Happy Friday! Hommade Snickers

There are some things on Pinterest that I wish that I didn't see. Simply for the safety of my waistline. This is one of them. Happy Friday everyone!

Posted on How Sweet It Is

My latest blog crush

Through word of mouth, links and a lot of Pinterest, I have come across so many amazing websites and blogs. But recently I have been completely captivated by Spoon Fork Bacon. Write by two women (one is a photographer, one is a food stylist) Spoon Form Bacon is really packed with great recipes and equally great looking food. Here are a few things that are on my to make list for the upcoming spring. YUM!

Oh PS. They have a really great looking book called Tiny Food Party. Adding it to my want list fo-sho.

Sparkling Apple Sangria. You make me want to throw a party!

Mini Lobster Rolls. Oh hell yes

Scallop and Uni Crudo. For those fancy nights at home.

In Season

There are a few things that makes me most excited about Spring coming (only 20 days away!) is that 1. I can stop wearing my winter coat. Right about now, I am so over you. 2. Pasha will be willing to stay out longer that 3 minutes. Homeboy hates the cold. And 3. Spring fruits and veggies. And when I came across this cheat sheet of sorts that lets you know what is in season, I can get a jump start on my weekly menu planning! Sure, I might miss my kale but I am too distracted by the mushrooms and artichokes that I am going to roast up. What are you excited to make? Or are you weird and going to miss winter?

Seen on Style Me Green. This site has a TON of awesome recipes, templates and info.

let's get roasted

Let me first be clear and give my mom major props. She can cook. We were even once in the paper (slow news week) for all the different kind of food we ate growing up. But one of my less that favorite meal memories would be the veggie side dish. More often than not, they were steamed, broccoli, asparagus or my least favorite carrots. But then about 5 years ago, the tides shifted. Roasting veggies became all the rage and I for one, couldn't be happier. Honestly, I have not yet met a vegetable that didn't taste better with some olive oil, salt and pepper and placed into a high heat oven for 20-40 minutes depending on the veggie. Here are a few of  my favorites.What about you? Any other ones that I should put on the rotation?

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Clockwise starting at the top left
1. Roasted Cauliflower via Wondering Spice. I had honestly given up on cauliflower years ago. It always seemed like the last option (besides carrots for me) at the veggie and dip station. But guys, when these puppies get roasted, they turn into something really special. Mix in some curry powder, or the suggested tahini dip and you will never look at these albino broccoli in the same light.
2. Roasted cabbage via Wellness Mama. Cabbage has so much more to offer than just coleslaw. I particulrly love when the edges get nice and brown.
2. Marniated and Roasted Onions via Kalyn's Kitchen. I first saw this recipe on Pinterest and knew that it had to be mind. Honestly, balsamic vinegar and onions are a match made in heaven.Get them ready the night before and enjoy! Seriously, they are the bomb.
4. Roasted Acorn Squash with Chili Lime Vinaigrette via The Traveler's Lunchbox. Perfectly in season and totally filling. I could make an entire meal out of this.

A few other shout outs: Chili Garlic Roasted Broccoli, Roasted Green Beans with Sage, Momofuku Roasted Brussels Sprouts, and Roasted Eggplant with smoked almonds and goat cheese.

Meal Planning

One thing that has really changed since PB and I have moved in together is dinner. Since he came from suburban PA, one thing that he was accustom to was a once a week large grocery shop. And since I have always lived on the top floor of almost every apartment building, the idea of a large shop has always been somewhat daunting. But for the sake of our relationship (he did give up central air conditioning for me), we went to Fairway and loaded up. I will be honest, the first week it did not go so smoothly. I failed to see what a great opportunity it was and rolled my eyes as I rushed PB through the aisles. That behavior didn't last long. PB told me I was being a brat and to his credit, I was.

I quickly realized that there are some real benefits to these weekly shopping trips. PB is a grocery store kind of guy, literally he works in the business and knows stores inside out, along with where the deals are. There was also something comfortingly domestic about this that I think both of us found peace in. And on top of that, a light bulb went off, Maddy-- you love to cook, now all you have to do is plan. So now instead of scouring my Pinterest page at 5pm each night, I take care of that on Sunday before the shopping trip. Here is a look at some of sides and mains that we will be dining on this week.

Shrimp and Lamb Kebabs might be a little out of the norm,  and for the sauce, I was actually thinking of asking Pita Grill for a container of the Roasted Red Pepper dressing since it is basically heaven. 

Marinated and roasted balsamic onions found here

Garlic-Chili Roasted Broccoli

We taste testing this sauce at the Park Slope Farmers Market. WOW
Tonight, I am adding the sauce to chicken, green peppers and new potatoes.
You can order here

PB and I have developed a pretty good system around here. I cook, he does dishes (though he likes to soak and I like to scrub). PB takes a sandwich to work for lunch and I take the leftovers. And Pashy looks for treats here and there...

Very focused on PB eating Pirates Booty