that isn’t inspiration, I don’t know what is?

New Recipe of the Week: Peach & Rasberry Pots

Peach & Raspberry Pots

Recipe by:  Barbara Chermetz (featured in Redbook Magazine Summer 2011)

Prep Time:  15 minutes (need to be chilled for at least one hour)

Cook Time: 0

Servings: 4

Ingredients

·                          6 ounce(s) (about 3/4 cup) mascarpone cheese

·                          8 tablespoon(s) confectioners' sugar

·                          2 teaspoon(s) lemon zest

·                          3 tablespoon(s) fresh lemon juice

·                          2/3 cup(s) heavy cream

·                          4 cup(s) fresh raspberries

·                          4 fresh ripe peaches, cut into 1/2-inch-thick slices

Directions

1.  In a large bowl, use an electric mixer to beat mascarpone, 6 tablespoons of the sugar, lemon zest, and lemon juice until smooth. In another large bowl, beat heavy cream until soft peaks form. Fold beaten cream into mascarpone mixture.

2.  Place 1 cup of the raspberries and the remaining 2 tablespoons sugar in a food processor and pulse, 1 to 2 minutes, until mixture is smooth. Transfer to a bowl and fold in remaining raspberries.

3.  Place half of the peaches in the bottom of 4 dessert bowls. Spoon the Mascarpone mixture over each, dividing evenly. Top each with the raspberry mixture. Place remaining peach slices on top. Chill in refrigerator for 1 hour.

My Take

I was trying to be healthier, so I bought half & half instead of heavy cream.  Yes, I know that half & half will not “whip” and form soft peaks (knowing this I tried anyway to see if it would at least get a little thicker – which it did, but barely).   I ended up just blending the half & half with the marscapone mixture.  I actually preferred the lighter and less thick texture.   I also tossed the peaches with some Splenda and lemon juice.

* It obviously looks prettier in wine glasses.

I would definitely make this recipe again; it is the ideal thing to have on that perfect summer evening after a meal off the grill.  I love using fresh fruit in dessert recipes in the summer.   

If you have any great summer fruit recipes please share!

Cheers!

New Recipe of the Week: Apple and Poppy Seed Slaw

This recipe came through in an email this week and I made it one night and served it with grilled corn-on-the-cob and BBQ chicken.    It was a nice change to your average coleslaw.   I followed the recipe exactly.   If I were to make it again (and I would make it again), I would use less vinegar and less poppy seeds.   Enjoy!

Apple and Poppy Seed Slaw

Recipe by Rick Rodgers (Bon Appétit; July 2001)

Serves: 8-10 (perfect for a summer BBQ)

Ingredients

• 8 cups shredded green cabbage (about 1 small head)
• 3 medium carrots, peeled, coarsely grated (about 2 1/2 cups)
• 3 medium Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, coarsely grated
• 4 green onions, thinly sliced
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar  
• 2/3 cup sour cream
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup frozen apple juice concentrate, thawed
• 2 tablespoons poppy seeds

Preparation

• Mix cabbage, carrots, apples, and green onions in large bowl. Add vinegar and toss to coat.
• Whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, apple juice concentrate and poppy seeds in medium bowl to blend. Add to cabbage mixture and toss to blend. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate at least 1 hour.
• DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Keep refrigerated. Toss to blend before serving. 

Let me know what you think.  Cheers!

PS - If you are looking for a drink pairing, vodka/lemonade is a sure bet.